Type II diabetics comprise 14 million of the estimated 15 million people in the United States with diabetes. This disease that usually presents itself during the adult years disproportionately affects African American women. Difficult to modify behaviors that increase African American women's risk for diabetes (e.g., inactivity, poor diet) began early in life; consequently, early intervention may be the best method to address these behaviors. This presentation will describe a diabetes prevention program designed for African American adolescent girls in an effort to modify behavior, promote positive health attitudes and decrease the possibility of disease in adulthood.
This program is designed for 20 participants over the course of a year in an after-school setting incorporated with community and faith-based organizations. Some components of the program include diabetes education, culturally accepted physical activities, and strengthening healthy eating habits. Partnerships outside of the school setting and strong linkages with other participants serve as cues to action for program participants.
Most importantly, a description of culture, gender and developmentally appropriate strategies for intervening with this population will be described.
Learning Objectives: Particpants will acquire health promotion skills for African American adolescent girls in an urban community. Participants will learn the importance of focusingon the adolescent years as a prime time for primary prevention strategies. Participants will leave with culture, gender and developmentally appropriate strategies for intervening with this population.
Keywords: African American, Women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.