The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64287

Nina L. Cossy and Gale D. Spears. Health Education Council, 3950 Industrial Blvd, Suite 600, West Sacramento, CA 95691, 916-556-3344, ncossy@healthedcouncil.org

Purpose of Program: To develop clinic-based healthy lifestyle interventions to improve the knowledge and behaviors of low-income Latinas.

Interventions: A partnership between the Health Education Council and CommuniCare established an in-clinic healthy lifestyles education program for Latinas 40 and older. Program components were: patient self-assessment, clinician’s recommendation for lifestyle change and referral to in-clinic educator, lifestyle consultation, referrals to classes and documentation in patients’ charts for providers to monitor changes.

Physical activity and nutrition classes were established at the clinic site to support assessment findings. Cultural and linguistic appropriateness was ensured; bi-lingual and bi-cultural instructors, Latin music for workouts, appropriate foods for demonstrations, inclusion of family members in classes and culturally acceptable incentives.

Outcomes: 210 Latinas participated in the self-assessment, 82% received a clinician referral. 94% of those referred attend their appointments. 100% of the women reported learning useful information and 93% have put what they learned into practice.

Average class attendance was 12 and 25, respectively. Participants self-reported more energy, ability to conduct more everyday activities, control of blood glucose levels, and less arthritic pain. Clinicians reported remarkable improvements in reducing medications for diabetes, high cholesterol, and weight reduction among the participants.

Conclusions: A culturally appropriate, clinic-based program can encourage Latinas to incorporate exercise and improved nutrition in their lives. Participants increased knowledge, learned strategies to change negative lifestyle behaviors, and involved their families in these changes. The linguistic and cultural appropriateness of the interventions was crucial in achieving client involvement, adherence, and ultimately behavior change.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to:
• Identify four components of a clinic-based, healthy lifestyle program
• Identify measurable clinic-based healthy lifestyle program strategies for implementation in their own communities.
• Create a clinic-specific, health education process/protocol targeting Latinas within the clinic setting.

Keywords: Behavior Modification, Latinas

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.