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

Abstract #65479

Heather Diaz, MPH¹, R. Patti Herring, PhD², Susanne B. Montgomery, PhD, MPH³, Elizabeth Castillo, BS⁴, and Martine Polycarpe, MPH, BA¹. (1) School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall Room 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350, 909-558-8746, heathdiaz@netscape.net, (2) School of Public Health, Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall, Room 1509, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (3) Health Education & Promotion, Loma Linda University, 10970 Parkland Ave, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (4) School of Public Health Department of Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall Room 1508, Loma Linda, CA 92350

Latino youth are currently experiencing epidemic rates of type 2 diabetes. A state report of California in 2001 indicates that Latino youth experience an especially hard affliction of Type 2 due to rising obesity rates, decreasing exercise rates and environmental economic influences. Earlier onset of Type 2 diabetes in Latino youth with backgrounds and familial history of the condition are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. What used to be referred to as “adult onset diabetes” is now being examined by countless puzzled researchers, medical professionals, and health educators. The call for primary prevention of Type 2 diabetes in Latino youth is imperative. In summer 2002, graduate students from Loma Linda University –SPH were contracted by the CDC through Impact Project funds to conduct a pilot intervention with high-risk Latina youth of San Bernardino County, CA. The Latina Youth Diabetes Project used a model focused on prevention by providing teens with knowledge and experience in the areas of diabetes, nutrition, exercise, and overall health information. The pilot model included health education training, a train-the-trainer model, cultural specific cooking demonstrations, health t-shirt design, participation in a national health walk and presentations to other high risk youth. Mixed methods evaluation results showed participants experienced an increase in self-efficacy with regards to eating and weight control and a deeper understanding that health extends beyond physical aspects. Culturally appropriate interventions focusing on primary prevention of chronic conditions affecting Latino populations are essential.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session participants will be able to:
• Discuss the significance of models that incorporate type 2 diabetes prevention in Latino youth;
• Discuss the significance of using both knowledge and experiential based interventions to effect behavior and lifestyle change in ethnic populations;
• Identify culturally appropriate interventions for targeting youth of Latino populations

Keywords: Diabetes, Latino Health

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.