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

Abstract #72258

Jamie S Dollahite, PhD, RD, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, 3M14 MVR Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, 607-255-7715, jsd13@cornell.edu, Katherine L. Cason, PhD, RD, Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, 203B Borland Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802, Sue Butkus, PhD, RD, WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center, Washington State University, 7612 Pioneer Way East, Puyallup, WA 98371, Mira Mehta, PhD, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, 3202 Marie Mount Hall, College Park, MD 20742, and Rosemary Rodibaugh, PhD, RD, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas, 2301 S. University Ave., Little Rock, AR 72204.

Cooperative Extension (CE) nutrition educators have reported increased demand for diabetes-related nutrition information among participants in programs for low-income audiences. To determine educational needs and prevalence of diabetes, 12 interviews were followed by a survey among CE participants in 5 states (n= 4963). Interviews indicated that barriers to managing diabetes included lack of access to information, lack of social support, lack of access to medical and dietetics care, and lack of resources for medication. In the survey, 14.3% of respondents reported a diagnosis of diabetes, almost twice the national prevalence of 7.9%(BRFSS 2001). An additional 7% indicated that they had been told they had “borderline diabetes”, “high blood sugar”, or “a touch of sugar.” Another 16% reported a family history of diabetes in first degree relatives. Therefore, over 38% either have diabetes or are at high risk of developing it. Of those with diabetes, 22% reported never testing blood glucose and 51% reported not knowing or never having had glycated hemoglobin tested; 9% reported not knowing or never having had blood pressure measured. A needs assessment indicated that 95% wanted education regarding general diabetes information and nutrition education relevant to diabetes; 83% wanted help finding medical and/or dietetics care. CE programs provide an outreach venue in which basic nutrition education can be provided to low-income diabetics. Referral networks could facilitate participants being seen by medical and dietetics professionals, with in-home and small group follow up by CE nutrition staff. (Funded by USDA/CSREES and Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University.)

Learning Objectives:

• • Recognize the need for education about diabetes to be included in Cooperative Extension programs targeted to low-income audiences
  • Articulate ways in which public health nutrition professionals can collaborate with Cooperative Extension staff to reach low-income diabetics and people at high risk for diabetes

Keywords: Diabetes, Food and Nutrition

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.