Recorded presentation

Angelia Paschal, PhD¹, Rhonda K. Lewis, PhD, MPH², Arneatha Martin, ARNP, MSN, RN³, Donna Dennis-Shipp, BS³, and Donna Simpson, BA². (1) Preventive Medicine & Public Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, KS 67214, 316-293-3500, apaschal@kumc.edu, (2) Psychology, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Box 34, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260, 316-978-3695, rklewis@twsu.edu, (3) Center for Health and Wellness, 2707 E. 21 st, Wichita, KS 67214, 316-691-0404, akmartin@swbell.net

Reducing health disparities is an objective of the American Public Health Association and Healthy People 2010. Minority health is an important area of focus, particularly among African Americans with whom the prevalence of health problems such as hypertension and obesity are disproportionately high. Community-based programs that can provide the environmental support needed to improve minority health are essential if health disparities are to be reduced. The goal of this study was to assess whether a nine-month, culturally appropriate, community-based health education and physical fitness program was effective at improving health status among African Americans and reducing certain risky behaviors. The sample consisted of 134 African American adults (30% males) from a low-income urban area in the Midwest. Data was obtained from pre- and post-health screenings to determine height, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Pre- and post-health surveys were also administered to assess health behaviors. Preliminary analysis of the data indicate the following: 1) reduced hypertension (56% at pre-test; 25% at post-test); 2) reduced body mass indexes (30% overweight and 60% obese at pre-test; 41% and 50% respectively at post-test); and 3) and lowered blood sugar levels. Findings were also compared by gender. The program was not successful in reducing high cholesterol levels and some behaviors such as smoking were unchanged. Overall, these findings suggest that culturally-relevant, community-based programs that incorporate both nutrition education and physical fitness may motivate participants to decrease behaviors that put them at risk for health problems. Future research will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to

• describe how community-based programs can provide the environmental support needed to improve minority health; and
• recognize the importance of culturally-appropriate health interventions for minorities.

Keywords: African American, Community Health Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Center for Health & Wellness, Inc. -- grant work.

Recorded presentation