Marlon Minera, BS¹, Patricia Escobar, BS², Fermin Fierro, BS², Ana Celia Hernandez, BS², Jermella Matthews, BS², Yeira Rodriquez, BS², R. Patti Herring, PhD, RN¹, Susanne B. Montgomery, PhD, MPH², Heather Diaz, MPH³, and Julie Pham, BS³. (1) Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, School of PUblic Health, Nichol Hall, Loma Linda, CA 92350, 909/558-8729, marlonminera@hotmail.com, (2) Dept. of Health Promotion & Education, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Nicol Hall Room 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (3) Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Nichol Hall, Loma Linda, CA 92350

In 2002, 1/3 of all California children and adolescents were overweight or obese. Latino and Black children seem to have more problems with their weight than other youth and are disproportionately affected with diabetes as a result. Childhood obesity is associated with an increase risk of hypertension, high cholestrol, Type 2 diabetes, and psychological disorders such as depression and low self-esteem. Although there are many contributing factors for childhood obesity, research shows that children watch too much television, eat unhealthy foods, and lead sedentary lifestyles. San Bernardino, CA, has a high percentage of Latino and Black children in the school system. To address this health disparity LLU SPH graduate students conducted a comprehensive needs assessment aimed at developing an intervention that addresses childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes in school children. In addition to ethnographic observations, 15 key informant interviews and two focus groups were conducted (identified through theoretical sampling) with children, teachers and parents. Using grounded theory methods, the resulting transcripts were coded and themed for emerging response patterns. Results indicate that even elementary school age children, motivated by fear of diabetes and body image concerns, want to learn how to manage their weight. They were also interested in sharing their knowledge with family members and peers thus impacting the quality of life of their families and community in general. Accordingly, a pilot program is being developed, implemented and process and impact evaluations conducted. Results will be analyzed for program sustainability and improvement.

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of this session, participants will be able to
• 1. Identify three weight related health challenges faced by minority children and their parents.
• 2. Identify three unique barriers encountered by minority children in regards to effective weight management and the prevention of Type 2 diabetes.
• 3. Describe how they would apply the project lessons learned about the need and profile of successful intervention programs tailored to young minority children.

Keywords: Weight Management, Child Health Promotion

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.