Developing a Community-Based Diabetes Prevention Program in Jurupa Valley; Focus Group Findings

Nutrition related chronic diseases, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, disproportionately affect Hispanic/Latino populations. According to the most recent NHANES data, nearly one-third of adult men and two-fifths of adult women of Mexican origin in the United States are obese. The City of Jurupa Valley, a predominantly Latino community, has a higher risk due to their socioeconomic make-up and limited access to healthy food. A community-based participatory research approach was used to identify resources and barriers to increase effectiveness of a behavioral intervention program in the community.

In collaboration with community leaders and the county public health department, researchers conducted 2 focus groups comprising 12 key informants to discuss their knowledge of diabetes as well as garner input to vital community resources and barriers to modifying healthy lifestyle behaviors. Questions were drawn from 5 main topics of interest: 1) illness perception; 2) illness concerns; 3) prevention; 4) community readiness; and, 5) program implementation. A response matrix was developed to highlight key responses, concerns and suggestions to each topic. Program success was contingent upon sessions being offered bilingually, as well as individual attention from a lifestyle coach, and accountability of the participants concerning their personal health behaviors. Potential barriers identified included environmental limitations for physical activity; transportation access to healthy foods; as well as, motivation and commitment to change behaviors. Data are currently undergoing further analysis through qualitative software to translate for community utilization in instituting health in all policies.