A tailored nutrition intervention to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in low-income African American women

African Americans suffer disproportionately from higher rates of diet related chronic diseases compared with Caucasians. The purpose of this project was to design and implement a nutrition education intervention to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors among low-income, African American caretakers of young children. Study participants were low-income, African American residents of Guilford County, NC, and primary meal preparers and caretakers of a child less than 12 years of age. Participants (N=14) were recruited from community agencies (Guilford County WIC; Department of Social Services) and through a church with a high African American population. Participants received nutrition education classes that addressed barriers to healthy behaviors. Pre and post tests were given to assess changes in nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy regarding dietary behavior. Overall, pre and post test results indicated a significant increase in nutrition knowledge, self reported confidence with dietary behaviors, and decreased BMI. Additionally, participants provided evaluative feedback concerning the intervention structure and content. The learning activities, classroom discussions, and teaching materials were highly preferred among more than half of participants; however, the time commitment was among the least preferred characteristic of the intervention. Findings from this project will provide insight for a larger scale cardiovascular disease risk intervention among the target population

Determinants of food security and diet among rural and urban Latino/Hispanic.

Rural migration and food insecurity of Latino immigrants is high. The goal of this study was to examine food insecurity among Latino immigrants in a rural region (N?=?119) in comparison to urban Latinos (N?=?166). The objectives were to examine, identify, and compare determinants of food security, weight status, and diet between urban and rural Latinos. Household surveys were conducted by 2 trained bilingual/bicultural interviewers. Data on food security, body mass index, self-reported weight change since US arrival, diet, and barriers to healthy eating were collected. Rural Latinos were more likely to be overweight and have low food security than urban Latinos. Difficulty eating healthy and increased time in the United States were the primary determinants of low food security and poor diet among rural Latinos. Rurality and food insecurity pose a barrier for Latino immigrants and must be addressed further