Energy Balance Feasibility Study for Latinas in Texas: A Qualitative Assessment
IntroductionObesity has reached epidemic levels, with nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population considered overweight or obese. Latinos have some of the highest rates of overweight, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. Research from scientifically sound evidence-based interventions to reduce the disprop...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2007-10-01
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| Series: | Preventing Chronic Disease |
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| Online Access: | http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2007/oct/07_0052.htm |
| _version_ | 1797427347356385280 |
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| author | Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH Patricia Chalela, DrPH Kipling Gallion, MA Luis F. Velez, MD, PhD, MPH |
| author_facet | Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH Patricia Chalela, DrPH Kipling Gallion, MA Luis F. Velez, MD, PhD, MPH |
| author_sort | Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionObesity has reached epidemic levels, with nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population considered overweight or obese. Latinos have some of the highest rates of overweight, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. Research from scientifically sound evidence-based interventions to reduce the disproportionate burden of obesity and its associated morbidity and mortality among Latinas is greatly needed. The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about nutrition and exercise among Latinas aged 40 years and older residing in a low-income community in Houston, Texas, and the applicability of an evidence-based church program to promote healthy energy balance.MethodsQualitative assessment was conducted through 10 focus groups with 75 women recruited through three Catholic churches, community groups, and leaders.ResultsParticipants identified barriers and enabling factors to healthy nutrition and physical activity. Barriers included lack of awareness about nutrition and physical activity, cultural beliefs, and socioeconomic and environmental factors. Preferred strategies were group activities with direct guidance from qualified individuals and interpersonal contact among participants, social support with positive reinforcement for behavior change or maintenance, and a friendly environment for learning and achieving suitable goals. The church was considered a powerful resource to influence Latinas to improve their health, exercise, and nutrition practices.ConclusionOur findings suggest that using the church environment to reach Latina women aged 40 years and older is a feasible and culturally appropriate strategy. The church environment provides a safe, comfortable, and familiar atmosphere for women and addresses specific cultural barriers and safety concerns of family members. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T08:42:54Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-6ecb0a22a53c494fad3f99bcc17568b6 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1545-1151 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T08:42:54Z |
| publishDate | 2007-10-01 |
| publisher | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Preventing Chronic Disease |
| spelling | doaj.art-6ecb0a22a53c494fad3f99bcc17568b62023-12-02T16:06:11ZengCenters for Disease Control and PreventionPreventing Chronic Disease1545-11512007-10-0144Energy Balance Feasibility Study for Latinas in Texas: A Qualitative AssessmentAmelie G. Ramirez, DrPHPatricia Chalela, DrPHKipling Gallion, MALuis F. Velez, MD, PhD, MPHIntroductionObesity has reached epidemic levels, with nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population considered overweight or obese. Latinos have some of the highest rates of overweight, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. Research from scientifically sound evidence-based interventions to reduce the disproportionate burden of obesity and its associated morbidity and mortality among Latinas is greatly needed. The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about nutrition and exercise among Latinas aged 40 years and older residing in a low-income community in Houston, Texas, and the applicability of an evidence-based church program to promote healthy energy balance.MethodsQualitative assessment was conducted through 10 focus groups with 75 women recruited through three Catholic churches, community groups, and leaders.ResultsParticipants identified barriers and enabling factors to healthy nutrition and physical activity. Barriers included lack of awareness about nutrition and physical activity, cultural beliefs, and socioeconomic and environmental factors. Preferred strategies were group activities with direct guidance from qualified individuals and interpersonal contact among participants, social support with positive reinforcement for behavior change or maintenance, and a friendly environment for learning and achieving suitable goals. The church was considered a powerful resource to influence Latinas to improve their health, exercise, and nutrition practices.ConclusionOur findings suggest that using the church environment to reach Latina women aged 40 years and older is a feasible and culturally appropriate strategy. The church environment provides a safe, comfortable, and familiar atmosphere for women and addresses specific cultural barriers and safety concerns of family members.http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2007/oct/07_0052.htmenergy ballanceLatinasTexashealth of Latinashealth of Latinas in Texas |
| spellingShingle | Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH Patricia Chalela, DrPH Kipling Gallion, MA Luis F. Velez, MD, PhD, MPH Energy Balance Feasibility Study for Latinas in Texas: A Qualitative Assessment Preventing Chronic Disease energy ballance Latinas Texas health of Latinas health of Latinas in Texas |
| title | Energy Balance Feasibility Study for Latinas in Texas: A Qualitative Assessment |
| title_full | Energy Balance Feasibility Study for Latinas in Texas: A Qualitative Assessment |
| title_fullStr | Energy Balance Feasibility Study for Latinas in Texas: A Qualitative Assessment |
| title_full_unstemmed | Energy Balance Feasibility Study for Latinas in Texas: A Qualitative Assessment |
| title_short | Energy Balance Feasibility Study for Latinas in Texas: A Qualitative Assessment |
| title_sort | energy balance feasibility study for latinas in texas a qualitative assessment |
| topic | energy ballance Latinas Texas health of Latinas health of Latinas in Texas |
| url | http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2007/oct/07_0052.htm |
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