'No estamos solos': empowering and supporting Latino immigrants to manage chronic disease through a culturally relevant nutrition and physical activity intervention.

BACKGROUND

NC Latino immigrants experience health disparities, contributing to higher rates of chronic disease. A community health clinic partnered with a university to develop a low-cost, physical activity and nutrition intervention for Latino immigrants managing chronic disease.

PURPOSE: To assess changes in clinical, anthropometric, and behavioral outcomes at baseline, 6 months, and one year after intervention.

METHODS

A mixed methods approach was used; data from EMR, Anthropometry, functional measures, and survey instruments were compared across time to examine mental wellbeing and cardiovascular risk. Focus groups were conducted to gain additional insight into participant experiences; qualitative data were analyzed using a grounded theoretical approach.

RESULTS

There were (n = 243) participants. Significant changes were found in HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, BMI, % body fat, weight, and waist circumference, functional capacity, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Focus group data showed participants perceive social support as a motivator towards healthy lifestyle changes.

DISCUSSION: Findings suggest a culturally responsive intervention at a community clinic may support improvements in health outcomes in Latino immigrants. Findings inform lifestyle interventions that can be tailored to specific minority populations to support reductions in health disparities.