Rural‐residing Latinos are at high risk for diabetes and diabetes complications. Culturally‐relevant diabetes education is needed for this group. Latinos Living Well (LLW) was created using the Social Marketing Theory (SMT) to ensure it was audience‐centered and culturally‐sensitive for rural‐residing Latinos in a Midwest state. LLW is a four‐week diabetes education program focused on diet and exercise. The two‐hour classes include culturally‐relevant physical activity and cooking practicums, group activities and goal setting. Classes were taught in Spanish and delivered through Cooperative Extension. This study evaluated participant satisfaction and perceptions of LLW. A convenience sample of rural‐residing Latino adults ages 18+ years (n=120) were recruited through word of mouth, flyers, and radio ads; 76 completed the program (63.3% completion rate). Participants completed sociodemographic questions at Class 1 and a qualitative program evaluation at the end of Class 4. The majority of participants were first generation immigrants (n=63; 87.5%), females (n=73; 97.3%), ages 30–49 (n=34; 51.6%), with at least 9–12 years of education (n=56; 77.8%). A diabetes or pre‐diabetes diagnosis was not required for enrollment into LLW; however, two‐thirds (n=49; 65.3%) reported a history of diabetes. The evaluation asked about participants' perceptions of LLW and what lifestyle changes were made as a result of attending. Descriptive statistics analyzed sociodemographic and evaluation data. Nearly all (n=69, 94.5%) believed LLW helped them to make healthy lifestyle changes. These changes included preparing at least one class recipe at home (n=57, 79.2%) and being more physically active (n=58, 81.7%). The content was viewed as understandable (n=72, 98.6%). The majority (n=70, 95.8%) rated LLW as “excellent” or “good” and would recommend the program to a friend (n=72, 94.7%). Results suggest rural‐residing Latinos enjoyed LLW, thus indicating using culturally‐relevant examples and activities helped participants view the program favorably. Furthermore, it is likely participants will refer friends and family, be motivated to apply the information they learned and attend other health programming through Cooperative Extension.Support or Funding InformationThis research was funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture Rural Health and Safety Education Grant, #2014‐46100‐22349
Veg Out! is an infomercial-style produce awareness session. We use image-focused rather than content-focused slides to highlight the health benefits associated with produce consumption. This image-focused approach is helping participants become more familiar with produce serving sizes and increasing the likelihood of their consuming more produce. Our findings suggest that an image-focused education session is an effective strategy for promoting familiarity with the topic being presented and increasing the likelihood of behavior change.
The Words on Wellness (WOW) newsletter was designed as an electronic newsletter intended to provide research-based nutrition and wellness information to Iowans. An evaluation was conducted to assess to what extent the newsletter is being used by its readership and whether readers are making lifestyle changes as a result. Those who completed the online survey (n = 154) report making lifestyle changes and finding the information to be current, understandable, and relevant to their lives. These results indicate that the use of indirect nutrition and wellness educational materials (i.e., a newsletter) is effective in promoting research-based information that results in self-reported behavior change.
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