Description
Latino children in the United States (U.S.) are one of the most at-risk groups for childhood obesity. Increased dietary intake of processed, calorie-dense foods and lack of physical activity are factors associated with the prevalence of childhood obesity. Social and environmental factors can influence children's health behaviors. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a faith-based health promotion program called Cambios Con Fe (Changes with Faith) on the individual health practices of Latino families with children and the church organizations six months after implementation. The culturally tailored program included an adult and youth lay health advisor component. Latino parents (N = 59) were recruited from five Latino based churches within Chula Vista, California to participate in this study. The single group pre and post study assessed baseline and midpoint data. A mixed methods approach was utilized for data collection and analysis. Participants completed program surveys at baseline and six months after the implementation of the intervention. Focus groups were conducted separately with the adult and youth leaders at the midpoint evaluation. Quantitative results indicated that at six months the program had a significant influence on adult park usage compared to dietary behaviors associated with eating out and children's sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Outcomes related to organizational policy changes were observed by the increase in participants' knowledge about nutritional guidelines and a health ministry available at their respective churches. Feedback from the youth leaders' focus group emphasized an improvement in the change agents' self-confidence and leadership skills. The results from this pilot study may provide useful information for future childhood obesity and faith-based interventions within the Latino community.
