The changing face of risk factors for non-communicable disease in Myanmar: findings from the 2009 and 2014 WHO STEP Surveys

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 750-756
Author(s):  
Shekhar Grover ◽  
Dhirendra N Sinha ◽  
Sanjay Gupta ◽  
Prakash C Gupta ◽  
Ravi Mehrotra
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Risk Factor Surveillance ◽  
Who Steps ◽  
Health Objectives ◽  
Non Communicable Disease

Abstract Background Myanmar is burdened with the dual problem of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCD), and is constantly endeavoring to attain its health objectives with limited resources. This study compares the results for the 2009 and 2014 WHO STEPs surveys (the ‘stepwise’ approach to adult risk factor surveillance) in Myanmar to determine the change in NCD risk factors over time. Methodology The proportion of individuals with major NCD risk factors such as current tobacco and alcohol consumption, <5 fruit/vegetable servings, physical activity, raised blood pressure (BP) and overweight and obesity from the year 2009 (n = 6414) and year 2014 (n = 8757) WHO STEP surveys were compared for the age group 25–64 and relative changes (RC) calculated. Results Tobacco and alcohol consumption has increased significantly (25 and 49% RC, respectively) over the years. Individuals with low fruit/vegetable consumption (<5 servings) have declined (4.3% RC) and physical activity has increased significantly (46.5% RC). The prevalence of overweight, obese and hypertensive individuals has reduced significantly during this period with a RC reduction of 18, 28 and 20%, respectively. Conclusion Reductions in some NCD risk factors are encouraging but control of tobacco use and alcohol consumption requires more stringent policies in order to prevent NCDs in the future.

scholarly journals Baseline risk factor prevalence among adolescents aged 15–17 years old: findings from National Non-communicable Disease Monitoring Survey (NNMS) of India

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e044066
Author(s):  
Prashant Mathur ◽  
Vaitheeswaran Kulothungan ◽  
Sravya Leburu ◽  
Anand Krishnan ◽  
Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
National Level ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Baseline Risk ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Non Communicable Disease

ObjectiveTo generate national estimates of key non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors for adolescents (15–17 years) identified in the National NCD Monitoring Framework and, study the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards NCD risk behaviours among school-going adolescents.Design and settingA community-based, national, cross-sectional survey conducted during 2017–2018. The survey was coordinated by the Indian Council of Medical Research—National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research with 10 reputed implementing research institutes/organisations across India in urban and rural areas.ParticipantsA multistage sampling design was adopted covering ages between 15 and 69 years—adolescents (15–17 years) and adults (18–69 years). The sample included 12 000 households drawn from 600 primary sampling units. All available adolescents (15–17 years) from the selected households were included in the survey.Main outcome measuresKey NCD risk factors for adolescents (15–17 years)—current tobacco and alcohol use, dietary behaviours, insufficient physical activity, overweight and obesity.ResultsOverall, 1402 households and 1531 adolescents completed the survey. Prevalence of current daily use of tobacco was 3.1% (95% CI: 2.0% to 4.7%), 25.2% (95% CI: 22.2% to 28.5%) adolescents showed insufficient levels of physical activity, 6.2% (95% CI: 4.9% to 7.9%) were overweight and 1.8% (95% CI: 1.0% to 2.9%) were obese. Two-thirds reported being imparted health education on NCD risk factors in their schools/colleges.ConclusionThe survey provides baseline data on NCD-related key risk factors among 15–17 years in India. These national-level data fill information gaps for this age group and help assess India’s progress towards NCD targets set for 2025 comprehensively. Though the prevalence of select risk factors is much lower than in many developed countries, this study offers national evidence for revisiting and framing appropriate policies, strategies for prevention and control of NCDs in younger age groups.

scholarly journals Prevalence, clustering and sociodemographic distributions of non-communicable disease risk factors in Nepalese adolescents: secondary analysis of a nationwide school survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e028263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raja Ram Dhungana ◽  
Bihungum Bista ◽  
Achyut Raj Pandey ◽  
Maximilian de Courten
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Insufficient Physical Activity ◽  
Non Communicable Disease

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence, clustering and sociodemographic distribution of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in adolescents in Nepal.DesignData originated from Global School Based Student Health Survey, Nepal conducted in 2015–2016.SettingThe study sites were the secondary schools in Nepal; 74 schools were selected based on the probability proportional to school enrolment size throughout Nepal.Participants5795 school-going children aged 13–17 years were included in the study.Primary outcomesNCD risk factors: smoking, alcohol consumption, insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, insufficient physical activity and overweight/obesity were the primary outcomes. Sociodemographic distributions of the combined and individual NCD risk factors were determined by Poisson regression analysis.ResultsFindings revealed the prevalence of smoking (6.04%; CI 4.62 to 7.88), alcohol consumption (5.29%; CI 4.03 to 6.92), insufficient fruit and vegetable intake (95.33%; CI 93.89 to 96.45), insufficiently physical activity (84.77%; CI 81.04 to 87.88) and overweight/obesity (6.66%; CI 4.65 to 9.45). One or more risk factors were present in 99.6%, ≥2 were in 83% and ≥3 were in 11.2%. Risk factors were more likely to cluster in male, 17 years of age and grade 7. Prevalence of smoking (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR)=2.38; CI 1.6 to 3.51) and alcohol consumption (aPR=1.81; CI 1.29 to 2.53) was significantly high in male, and in 16 and 17 years of age. Prevalence of insufficient physical activity and overweight/obesity was significantly lower in higher grades.ConclusionInsufficient fruit and vegetable intake and insufficient physical activity were highly prevalent in the populations studied. Risk factors were disproportionately distributed and clustered in particular gender, age and grade. The study population requires an age and gender specific preventive public health intervention.

scholarly journals Behavioral Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Disease among Factory Employees in Faridabad; Haryana

1970 ◽  
Vol 48 (175) ◽  
Author(s):  
Biplab Jamatia ◽  
K Anand ◽  
S K Kapoor ◽  
R M Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Heart Attack ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Control Programme ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Cross Sectional

Introduction: In developing countries like India, in addition to the infectious diseases, noncommunicablediseases are emerging as signifi cant causes of morbidity and mortality. Workplacespresent a setting which is appropriate for intervention for adults in a community. The aim of this studyis to assess the knowledge, attitude and prevalence of selected risk factors for non-communicablediseases.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the regular employees of the factories.Smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary intake and physical activity were measured through interviewschedules and height, weight and blood pressure were also measured by standard instrument. Anawareness generation program was pre-tested.Results: A total of 545 employees were interviewed. Among them 307 (56.3%) and 238 (43.7%)were manual and non-manual workers respectively. Most of the employees knew [smoking asa risk factor for hypertension (55.2%), heart attack (61.1%) and cancer (78.7%); Alcohol as a riskfactor for hypertension (72.1%), heart attack (73.9%), cancer ( 54.9%); Physical inactivity as a riskfactor for hypertension (82.6%), heart attack (78.5%), diabetes (60.4%) and high fat diet as a riskfactor for hypertension (67.2%), heart attack (64.8%)] that these risk factors lead to different noncommunicablediseases. The prevalence (95% CI) of the risk factors is as follows: male currentsmoker [40.7% (36.4-45.3)], current alcohol consumption [31.0 % (27.2 – 35.1)], sedentary activity[41.2% (37.0 – 45.5)], high fat intake [93.7% (90.2 - 95.5)], over weight [26.9% (23.2 – 30.9)] ; andhypertension [21.0% (17.62 - 24.6)]Conclusions: This study showed that the risk factors for non-communicable diseases are prevalentin factory employees. Implementation of the risk factors control programme is desirable and there isan interest among employees and management.Key Words: alcohol consumption, diet, over weight, physical activity, risk factor, smoking

scholarly journals FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN KEJADIAN TEKANAN DARAH TINGGI PADA USIA PRODUKTIF DI KELURAHAN PILANGBANGO

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 178
Author(s):  
Agnes Candra Febrianita ◽  
Avicena Sakufa Marsanti ◽  
Retno Widiarini
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Family History ◽  
High Blood Pressure ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Non Communicable Disease

ABSTRAK Tekanan darah tinggi merupakan salah satu penyakit tidak menular yang menjadi penyebab kematian global dan diperkirakan telah meyebabkan 9,4 juta kematian. Prevalensi penyakit tekanan darah tinggi di Indonesia sering meningkat. Pada tahun 2018 prevalensi penyakit tekanan darah tinggi di Indonesia sebesar 34,1%. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk membuktikan faktor-faktor risiko yang berpengaruh terhadap kejadian tekanan darah tinggi pada usia produktif dan mengukur besarnya pengaruh faktor risiko. Metode penelitian ini dengan menggunakan metode Case Control dengan jumlah sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah 102 orang dengan 51 kasus dan 51 kontrol. Data penelitian diperoleh melalui kuesioner dan observasi. Analisis data menggunakan uji Chi-Square. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan ada hubungan antara jenis kelamin (OR 3,484; 95% CI 1,522-7,972) riwayat keluarga (OR 9,840 ; 95% CI 3,934-24,616), indeks massa tubuh (OR 3,380; 95% CI 1,447-7,897), dan aktivitas fisik OR 3,720 ; 95% CI 1,632-8,479) dengan kejadian tekanan darah tinggi pada usia produktif di Kelurahan Pilangbango. Dari hasil penelitian tersebut faktor yang menjadi penyebab tekanan darah tinggi pada usia produktif di Kelurahan Pilangbango yaitu jenis kelamin, IMT, aktivitas fisik dan riwayat keluarga. Berdasarkan faktor risiko tersebut, diharapkan masyarakat usia produktif yang berada di kelurahan Pilangbango menerapakan gaya hidup sehat dan rutin memeriksakan tekanan darah ke fasilitas terdekat.ABSTRACTHigh blood pressure is a non-communicable disease that causes global death and is estimated to have caused 9.4 million deaths. The prevalence of high blood pressure in Indonesia often increases. In 2018 the prevalence of high blood pressure in Indonesia is 34.1%. The purpose of this study is to prove the risk factors that influence the incidence of high blood pressure in the productive age and measure the magnitude of the influence of risk factors. The type of this research is using Case Conrol method  with the number of samples in this study were 102 people with 51 cases and 51 controls. Research data was obtained through questionnaires and observations. Data analysis used Chi-Square test. The results showed that there was a relationship between gender (OR 3,484; 95% CI 1,522-7,972) family history (OR 9,840; 95% CI 3,934-24,616), body mass index (OR) OR 3,380; 95% CI 1,447-7,897), and physical activity OR 3,720; 95% CI 1,632-8,479) with the incidence of high blood pressure in the productive age in Pilangbango Village. From the results of the study, the factors that cause high blood pressure at productive age in Pilangbango Village are gender, BMI, physical activity and family history. From this risk factors, it is expect that people in Pilangbango Village adopt a healthy lifestyle and routinely check their blood pressure to the nearest facility.Kata Kunci: Tekanan Darah tinggi, Usia Produktif, Kelurahan Pilangbango

Prevalence of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Disease in Kyrgyzstan: Assessment using WHO STEPS Approach

Kardiologiia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 11_2016 ◽  
pp. 86-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.A. Batyraliev T.A. A ◽  
S.A. Makhmutkhodzhaev Makhmutkhodzhaev ◽  
R.B. Kydyralieva Kydyralieva ◽  
A.T. Altymysheva Altymysheva ◽  
R.S. Dzhakipova Dzhakipova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Who Steps ◽  
Non Communicable Disease

scholarly journals Prevalence and determinants of non-communicable disease risk factors among adult population of Kathmandu

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257037
Author(s):  
Sitasnu Dahal ◽  
Ram Bilakshan Sah ◽  
Surya Raj Niraula ◽  
Rajendra Karkee ◽  
Avaniendra Chakravartty
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Male Gender ◽  
Formal Schooling ◽  
Non Communicable Disease

Background According to WHO, the deaths due to NCDs in Nepal have soared from 60% of all deaths in 2014 to 66% in 2018. The study assessed the prevalence and determinants of non-communicable disease risk factors among adult population of Kathmandu. Materials and methods A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to February 2020 among 18–69 years adults residing in municipalities of Kathmandu district. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 245 subjects who were interviewed using WHO NCD STEPS instrument. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were done to explore the determinants of NCD risk factors. Results The prevalence of current smoking, alcohol consumption, low intake of fruits and vegetables and low physical activity was found to be 22%, 31%, 93.9% and 10.2% respectively. More than half (52.2%) of the participants were overweight or obese and the prevalence of raised blood pressure was 27.8%. Smoking was associated significantly with male gender (AOR = 2.37, CI: 1.20–5.13) and respondents with no formal schooling (AOR: 4.33, CI: 1.50–12.48). Similarly, the odds of alcohol consumption were higher among male gender (AOR: 2.78, CI: 1.47–5.26), people who were employed (AOR: 2.30, CI: 1.13–4.82), and those who belonged to Chhetri (AOR: 2.83, CI: 1.19–6.72), Janajati (AOR: 6.18, CI: 2.74–13.90), Dalit and Madhesi, (AOR: 7.51, CI: 2.13–26.35) ethnic groups. Furthermore, respondents who were aged 30–44 years (AOR: 5.15, CI: 1.91–13.85) and 45–59 years (AOR: 4.54 CI: 1.63–12.66), who were in marital union (AOR: 3.39, CI: 1.25–9.13), and who belonged to Janajati (AOR: 3.37, CI: 1.61–7.04), Dalit and Madhesi (AOR: 4.62, CI: 1.26–16.86) ethnic groups were more likely to be associated with overweight or obesity. Additionally, the odds of raised blood pressure were higher among people who were of older age (AOR: 6.91, CI: 1.67–28.63) and those who belonged to Janajati ethnic group (AOR: 3.60, CI: 1.46–8.87) after multivariate analysis. Conclusion The findings of the study highlighted high prevalence of behavioral and metabolic risk factors, which varied on different socio-demographic grounds. Thus, population specific health promotion interventions centered on public health interests is recommended to reduce risk factors of NCDs.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension among Adults (40 Years and Above) in the Tano North District of the Ahafo Region, Ghana

2021 ◽  
pp. 40-54
Author(s):  
Issah Sumaila ◽  
Mubarick Nungbaso Asumah ◽  
Rosaline Bierema Dassah
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Reduced Frequency ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Introduction: Increased prevalence of hypertension (HTN) has been attributed to commonly known risk factors such as obesity, low level of nutritional knowledge, lack of exercise, alcohol intake, and tobacco use. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence, and associated risk factors of hypertension among residents of the Yamfo community in the Ahafo Region of Ghana. Methods:  A community-based cross-sectional study of 174 participants aged ≥40 years were enrolled using simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on sociodemographic characteristics, behavioural/lifestyle risk factors and knowledge of hypertension. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23. Results: Prevalence of hypertension was 63.2% (95% CI: 55.7–70.1) in adults 40 years and above. Risk factors that were significantly associated with hypertension were lack of physical activity (p=0.030), alcohol consumption (p=0.001), consumption of meals prepared with oil (p=0.016), reduced frequency of fruit consumption (p=0.008) and reduced frequency of vegetable consumption (p<0.001). Increasing age (aOR,1.9; 95%CI (1.3-2.4); p=.049), physical activity (cOR,2.12, 95% CI (1.07-4.21), p=.032), alcohol consumption (aOR, 57.03; 95% C1 (4.48-726.59); p=.002), and knowledge on the cause of hypeternsion (aOR, 3.41; 95% CI (1.93-5.17); p=.032) were observed as determinants of hypertension. Conclusion: Majority of the study participants were hypertensive, with the majority of them having knowledge on risk factors of hypertension. Majority of participants had the opinion that hypertension is inevitable, because it comes with old age. Enough (Intensive) education concerning hypertension could be extended to the community, about the different, but equally relevant risk factors of hypertension, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, reduced fruit and vegetable consumption and inappropriate diet. This could be achieved by organizing outreach programs by the community health workers in places like markets and churches in order to remit the elderly that they can still be healthy in old age, and at schools and on social media to inculcate positive health behavior in the youth.

scholarly journals Dietary Pattern and Nutrient Intakes in Association with Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors among Filipino Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imelda Angeles Agdeppa ◽  
Ye Sun ◽  
Keith V Tanda
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
P Value ◽  
Non Communicable Disease

Abstract Background: This study evaluated the relationship between dietary quality and food patterns of Filipino adults and the rising prevalence of selected cardiometabolic non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors. Methods: Using data collected in the 2013 National Nutrition Survey, a total of 19,914 adults aged 20 years and above were included in the analyses. The Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010) was used to characterize the dietary quality, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify dietary patterns specific to the study population. Logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between the dietary pattern scores and selected cardiometabolic NCD indices including diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and overweight and obesity with adjustment for potential confounders. Results: The mean AHEI-2010 score was 19.7 for women and 18.9 for men out of a total possible score of 100. Three major dietary patterns were identified through PCA: 1) meat and sweetened beverages (MSB); 2) rice and fish (RF) and 3) fruit, vegetables and snack (FVS). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the AHEI pattern was associated with higher odds of overweight/obesity [extreme-tertile odds ratio (OR) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.21]. Subjects in the highest tertile of the MSB pattern had greater odds for overweight/obesity, diabetes, high total cholesterol, low HDL-cholesterol, high LDL-cholesterol, and high triglycerides (OR ranging 1.20 to 1.70, all p-value <0.001). The RF pattern was associated with higher probability of overweight/obesity (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.08-1.32) high LDL-cholesterol (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.07-1.37), and less likelihood of diabetes (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77-0.98). The FVS pattern was associated with lower probability of overweight/obesity, diabetes, high triglycerides, and hypertension (OR ranging 0.85 to 0.90, all p-value <0.05). Conclusions: Diet quality of Filipino adults is extremely poor. MSB and RF patterns were associated with a higher risk of cardiometabolic NCD indices, while FVS pattern was a better option to lower the risks. Identifying healthy and detrimental dietary patterns in the local diet could be informative for future local-based dietary recommendation and area-specific intervention programs. Keywords: Dietary pattern; AHEI; NCD; Adult

scholarly journals Epidemiology of hypertension in selected towns of Wollega zones, Western Ethiopia, 2019: A community-based cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110245
Author(s):  
Getu Mosisa ◽  
Bikila Regassa ◽  
Bayise Biru
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional

Introduction: Hypertension remains an emerging public health problem globally, particularly in developing countries. Age, income level, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, vegetables and fruit consumption, physical activity and chat chewing were some risk factors of hypertension. However, there are limited data on the epidemiology of hypertension in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess Epidemiology of Hypertension among the community of selected towns of Wollega zones. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 June 2019 in selected towns of Wollega zones. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 840 study participants. Data were collected using the WHO STEP wise approach. The data were coded and entered into EpiData 3, and exported to SPSS version 20.0 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05. Results: The study included a total of 838 respondents with a response rate of 99.7%. The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 189 (22.6%) (95% confidence interval = 19.9%–25.2%). Of this, 108 (12.9%) and 81 (9.7%) of female and male were hypertensive, respectively. Age groups of 30–44 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.65 (1.43, 4.89)), 45–59 years (adjusted odds ratio = 3.55 (1.79, 7.04)), above 60 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.97 (1.43, 6.18)), having history of alcohol consumption (adjusted odds ratio = 4.29 (2.4, 7.66)), involving in vigorous physical activity (adjusted odds ratio = 0.096 (0.028, 0.33)), not walking to and from the work (adjusted odds ratio = 13.12 (8.34, 20.67)), being overweight (adjusted odds ratio = 1.98 (1.21, 3.25)), inadequate fruits serving per day (adjusted odds ratio = 2.93 (1.75, 4.88)) were significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be high in the study area. Older age, alcohol consumption, not engaging in vigorous activity, physical inactivity, being overweight and inadequate intake of fruits were found to be risk factors for hypertension. Therefore, health care providers should provide extensive health education and promotion on recommended lifestyle modification to tackle the burden of hypertension.

scholarly journals Body composition outcomes of Healthy Fit and the role of acculturation among low-income Hispanics on the US-Mexico border

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane I. Lopez ◽  
Lauren Chacon ◽  
Denise Vasquez ◽  
Louis D. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Mexico Border

Abstract Background Hispanic immigrants continue to experience higher rates of overweight and obesity compared to their non-Hispanic counterparts. Acculturation may contribute to unhealthy weight gain among immigrant populations by shifting dietary patterns from high fruit and vegetable consumption to unhealthier high fat diets. Healthy Fit, a culturally tailored community health worker (CHW) intervention, aims to reduce obesity related outcomes by providing physical activity and nutrition education and resources in a low-income Hispanic population. This study aims to evaluate outcomes of Healthy Fit participants and examine changes in body composition in relation to level of acculturation at baseline and follow-up. Method In this longitudinal observational study, CHWs recruited 514 participants from community events and agencies serving low-income Hispanic populations in El Paso, Texas from 2015 to 2016. Following an in-person health screening, eligible participants received nutrition and physical activity education guided by fotonovelas, comic-like educational books. Telephone follow-ups made at 1, 3, and 6 months by CHWs encouraged follow-through on referrals. 288 participants completed the screening again during the 12-month follow-up. Results The sample was predominantly Hispanic (96%), female (82%), uninsured (79%), had a household income of less than $19,999 (70%), foreign-born (79%), preferred Spanish (86%) and few rated themselves as good or excellent for English proficiency (27%). Overall, Healthy Fit participants significantly improved (i.e., decreased) BFP by 0.71% (t = 2.47, p = 0.01) but not BMI (b = .01, t = − 0.14, p = .89). Contrary to expectations, acculturation was not associated with lower BMI (b = 0.09, p = 0.84) or BFP (b = 0.13, p = 0.85) at baseline. However, acculturation predicted changes in both BMI (b = 0.30, p = 0.03) and BFP (b = 1.33, p = 0 .01) from baseline to follow-up. Specifically, the low acculturation group improved in body composition measures over time and the high acculturation group did not improve in either measure. Conclusion Findings suggest Healthy Fit was most effective among less acculturated individuals. The influence of acculturation on the efficacy of nutrition and exercise interventions suggests that Hispanics should not be treated as a homogenous subgroup.

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