Effectiveness of the pasos adelante chronic disease prevention and control program in a US-Mexico border community, 2005-2008

Lisa K. Staten, Christina A. Cutshaw, Christopher Davidson, Kerstin Reinschmidt, Rosie Stewart, Denise J. Roe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Pasos Adelante is a lifestyle intervention program facilitated by community health workers (promotores) targeting chronic disease prevention and control in Mexican Americans. Initial studies of Pasos Adelante indicated significant improvements in self-reported nutrition and physical activity. This study examined whether Pasos Adelante participants living in a US border community showed improvements in selected physiological measures after participating in the program and whether changes were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Methods: The program took place in 12-week sessions from January 2005 to May 2008 and included walking groups and education targeting nutrition and physical activity. Questionnaires, anthropometric measures, and laboratory tests were conducted at baseline (n = 305), conclusion of program (n = 254), and 3-month follow-up (n = 221). Results: Participants demonstrated decreases in body mass index (P = .04), waist and hip circumference (P < .001), diastolic and systolic blood pressure (P < .001), and total cholesterol (P = .008) from baseline to program conclusion. No values worsened significantly between program conclusion and follow-up, except systolic blood pressure. Glucose levels improved between conclusion and follow-up (P = .01). Conclusion: These results support the initial findings of improvements in participants' self-reported physical activity and nutrition patterns through changes in objective measures. This evidence-based program demonstrates the potential for a promotores-facilitated chronic disease prevention and control program to improve physical health and targets both primary and secondary prevention in Hispanic communities and organizations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number100301
JournalPreventing Chronic Disease
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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