Seeking community input to improve implementation of a lifestyle modification program.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Chronic Disease Prevention
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Obesity is a significant risk factor for diabetes, a prevalent chronic disease in the U.S.
• Latina and African-American women in underserved communities face elevated risks for obesity and subsequent diabetes development.
• Targeted interventions are crucial to address health disparities in these populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt an evidence-based lifestyle intervention for overweight and obese women.
• To guide the implementation of the Community-Based Lifestyle Balance (CLSB) program.
• To understand the perspectives of women in disadvantaged communities regarding lifestyle changes.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 11 focus groups with 87 African-American and Latina women from diverse community settings.
• Included informal key informant interviews with community service providers and leaders.
• Explored knowledge, interest, and barriers related to healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Main Results:

• Participants demonstrated high awareness of healthy behaviors and a strong desire for lifestyle modification.
• Competing life demands emerged as a significant barrier to sustained healthy practices.
• Women often experienced guilt and self-blame regarding challenges in adopting healthy habits.
• Identified variations in patterns based on age and race/ethnicity.

Conclusions:

• Community-level improvements (e.g., safe environments, access to affordable healthy food) are long-term goals.
• The CLSB program can immediately equip women with practical skills and strategies.
• The program aims to enhance the health of participating women and their families.