Using the PRECEDE-PROCEED model to assess dietary needs in the Hispanic population in northeastern Pennsylvania

Research shows that as Hispanic immigrants spend more time in the United States and/or become more assimilated to the U.S. culture their diet begins to mimic that of a Western diet. A dietary needs assessment was conducted in the target population of low income, first-generation Hispanics in the greater Scranton, PA, area to identify nutrition problems and inform culturally appropriate nutrition intervention development. The PRECEDE-PROCEED model was used to guide the assessment. Interviews with key informants and a focus group as well as demographic and dietary-related questionnaires were completed with the target population to identify health and nutrition needs in the community and factors regarding dietary behaviors. Behavioral and environmental objectives were developed and led to a culturally tailored nutrition intervention.