Evidence-Based Approach to Healthy Food Choices for Hispanic Women

Obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions in the United States and Hispanic women, particularly Mexican American women, are disproportionately affected. This quality improvement project, which took place at a clinic in East Los Angeles, California, implemented body mass index calculation, an eight-item starting the conversation (STC) tool, and culturally sensitive nutrition education in an effort to change the overweight/obesity status of these women. There were 36 female Hispanic patients who participated in this study. There was a significant decrease in body mass index percentile from pre implementation to 2-months post implementation. The total STC score decreased significantly from pre implementation to 2-months post implementation, indicating a positive change in dietary behavior. Dietary screening and intervention tools can assist health care providers with early identification of overweight/obesity status and prevention of overweight/obesity-related diseases. The STC tool will allow the health care provider to start the conversation about healthy food choices and provide for further culturally sensitive nutrition education.