Addressing Childhood Obesity among Latino Agricultural Families: Data from a Feasibility Study at a Community Health...

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a family childhood obesity program for Latino agricultural families within a community health center. The program included several treatment components to address culturally relevant topics and other factors, such as poverty, that affect agricultural workers. The program was evaluated using attendance, height, and weight data. Linear mixed models were used to analyze weight data, including measurements obtained before, during, and after the intervention. A total of 133 subjects participated. Attendance was significantly associated with greater weight loss. Younger children exhibited a significant decline in weight during the intervention whereas older children did not experience any weight improvements. Community health centers may provide the appropriate infrastructure for multidisciplinary childhood obesity interventions targeting young Latino children from agricultural families. Additional research is needed to understand the treatment needs of Latino adolescents.