A Tailored Nutrition Intervention to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Low-Income African American Women

Abstract

African Americans suffer disproportionately from higher rates of diet related chronic diseases compared with Caucasians. The purpose of this project was to design and implement a nutrition education intervention to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors among low-income, African American caretakers of young children. Study participants were low-income, African American residents of Guilford County, NC, and primary meal preparers and caretakers of a child less than 12 years of age. Participants (N=14) were recruited from community agencies (Guilford County WIC; Department of Social Services) and through a church with a high African American population. Participants received nutrition education classes that addressed barriers to healthy behaviors. Pre and post tests were given to assess changes in nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy regarding dietary behavior. Overall, pre and post test results indicated a significant increase in nutrition knowledge, self reported confidence with dietary behaviors, and decreased BMI. Additionally, participants provided evaluative feedback concerning the intervention structure and content. The learning activities, classroom discussions, and teaching materials were highly preferred among more than half of participants; however, the time commitment was among the least preferred characteristic of the intervention. Findings from this project will provide insight for a larger scale cardiovascular disease risk intervention among the target population.