Abstract B021: Adaptation and feasibility of a Spanish language nutrition and physical activity online intervention for rural-dwelling Latinos with obesity-related chronic diseases

Abstract

Abstract Methods of providing nutrition and physical activity (PA) education for individuals with obesity-related chronic illnesses can be difficult to address in a primarily agricultural region where seasonal work schedules, limited medical resources, and geographical distances are significant barriers. To examine the feasibility of a program using online live Zoom-delivered sessions and text messaging in such a setting, we adapted an evidence-informed in-person intervention previously shown to be effective in urban Latino cancer survivors. Nineteen Spanish-speaking Latino women and one man were recruited to a single-arm intervention. Over 3-months, the intervention delivered 6 biweekly 2-hour interactive sessions led by a community health educator and a trained chef plus 4 text messages per week focused on nutrition and PA. All participants were given a Fitbit for self-monitoring PA and access to the Cook for Your Life bilingual website, which provides health recipes for cancer survivors. Preliminary assessments occurred using a pre-post study design. Sixty-five percent of the sample completed at least half of the sessions, 95% completed the data collection and found the check-in phone calls somewhat or very helpful. 100% indicated the live interactive educational sessions and the text messages were somewhat or very helpful. Eighty-four percent of participants found the FitBits and 63% found the website useful. Preliminary outcomes, significant lessons learned, and adaptations implemented accommodate the rural setting and online format, insights gained by participants during an exit interview, and implications for future research such as the exclusive use of smart phones to engage in the intervention, will be discussed. Citation Format: Rachel M. Ceballos, Sofia Cobos, Eileen Rillamas-Sun, Oscar Sanchez, Jayleen Ceja, Genoveva Ibarra, Allison Silverman, Katherine Guthrie, Heather Greenlee. Adaptation and feasibility of a Spanish language nutrition and physical activity online intervention for rural-dwelling Latinos with obesity-related chronic diseases [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B021.