Promotoras De Salud and Portion Control: A Community Intervention Aimed at Weight Loss in Low-Income Mexican-American Women

Abstract

Purpose: To pilot test a brief intervention in portion control. Research Question: Does portion control intervention, in a community of low-income Mexican-American women, lead to significant weight loss? Hypothesis: Low-income Mexican-American women will have significant weight loss after an intervention in portion control. Significance/Background: Traditional approaches to care have done little to narrow the gap of health disparities. A significant health disparity is the rising rates of overweight and obesity in Mexican-American women. Methods: A 20-week randomized control trial in 19 low-income Mexican-American women. The intervention consisted of four 2-hour classes. The control group received routine care. Both groups were led by a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) and a promotora de salud (lay health advisor) team. Findings: Women in the intervention group lost more weight than women in the standard care group. The mean weight loss in the intervention group was 6.57 pounds (2.9 kg) compared to a mean weight loss of 2.8 pounds (1.3 kg) in the standard care group (P = .47). Mean weight loss, regardless of group, was greater when participants stated that they exercised 2 or more days a week (P = .35) and when participants reported self-weighing (P = .02). Discussion: A community-based partnership in portion control led by promotoras de salud in partnership with CNMs is an effective intervention for weight loss in low-income Mexican-American women that merits further study.