The Short-Term Impact of a Health Promotion Program for Low-Income African American Women

Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the results of a process and outcome evaluation of a culturally specific, peer-led, dietary change program designed to reduce the risk of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) among low-income African American women. Method: Using an experimental, control-group design, 239 African American women completed pretest and posttest interviews that included measures of nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, fat intake, and weight. Results: Sgnificant reductions in fat intake were found among women in the treatment condition. Participants significantly increased low-fat dietary patterns and showed higher levels of nutrition-related knowledge. Examination of physical data indicates that no significant weight differences were found between the treatment and control groupa. Conclusions: This model of health promotion, which individually tailors the intervention content through staging and used community organization strategies, has potential for reducing the risk of diet-related diseases among African American women.