Journal of Education and Human Development

Adapting a Nutrition Education Intervention for Latinos in the Midwest
Pilar S. Horner PhD, MSW; Rubén O. Martinez PhD; Daniel Veléz Ortiz PhD, MSW; Jean Kayitsinga PhD; Sonia Acosta PhD

Abstract
Although Hispanics in the United States are at high risk for obesity, very few culturally competent interventions have been created or adapted to meet this population. We address the fidelity and fit of a nutrition education program adapted for Latinos in Pontiac, Michigan. We evaluated its program implementation using qualitative interviews with agency staff who implemented the 10-week program. Four staff members were interviewed multiple times over a two year period. Staff conducted interventions with 12 families in the intervention group and 7 families from the control group; the second session included 8 families in intervention group and 9 families from the control group. Participants were recruited by a local community agency. In-depth interviews with the staff were transcribed, entered into a qualitative software program, and deductively analyzed using a “fidelity and fit” model. Results indicate that fidelity and fit adherence were moderated by issues of gender, poverty, education, transportation, immigration status, and age. The conclusions of this study note that power and social inequalities must be addressed prior, during, and after interventions with minority populations in order to best meet the needs of the population and improve nutrition education services.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v4n4a11