Salud America! The RWJF Research Network to Prevent Obesity Among Latino Children
 

Salud America! Pilot Awardees

 

Dr. Shari Barkin, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

“Increasing Access to Physical Activity and Use of Community Recreation Centers by Latino Families to Reduce Pediatric Obesity”

This Salud America! pilot research project assessed how exposure to a community recreation center affects whether or not Latino families with young children use the center for physical activity. The assessment was conducted one year after the families participated in a culturally-relevant healthy-lifestyles program conducted at the recreation center. Our study population consisted of 132 parents self-identified as Latino, paired with their child who was 3 to 5 years old. Sixty-six of the pairs received a 12-week parent-child intervention that included access to physical activity resources via center memberships for the whole family (exposed group). The other pairs were matched to the exposed group’s residential zip code and child’s age, but were not made aware of center programming, nor given any information regarding physical activity opportunities offered through the center  (unexposed group).

Presentation at Project Start: 2009

Presentation at Project End: 2011

Research Brief: 2011

 

Dr. Cristina Barroso, UTSPH Brownsville

“Body Image Perceptions Among Latinos”

This Salud America! pilot research project has two primary aims: to examine body image perceptions across three generations of low-income Latinos, and to study the association between body image and physical activity in the same population. The subjects of our study are residents of colonias in Texas’ Lower Rio Grande Valley on the U.S.-Mexico border, a region that faces high rates of obesity as well as other health problems. The project also asked members of colonia familes (including the child, parent, and, if possible, grandparent) to view sketches of body shapes and body sizes and to select images they perceive as healthy, as well as the image that most resembles their own body. Parents and grandparents also select the image that resembles their child/grandchild.

Presentation at Project Start: 2009

Presentation at Project End: 2011

Research Brief: 2011

 

Dr. Alexy Arauz Boudreau, Massachusetts General Hospital

“A Family Approach to Addressing Lifestyle Decision in Obesity and Diabetes”

This Salud America! pilot research project is testing the feasibility and effectiveness of a family-centered approach consisting of interactive group classes followed by six months of health coaching. The group classes for Latino families with obese children, known as Power-Up, are delivered by an interdisciplinary team that includes a physician, nutritionist, physical therapist and health educator. The study design entails an intervention group and a waitlist control group. Outcome measures include body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, skinfold, physical activity, dietary assessment, quality of life and metabolic markers.

Presentation at Project Start: 2009

Presentation at Project End: 2011

Research Brief: 2011

 

Dr. Dina Castro, University of North Carolina

“Growing Healthy Kids”

This Salud America! pilot research project uses community gardens and parental nutrition education and activities to promote healthy eating and physical activity among lower-income Latino families who have young children. The project established three community gardens in Orange County, N.C., between 2008 and 2010. During 2010 these gardens served 42 families (25 Latino), including 88 children ages 1 to 12 (54 are Latino; 92 percent are from lower-income families).

Presentation at Project Start: 2009

Presentation at Project End: 2011

Research Brief: 2011

 

 
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