Assessment of an Intervention to Prevent Obesity and Diabetes in Latino Farm Workers (Pasos)

This is a study to assess the effectiveness of a culturally appropriate behavioral intervention to reduce obesity levels and ultimately the risk of developing diabetes type II in immigrant Latino farm workers. Workers enrolled in a 2:1 ratio by random allocation into an intervention or control arm of the study. The intervention participants received weekly classes for 10 weeks with education on diabetes, diet and physical activity and practical exercises. Both control and intervention were measured for weight, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose and interviewed before and after the study intervention. The main hypothesis was that intervention, but not control participants, would experience reduction in body measurements after the intervention.

Diabetes Type II,, Overweight,, Obesity,, Behavioral Intervention,, Latino, farm worker, randomized controlled intervention

Behavioral intervention consisting of 10 educational sessions promoting healthy diet and increased physical activity.

Intervention participants attended up to 10 educational sessions teaching them about diabetes, and modifiable lifestyle factors (behaviors) to reduce the risk of diabetes by controlling weight. Sessions were conducted by Promotoras using culturally sensitive and appropriate materials and themes. Group activities and support were also emphasized. The control participants like the intervention were measured and interviewed before and again after the intervention sessions, but received no educational instruction or materials.

Weight and Height assessed for both control and intervention participants before intervention program and then assessed 2-3 weeks after the intervention period completed.

Waist circumference measured in both control and intervention participants using a standard protocol. Conducted before intervention started and again 2-3 weeks after the intervention sessions finished.

Fasting blood glucose was a voluntary assessment and therefore not conducted in all participants. Blood glucose was assessed from a middle digit using a sterile lancet and Accu-Check Advantage Blood Glucose Meter. It was assessed before the start of the intervention and after completion in both controls and intervention participants.

Inclusion Criteria: Aged 18 -60 BMI between 20 -38 Willing to attend 10 weekly education sessions Able to speak and understand Spanish Have medical insurance Exclusion Criteria: Fasting blood glucose about 126mg/dL unless physician attests fit to participate Pregnancy or trying to conceive, or breastfeeding Diabetic On therapeutic diets On medications that affect weight If spouse / cohabitant already in the study Not a farm worker working for the Reiter Affiliated Companies

Mitchell DC, Andrews T, Schenker MB. Pasos Saludables: A Pilot Randomized Intervention Study to Reduce Obesity in an Immigrant Farmworker Population. J Occup Environ Med. 2015 Oct;57(10):1039-46. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000535.