The Impact of a Culturally Appropriate Health and Nutrition Intervention on Low-Income Latinos in Central Ohio Results Discussion

A general improvement in food behaviors following the Healthy Latino Families Program was observed in both adults and children. Fat intake decreased, which coincides with results from the Women's Health Initiative, where Latinos reduced fat intake from milk, cheese, and mixed dishes (7). Adults and children in HLFP showed the most change in fruit and vegetable consumption which was comparable to another 8-month study targeted to Latino women which showed improved levels of fiber intake after the intervention (8). Results from the Women's Health Trial: Feasibility Study in Minority Populations showed that after participation in the program, women increased consumption of fiber, beta carotene and ascorbic acid while decreasing fat intake which concurred with our study (9). Future programs should employ an organized and coordinated strategy to address the needs of the Latino community to improve nutrition behavior outcomes. Critical limitations to these interventions include lack of transportation, time constraints, 7-day work week, and insufficient incentive to participate; all will need to be addressed in Latino nutrition interventions