Improving older Latinas' health through a community-based participatory research project

Older Latinas in the U.S are at higher risk for chronic diseases due to structural inequalities within the healthcare and educational systems, and the communities where they reside. Communities have the unique ability to shape individuals’ health through its conditions such as access to healthy food choices, health programming and resources, and spaces for engaging in active living. A community-based participatory pilot study was conducted in Little Village (LV), a unique predominately Mexican community with various social problems affecting residents’ daily lives and well-being in the greater Chicago area. Women ages 50 + (M = 64, SD = 9) were invited from a Catholic Parish to participate in a community-based health promotion intervention tailored to Latinas from LV. The intervention, Abuelas en Acción (AEA), consisted of activities led by four trained volunteers (promotoras): a personal planning session, educational workshops, and weekly phone calls. Thirty-four participants completed a survey measuring depressive symptoms using the CESD, health status, dietary behaviors, and a 24 hour dietary recall and were weighed before and after the intervention. Interviews were conducted post-intervention with 14 participants and promotoras. Findings indicated a significant reduction in the proportion of women when comparing baseline to 12 months, p <.05. Likewise there was a significant reduction in women’s depressive scores across time, γ_01=-1.70, p <.0001. Results also indicated a significant reduction in median depressive symptoms at 12 months, z = 2.19, p <.05, yet not at 6 months. Interviews with promotoras confirmed that older community members struggle with stress and depression and have limited opportunities to help mitigate stress and reduce isolation. AEA fills a need in the community for social interaction and health education to improve older Latinas' health.Ope