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

University of California, Davis254 enrolled

Overview

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.

A more detailed description is not desired as noted above.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

254

Conditions

Overweight and Obesity

Interventions

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.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 60 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

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

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in BMI

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

Time frame: Before intervention and after (12-14 weeks after first assessment)

Secondary Outcomes

Change in Waist Circumference

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.

Time frame: Measured before and after intervention (12 - 13 weeks after first assessment