An integrated multi-institutional diabetes prevention program improves knowledge and healthy food acquisition in northwestern Ontario First Nations.
This article presents the impact results of a feasibility study in Canada for prevention of risk factors for diabetes in seven northwestern Ontario First Nations. Baseline and follow-up data were collected before and after the 9-month intervention program in schools, stores, and communities that aimed to improve diet and increase physical activity among adults. Regression analyses indicate a significant change in knowledge among respondents in intervention communities (p < .019). There was also a significant increase in frequency of healthy food acquisition among respondents in the intervention communities (p < .003). There were no significant changes in physical activity or body mass index in either intervention or comparison groups. The multi-institutional approach demonstrated promising results in modifying selected risk factors for diabetes First Nations communities.
Ho
Lara S
LS
Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. lho@jhsph.edu
Gittelsohn
Joel
J
Rimal
Rajiv
R
Treuth
Margarita S
MS
Sharma
Sangita
S
Rosecrans
Amanda
A
Harris
Stewart B
SB
D000328:Adult; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000379:methods; D054626:Consumer Health Information; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario / Q000208:ethnology; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior