title: Confronting the diabetes disparity: a look at diabetes, nutrition, and physical activity programs in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
abstract: Diabetes prevalence is higher along U.S.-Mexico border than in nonborder regions, and numerous community-based organizations are addressing this diabetes disparity through prevention and management programs. However, the nature, scope, and effectiveness of these efforts and programs are not well documented. This study aims at identifying key characteristics of diabetes programs in a Texas-Mexico border region with a predominately Hispanic, underserved population. A survey is administered to 84 community-based organizations in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV); 25 organizations respond. Nineteen programs related to diabetes and healthy lifestyle behaviors are identified in the LRGV. The majority of the programs are based on guidelines of national and state professional associations and agencies; target low-income and minority populations; are offered at no cost; and include program evaluation activities. Future research should examine the effectiveness, as well as the fidelity of the guidelines, of diabetes programs in the border region.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Rebecca Anne
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Wehrly
authors.forename: Nelda
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mier
authors.forename: Marcia G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Ory
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Prochaska
authors.forename: Kerrie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hora
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wendel
authors.forename: Julie St
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: John
mesh_terms: D003153:Community Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008800:Mexico; D009043:Motor Activity; D013781:Texas