Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer: Leveraging evidence-based obesity prevention Education programming to prevent cancer in El Paso, Texas
Introduction
Obesity-related cancers disproportionately affect the Texas border region. Obesity education that includes healthy eating and active living (HEAL) content is an evidence-based approach to prevention. However, it has not been widely utilized in the border-region. Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer (PPPC) uses tailored evidence-based curricula to implement bi-lingual, bi-cultural education in El Paso County.
Methods
We reviewed several evidence-based obesity prevent and/or HEAL promotion curricula. We selected content that was common to all curricula and available in both Spanish and English. Based on feedback from stakeholders, we created a 5-session program menu that was available in-person or online. An evaluation study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the program content. Outcomes were obesity (Body Mass Index), nutrition, and physical activity engagement. Data was collected on 300 participants at baseline, 6 months and 12 months.
Results
More than 5,000 El Pasoans attended 1-5 sessions. The most frequent number of sessions was 2-3. There was little difference in the program delivery language (English vs. Spanish), as the majority of El Paso residents are fully bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish fluently. Locations for session delivery included schools, senior centers, recreation centers, employers, churches, community centers, and clinics. Participants demonstrated a sustained increase in physical activity engagement even at 12 months after program attendance. Those most likely to reach and maintain physical activity recommendations were older, Spanish-speaking and immigrant. Nutritional changes were most notable for fruits, vegetables and healthier dairy options (e.g. lower fat content). Perceived long-term health benefit was the best predictor of change between baseline and 6-months.
Conclusion
Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer demonstrates effectiveness in sustained HEAL behavioral changes among participants in El Paso County. This evidence provides promise for dissemination and scalability to other similar border contexts.