Confronting the Diabetes Disparity: A Look at Diabetes, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Programs in the Lower Rio Grande Valley

Rebecca Anne Wehrly, Nelda Mier, Marcia G. Ory, John Prochaska, Kerrie Hora, Monica Wendel, Julie St John

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)394-399
Number of pages6
JournalHealth promotion practice
Volume11
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Texas-Mexico border
  • best practice
  • community assessment
  • diabetes
  • disparities
  • evidence-based program

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Nursing (miscellaneous)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Confronting the Diabetes Disparity: A Look at Diabetes, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Programs in the Lower Rio Grande Valley'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this