Claim More™: Empowering African American Women to Make Healthy Choices. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tkatch, Rifky; Musich, Shirley; Draklellis, Jennifer; Hetzel, Marla; Banks, Jo; Dugan, Jessica; Thompson, Kaylene; Hawkins, Kevin
• Is Part Of: Journal of holistic nursing. Volume 36:Number 1(2018:Mar.)
• Page Start: 91
• Page End: 100
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: health behavior -- faith-based programs -- community engagement -- health disparities; Holistic nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Periodicals; Médecine holistique; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1177/0898010117691167
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0898-0101

Abstract

Diabetes is a serious issue for African American women. The purpose of this project was to develop and test the feasibility of a culturally appropriate and faith-based healthy eating program for African American women at risk for developing diabetes. At total of 30 women from two churches completed a 12-week, faith-based program using a community-based approach with lay health educators in the church setting. Participants set healthy eating goals, attended weekly education classes, and received daily text messaging reminders related to their goals. Outcomes included high levels of social support, frequent engagement with the program, and improved healthy eating. This program demonstrated the ability to target African American women at risk for diabetes and engage them in a health-related program.