Workplace Health Saf. 2016 Nov;64(11):543-549. doi: 10.1177/2165079916634712. Epub 2016 Jul 09.
Workplace health & safety
Steven Marks
PMID: 27059994 DOI: 10.1177/2165079916634712
Metabolic syndrome is a continuing problem in the United States, and the Hispanic population is at increased risk of developing complications from this disease process. Many of the workers at a South Jersey yacht-building company are Hispanic, and a culturally sensitive education program was implemented to improve their overall health. Program assessments included the Latino Dietary Behavior Questionnaire (LDBQ), anthropomorphic measurements, and laboratory studies both pre and post intervention. The intervention included a Spanish-language lecture on metabolic syndrome and healthy nutrition, followed by an interactive culturally appropriate cooking demonstration for the participants and their significant others. Program participants showed reductions in body mass index, blood pressure, lipid levels, and hemoglobin A1c, and more knowledge of healthy nutrition as measured by the LDBQ. This finding supports culturally sensitive education programs to improve the health of Hispanic populations.
Keywords: application of evidence; diversity; health education; immigrant; occupational health and safety programs; organizational culture/climate; primary care; research; workforce
