Abstract
Problem Significance: Adolescents who are part of a minority group including Hispanic/Latinos have higher chances of developing diabetes than their white counterparts. Adolescent behavior affects the health behaviors they develop when transitioning into adulthood. Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in Sacramento County and has similar diabetes prevalence rates when compared nationally. Early intervention is key to reducing the incidence of type 2 diabetes in the county.
Analysis and Objectives: Quantitative and qualitative data informed the determinants associated with the risk of Hispanic/Latino adolescents getting type 2 diabetes, including diet, physical activity, attitudes, and media and advertisement. The Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) guides the individual, intrapersonal, community, and societal levels influencing the adolescent prevalence of diabetes. Parental influence is a key to adolescent health outcomes.
Intervention (Solution) Proposal: Hidratación Saludable is a multi-lesson health education unit that aims to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in Hispanic/Latino adolescents in Sacramento County. The target audience are parents of adolescents, and the beneficiaries are adolescents. The objectives are to increase the understanding of sugar and its association with diabetes, for participants to encourage family members to reduce sugar intake, and to reduce the purchase of sugar-sweetened beverages.
Recommendations and Conclusions: To increase parent attendance, it is important to promote the intervention in English and Spanish and offer incentives for attendance such as childcare and healthy snacks. Promoting the monetary incentive for attending all lessons will encourage and motivate parents to join Hidratación Saludable.