Formative Research to Develop Theory Based Healthy Eating Interventions for Hispanics

A diet high in fruits and vegetables (F&Vs) is associated with decreased risk for certain chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Despite benefits of eating F&Vs, many Americans do not meet the Healthy People 2010 guidelines of consuming 5-9 servings of F&V a day. Hispanics, in particular, have a low F&V consumption rate amongst other ethnic groups. Interventions targeting Hispanic parents have potential to impact the eating habits of the family, especially through interventions guided by theoretical frameworks. In this study, we describe the formative research process used in creating an evidenced-based healthy eating intervention for Spanish speaking Hispanic women living in the state of Washington.  First, we describe a planning model, the PRECEDE/PROCEED model. This model was used to conduct assessment of key areas that can impact healthy eating habits in an individual at multiple phases. Including social (phase 1), epidemiological (phase 2), behavioral and environmental (phase 3), educational and ecological (phase 4), and administrative and policy (Phase 5). Second, we describe how the assessment aided in identifying and prioritizing factors that were important and likely to change among Hispanic women .Finally, we describe the healthy eating program components that were developed to address the selected factors focusing on improving knowledge of healthy eating. The delivery was via newsletters, enhancing positive values on healthy eating through nutrition seminars, skill building through cooking demonstrations, and improving the social environment through social support. Interventions based on planning models show promise to impact healthy eating habits of Hispanic families.