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Huesos Fuertes, Familia Saludable (Strong Bones, Healthy Family): California Bone Health Campaign

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

The California Bone Health Campaign (CBHC) targets pre-menopausal, Food Stamp-eligible mothers and their families. Mexican-American adult females are approximately 200-300 milligrams short of the Dietary Reference Intake for calcium - equivalent to one 8-ounce glass of milk. The prevalence of osteoporosis among this population is 16%. The CBHC uses social marketing and peer education to increase calcium consumption. Social marketing includes publicized community events, retail food demonstrations, and radio commercials. Trained community health workers (promotoras) lead classes covering bone health, osteoporosis sources of calcium and physical activity to educate Latino women and their families.

Goal / Mission

The goal of the CBHC is to increase the consumption of 1% (low-fat) milk in order to prevent osteoporosis among low-income Latino mothers.

Results / Accomplishments

Results from the evaluation of the project demonstrate that the intervention groups who participated in both the social marketing campaign and peer education classes significantly increased their milk consumption post-intervention (mean increase of 0.87 glasses of milk per day, p=0.00). Women subjected to the social marketing campaign alone did not significantly increase milk consumption (mean increase of 0.06 glasses of milk per day, p=0.32). There was a significant difference in the distribution of the type of milk consumed in both groups; the consumption of 1% low-fat milk increased and whole milk consumption decreased throughout the intervention years. Overall, the evaluation of the project demonstrated that the two-strategy approach of social marketing and peer education classes is effective in meeting the goal of increasing 1% milk consumption among a group at high-risk for osteoporosis.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
California Project LEAN (Leaders Encouraging Activity and Nutrition)
Primary Contact
California Project LEAN

California Department of Public Health

P.O. Box 997377, MS 7211

Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
(916) 552-9907

michelle.whitish@cdph.ca.gov
http://www.californiaprojectlean.org/
Topics
Health / Physical Activity
Health / Women's Health
Health / Other Conditions
Organization(s)
California Project LEAN (Leaders Encouraging Activity and Nutrition)
Source

California Department of Public Health

Date of publication
2006
Date of implementation
2000
Location
California
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Women, Families, Racial/Ethnic Minorities
Additional Audience
Latino mothers
Miami-Dade Matters