Evidence-based intervention program for reducing obesity among African-American women in Southern California.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of group motivational education and empowerment program using evidence-based approaches for obesity and weight loss management for African-American Women. DESIGN: This study employed a quasi-experimental time series design based on the theoretical frameworks of the Empowerment and Health Belief models. SAMPLE: Twenty-eight African-American Women were recruited into culturally appropriate and responsive weight-loss management program. MEASUREMENTS: The weight management programs consisted of nutrition education, physical activities, and focus-group sessions. Measurements included analysis of blood samples for cholesterol, waistline, body mass index, and exercise time. Statistical analysis compared program outcomes at baseline and 3-month intervals for 1 year. INTERVENTION: Participants were educated on healthy food choices and physical activities based on National Institutes of Health's food guidelines. RESULTS: The results showed that 90% of participants lost 20 pounds or more and 82% had 6 inches or more waist circumference reductions. Additionally, cholesterol reductions and improved nutrition knowledge and exercises were significant. CONCLUSIONS: We developed an evidence-based and culturally appropriate intervention for weight-loss management among African-American women. Acceptance of personal responsibility to modify behaviors, knowledge of good nutrition, and engagement in physical activities were positive and effective health behavioral changes in promoting health and weight-loss management for this population.

Impact of governmental regulations on compliance with MMR immunizations in Northern California.

OBJECTIVE: California's Senate Bill 277 (SB277) was mandated to reduce the prevalence of measles by eliminating personal belief exemptions. This study evaluated seven county-level records to determine the impact of SB277 on immunizations among kindergarteners in Northern California. DESIGN: This study used a quantitative postintervention secondary data analysis. SAMPLE: This study included three kindergarten schools in seven Northern California counties during three academic years from 2015 to 2019. MEASUREMENTS: Sixty-three previously collected school measurements involving 4,626 students were included in a secondary analysis. The study used grouped logistic regression to evaluate the variations in immunization compliance records (2015-16 vs. 2017-18 and 2018-19) among kindergartners in seven counties. RESULTS: This study found no significant differences in (1) overall county-level measures and (2) the likelihood that kindergartners would be current with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR; OR = 1.12, CI = 0.79-1.62) or be up-to-date with five immunizations (OR = 1.08, CI = 0.77-1.52) post-SB277 versus pre-SB277. CONCLUSION: This study showed that SB277 had a small clinical but nonstatistically significant impact on kindergartners' up-to-date with up-to-date rates of compliance with five immunizations and those current with two doses of MMR in seven Northern California counties. Despite the passing of SB277, vaccine-hesitant parents have continued to seek alternatives to immunizations.