Using a cultural framework to assess the nutrition influences in relation to birth outcomes among African American women of childbearing age: application of the PEN-3 theoretical model.

The purpose is to present the process and results of focus groups conducted to access information for the design of a healthy eating curriculum to reduce maternal nutritional risks and enhance protective factors among African American women in relation to birth outcomes. Sixteen younger (19 to 25 years) and 20 older African American women (45 to 60 years), respectively, participated. The PEN-3 model, (Airhihenbuwa, 1995, 1999) guided the focus groups. Most women stated that culture and family relationships impacted their food choices. Younger women expressed creativity with recipes and presented a desire to be more involved with preparing foods. Older women expressed eagerness to teach family-centered culinary skill-building classes. Both groups of women acknowledged time and budget barriers, identified the prevalence of lactose intolerance, and recognized that large grocery stores that offered food variety were not located in their community. Health professionals are encouraged to consider these findings while designing interventions targeting young African American women's nutrition in relation to birth outcomes.

Teaching cultural competence to reduce health disparities.

As part of the Genesee County, Michigan, REACH 2010 initiative, a new course, Cultural Competence in Health Care, was developed at the University of Michigan-Flint. The objective of this course is to improve the cultural competence of future health and human service providers and to reduce persistent racial and ethnic health disparities. This article describes the course and the important role that REACH 2010 partners played in its development and implementation. Course materials, methods, and student feedback are summarized, along with lessons learned.