NEEMA: a school-based diabetes risk prevention program designed for African-American children.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct formative assessment and preliminary biological impact of a school-based diabetes risk prevention program for African-American children during a 14-week study. METHODS: NEEMA is a school-based diabetes prevention program tailored for African-American children. The NEEMA is implemented via four social networks-classroom (Health and Physical Education Class), after school (Health Club), home (Family Fun Fair) and school cafeteria (Food Service Program). Formative assessment data were collected through semistructured interviews with physical education (PE) teachers and a pre-to-post design was used to measure biological impact. Fasting capillary glucose, height, weight, body mass index, percent body fat and fitness data were collected from a sample of 58 fourth-grade students. The six elementary schools had > 40% African-American enrollment and were located in low-income neighborhoods. RESULTS: Face-to-face interview data revealed diabetes, obesity and food insufficiency as major health concerns among PE teachers. Teachers also cited large classes and short PE periods as major challenges for implementing the program. From baseline to follow-up, fitness laps increased from 16.40 (SD = 9.98) to 23.72 (SD = 14.79) (p < 0.000), fasting capillary glucose decreased from 89.17 mg/dl (SD = 10.05) to 83.50 mg/dl (SD = 11.26) (p < 0.000), and percent body fat decreased from 27.26 (SD=12.89) to 26.68 (SD = 11.67) (p < 0.537). CONCLUSION: The NEEMA pilot study provided teacher feedback useful for revising the NEEMA health curricula and positive preliminary impact of the NEEMA PE class on children's fitness and blood glucose levels.

Breast cancer survivorship: expressed needs of black women.

Studies have reported that race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, access to care, early diagnosis, quality of care, and spirituality are important prognostic factors for a breast cancer diagnosis. This exploratory study seeks to identify the perceived needs of Black middle-income breast cancer survivors. The Delphi Technique, a qualitative research approach (for deriving cultural consensus), was used to assess needs of 62 Black middle-income socioeconomic position survivors. Survivors' expressed needs were to have (1) affordable, accessible, acceptable, and appropriate medical and support services; (2) a caring and loving family; (3) contacts for information regarding breast cancer symptoms or related health problems; (4) an intimate relationship with God; and (5) adequate resources for self and family care. This pilot study suggests Black breast cancer survivors, regardless of a middle-income socioeconomic position (SEP), experience similar socioecological stressors as low-income SEP survivors.