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Dubach Health Outreach Project
| Topics |
Health promotion and disease prevention
Obesity
Wellness
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| States served |
Louisiana
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| Description |
The purpose of this health outreach project was to access a multidisciplinary community-based
intervention to combat obesity and related chronic diseases in Dubach and the neighboring communities
through preventive services and health education aimed at lifestyle related behavioral changes. |
| Services offered |
A total of 639 individuals were screened for obesity, blood sugar, hypertension, and cholesterol,
dietary and physical activity habits and were provided with one-on-one counseling based on their
screening results at baseline. A total of 474 individuals were provided with follow-up screening every six
months for the duration of the project. Participants with at risk values were encouraged to see their
doctors. Recommendations for behavior changes to modify the values were discussed. Approximately,
100 of those screened are participating in small group exercise programs. A total of 10 Community
Health Mentors were trained to lead the exercise groups.
The project was well recognized by the local papers and made headlines several times. The project
director was recognized by the President of the University for the Successful Implementation of the
project in the community and providing service learning opportunities to the students. The project
director was awarded the Scholarly Activity Award for the year 2006 as a result of the project
implementation and results. |
| Results |
An external project evaluator was contracted to assess the program using both structural and nonstructural
evaluation instruments. The evaluation instruments were developed to examine the program in
the following major areas:
- decrease in overall fat and added sugar consumption
- increased frequency and duration of physical activity
- increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- normal cholesterol and blood glucose levels among the participants
- increase in number of participants taking control of their health by adhering to medical prescriptions and accessing available services
Food frequent questionnaires, Physical activity questionnaires and the blood work data were used to
collect data before and after training. Intervention goals and objectives were evaluated to assess the
knowledge gained and the behavior change or modification made. The following national and
international presentations were given using data from the project. |
| Replication |
Absolutely yes, if rural low income and low literacy population will be reached with health services,
this model provides the gateway. Working with the community and addressing their concerns, removes
barriers to participation and builds trust. Counseling people on one on one basis at the most teachable
moment as they see and understand their results fosters behavior change. Training and equipping
recognized and trusted leaders with accurate health information and developing groups in established organizations in the community provides both multiplication effect and sustains the project impact.
Preliminary results of this project indicated that this model is a best practice and it works. Thank you for
funding this project. I would be willing to provide workshops to train people in this model or answer any
questions. It worked!
Most important aspect of the program will be sustained. For example the exercise groups are still in
progress. The mentors have resources to continue teaching about a healthy lifestyle. Most churches
included health aspect as part of their activities in church and identified a budget for it. |
| Source |
Outreach Sourcebook, Vol. 13, 2005-2008, Office of Rural Health Policy
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| Contact person |
Mary Murimi, Ph.D., RD, LDN
Associate Professor
Louisiana Tech University
P.O. Box 3168
Ruston, Louisiana 71272
Phone: 318-257-3026
E-mail: murimi@latech.edu |
| Date added |
January 16, 2007 |
Summaries of success stories are provided by RAC for your convenience. Please contact the success story contact person directly for the most complete and current information.
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