LUCHAR: Using Computer Technology to Battle Heart Disease Among Latinos.
Leeman-Castillo, Bonnie PhD; Beaty, Brenda MS; Raghunath, Silvia MBA; Steiner, John MD; Bull, Sheana PhD
[Miscellaneous Article]
American Journal of Public Health.
100(2):272-275, February 2010.
(Format: HTML, PDF)
Many promising technology-based programs designed to promote healthy behaviors such as physical activity and healthy eating have not been adapted for use with diverse communities, including Latino communities. We designed a community-based health kiosk program for English- and Spanish-speaking Latinos. Users receive personalized feedback on nutrition, physical activity, and smoking behaviors from computerized role models that guide them in establishing goals in 1 or more of these 3 areas. We found significant improvements in nutrition and physical activity among 245 Latino program users; however, no changes were observed with respect to smoking behaviors. The program shows promise for extending the reach of chronic disease prevention and self-management programs.
Copyright (C) 2010 by the American Public Health Association, Inc.