Impact of a Culturally Targeted Lifestyle Course on Dietary and Weight Outcomes of Chinese Americans in Texas.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of a culturally targeted lifestyle course on the dietary and weight outcomes of Asian Americans.

Design: This was an observational study of participants for a culturally targeted lifestyle course taught online by a Nutrition Scientist and Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner.

Setting: From 2021 to 2022, 284 participants were recruited through 4 community organizations in Texas and completed the informed consent.

Subjects: 140 Chinese Americans finished 3 surveys before, after, and 6 months after the course.

Measures: Participants' fruit and vegetable consumption was assessed using the questionnaire from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and their physical activities were evaluated by the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire.

Analysis: We conducted repeated measures ANOVA to compare participants' dietary and weight outcomes before, after, and 6 months after the course. Paired t-tests were performed to investigate how the outcomes differed from the baseline.

Results: The participants' weights and BMI values at the 6-month follow-up were significantly lower than the baseline, though the changes were not significant immediately after the course. Rice consumption dropped significantly both after the class and at the 6-month follow-up. Participants also significantly reduced their intake of 100% juice and fried potatoes immediately after the class.

Conclusion: Community-based Participatory Approaches might be used to improve the dietary and weight outcomes of Asian Americans.