Cancer
Prevention with Vietnamese Americans In California University
of California Berkeley, Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology According
to the US Census Bureau, Vietnamese Americans are one of the fastest growing American
Asian Pacific Islander (AAPI) groups in the United States. From 1990 to 2000,
the Vietnamese population in the United States grew by 83% (614,547 to 1,122,528),
and are expected to reach 4 million by 2030 (US Census Bureau 2000). This population
has encountered significant social challenges since their immigration to the United
States. Compared with other AAPI groups, the Vietnamese have lower socio-economic
status and many have difficulty with the English language. Culturally, many Vietnamese
rely on traditional beliefs about health and medicine. Social isolation is also
a major problem in Vietnamese-American communities. Low reading levels and limited
access to culturally and literacy-appropriate education materials may contribute
to inadequate dietary intake. In this project, we propose an approach that promotes
networking and social support among community members. This project focuses
on establishing and supporting nutrition education through home-based neighborhood
gatherings. The goal of this project was to develop a culturally sensitive and
relevant nutrition education program for Vietnamese immigrants for the purpose
of reducing their risk of developing cancer by: - increasing the number of
servings of fruit and vegetable consumption - decreasing calories intake from
saturated/ animal fat, and - reinforcing traditional food practices which promote
a diet low in fat and high complex carbohydrates and fiber.
Funded
by the California Cancer Research Program (CCRP grant # 99-86878) and matching
funds from the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP), this three year
project contains five major components: " Focus groups " Educational
material development " Paraprofessional training " Nutrition education
" Program evaluation Since
January 2002, a minimum of 50 intervention participant who are low-income Vietnamese
Americans aged 18 and above in each of the 4 counties (Sacramento, San Francisco,
Santa Clara, and Orange counties) were reached each year for the two year data
collection period. Each county recruits a minimum of 50 control group participants
per year. The
program is in its second year of data collection. Outcome assessments will be
evaluated after September, 2003. Reports from Nutrition Education Assistants teaching
the lessons indicate the program is being well received by the community. Many
are excited about the education materials they received and the information they
are learning. In some counties, there is already a waiting list to join the program.
Results of the study will be released in February 2004.
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