Long, Lee AnnBaccus, Jesse2024-04-192024-04-192024-04-17http://hdl.handle.net/10342/13356Two-thirds of the adults in the United States (US) are overweight or obese, which can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Jarvis, 2019). More than one in ten adults currently has diabetes, almost 50% of the US population has prediabetes, and it is estimated that another 8.5 million adults have diabetes but are undiagnosed (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). This is a concern for the US population and healthcare system, as diabetes can lead to further complications such as stroke, neuropathy, renal disease, and peripheral vascular disease (Jarvis, 2019). The Hispanic population has now become the largest minority group in the US, comprising 18% of the US population, or 59.9 million people (Leng et al., 2022). The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in the US is higher in the Hispanic population at 12.5%, as compared to non-Hispanic blacks at 11.7% and non-Hispanic whites at 7.5% (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2020). Hispanics are also being newly diagnosed with diabetes at higher rates, 9.7 per 1,000 persons, when compared to non-Hispanic blacks, at 8.2 per 1,000 persons, or non-Hispanic whites at 5.0 per 1,000 persons. Diabetes places a massive financial burden of $327 billion annually on our society, according to conservative estimates (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2020). Research indicates that when recognized, insulin resistance found in diabetes and pre-diabetes can be reversed with simple lifestyle modifications such as proper diet and exercise (van Ommen et al., 2018). The purpose of this project was to help Hispanic patients implement these types of lifestyle changes using the Med-South Lifestyle Program. The in-person classes and written curriculum were offered in both Spanish and English to help decrease any language barrier. When discussing with providers and key leaders at the partner organization, it was apparent that education for the Hispanic patient population was lacking and that increased health education could improve patient health outcomes. Spanish-speaking patients had not had the option to take part in lifestyle modification groups such as the Diabetes Prevention Program or Med-South Lifestyle Program due to a lack of involvement from Spanish interpreters (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023; Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, n.d.). Therefore, offering the Med-South Lifestyle Program in Spanish was an identified opportunity for improvement within the organization. Spanish-speaking patients face even more challenges in their health due to the language barrier, a lack of educational opportunities, transportation, lack of insurance, and long work hours. The partner organization has been aware of many of these challenges faced by the Hispanic population, and the organization offers seasonal outreach events throughout the year. However, health education takes time and effort, and many of these patients have admitted feeling powerless after receiving a diagnosis of a chronic illness that they do not understand, even when providers use an interpreter. Tackling the chronic disease epidemic of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes requires a targeted educational approach that the Med-South Lifestyle Program can provide. It was identified that Hispanic patients within the partner organization would benefit from a health education program in their native language to empower them and increase their understanding of how to fight chronic conditions. This lifestyle intervention DNP project aimed to decrease incidences of obesity and improve hypertension and diabetes in the Hispanic population. For Spanish-speaking patients to have a chance to combat diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses, they need bilingual health educators to help guide them on their wellness journey. Health educators can guide patients in creating personally developed action steps with realistic health goals. This project aimed to provide classes to Spanish-speaking patients following the Med-South Lifestyle Intervention Program curriculum. The project topic of interest was to decrease incidences of obesity and to improve hypertension and diabetes in the Hispanic population.en-USobesity, BMI, weight, blood pressure, diet, lifestyle, exercise, Hispanic, Hispanics, Spanish-speakingDNP Scholarly Project