Health Program Transforms Lives of Rural Latino Families

A study led by the University of California, Riverside has revealed significant improvements in diet, physical activity, and chronic disease management among rural Latino families participating in the community-based health program, ¡Coma, Muévase y Viva! (“Eat, Move, and Live!”). This initiative, developed in collaboration with City of Hope, specifically targets low-income, rural Latinas through culturally relevant interventions delivered by trained community health workers known as “promotoras.”

The program serves as a model for addressing chronic disease disparities in underserved areas. According to Ann Cheney, a professor of social medicine, population, and public health at UC Riverside, and the senior author of the study published in BMC Public Health, “Our findings show that programs like ¡Coma, Muévase y Viva! can improve quality of life for underserved rural Latino populations.” The involvement of promotoras in the research process ensured that the program resonated with participants’ daily lives.

Latinos represent the largest rural minority in the United States, facing significant challenges in accessing healthy food, safe exercise environments, and health education in Spanish. These barriers contribute to high obesity and diabetes rates in these communities. The ¡Coma, Muévase y Viva! program focuses on Latino immigrants in California’s Eastern Coachella Valley, where diabetes prevalence is among the highest in the state.

Program Structure and Community Impact

The 10-week virtual program, offered in Spanish with Purépecha translation, integrates health education, cooking demonstrations, and exercise. Weekly sessions addressed topics such as diabetes, nutrition, and cholesterol, featuring affordable recipes that reflect cultural preferences and group workouts set to energetic Spanish music.

In late 2022, Cheney’s research team conducted focus groups with 20 low-income, Spanish-speaking Latina women to assess the program’s effectiveness. Participants reported enhanced understanding of diet and exercise, leading to healthier habits, including increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, reduced intake of sugary beverages, and more physical activity. Many noted weight loss, greater energy levels, and improved confidence in managing diabetes and obesity.

The benefits of the program extended beyond individual participants. Many women shared their newfound knowledge with family members, fostering healthier eating and activity patterns at home. Cheney highlighted that using WhatsApp and culturally relevant materials helped establish trust and engagement within the community, which played a crucial role in the program’s success.

Cultural Relevance in Public Health

Jacqueline Moreira, a program coordinator for research studies in the UC Riverside Department of Social Medicine, Population, and Public Health, and the first author of the research paper, emphasized that “Programs like ¡Coma, Muévase y Viva! show that when communities lead the way, health education becomes more effective and empowering.” This collaboration is essential for supporting healthy behavior changes and enhancing community capacity to tackle health inequities.

Cheney asserted that the study underscores the significance of culturally responsive public health initiatives, particularly for populations experiencing language, economic, and geographic barriers to healthcare access. “By integrating local voices, cultural food traditions, and community networks, ¡Coma, Muévase y Viva! provides a model for delivering accessible, relevant, and sustainable health education in underserved communities,” she stated.

The findings from this community-driven health program illustrate the potential for tailored initiatives to create lasting positive impacts on public health, ultimately contributing to a healthier future for rural Latino families.