Bio-Impedance Analysis Measures in a Rural Latina Community

Obesity is an ever-growing epidemic that is accompanied by numerous comorbidities and exorbitant health care expenditures. The rural community in which this minority population was studied has the 7 th fattest population in the United States and is approximately 40% Hispanic 1 . In order to focus on interventions, bio-impedance analysis (BIA) was completed on a segment of the population as part of a community health assessment used in the Public Health Nursing Model. Forty-nine Latina women ages 20-80, attending a Latina Red Dress Event that targeted Heart Health of Latina women, were consented and measured for body composition on a bio-impedance analyzer. The items measured were BMI, body fat percentage, weight, height, body fat mass, fat free mass, visceral fat rating, body water percentage, body water mass, muscle mass, bone mass, basal metabolic rate, and metabolic age. Correlations and frequencies were analyzed for the variable data. State statistics indicate that approximately 60% of the population in this area is overweight or obese. The study findings show the rate is much higher in this segment of the population. Obesity is an ever-growing epidemic that is accompanied by numerous comorbidities and exorbitant health care expenditures. Rural areas in this country have higher rates of obesity than those of urban areas. Mexican Americans are at a higher risk for overweight and obesity and its comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, joint disorders, psychological disorders, hyperlipidemia, cancers and asthma (1). This study was conducted in a rural mid-western area that has approximately 40% Mexican-American (2). The rural community where the study took place has the 7 th highest occurrence of obesity in the United States (3). In order to focus on obesity prevention interventions for this Hispanic population, bio-impedance analysis (BIA) was completed on a cohort of Hispanic mothers and abuelas (respected grandmothers) who attended a community health event. Hispanic mothers and abuelas were selected for this community health assessment. Significant relationships have been found between obese mothers and the risk for obesity in their children. The mothers and abuelas are also the primary caregivers who determine child feeding behaviors. The Public Health Nursing Model was used to guide the study design. Data from this study will be used to determine the need and direction for a future Hispanic abuela/mother intervention that will encourage healthy child feeding behaviors including limiting low nutrient carbohydrate intake and increasing body water. The overall objective is to help mothers eat, and drink healthier and feed their children in a similar manner to help prevent obesity in themselves and their children.