Outcomes from a Multiple Risk Factor Diabetes Self-Management Trial for Latinas: ¡Viva Bien!

BACKGROUND: Culturally appropriate interventions are needed to assist Latinas in making multiple healthful lifestyle changes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test a cultural adaptation of a successful multiple health behavior change program, ¡Viva Bien! METHODS: Random assignment of 280 Latinas with type 2 diabetes to usual care only or to usual care + ¡Viva Bien!, which included group meetings for building skills to promote the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, stress management, supportive resources, and smoking cessation. RESULTS: ¡Viva Bien! participants compared to usual care significantly improved psychosocial and behavioral outcomes (fat intake, stress management practice, physical activity, and social-environmental support) at 6 months, and some improvements were maintained at 12 months. Biological improvements included hemoglobin A1c and heart disease risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The ¡Viva Bien! multiple lifestyle behavior program was effective in improving psychosocial, behavioral, and biological/quality of life outcomes related to heart health for Latinas with type 2 diabetes.