Background/Purpose:

Studies show Hispanics/Latinos are significantly impacted by health disparities, with higher rates of obesity & diabetes than Whites. Combined with SLE & higher risk for related health conditions, culturally tailored nutrition & fitness education efforts are warranted. A nutrition & fitness needs assessment was conducted for teens & young adults with SLE & their loved ones who participate in a bilingual hospital-based SLE support & education group. The program reported on a SLE specific nutrition intervention at ACR/ARHP in the past, & for the last 3 years, program evaluation data showed that nutrition was rated one of the top 5 topics.

Methods:

Two 72-item surveys with Likert scale, multiple choice & open-ended questions were conducted for teens/young adults (T/YAs) & parents/caregivers (Ps). Questions covered demographics, food intake, MyPlate food guide & food labels, exercise, & interest in a nutrition/fitness program. Separate analyses were conducted for T/YAs & Ps.

Results:

There were 147 surveys distributed electronically, 31% completed (55% T/YAs & 45% Ps). Over half (59%) were Hispanic, 30% White, 28% some other race, 25% Black/African American, 10% American Indian & 6% Asian. T/YAs mean age was 24 & 85% female. Most T/YAs (65%) were diagnosed < 10 years ago. Top reported lupus symptoms were joint pain (72%), fatigue (64%) & muscle weakness (56%). Top reported lupus medications were plaquenil (84%) & steroids (48%). Most T/YAs (54%) & Ps (90%) reported that their diet was “good,” but shared they would like to eat healthier (88% & 100%). T/YAs (30%) reported drinking ≤ 3 glasses of water a day & 22% reported consuming a sugary beverage daily.

While most T/YAs & Ps heard about MyPlate (87% & 72%), only 25% T/YAs & 46% Ps knew that it had 5 food groups. Ps (94%) reported ↑ desire to learn how to use food labels, while T/YAs (87%) had ↑ confidence in their ability to use food labels.

When asked about exercise, 74% T/YAs & 67% Ps reported that they exercised & 63% indicated that a MD suggested they do physical activity. However, 83% Ps & 61% T/YAs did not feel they were at ideal weight. Most respondents (94% Ps & 80% T/YAs) were interested in learning more about nutrition/exercise, & 88% Ps & 70% T/YAs expressed specific interest in a team nutrition/exercise program.

When asked about nutrition goals, Ps responses included “eating less fast foods” & “learn new ways to cook healthy.” T/YAs focused on “build bone mass due to osteoporosis” & “maintain a good weight.” When asked about fitness goals, Ps desired to exercise regularly & T/YAs indicated a desire to lose weight. When asked about motivation, the top 2 answers for both T/YAs & Ps were group activities (93% & 80%) & a coach/trainer (87% & 86%). Similarly, both groups reported that they would prefer to track their progress by cell phones (100% & 71%) & 52% preferred texting.

Conclusion:

Despite a small sample size, results show that nutrition & fitness are areas of concern for both T/YAs with SLE & Ps, with opportunities to increase nutrition/fitness knowledge & activity. Results reveal that participants were interested in a group-based nutrition/fitness program that is culturally tailored. Next steps are to organize focus groups with participants to discuss specific interventions.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/the-charla-de-lupus-lupus-chat-program-assessing-the-needs-of-teens-and-young-adults-with-lupus-and-their-caregivers-to-develop-a-family-model-nutrition-and-fitness-intervention/