Predictors of Dietary Change in Mexican American Families Participating in a Health Behavior Change Program

Previous research indicates that Mexican Americans have dietary patterns related to cardiovascular disease risk factors. Research on health beliefs in this ethnic group suggests that Mexican Americans may be less amenable to interventions based on cognitive-behavioral change models. Our study derives from the experience in a community trial, the San Diego Family Health Project, in which Mexican American families were recruited for a structured heart health intervention program. We examined correlations between one-year dietary change scores (three-day sodium, three-day fat, 24-hour sodium, 24-hour fat) and a set of predictor variables derived from social learning theory. Both adults and children had lower intake scores after the intervention, except for children’s 24-hour sodium scores. Our correlational analysis found only weak and somewhat inconsistent relationships between theoretically based predictor and outcome variables for adults. The children’s results showed statistically significant correlations between two theoretical variables (self-efficacy and supporting others’ dietary change) and three-day fat and 24-hour sodium intake. We discuss the implications for cardiovascular disease risk reduction interventions with Mexican Americans.