Health Promotion Practice, Ahead of Print.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of the 8-week, community health worker (CHW)–led La Vida Buena childhood obesity program among Latino children 5 to 8 years old in a rural county along the U.S.-Mexico border.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study used a community-based participatory research approach to compare the effectiveness of the La Vida Buena (The Good Life) curriculum as compared with a single educational session. We took anthropomorphic measures and administered parent-reported nutrition and physical activity surveys at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. The study took place between 2017 and 2020 in Santa Cruz County, Arizona.ResultsChange in body mass index (BMI) z-score was negligible for both groups. The parent-reported behavior indicated a shift toward healthier family behaviors and environment in the intervention group.Implications for PracticeThis study adds to the growing literature of CHW-led childhood obesity interventions. The engagement of the CHWs in all aspects of the intervention helped to facilitate important behavior changes. Future interventions should emphasize health and wellness rather than BMI z-score and include community, socioeconomic, and systems-level interventions to promote healthy environments.