Tribal mothers’ perspectives of the fit-teen diabetes prevention program

This research project was designed to gain the perspectives of Native American Tribal mothers of the Fit-Teen Diabetes Prevention Program initiated in 2007 in a rural Northern California reservation community. The Fit-Teen Program classroom curriculum was developed by the UC Davis Children's Hospital and adapted for a Native American population. The Fit-Teen Program addresses physical activity, emotional well-being, and nutritional awareness. These areas were addressed through the development of several community programs in which teens and their families could participate (e.g., Bike Wednesday, Cultural Crafting, Community Cooking Classes and a Fit-Families Subsidized CSA [Community-Supported Agriculture]). Selected participants were interviewed to identify their perceptions of the overall program and the degree to which it influenced or changed their behavior in terms of physical activity, emotional well-being, and nutrition/diet. Potential participants were selected from a group of parents/grandparents who participated in the Fit-Teen Program and who had a child or grandchild who participated during 2007-2009. This research included interviews of eight voluntary adult participants.