Abstract 1036: Gender differences in recruitment, retention, and preliminary outcomes in a nutrition education program for Latino families
Authors: Melissa Gaviria, Bharat Narang, Ashley M. Rodriguez, Jessica Llamozas, Frankie J. Gonzalez, Robert Payano, Jocelyn Galindo Viayra, Luis E. Banegas Ruiz, Alexandra Burgos, Josana Tonda, Vanessa Lucero Cruz, Francesca Gany, Jennifer Leng
Journal: Cancer Research (2025)

Abstract Background/Objective: Latinos experience a disproportionately high prevalence of obesity and its associated increased risks for cardiovascular disease and certain cancers compared to non-Hispanic whites. Family-centered lifestyle interventions must engage both men and women to increase nutrition knowledge, better distribute care responsibilities, and increase support for parents and caregivers in Latino communities. This study assesses gender differences in recruitment, retention, and preliminary outcomes in Family COMIDA, a pilot community-engaged culturally and linguistically tailored nutrition education program for Latino families. Methods: Outreach for participation in Family COMIDA was conducted among Latino adults visiting the New York City Mexican Consulate’s ‘Ventanillas de Salud’ (Health Windows) program. Eligible adults were Spanish-speaking, overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), and were the primary caregivers for at least 1 child &amp;lt; 18. Participants received written and digital educational materials. We measured weight and administered the California Health Interview Survey (to assess self-reported dietary behaviors) at baseline and 3 months. We assessed gender differences in recruitment (eligible individuals who consented to participate); retention (participants who completed the 3-month follow-up); and preliminary outcomes (changes in weight and self-reported dietary behaviors). Results: A total of 76 individuals were interested in participation, among whom 74 completed the eligibility screener (77% women, 23% men). Among them, 65 were eligible, and 51 enrolled (80% (41/51) of women and 71% (10/14) of men). Mean age was 44 (SD 7.3), and 51% had a primary school education or less. 80% of men and 37% of women were employed. At month 3, the retention rate was 98% for women and 60% for men. Mean weight loss among men was 6.1 lbs (SD 6.3), and 5.4 lbs (SD 5.9) among women. Men showed greater improvements in dietary behaviors in many categories, including fruit (+28% men, +15% women), ice cream (-12% men, -8% women), and fried food (-59% men, -35% women) consumption. Conclusion: Recruitment rates were similar for men and women, with men demonstrating greater weight loss and more substantial dietary behavior improvements in several categories. However, fewer men completed the eligibility screener, and retention rates were lower for men, suggesting barriers to male participation. To address barriers to recruitment and retention of Latino men, outreach efforts should include tailoring to Latino men (e.g., scheduling health promotion/outreach events specifically for fathers, adjusting recruitment hours to after-work and weekends to accommodate job demands), and partnering with Hispanic-serving faith- and community-based organizations to highlight the value of participation to Latino men and encourage engagement with all family members. Citation Format: Melissa Gaviria, Bharat Narang, Ashley M. Rodriguez, Jessica Llamozas, Frankie J. Gonzalez, Robert Payano, Jocelyn Galindo Viayra, Luis E. Banegas Ruiz, Alexandra Burgos, Josana Tonda, Vanessa Lucero Cruz, Francesca Gany, Jennifer Leng. Gender differences in recruitment, retention, and preliminary outcomes in a nutrition education program for Latino families [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 1036.