Community Intervention to Promote Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables, Smoke-free Homes, and Physical Activity Among Home Caregivers in Bogotá, Colombia

INTRODUCTION: We conducted a pilot study to develop and assess the effectiveness of three interventions to promote consumption of fruits and vegetables, promote physical activity, and negotiate smoke-free homes among home caregivers in Bogotá, Colombia. Colombian home caregivers were defined as women who take care of minors in their local communities regardless of kinship or family ties. METHODS: A nonrandomized community intervention was conducted in low socioeconomic status neighborhoods in Bogotá. Ninety-seven women aged 18 to 60 years participated in one of three groups. In groups A and B, women received the following components: information and communication about healthy behaviors (with group A receiving additional activities); education about developing decision-making skills; and social support from family members and others. In group C, women received only the information and communication component received by group B. The main outcomes (measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention at 5 months, and at 7 months) included self-reported consumption of fruits and vegetables, whether there was an agreement form signed by family members to refrain from smoking inside the home, and self-reported level of physical activity. RESULTS: No differences were found between intervention groups. Regardless of the intervention, there was an increase in the proportion of women who reported consuming juices made from fruit (from 51.5% at baseline to 80.9% at 7 months, P <.001), an increase in the proportion of women who reported daily consumption of vegetables or salad (from 44.1% at baseline to 64.7% at 7 months, P < .001), and an increase in the proportion of homes with an agreement that forbids in-home smoking (from 27.9% at baseline to 44.1% at 7 months, P = .04). There was no significant difference in levels of physical activity from baseline to postintervention. CONCLUSION: Home caregivers may be responsive to community interventions associated with the promotion of healthy diet and agreements with family members who smoke to refrain from smoking in the home.