Stroke and heart disease prevention education via telenovela: a focus group's evaluation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a telenovela, "La Familia Nutritiva y Balanceada," for cultural context and its efficacy as an educational tool to promote positive health behaviors in Latino families.
METHOD: Ethnography was employed to interpret cultural health behaviors of 12 Latinas through a focus group after viewing the telenovela, a culturally accepted form of entertainment education.
RESULTS: Analysis of the transcribed interview revealed three recurrent themes: Not all fat is bad; add fruits and vegetables daily to diet; and children need to be involved. The group purported that the inclusion of children in the marketing and preparation of the food would translate into better food habits. DISCUSSION: Participants demonstrated basic knowledge between food and health, and acknowledged that they gained an appreciation for good fat in the diet. The group related the telenovela would be a good tool for clinics, health fairs, and schools.
CONCLUSION: Latinos are at high risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Health education messages need to incorporate cultural norms into an intervention that supports a behavior change, such as improved nutrition. Studies support that Latinos connect to media, such as telenovela and interpersonal communication, which make these appropriate choices for health education tools.