Abstract
Background: The mortality rate for African Americans living in Washington DC is 2.5 times higher than that for Caucasians suffering from the same morbidity. To promote healthy and sustainable eating patterns associated with disease prevention, this project explores heritage models as change agents in the traditional notion of healthy diets. The purpose of this study is to evaluate participant affinity to a non-traditional nutrition intervention among seniors with African descent. Methods: We implemented the Black Wellness Matters-Nutrition Series (BWM-NS), a heritage-based curriculum promoting nutrition messages through poems, storytelling, games, skits, music, and narrative problem-solving scenarios. Thirty-five seniors from two senior-serving organizations participated in interactive virtual and hybrid sessions. We evaluated participant feedback through a process evaluation with 5-point Likert-type-scale and open-ended items. Results: Seventeen participants completed the sessions and feedback surveys. Of these, 94%-100% reported that content information was clear and motivational with respect to eating healthier. Qualitative feedback included appreciation for historical content and enjoyment of the creative arts/storytelling. The virtual-only hybrid participants experienced technical issues. In-person participants had a 100% response rate on the process evaluation. Conclusion: The BWM-NS resonated with participants and fostered motivation for healthy behaviors. Challenges included technological glitches and limited survey responses among virtual participants. Non-traditional interventions with storytelling and cultural relevance offer potential promise in addressing health inequities among seniors with African descent. Federal nutrition policy should include culturally adaptive tools to promote healthy eating patterns, and future research should explore broader populations and leverage emerging technologies for effective program delivery and measuring health outcomes.