“ActuaYa”: A Preliminary Efficacy Study of a Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Intervention for Older Hispanic Women

Chronic diseases (CDs) are increasingly common among the aging population. Some evidence suggests that older Hispanic women ages 50&nbsp;years and older (OHW) are at an increased risk for CDs and poorer outcomes than other groups. This study investigated the preliminary efficacy of ActuaYa, a culturally tailored CD prevention and health promotion intervention for OHW. A prospective, single-group, repeated measures study (<em>n =</em> 50) was conducted in Florida. Clinical measures and surveys were collected at baseline and post-intervention at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Descriptive statistics, paired-sample <em>t-</em>tests, and McNemar tests were used for analysis. At baseline, more than half of the participants had a CD. Post-intervention results showed a significant decrease in participants' MAP, BMI, and A1C, and a significant increase in self-efficacy for exercise and HIV knowledge compared to baseline measures. The results of this study support the preliminary efficacy of ActuaYa in preventing CDs and increasing health promotion among OHW.