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The BRFSS Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Module, either included as an Optional Module or as State-Added Questions, can be used to monitor consumption of SSBs at the state level. The purpose of this guidance document is to provide a rationale for assessing SSB intake and to increase the capacity of data analysts to use the SSB Module.

Description Entre Familia Reflejos de Salud was a successful family-based randomized controlled trial designed to improve dietary behaviors and intake among U.S. Latino families, specifically fruit and vegetable intake. The novel intervention design merged a community health worker (promotora) model with an entertainment-education component. This process evaluation examined intervention implementation and assessed relationships between implementation factors and dietary change. Participants included 180 mothers randomized to an intervention condition. Process evaluation measures were obtained from participant interviews and promotora notes and included fidelity, dose delivered (i.e., minutes of promotora in-person contact with families, number of promotora home visits), and dose received (i.e., participant use of and satisfaction with intervention materials). Outcome variables included changes in vegetable intake and the use of behavioral strategies to increase dietary fiber and decrease dietary fat intake. Participant satisfaction was high, and fidelity was achieved; 87.5% of families received the planned number of promotora home visits. In the multivariable model, satisfaction with intervention materials predicted more frequent use of strategies to increase dietary fiber (p = .01). Trends suggested that keeping families in the prescribed intervention timeline and obtaining support from other social network members through sharing of program materials may improve changes. Study findings elucidate the relationship between specific intervention processes and dietary changes.

Although African American families are at particular riskfor obesity and its associated health comorbidities, fewinterventions have directly targeted low-income membersof this group living in subsidized public housing. Using a consensual qualitative research approach, we conducted11 interviews with African American mothers living intwo public housing communities to enhance understandingof their perceived barriers and facilitators to health.Five primary domains emerged, including barriers(access, financial, personal, and neighborhood concerns),resources (personal and community), current behaviors(diet, physical activity, and program participation), definition of health (mental well-being, physical well-being, and health behaviors), and needs/interests in programming (health behavior-specific programs, non–health related programs, child-focused programming, and qualities of programs and their leaders). Results demonstrate the complex interaction among social, environmental, and personal factors on health behaviors for this priority population, and highlight the need for community members’ involvement in the development of community- based obesity prevention programming.

The AARP Public Policy Institute is developing a web-based tool, the Livability Index that will incorporate mapping technology, preference survey results, quantitative measures and public policies to assess the livability of communities. The tool will use nationally available data to measure several essential attributes of livability, engage stakeholders, and draw attention to livability issues specific to the wants and needs of older adults.

Despite the existence of considerable economic resources and technological advances in health care to prolong life, not all U.S. residents have the same opportunity to achieve a state of health as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Health disparities are differences in health outcomes between groups that reflect social inequalities.1 The ability to achieve and maintain the best health possible depends upon a group’s demographic composition, where they live, and available resources.