2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this cooperative research project is to evaluate the nutritional health in the Lower Mississippi Delta, to identify nutritionally responsive problems, and to design and evaluate interventions that may be sustained at the community level and implemented on a larger scale in similar areas of the United States. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Developing capacity as necessary, the Lower Mississippi Delta Nutrition Intervention Research Initiative (Delta NIRI) Consortium will identify environmental and community characteristics related to nutritional status; measure dietary intake; assess nutritional risk factors; design, conduct, and evaluate interventions in the Lower Mississippi Delta. Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI) specifically will support community-based participatory research activities in Marvell, AR, and other sites as mutually agreed upon. In addition, ACHRI will support the Delta NIRI through a series of interactions with all investigators involved in the Initiative so that research projects may be carried out in a timely fashion; provide consultation for secondary, tertiary, and ancillary analysis; and ensure that the results of each study are of the highest scientific merit and meet rigorous scientific criteria. ACHRI will also facilitate the publication of research findings. 3.Progress Report Monitoring of cooperator’s performance and adherence to conditions of the agreement was by: a strategic planning session; two site visits (one for data collection and one for technical assistance); quarterly reports consisting of budgetary material, progress towards goals and objectives, and review of publications and manuscripts in progress; community visits to determine progress at research sites and numerous conference calls and emails. Ward-Begnoche, W.L., Robbins, J.M., Weber, J.L., Simpson, P.M., Gossett, J., Bogle, M.L. Health-related quality of life in overweight youth in the Delta. Submitted to Quality of Life Research. 4.Accomplishments Marvell NIRI Walking Club and Sustainability Intervention: The prevalence of obesity in adults in the US continues to increase, and the obesity rates in adults living in the Delta are higher than the national average. Community members of the Marvell NIRI (AR), a research site of the Lower Mississippi Delta NIRI, provided leadership and the coordination of activities for 52 participants enrolled in a physical activity walking intervention. This intervention focused on the positive outcomes of physical activity, including weight loss, reduction of blood pressure, decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and it incorporated successful strategies to increase and maintain physical activity to a minimum of 30 minutes, 5 days a week. Results were presented to Marvell NIRI and awards were presented to all participants who completed at least 6 months, with almost 100% of participants completing the full 12 months. Significant findings were reported for increased minutes spent in moderate physical activity and number of steps walked from baseline to 12 months, and decreases in time spent in sedentary activity. Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute scientists will continue to perform physiologic measures to assist Marvell NIRI in tracking their progress toward reduction in obesity and cardiovascular disease risk factors. (NP 107, Human Nutrition Action Plan 2004-2008: Component 7: Health Promoting Intervention Strategies for Targeted Populations: ARS Strategic Plan Objective 4.l: Promote Healthier Individual Food Choices and Lifestyles and Prevent Obesity: and Performance Measure 4.1.1: Execute and report on two completed Delta NIRI projects) 6.Technology Transfer