Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/3049
Date of Award
6-2025
Degree Name
MS in Nutrition
Department/Program
Food Science and Nutrition
College
College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences
Advisor
Angelos Sikalidis
Advisor Department
Food Science and Nutrition
Advisor College
College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences
Abstract
Hispanic farmworkers are an underserved and understudied population with disproportionately high risk for type II diabetes mellitus, driven by both genetic susceptibility and compounded effects of lifestyle, occupational, and socioeconomic factors.To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess both body composition and biochemical markers over time in male Hispanic farmworkers receiving a culturally tailored nutrition education intervention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in body composition and blood biomarkers across a six-month hybrid intervention that delivered educational materials remotely while conducting in-person assessments on the farm site.
Body composition and metabolic markers were assessed at baseline, midpoint, and post-intervention. Participants (n=15) received weekly nutrition education and completed in-person assessments that included bioelectrical impedance analysis and fasting blood work.
Results of this study indicated no statistically significant changes in body composition or blood biochemistry. However, there was a 30% increase in fasting insulin and a corresponding increase in HOMA-IR from baseline to post-intervention, suggesting early shifts in insulin sensitivity. Body composition remained relatively stable, with small non-significant increases in BMI and body fat percentage, and a slight reduction in waist circumference.
These findings suggest that although the intervention did not yield significant improvements, it may have helped mitigate worsening health markers during a period of occupational stress and seasonal change. This study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting community-based assessments in this population and supports the need for longer, more interactive interventions to improve metabolic health among male Hispanic farmworkers.