Pakistani Women: Promoting Agents of Healthy Eating Habits in Catalonia—Protocol of a Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Randomized Control Trial (RCT) Based on the Transtheoretical Model

Abstract

(1) Introduction: Dietary and lifestyle changes along with the cultural and linguistic barriers convert the immigrant women of Pakistani origin into a risk population for developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The objective of this project is to evaluate the efficacy of a culturally and linguistically appropriate food education program based on the Transtheoretical model that will allow the participants to become ambassadors of healthy eating habits for their community. (2) Methods: In this community-based RCT, any Pakistani adult woman with residence in Badalona and Santa Coloma de Gramenet will be able to participate. We will use a mixed model approach. From the quantitative perspective, the participants will answer a survey accompanied by a multilingual nutritionist that will help us to determine the sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric, dietary data, and quality of life. From the qualitative perspective, we will conduct 6 focus groups (3 in each municipality) to determine the cultural and religious beliefs with the aim of tailoring the intervention to the target population. Hereafter, the participants from one municipality will randomly become the control group and from the other, the intervention group. The intervention group will participate in 10 weekly food education sessions based on the Transtheoretical model while the control group will receive 3 general educational sessions on food and health. During the evaluation procedure, we will assess the impact of the intervention considering the outcomes of the study. (3) Discussion: This study will establish intercultural bridges between health professionals and the Pakistani community living in Catalonia. The project will open the door for future interventions, and it will be sustainable in time as the participating women will become health promotion agents for the rest of their community.