) Health Problem/Need for Health Promotion:

This project will focus on addressing vitamin D deficiency among Somali immigrants residing in San Diego, California. Vitamin D deficiency is a significant health concern for this population, with studies indicating a prevalence of 80% or more (Elmi et al., 2016). This deficiency can lead to various health problems, including rickets, osteoporosis, and weakened immunity (Holick et al., 2011).

Several factors contribute to vitamin D deficiency among Somali immigrants in San Diego. These include:

• Limited sun exposure: Due to cultural norms, many Somali women wear clothing that covers most of their body, reducing sun exposure, which is the primary source of vitamin D.
• Dietary factors: Traditional Somali diets are often low in foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish, dairy products, and eggs.
• Lack of awareness: A significant knowledge gap exists about vitamin D deficiency and its consequences within the Somali community.

2) Leading Health Indicator (LHI) Priority:

This project aligns with the Healthy People 2030 LHI priority of “Increase the proportion of adults who have sufficient levels of vitamin D.” This LHI was chosen because vitamin D deficiency is a widespread problem with significant health implications, and addressing it can contribute to achieving various other Healthy People goals, such as reducing the burden of chronic diseases and promoting healthy aging.

3) Research Topic:

The research topic for this project will be “The Impact of Culturally Tailored Educational Interventions on Vitamin D Knowledge and Behavior among Somali Immigrants in San Diego, California.” This topic will be investigated through a mixed-methods research design, which will include:

• Quantitative data: Assessing vitamin D levels and sun exposure habits through surveys and questionnaires.
• Qualitative data: Conducting focus groups and interviews to explore cultural beliefs, knowledge gaps, and barriers related to vitamin D deficiency.

4) Educational Health Promotion Project:

The educational health promotion project will be designed in collaboration with community members and healthcare professionals to ensure its cultural relevance and effectiveness. It will consist of the following components:

1. Educational Workshops:

• Interactive workshops will be conducted in Somali language to educate community members about vitamin D, its importance for health, and sources of vitamin D.
• Workshops will address cultural beliefs and concerns related to sun exposure and dietary habits.
• Educational materials will be provided in Somali language, including brochures, posters, and recipe cards with vitamin D-rich foods.

1. Cooking Demonstrations:

• Cooking demonstrations will be conducted to showcase healthy and culturally appropriate recipes that are rich in vitamin D.
• Participants will be encouraged to try new recipes and incorporate them into their regular diet.
• Local chefs and community members will be invited to share their knowledge and recipes.

1. Community Outreach:

• Collaborate with mosques, Somali community centers, and healthcare providers to disseminate educational materials and promote the project.
• Organize health fairs and events to raise awareness about vitamin D deficiency and offer free vitamin D testing.
• Partner with local media outlets to share information about the project and promote healthy behaviors.

1. Evaluation and Monitoring:

• The project will be evaluated using a pre-post design to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to vitamin D.
• Vitamin D levels will be measured before and after the intervention to assess its impact on deficiency rates.
• Feedback will be collected from participants and stakeholders to continuously improve the project.

5) Sustainability:

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the project, the following strategies will be implemented:

• Build partnerships with community organizations and healthcare providers to continue the educational efforts beyond the project period.
• Train community members to become peer educators and advocates for vitamin D awareness.
• Develop resources and materials that can be easily adapted and replicated in other Somali communities.
• Advocate for policy changes that promote access to vitamin D testing and supplementation.

Conclusion:

This health promotion project has the potential to significantly improve the health and well-being of Somali immigrants in San Diego by addressing the widespread issue of vitamin D deficiency. Through culturally tailored educational interventions, community engagement, and collaboration with stakeholders, the project can empower individuals to make informed choices and adopt healthy behaviors to improve their vitamin D status and overall health.