Dr. Guadalupe Ayala

Dr. Ayala's research focuses on the development of family and community-based interventions to improve dietary behaviors, increase physical activity, and prevent obesity among Latinos. Secondary interests include identifying social and cultural determinants of lifestyle behaviors.

Dr. Ayala is a Principal Investigator of three interventions targeting diet and physical activity. The first study, funded by the National Cancer Institute, is designed to test the efficacy of an environmental change intervention in small grocery stores to increase access to and sales of fruits and vegetables, as well as increase consumption among store customers. The second study, funded by the American Cancer Society, is designed to test the efficacy of a health communication intervention to improve Latino caregivers' role modeling and parenting skills to promote consumption of fruits and vegetables among family members. The third study, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is designed to test the feasibility of partnering with three community organizations to promote and increase physical activity among Latino community residents in San Ysidro. Pre-post changes in fitness levels and self-reported behaviors will provide evidence for a future RCT.

Dr. Ayala is collaborating with a number of investigators affiliated with the Cancer Center including: (1) Dr. Elder on the MOVE project (NIDDK) to promote use of recreation centers to prevent childhood obesity; (2) Dr. Elder on the Aventuras para Ninos study (NHLBI) to promote home and environmental change to prevent childhood obesity; (3) Drs. Talavera, Rock and Elder on Proyecto Sol (NHLBI), a large epidemiological cohort study examining the effects of migration and acculturation on Hispanic health.