Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Article Title

Lessons Learned from Training of Promotores de Salud for Obesity and Diabetes Prevention

Authors

Erica T. Sosa, University of Texas at San AntonioFollow
Lesli Biediger-Friedman, Texas State University
Zenong Yin, University of Texas at San Antonio

Keywords

Diabetes – Prevention; Diabetes mellitus; Health promotion; Hispanic Americans; Mexican American women; Minorities; Minority health; Obesity; Prevention and control; Race and health; Social networks; Social support

Disciplines

Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism | Public Health | Public Health Education and Promotion | Race and Ethnicity

Abstract

Background: Promotores de Salud are impactful in reducing health disparities for Hispanic communities. The purpose of this paper is to present the training process and fidelity of study protocol implementation using a promotora model for community-based diabetes prevention.

Methods: Five Hispanic bilingual promotores were recruited from a Community Health Worker program and received intensive 30-hour promotora training on how to recruit participants, lead group sessions, and support participants making behavior changes. Evaluation of the training included a survey and focus group to assess promotores’ feedback, a post-training knowledge test to assess knowledge acquired during the training and an observational assessment to measure promotores’ skill acquisition. Evaluation of intervention delivery included in-vivo observations to assess attendance and alignment with protocol and a participant focus group to assess acceptance of the intervention being delivered by the promotores.

Results: The promotores’ focus group revealed that promotores were satisfied with the training and perceived it to be clear and enjoyable. Post knowledge test scores were high (M=83.8; SD=6.4). Promotores suggested future trainings include more time to develop presentation skills. Study participants perceived the promotores to be supportive and helpful in assisting them to reach their goals.

Discussion: Promotores were able to obtain the necessary skills for delivering a diabetes prevention program in an acceptable way among Mexican American women.

Conclusion: Promotores can play a critical role in reducing health disparities among Hispanic populations but need adequate training for fulfilling this critical role.

Recommended Citation

Sosa, Erica T.; Biediger-Friedman, Lesli; and Yin, Zenong (2013) "Lessons Learned from Training of Promotores de Salud for Obesity and Diabetes Prevention," Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice: Vol. 6: Iss. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jhdrp/vol6/iss1/1