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