Evaluation of Salud Para Su Corazón (Health for your Heart) -- National Council of La Raza Promotora Outreach Program

Héctor Balcázar, Matilde Alvarado, Mary Luna Hollen, Yanira Gonzalez-Cruz, Verónica Pedregón, Héctor Balcázar, Matilde Alvarado, Mary Luna Hollen, Yanira Gonzalez-Cruz, Verónica Pedregón

Abstract

Introduction: In 2001, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute partnered with the National Council of La Raza to conduct a pilot test of its community-based outreach program Salud Para Su Corazón (Health for Your Heart), which aims to reduce the burden of morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease among Latinos.

Methods: The effectiveness of promotores de salud (community health workers) in improving heart-healthy behaviors among Latino families participating in the pilot program at seven sites was evaluated. Data on the characteristics of the promotores in the Salud Para Su Corazón program were compiled. Promotores collected data on family risk factors, health habits, referrals and screenings, information sharing, and program satisfaction from 223 participating Latino families (320 individual family members) through questionnaires. Paired t tests and chi-square tests were used to measure pretest-posttest differences among program participants.

Results: Results demonstrated the effectiveness of the promotora model in improving heart-healthy behaviors, promoting community referrals and screenings, enhancing information sharing beyond families, and satisfying participants' expectations of the program. The main outcome of interest was the change in heart-healthy behaviors among families.

Conclusion: The community outreach model worked well in the seven pilot programs because of the successes of the promotores and the support of the community-based organizations. Successes stemmed in part from the train-the-trainer approach. Promotoria, as implemented in this program, has the potential to be integrated with a medical model of patient care for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Heart disease risks reported by individual family members (n = 320) participating in the Salud Para Su Corazón outreach program. Data collected by promotores using questionnaires, 2001.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Average scores, by topic, for heart-healthy habits among families (n = 190) participating in both the pretest and posttest as part of the Salud Para Su Corazón outreach program. Score percentages calculated based on maximum score of 100. Asterisk (*) indicates that data refer only to mother. P < .001 for paired t tests on all topics. Data collected by promotores using questionnaires, 2001.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Distribution of responses on family heart-healthy habits among families (n = 190) participating in both the pretest and posttest as part of the Salud Para Su Corazón outreach program. Asterisk (*) indicates that data refer only to mother. Data collected by promotores using questionnaires, 2001. Percentages do not add to 100% because of rounding.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Audiences with whom families participating in Salud Para Su Corazón outreach program (n = 223) shared educational information received, by topic. Data collected by promotores using questionnaires, 2001.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Percentages of families satisfied with guidance provided by the Salud Para Su Corazón outreach program (n = 207). Data collected by promotores using questionnaires, 2001.

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