Salud Para Su Corazon-NCLR: a comprehensive Promotora outreach program to promote heart-healthy behaviors among hispanics

Health Promot Pract. 2006 Jan;7(1):68-77. doi: 10.1177/1524839904266799.

Abstract

This article describes results of year-1 implementation of the Salud Para Su Corazón (Health For Your Heart)-National Council of la Raza (NCLR) promotora (lay health worker) program for promoting heart-healthy behaviors among Latinos. Findings of this community outreach initiative include data from promotora pledges and self-skill behaviors, cardiovascular disease risk factors of Latino families, family heart-health education delivery, and program costs associated with promotora time. Participation included 29 trained promotoras serving 188 families from three NCLR affiliates in Escondido, California; Chicago, Illinois; and Ojo Caliente, New Mexico. Using several evaluation tools, the results showed that the promotora approach worked based on evidence obtained from the following indicators: changes in promotora's pre-post knowledge and performance skills, progress toward their pledge goals following training, recruiting and teaching families, providing follow-up, and organizing or participating in community events. Strengths and limitations of the promotora model approach are also discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / ethnology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Community Health Workers*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Hispanic or Latino*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Program Evaluation
  • Risk Factors
  • United States