Description
Latinos suffer disproportionately from a variety of health conditions, many of which can be prevented though regular physical activity (PA). Latinos however are currently the most inactive racial/ethnic group. Effective interventions targeting PA among Latinos can greatly reduce health disparities experienced by Latinos. The promotora model is an effective strategy used to reach underserved and minority populations and helps reduce health disparities. Promotoras are members of the community trained to deliver interventions. Promotoras participate in training, act as leaders, serve as role models, and promote health, however little is known about the impact such interventions have on the change agents themselves. The present study examined changes in behavior (PA), health status (BMI and waist circumference), and psychosocial variables (self efficacy, family support, friend support, partner support, and barriers to being physically active) from baseline to month six among Latina promotoras leading a PA intervention. Quantitative and qualitative process evaluation questions were also analyzed. Paired t-tests revealed no significant changes in any of the outcome variables examined; two psychosocial variables however approached significance. There were significant correlations between process evaluation variables. Qualitative findings indicated that promotoras felt positively about their experience and that they benefitted from their involvement. Several limitations may have impeded significant findings and validity. More studies using the promotora model need to evaluate changes in change agents to better understand how people are affected by community-based interventions.
