Evaluation of a Promotora-led Intervention on Colorectal Cancer among Hispanics

Findings Related to Perceptions and Communications

Abstract

We implemented a home-based group educational intervention in the form of home health parties (HHPs) among Hispanic men and women in the Lower Yakima Valley of Washington State led by trained bilingual promotoras. Baseline and follow-up responses to questions among participants were compared and related to communications about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Participants’ perceptions of the CRC related educational information presented were documented as measures of effectiveness of the HHPs, as well as, possible indicators of their intentions to engage in timely CRC screenings. The group based educational sessions resulted in positive participants’ perceptions about the benefits of the CRC related information and improved communications about CRC screening. Results suggest the benefits of utilizing promotoras’ cultural knowledge and awareness to present content about cancers such as CRC in ways that are easily understandable to Hispanic participants that may result in improved communications and action about cancer screenings.