Effectiveness of the Promotora (Community Health Worker) Model of Intervention for Improving Pesticide Safety in US/Mexico Border Homes

  • Susan C. Forster-Cox New Mexico State University
  • Thenral Mangadu New Mexico State University
  • Benjamín Jacquez New Mexico State University
  • Adriana Corona New Mexico State University

Abstract

A variety of environmental health issues occur within homes along the US/Mexico border region. Individuals living in this region are often not aware that specific issues, including pesticide safety, occur in their homes and may not understand the potential adverse effects of pesticide use on their families’ health. The Environmental Health/Home Safety Education Project created by the Southern Area Health Education Center at New Mexico State University, utilizes promotoras (community health workers) to educate clients on pesticide safety issues. Data from 367 pre/post tests and home assessments were collected from 2002-2005. The data were analyzed to detect changes in clients’ knowledge or behavior as they related to protecting themselves and their families against unsafe pesticide use and storage. Statistically significant changes occurred with both knowledge and behavior in regards to safe pesticide use. Through this culturally appropriate intervention, the promotoras provide practical information allowing clients to make their homes safer.
Published
2007-03-01
How to Cite
Forster-Cox, S. C., Mangadu, T., Jacquez, B., & Corona, A. (2007). Effectiveness of the Promotora (Community Health Worker) Model of Intervention for Improving Pesticide Safety in US/Mexico Border Homes. Californian Journal of Health Promotion, 5(1), 62-75. https://doi.org/10.32398/cjhp.v5i1.1803