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Folic Acid Education for Hispanic Women: The Promotora de Salud Model
- Source :
- Journal of Women's Health. 26:186-194
- Publication Year :
- 2017
- Publisher :
- Mary Ann Liebert Inc, 2017.
-
Abstract
- Although rates of neural tube defects (NTDs) have declined in the United States since fortification, disparities still exist with Hispanic women having the highest risk of giving birth to a baby with a NTD. The Promotora de Salud model using community lay health workers has been shown to be an effective tool for reaching Hispanics for a variety of health topics; however, literature on its effectiveness in folic acid interventions is limited.An intervention using the Promotora de Salud model was implemented in four U.S. counties with large populations of Hispanic women. The study comprised the following: (1) a written pretest survey to establish baseline levels of folic acid awareness, knowledge, and consumption; (2) a small group education intervention along with a 90-day supply of multivitamins; and (3) a postintervention (posttest) assessment conducted 4 months following the intervention.Statistically significant differences in pre- and posttests were observed for general awareness about folic acid and vitamins and specific knowledge about the benefits of folic acid. Statistically significant changes were also seen in vitamin consumption and multivitamin consumption. Folic acid supplement consumption increased dramatically by the end of the study.The Promotora de Salud model relies on interpersonal connections forged between promotoras and the communities they serve to help drive positive health behaviors. The findings underscore the positive impact that these interpersonal connections can have on increasing awareness, knowledge, and consumption of folic acid. Utilizing the Promotora de Salud model to reach targeted populations might help organizations successfully implement their programs in a culturally appropriate manner.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Gerontology
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Behavior
Psychological intervention
Health Promotion
Preconception Care
Article
03 medical and health sciences
Folic Acid
0302 clinical medicine
Pregnancy
Intervention (counseling)
Environmental health
Humans
Medicine
Neural Tube Defects
030212 general & internal medicine
Health Education
030505 public health
business.industry
Group education
Hispanic or Latino
Vitamins
General Medicine
medicine.disease
United States
Health promotion
Folic acid
Dietary Supplements
Female
Health education
0305 other medical science
business
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 1931843X and 15409996
- Volume :
- 26
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Journal of Women's Health
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....47095a2b9e4801d76175278f5ffaebcb