Evaluation of a community-based intervention using community health advisors by Hispanic and Anglo participants

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent the interventions delivered by community health advisors in a specific rural health promotion program met the needs and expectations of the population they served. The theoretical framework used was Kleinman's Explanatory Model of Illness modified for a health promotion focus. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Quantitative findings suggested that Health Peers were culturally competent and educational and psychosocial interventions were satisfactorily delivered. Psychosocial interventions, however, were perceived as delivered significantly better than educational interventions. Content analysis of participant responses suggested psychosocial interventions were perceived as more relevant than educational interventions. Additional data from content analysis identified perceived gaps in interventions and positive and negative aspects of the Health Peers and the program in general. These findings are relevant as the more the intervention can coincide with the person's explanatory model, the more likely it is to be successful.