A Promotor-Led Pilot Study to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Latinos: The Juntos Contra El Cáncer Program

Abstract

Background. Latinos have lower colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the United States, despite an overall increase in CRC screening over the past 10 years. To address this disparity, we implemented a promotor-led intervention to increase CRC screening test adherence in community-based settings, connecting community members with a partnering federally qualified health center. Purpose. To evaluate the Juntos Contra el Cáncer/Together Against Cancer (JUNTOS) intervention, by assessing pre–post changes in (1) CRC screening test adherence and (2) CRC knowledge and perceived barriers to CRC screening. We also assessed the feasibility and acceptability of program activities. Method. JUNTOS was a group-based intervention, delivered by promotores (community health workers), to promote CRC screening test adherence among Latino adults. The intervention consisted of a culturally tailored 2½-hour interactive workshop followed by an appointment scheduling assistance from a promotor. Workshop participants were Latino adults (males and females) aged 50 to 75 years who were not up-to-date with CRC screening guidelines. We conducted interviews before and 6 to 9 months after the workshop to assess program outcomes. Results. Of the 177 participants included, 118 reported completing the CRC screening test (66.7%) by 6 to 9 months postintervention. We observed baseline to 6- to 9-month increase in CRC knowledge and lower perceived barriers to obtaining CRC screening. Furthermore, the intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable. Conclusion. Results suggest that JUNTOS can be feasibly implemented in partnership with a federally qualified health center. The current study supports group-based CRC interventions in community and clinic settings.

Saving a seat at the table for community members: co-creating an attachment-based intervention for low-income Latin parent-youth dyads using a promotor/a model

“…Recognizing the trust that promotors are able to establish with community participants provides a unique opportunity for mental health professionals that seek to provide psychoeducational intervention programs to promote positive psychological outcomes among Latinx communities. The inclusion of promotors in the development and implementation of a community based health program can help to reduce barriers that Latinx families may experience in seeking healthcare (Arredondo et al , 2021 ). Empowering promotors to ‘join us at the table’ in co-designing a promotor/ a-led, culturally tailored, group-based intervention within the community can help to promote health equity (Arredondo et al ., 2021 ).…”

“…The inclusion of promotors in the development and implementation of a community based health program can help to reduce barriers that Latinx families may experience in seeking healthcare (Arredondo et al , 2021 ). Empowering promotors to ‘join us at the table’ in co-designing a promotor/ a-led, culturally tailored, group-based intervention within the community can help to promote health equity (Arredondo et al ., 2021 ).…”

Network Pharmacology-Based Analysis of the Potential Biological Mechanisms of Coix Seed against Colorectal Cancer

“…Incidence of CRC has been increasing yearly, and the patients are increasingly younger. Previous studies report that CRC disease is associated with factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and diet [ 1 ]. The clinical manifestations of CRC include constipation, bloody stool, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain.…”

Development of a Group-Based Community Health Worker Intervention to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Latinos

“…The San Diego State University (SDSU) Institutional Review Board approved all research protocols and data gathering methods. We report JUNTOS outcomes elsewhere (Arredondo et al, 2020).…”