Evaluation of a telenovela designed to improve knowledge and behavioral intentions among Hispanic patients with end-stage renal disease in Southern California

Abstract

Objective Culturally relevant education is needed to improve rates of successful kidney transplantation among Hispanic patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study examined whether patients’ knowledge about kidney disease, post-operative care, and proactive health practices improved after watching a telenovela series about ESRD. Design 334 ESRD patients and 94 family members/caregivers were assigned to watch a telenovela (“Fixing Paco,” a bilingual health education film) or receive standard of care at a transplant center or at a dialysis clinic. Outcomes for pre-transplant patients assigned to standard of care at dialysis centers or at a transplant center were compared to pre-transplant patients in the treatment condition (standard of care + telenovela). Results Knowledge and behavioral intention scores at baseline across conditions and locations were similar, suggesting that assignment resulted in comparable groups at baseline. Using linear regression, this study found statistically significant improvements in knowledge scores among the telenovela group as compared to the standard of care groups. The telenovela group also had greater improvements in behavioral intention scores compared to the standard of care groups. Family members assigned to the telenovela group had significant improvements in knowledge scores as compared to the standard of care groups. Conclusion Being well informed about ESRD and adopting proactive health behaviors are important mechanisms in improving transplantation outcomes. These findings suggest that knowledge about kidney disease, post-operative care, and proactive health practices could be improved by viewing a telenovela. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.

“And Then Break the Cliché”: Understanding and Addressing HIV Vulnerability Through Development of an HIV Prevention Telenovela with Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transwomen in Lima, Peru

“…Telenovelas (Spanish soap operas) are central components of Latin America’s cultural imaginary that have been used to motivate public discussions of contemporary social issues like HIV infection, substance use, and intimate partner violence (Blas et al, 2010 ; Forster, Allem, Mendez, Qazi, & Unger, 2015 ; Obregon, 2005 ; Wilkin et al, 2007 ). Telenovelas have also been used as a heuristic approach for participatory research methods through use of role-playing, documentation of cultural idioms, and discussions of the unstated topics underlying social and situational dynamics of vulnerability (Alonso & Koreck, 1999 ; Forster et al, 2015 ; McQuiston, Choi-Hevel, & Clawson, 2001 ).…”

“…Telenovelas (Spanish soap operas) are central components of Latin America’s cultural imaginary that have been used to motivate public discussions of contemporary social issues like HIV infection, substance use, and intimate partner violence (Blas et al, 2010 ; Forster, Allem, Mendez, Qazi, & Unger, 2015 ; Obregon, 2005 ; Wilkin et al, 2007 ). Telenovelas have also been used as a heuristic approach for participatory research methods through use of role-playing, documentation of cultural idioms, and discussions of the unstated topics underlying social and situational dynamics of vulnerability (Alonso & Koreck, 1999 ; Forster et al, 2015 ; McQuiston, Choi-Hevel, & Clawson, 2001 ). Telenovelas are particularly relevant as an HIV prevention tool because they allow sensitive topics, (i.e., sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexually transmitted infections) to be discussed in the third person, giving participants the flexibility to observe different scenarios, to act out typical and/or problematic interactions via role-playing, and to ask questions about the topic—all without publicly linking the discussion to their own situation (Paiva, 2000b ; Rhodes et al, 2011 ).…”

Memories, Drama and Dreamers: Proposals to Address the Representation of the Latin World in the Face of the Telenovela Crisis

“…Recent studies have analysed in depth the therapeutic use of consuming telenovelas for patients with a range of illnesses (Crist et al, ). For example, to help viewers quit smoking, a number of films and series showed situations related to the excessive consumption of tobacco (Madewell et al, ), while others have dealt with dementia (Kajiyama et al, ) or terminal cancer (Holley et al, ; Cueva et al, ; Forster et al, ). The inclusion of current themes is another interesting element employed to dynamise the plot and explore audiences' tastes.…”

Educational Technologies Focused on the Chronic Renal Patients Aiming to the Self-Care Promotion / Tecnologias Educacionais Direcionadas para Pacientes Renais Crônicos na Promoção do Autocuidado

“…In addition to the written educational materials, audiovisual technologies were also highlighted among the selected studies, being found videos, 12,18,19 website, 29 soap opera, 30 PowerPoint presentation, 21 and interactive CD. 16 The use of websites, software and videos represent a tool in health education, since it provides the acquisition of knowledge in a non-linear way by the patient, since it promotes interaction and simulation through images and sounds, which reflect daily reality, stimulate reflection and promote learning.…”

“…In this study, patients who watched the soap opera had a significantly greater positive change in knowledge and in behavioral intention scores than those assigned to receive standard treatment. 30 Still, among audio-visual technologies, one study reported on the steps used in the usability testing of a patient safety website targeted at kidney patients and their families. To do so, the research analyzed success rates of completion of tasks, adherence to dialogue scripts and error rates in measuring participant performance, with the main problem areas being related to site design and function.…”