Implementation of a Training Program for Low‐Literacy Promotoras in Oral Rehydration Therapy

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effectiveness of a culturally appropriate promotora training program related to oral rehydration therapy and diarrheal management. Factors that influenced the development, implementation, and evaluation of the program provided to low-literacy women in Guatemala are explored. Design and Sample Promotora training was conducted with 15 Mayan women from a rural community in the highlands of Guatemala. Women were selected by leaders of the community to participate in the program. Measures Quantitative data were collected and analyzed to determine descriptive statistics and reliability coefficients for the pretests and posttests. A non-parametric Wilcoxon test for paired-samples was conducted. The qualitative data from the program evaluations were analyzed for themes. Results Mean scores increased from 41.73 (sd = 9.65) to 70.33 (sd = 21.29) on the pretest and posttest. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.54 on the pretest with 0.65 on the posttest. The Wilcoxon test demonstrated a significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores (Z = 3.040, p < .05). Conclusions Extremely low literacy levels played a major role in the ability of the women to successfully complete the requirements of the training program. The curriculum demonstrated effectiveness, but will benefit from replication with a larger sample.

Addressing the Challenges of Conducting Research in Developing Countries

“…This will enhance the overall understanding of the entire research process for both the researchers and the participating parties. Amerson et al (2015) sought an external review with a nongovernmental organization (NGO) working in Guatemala to ensure the protocol was appropriate for the cultural context. This type of input is essential to develop healthcare interventions that are culturally and economically suitable for the host country (Bhutta, 2002).…”

“…In accordance with IRB protocol, the procedure to garner individual consents was still fully followed. During a study in rural Guatemala, permission was sought from the cocode (local mayor and town council) prior to beginning focus groups or household surveys (Amerson, Hall‐Clifford, Thompson, & Comninellas, ).…”

“…Prior to the actual study date, this initial effort paved the way for an overwhelming response to participate in a large ethnonursing study of 48 participants from the Maasai community. In Guatemala, this process was reduced to approximately 6 months by the presence of an in‐country host, who served as a liaison with the community (Amerson et al., ). This host, with a well‐established reputation within the local community, facilitated meetings and introductions to gatekeepers of the village.…”

Assessment of Anemia Levels in Infants and Children in High Altitude Peru

“…The mission of SVH is to improve the health of rural Peruvians by training promotoras in health promotion and disease prevention techniques. Promotoras are usually women from the local community who have received special training to address health issues and have the knowledge to provide culturally appropriate education and treatments (Amerson, Hall-Clifford, Thompson, & Comninellas, 2015). During this study, promotoras provided community members with health education, information about IDA, and assured that anemic children received appropriate follow-up.…”

Courses on Basic Occupational Safety and Health: A Train-the-Trainer Educational Program for Rural Areas of Latin America

“…However, training on occupational health, prevention, social health determinants, and working with multidisciplinary teams are still scarce for interns [26]. Considering this together with the fact that (1) health promotion and prevention tend to be effective when the community is involved at all stages [27][28][29], (2) community participation is a promising strategy to address work-related health problems [30][31][32][33][34], and (3) implementation of training on occupational safety and health aspects in primary healthcare is encouraged to achieve good health and decent work for rural communities of Latin America [21], we aimed to develop a train-the-trainer program on prevention of occupational risks to be implemented in health-related training at Latin American universities. This article reports on the concept and the evaluation results of the pilot program.…”