T Taylor1, E Serrano, J Anderson. 1. Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Cooperative Extension, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1571, USA. jela@lamar.colostate.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of administrative aspects of a nutrition education program with peer educators delivering the program. DESIGN: Telephone interviews with peer educators trained to deliver La Cocina Saludable, a nutrition education program for Hispanics. Open- and closed-ended questions. SUBJECTS/SETTINGS: Abuelas (grandmothers) recruited and trained as peer educators for the program. The sample included peer educators no longer teaching (22%), currently teaching (30%), and who never taught after training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Motives and incentives for becoming peer educators, challenges for peer educators, and reasons peer educators withdrew from the program. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data from the closed-ended questions. Qualitative analysis was applied to data from open-ended questions. RESULTS: Working with community and learning about nutrition were prime motivators. Recruiting participants and coordination of classes appeared to be major challenges. Personal issues and traveling in a large geographic area were cited as the main reasons for quitting. IMPLICATIONS: The effectiveness of using peer educators for La Cocina Saludable may be improved through empowerment, additional training, a structured and equitable reimbursement system, and assistance to carry out administrative tasks.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of administrative aspects of a nutrition education program with peer educators delivering the program. DESIGN: Telephone interviews with peer educators trained to deliver La Cocina Saludable, a nutrition education program for Hispanics. Open- and closed-ended questions. SUBJECTS/SETTINGS: Abuelas (grandmothers) recruited and trained as peer educators for the program. The sample included peer educators no longer teaching (22%), currently teaching (30%), and who never taught after training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Motives and incentives for becoming peer educators, challenges for peer educators, and reasons peer educators withdrew from the program. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data from the closed-ended questions. Qualitative analysis was applied to data from open-ended questions. RESULTS: Working with community and learning about nutrition were prime motivators. Recruiting participants and coordination of classes appeared to be major challenges. Personal issues and traveling in a large geographic area were cited as the main reasons for quitting. IMPLICATIONS: The effectiveness of using peer educators for La Cocina Saludable may be improved through empowerment, additional training, a structured and equitable reimbursement system, and assistance to carry out administrative tasks.
Authors: Tina Karwalajtys; Beatrice McDonough; Heather Hall; Manal Guirguis-Younger; Larry W Chambers; Janusz Kaczorowski; Lynne Lohfeld; Brian Hutchison Journal: J Community Health Date: 2009-08
Authors: Raymond R Hyatt; David M Gute; Alex Pirie; Helen Page; Ismael Vasquez; Franklin Dalembert Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2009-11 Impact factor: 9.308