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Evaluating a promotor training to prevent obesity among Latino preschoolers
Author(s) -
Reynolds Stephanie M,
Jara Eddy A,
Fajardo Alexander
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.814.10
Subject(s) - curriculum , overweight , childhood obesity , toddler , obesity , gerontology , medical education , medicine , psychology , developmental psychology , pedagogy
The food and social environment play an important role in influencing obesity prevalence during the preschool years (2–5 years old). Approximately 25% of US preschoolers are overweight or obese. The prevalence of overweight Latino preschoolers is almost 50% higher than White preschoolers. Using a promotor approach is a promising strategy to address obesigenic factors in home and neighborhood settings. There is a need for systematic evaluation of promotor training curricula. The authors pilot‐tested a two‐phase Latino toddler obesity prevention curriculum designed to build promotor capacity to create healthier home and neighborhood environments. The first phase of the curriculum provided 19 promotores with group facilitation skills, while the second phase focused on improving knowledge, perceived relevance and self‐efficacy in order to implement home and neighborhood strategies. Pre‐and post‐surveys were administered before and after each phase and process evaluation data was collected. The phase one curriculum resulted in significant gains in self‐efficacy and group facilitation. Phase two results showed significant gains in knowledge and positive shifts in self‐efficacy. By assessing the learning gains of participating promotores, this project addressed the lack of field‐tested promotor training curricula. Funded by LLU Center for Health Research and LLU Office of Public Health Practice.