Effectiveness of community health workers for promoting use of safety eyewear by Latino farm workers

Abstract

Background: To evaluate The Community Health Worker "promotor de salud" (CHW) model is evaluated as a tool for reducing eye injuries in Latino farm workers.

Methods: In 2001, 786 workers on 34 farms were divided into three intervention blocks: (A) CHWs provided protective eyewear and training to farm workers; (B) CHWs provided eyewear but no training to farm workers; (C) eyewear was distributed to farm workers with no CHW present and no training.

Results: Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires demonstrated greater self-reported use of eyewear in all blocks after the intervention (P < 0.0001), with Block A showing the greatest change compared to B (P < 0.0001) and C (P = 0.03); this was supported by field observations. Block A showed the greatest improvement in knowledge on questions related to training content.

Conclusion: CHWs were an effective tool to train farm workers in eye health and safety, improving the use of personal protective equipment and knowledge.