Promotoras de Salud: roles, responsibilities, and contributions in a multisite community-based randomized controlled trial

Abstract

There is widespread recognition of the cultural and linguistic appropriateness of (a Spanish term for community health workers [CHW]) in health education and outreach among Hispanic communities. Yet, there are significant gaps in the literature regarding the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of ' engagement in research. To address this gap, we examine ' research-related training, roles, responsibilities, and contributions in a community-based participatory research project involving a multisite randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a physical activity intervention for Mexican-origin women in Texas and South Carolina. We identify both benefits and challenges associated with ' engagement as community researchers; examine variations and differences in roles and responsibilities related to the research contexts, sites, settings, and individual characteristics; and discuss implications for research and practice.