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. 2015:7:e13.
Epub 2015 Dec 1.

Participatory group prenatal education using photonovels: Evaluation of a lay health educator model with low-income Latinas

Susan J Auger  1 , Sarah Verbiest  2 , James V Spickard  3 , Florence M Simán  4 , Mélida Colindres  5
Affiliations

Participatory group prenatal education using photonovels: Evaluation of a lay health educator model with low-income Latinas

Susan J Auger et al. J Particip Med. 2015.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this research was to examine the effectiveness of a participatory prenatal education program for low-income Latinas. Lay health educators facilitated groups using photonovels and experiential learning activities.

Methods: We used a community-based participatory research approach with a mixed method evaluation. Data included participant pre- and post-test surveys, focus groups, and a medical record review of participant outcomes and a control-match group who received usual care.

Results: Participants (n=43) showed a significant increase in their knowledge of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding (P < .001) and a significant increase in confidence at being able to navigate their pregnancies, care for themselves and their babies, and interact with health professionals (P ≤ .05). They reported an increase in social support, a deeper understanding of information from medical providers, greater engagement, and behavior changes. There were no statistically significant differences in health outcomes between the participants and the control group.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that 1) a participatory prenatal education program can be an effective way to foster health literacy and empowerment among low-income Latinas; and 2) trained lay educators can be effective group facilitators. The intervention's tripartite approach offers a vehicle for health professionals to partner with Latino communities to promote active participation and capacity building for health and change. This strategy could be adapted and tested with other topics and communities.

Keywords: Hispanic/Latino; Prenatal; community-based participatory research; empowerment; equity; health literacy; healthcare disparities; lay health educators; participatory education; photonovels.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests Financial: Susan J. Auger is the president and owner of Auger Communications, Inc., the small business entity that was awarded the Phase I and II Small Business Innovations Research grants from the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities, NIH and retains the copyrights to the materials developed under the grant. Sarah Verbiest: No competing interests to declare. James V. Spickard: No competing interests to declare. Florence M. Simán: No competing interests to declare. Mélida Colindres: No competing interests to declare

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Results: Knowledge by Question.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Results: Perceived Social Support.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Results: Confidence Survey.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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