Increasing Awareness About Tuberculosis Infection Screening in Latino Immigrants: A Community-Based Participatory Research Approach

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) elimination in the U.S. will require increased screening among at-risk groups. Nontraditional immigration destinations (NTIDs) are those which have historically not been home to large Latino immigrant populations, and which have less culturally relevant services available. Methods: Interviews were performed with Latino immigrants in an NTID to understand health beliefs relevant to TB screening. A community advisory board (CAB) was formed to suggest interventions consistent with health beliefs using the RE-AIM framework for planning. Based on the CAB's suggestions, educational videos were developed. A survey was used to assess the impact of the videos in a pilot study. Results: Community members had low perceived susceptibility to TB, high perceived severity of disease, were unfamiliar with indications for screening, and had attitudes which supported screening, particularly if there was knowledge of treatment options. The CAB suggested making an educational video and helped to recruit participants to pilot the video which was made. Watching the video increased participants' perceived importance of screening and intention to be screened. Conclusion: Partnering with community members and community-serving organizations in an NTID helped to co-create an educational initiative which increased intention to be screened for TB among Latino immigrant groups and provided information on where this could be accomplished.

Keywords: Hispanic; Latinx; immigrant; latent tuberculosis; prevention.