Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #108981

Ann K. Krier, MPH, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 7440, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7440, 919-933-9254, krier@email.unc.edu

Latina women in the US are at increased risk for STD/HIV infection due, in part, to discrimination, traditional gender roles, and a culture of silence that surrounds sexual issues. These factors can lead to power differentials between sexual partners, sexual coercion, embarrassment and lack of sexual knowledge, and lack of communication about sex. Training Latinas as promotoras on sexual health issues promotes use of the natural networks of support that exist between Latina women to begin overcoming some of these obstacles. Six 3-hour culturally-appropriate, Spanish-language promotora training sessions were developed and implemented with 10 women recruited from a locally-active Latina women's group. Selection of the content and structure of the training was based on community member input. Topics included: the role of the promotora, effective communication, sexuality, sexual anatomy, STD/HIV risk and prevention, sexual desire, and contraception. Using adult learning techniques, this intervention was designed to increase the women's self-efficacy to effectively communicate correct information about sexuality and STDs to other Latinas. The intervention was evaluated using a one group, pre-test/post-test design to assess for increases in knowledge and self-efficacy to communicate. Data from this evaluation and feedback from participants and facilitators will be incorporated into further development of the intervention. Continuing education and support are being provided to the promotoras through monthly follow-up meetings. Tailoring promotora training to the situation and experiences of Latina women can begin the process of overcoming social and cultural barriers Latinas women in STD/HIV prevention.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Discuss three social and cultural barriers that put Latina women at risk for STD/HIV infection
• Assess the appropriateness of using a promotora strategy to address sexual health and STD/HIV prevention among Latina women
• Describe the primary components of a specific promotora training curriculum that addresses issues of knowledge and self-efficacy

Keywords: Community Health Promoters, HIV Interventions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.