Household evaluation of an integrated health outreach project targeting colonia residents in Hidalgo County, Texas

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Martha Conkling, MSPH, School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University System, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1266, 979-458-3031, mconkling@srph.tamhsc.edu, Craig H. Blakely, PhD, Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Rural Public Health, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, and Miguel A. Zuniga, MD, DrPH, Department of Health Informatics, Medical College of Georgia, 1120 15th Street, Building AI-1013, Augusta, GA 30912.

PURPOSE: A series of pre- and post-demonstration household surveys were used to assess project impact. The evaluation is monitoring communication patterns between community health workers (promotoras) and residents.

METHODS: A household survey was conducted with 600 residents in two-intervention colonias and a comparison colonia in Hidalgo County, Texas. Survey respondents were selected randomly through block groups, then households, then residents within households. Interview subjects were a child, the head of household, or another resident adult. Respondents were interviewed Dec.-April 2003 and again Dec.-March 2005.

RESULTS: Self-reported behavioral problems (43%), a perception of needed mental health services (76%) and a low utilization rate of mental health services (9%) were found. The rate of uninsured is greater than 40%, and most (75%) of those surveyed live with incomes at or below $17,600/year. Sixty-two percent of the study population has less than a high school education. Adults and children share challenges in caring for their teeth, eyes, allergies, and depression. In comparison to national averages the adults have experienced more high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Access to dental services was described as somewhat serious to very serious by 62.9% of the adult population. Ambulatory care in Mexico is used by 25% of the adults and 10% seek hospital care in Mexico.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

1. Describe the role of a promotora and the impact they can have among colonia residents in border communities.
2. List health concerns of colonia residents in Hidalgo County.
3. Discuss present health services and access problems for the colonia residents.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Evolution of a Multi-year Project to Improve Access to Care for Residents of Colonias Along the U.S./Mexico border: IHOS Phase 2

The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA