Integration of a culturally and linguistically relevant maternal and child health promotores project targeting Latina immigrant expectant mothers

Throughout the United States, Latinos are more likely than any other racial/ethnic minority group to be uninsured or underinsured, and are less likely to use health services when available. Spanish speaking patients, particularly those who have recently immigrated, often experience cultural and linguistic isolation. These issues, combined with low socioeconomic status and poor access to information and health care, often have deleterious effects on health outcomes.

The Salud con Hyland's: Comienzo Saludable, Familia Sana Project, serves to improve multiple health outcomes by providing expectant Spanish-speaking mothers with the education, advocacy skills, and social support necessary to assure both the health of the infant and the mother. Six (6) Latina immigrant promotoras (community educators) have undergone training to conduct four (4) educational sessions (charlas) at different intervals over approximately one (1) year. A Spanish-language baby developmental calendar and a curriculum were developed targeting women who are at least 27 weeks pregnant through 8 months post partum. The charlas are designed to: 1) educate participants about maternal and child health issues; 2) improve health advocacy skills; 3) provide resource information; and, 4) provide a forum for social support.

Approximately 250 Spanish-speaking Latina expectant mothers are being recruited through community-based clinics. The project aims to assess the impact of the intervention on their knowledge, behavior and beliefs as they relate to maternal and infant health. In addition, the impact of promotores' support on post partum depression will be discussed. Implementation strategies and preliminary findings will be presented.