Latino construction worker response to computer-based hearing loss prevention: Intermediate outcomes

The study purpose is to prevent occupational hearing loss among the 1.4 million U.S. Latino construction workers. The researchers developed a computer-based educational intervention using Pender's Health Promotion Model. Formative research led to revisions in the questionnaire response formats and user-computer interface. This presentation will describe the response of workers to the intervention during time 1 of a randomized controlled trial. Construction workers (n=145; 107 Latino, 38 non-Latino) were recruited through their unions to participate in a bilingual (Spanish/English) computer-based intervention and complete a post-intervention survey. Over 90% of participants agreed that the program kept their interest, was an effective way to learn about hearing protection, and that the language was not complicated. Most (87%) agreed that the program was fun, and that the length (79%) and pace (70%) of the program were just right. Significantly more Latinos said the program was fun (90% vs. 60%), was not too long (93% vs. 54%) and not too slow (88% vs. 27%). An intermediate outcome, intention to use hearing protection, increased significantly post-intervention (p<.001). The overall beliefs of participants that the program kept their interest and was an effective way to learn about hearing protection indicate that interactive computer programs are an acceptable means of disseminating prevention information to this population. The more favorable response of Latinos may reflect the successful targeting of the intervention to this population. If effective, this intervention can be used as a prototype for other interventions to promote the health and safety of Latino construction workers.