Results from: A Promotora Model for Improving Latino Health Care Access in California's Central Valley

Purpose: To describe the study results of an exploratory pilot project aimed at improving Latino health care access in California's Central Valley utilizing a promotora health education model. Methods: This is a non-randomized one-group study design using quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Participants' were adults over age 18, U.S residents or citizens, with incomes below 250% of poverty, over a quarter were ages 65+, and all expressed health care access barriers (n=303). Pre- and post-assessments were conducted by trained promotores at baseline and at three-months. Self-reported outcome indicators included health insurance status; having a usual source of care; receipt of physical exam; and self-efficacy. Results: Self-reported barriers for not having a usual source of care included being uninsured and system barriers. At baseline, over half of adults and a quarter of elders did not have health insurance in the previous year. Nearly half of adults and over a quarter of elders did not have a usual source of care. Over half had not received a physical exam in the previous year. More than half reported low self-efficacy. At follow-up, half of adults and most elders had health insurance. More than a quarter of respondents received a physical exam in the previous year. Almost all participants reported having a usual source of care and most reported high self-efficacy.

Discussion: The promotores' individualized approach improved participant self-efficacy. The promotores' ability to provide appropriate health care referrals for participant and family members helped to minimize barriers in accessing and receiving needed services.