Salud Para Su Carozón-(Health for Your Heart): A promotore led community health program to reduce heart disease in Latino communities

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2004, heart disease accounted for 22.7% of all Hispanic deaths. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute developed “Salud Para Su Carozón”, a culturally sensitive community-based health promotion initiative to increase heart healthy knowledge and behaviors. We examined the effects of promotores (community health workers) in improving heart health knowledge, attitudes and behaviors (KAB's). A ten-week curriculum was administered once in each of 7 sites over two years (2007-2009). Promotores taught participants about recognizing heart attack signs, risk factors for heart disease: physical inactivity; high blood pressure; cholesterol; weight; diabetes; unhealthy eating; and smoking in addition to skills to achieve heart healthy behaviors. Pre and post tests were administered to assess self-reported changes in KAB's towards heart health. Of the 435 participants, 86% were women and the mean age was 40.4 years. Analyses examined changes in KAB's, pre versus post curriculum. Self-reported physical activity increased by 21%, heart health knowledge by 26.8%, and confidence in preparing heart healthy meals by 14.5%. Making (or intending to make) better food decisions related to cholesterol/fat and salt/sodium increased by 13% and 11%, respectively. All changes were significant at p<0.0001. KAB's for heart healthy behaviors increased from promotores-led interventions in several Latino communities, suggesting that promotores are an effective means of providing health education to elicit positive heart health outcomes in select Latino communities.