Examining perceived health information needs to inform a worksite wellness intervention along the Texas-Mexico border

Background/Objective: Hispanics have lower health literacy and higher rates of chronic illnesses which may contribute to a greater number of missed work days. Qualitative data was collected to identify effective strategies for a worksite wellness intervention along the Texas-Mexico border. Methods: Five focus groups (19 males and 7 females; 3 English and 2 Spanish groups) with Hispanic workers were conducted. The open-ended discussion guide focused on 1) challenges to maintaining a healthy lifestyle within the community and the workplace, 2) sources of health information, 3) obstacles to obtaining and understanding health information, and 4) worksite wellness intervention content and feasibility. A grounded theory approach will guide the analysis of data to identify the characteristics of a worksite intervention tailored to the needs of Hispanic manufacturing workers. Results: Preliminary results revealed several challenges to staying healthy within the community and the workplace (e.g., indoor noise and air pollution, unavailability of parks and recreation areas, worksite sick-day and shift policies). Doctors were among the most trusted sources of health information. However, participants reported lack of feedback and difficulties interpreting findings when receiving test results. As a result, there was low awareness of preventive and disease management needs in the population. Suggestions for program content should account for worksite structures and personal constraints. Conclusion: Preliminary findings indicate a need for worksite interventions targeting the manufacturing worker population. Given the challenges identified, worksite interventions should address access to health information and aim to advance informed decision making through the promotion of health literacy skills.