246128 Lessons from the storm: Developing a community health worker model used to increase self-efficacy in families in post-disaster New Orleans

Tuesday, November 1, 2011: 8:50 AM

Claire Hayes, MPH, CHES, AE-C , Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Margaret Sanders, MSEd, AE-C , Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Leonard Jack Jr., PhD, Msc , Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Alfreda Porter , Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Pamela Dixon , Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Doryne Sunda-Meya , Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Kristi Isaac Rapp, PharmD, AE-C , College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Kristopher Chrishon, PhD , College of Pharmacy and Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
     
Background: Community Health Workers (CHW) have emerged as integral members of the coordinated-care team for healthcare delivery to vulnerable populations. In New Orleans, LA many families continue to need assistance navigating a remodeled social service and healthcare system, and are more willing to do so with guidance from peers who share their experiences. Objective: To produce an evidence-based model that describes how CHWs can be used to increase self-efficacy among families in post-disaster settings. Methodology: The Empowerment and Social Learning Theories will be used to lend evidence-based validity to the model. Constructs from these theories will provide a foundation for identifying key competencies of CHWs necessary to promote behavior change in families. CHWs often work in communities where they live and embody the cultural and peer norms of their clients. In social-modeling, when CHWs share how their own actions have led to positive outcomes, families will mimic those actions seeking the same rewards. Receiving positive reinforcement (i.e. elimination of psychosocial stressors by accessing a social or healthcare service) will encourage families to repeat these actions. The model probes the family's process of adopting and sustaining positive health behaviors, and how these new behaviors lead to long-term, improved health outcomes. Results: The model illustrates that competencies possessed and actions taken by CHWs will help vulnerable families become self-efficient, and ultimately, achieve an improved quality of life. Conclusions: This evidence-based model identifies the role CHWs play in behavior change and how sustaining new behaviors can lead to improved health outcomes for families.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Diversity and culture
Other professions or practice related to public health
Social and behavioral sciences
Systems thinking models (conceptual and theoretical models), applications related to public health

Learning Objectives:
1.List 3 competencies possessed by CHWs that facilitate effective counseling with families. 2. Identify the theoretical constructs used to explain how families adopt and sustain health behaviors. 3. Explain the role of CHWs in promoting behavior change and improving self-efficacy in families.

Keywords: Lay Health Workers, Self-Efficacy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I work as an asthma educator for the Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana II Project at Xavier University of Louisiana. I have a Masters of Public Health degree in Community Health Science from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. I am also a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and a Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C). Additionally, I interned as a health education worker (non-degreed lay health worker) in prior to completing my degree. I have also worked closely with CHWs for the last 3 years.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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