263576 Perspectives of the community health worker (CHW) role among Filipino-Americans with hypertension in NYC: A Conceptual Framework

Monday, October 29, 2012

Carina Katigbak, MS, APRN-BC , College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY
Nancy VanDevanter, DrPH, RN , New York University College of Nursing, New York, NY
Rhodora Ursua, MPH , Center for the Study of Asian American Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY
Leonida Gamboa, BS , Kalusugan Coalition, Inc., Woodside, NY
David E. Aguilar, MA , Center for the Study of Asian American Health, NYU Institute of Community Health and Research, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY
Chau-Trinh Shevrin, DrPH , Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY
Deborah Chyun, PhD, RN , College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY
Nadia Islam, PhD , Center for the Study of Asian American Health, NYU Institute of Community Health and Research, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY
Mariano Rey, MD , Center for the Study of Asian American Health, Institute of Community Health and Research, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY
Background Filipino-Americans (FA) are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease and hypertension (HTN). This disparity is attributed to a lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate education materials, poor knowledge of the healthcare system, and lack of health insurance. Project AsPIRE addresses these disparities through a community health worker (CHW) intervention targeting FA with HTN in NYC. Although CHWs are effective with difficult to reach minority groups, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of the CHW model.

Objective/Purpose This study aims to develop a conceptual framework to explain the role of CHWs in HTN related behavior change for FAs in NYC.

Methods Using Corbin & Strauss' methods for developing Grounded Theory, we employed a purposeful theoretical sampling approach (until data saturation reached), to recruit Project AsPIRE's pilot CHWs (n=3), trainers (n=10), and recipients of CHW care (n=13). These 26 in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted from September 2011 – January 2012. Data were coded and analyzed using Atlas.ti software to identify themes about the CHW role.

Results Preliminary emerging themes are: (a) the “ripple effect” of CHW care, (b) communication is key - “how you say it matters”, (c) building relationships, and (d) “health is wealth”. These themes are the foundation for the emerging framework of the CHW role in behavior change related to hypertensive FAs.

Conclusions We will present future applications of this emerging framework for training CHWs working with FA communities, along with policy implications and strategies to support the sustainability and expansion of CHWs among Asian minority populations.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Public health or related nursing

Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss the development of a conceptual framework explaining the role of community health workers (CHWs) among Filipinos with hypertension in NYC. 2. Identify significant themes related to the CHW role. 3. Describe how this framework may be expanded or applied in future CHW interventions with Asian populations.

Keywords: Community-Based Public Health, Asian Americans

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have developed content expertise in this area during my PhD studies, and participation in fellowship training programs.
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.

Back to: 3390.0: Social-ecologic context of API health