Community engagement in the development of an entertainment-education Spanish-language radio novella aimed at chronic disease risk factor reduction

Background: US Hispanics have disproportionate rates of diabetes and other chronic diseases. We used the ‘entertainment education' (EE) model to develop a Spanish-language radio novella aimed at reducing risk factors for diabetes, obesity and tobacco smoke exposure. The EE strategy is based on social cognitive theory and proposes modeling as a source of vicarious learning of outcome and efficacy expectations. Community Context: The Hispanic population in Alabama increased 145% between 2000 and 2010. Nearly a quarter live below the poverty level and over 40% are uninsured. Several factors related to lifestyle lead to poor health behaviors in the community. Radio is a highly popular medium among Hispanic immigrants. The single local Spanish-language radio station reaches a large portion of the local community and several communities beyond. Methods: Through a variety of methods including workshops, review sessions and other feedback mechanisms, we engaged stakeholders and community members in the development and evaluation of the program. Participation in all phases was closely tracked. Outcome: Community members participated significantly in the development, broadcast, and evaluation of the program. The desired outcome – a culturally-relevant storyline that includes salient health issues and resonates with the community – was realized. Interpretation: The successful approach to community engagement can serve as a model for other organizations wishing to use community-based participatory methods in addressing Hispanic health issues. The 48 episode radio soap opera project was a unique and worthwhile approach to address health disparities among our county's Latino population.