Evaluating psychosocial and behavioral mechanisms of change in a tailored communication intervention

Health Educ Behav. 2009 Apr;36(2):366-80. doi: 10.1177/1090198107308373. Epub 2007 Dec 12.

Abstract

This study examined the impact of a tailored nutrition intervention at 3 and 6 months postintervention. In all, 357 Latinas were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) a control condition comprised of previously developed Spanish language targeted materials, (2) tailored print materials, or (3) tailored print materials accompanied by personalized dietary counseling via lay heath advisors (promotoras). At 6 months postintervention, significant group by time interactions were observed on the dietary behavioral strategies scales. The promotora condition resulted in significant behavior change initially; however, receipt of tailored and control materials was instrumental in continued behavior change after intervention activities had ceased. Group main effects suggested that the promotora condition was superior at reducing barriers and improving family interactions supporting healthy behaviors. The promotora model is an effective method for changing important dietary behaviors and psychosocial determinants, but longer term behavior change is achievable with less expensive intervention methods.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation
  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • California
  • Communication*
  • Counseling / organization & administration
  • Diet / ethnology*
  • Diet / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior / ethnology*
  • Health Promotion / methods
  • Humans
  • Mexican Americans / psychology*
  • Pamphlets
  • Social Support
  • Socioeconomic Factors