NAU publications by CHER
Faculty & staff publications
NAU faculty and staff have the opportunity to publish their findings and knowledge as authors. CHER has many researchers that have been cited multiple times in major publications for their great work. The Center for Health Equity Research has accumulated all faculty publications into one, easy to navigate database.
Please type in a key word or author LAST name to search
Camplain, Ricky ; Pinn, Travis ; Williamson, Heather J; Pro, George ; Becenti, Lyle ; Bret, James ; Luna, Crystal ; Baldwin, Julie A Adaptation of the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) for the Measurement of Physical Activity in Jail Settings Journal Article International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (349), pp. 1-11, 2020. @article{Camplain2020, title = {Adaptation of the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) for the Measurement of Physical Activity in Jail Settings}, author = {Camplain, Ricky and Pinn, Travis and Williamson, Heather J and Pro, George and Becenti, Lyle and Bret, James and Luna, Crystal and Baldwin, Julie A. }, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010349}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-01-03}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}, volume = {17}, number = {349}, pages = {1-11}, abstract = {Over 9 million people are incarcerated in jail each year, but physical activity has not been assessed among incarcerated populations. Measuring physical activity in the jail setting is complicated as current physical activity measurement tools are not designed for use inside jail facilities. Therefore, we adapted an evidence-based physical activity measurement tool, the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC), to assess physical activity within a jail facility. SOPARC was designed to obtain observational information on physical activity of individuals. The study team created a protocol for SOPARC for use in jail facilities. Unlike the original SOPARC, access to recreation time in jail required prior scheduling. Target areas were unnecessary as recreation spaces were enclosed. The adapted SOPARC protocol for jails included start and end times, the number of individuals that attended, and recreation time users’ physical activity levels, footwear, outerwear, uniform color, and use of mobility assistive devices. The use of SOPARC in the jail setting requires adaptation to adequately capture physical activity data among incarcerated individuals. Accurately measuring physical activity among incarcerated individuals and the environment in which they are active may allow for future development and testing of physical activity interventions in jail facilities.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Over 9 million people are incarcerated in jail each year, but physical activity has not been assessed among incarcerated populations. Measuring physical activity in the jail setting is complicated as current physical activity measurement tools are not designed for use inside jail facilities. Therefore, we adapted an evidence-based physical activity measurement tool, the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC), to assess physical activity within a jail facility. SOPARC was designed to obtain observational information on physical activity of individuals. The study team created a protocol for SOPARC for use in jail facilities. Unlike the original SOPARC, access to recreation time in jail required prior scheduling. Target areas were unnecessary as recreation spaces were enclosed. The adapted SOPARC protocol for jails included start and end times, the number of individuals that attended, and recreation time users’ physical activity levels, footwear, outerwear, uniform color, and use of mobility assistive devices. The use of SOPARC in the jail setting requires adaptation to adequately capture physical activity data among incarcerated individuals. Accurately measuring physical activity among incarcerated individuals and the environment in which they are active may allow for future development and testing of physical activity interventions in jail facilities. |
Sabo, Samantha; Flores, Melissa; Wennerström, Ashley; Bell, Melanie L; Verdugo, Lorena; Carvajal, Scott; Ingram, Maia Community health workers promote civic engagement and organizational capacity to impact policy Journal Article Journal of Community Health, 42 (6), pp. 1197-1203, 2017. @article{Sabo2017b, title = {Community health workers promote civic engagement and organizational capacity to impact policy}, author = {Samantha Sabo and Melissa Flores and Ashley Wennerström and Melanie L Bell and Lorena Verdugo and Scott Carvajal and Maia Ingram}, url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10900-017-0370-3}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-06-06}, journal = {Journal of Community Health}, volume = {42}, number = {6}, pages = {1197-1203}, abstract = {Community health workers (CHW) have historically served to link structurally vulnerable populations to broad support systems. Emerging evidence suggests that CHWs engage in various forms of advocacy to promote policy and systems change. We assessed the impact of CHW community advocacy on community change, defined as civic engagement, organizational capacity and policy and systems change. Data are drawn from the 2014 National Community Health Worker Advocacy Survey (N = 1776) aimed to identify the state of the CHW profession, and their impact on health disparities through community advocacy and policy engagement. Our primary analysis used multiple linear regression to assess the association between CHW advocacy and community change. As predicted, there was a significant, positive association between CHW advocacy and change in community conditions. Additionally, both adjusted and sensitivity models had similar standardized beta estimates for advocacy, and adjusted R 2 statistics. CHW advocacy predicts positive change in community conditions and further advances the CHW Community Advocacy Framework designed to support and monitor CHW community advocacy to reduce health disparities through advocacy and policy change.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Community health workers (CHW) have historically served to link structurally vulnerable populations to broad support systems. Emerging evidence suggests that CHWs engage in various forms of advocacy to promote policy and systems change. We assessed the impact of CHW community advocacy on community change, defined as civic engagement, organizational capacity and policy and systems change. Data are drawn from the 2014 National Community Health Worker Advocacy Survey (N = 1776) aimed to identify the state of the CHW profession, and their impact on health disparities through community advocacy and policy engagement. Our primary analysis used multiple linear regression to assess the association between CHW advocacy and community change. As predicted, there was a significant, positive association between CHW advocacy and change in community conditions. Additionally, both adjusted and sensitivity models had similar standardized beta estimates for advocacy, and adjusted R 2 statistics. CHW advocacy predicts positive change in community conditions and further advances the CHW Community Advocacy Framework designed to support and monitor CHW community advocacy to reduce health disparities through advocacy and policy change. |
Sabo, Samantha; Wennerstrom, Ashley; Phillips, David; Haywoord, Catherine; Redondo, Floribella; Bell, Melanie L; Ingram, Maia Community Health Worker Professional Advocacy: Voices of Action from the 2014 National Community Health Worker Advocacy Survey Journal Article The Journal of Ambulatory Care Management, 38 (2), pp. 225-235, 2015. @article{Sabo2015, title = {Community Health Worker Professional Advocacy: Voices of Action from the 2014 National Community Health Worker Advocacy Survey}, author = {Samantha Sabo and Ashley Wennerstrom and David Phillips and Catherine Haywoord and Floribella Redondo and Melanie L Bell and Maia Ingram}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26049652}, doi = {10.1097/JAC.0000000000000089}, year = {2015}, date = {2015-08-01}, journal = {The Journal of Ambulatory Care Management}, volume = {38}, number = {2}, pages = {225-235}, abstract = {This mixed-methods study explores community health worker (CHW) engagement in professional advocacy. Data from the National Community Health Worker Advocacy Survey (n = 1661) assessed the relationship between CHW professional advocacy and CHW demographics, and work characteristics. Qualitative data articulated the quality of professional advocacy efforts. Approximately, 30% of CHW respondents advocated for professional advancement or collaborated with other CHWs to advance the workforce. Advocacy was more prevalent among CHWs affiliated with a professional network. CHW advocacy targeted recognition of the field, appropriate training and compensation, and sustainable funding. CHW professional advocacy is imperative to advancement of the field.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } This mixed-methods study explores community health worker (CHW) engagement in professional advocacy. Data from the National Community Health Worker Advocacy Survey (n = 1661) assessed the relationship between CHW professional advocacy and CHW demographics, and work characteristics. Qualitative data articulated the quality of professional advocacy efforts. Approximately, 30% of CHW respondents advocated for professional advancement or collaborated with other CHWs to advance the workforce. Advocacy was more prevalent among CHWs affiliated with a professional network. CHW advocacy targeted recognition of the field, appropriate training and compensation, and sustainable funding. CHW professional advocacy is imperative to advancement of the field. |
Cornejo, Elsa; Denman, Catalina A; Sabo, Samantha; de Zapién, Jill; Rosales, Cecilia Scoping Review of Community Health Worker/Promotora-Based Chronic Disease Primary Prevention Programs on the U.S.-Mexico Border Technical Report Avance de Investigación El Colegio de Sonora 2011. @techreport{Cornejo2011, title = {Scoping Review of Community Health Worker/Promotora-Based Chronic Disease Primary Prevention Programs on the U.S.-Mexico Border}, author = {Elsa Cornejo and Catalina A Denman and Samantha Sabo and Jill de Zapién and Cecilia Rosales}, url = {http://www.academia.edu/1222647/Chronic_Disease_Primary_Prevention_Programs_on_the_US-Mexico_Border}, year = {2011}, date = {2011-04-01}, institution = {Avance de Investigación El Colegio de Sonora}, organization = {U.S.-Mexico Border Center of Excellence to Counter Chronic Disease}, school = {University of Arizona}, abstract = {The transformation of the epidemiologic profile at the turn of the century, coupled with the continuing increase of chronic disease worldwide, has serious impacts on the personal, sociocultural and economic costs of disease (who 2008). Complex issues and interactions at the U.S.- Mexico border, including health systems disparities, an intense exchange between a diversity of cultures, the paradoxes of global interdependence, and a shared impact of disease make effective chronic disease prevention a challenge (Rodríguez-Saldaña 2005). Knowledge is required about available health promotion resources in the region and how they navigate across and within nations and communities (Bowman and Vinicor 2005). This report identifies the need to develop, implement, evaluate and reproduce effective, sustainable community-based interventions in order to successfully reinforce and increase the implementation of necessary health promotion activities, including primary and secondary prevention to counter chronic disease. It is rooted in other reviews which have recognized the success of community health workers (chws)/promotoras de salud1 in promoting healthy lifestyle changes and reducing the burden of chronic disease (Gibbons and Tyrus 2007; Lewin et al. 2005; Nemcek and Sabatier 2003; Swider 2002). The specific objectives of this report are to: • identify existing community health worker chronic disease primary prevention programs2 on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border; • describe how they measure success and/or effectiveness and discuss what evidence-based programs could be implemented in other sites; • understand the issues of empowerment, advocacy and the role of promotoras and health institutions in chronic disease prevention, and • explore the interaction between national and local public health policy}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {techreport} } The transformation of the epidemiologic profile at the turn of the century, coupled with the continuing increase of chronic disease worldwide, has serious impacts on the personal, sociocultural and economic costs of disease (who 2008). Complex issues and interactions at the U.S.- Mexico border, including health systems disparities, an intense exchange between a diversity of cultures, the paradoxes of global interdependence, and a shared impact of disease make effective chronic disease prevention a challenge (Rodríguez-Saldaña 2005). Knowledge is required about available health promotion resources in the region and how they navigate across and within nations and communities (Bowman and Vinicor 2005). This report identifies the need to develop, implement, evaluate and reproduce effective, sustainable community-based interventions in order to successfully reinforce and increase the implementation of necessary health promotion activities, including primary and secondary prevention to counter chronic disease. It is rooted in other reviews which have recognized the success of community health workers (chws)/promotoras de salud1 in promoting healthy lifestyle changes and reducing the burden of chronic disease (Gibbons and Tyrus 2007; Lewin et al. 2005; Nemcek and Sabatier 2003; Swider 2002). The specific objectives of this report are to: • identify existing community health worker chronic disease primary prevention programs2 on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border; • describe how they measure success and/or effectiveness and discuss what evidence-based programs could be implemented in other sites; • understand the issues of empowerment, advocacy and the role of promotoras and health institutions in chronic disease prevention, and • explore the interaction between national and local public health policy |
Ingram, Maia; Sabo, Samantha; Rothers, Janet; Wennerstrom, Ashley; de Zapien, Jill Guernsey Community Health Workers and community advocacy: addressing health disparities Journal Article Journal of Community Health, 33 (6), pp. 417-424, 2008. @article{Ingram2008, title = {Community Health Workers and community advocacy: addressing health disparities}, author = {Maia Ingram and Samantha Sabo and Janet Rothers and Ashley Wennerstrom and Jill Guernsey de Zapien}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18584315}, doi = {10.1007/s10900-008-9111-y}, year = {2008}, date = {2008-12-01}, journal = {Journal of Community Health}, volume = {33}, number = {6}, pages = {417-424}, abstract = {The Community Health Worker model is recognized nationally as a means to address glaring inequities in the burden of adverse health conditions that exist among specific population groups in the United States. This study explored Arizona CHW involvement in advocacy beyond the individual patient level into the realm of advocating for community level change as a mechanism to reduce the structural underpinnings of health disparities. A survey of CHWs in Arizona found that CHWs advocate at local, state and federal political levels as well as within health and social service agencies and business. Characteristics significantly associated with advocacy include employment in a not for profit organization, previous leadership training, and a work environment that allows flexible work hours and the autonomy to start new projects at work. Intrinsic characteristics of CHWs associated with advocacy include their belief that they can influence community decisions, self perception that they are leaders in the community, and knowledge of who to talk to in their community to make change. Community-level advocacy has been identified as a core CHW function and has the potential to address structural issues such as poverty, employment, housing, and discrimination. Agencies utilizing the CHW model could encourage community advocacy by providing a flexible working environment, ongoing leadership training, and opportunities to collaborate with both veteran CHWs and local community leaders. Further research is needed to understand the nature and impact of CHW community advocacy activities on both systems change and health outcomes.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The Community Health Worker model is recognized nationally as a means to address glaring inequities in the burden of adverse health conditions that exist among specific population groups in the United States. This study explored Arizona CHW involvement in advocacy beyond the individual patient level into the realm of advocating for community level change as a mechanism to reduce the structural underpinnings of health disparities. A survey of CHWs in Arizona found that CHWs advocate at local, state and federal political levels as well as within health and social service agencies and business. Characteristics significantly associated with advocacy include employment in a not for profit organization, previous leadership training, and a work environment that allows flexible work hours and the autonomy to start new projects at work. Intrinsic characteristics of CHWs associated with advocacy include their belief that they can influence community decisions, self perception that they are leaders in the community, and knowledge of who to talk to in their community to make change. Community-level advocacy has been identified as a core CHW function and has the potential to address structural issues such as poverty, employment, housing, and discrimination. Agencies utilizing the CHW model could encourage community advocacy by providing a flexible working environment, ongoing leadership training, and opportunities to collaborate with both veteran CHWs and local community leaders. Further research is needed to understand the nature and impact of CHW community advocacy activities on both systems change and health outcomes. |
2020 |
Camplain, Ricky ; Pinn, Travis ; Williamson, Heather J; Pro, George ; Becenti, Lyle ; Bret, James ; Luna, Crystal ; Baldwin, Julie A Adaptation of the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) for the Measurement of Physical Activity in Jail Settings Journal Article International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (349), pp. 1-11, 2020. @article{Camplain2020, title = {Adaptation of the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) for the Measurement of Physical Activity in Jail Settings}, author = {Camplain, Ricky and Pinn, Travis and Williamson, Heather J and Pro, George and Becenti, Lyle and Bret, James and Luna, Crystal and Baldwin, Julie A. }, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010349}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-01-03}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}, volume = {17}, number = {349}, pages = {1-11}, abstract = {Over 9 million people are incarcerated in jail each year, but physical activity has not been assessed among incarcerated populations. Measuring physical activity in the jail setting is complicated as current physical activity measurement tools are not designed for use inside jail facilities. Therefore, we adapted an evidence-based physical activity measurement tool, the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC), to assess physical activity within a jail facility. SOPARC was designed to obtain observational information on physical activity of individuals. The study team created a protocol for SOPARC for use in jail facilities. Unlike the original SOPARC, access to recreation time in jail required prior scheduling. Target areas were unnecessary as recreation spaces were enclosed. The adapted SOPARC protocol for jails included start and end times, the number of individuals that attended, and recreation time users’ physical activity levels, footwear, outerwear, uniform color, and use of mobility assistive devices. The use of SOPARC in the jail setting requires adaptation to adequately capture physical activity data among incarcerated individuals. Accurately measuring physical activity among incarcerated individuals and the environment in which they are active may allow for future development and testing of physical activity interventions in jail facilities.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Over 9 million people are incarcerated in jail each year, but physical activity has not been assessed among incarcerated populations. Measuring physical activity in the jail setting is complicated as current physical activity measurement tools are not designed for use inside jail facilities. Therefore, we adapted an evidence-based physical activity measurement tool, the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC), to assess physical activity within a jail facility. SOPARC was designed to obtain observational information on physical activity of individuals. The study team created a protocol for SOPARC for use in jail facilities. Unlike the original SOPARC, access to recreation time in jail required prior scheduling. Target areas were unnecessary as recreation spaces were enclosed. The adapted SOPARC protocol for jails included start and end times, the number of individuals that attended, and recreation time users’ physical activity levels, footwear, outerwear, uniform color, and use of mobility assistive devices. The use of SOPARC in the jail setting requires adaptation to adequately capture physical activity data among incarcerated individuals. Accurately measuring physical activity among incarcerated individuals and the environment in which they are active may allow for future development and testing of physical activity interventions in jail facilities. |
2017 |
Sabo, Samantha; Flores, Melissa; Wennerström, Ashley; Bell, Melanie L; Verdugo, Lorena; Carvajal, Scott; Ingram, Maia Community health workers promote civic engagement and organizational capacity to impact policy Journal Article Journal of Community Health, 42 (6), pp. 1197-1203, 2017. @article{Sabo2017b, title = {Community health workers promote civic engagement and organizational capacity to impact policy}, author = {Samantha Sabo and Melissa Flores and Ashley Wennerström and Melanie L Bell and Lorena Verdugo and Scott Carvajal and Maia Ingram}, url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10900-017-0370-3}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-06-06}, journal = {Journal of Community Health}, volume = {42}, number = {6}, pages = {1197-1203}, abstract = {Community health workers (CHW) have historically served to link structurally vulnerable populations to broad support systems. Emerging evidence suggests that CHWs engage in various forms of advocacy to promote policy and systems change. We assessed the impact of CHW community advocacy on community change, defined as civic engagement, organizational capacity and policy and systems change. Data are drawn from the 2014 National Community Health Worker Advocacy Survey (N = 1776) aimed to identify the state of the CHW profession, and their impact on health disparities through community advocacy and policy engagement. Our primary analysis used multiple linear regression to assess the association between CHW advocacy and community change. As predicted, there was a significant, positive association between CHW advocacy and change in community conditions. Additionally, both adjusted and sensitivity models had similar standardized beta estimates for advocacy, and adjusted R 2 statistics. CHW advocacy predicts positive change in community conditions and further advances the CHW Community Advocacy Framework designed to support and monitor CHW community advocacy to reduce health disparities through advocacy and policy change.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Community health workers (CHW) have historically served to link structurally vulnerable populations to broad support systems. Emerging evidence suggests that CHWs engage in various forms of advocacy to promote policy and systems change. We assessed the impact of CHW community advocacy on community change, defined as civic engagement, organizational capacity and policy and systems change. Data are drawn from the 2014 National Community Health Worker Advocacy Survey (N = 1776) aimed to identify the state of the CHW profession, and their impact on health disparities through community advocacy and policy engagement. Our primary analysis used multiple linear regression to assess the association between CHW advocacy and community change. As predicted, there was a significant, positive association between CHW advocacy and change in community conditions. Additionally, both adjusted and sensitivity models had similar standardized beta estimates for advocacy, and adjusted R 2 statistics. CHW advocacy predicts positive change in community conditions and further advances the CHW Community Advocacy Framework designed to support and monitor CHW community advocacy to reduce health disparities through advocacy and policy change. |
2015 |
Sabo, Samantha; Wennerstrom, Ashley; Phillips, David; Haywoord, Catherine; Redondo, Floribella; Bell, Melanie L; Ingram, Maia Community Health Worker Professional Advocacy: Voices of Action from the 2014 National Community Health Worker Advocacy Survey Journal Article The Journal of Ambulatory Care Management, 38 (2), pp. 225-235, 2015. @article{Sabo2015, title = {Community Health Worker Professional Advocacy: Voices of Action from the 2014 National Community Health Worker Advocacy Survey}, author = {Samantha Sabo and Ashley Wennerstrom and David Phillips and Catherine Haywoord and Floribella Redondo and Melanie L Bell and Maia Ingram}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26049652}, doi = {10.1097/JAC.0000000000000089}, year = {2015}, date = {2015-08-01}, journal = {The Journal of Ambulatory Care Management}, volume = {38}, number = {2}, pages = {225-235}, abstract = {This mixed-methods study explores community health worker (CHW) engagement in professional advocacy. Data from the National Community Health Worker Advocacy Survey (n = 1661) assessed the relationship between CHW professional advocacy and CHW demographics, and work characteristics. Qualitative data articulated the quality of professional advocacy efforts. Approximately, 30% of CHW respondents advocated for professional advancement or collaborated with other CHWs to advance the workforce. Advocacy was more prevalent among CHWs affiliated with a professional network. CHW advocacy targeted recognition of the field, appropriate training and compensation, and sustainable funding. CHW professional advocacy is imperative to advancement of the field.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } This mixed-methods study explores community health worker (CHW) engagement in professional advocacy. Data from the National Community Health Worker Advocacy Survey (n = 1661) assessed the relationship between CHW professional advocacy and CHW demographics, and work characteristics. Qualitative data articulated the quality of professional advocacy efforts. Approximately, 30% of CHW respondents advocated for professional advancement or collaborated with other CHWs to advance the workforce. Advocacy was more prevalent among CHWs affiliated with a professional network. CHW advocacy targeted recognition of the field, appropriate training and compensation, and sustainable funding. CHW professional advocacy is imperative to advancement of the field. |
2011 |
Cornejo, Elsa; Denman, Catalina A; Sabo, Samantha; de Zapién, Jill; Rosales, Cecilia Scoping Review of Community Health Worker/Promotora-Based Chronic Disease Primary Prevention Programs on the U.S.-Mexico Border Technical Report Avance de Investigación El Colegio de Sonora 2011. @techreport{Cornejo2011, title = {Scoping Review of Community Health Worker/Promotora-Based Chronic Disease Primary Prevention Programs on the U.S.-Mexico Border}, author = {Elsa Cornejo and Catalina A Denman and Samantha Sabo and Jill de Zapién and Cecilia Rosales}, url = {http://www.academia.edu/1222647/Chronic_Disease_Primary_Prevention_Programs_on_the_US-Mexico_Border}, year = {2011}, date = {2011-04-01}, institution = {Avance de Investigación El Colegio de Sonora}, organization = {U.S.-Mexico Border Center of Excellence to Counter Chronic Disease}, school = {University of Arizona}, abstract = {The transformation of the epidemiologic profile at the turn of the century, coupled with the continuing increase of chronic disease worldwide, has serious impacts on the personal, sociocultural and economic costs of disease (who 2008). Complex issues and interactions at the U.S.- Mexico border, including health systems disparities, an intense exchange between a diversity of cultures, the paradoxes of global interdependence, and a shared impact of disease make effective chronic disease prevention a challenge (Rodríguez-Saldaña 2005). Knowledge is required about available health promotion resources in the region and how they navigate across and within nations and communities (Bowman and Vinicor 2005). This report identifies the need to develop, implement, evaluate and reproduce effective, sustainable community-based interventions in order to successfully reinforce and increase the implementation of necessary health promotion activities, including primary and secondary prevention to counter chronic disease. It is rooted in other reviews which have recognized the success of community health workers (chws)/promotoras de salud1 in promoting healthy lifestyle changes and reducing the burden of chronic disease (Gibbons and Tyrus 2007; Lewin et al. 2005; Nemcek and Sabatier 2003; Swider 2002). The specific objectives of this report are to: • identify existing community health worker chronic disease primary prevention programs2 on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border; • describe how they measure success and/or effectiveness and discuss what evidence-based programs could be implemented in other sites; • understand the issues of empowerment, advocacy and the role of promotoras and health institutions in chronic disease prevention, and • explore the interaction between national and local public health policy}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {techreport} } The transformation of the epidemiologic profile at the turn of the century, coupled with the continuing increase of chronic disease worldwide, has serious impacts on the personal, sociocultural and economic costs of disease (who 2008). Complex issues and interactions at the U.S.- Mexico border, including health systems disparities, an intense exchange between a diversity of cultures, the paradoxes of global interdependence, and a shared impact of disease make effective chronic disease prevention a challenge (Rodríguez-Saldaña 2005). Knowledge is required about available health promotion resources in the region and how they navigate across and within nations and communities (Bowman and Vinicor 2005). This report identifies the need to develop, implement, evaluate and reproduce effective, sustainable community-based interventions in order to successfully reinforce and increase the implementation of necessary health promotion activities, including primary and secondary prevention to counter chronic disease. It is rooted in other reviews which have recognized the success of community health workers (chws)/promotoras de salud1 in promoting healthy lifestyle changes and reducing the burden of chronic disease (Gibbons and Tyrus 2007; Lewin et al. 2005; Nemcek and Sabatier 2003; Swider 2002). The specific objectives of this report are to: • identify existing community health worker chronic disease primary prevention programs2 on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border; • describe how they measure success and/or effectiveness and discuss what evidence-based programs could be implemented in other sites; • understand the issues of empowerment, advocacy and the role of promotoras and health institutions in chronic disease prevention, and • explore the interaction between national and local public health policy |
2008 |
Ingram, Maia; Sabo, Samantha; Rothers, Janet; Wennerstrom, Ashley; de Zapien, Jill Guernsey Community Health Workers and community advocacy: addressing health disparities Journal Article Journal of Community Health, 33 (6), pp. 417-424, 2008. @article{Ingram2008, title = {Community Health Workers and community advocacy: addressing health disparities}, author = {Maia Ingram and Samantha Sabo and Janet Rothers and Ashley Wennerstrom and Jill Guernsey de Zapien}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18584315}, doi = {10.1007/s10900-008-9111-y}, year = {2008}, date = {2008-12-01}, journal = {Journal of Community Health}, volume = {33}, number = {6}, pages = {417-424}, abstract = {The Community Health Worker model is recognized nationally as a means to address glaring inequities in the burden of adverse health conditions that exist among specific population groups in the United States. This study explored Arizona CHW involvement in advocacy beyond the individual patient level into the realm of advocating for community level change as a mechanism to reduce the structural underpinnings of health disparities. A survey of CHWs in Arizona found that CHWs advocate at local, state and federal political levels as well as within health and social service agencies and business. Characteristics significantly associated with advocacy include employment in a not for profit organization, previous leadership training, and a work environment that allows flexible work hours and the autonomy to start new projects at work. Intrinsic characteristics of CHWs associated with advocacy include their belief that they can influence community decisions, self perception that they are leaders in the community, and knowledge of who to talk to in their community to make change. Community-level advocacy has been identified as a core CHW function and has the potential to address structural issues such as poverty, employment, housing, and discrimination. Agencies utilizing the CHW model could encourage community advocacy by providing a flexible working environment, ongoing leadership training, and opportunities to collaborate with both veteran CHWs and local community leaders. Further research is needed to understand the nature and impact of CHW community advocacy activities on both systems change and health outcomes.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The Community Health Worker model is recognized nationally as a means to address glaring inequities in the burden of adverse health conditions that exist among specific population groups in the United States. This study explored Arizona CHW involvement in advocacy beyond the individual patient level into the realm of advocating for community level change as a mechanism to reduce the structural underpinnings of health disparities. A survey of CHWs in Arizona found that CHWs advocate at local, state and federal political levels as well as within health and social service agencies and business. Characteristics significantly associated with advocacy include employment in a not for profit organization, previous leadership training, and a work environment that allows flexible work hours and the autonomy to start new projects at work. Intrinsic characteristics of CHWs associated with advocacy include their belief that they can influence community decisions, self perception that they are leaders in the community, and knowledge of who to talk to in their community to make change. Community-level advocacy has been identified as a core CHW function and has the potential to address structural issues such as poverty, employment, housing, and discrimination. Agencies utilizing the CHW model could encourage community advocacy by providing a flexible working environment, ongoing leadership training, and opportunities to collaborate with both veteran CHWs and local community leaders. Further research is needed to understand the nature and impact of CHW community advocacy activities on both systems change and health outcomes. |