Latino Health Access: Comparative Effectiveness of a Community-Initiated Promotor/a-Led Diabetes Self-management Education Program

Authors: Allison Slater, Patricia J Cantero, Guillermo Alvarez, Brett S Cervantes, America Bracho, John Billimek

In this retrospective observational study, researchers aimed to assess the efficacy of a community health intervention to improve diabetes management. The intervention, called the Latino Health Access Diabetes Self-Management Program, or LHA-DSMP, was a 12-session promotor-led instructional program that taught basic human anatomy, concepts of diabetes, and strategies for managing blood sugar levels, to adults with type II diabetes. Researchers recruited 688 Spanish-speaking adults from Orange County, California, United States. After comparing results with a control group that received usual care, researchers found a clinically significant improvement in blood sugar levels among the intervention group. The results of this study suggest that CHWs may be able to provide comprehensive diabetes instruction, specifically in underserved communities.