Improving Heart Healthy Lifestyles Among Participants in aSalud Para Su CorazónPromotores Model: The Mexican Pilot Study, 2009–2012

Abstract

IntroductionIn Mexico, cardiovascular disease and its risk factors are growing problems and major public health concerns. The objective of this study was to implement cardiovascular health promotion and disease prevention activities of the Salud para su Corazón model in a high-risk, impoverished, urban community in Mexico City.MethodsWe used a pretest–posttest (baseline to 12-week follow-up) design without a control group. Material from Salud para su Corazón was validated and delivered by promotores (community health workers) to community members from 6 geographic areas. Two validated, self-administered questionnaires that assessed participants’ knowledge and behaviors relating to heart health were administered. We used t tests and χ2 tests to evaluate pretest and posttest differences, by age group (≤60 and >60 years), for participants’ 3 heart-healthy habits, 3 types of physical activity, performance skills, and anthropometric and clinical measurements.ResultsA total of 452 (82%) adult participants completed the program. Heart-healthy habits from pretest to posttest varied by age group. “Taking action” to modify lifestyle behaviors increased among adults aged 60 or younger from 31.5% to 63.0% (P < .001) and among adults older than 60 from 30.0% to 45.0% (P < .001). Positive responses for cholesterol and fat consumption reduction were seen among participants 60 or younger (P = .03). Among those older than 60, salt reduction and weight control increased (P = .008). Mean blood glucose concentration among adults older than 60 decreased postintervention (P = .03).ConclusionSignificant improvements in some heart-healthy habits were seen among adult participants. The model has potential to improve heart-healthy habits and facilitate behavioral change among high-risk adults.

Task sharing with non-physician health-care workers for management of blood pressure in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Of the 63 studies included in the review, there were 32 randomised controlled trials (from 33 publications),24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 11 cluster randomised trials,57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 and 20 before-and-after studies68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 (appendix pp 3–38). 50 studies were done in Asia and Africa.…”

Behavioral lifestyle interventions for the primary prevention of type 2 diabetes and translation to Hispanic/Latino communities in the United States and Mexico

“…79 Typically, these approaches are grounded in social ecological models of public health, 9 as well as target screening, identification of early disease markers, and the promotion of health knowledge that will, in turn, dictate referral to other health professionals and prevention/ intervention programs. [80][81][82][83] However, with the advent of both CHW recognition by the US Department of Labor 79 and the increased dissemination and training of manualized, evidence-based DPP programs, CHW team-based implementation roles are expanding 32,33,64 and there is a need to systematically review these methods and outcomes more closely as well. 24 To date, there are limited data on lifestyle interventions for chronic disease prevention being delivered solely by promotores outside of community health centers and hospital clinics and that include relatively large samples of overweight/obese women with very low education and literacy levels on the Texas-Mexico border.…”

Factores De Riesgo Y Posibilidad De Desarrollar Alguna Patología Cardiovascular en Adultos Mexicanos

“…Uno de los parámetros en la identificación de la efectividad de este programa fueron los niveles reducidos de glucosa en sangre dentro de los participantes (19).…”