The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63939

Patricia J. Kelly, PhD, MPH, RN, Department of Familly Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, 210-735-5522, kellyp@uthscsa.edu and Teshia Solomon, PhD, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78248-7976.

In evaluating promotora programs, it is essential to document changes that take place in the promotoras themselves. Intentional Storytelling is an evaluation method that elicits and documents responses to common situations in which women find themselves. The responses provide a series of snapshots over time about how participants in promotora programs think about solving problems and coping with issues that arise in their social networks and communities. Comparing stories from baseline and after time spent in the program demonstrates changes in problem solving, coping, and change-making skills that promotoras develop individually and as a group. This presentation will include methods for developing stories, data collection strategies, and ways to analyze stories for change over time and to document these changes. Intentional Storytelling measures collected at three six-month intervals from a program in San Antonio, Texas will be provided for practice analysis and presentation by small groups during the presentation.

Learning Objectives:

• • Appreciate the important of using a variety of evaluation mechanisms to document the impact of promotora programs.
• • Articulate the purpose and methods of implementing the Intentional Storytelling measure.
• • Engage in hands-on evaluation of Intentional Storytelling data.

Keywords: Community Health Promoters, Evaluation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.