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Evaluation of the Multi-level Adelante Intervention to Address Risk Behaviors among Latino Immigrant Youth: Challenges and Solutions
A positive youth development (PYD) framework was used to develop the Adelante intervention for a predominately immigrant Latino community to address social and health issues as a socio-ecological model at the individual, family, and community level. Three challenges encountered and solutions are discussed.
Methods
A CBPR approach was used for survey sampling design, instrument, and intervention development.
Results
To obtain a representative community sample with limited census data due to immigrant status and transience. Service utilization data combined with an ethnographic approach (key informant interviews, resident interviews, observation) were used for a boundary study to delineate the “community,” as a social and geographic entity, from the residents’ perspective. Population data was collected from apartment complexes. Population estimates were used in the two-stage cluster sampling design for community surveys. To conduct surveys in Spanish and English. Instruments were developed and tested in Spanish for youth, young adults, and parents. Surveys measured change in positive youth development variables as well as adverse health behaviors (e.g., alcohol use) across all domains. Surveys were conducted by an experienced team of 26 bilingual Latino interviewers. To document at all levels delivery of the intervention. We developed and utilize a process data collection system that captures each contact with Adelante activities across all levels of the intervention.
Conclusion
Using a CBPR approach enabled us to identify challenges and to collaboratively develop solutions to ensure the intervention is being evaluated with fidelity and the community partners and residents continue to be engaged in the process.
Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practiceDiversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Explain some of the challenges encountered in CBPR when evaluating a multi-level intervention.
Describe some of the solutions to specific challenges.
Evaluate if the solutions can be utilized in other communities.
Keyword(s): Community-Based Partnership & Collaboration, Latinos
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am Co-Director of the Avance Center for the Advancement of Immigrant/Refugee Health (Avance) at the George Washington University (GWU), and Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics in the School of Public Health & Health Services, my research has been directed at generating knowledge about community-level factors that impact health disparities that can be utilized to impact equity in social and health outcomes for minority populations.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.