Journal of Community Health
Volume 43, Issue 4, 2018, Pages 717-724

A Cardiovascular Health Intervention for Spanish Speakers: The Health Literacy and ESL Curriculum (Article)

Soto Mas F.* , Schmitt C.L. , Jacobson H.E. , Myers O.B.
  • a College of Population Health MSC09 5070, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, United States
  • b School of Medicine, Family & Community Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
  • c Department of Linguistics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
  • d School of Medicine, Family & Community Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States

Abstract

Spanish speakers in the United States are in need of effective interventions that address both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and health literacy. However, the literature lacks interventions that have used and evaluated a strategies that focus on both, particularly at the community level. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of a health literacy curriculum on cardiovascular health behavior among Spanish speaking adults. It used a randomized controlled pre-posttest design. Participants included Hispanic adults with a low-to-intermediate level of English proficiency. The intervention group received the health literacy and English as a second language (ESL) Curriculum with CVD specific content, while the control group received a conventional ESL curriculum. Tools included the Spanish Cardiovascular Health Questionnaire (CSC), the test of functional health literacy in adults (TOFHLA), and the Combined English Language Skills Assessment. Analysis of change scores included independent sample t test and multiple linear regression. A total of 155 participants completed the study. There was a significant greater improvement for the intervention group in change of CSC score from pretest to posttest (P = 0.049) compared to controls. The study also found significantly improved TOFHLA (P = 0.011), however it did not find a relationship between changes in CVD behavior and health literacy or English proficiency. The Health Literacy and ESL Curriculum constitutes a valuable resource for addressing the cardiovascular health, literacy, and language needs of Spanish-speaking adults. Interventions that take a multilevel education and health approach may be more effective in addressing the needs of immigrants. Research should further explore the interactions between CVD behavior, health literacy, and English proficiency. © 2018, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

Author Keywords

immigrants English proficiency language Community intervention Hispanics

Index Keywords

education curriculum Cardiovascular Diseases human middle aged controlled study randomized controlled trial language ethnology Hispanic Americans United States Young Adult Humans migrant cardiovascular disease Hispanic male Emigrants and Immigrants female Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice organization and management adult health education health literacy attitude to health
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85041914497&doi=10.1007%2fs10900-018-0475-3&partnerID=40&md5=8beaeb773792748a158a9ab0cfd92fc1
DOI: 10.1007/s10900-018-0475-3
ISSN: 00945145
Original Language: English