Citation

Forst L, Lacey S, Chen HY, Jimenez R, Bauer S, Skinner S, Alvarado R, Nickels L, Zanoni JP, Petrea R, Conroy L. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2004; 46(6): 607-613.

Affiliation

University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/ajim.20103

PMID

15551366

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To evaluate The Community Health Worker 'promotor de salud' (CHW) model is evaluated as a tool for reducing eye injuries in Latino farm workers. METHODS: In 2001, 786 workers on 34 farms were divided into three intervention blocks: (A) CHWs provided protective eyewear and training to farm workers; (B) CHWs provided eyewear but no training to farm workers; (C) eyewear was distributed to farm workers with no CHW present and no training. RESULTS: Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires demonstrated greater self-reported use of eyewear in all blocks after the intervention (P < 0.0001), with Block A showing the greatest change compared to B (P < 0.0001) and C (P = 0.03); this was supported by field observations. Block A showed the greatest improvement in knowledge on questions related to training content. CONCLUSION: CHWs were an effective tool to train farm workers in eye health and safety, improving the use of personal protective equipment and knowledge.