RESUMO
Young Latinas face multiple health challenges that place them at high risk for chronic diseases. Digital health promotion interventions can offer education and support to activate self-care and preventive behaviors. This pilot study evaluated a brief, theory-informed, culturally tailored intervention, Examen Tu Salud, that provided daily text and multimedia messages and weekly peer coaching via videoconference to improve health behaviors among young adult Latina women. Thirty-four participants who self-identified as Latina, female, and 18-29 years old were recruited from an urban college in Northern California to participate in a brief pilot test of the new intervention. Paired sample T-tests assessed health behavior and health activation changes from baseline to 1 month follow-up. Program participation and satisfaction were analyzed to assess feasibility of the intervention. Among 31 participants (91% completion), there were medium to large improvements in health outcomes. Confidence in preventing and managing one's health (t[30] = 5.18, p < .001, d = 0.93), days of moderate-intensity physical activity (t[30] = 3.50, p < .001, d = 0.63), and fruit (t[30] = 3.32, p = .001, d = 0.60) and vegetable (t[30] = 2.04, p = .025, d = 0.37) consumption in a typical day increased. Intervention satisfaction and engagement with health coaches was high. We found that a brief digital coaching intervention designed for young adult Latinas has the potential to improve health activation and behaviors. More attention is needed to prevent chronic conditions among a growing number of Latinos in the USA.
Using technology for health interventions is a promising approach for reaching Latinas, who face unique challenges to preventing obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. While Latinos often use their mobile phones for health education, there is a need for preventive interventions which are designed to consider Latinos' cultural values and needs. We designed culturally relevant text and multimedia messages and peer coaching sessions specifically for young Latinas, then evaluated changes in their health behaviors. After 4 weeks, participants showed positive changes in their eating and exercise habits, as well as a positive attitude toward making changes in their health behaviors. Examen Tu Salud and its approach offer a framework for other communities in need of accessible and culturally adapted health interventions.