Se habla español: Using Chagas disease as a model for developing health communication products with the US Latin American immigrant population Open Access

Keyes, Erin McGrath (2013)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/mk61rg99w?locale=en
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Abstract

Introduction: Chagas disease causes significant morbidity and mortality across the world. There are currently about 300,000 people living in the US with Chagas disease. Most of these people were infected while living in an endemic area: parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America. To communicate the importance of Chagas disease diagnostic testing in the US, culturally specific health communication initiatives should be directed at the US Latin American immigrant population.

The US Latin American immigrant population has specific needs in health communication. These needs include health literacy factors, communication channels, and cultural influences. Health communicators should consider these factors when designing a product to promote Chagas disease diagnostic testing.

Theoretical Framework: The Health Belief Model and Diffusion of Innovations Theory guided the research process and product development for this project.

Methods: 12 US Latin American immigrants total participated in a series of 3 focus group discussions. These focus group discussions evaluated external health communication products. They also critiqued and guided the development of the Chagas disease health communication product of this project. After product completion, the primary researcher interviewed 2 new Latin American immigrants about the final product to verify the conclusions of the study. Study results informed the development of a protocol to guide further health communication with Latin American immigrants in the US.

Results: Latin American immigrants have specific needs and preferences in health communication. These needs and preferences fall into different factions of health literacy and health communication. Examples include preference for bright colors, family-centered images, and simplicity in text. They also prefer specific distribution routes for print media, such as certain magazines and newspapers.

Conclusion: It is necessary to consider factors of health literacy and cultural preference in health communication to effectively motivate behavior change in the Latin American immigrant population.

Table of Contents


Abstract
iv
Table of Contents
vii
List of Tables and Figures
viii
INTRODUCTION
1
Theoretical Framework
3
Goals and Aims
4
LITERATURE REVIEW
5
Chagas Disease
5
Population Profile
9
Health Literacy
11
Health Communication
17
Theoretical Framework
24
METHODOLOGY
27
Study Population and Study Design
32
Focus Group 1
39
Focus Group 2
40
Focus Group 3
41
Member-Checks
42
RESULTS
44
Demographic Survey
44
Focus Group 1
47
Focus Group 2
64
Focus Group 3
71
Member-Checks
75
DISCUSSION
79
Strengths
88
Limitations
89
Future Research
91
Implications and Conclusion
91
REFERENCES
93
Appendix A: IRB information
106
Appendix B: Data Collection Tools
112
Appendix C: Health Communication Product Protocol
120
Appendix D: Final Chagas disease health communication product
135

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