About the A Su Salud En Acción Program
Purpose
The purpose of this project was to replicate the A Su Salud En Acción cancer prevention and control efforts in Hispanic communities. The ultimate goal of the replication was to increase the number of underserved Hispanic women who seek the services of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Background
Historically, this project is a derivative of several previous studies. The A Su Salud Program extended from 1985 through 1990, and it applied social cognitive theories to reduce chronic disease and improve cancer control among Hispanics in South Texas. Then in 1992, The National Hispanic Leadership Initiative on Cancer (NHLIC): En Acción was developed to replicate the A Su Salud Program model, but it focused on diverse U.S. Hispanic populations in Texas, California, Florida and New York. In the A Su Salud En Acción program, a replication package (i.e., training and instructional materials) was developed and pilot tested in a Texas/Mexico border site and an urban site in Nevada. Subsequently, it was implemented in only one site (Reno, NV).
Methodology
Our NBCCEDP partner personnel at each site were trained to use public communication and peer networking to promote healthy behaviors (i.e., cancer risk reduction and increased Pap test and mammography screening) among NBCCEDP participants. Intervention methods included identifying community role models, publicizing them through mass media (TV, radio and newspapers) and promoting interpersonal communication using peer neighborhood networkers.
Results
Baylor College of Medicine, grantee for the CDC-funded A Su Salud En Acción replication program, piloted the program in two sites (at the Gateway Community Health Center in Laredo, Texas, and the Clark County Health District in Las Vegas, Nevada). The program was replicated in one site (at the St. Mary’s Foundation Redfield Clinic in Reno, Nevada). Program effectiveness was monitored and evaluated throughout the program using management records, mass media content analysis, cancer screening participation (when available), and historical assessment of the replication process.
Overall, results show that the A Su Salud En Acción program increased breast and cervical cancer screening rates among Hispanic women in the intervention areas. It also gave the sponsoring organizations community alliances and networks that they can continue to use and build on as they address other public health issues in Nevada and Texas. For a more detailed examination of program results, use this link to go to the A Su Salud En Acción project fact sheet at the home web site for all of our Hispanic/Latino Health Communication Research projects, Salud En Acción.
Replication Package
Both academic and practical learning tools have been developed, and a small inventory of 25 copies of the replication package were printed and are available through Baylor College of Medicine for those interested in the program. The training package includes a project manual, appendices and video.
For More Information on Replication of the A Su Salud En Acción Program
If you are interested in learning more about replication of the A Su Salud En Acción program in your community or for additional information concerning the replication package, which includes the A Su Salud En Acción Training Manual, appendices and video, please contact us at:
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Institute for Health Promotion Research
8207 Callaghan Rd., Ste. 110
San Antonio, TX 78230
(210) 348-0255
(210) 348-0554 (FAX)
E-mail: thompsonc2@uthscsa.edu