부산대학교 도서관

OBJECTIVE:: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effectiveness of a culturally appropriate promotora training program related to oral rehydration therapy and diarrheal management. Factors that influenced the development, implementation, and evaluation of the program provided to low-literacy women in Guatemala are explored. DESIGN AND SAMPLE:: Promotora training was conducted with 15 Mayan women from a rural community in the highlands of Guatemala. Women were selected by leaders of the community to participate in the program. MEASURES:: Quantitative data were collected and analyzed to determine descriptive statistics and reliability coefficients for the pretests and posttests. A nonparametric Wilcoxon test for paired-samples was conducted. The qualitative data from the program evaluations were analyzed for themes. RESULTS:: Mean scores increased from 41.73 (SD = 9.65) to 70.33 (SD = 21.29) on the pretest and posttest. The Cronbachʼs alpha was 0.54 on the pretest with 0.65 on the posttest. The Wilcoxon test demonstrated a significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores (Z = 3.040, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS:: Extremely low-literacy levels played a major role in the ability of the women to successfully complete the requirements of the training program. The curriculum demonstrated effectiveness, but will benefit from replication with a larger sample.