Summary

The model of community extender training being used holds great potential in the field of public health.  Community members with an understanding of cultural issues affecting health are trained to be community health outreach workers.  This model offers the possibility for a much greater impact in the community than that of currently used programs.

Timeline

Fall 2004
Goal 1: To identify the health beliefs and behaviors, including lifestyle practices, of the Hmong population in relation to diabetes, physical activity, and healthy food preparation.

• Literature review and analysis
• Initial community needs assessment

Spring/Summer/Fall 2005
Goal 2: To develop, deliver, and evaluate a pilot-project of an Extender-delivered, culturally-appropriate healthy eating and physical activity program based on focus group results and with input from the community, modeled on the University of California Cooperative Extension curriculum.

• Focus groups and individual interviews conducted from March through July 2005
• Develop culturally-appropriate modules for EFNEP Extender Training and adapting UCCE Take Care of Yourself (Latino Diabetes Awareness & Prevention Curriculum) from June through July 2005 for use with Hmong population.
• Recruitment of Extenders from July through August 2005
• Training of Extenders from September through October 2005
• Delivery of program from October through November 2005
• Evaluation of program and editing of curriculum and methods from November through January 2006