Comparative Effectiveness of Training Alternatives for the EPA's Worker Protection Standard Regulation Among Immigrant Latino Farmworkers.

Abstract

To determine the comparative effectiveness of two EPA-approved WPS training strategies. Farmworkers in GA and FL blinded to content before training (N = 339) were randomly assigned to either a video training (n = 121) or a culturally tailored, facilitator-led training (n = 136), or an attention-placebo training focused on heat-related illness (n = 82). Data were obtained immediately before and after training and 3 months after training. Both active interventions increased pesticide knowledge. At the 3-month follow-up, participants in the EPA video lost acquired knowledge. Those in the facilitator-led group retained acquired knowledge and showed greater pesticide safety behavior. Standardized training through video improves short-term knowledge, but it is not retained and unable to support desired behavior to reduce pesticide exposure among farmworkers. A culturally tailored, facilitator-led training is more effective in achieving the spirit of the WPS regulation.