Training Program Preparing Abuelas as Nutrition Educators

Abstract

A training program was developed as part of the nutrition education program La Cocina Saludable ( The Healthy Kitchen) to prepare abuelas (Hispanic grandmothers) as nutrition educators. Low-income Hispanics and migrant farm workers are considered “at risk” due to their socioeconomic and migratory status, as well as high predisposition to diabetes, obesity, and other health and nutrition-related problems. In an attempt to meet the specific nutrition education needs of this population and reduce this population's nutrition-related risks in a culturally appropriate manner, abuelas were recruited and trained as nutrition educators. They are well respected within the Hispanic community and offer guidance in relation to health and dietary concerns. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the La Cocina Saludable training program as perceived by trainees (including educational materials designed specifically for this program) in preparing abuelas as nutrition educators.The final evaluation consisted of telephone interviews with 69% of trained abuelas. Results indicated that the abuelas considered the training effective in terms of providing the necessary nutrition information and confidence to teach nutrition. Interviews also provided insightful information about educational materials, nutrition concepts, written handouts, and participant incentives. This research could serve as a model for other nutrition education programs in designing training programs to prepare peers as educators.