Using CBPR to Decrease Health Disparities in a Suburban Latino Neighborhood.

INTRODUCTION: This project tested the feasibility of using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to deliver health and social resources in two high-risk, suburban neighborhoods.

METHOD: An established research network was used to engage stakeholders to design and deliver a neighborhood-based intervention targeting a Latino immigrant population. The intervention provided screenings for hypertension, diabetes, and depression; primary care provider visits; and information about navigating health care delivery systems and related community-based resources. Participants ( N = 216) were consented for participation and their subsequent use of health and social services were measured at baseline and 1 year post intervention.

RESULTS: At baseline, 5.1% of participants had health insurance, 16.7% had a primary care provider, and 38.4% had a chronic illness. SF-12 scores showed a majority of participants with low perceived health status (56%) and high risk for clinical depression (33%). Self-reported use of primary care services increased from 33.8% at baseline to 48% 1 year after the intervention, and 62% reported use of social services.

CONCLUSION: Neighborhood-based interventions informed by a CBPR approach are effective in both identifying community members who lack access to health care-related services and connecting them into needed primary care and social services.