Findings from a community-based participatory prevention research intervention designed to increase social capital in Latino and African American communities

J Immigr Minor Health. 2008 Jun;10(3):281-9. doi: 10.1007/s10903-007-9078-2.

Abstract

A community-based participatory research intervention, Poder es Salud/Power for Health, employed Community Health Workers who used popular education to identify and address health disparities in Latino and African American communities in a metropolitan area in the United States. We assessed participants' social capital, self-rated health, and depressive symptoms at baseline and the end of the intervention. Social support and self-rated health improved while depressive symptoms decreased. Public health interventions involving diverse communities that are designed to build upon assets, such as existing levels of social capital, may improve health in those communities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Black or African American*
  • Community Health Workers
  • Community Participation / methods*
  • Demography
  • Female
  • Health Status Disparities*
  • Hispanic or Latino*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health
  • Middle Aged
  • Prejudice
  • Religion
  • Social Environment*
  • Social Support