A lay health worker intervention for AD treatment adherence for Spanish-speaking families

What is it about?

This research evaluated the use of promotoras de salud (community health workers) in an adherence intervention for Atopic Dermatitis management to help reduce disparities in care for Latine pediatric patients and their families and provide culturally congruent education. Atopic Dermatitis typically emerges in childhood and often requires consistent use of topical and anti-inflammatory treatments as well as other treatments such as bleach baths and wet wraps to manage symptoms. Lack of patient education contributes to outcome disparities among children with this condition. The researchers compared a standard group who received the typical in-clinic education and brief follow up check ins at 4 and 12 weeks to a treatment group that in addition to receiving in-clinic education and brief check ins also received 60-120 minute home visits at two time points, two telephone calls to support family treatment management. Families in the promotoras group saw greater treatment adherence, more sustained adherence, and had higher knowledge of Atopic Dermatitis and treatment than those in the non-promotoras group.

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Photo by Ana azuria on Unsplash

Photo by Ana azuria on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This intervention highlights the valuable role task-sharing interventions on populations experiencing healthcare disparities. Health disparities are common among minoritized children and their families and lack of access to culturally congruent education and support plays a role in creating and perpetuating these disparities. There is growing literature indicating that promotoras de salud are one avenue for helping support youth and their families across a wide array of health needs, including adherence. Engaging community members, honoring the community knowledge and cultural understanding that lay community health workers have, and sensitively addressing the cultural and linguistic needs of children with complex medical needs can be critical for fostering adherence.