Comadre Group Teaching In Nutrition

Purpose for the program:

The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP)   project sought to assess if a “comadre-like” group teaching approach could increase Hispanic women’s knowledge of nutrition. Small cultural support groups are unique to many Hispanic women as they rely on relatives and friends within their communities. The uniqueness of this population is their high regard for family and their close social network which makes group teaching potentially more effective way to teach health promotion and wellness.

Proposed change: To increase knowledge of nutrition and explore the potential for other areas for group teaching in women's health.

Implementation, outcomes and evaluation:

Nine bi-lingual Hispanic women ranging in ages 19-68 years participated in this project.  After consent was obtained, participants were given a ten item pre-test intervention questionnaire (totaling 50 points) to assess their knowledge of nutrition.  A total of four sessions on nutrition were provided, which consisted of topics on general nutrition.  Classes consisted of lectures, posters, handouts and discussion.  The same ten item post intervention questionnaire (totaling 50 points) was given to assess the participants’ knowledge of nutrition and feedback on the “comadre-like” group teaching approach.

Implications for nursing practice:

The result of this evidenced-based transcultural nursing project underscored the importance of utilizing “comadre-like” group teaching approach in order to increase Hispanic women’s knowledge of nutrition. This method could be utilized in other areas of nursing and health education in order to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Keywords: Group Teaching