Evaluation of a Tuberculosis Education Video Among Immigrants and Refugees at an Adult Education Center: A Community-Based Participatory Approach
Journal of Health Communication Dec 2012
RHCP and the Hawthorne Education Center (HEC) in Rochester, Minnesota, collaborated to create and evaluate a tuberculosis (TB) education video using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach. The project aimed to address TB knowledge gaps among immigrant and refugee learners, a population at elevated risk for TB. Focus groups with learners and staff identified key misconceptions and emotional barriers, which informed the development of a culturally tailored video. The video featured narratives from HEC community members and was designed, scripted, and produced collaboratively by learners, staff, and academic partners. It was shown to all classrooms during World TB Day, and pre- and post-surveys assessed its impact on knowledge, self-efficacy, and acceptability.
The evaluation showed significant improvements in TB knowledge (from 56% to 82% correct) and self-efficacy (from 73% to 90%) after viewing the video. The vast majority of learners (94%) rated the video as highly acceptable, citing its clarity, helpfulness, and relevance. Teachers also found it valuable and recommended its continued use. The participatory process enhanced cultural relevance, literacy alignment, and community ownership, though it required substantial time and resources. This initiative demonstrated that adult education centers can serve as effective venues for health education and that CBPR-guided video production can be a powerful tool for engaging diverse communities in public health promotion.