A Longitudinal Qualitative Analysis Exploring Hispanic/Latino and Somali Immigrant Health Promoters' Perspectives on a Social Network Intervention to Address Cardiovascular Disease Disparities
BMC Public Health 2025
RHCP worked with Hispanic/Latino and Somali immigrant leaders to implement a social network–based health program called Healthy Immigrant Community (HIC). Health promoters (HPs) led sessions focused on improving diet and physical activity to reduce heart disease risk. Over time, HPs shifted their focus from weight loss to broader goals like overall health and community well-being. They gained leadership skills, built stronger social ties, and made lasting lifestyle changes. The program’s success was supported by peer motivation, culturally relevant materials, and strong relationships with health coaches.
Despite these gains, HPs faced barriers at multiple levels. Challenges included limited access to affordable gyms, high food costs, racism, and cultural differences in health beliefs. Somali participants highlighted safety concerns and the need for private exercise spaces for women. HPs suggested improvements like ongoing support, better access to resources, and reframing the program to emphasize health rather than weight loss. Their feedback helped shape future plans for HIC and informed broader efforts to reduce health disparities through community-driven, culturally tailored interventions.