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Church-Sponsored Promotornan di Salú/Community Health Worker-Led Health Fair Promoting Hypertension Awareness in Willemstad, Curaçao: A Pilot Study Assessing Participant Satisfaction and Experience

Author

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  • Kenneth E. Christopher

    (Department of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 24515, USA
    Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA)

  • Jenna R. Krall

    (Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA)

  • Tiffany Arvizu

    (Department of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 24515, USA)

  • Alice Juliet

    (Iglesia House of Worship (HOW) Curaçao, Erosweg, Willemstad 44P7+FFG, Curaçao)

  • Sinead Mathilda-Fraaij

    (Iglesia House of Worship (HOW) Curaçao, Erosweg, Willemstad 44P7+FFG, Curaçao)

  • Elisette Rooi-Cannister

    (Iglesia House of Worship (HOW) Curaçao, Erosweg, Willemstad 44P7+FFG, Curaçao)

  • Lona D. Bryan

    (Helms School of Government, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 24515, USA)

Abstract

High blood pressure, or hypertension, remains a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, contributing significantly to global morbidity and mortality, particularly in Caribbean island nations like Curaçao. This pilot study assessed the impact of a health fair led by Community Health Workers (CHWs) or Promotornan di Salú and organized in collaboration with local faith-based organizations to increase hypertension awareness and promote preventive behaviors. The study utilized a cross-sectional design, and data were gathered from attendees at a health fair held on 29 June 2024, at the Iglesia House of Worship in Willemstad, Curaçao. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographics, event satisfaction, health behavior intentions, and qualitative feedback data from participants aged 12 years and older. Of the 145 participants, 78.6% rated the event as excellent, 83.4% expressed plans to change their health behaviors, 80.6% intended to share information with family and friends, and 59.7% intended to follow up with a general practitioner (GP)/doctor. These findings highlight the effectiveness of culturally tailored, community-based initiatives to raise hypertension awareness, improve health literacy, and promote preventive health behaviors. The success of this intervention emphasizes the potential of CHW-led health fairs as valuable public health strategies and practical training opportunities for reducing the burden of chronic conditions like hypertension.

Suggested Citation

  • Kenneth E. Christopher & Jenna R. Krall & Tiffany Arvizu & Alice Juliet & Sinead Mathilda-Fraaij & Elisette Rooi-Cannister & Lona D. Bryan, 2025. "Church-Sponsored Promotornan di Salú/Community Health Worker-Led Health Fair Promoting Hypertension Awareness in Willemstad, Curaçao: A Pilot Study Assessing Participant Satisfaction and Experience," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(9), pages 1-20, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:9:p:1318-:d:1732194
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    References listed on IDEAS

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