Assessing the effectiveness of a training program for Latino(a) dairy workers on Colorado dairies

• Published in: Journal of animal science Vol. 96; p. 199
• Main Authors: Rink, K, Amaya-Soto, F, Menger-Ogle, L, Stallones, L, Pinedo, P, Muniz, N Roman
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Champaign Oxford University Press 01-12-2018
• Subjects: Attitudes; Dairies; Dairy industry; Hispanic Americans; Illnesses; Infectious diseases; Labor force; Occupational health; Polls & surveys; Statistical analysis; Training; Workers; Zoonoses; United States > US; Colorado
• ISSN: 0021-8812; 1525-3163

The US dairy industry has high rates of injuries and illnesses, and lacks consistent and culturally congruent training programs for its labor force. Previous studies have identified the need for training resources on infectious and zoonotic diseases (IZD), and the need to assess the efficacy of training delivery methods in Latino(a) dairy worker populations. A bilingual training video on best practices to decrease the risks of IZD was developed for dairy workers with the input of dairy workers. Objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate the effect of the training video on knowledge, attitude and behavior, and 2) assess the perceived benefit of the training. A total of 105 dairy workers from 10 Colorado dairies were divided into three groups: workers who received video training (V) (n = 51), workers from control dairies who received no video training (C) (n = 29), and coworkers of V who received no video training (Cv) (n = 25). Participants completed pre-training, post-training (V only), and three-month follow-up surveys. For all groups, the pre-training survey showed gaps in knowledge regarding best practices to prevent IZD. Participants in the V group demonstrated statically significant improvement in knowledge and attitude scores between pre-training and post-training surveys (P = 0.00; P = 0.00)(Table 1.1).Significant changes were observed in reported behavior between pre-training and follow-up surveys (P < 0.05). Knowledge and attitude scores declined significantly between post-training and follow-up surveys (P = 0.00). There were no statistically significant changes in scores for C and Cv participants. All participants who received the training perceived it as beneficial and agreed that it should be offered to all dairy workers. The training improved knowledge, attitude and behaviors that could decrease risks of IZD. Results suggest follow-up interventions should occur prior to three months after training to reinforce learning.