Focus group results of a community-based breast cancer train-the-trainer curriculum in Grenada

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of a two-week breast cancer Community-Based Train-the-Trainer program for Lay Community Health Workers (LCHWs) in Grenada. The curriculum was designed to teach laywomen about the LCHW role, how to conduct a community health assessment, and knowledge about breast cancer. DESIGN AND METHODS: A qualitative research design was used. One focus group interview was performed on 10 LCHWs after the completion of the training. A structured interview guided the discussion. The focus group took place at the same location as the training. Data was analyzed using framework analysis. All participants were female. The majority of the participants were over the age of 30. Half have less than a secondary school education, one a bachelor degree, and three have some college education. RESULT: Four themes emerged from the data service, ethics, commitment to the program and practical knowledge. The LCHWs reported being satisfied with the training and expressed being appropriately prepared after the two-week training. The focus group showed that the LCHWs understood the principles and methods underlying health assessments, understood the role of the LCHWs and their relationship to their community. The LCHWs discussed how they felt confident in teaching other women about breast health. They understood breast cancer, and felt that the hands-on element of the training was helpful. The LCHWs felt that the positive trainer-trainee relations during the training contributed to their confidence in assuming the LCHW role. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that Train-the-Trainer education programs can be an effective methodology to train LCHWs.