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Table 4 Outcomes related to positive CHW-Participant relationships

From: Participants’ perceptions of interactions with community health workers who promote behavior change: a qualitative characterization from participants with normal, depressive and anxious mood states

Outcome

Evidenced participant quotation

Lasting behavioral impact

“I stopped with it and after a while I went back to it. I did start exercising more. I did start trying to make healthier choices for my children…foodwise. As far as the food changes, yes. My kids, they know that every meal we have we have vegetables.” Female, age 30, English interview

“They taught me how to eat, to measure the portions, the vitamins that each type of food has, what I shouldn’t eat.” Female, age 57, Spanish interview

“Yes, and I started walking sometimes, right outside…I’d walk all the way to the post office and back and then right here outside sometimes at night. That’s what I liked the most. It was practical information.” Female, age 54, Spanish interview

“Yes, she always reinforced the idea”...She always said, “Don’t stop walking.” Besides, they would invite me to attend the exercise program. I said, “I don’t have the courage to go alone,” and she said, “If you wish, I will go with you. Just let me know when and I will go with you.” Female, age 57, Spanish interview

Generational effect

“Well, in fact, since I, as well as my child, have diabetes, these talks helped us both. She showed me how to buy more nutritional items, for example, that were sugar free.” Female, age 42, Spanish interview

“Sometimes it’s impossible to go to Zumba because it’s far away, so I put some music on and start dancing with my daughter.” Female, age 31, Spanish interview

Participant gratitude

“In fact, when I was undergoing psychological therapy and spiritual therapy, everything because I had had a very difficult moment. And, they helped me, with their talks, with their company, with the classes that they would give me…They came like a godsend at that moment.” Female, age 35, Spanish interview

“In fact, my glucose level went down thanks to their recommendations about how to cook my food.” Female, age 65, Spanish interview

Institutional trust

“Very good, really good, that’s why when you said you come from there, I agreed immediately. They have my utmost respect, and whenever I see Tu Salud Si Cuenta, I’ve been around there by the Consulate, where they set their post, and as soon as I see it I go see. So, I’m happy and thrilled with all these years that they have been conducting research. I don’t usually answer the phone, but yesterday as I was about to hang up and you mentioned who you were representing, I changed my mind and said, “Yes, of course.”” Female, age 54, Spanish interview