Feasibility and acceptability of CRiSOL: A pilot peer-based intervention to address syndemic health issues afflicting Latino immigrants in the U.S.

Abstract

Substance use, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence and mental health (SAVAME) are syndemic health issues that disproportionately burden Latinos in the U.S. Yet, there are limited evidence-based interventions to address these interrelated syndemic issues and their shared socio-ecological determinants. This study sought to test the feasibility and acceptability of CRiSOL, a peer-based, resilience-focused intervention to reduce the impact of the SAVAME syndemic on Latino immigrants. Fifteen Latino immigrant community leaders were recruited and trained to serve as health promotion agents in their naturally existing social networks. The training was implemented with high fidelity, received with high satisfaction by the peer leaders, and associated with significant improvements in their knowledge, leadership skills, and social capital. During an 8-month outreach phase, nine leaders remained active in the program and documented 825 one-on-one interactions with community members, during which they provided advice/counseling (52.2% of interactions), health information/education (32.5%), referrals to health and social services (38.5%), food aid (39.9%), and service navigation/assistance (10.2%). While future research must be conducted to establish the effectiveness of CRiSOL, findings from this pilot evaluation indicate the feasibility, acceptability, and high level of reach of this intervention and suggest significant potential to reduce the SAVAME syndemic burden in Latino communities.