Increasing public awareness of the risk of cardiovascular disease using 'health activists' in a community health project in Israel: a feasibility study.
An innovative approach to health education in the field of cardiovascular risk factor control was implemented in an urban community in southern Israel. The objective of the project was to determine the efficiency of utilising lay health activists (HAs) to convey the health message to the community. After undergoing a selection process, 22 HAs completed the course of instruction which included: 24 hours of lectures on health topics given by medical experts; 25 hours of training in communication skills, group supervision and assistance in coping with problems encountered during their field work in the community. In the execution of their field work, the HAs paid home visits to members of the community in order that a) two questionnaires could be completed: one dealing with attitude to and knowledge of CVD risk factors and the other, with health habits; b) according to the outcome of the interview, advice concerning desirable changes in life-style could be offered, and c) a follow-up visit could be made in order to reinforce the health message and to evaluate any changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. During the 18 weeks of the project, 612 homes were visited by the HAs. Evaluation of the project is based on an assessment of the changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of the HAs themselves. Results of this study suggest that improving the efficiency of health promotion by utilising the services of lay health activists is a viable proposition. Finally, the applicability of the programme is discussed.