Effectiveness of computer-tailored training with U.S. Latino construction workers: Lessons learned

Introduction
Evidence supports the effectiveness of workplace training on occupational safety and health behaviors. However a recent systematic review by U.S. and Canadian researchers found no randomized controlled trials of training effectiveness with non-English speaking immigrants. Because the U.S. Hispanic working population is projected to remain 60% foreign-born, there is a knowledge gap in effective training methods to serve all construction workers. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a computer-tailored training intervention for Latino construction workers on use of hearing protection. The presentation will highlight lessons learned and directions for future research.

Methods
Construction workers were recruited through their unions to participate in the intervention and complete a survey 3-6 months later. The final pre/post test sample (n=83) was predominantly male (n=80) and Latino (n=63).

Results
Process research to evaluate the acceptability of the intervention to construction workers indicated a positive response. For example, over 90% agreed that the program kept their interest and was an effective way to learn about hearing protection. Significantly more Latinos than non-Latinos said the program was fun (90% vs. 60%), was not too long (93% vs. 54%) and not too slow (88% vs. 27%). Individually tailored messages were more effective than non-tailored messages in improving construction workers’ hearing health behavior. Participants receiving tailored messages reported improved use of hearing protection from the median use of 35% at time 1 to 62% at time 2 (p<.001). Tailored messages were effective for both Latinos (p=.026) and non-Latinos (p=.002). Non-tailored participants improved from 45% to 56% use at time 2 (p=.280), however these changes were not statistically significant for Latinos or non-Latinos.

Discussion
This study established the acceptability and efficacy of the intervention. Future dissemination research is needed in order to identify the most effective organizational applications of computer-tailored education with today’s diverse workforce.