Engaging Promotora-led community-based participatory research: An introduction to a crossover design focusing on reproductive and mental health needs of a Latina community

Literature emphasizes the need to engage Latino/as in research. However, exactly how to accomplish the engagement while maintaining scientific rigor is a challenge that investigators face. We contribute to the literature by demonstrating the implementation of a crossover design embedded within a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach. The goal of the study was to disseminate priority health education, which aligned with U.S. Preventive Services Task Force screening guidelines, to Latinas 18 to 65 years of age living in Pima County, Arizona. The use of CBPR was to ensure engagement and increase ownership of the study by the Latina community. To this end, the article discusses the integration of CBPR throughout the crossover study to reach the outcomes of increased knowledge in health education related to sexually transmitted infections and depression that promoted informed health care decisions and increased screening.