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Comparative Effectiveness of Training Alternatives for the EPA's Worker Protection Standard Regulation Among
Joseph G Grzywacz1, Melinda Gonzales-Backen, Amy Liebman
1Florida State University, Department of Family & Child Sciences (Dr Grzywacz, Dr Gonzales-Backen, Ms Trejo, Ms Ordaz Gudino, and Ms Trejo); Migrant Clinicians Network, Division of Environmental and Occupational Health (Ms Liebman); Farmworker Association of Florida (Ms Economos, Mr Xiuhtecutli, and Dr Tovar-Aguilar).
Objectives:
To determine the comparative effectiveness of two EPA-approved WPS training strategies.
Methods:
Farmworkers in GA and FL blinded to content before training (N = 339) were randomly assigned to either a video training (n = 121) or a culturally tailored, facilitator-led training (n = 136), or an attention-placebo training focused on heat-related illness (n = 82). Data were obtained immediately before and after training and 3 months after training.
Results:
Both active interventions increased pesticide knowledge. At the 3-month follow-up, participants in the EPA video lost acquired knowledge. Those in the facilitator-led group retained acquired knowledge and showed greater pesticide safety behavior.
Conclusions:
Standardized training through video improves short-term knowledge, but it is not retained and unable to support desired behavior to reduce pesticide exposure among farmworkers. A culturally tailored, facilitator-led training is more effective in achieving the spirit of the WPS regulation.
