Study of an Educational Telenovela to Teach Genomics among Latino Farmworkers and Nonfarmworkers: Lessons Learned

Genomic knowledge is becoming increasingly relevant to health care. Development of linguistically and culturally appropriate educational resources for Latino adults with limited education and English skills is needed.

The effectiveness of a telenovela was analyzed and lessons learned provided.

The team developed a telenovela to convey key genomics concepts and delivered it to 100 Latino farmworkers and nonfarmworkers in North Carolina. Participants completed a pretest measuring genomic knowledge and self-efficacy, viewed the telenovela, then completed a post-test. Twenty-four participants repeated the post-test 6 months later. Changes in genomic knowledge and self-efficacy were calculated.

Overall, genomic knowledge and self-efficacy increased significantly after viewing the telenovela. Responses to two items indicated that the emphasis on epigenetics overshadowed other genomic mechanisms. Six-month follow-up results were not significantly different from the pretest.

Increased attention to graphic design principles, presentation across multiple sessions, and supplemental activities may increase telenovelas' impact.