Development and pilot evaluation of a train-the-trainer chronic kidney disease program for community health workers

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 37M U.S. adults, driven by type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Latino populations have 35% higher kidney failure prevalence, worse outcomes, and lower engagement in care and prevention. We co-developed and pilot tested a Train the Trainer CKD curriculum for Community Health Workers (CHWs) serving Latinos with or at risk of CKD to assess feasibility, acceptability, and perceived knowledge gains. CHWs were trained to deliver a culturally tailored one-on-one CKD education. Co designed with Caridad Awareness and Education for Kidney Disease advisory board using community-engaged research principles, adult learning methodologies, and insights from diabetes education, the 20 hour, four session program integrated role play, problem solving, and motivational interviewing. Twelve CHWs participated. Post training evaluations showed high feasibility/acceptability and gains in CKD knowledge, confidence, satisfaction, and empowerment to provide CKD education. Future research should evaluate the long-term impact of CHW-led education on CKD outcomes to identify best practices and sustainable workforce development for CHW.