The Madrina-Padrino public safety project: A culturally competent approach to improving traffic safety among Latino drivers

Objective To provide a culturally competent approach for educating Latinos in traffic safety issues. Overview The Madrina Padrino Public Safety Project, developed by HAPCOA and the UIC-Midwest Latino Health Research Center, envisioned increasing community capacity by training community-based organization (CBO) providers, using a bilingual curriculum and educational materials developed and tested in Latino communities from three cities: Los Angeles, California; San Antonio, Texas; and Tucson, Arizona. Culturally competent strategies to develop the traffic safety curriculum that included the Madrina-Padrino were used this project. Method Two series of discussion groups assessed the community needs and the quality educational of materials on traffic safety issues with Latinos residents/immigrants and CBOs. A culturally appropriate curriculum was designed and tested with CBOs in a pilot training, using empowerment education methodology. Qualitative analysis and participatory evaluation was used. Results One hundred thirty-one persons of Latino origin participated in 13 discussion groups: 65 were CBO intermediaries and 68 were community residents/immigrants. Limitations of the study cannot be generalized for all U.S. Latino populations. They reported misconceptions on the usefulness and discomfort of seatbelts, the inconvenience of child safety seats, and were concerned with drinking and driving and law enforcement. Participants recommended improving educational material, making them more appealing to Latinos and affirmed the Latino cultural concept of madrina-padrino educators. Conclusion The process of developing a culturally competent approach for Latinos in traffic safety issues is described and enhanced with the Latino cultural concept of madrina-padrino.