Don’t forget the distributor! The importance of field testing draft educational materials with key gatekeepers before production and dissemination

Objective: This article presents the results of testing draft folic acid educational materials with key gatekeepers, leading to the development of a Spanish-language print advertisement, poster, and radio public service announcement (PSA) aimed at promoting folic acid consumption among 18- to 25-year-old young Latina adults, as well as a Spanish-language print advertisement, poster, brochure, and radio PSA for 26- to 34-year-old Latina mothers. Design: Individual in-person interviews yielded both qualitative and quantitative data. Method: In-person interviews with key gatekeepers who work closely with Spanish-speaking Latinas. Setting: Interviews were conducted in Miami, Florida; Chicago, Illionis; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Denver, Colorado; and San Antonio, Texas, USA. Results: Overall, the gatekeepers’ ratings of the materials were high. Important concerns that emerged helped guide changes that were made to the materials to ultimately enhance their reach and effectiveness. Conclusion: Testing draft educational materials with key gatekeepers who work closely with Spanish-speaking Latinas before final development and dissemination is a critical component of an educational outreach effort. Incorporating feedback from these professionals can help enhance the quality of the end product; such feedback can also help researchers assess whether and how the materials will be disseminated.