CP9 - Mini Docs: Empowering Waianae Coast Adolescents to be Advocates for Their Health and Their Community

Poster Type: Research

Category: A. T. Still University

Research Objectives: The Native Hawaiian population bears higher diabetes and mental illness prevalence compared to other ethnic groups in the United States. Health literacy education has been shown to prevent progression of disease processes. This education program aimed to increase health understanding among intermediate-aged children on Oahu’s Waianae Coast through active learning.

Study Design/Methods: Seventeen children (aged 10-13 years), enrolled in a Waianae, Hawaii intermediate school, participated in a six-week program. Each week included an interactive 30-minute presentation on diabetes, mental health, or substance abuse followed by a relevant 30-minute activity. Students completed identical, anonymous, multiple-choice surveys before and after each presentation and activity, to assess baseline knowledge and improved knowledge on each topic, respectively. Additionally, students completed an anonymous, qualitative, short answer survey to assess intentions and attitudes along with their understanding upon completion of the program. Representative questions were randomly selected for analysis. Pre- and post-presentation data were compared as a group.

Principal Findings and Quantitative/Qualitative Results: All 17 participants readily engaged in all presentations and active learning activities. Participants eagerly prepared and enjoyed diabetic-friendly snacks and low-calorie foods. Outdoor activities, including friendly competitions and games promoting movement and physical activity, were adopted well. Mental wellness stations provided immersive examples of mental illness through sensory input and distortion and were well-received. Overall understanding of major group topics (diabetes, mental health, and substance abuse) improved as a cohort, as assessed through pre- and post-education surveys. Course completion surveys demonstrated 95.6% (65 out of 68 possible) correct responses as a group, with overall positive intentions and self-proficiency of topics.

Conclusions on Impact on Health Centers: This educational program, utilizing activity-based learning, helped to improve the understanding of diabetes, mental illness, and substance abuse and helped to improve positive attitudes toward discussing these subjects among intermediate-aged students. Current evidence suggests that early prevention through education may help to reduce healthcare burden and decrease the presence of chronic disease. Based on the results of this program, it is recommended that Community Health Centers implement similar programs, in larger sample sizes, in order to assess the broader generalizability of utilizing this approach to increase health literacy of a community.

Author(s):

Kevin Perez, OMS-II, A.T. Still University

Marissa Bruno, OMS-II, A.T. Still University

Justin Chen, OMS-II, A.T. Still University

Rea Mae Garcia, OMS-II, A.T. Still University

Kara Imbrogno, OMS-II, A.T. Still University

Jai Kahlon, OMS-II, A.T. Still University

Kara Kono, OMS-II, A.T. Still University

Monica Krakora, OMS-II, A.T. Still University

Robert Mun, OMS-II, OMS-II, A.T. Still University

Karolyn Lam, OMS-II, A.T. Still University

Joy H. Lewis, DO, PhD, FACP, Professor, Medicine and Public Health Chair, SOMA Dept. of Public Health, A T Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine