Mini Docs: A Novel Online Course Delivery to Empower Student Advocates for SARS-CoV-2 Safety on Oahu

CP11 - Mini Docs: A Novel Online Course Delivery to Empower Student Advocates for SARS-CoV-2 Safety on Oahu

Poster Type: Research

Track/Topic: A. T. Still University

Research Objectives: The Leeward coast population recorded a higher SARS-Cov-2 positivity rate compared to other Oahu regions. Health literacy education has been shown to prevent community-acquired infections. This program used short videos and Zoom to increase understanding of SARS-Cov-2 among middle school students and aid in disease prevention.

Research Study Design/Methods: 200 6th and 7th grade students were emailed the SARS-Cov-2 video project by their school and encouraged to participate voluntarily. They watched a 5-minute video regarding SARS-Cov-2, disease prevention guidelines, and healthy coping practices. Students completed identical, anonymous surveys before and after the video, to assess baseline knowledge and improved understanding on SARS-Cov-2 along with preventative practice measures. 100 students participated in a Zoom discussion session in break out rooms of 10-20 students after completing the surveys. Two weeks later, students completed an anonymous qualitative short answer reflection survey to assess if they continued these practices after the activities.

Research Principal Findings and Quantitative/Qualitative Results: Participants responded positively to small group discussions and taught coping strategies they learned. 58.5% responded to the pre-survey, 34% to the post survey, and 7% to the reflection survey. Before watching the videos, 68.4% of respondents rated their understanding of SARS-Cov-2 as high, 66.7% believed SARS-Cov-2 vaccines would protect them and their families, and 76.9% social distanced frequently. After watching the videos, 95.5% of respondents rated their understanding as high, 84.1% of students believed that SARS-Cov-2 vaccines would be protective, and 91.3% of students expressed intentions to practice social distancing more frequently.

Research Conclusions on Impact on Health Centers: This program, part of an on-going partnership between WCCHC and local schools, provided a unique perspective with the change to online learning. It was successful in increasing middle school students’ understanding of SARS-Cov-2, how to protect themselves, their families, and community. Students reported positive behavioral and attitude changes, shared healthy coping strategies, and utilized what they had learned into their daily lives. Based on the positive results of this program, implementing a similar program at schools can assess generalizability across various underserved areas of Hawai’i. It is worth considering online learning as an additional effective teaching modality during pandemic restrictions.

Authors:

William Phillips, OMS-II, A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

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

Christina Adams, MD, A.T. Still University -School of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona

Kate Whelihan, MPH, CPH, COPC and Public Health Research Specialist, Department of Public Health, A T Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Maria Salas Balajadia, OMS-III, AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Charlene Mae L. Rocimo, OMS-III, AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Therese Nicole A. Diñoso, OMS-III, , AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Austin J. Wang, OMS-III, AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Patrick Rim, OMS-III, AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Kim Lim, OMS-III, AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Jennifer Nordbye, OMS-III, AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Eun Ah Cho, Hawaii, OMS-III, AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona