Community-based Education Program Research Articles

Enhancing Managerial Skills for MSME Practitioners Through Community-Based Education Programs

Enhancing Managerial Skills for MSME Practitioners Through Community-Based Education Programs

Exploring the Role of Non-Formal Education in Tourism Resource Management

Abstract This study investigates the pivotal role of non-formal education in enhancing ecotourism resource management, aiming to elevate contemporary practices in the field. Utilizing a comprehensive methodology involving focus group discussions and expert interviews held at Parambikulam and Periyar Tiger Reserves of Kerala, India, the research employs latent content analysis to extract critical elements. The identified components of non-formal education programmes—education, awareness and interpretations—underscore their multifaceted nature within (eco)tourism destinations. Beyond unveiling strategies, the study scrutinises gaps in community interventions and their alignment with global mandates like the post-Aichi Target and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Urging immediate action from policymakers, administrators and stakeholders, the research advocates for incentive-based mechanisms aligning with post-Aichi Target and SDG objectives. The study emphasises community-based non-formal education programmes foster community involvement and encourages social and cultural interventions. Significantly, these programmes contribute to biodiversity conservation by disseminating locally generated, authentic information. This research underscores the transformative potential of incentivized, community-driven, non-formal education, emphasising its crucial role in advancing local communities and global sustainability goals.

A Pre - Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Community based Education Program on Knowledge Regarding Prevention and Management of Protein Energy Malnutrition among the Mothers of Under Five Children in Selected Rural Areas

A Pre - Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Community based Education Program on Knowledge Regarding Prevention and Management of Protein Energy Malnutrition among the Mothers of Under Five Children in Selected Rural Areas

Awareness and Knowledge of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder Among Middle-Aged and Older People Living With HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada: Implications for HIV/AIDS Community-Based Education Programs.

Although a significant amount of biomedical research has been conducted to study HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), there has been scant research done to assess the awareness and knowledge of this public health concern among middle-aged and older people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). Our qualitative community-based participatory research study sought to address this research gap by examining the awareness and knowledge of HAND among relevant stakeholders in southern Nevada, USA. We conducted 15 semistructured interviews with middle-aged and older PLWH to examine their awareness and knowledge of HAND and access to pertinent resources. After our thematic analysis of our interviews, we identified two overarching themes: (1) limited awareness and knowledge of HAND among PLWH, and (2) southern Nevada social determinants of health. Our findings underscore the importance of raising awareness and knowledge of HAND among PLWH through community-based education programs, and improving access to resources related to social determinants of health.

A Community-Based Prostate Cancer Screening and Education Program for Asian American Men in Medically Underserved Communities.

This study analyzed data from a community-based prostate cancer (PCa) education and screening program (Prostate Outreach Project; POP) to enhance PCa-related knowledge among medically underserved Asian American men. It also examined PCa screening history, clinical abnormalities based on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal examination (DRE) results, and follow-up and PCa diagnosis rates. Participants-521 Asian men (251 Vietnamese, 142 Chinese, and 128 South Asians)-were offered PCa screening using PSA tests and/or DRE and an educational session on PCa. Of these men, 277 completed PCa-related knowledge surveys before and after viewing an educational video. Significant between-group differences in PCa-related knowledge were found at pre-assessment (p < 0.001) but not at post-assessment (p = 0.11), at which time all groups showed improved PCa-related knowledge. Most participants (77.9%) had never received PCa screening, but Vietnamese men had the lowest previous screening rate (17.3%). Chinese men had elevated PSA values and the highest abnormal DRE rates. Of the 125 men with abnormal screening outcomes, only 15.2% had adequate follow-up. Of the 144 men diagnosed with PCa in POP, 11.1% were Asians (seven Chinese, six Vietnamese, and three South Asian). Despite the ethnic heterogeneity among Asian men, a community outreach program may successfully enhance their PCa-related knowledge.

Assessing the Socio-economic Impact of Lightning Strikes in Bangladesh: Challenges and Solutions

"Lightning strikes pose a significant threat to both human lives and economic stability, particularly in regions with high vulnerability such as Bangladesh. This study aims to comprehensively assess the socio-economic impact of lightning strikes in Bangladesh, identifying the challenges faced by communities and proposing effective solutions to mitigate the adverse effects. The research employs a multi-disciplinary approach, combining narrative review paper, socio-economic indicators, and Focus group discussion. Preliminary findings indicate a disturbingly high incidence of lightning strikes in Bangladesh, leading to substantial loss of life, property, and agricultural productivity. The impact is particularly pronounced in rural areas where communities lack adequate infrastructure and awareness. Challenges in addressing the socio-economic consequences of lightning strikes are diverse. They include inadequate early warning systems, limited access to lightning-resistant infrastructure, and insufficient community preparedness. Additionally, there is a lack of comprehensive data on lightning-related incidents, hindering the formulation of targeted policies and interventions. The proposed solutions encompass a multi-faceted strategy involving improved meteorological forecasting, the development of lightning-resistant infrastructure, and community-based education programs. Collaborative efforts between governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities are crucial for implementing and sustaining these solutions. Furthermore, the integration of modern technology and traditional knowledge can enhance the effectiveness of early warning systems and preparedness initiatives. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the oftenoverlooked socio-economic ramifications of lightning strikes in Bangladesh. The findings and proposed solutions have practical implications for policymakers, disaster management agencies, and community leaders, offering a roadmap for reducing vulnerability and building resilience in the face of this natural hazard. Ultimately, addressing the socio-economic impact of lightning strikes requires a holistic and collaborative approach that encompasses meteorological, engineering, and social perspectives."

Challenges, practices, and impact of COVID-19 among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder in cities and remote areas in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundMothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across Saudi Arabia have experienced tremendous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the challenges may be different for mothers living in a city compared to those living more remotely. AimsWe investigated challenges and practices related to COVID-19 and their impact among Saudi mothers of children with ASD in cities and remote areas during the pandemic. MethodsA sample of 99 mothers (60 in cities and 39 remote) who had a child with ASD was surveyed using an electronic questionnaire. ResultsMothers who lived in remote areas reported more challenges, while mothers in cities reported adopting more new practices with children than remote mothers. Regression analyses revealed that place of residence and age of the child were significant predictors of the challenges experienced by mothers of children with ASD. RecommendationsIntervention services, community-based education programs, and electronic media are recommended for use with mothers in Saudi Arabia to increase awareness of COVID-19, improve practices, and minimize challenges in protecting their children with ASD.

Effects of a community-based participatory educational program on knowledge, attitude, and practice for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders risks among rural workers: A quasi-experimental study

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have become a paramount concern in occupational health, significantly affecting the well-being and efficiency of laborers across diverse sectors. This research aims to investigate the effects of a community-based participatory educational program on enhancing knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) for preventing WMSD risks among rural workers in Phayao province, Thailand. A single-group quasi-experimental design was employed, with assessments conducted at the baseline (T1), post-program (T2), and follow-up post-program (T3) stages. The participants attended an eight-week educational program. Data collection tools included demographic characteristics, assessment of KAP related to WMSDs, and evaluation of WMSD risks. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and repeated-measures analysis of variance. In total, 90 participants were included in the study, with an average age of 47.6 ± 10.6 years. More than two-thirds of the participants were classified as general workers. The results indicated a significant increase in knowledge scores, rising from 6.78 ± 1.59 at baseline to 9.56 ± 0.70 post-program and maintaining at 8.59 ± 1.06 after follow-up (p-value &lt; 0.001, η2 = 0.681). Attitude scores also demonstrated a significant improvement, increasing from 36.43 ± 6.92 to 46.66 ± 1.94 post-program and remaining at 45.97 ± 2.05 after follow-up (p-value &lt; 0.001, η2 = 0.674). Practice scores witnessed a substantial increase from 19.31 ± 6.49 at baseline to 38.54 ± 1.18 post-program, maintaining at 37.79 ± 1.34 after follow-up (p-value &lt; 0.001, η2 = 0.881). Furthermore, the results indicated a notable decrease in WMSD risks post-program intervention, sustained after follow-up. The study suggests that integrating a community-based educational program successfully enhanced participants’ KAP related to WMSD risks. These findings provide valuable insights to the expanding body of evidence, offering pertinent information for policymakers.

Transformative Insights: Break Up with Salt (BUWS) Program's Short-Term Influence on Hypertension Risk Factors.

Break Up with Salt (BUWS) is a four-session community-based nutrition education program aimed at reducing key controllable hypertension risk factors. This pilot study utilized a pre-post survey design to assess short-term outcomes on food behaviors (including DASH diet eating patterns), physical activity, and overall well-being, in two groups of participants. The first "pilot" group (n = 25) completed a comprehensive, 16-item survey; the second "abbreviated" group (n = 27) completed a 5-item survey. The pilot group experienced improvements in whole grain (p = 0.04), sweetened beverage consumption, watching/reducing sodium (p = 0.04) and fat (p = 0.05) consumption, and time spent sitting (p = 0.04). The abbreviated group improved confidence in using food labels (p = 0.02), following the DASH diet (p < 0.01), preparing food without salt (p = 0.03), selecting lower sodium items when eating out (p = 0.04), and making a positive lifestyle change (p = 0.01). The BUWS program provides information and teaches strategies to manage or prevent hypertension. By effectively improving diet and food behaviors, BUWS has the potential to reduce hypertension risk factors and improve the general health of participants.

Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake Among African Immigrants: Lessons from a Community-Based Outreach Program.

In 2021, the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA) implemented a community-based vaccine education and outreach program to decrease hesitancy and increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake among African immigrants in Philadelphia. The program had three components: (1) tailored messaging on the benefits of vaccines by trusted community health navigators in familiar languages/dialects, (2) use of educational/tabling events, and (3) establishment of a vaccine clinic in community settings. Using secondary data analysis, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and a self-administered survey, we explored (i) the impact and effectiveness of the outreach program and extent of vaccine uptake, (ii) African immigrants' beliefs about the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccine, and (iii) barriers and facilitators of vaccine knowledge, uptake, and hesitancy.Our analysis showed that ACANA's outreach program was effective in addressing several cultural, logistic, and systematic barriers to vaccine uptake. The program distributed 2000 educational/informational flyers,reached 3000 community members via social media campaigns,and an additional2320 through other person-to-person outreach events.The programwas effective and resulted inthe vaccination of 1265 community members over the course of the outreach. The impact of this outreach underscores the critical role of community-based organizations in addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and increasing vaccine uptake in underserved and minority communities. The paper concludes with suggestions and recommendations for using community-based outreach programs to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake and decrease hesitancy.

Effectiveness of Community Education for Breast Cancer Screening.

Screening based on individual risk factors results in detection of earlier, more curable breast cancer. There is expectation that improved public education about the importance of personalized screening will result in earlier diagnoses and reduced breast cancer mortality. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of community education on patient perceptions about risk-based screening. This study is Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant and institutional review board exempt. A standardized curriculum was used by radiologists and experts to conduct nine 1-hour patient education sessions between October 2018 and January 2019 about breast cancer risk factors and screening options. Patient participants completed voluntary, anonymous pre-event and post event surveys to determine if the presented educational program led to attitude changes. Survey results were summarized using statistical analysis including mean, median, range, and percentage of participants responding and comparison of pre- and post event fear and anxiety. Of 336 education session participants, 59.5% (200/336) completed the pre-event and 44.3% (149/336) completed the post event surveys, Respondents reported decreased anxiety and fear regarding breast cancer screening following educational sessions, with 36.1% (64/178) reporting anxiety pre-event compared to 23.3% (31/133) post event, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = .96). Additionally, 64.7% (55/85) of participants stated they were more likely to schedule breast cancer screening based on individual risk factors, and 98.0% (145/148) of participants reported increased knowledge on post event surveys. This study demonstrates the importance and effectiveness of community-based educational programs in increasing knowledge of risk-based screening and potentially reducing anxiety related to screening.

Child health nurses' perceptions of the Family Community-based Assistance Resourcing and Education program in contemporary practice: a qualitative study.

The Family Community-based Assistance Resourcing and Education Program (FCP) is a nurse home visiting program that was introduced in Queensland two decades ago to redress health inequalities for infants from families experiencing specific social stressors. Locally adapted versions of this home visiting program are still in use, but have not been evaluated. This study examined child health nurse perceptions of the adapted FCP in one regional Queensland health service. A qualitative descriptive exploratory study using two focus groups (conducted May 2019) with Child Health Nurses who delivered the FCP was conducted. Transcripts of digital recordings were analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-step framework for guided thematic analysis. A total of 16 Child Health Nurses participated in the study, with a mean of 10years' experience with the program. Data analysis generated 12 themes organised under three domains: 'Establishing the relationship with families', 'What works in practice' and 'We could do it better'. Participants cited flexibility, expert input and in-home delivery as key program benefits. However, narrow eligibility criteria, poor screening for perinatal anxiety and resourcing constraints were identified as limitations. This study is the first to measure Child Health Nurses' perceptions of an adapted FCP. It sheds light on their 'practice wisdom', including the program's ability to meet the needs of families with social vulnerabilities. The study supports prior calls for home visiting programs to be evaluated against clearly stated program intentions. Participant insights have been shared to inform practice and program implementation both locally and as part of Queensland's First 2000Days health service delivery reform agenda.

The Impact of an Undergraduate Community-Based Medical Education Program in a Japanese Urban City.

With an aging global population posing healthcare challenges, especially in community healthcare, training professionals for community healthcare remains a global educational challenge, including in Japan. While previous research shows increased student interest in community healthcare through practical experiences, the focus has primarily been on rural areas, leaving a gap in understanding urban-based community medical education. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of urban community-based medical education on students' understanding and attitudes toward community healthcare. This study was conducted at Kyushu University in Fukuoka City, the sixth-largest city in Japan. For fifth-grade medical students, a community-based medical education program is mandatory, with a one-week schedule that includes orientation, one day in a clinic, and three days in a community hospital. The program aimed to expose students to various healthcare settings, emphasizing outpatient care, inpatient management, home health care, home nursing, and rehabilitation. A self-administered questionnairereferencing the Model Core Curriculum for medical educationwas administered immediately before and after the program, and the differences in students' perceptions were assessed using the Student's t-test. Findings from 188 students completing both pre- and post-program questionnaires revealed significant improvements in perceptions of students' knowledge and skills related to community healthcare. After the training, there was a noteworthy positive shift in attitudes toward community healthcare and increased interest in primary care physicians as a career choice. Although students maintained a preference for urban areas, there was a notable inclination towards rural settings.The study highlights the program's success in enhancing students' understanding and positive attitudes toward community healthcare within an urban context. It challenges prior notions regarding work-life balance and urban-rural preferences in career choices. Urban community-based medical education significantly improved students' perceptions and attitudes toward community healthcare. It offers valuable insights for curriculum planners, emphasizing the need for continued research into sustained effects and broader applicability.

Community-based intervention for managing hypertension and diabetes in rural Bangladesh

BackgroundApproximately 80% of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been reported in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, studies on the usefulness of educational interventions run by non-healthcare workers in combating NCDs in resource-limited areas in rural parts of LMICs are limited. This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of a community-based simple educational program run by non-healthcare trained staff for several outcomes associated with NCDs in a resource-limited area.MethodsSix villages in the Narail district in Bangladesh were selected, two each in the first and second intervention and the control groups, in the Narail district in Bangladesh were selected. Pre- and post-intervention survey data were collected. The first intervention group received the “strong” educational intervention that included a checklist poster on the wall, phone call messages, personalized advice papers, seminar videos, and face-to-face seminars. The second intervention group received a “weak” intervention that included only a checklist poster on the wall in their house. The outcome was the proportion of NCDs and changes in systolic blood pressure and blood sugar level. Confidential fixed-effects logistic regression and multiple linear regression were performed to identify the effectiveness of the intervention.ResultsOverall, 600 participants completed the baseline survey and the follow-up survey. The mean systolic blood pressure reduced by 7.3 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.6–9.9) in the first intervention group, 1.9 mm Hg (95% CI − 0.5–4.2) in the second intervention group, and 4.7 mm Hg (95% CI 2.4–7.0) in the control group. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the between-group differences in the decline in systolic blood pressure were significant for the first intervention versus control (p = 0.001), but not for the second intervention versus control (p = 0.21). The between-group differences in the reduction in blood glucose after the intervention, were not significant on multiple linear regression analysis.ConclusionsCommunity-based educational interventions for NCDs provided by non-healthcare staff improved the outcomes of hypertension and risk behaviors. Well-designed community-based educational interventions should be frequently implemented to reduce NCDs in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries.Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR; UMIN000050171) retrospectively registered on January 29, 2023.

Magnitude of HIV Index Case Testing among HIV Positive Clients Attending ART Clinic in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023

Background: Index case testing is the provision of HIV testing services to family members or sexual partners of individuals already diagnosed with HIV. Its promotion stems from its potential to detect new cases, improve testing coverage, enhance ART retention, and provide convenience to affected families. Although evidence on index case testing in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area, is lacking, even, it is regarded as a crucial strategy for reducing HIV transmission among those unaware of their HIV status. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors with HIV index testing in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: The study utilized an institution-based cross-sectional study design. The recruitment of 387 HIV-positive clients was done using a simple random sampling technique, and structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were employed for data collection. The collected data was entered into Kobo Collect software and later exported to STATA version 16 for analysis. In binary logistic regression, variables with a p-value below 0.25 were considered as candidates for multivariate logistic regression. An association was assessing if the p-value was below 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Results: In the study, 380 (98.19% of participants) underwent the interview. The prevalence of HIV index case testing service was 38.7% (CI: 36.45% to 42.03%). Significant associations were observed between HIV index case testing and certain factors. Those with a higher education level (college and above) had 1.21 times higher odds (AOR) of undergoing index case testing (CI: 1.05 to 3.11). Married individuals had 2.30 times higher odds of receiving index case testing (AOR) (CI: 1.98 to 4.20). Participants engaged in work for monetary compensation had 1.66 times higher odds of undergoing index case testing (AOR) (CI: 1.58 to 4.71). Conclusion: The utilization of index case testing service was lower in this study compared to previous research. Higher education level (college and above), occupation involving work for monetary compensation, and being married were associated with HIV index case testing. To enhance uptake, community-based education programs and targeted training for HIV-positive individuals are recommended. These measures can raise awareness and encourage greater participation in index case testing.

Gender-based violence and its associated factors among reproductive-age women in Soqota town, Amhara Region, Northern Ethiopia, 2023: A mixed study design

BackgroundGender-based violence is a human rights violation, and one in three women worldwide experiences some form of violence in their lifetime. Recently, it has received more attention, and extensive reporting systems and updated data are required. Despite this, evidence remains scarce and the case continues to be underreported. The very first step in addressing the issue is determining how prevalent gender-based violence is and the factors that contribute to it. So this study aimed to assess the prevalence of gender-based violence and its associated factors which helps to develop strategies to alleviate the problem. MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 reproductive-aged women supplemented with qualitative study from March 15th to April 15th, 2023, in Soqota town, Amhara region, Northern Ethiopia. An interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. Variables with p < 0.25 in the bivariable analysis and a p-value of <0.05 in the final model were used to declare the level of statistical association. Qualitative data were transcribed, translated, and analyzed manually using thematic analysis. Finally, qualitative and quantitative findings were triangulated. ResultsThis study found that 64.8% of women experienced at least one form of gender-based violence in the past twelve months.The occurrence of GBV was significantly correlated with women’s lack of education (AOR = 3.32, 95 % CI: 1.39, 7.96), primary schooling (AOR = 2.42, 95 % CI: 1.03, 5.69), poor wealth index (AOR = 2.46, 95 % CI: 1.34, 4.51), and being an employee (AOR = 0.32, 95 % CI: 0.11, 0.88). In addition, low socioeconomic status, skewed gender stereotypes, and conflict all have an impact on gender-based violence. ConclusionThe study reveals a high prevalence of gender-based violence, attributed to factors such as low education, low socioeconomic status, skewed gender stereotypes, and conflict. A comprehensive community-based health education program and the strengthening of women’s empowerment are needed to tackle the issue.

한 초등학교가 지역사회 연계 교육협력으로 폐교 위기를 극복하는 내러티브

This study seeks to understand the process and changes in which an elementary school overcomes the crisis of school closure by collaborating with the community in a situation where regional disappearance is accelerating, and focuses on the education created through cooperation between the school and the community. In a situation where school closures and local disappearances are emerging as serious national problems due to aging and declining school-age population, there is a need to study cases that have saved schools and communities. For this purpose, in this study, Myoryang Jungang Elementary School, the only remaining school in Myoryang-myeon, was selected as the research target school and an in-depth interview method was used. As a result of the research, Myoryang Jungang Elementary School was designated as a closed school in 2009, but it grew into a school that people want to go to through educational cooperation between the school and community. Due to the sense of local extinction, local residents, parents, and ‘YoeMindongrak’ group actively participated in saving the school, strengthening care education and operating several community-based programs outside the school. By establishing educational governance at various levels, including the Myoryang Education Community Council, we created an educational community where schools and community become one. Starting in 2019, local-community based education programs for each grade were developed in connection with the school’s creative experience activities and operated throughout the year. Through this, school teachers and community residents were able to communicate continuously, and school teachers were able to autonomously reflect community-related content in their curriculum. Based on this, it is necessary to recognize and utilize the educational potential of the community, and the advantages and disadvantages of organizing community-based education in connection with creative experiential activities and the future educational value of community-based education programs operated as long-term projects were discussed.

The prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases among patients attending outpatient department of tertiary care centre, Bengaluru: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Worldwide, 74% of all deaths, or 41 million/year, are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In India, 65% of fatalities are caused by NCDs. NCDs are caused by risk factors connected to lifestyle, such as bad eating habits, inactivity and problematic alcohol and cigarette use. In light of this, the present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of NCD risk factors among patients utilising a Bengaluru tertiary care facility. Materials and Methods: Patients at a tertiary care centre in Bengaluru made up the 480 participants in this cross-sectional study. After receiving consent, a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. SPSS software version 25 was used to evaluate the data once it had been entered into Microsoft Excel. As a test of significance, the Chi-square test was applied. Results: Participants in the study had an average age of 43.6 ± 14.6 years. The prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle was 90.6%, followed by physical inactivity at 68.3%, and obesity at 11.5%. Risk factors such as physical inactivity, waist-hip ratio and obesity were significantly associated with the age group. Conclusion: By implementing lifestyle changes and undertaking community-based health education programs, it should be possible to counteract the rise in the prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable illnesses.

FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY OUTREACH TO INCREASE ALZHEIMER’S CLINICAL RESEARCH PARTICIPATION IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY

Abstract Issues: Despite the fact that African Americans are twice more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD) compared to non-Hispanic whites, they are under-represented in AD clinical research. Lower representation exists in the AHEAD Study as well, which is an AD prevention clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of Lecanemab in 1400 study participants. We sought to raise awareness about AD and increase clinical research participation of African Americans in the AHEAD Study, through a community-based education and recruitment program (CERP). Description: Our diverse team from Eastern Virginia Medical School and Hampton University, a Historically Black College University (HBCU), established a Community Advisory Board and Ministerial Alliance with representation from faith-based, long-standing civic and fraternal organizations within the Greater Hampton Roads Black community. The alliance guided us to identify prioritization areas for addressing sociocultural barriers and increasing clinical research awareness and participation in traditional African American events, key historic community sites, and non-traditional community centers (i.e., YMCA, independent-living, assisted-living centers, Annual Juneteenth Celebration, Black fraternity, and sorority events.) Community health workers, embedded within the community, of the same cultural background and ethnicity, drove our CERP. Lessons Learned: As of July 2023, we offered our program at 45 community events, including community health fairs, civics events, and Purple Sunday luncheons and talks at Black churches in urban and localities in Hampton Roads, in partnership with fraternal and civic community organizations. Out of over 1700 participants, 177 community members have been prescreened for the AHEAD Study.

Building Sustainable Character through Community-Based Environmental Education

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of community-based environmental education programs in promoting sustainable character development among participants. The research utilized a mixed-methods approach, consisting of both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. The sample consisted of 50 individuals aged 18-30 who had participated in community-based environmental education programs within the past year. The results showed a significant improvement in participants' attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours related to sustainability after participating in the community-based environmental education programs. Qualitative data from the interviews provided further insights into the specific aspects of the program that were most impactful for participants. The findings support the effectiveness of community-based environmental education programs in promoting sustainable character development among participants and highlight the importance of creating inclusive and diverse learning environments that recognize and value different perspectives and experiences related to sustainability issues. Future research should continue to explore the long-term impacts of community-based environmental education programs on participants' behaviour and attitudes towards sustainability, as well as the broader societal and environmental benefits of these programs