Community-based Education Program Research Articles

A Community-Engaged Project Discovering the Sexuality Questions of Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract This study used a community-based participatory research approach to examine what adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) view as important topics in sexuality education. A thematic analysis was conducted on questions written by adults with IDD regarding sexuality after attending a sexuality education group. Results were checked for accuracy using a community focus group. Findings provide direct implications for community-based sexuality education programs for adults with IDD, demonstrating the need for mentoring regarding authentic relationship experiences as well as developmentally appropriate sexual health information. Programs need to focus on helping adults with IDD navigate these interpersonal experiences. This study also demonstrates the importance of including the voices of adults with IDD in research in order to ensure its applicability and acceptability.

Viewpoints of pregnant mothers and community health workers on antenatal care in Lweza village, Uganda.

Uganda is a low-income country with high fertility, adolescent birth, and maternal mortality rates. How Ugandan Ministry of Health antenatal education guidelines have been implemented into standardized health education and how pregnant women utilize health facilities remains unclear. We aimed to determine how women obtain education during pregnancy, what guidelines health educators follow, and what barriers exist to receiving antenatal care in Lweza Village, Uganda. Household surveys were conducted with women in Lweza who were or had previously been pregnant. Focus group discussions were conducted with community members and Lweza Primary School teachers. Interviews were conducted with key informants, including midwives, a traditional birth attendant, a community leader, and a Village Health Team member. Data collection was done in English along with a Luganda translator. Of the 100 household surveys conducted, 86% of women did not meet the WHO recommendation of 8 antenatal appointments during their pregnancies. Reasons cited for inadequate visits included facing long wait times (>7 h) at health facilities, getting education from family or traditional healers, or being told to delay antenatal care until 6 months pregnant. Informant interviews revealed that no standardized antenatal education program exists. Respondents felt least educated on family planning and postpartum depression, despite 37% of them reporting symptoms consistent with postpartum depression. Education was also lacking on the use of traditional herbs, although most women (60%) reported using them during pregnancy. Most women in Lweza do not receive 8 antenatal appointments during their pregnancies or any standardized antenatal education. Educational opportunities on family planning, postpartum depression, and the safety of traditional herbs during pregnancy exist. Future studies should focus on ways to overcome barriers to antenatal care, which could include implementing community-based education programs to improve health outcomes for women in Lweza Village.

To Evaluate the Prevalence of Edentulousness, the Present Prosthetic Status, and the Need for Prosthetic Treatment in the Population of Garhwa, Jharkhand.

Aim:This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of edentulousness, the present prosthetic status, and the need for prosthetic treatment in the population of Garhwa, Jharkhand.Materials and Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the population of Garhwa, Jharkhand. The sample size included 460 subjects belonging to an age group of 25 years and above. Detailed case history and thorough dental examination was done and all the findings were recorded and compiled. Each subject was interrogated with the help of a predesigned closed ended questionnaire.Results:A total of six patients were completely edentulous, while 55.04% of males and 42.80% of females were partially edentulous. All patients who were completely edentulous were denture wearer, while among partially edentulous patients, 6.31% of males and 3.15% of females had RPD and 13.68% and 6.31% of males and females, respectively, had FPD as prosthesis. Prosthetic status of females was better than males In a comparison of prosthetic status between male and female, out of 460 subjects, 195 subjects opted for prosthesis, in which 117 were male and 78 were female.Conclusion:Community-based oral health education programs should be conducted to improve patients' oral health knowledge. Educating patients regarding the limitations of prosthesis as mechanical substitutes for natural teeth must be a continuing process from the initial patient contact until adjustments are completed.

Factors influencing complementary feeding practices in rural and semi-urban Rwanda: a qualitative study.

The aim of the present study was to identify and describe the factors influencing feeding practices of children aged 6-23 months in Rwanda. This is a cross-sectional descriptive qualitative study. A total of ten focus group discussions were conducted separately with mothers, fathers, grandmothers and community health workers (CHWs) from five different districts in Rwanda. The discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed using qualitative data analysis software, Atlas.ti. The study participants were mothers, fathers and grandmothers of children aged 6-23 months and CHWs in charge of child health. Caregivers' knowledge and beliefs about the benefits of breast-feeding and timely introduction of complementary food were found to be the primary individual factors facilitating good infant and young child feeding practices. The common belief of caregivers that infants should be given liquids (thin gruel, fruit juices and meat broth) as first foods instead of semi-solid foods was a barrier to good feeding practices. The community-based nutrition education and counselling programmes were facilitators of good complementary practices at the group level. At the society level, poverty in rural agrarian households was a barrier to optimal feeding practices. The study shows that there is a need to empower caregivers with more specific guidelines, especially on complementary feeding.

Positive Impact of Education Class for Parents with Adverse Childhood Experiences on Child Behavior.

There is a need for community-based parent education programs that strengthen the parent-child relationship and mitigate the negative impact of parental adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on child social-emotional development. To examine whether a community-based parent education program can improve children's social-emotional development. This was a prospective observational study of a series of community education parenting classes in Rochester, Minnesota. Group classes were delivered weekly for three months. Classes used Dr. Becky Bailey's Conscious Discipline Program. Parents of children ages 2 to 5 years and identified as at risk of poor social-emotional outcomes based on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional 2 (ASQ:SE2) score were eligible to participate. There were 39 child-parent dyads who enrolled. Parental ACEs scores ranged from 0 to 6 with a median of 1.5 (interquartile range, 0-3, N = 34). In the 33 children with both before and after ASQ:SE2 tests available, there was a significant decrease in the post-ASQ:SE2 score compared with the pre-ASQ:SE2 score (mean difference, -30.3; 95% confidence interval, CI -42.2 to -18.4; p < 0.001) where lower scores are associated with less social-emotional impairment. There was no significant association in the change of pre-post ASQ:SE2 scores as parents' ACEs scores increased (estimated slope, 3.1; 95% CI -3.7 to 9.9; p = 0.36). Community-based, parent education interventions can improve child social-emotional development. This program using Dr. Becky Bailey's Conscious Discipline Program improved ASQ-SE scores, regardless of parental ACEs exposure.

Development and Effects of a Community-Based Death Education Program for Older Adults

Development and Effects of a Community-Based Death Education Program for Older Adults

Population Based Survey Study Associated With Prevalence Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors In India

The present study was conducted on 204 individuals of different regions of Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, India, to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in targeted population. Population survey based study was carried out in people grouped in three age groups (Group 1: <18 years, Group 2: Between 18-40 years, Group 3: Above 40). Cardiovascular risk assessment questionnaire was used to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of risk factors via goggle forms and manually filling the same forms. Among risk factors 8.8 percent persons from our targeted population encountered with heart attack, angina, abnormal Heart Rhythm with significant hike in CVD cases was observed in group 3 individuals. Incidence of high blood pressure was observed in 32.4%, 4.9% are normal and 62.7% are unaware of their blood pressure status. Similarly, majority of the population 42.6% are not aware of their blood cholesterol level. The participants were not aware about regular physical activity and exercise, food intake to lower risk factors for the heart disease. There is an urgent need to increase awareness among the population utilizing community based education programs.

Inclusive policy development in a community-based alternative education program serving LGBT youth

Alternative education programs can prevent disparities in academic outcomes among marginalized youth. This descriptive study examines the results of an alternative education program with nondiscrimination policies and staff training related to supporting the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth. Secondary analysis of demographic, psychosocial, academic, and grade level data for participants (N = 232) was completed. The study included analysis of data describing participant and program characteristics, and an assessment of the program's impact on student outcomes. Findings indicate that LGBT youth perform equally well as compared to non-LGBT counterparts and excel even while entering the program with a psychosocial history that differs from their peers. This study offers a framework for replication to other community-based alternative education programs supporting LGBT youth.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices toward COVID-19 among Indian Residents during the Verge of Lockdown Restrictions: A Quick Online Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract Introduction Prodigious restrictions and safety measures have been adopted by the government to control the spread of wildfire coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in India. However, the effective implementation of these measures depends upon the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the people. In this context, a cross-sectional online survey of a sample of Indian residents for assessing their KAP toward COVID-19 has been taken up during the verge of lockdown restrictions. Methods A self-developed online KAP questionnaire consisted of 21 questions related to clinical treatment and prevention aspects of COVID-19 including the safety measures completed by the participants. Assessments on their attitudes and practices toward COVID-19 included the confidence of people to overcome this pandemic and adapting safety measures such as wearing mask while going out in recent days. Results and Discussion A sample of 1,043 participants participated in this online survey. The overall correct rate of the knowledge questionnaire was 90%. More than half of the respondents (53.3%) had confidence that India can win the battle against COVID-19. All the participants believed that Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) systems of medicine that are the rich heritage of India would be helpful in combating the viral illness (95.4%). Nearly all the participants (99%) wore masks when going out in recent days. In multiple logistic regression analyses, the COVID-19 knowledge score was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of negative attitudes and preventive practices toward COVID-19. Conclusion The Indian residents showed good knowledge toward COVID-19 and this in turn helped them to hold optimistic attitudes and have appropriate practices toward COVID-19. More community-based health education program strategies if aimed would help further. The limitation of sample representativeness restricts to generalize the findings to population of rural areas with low socioeconomic status.

Health Literacy in Korean Adults and Korean American Immigrants: Implications for Achieving Health Equity.

Health literacy is necessary to understand health information and make appropriate decisions regarding one's health. This study aims to investigate (1) the health literacy level of Korean citizens and Korean American (KA) immigrants in the United States and (2) factors that influence health literacy across three age groups. A quota sampling method was used to collect cross-sectional survey data from 404 Korean participants and 404 KA immigrants. Andersen's behavioral model was used as the theoretical framework for this study. Overall, Korean participants had a higher mean score on health literacy than did the KA immigrants. Only one of predisposing and enabling factors were significant variables influencing health literacy in KA immigrants, while several predisposing, enabling and need factors were significantly associated with health literacy in Korean adults. Our findings indicate that both countries need to have a community-based health literacy educational program that is tailored to each age group.

Identifying the practices that reduce criminality through community-based post-secondary correctional education

The qualitative case study comparison of seven community-based postsecondary correctional education (CBPSCE) programs within the United States identified specific program characteristics and practices that may contribute to the reduction of criminal behavior. School administrators, program directors, and faculty were interviewed as subject matter experts regarding their insight and experience in CBPSCE. The study comparison yielded five themes: a) culture, b) role of faculty and school administrators, c) instructional strategies and curricula, d) student support and academic services, and e) reentry services. Each theme influenced the successful matriculation, retention, and return to society for those who left prison and entered degree programs. From these findings, three tiered guidelines were created to assist CBPSCE directors and staff in operating successful programs that address the barriers that contribute to criminal behavior. Findings indicate that success was not determined by a student’s decision to discontinue crime; success was found when students developed the life and academic skills needed to change their lives.

Factors Associated with U5M in the Afar Region of Ethiopia

Background. Ethiopia has experienced a significant reduction of under-five mortality over the past few decades. But still, the country is far from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2030. This study aims to identify the potential associated factors of under-five mortality in the Afar region, Ethiopia. Methods. Data from a national representative cross-sectional survey of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey of the year 2016 were used. Data were collected from the population of all under-five children in randomly selected enumeration areas of the Afar region of Ethiopia. Chi-squared and binary logistic regression analyses were employed. Results. The result revealed that twin child [(AOR = 5.37; 95%CI: 2.12–13.62)], age of mothers at first birth [(AOR = 0.47; 95%CI: 0.35–0.62) of greater than 16], current breastfeeders (AOR = 0.41; 95%CI: 0.32–0.54), rural residents (AOR: 2.54; 95%CI: 2.49–2.58), used current contraceptive methods (AOR = 0.38; 95%CI: 0.15–0.94), vaccinated the child (AOR = 0.40; 95%CI: 0.27–0.59), family size [(AOR = 0.65; 95%CI: 0.41–0.92) for 4–6 household members and (AOR = 0.49; 95%CI: 0.29–0.80) for seven and more household members], rich households (AOR = 0.03; 95%CI: 0.01–0.16), mother’s age group [(AOR = 3.24; 95%CI: 1.90–5.54) (age 20–29), (AOR = 12.43; 95%CI: 6.86–22.51) (age 30–39), and (AOR = 46.31; 95%CI: 21.74–98.67) (age 40 and above), and antenatal visits ((AOR = 0.48; 95%CI: 0.31–0.74) (1–3 visits) and (AOR = 0.44; 95%CI: 0.24–0.81) (4 and more visits)) significantly determined the under-five mortality. Conclusions. The study showed that giving birth at an early age, low coverage and quality of health access, unimproved breastfeeding culture, nonaccessibility to contraceptive methods, absence of awareness of mothers on vaccination of a child, low economic status of households, and low status of mothers’ antenatal visits lead to the highest under-five mortality in the area. Therefore, community-based educational programs and public health interventions focused on improving the survival of children by providing awareness to the community and specifically to mothers should be improved.

Awareness level of general population regarding acute chest pain in Aseer region, Southern of Saudi Arabia

Background: Myocardial infarction is caused by sudden closure of a coronary artery due to plaque rupture. Symptoms include chest pain, which travels from left arm to neck, dyspnea, sweating, nausea, vomiting, arrhythmia, anxiety, fatigue and weakness. Complications of acute myocardial infarction include papillary muscle rupture and mitral regurgitation, ventricular septal rupture, free-wall rupture, and right ventricular infarction. Adequate awareness of acute chest diseases improves medical consultation for suspected cases by general population.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used targeting all population in Aseer region. The study was conducted during the period from December 2019 to March 2020. Data were collected using structured questionnaire included person’s socio-demographic data, Participants’ family history regarding heart attack, participants’ awareness regarding acute chest pain.Results: A total sample of 1287 respondents was included in the study. About 54% of the respondents aged 30 years or more and 65.3% were females. Only 9.2% of the participants correctly defined heart attack. Regarding symptoms, 59.9% of the participants reported left arm pain, 57.1% reported difficulty breathing and 29% told about burning sensation in middle of the chest. Totally, nearly one quarter of the participants had good awareness level regarding heart attack.Conclusions: In conclusion, the population awareness regarding heart attack and stroke is poor. Also, population with high risk were more knowledgeable. More effort should be paid to improve the public knowledge of stroke, more effective community-based education programs should be organized constantly with screening for population at high risk.

Community-as-pedagogy: environmental leadership for youth in rural Costa Rica

This mixed-methods study examines an informal place- and community-based environmental education program implemented for rural, underserved high school students in Costa Rica’s bio-culturally diverse Osa Peninsula. Using a community-as-pedagogy framework built on Paulo Freire’s concept of a problem-posing education, we investigate how pedagogically-positioned social relationships mediate students’ knowledge, perceptions, and leadership. We find linkages between existing community resources and endogenous environmental leadership, and suggest how making those connections strengthens students’ perceptions of their social relationships and their ability to create meaning and take action. Through the program, students show an increase in knowledge about their local environment. They critically and socially engage with that new information, further developing networking skills in the context of community-informed environmental issues. After participating in the program, the students describe environmental leadership as requiring persistence, forethought, and a willingness to care for both the environment and community.

P162 Comparative Outcome Evaluation of 3 Delivery Models for a Diabetes Prevention Education Program for Older Adults

Objective Outcome evaluation of 3 delivery models for a diabetes prevention education program for older adults. Use of Theory or Research Older adults have the highest prevalence of diabetes and have proved to benefit from prevention programs. Few community-based education programs have targeted this age group. Target Audience Community-dwelling older persons (≥60 years) in Lubbock, Texas. Program Description We modified the national Diabetes Prevention Program based on previously assessed health education needs of the elderly. Seven modules on diabetes basics, physical activity, and overall healthy diet were developed. The core elements were healthy eating within budget, enhancing self-efficacy, nutrition misconceptions, and problem-solving skills. Two community centers were randomly assigned to education by nutrition professionals (Pro, n = 23), 2 were assigned to trained peer educators (Peer, n = 27), and 2 were assigned to receive written materials (Passive, n = 26). Pro and Peer groups received 9 weekly 45-minute sessions; passive group received the written materials weekly. Evaluation Methods Nutrition and Diabetes Knowledge (NDK) questionnaire, self-efficacy for eating behaviors scale, Starting the Conversation instrument for dietary behaviors, and the Veggie Meter for Skin Carotenoid Status (SCS). We also conducted post-intervention focus group discussions. Results Regression models demonstrated a significant improvement in self-efficacy in Peer group (+0.38 ± 0.24) compared to the other 2 groups (+0.18 ± 0.32 for Pro and +0.11 ± 0.45 for Passive, P Conclusions Passive information dissemination was not an effective education model for elderly people. Peer education provided a valuable resource for diabetes education for older adults. Funding Texas Tech University.

Parkinson Disease Bootcamp: An Education Program for Individuals With Parkinson Disease and Their Families

Purpose A strong social support system for individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) and their families often include awareness of existing resources, involvement in the community, and access to supportive relationships. Community-based education programs are one such avenue for building a strong social support system and improving the quality of life of people with PD and their family members. This viewpoint article presents the conceptualization and efficacy of a 3-day multidisciplinary educational program for individuals with PD and their families. Method A total of 52 people attended the event, including individuals with PD and their family members. The 3-day event included presentations by different health care professionals and activities aimed to increase the knowledge of individuals with PD and their families regarding possible effects of PD and available resources within the local community. Results A vast majority of participants shared extremely positive responses and expressed a strong interest in attending similar events in the future. Conclusion The success of the educational program led to new partnerships and the creation of community-based programs for individuals with PD and their families.

Implementing Community-Based Prostate Cancer Education in Rural South Carolina: a Collaborative Approach Through a Statewide Cancer Alliance.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing community-based prostate health education programs in rural communities. Prostate cancer (PrCA) remains one of the most common cancers among men, and a growing body of literature demonstrates that large interracial differences in PrCA incidence and mortality rates consistently disfavor African Americans in comparison to European Americans. It also is evident, despite the overall decrease in cancer death rates in the USA in recent decades, rural areas are experiencing a reduction in death rates much more slowly. In this study, education session content focused on PrCA risk factors, symptoms, screening, healthy diet and exercise, treatment options, and provider communication strategies. Forty individuals participated and completed pre/post-education program surveys to assess changes in PrCA knowledge and cancer decision-making. Participants showed improvements in education and awareness following the session, and overall impressions of the program were consistently positive as exhibited by participants' answers on a satisfaction survey. The findings demonstrate the real need both in terms of research to understand the underlying problem and to provide practical solutions that can be implemented to reverse the current situation. The results obtained support community-based education programs as an effective means of delivering PrCA prevention, screening, and treatment information to rural communities.

Cost-effectiveness of Diabetes Prevention Interventions Targeting High-risk Individuals and Whole Populations: A Systematic Review.

We conducted a systematic review of studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness (CE) of interventions to prevent type 2 diabetes (T2D) among high-risk individuals and whole populations. Interventions targeting high-risk individuals are those that identify people at high risk of developing T2D and then treat them with either lifestyle or metformin interventions. Population-based prevention strategies are those that focus on the whole population regardless of the level of risk, creating public health impact through policy implementation, campaigns, and other environmental strategies. We systematically searched seven electronic databases for studies published in English between 2008 and 2017. We grouped lifestyle interventions targeting high-risk individuals by delivery method and personnel type. We used the median incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), measured in cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) or cost saved to measure the CE of interventions. We used the $50,000/QALY threshold to determine whether an intervention was cost-effective or not. ICERs are reported in 2017 U.S. dollars. Our review included 39 studies: 28 on interventions targeting high-risk individuals and 11 targeting whole populations. Both lifestyle and metformin interventions in high-risk individuals were cost-effective from a health care system or a societal perspective, with median ICERs of $12,510/QALY and $17,089/QALY, respectively, compared with no intervention. Among lifestyle interventions, those that followed a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) curriculum had a median ICER of $6,212/QALY, while those that did not follow a DPP curriculum had a median ICER of $13,228/QALY. Compared with lifestyle interventions delivered one-on-one or by a health professional, those offered in a group setting or provided by a combination of health professionals and lay health workers had lower ICERs. Among population-based interventions, taxing sugar-sweetened beverages was cost-saving from both the health care system and governmental perspectives. Evaluations of other population-based interventions-including fruit and vegetable subsidies, community-based education programs, and modifications to the built environment-showed inconsistent results. Most of the T2D prevention interventions included in our review were found to be either cost-effective or cost-saving. Our findings may help decision makers set priorities and allocate resources for T2D prevention in real-world settings.

Community-based program to increase use of hearing conservation practices among farm and rural youth: a cluster randomized trial of effectiveness

BackgroundNoise exposure and associated hearing loss affects an estimated 2 million farm youth who are exposed as farm residents, farm family workers, hired workers, children of migrant or seasonal workers, and farm visitors. Risk factors for farm youth include frequent exposure to high farm noise; farm work from an early age, and exposure to high recreational noise (e.g., firearms, ATVs, and personal listening devices).MethodsThis study compared the effectiveness of two interventions and control. The programs included a community-based interactive youth educational program alone (Group A), a community-based interactive youth educational program followed by an Internet-based booster (Group B), and a no-interaction control (Group C). The study used a cluster randomized control design, with equal allocation ratio to each cluster, without blinding. Inclusion criteria included enrollment in grade 4, parental consent, English speaking, and attending a community-based educational event included in the cluster sampling. A total of 1979 youth were enrolled at 36 sites distributed across the 3 study arms in the following distribution: N = 662 in 13 sites (Group A), N = 680 in 12 sites (Group B), and N = 637 in 11 sites (Group C).ResultsComparison with pre-intervention data showed no difference in intent to use hearing conservation strategies in experimental groups. However, knowledge and attitudes toward hearing conservation were improved in the groups receiving the Internet-based booster. Participants reported frequent exposure to sources of hazardous noise (e.g., loud sporting events, firecrackers, personal listening devices).ConclusionsIt is feasible and acceptable to incorporate hearing health education into an already existing system designed to deliver health and safety educational programming to farm and rural youth. The program was adopted by the partner agency for dissemination to up to 100,000 youth annually. Results of this study inform future intervention studies, interventions aimed at farm youth, and interventions to increase use of hearing conservation strategies, as well as offer a base for developing programs for non-English speaking children.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov registration CT02472821.Date of trial registration: 06/09/2015 (retrospectively registered).

Field Survey and Numerical Modelling of the December 22, 2018 Anak Krakatau Tsunami

On December 22, 2018, the eruption and flank collapse of the Anak Krakatau volcano generated a tsunami in the Sunda Strait causing catastrophic damage to uninhabited coastlines proximal to the source. Along the heavily populated shores of Banten and Lampung provinces in Java and Sumatra, tsunami waves caused severe damage, extensive inundation and more than 430 deaths. An international tsunami survey team (ITST) deployed 6 weeks after the event documented the tsunami effects including runup heights, flow depths and inundation distances, as well as sediment deposition patterns and impacts on infrastructure and the natural environment. The team also interviewed numerous eyewitnesses and educated residents about tsunami hazards. This ITST was the first to visit and document the extreme tsunami effects on the small islands in the Sunda Strait closest to Anak Krakatau (Rakata, Panjang, Sertung, Sebesi and Panaitan). Along the steep slopes of Rakata and Sertung islands, located less than 5 km from and facing directly towards the southwest flank of Anak Krakatau, all of the dense coastal vegetation was stripped to bare earth up to elevations of more than 80 m, while on the northeast tip of Sertung Island, facing away from the source, a single tree remained standing after flow depths of > 11 m above ground struck there. The runup distributions on the islands encircling Anak Krakatau highlight the directivity of the tsunami source suggesting that the collapse occurred towards the southwest. This manifested as tsunami runup of 10 m that stripped away coastal forests to bare rock for up to 400 m inland in the Ujung Kulon National Park, located 50 km to the south-southwest. Inundation and damage were mostly limited to within 400 m of the shoreline, likely the result of the relatively short wavelengths caused by the landslide generated tsunami. A significant variation in tsunami impact was observed along the shorelines of the Sunda Strait, with runup heights rapidly decreasing with distance from the inferred tsunami source. To model the event we applied a hot-start initial condition that roughly reproduced the measured tsunami runup heights along Rakata and Sertung. The waveforms were then propagated through the Sunda Straight using a Boussinesq-type wave model. The results showed a good fit to the observed heights along the Java and Sumatra coastlines, the northern coast of Panaitan Island and Ujung Kulon Nation Park. The model also produced an acceptable fit to the observed amplitudes at tide gauges. Despite the regional volcanic and tsunamigenic history of the region, and 6-months of eruptive activity prior to the event, the tsunami largely caught the local population off guard. This further highlights the need for community-based education and awareness programs as essential to save lives in locales at risk from locally generated tsunamis.