Community Centers Research Articles

Feed Friend: Fostering Community Involvement in Food Assistance

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption worldwide is wasted annually. Food wastage occurs at various stages of the supply chain, including production, processing, distribution, and consumption. FeedFriend is an innovative website which was designed to combat food-wastage by fostering a vibrant community of donors and recipients. Donor Registration Individuals or Businesses can sign up as Donors on FeedFriend, providing details about the surplus food they have available for donation. This includes restaurants with excess inventory, grocery stores with perishable items nearing expiration, or individuals with leftover food from events or meals. Food Listings Donors can create listings within the website, specifying the type and quantity of food they wish to donate, include relevant details such as expiration dates etc. In Feed Friend, Users can filter the Donation requests based on their location. This type of service is used to match donors with nearby recipients in need. Recipients may include food banks, shelters, community centers, or individuals facing food insecurity. Feed Friend facilitates communication between donors and recipients, coordinates pickup or delivery logistics directly by providing donor’s contact details. So that it enables a better communication between Donors and Receivers.

Assessing the Community Centers Project Using the B4SI Global Standard

Local artist exhibitions, children’s workshops, author-led tours, festive gatherings, and much more — all within walking distance from home... Stores serve as hubs where the paths of diverse individuals intersect, thus serving as community centers. In our coverage, we delve into how the ongoing efforts of the community center network within these stores cultivate neighborliness and mutual aid, assess the project’s impact on local communities and businesses, and highlight significant outcomes for key project stakeholders.

Mothers in stress: hair cortisol of mothers living in marginalised Roma communities and the role of socioeconomic disadvantage

Roma living in marginalised communities are among the most disadvantaged groups in Slovakia. Socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with higher hair cortisol concentrations (HCC), including in parents. The aim of this study is therefore to assess differences in HCC, reflecting the levels of stress, between mothers living in MRCs and from the majority population, to assess the association of socioeconomic disadvantage with HCC, and whether disadvantage mediates the MRC/majority differences in HCC. Participants were mothers of children aged 15–18 months old living in MRCs (N=61) and from the Slovak majority population (N=90). During preventive paediatric visits, visits at community centres and home visits, hair samples and data by questionnaire were collected. HCC differed significantly between mothers living in MRCs and mothers from the majority population, with the mean HCC value being twice as high in mothers living in MRCs (22.98 (95% confidence interval, CI, 15.70–30.30) vs. 11.76 (8.34–15.20), p<0.05). HCC was significantly associated with education, household equipment and household overcrowding, but not with billing, socioeconomic stress and social support. The difference in HCC between mothers living in MRCs and mothers from the majority population was partially mediated by poor house equipment, such as no access to running water, no flushing toilet or no bathroom (the indirect effect of B=7.63 (95% CI: 2.12–13.92)). Practitioners and policymakers should be aware of high stress levels among mothers living in MRCs and aim at enhancing their living and housing conditions.

Addressing Disparities in Vision Health and Eye Care in the US

Health disparities are a prevalent issue that continues to affect health outcomes. In ophthalmology, these disparities affect eye care utilization increasing the burden of eye care disorders and vision impairment/loss. Various factors contribute to disparities in vision care. They include age, gender, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and race and ethnicity. These factors make it difficult for people affected by eye conditions to access care. Addressing these disparities can help to increase eye care utilization and improve patient outcomes. Some measures that can address these disparities and increase utilization are providing patient education, increasing insurance coverage, implementing community-based eye care programs, using teleophthalmology, providing transport services, providing reminder alerts, and creating community centres that are federally funded among others. This review seeks to identify measures that can help to address disparities in vision and eye care in the US. The review also identifies drivers of health disparities in vision health and how they affect the ability to access care.

Risk factors for Tuberculosis in children at labuang baji hospital and center for community pulmonary health Makassar in 2023

Efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include eradicating the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic by 2030. In 2020, the global TB incidence rate stood at 121 per 100,000 people, with 1.1 million children succumbing to the disease worldwide. Indonesia alone recorded 42,187 pediatric TB cases in 2021, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this public health concern.A recent observational study in Makassar City focused on children aged 0-14, revealing 380 cases in 2022, notably concentrated in Labuang Baji Regional Hospital, Tajuddin Chalid Hospital, and Community Center for Lung Health Makassar. Developing countries, where children under 15 constitute 40-50% of the population, witness around 500,000 pediatric TB cases annually, leading to severe morbidity and mortality, especially in those under 14. May to July 2023, researchers conducted a case-control study involving 114 children. The study revealed that malnutrition (with an odds ratio of 2.614 and a 95% confidence interval of 1.133-6.085) and a history of TB contact (with an odds ratio of 7.84 and a 95% confidence interval of 2.932-22.319) emerged as noteworthy risk factors for pediatric TB. Notably, economic status, residential density, BCG vaccination status, and exposure to smokers showed no significant impact on the prevalence of the disease.The study advocates consistent screening of adult TB patients' family contacts to trace potential cases in children. Future research should explore the feasibility of TB transmission among children. Tackling malnutrition and strengthening contact tracing initiatives are imperative to curbing pediatric TB, aligning with global goals for a TB-free world by 2030.

Transforming Public Libraries into Community Centers: Case of Iran

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to identify and rank social factors effective in transforming Iran’s public libraries into social centers and develop a conceptual model. This is a mixed research conducted with a systematic grounded theory approach. Four effective community factors in transforming public libraries into community centers were identified: 1. promotion of social activities, 2. participation of public groups, 3. awareness of the community situation, and 4. promotion of community skills. By applying the theory of the public sphere, public libraries can inform people about government decisions and facilitate public debate between the government and citizens.

Impact of a culturally adapted digital literacy intervention on older people and its relationship with health literacy, quality of life, and well-being.

Older people are the group with the greatest digital gap, so their digital literacy is important to improve the conditions in which they age. A study was conducted with pre- and post-evaluation of a digital literacy (DL) intervention in people aged 60 years and over. A total of 56 participants (experimental group N = 32 and control group N = 24) were recruited for convenience in community centers. The intervention was adapted to the needs of the participants, there were five face-to-face sessions and remote reinforcement for three months, carried out by trained university students for five months. Sociodemographic variables such as self-perception of socioeconomic level and education, among others, were evaluated. The impact was assessed using the digital literacy scale (MDPQ16), indicators of frequency and types of internet and mobile phone use, health literacy (SAHLSA and NSV), quality of life (SF-12), hedonic well-being (Diener's SWLS and Cummins' PWI) and perceived social support using the Zimet scale. The intervention had a significant impact with an effect size of r = 0.27 on digital literacy, separate t-test comparisons revealed a markedly significant change for digital literacy in the experimental group, before and after the pre-post t-test(31) = 3.56, p = 0.001, but not in the control group, t(23) = 0.082, p = 0.93. No direct impact on health literacy, health-related quality of life, and hedonic well-being was identified. We examined the indirect impact of change in digital literacy and found that it correlated with improvements in well-being and social support, as well as quality of life. Individuals with significant changes were detected and compared with those who did not change. Evaluation that contributes by identifying elements for improvement in future interventions and discusses the importance of culturally adapting continuing education in older people.

Co-designing a Physical Activity Service for Refugees and Asylum Seekers Using an Experience-Based Co-design Framework.

People from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds resettling in Australia often experience intersecting risks for poor mental and physical health. Physical activity can promote better health outcomes, however there are limited programs tailored for this population. Therefore, understanding how to support refugees and asylum seekers to engage in physical activity is crucial. This paper aims to describe how the experience-based co-design (EBCD) process was used to identify priorities for a new physical activity service for refugees and asylum seekers. Using an EBCD framework we conducted qualitative interviews and co-design workshops with service users (refugees and asylum seekers living in the community) and service providers at a community Centre in Sydney, Australia. Sixteen participants, including eight service users and eight service providers engaged in the EBCD process over 12-months. The interviews revealed common themes or 'touchpoints' including barriers and enablers to physical activity participation such as access, safety and competing stressors. Subsequent co-design focus groups resulted in the establishment of five fundamental priorities and actionable strategies; ensuring cultural and psychological safety, promoting accessibility, facilitating support to access basic needs, enhancing physical activity literacy and fostering social connection. Using EBCD methodology, this study used the insights and lived experiences of both service users and providers to co-design a physical activity service for refugees and asylum seekers which is safe, supportive, social and accessible. The results of the implementation and evaluation of the program are ongoing.

A Community Needs Assessment and Implementation Planning for a Community Exercise Program for Survivors of Stroke: Protocol for a Pilot Hybrid Type I Clinical Effectiveness and Implementation Study.

Physical activity and exercise are important aspects of maintaining health. People with mobility impairments, including survivors of stroke, are less likely to exercise and at greater risk of developing or worsening chronic health conditions. Increasing accessible, desired options for exercise may address the gap in available physical activity programs, provide an opportunity for continued services after rehabilitation, and cultivate social connections for people after stroke and others with mobility impairments. Existing evidence-based community programs for people after stroke target cardiovascular endurance, mobility, walking ability, balance, and education. While much is known about the effectiveness of these programs, it is important to understand the local environment as implementation and sustainment strategies are context-specific. This study protocol aims to evaluate community needs and resources for exercise for adults living with mobility impairments with initial emphasis on survivors of stroke in Richland County, South Carolina. Results will inform a hybrid type I effectiveness and implementation pilot of an evidence-based group exercise program for survivors of stroke. The exploration and preparation phases of the EPIS (Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment) implementation model guide the study. A community needs assessment will evaluate the needs and desires of survivors of stroke through qualitative semistructured interviews with survivors of stroke, rehabilitation professionals, and fitness trainers serving people with mobility impairments. Additional data will be collected from survivors of stroke through a survey. Fitness center sites will be assessed through interviews and the Accessibility Instrument Measuring Fitness and Recreation Environments inventory. Qualitative data will be evaluated using content analysis and supported by mean survey results. Data will be categorized by the community (outer context), potential participants (outer context), and fitness center (inner context) and evaluate needs, resources, barriers, and facilitators. Results will inform evidence-based exercise program selection, adaptations, and specific local implementation strategies to influence success. Pilot outcome measures for participants (clinical effectiveness), process, and program delivery levels will be identified. An implementation logic model for interventions will be created to reflect the design elements for the pilot and their complex interactions. The study was reviewed by the institutional review board and exempt approved on December 19, 2023. The study data collection began in January 2024 and is projected to be completed in June 2024. A total of 17 participants have been interviewed as of manuscript submission. Results are expected to be published in early 2025. Performing a needs assessment before implementing it in the community allows for early identification of complex relationships and preplanning to address problems that cannot be anticipated in controlled effectiveness research. Evaluation and preparation prior to implementation of a community exercise program enhance the potential to be successful, valued, and sustained in the community. DERR1-10.2196/55432.

Understanding lived experiences and perceptions of resilience in black and South Asian Muslim children living in East London: a qualitative study protocol

IntroductionIt is important to promote resilience in preadolescence; however, there is limited research on children’s understandings and experiences of resilience. Quantitative approaches may not capture dynamic and context-specific aspects of...

Centro de Orientación Psicosocial Educativo COPE como estrategia de retención y permanencia.

Introduction: In the CCAV de Facatativá Virtual Care Community Center of the NationalOpen and Distance University (UNAD), students with difficulties in their academic processhave been identified, reflected in low historical average, repetitive loss of courses, long stay at theinstitution with little progress in their studies making it difficult to complete their professionaltraining; Therefore, the need arises to create a Retention and Permanence strategy that allowssupport for students from the academic and personal spheres, which is why the PsychosocialEducational Guidance Center (COPE) was created. Objective: Create COPE as a retention andpermanence strategy where timely attention is provided regarding the difficulties presented inthe development of the educational process of CCAV de Facatativá students. Methodology:Qualitative research, with action research design, protocols, contact formats, semi-structuredinterviews, field notes and questionnaires were used to collect information. Results: Of the 49users, 16 % were first-time students who continued their professionalization project with the university; 84 % corresponded to former students, of whom 81 % continued their academicprocess, and finally, 2 % of users decided to give up their academic training. Conclusions: Itcontributed to the promotion of personal reflection of users, and the potentialization of their personal resources, favoring the change of thoughts, emotions and/or behaviors in favor ofgreater academic and personal well-being.

Establishing the First Student-Run Clinic to Provide Free Health Care to a South Texas Colonia

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine (UTRGVSoM) opened its student-run clinic (SRC) in March 2018 to provide free health care for the residents of Pueblo de Palmas colonia in Hidalgo County. Located along the United States-Mexico border near some of the country's poorest and most medically underserved communities, UTRGVSoM has the unique opportunity to extend quality primary care to those who otherwise would go without. The physical location of the clinic was determined by a partnership with Proyecto Desarrollo Humano, a nonprofit organization within the Pueblo de Palmas colonia. The free clinic, located in the town’s community center, opens its doors to the public every month on a chosen Saturday. This article hopes to detail the experience of being the first SRC to operate inside a Texas colonia.

In Case You Haven't Heard…

Linda Hurley, president and CEO of CODAC Behavioral Health Care, is on the verge of launching yet another trailblazing treatment program. A fully integrated “health and wellness” facility, it will offer opioid treatment program services along with primary care, mental health services, dental care and an on‐site full‐service pharmacy, as well as a peer recovery community center and social services. Hurley's move is no surprise to people in the substance use disorder field, as she has been leading the way for decades from her base in Rhode Island, a small state where many innovations are possible, but only Hurley has set a standard for all other states. So it's no surprise that many organizations line up to give her awards. Most recently, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing will recognize her during their conference next week, where she will give a speech to accept the organization's “Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Peer Texting to Promote Quitline Use and Smoking Cessation Among Rural Participants in Vietnam: Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objectives: We tested an adapted version of an effective U.S.-based peer-texting intervention to promote Quitline use and smoking cessation among rural participants in Vietnam. Methods: We conducted a two-arm randomized trial with participants recruited at four rural community centers. The intervention included peer messages sent for six months that promoted Quitline use and smoking cessation. Additionally, biweekly two-way text messages assessed participants' interest in Quitline referral and current smoking status. Comparison participants received only the bi-weekly text message assessment of their current smoking status. At six months, we assessed Quitline use and smoking cessation. Smoking cessation was assessed using the 7-day point prevalence question and verified with a carbon monoxide breath monitor (<=6ppm). Results: Among 750 participants, the intervention had higher Quitline verified use (18%, 95% CI 0.14, 0.22) than comparison (1%, 95% CI .2, 2, p < 0.0001). Carbon-monoxide-verified smoking cessation did not differ between the two groups. However, intervention (28.3%, 95% CI) and comparison (28.1%, 95% CI) participants had substantial rates of carbon monoxide cessation at 6months (both 28%). Conclusion: Our study highlighted the promise of texting interventions to extend tobacco control efforts in Vietnam.

Optimized Hamiltonian Deep Neural Network-Based Art Education Teaching Content and Evaluation System

The organized educational processes and experiences created to promote a comprehension and appreciation of the visual arts are referred to as art education. It includes a variety of exercises designed to foster artistic abilities, the ability to express oneself creatively, and a greater understanding of artistic ideas and background. There are several places where art instruction can take place, such as private studios, museums, community centers, and schools. In this manuscript, Optimized Hamiltonian Deep Neural Network-Based Art Education Teaching Content and Evaluation System (HDNN-AETC-ES) is proposed. Initially the data is collect from MADS dataset. To execute this, input data is pre-processed using Adaptive Distorted Gaussian Matched Filter (ADGMF) and it removes the noise from collected data. Then, data is fed to Hamiltonian Deep Neural Network (HDNN)for effectively categorized Technology-Based Art Teaching Platform. Generally, HDNN doesn’t express adapting optimization approaches to determine optimal parameters to ensure accurate art teaching. Hence, the Tasmanian Devil Optimization Algorithm (TDOA) to optimize Hamiltonian Deep Neural Network which accurately evaluated the art teaching. Then the proposed HDNN-AETC-ES is implemented and the performance metrics likes accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, computation time, ROC are analyzed. Performance of the HDNN-AETC-ES approach attains 18.41%, 24.08% and 32.57% higher accuracy, 20.31%, 21.08% and 22.57% higher Precision and 21.41%, 22.08% and 23.55% higher recall when analyzed through existing techniques like art education teaching content using optimization of digital art teaching platform depend on information technology with deep learning (DAT-IT-DL), building arts education policy utilizing tools of out-of-school time youth arts organizations (BAEP-ST-YAO) and investigating arts education effects on school engagement with climate (IAE-ES-EC) methods respectively.

Cultural Heritage Recognition through Protection of Historical Value and Urban Regeneration: CSOA Forte Prenestino

The conformation and dynamics of metropolitanisation act as propulsive elements of territorial transformations. The deficiency of infrastructural equipment, the heterogeneity of urban fabric and the lack of services and public spaces contribute to severing the identity ties between settled communities and territories. In light of this, within the more general reflection concerning urban regeneration, we recall the role that cultural heritage plays in the physical and functional organisation of the city, as a reflection of the interaction between community and context. The contribution is contextualized in the research work on the activities related to Thematic Line 4 of the Extended Partnership 5—CHANGES (NRRP). The thematic line activities follow three phases: 1. contextualization; 2. operational phase; 3. experimentation. The research work presented here is part of the ‘operational phase’, to identify strategies and projects for heritage-led regeneration. The article analyses the pilot case of CSOA Forte Prenestino as a starting point for thinking about expanding the research activity to other similar cases. It is a self-managed community centre in Rome (Italy) located in the nineteenth-century Forte, which has become a symbol of collective identity. The case study was identified following three levels of investigation: 1. identification of the municipality, first-level administrative subdivision of the city of Rome (Italy); 2. identification of the main historical, archaeological and architectural emergencies of the municipality; 3. identification of an asset to be analysed as “Heritage by designation” (involvement of experts) and “Heritage by appropriation” (involvement of communities). The research results show the “Recognition Path” of Forte Prenestina: according to what has been ‘designated’ by urban planning instruments, project instruments, legislative instruments and authors of scientific publications and conferences; and on the basis of the bottom-up ‘appropriation’ process of the asset that has allowed its management, assessment of its cultural and social potential and its development. The research results allow us to reflect on heritage-led urban regeneration as a strategy capable of capturing and promoting the links between social integration and cultural–historical identity.

261 Providing Equity in Immunizations and Research

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Disparities persist among minority and marginalized populations in immunizations and research. The Clinical Research Vehicle Team aimed to bring research to our community’s doorstep, building generalizability of research outcomes. Our mission adapted due to the pandemic to include increasing COVID-19 vaccinations and health education. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Community Engagement Events are planned when event organizers submit a request, then the proposal is discussed by the Clinical Research Vehicle (CRV) Team and UF HealthStreet. We go to underserved communities throughout Florida, food distributions, churches, community centers, rural areas, etc. At these events we offer services at no cost, including: COVID-19 and flu vaccines, as well as health screenings. We provide health education to individuals and refer them to UF HealthStreet for community resources, as appropriate. Research events are planned when researchers submit a request for the CRV, then the request is discussed by the CRV Team. The studies covered topics from COVID-19 research to the development of a diverse health database. Our fleet consists of two Community Health Vehicles and the CRV. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: As Community Engagement Events are ongoing, the presented numbers are reflective of the data available at the time of submission. Our impact includes administering 1,606+ COVID vaccines, conducting 1,081+ health screenings, collecting data from 944 screenings, providing 265 Flu vaccines, supporting 267+ community health events, and serving 25+ communities. The Clinical Research Vehicle facilitated 6 IRB-approved studies, administration of monoclonal antibody infusions, extended the capabilities of the Clinical Research Center, and enabled clinical trials aimed for novel treatments for COVID-19 positive participants. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Championing this initiative has shown an impact on vaccination rates and health education in communities. Experience and knowledge gained by our team throughout the pandemic while engaging with community members provided a platform from which to build generalizability of research outcomes and support translational science.

Analysis on the willingness and influencing factors of choosing hospice care service institutions among among older people in Wuhu, China: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the inclination and determinants influencing the selection of hospice care service institutions among elderly individuals in China.DesignThe study conducted has a cross-sectional...

211 A Machine Learning Approach to Reduce Disparities in Compliance with Public Health Interventions

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To establish the root causes of vaccine hesitancy in populations who have less equitable access to health and healthcare services, and experience healthcare inequities, related to the environmental and social determinants of health, through community engagement and conversations, collaboration, circulation, and communication. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Existing data from a cross-sectional survey, vaccine hesitancy (VH) parent study, entitled 'Western New York (WNY) COVID-19 Collaborative to Promote Vaccine Acceptance,' conducted July to November 2022, after IRB approval, will be qualitatively analyzed. In the parent study, surveys were administered in WNY community congregations and community centers to individuals that historically have less equitable access to healthcare resources and may encounter health and healthcare disparities. Minorities, in urban and rural areas, age eighteen and older were identified through the NYS Department of Health’s Immunization Information System for daily vaccination rates. A qualitative analysis, promoting fact base HL, and building an inferential statical machine learning tool are the next steps. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We anticipate the results to show an interplay of multiple factors, including personal, cultural, historical, social, and political, and varies depending on circumstances of time, place, and the type of vaccine being offered. Additionally, a lack of awareness or understanding of vulnerabilities and seriousness of vaccine-preventable diseases, lack of trust in health care providers, social norms, distrust of the healthcare system, biomedical research, and government policy, limited knowledge and understanding of vaccine safety and efficacy, and fear/uncomfortable with needles, as well as the less addressed environmental and social determinants of health associated with racial/ethnic minorities in communities with limited resources may also contribute to VH and less favorable health outcomes. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Identifying people who historically have less equitable access to healthcare resources and may be more likely to resist healthcare services, due to distrust in the system is important. Creating and evaluating an innovative tool to predict refusal of public health interventions is essential to avoid spreading preventable diseases.

110 Answering the Call for Greater LGBTQ+ Research Inclusivity by Co-Developing A Workshop for Researchers

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The objectives of this workshop were to: (1) provide learners with a space to become aware of and discuss the history of the LGBTQ+ community in medical and public health research; (2) apply frameworks for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in research, inspired by lived experience and multimedia; and (3) assess LGBTQ+ research inclusivity best practices. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The CTSC provided the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland (Center) with access to academic resources via an affiliate account and insights on the clinical and translational science research process. Members of the CTSC Research Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion team met regularly with the education and programming team at the Center to review research findings for workshop segments, ideate and provide feedback on activities, and strategize to ensure a psychologically safe virtual environment for learners. Zoom registration was used for workshop registration. An evaluation survey, created by the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland (Center), was deployed by the CTSC to learners after the workshop. Respondents reported that the LGBTQ+ terminology focus was most valuable. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: To maximize investment in and scale theLGBTQ+ Inclusivity For Researchers workshop, the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland offered a shortened version to their Youth Participatory Action Research group and will continue to offer the workshop in their suite of program/educational offerings. The CTSC plans to offer opportunities to co-host the workshop at its hospital system partner institutions, with room to tailor content based on internal LGBT resources (e.g., gender care offered at the institution). We hope to see a remarkable increase in LGBTQ+ identifying researchers, LGBTQ+ participation in research studies and clinical trials, and LGBTQ+ research topics/ideas/questions in response to CTSC pilots, local, national, and global funding opportunities. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: LGBTQ+ people are less likely to have a regular health care provider—impeding screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This is reflected in health research where clinical research participation may follow a diagnosis. By providing tools for LGBTQ+ research inclusion, we will catalyze more research with LGBTQ+ people—as researchers and participants.