Community Education Programs Research Articles

Spatial aggregation and specificity of incidents with wildlife make tea plantations in southern India potential buffers with protected areas

Abstract: Many wildlife species survive in human-modified landscapes and understanding the opinions of those who share space with wildlife will aid conservation efforts. Using a questionnaire, we assessed the presence of 12 mammal species in 78 tea plantations in the Nilgiris, southern India. We obtained data on (i) plantation size, location, and elevation, (ii) species presence over a year, (iii) type and number of wildlife incidents caused, (iv) financial cost of wildlife damage, and (v) support for wildlife conservation. We used a generalized linear model to assess whether the distance to protected areas, elevation, and plantation size influenced species presence and the effect of these variables and wildlife incidents on support for conservation. Among all species reported, Bonnet Macaque, Wild Boar, and Porcupine were the most widespread, and the former two and the Gaur reportedly caused >50% of damages. Crop damage was the most frequent (74%, n = 244), whereas livestock predation, attacks on people, and infrastructure damage constituted <10% of incidents reported. The cost of wildlife damage was negligible for 72 estates and significant for six. The number of species increased with proximity to protected areas, with increasing elevation and plantation area. Plantation management (62%) supported wildlife conservation, and support increased with decreasing plantation size, increasing distance to protected areas, and with a higher number of species reported, but decreased with increasing incidents of wildlife damage. Mitigating impacts of a few widely distributed species that cause disproportionate damage and compensating those that incur disproportionately high costs could increase support for conservation. Education and awareness programs for the plantation community can further help increase support and participation in wildlife conservation activities. Plantations can thus serve as supplementary habitats for wildlife in regions where hard boundaries between protected areas and human settlements prevail.

Changing the Perception of Frailty of Community-Dwelling Older Adults Who Participate in OT-Led Education

Abstract Date Presented 03/26/20 Frailty can increase the likelihood of hospital readmission and the transition from home to assisted care, decrease life satisfaction, and reduce lifespan. This small study examined how perceptions of frailty of older adults changed when they participated in a six-part OT-led community education program. The repeated-measures analysis revealed a reduction in frailty-risk identification, improvement in walking speed, and increased grip strength for occupational engagement. Primary Author and Speaker: Susan Blair

A Study on the Direction and Actuality of School Adaptation Program Development Prior to Admission for Multicultural Learners During the Transition Period of Middle School - Focusing on peer-oriented communication education programs -

A Study on the Direction and Actuality of School Adaptation Program Development Prior to Admission for Multicultural Learners During the Transition Period of Middle School - Focusing on peer-oriented communication education programs -

P125 Role of Cooperative Extension in Obesity Prevention Efforts: Program Implementation, Effectiveness, and Implications

ObjectiveTo demonstrate how Cooperative Extension (CE) can successfully implement federally-funded obesity prevention programs across limited-resource populations and settings.Use of Theory or ResearchSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education (SNAP-Ed) evaluation framework was utilized spanning multiple levels of the Social-Ecological Model (SEM).Target AudiencePreschoolers, youth, and adults.Program DescriptionDuring 2019, 2 federally-funded nutrition education programs namely CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California (CFHL, UC) and Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) were implemented in preschool, schools, and community settings in 2 counties through CE.Evaluation MethodsAge-appropriate observational tools and surveys were used to assess participants’ goals, intentions and behaviors about healthy eating, physical activity, and food resource management. Policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes including community partnerships were also recorded.ResultsCFHL, UC evaluation results indicated behavioral and organizational changes through direct nutrition education (n = 10,761 children and youth, and 822 adults reached) and indirect nutrition education (n = 31, 421) across 74 locations of various settings from preschools, schools, to community. PSE changes were recorded at 42 sites reaching 21,087 participants with 59 PSE changes across all settings (eg, 41 nutrition changes, 15 PA changes, and 3 nutrition/PA changes combined). EFNEP evaluation results indicated behavioral changes in nutrition, food resource management, and PA practices among adult participants (n = 187) who completed the program.Conclusions and ImplicationsCE plays a critical role in obesity prevention efforts by implementing federally-funded nutrition education programs in local communities to empower children, youth, and families with knowledge and skills to make healthy living choices. The CE System with offices in most counties across the state brings together expertise and capacity to promote healthy living among qualified settings and the SNAP-Ed eligible population. Taken together, CE is a good fit for obesity prevention programming to achieve a broader impact that has public value significance. To demonstrate how Cooperative Extension (CE) can successfully implement federally-funded obesity prevention programs across limited-resource populations and settings. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education (SNAP-Ed) evaluation framework was utilized spanning multiple levels of the Social-Ecological Model (SEM). Preschoolers, youth, and adults. During 2019, 2 federally-funded nutrition education programs namely CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California (CFHL, UC) and Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) were implemented in preschool, schools, and community settings in 2 counties through CE. Age-appropriate observational tools and surveys were used to assess participants’ goals, intentions and behaviors about healthy eating, physical activity, and food resource management. Policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes including community partnerships were also recorded. CFHL, UC evaluation results indicated behavioral and organizational changes through direct nutrition education (n = 10,761 children and youth, and 822 adults reached) and indirect nutrition education (n = 31, 421) across 74 locations of various settings from preschools, schools, to community. PSE changes were recorded at 42 sites reaching 21,087 participants with 59 PSE changes across all settings (eg, 41 nutrition changes, 15 PA changes, and 3 nutrition/PA changes combined). EFNEP evaluation results indicated behavioral changes in nutrition, food resource management, and PA practices among adult participants (n = 187) who completed the program. CE plays a critical role in obesity prevention efforts by implementing federally-funded nutrition education programs in local communities to empower children, youth, and families with knowledge and skills to make healthy living choices. The CE System with offices in most counties across the state brings together expertise and capacity to promote healthy living among qualified settings and the SNAP-Ed eligible population. Taken together, CE is a good fit for obesity prevention programming to achieve a broader impact that has public value significance.

Tingkat Pengetahuan Orang Tua terhadap Penyakit Pneumonia dan Imunisasi Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) di Indonesia

PCV immunization has been proven to be effective in preventing pneumonia, but the immunization coverage is still low in Indonesia. Good parental knowledge about pneumonia and PCV vaccine is an important factor that can support the coverage of PCV immunization. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of parental knowledge about pneumonia and PCV immunization and to know the factors that influence it. This study obeservasional design with a multi-center cross-sectional approach. Data was collected using survey to parents in 5 Provinces in Indonesia which were Provinces of DIY, Lampung, Sulawesi Tengah, Kalimantan Tengah, and Jawa Barat using convenience sampling. Study instrument consisted of questionnaire to determine sociodemographic characteristics and level of knowledge. Data was analyzed and presented descriptively and statistically using the Mann Whitney test. The results showed of 500 respondents had mean score of knowledge 80.6% ± 12.8% and median of knowledge 84.6%. Low knowledge was observed in the item of PCV immunization was not yet included in national program of immunization in Indonesia with percentage of respondents’ correct answer was 24.6%. There was significant difference in the score of knowledge about pneumonia and PCV immunization within different groups in the respondents’ characteristics of expenditure per month (p=0.001), number of responsibilities (p=0.007), experience of hearing illness (p=0,000), experience of illness (p=0.046), experience of hearing vaccines (p=0,000), and vaccine information sources (p=0.024). This study suggests the need of regular education programs for community in Indonesia to improve knowledge regarding pneumonia and PCV immunization.

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.

Matters of HEARTS: health, experience of abuse, resilience, technology use, and safety of older adults

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to assess the HEARTS (Health, Experience of Abuse, Resilience, Technology use, and Safety) of older adults (OAs). More particularly, we aimed to assess three components of the HEARTS (health, experience of abuse, and resilience) of OAs and explore the relationships among health, resilience, the experience of abuse, and other demographic variables. Forty-two male and female OAs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA participated in the study. A correlational design was used in this study. The variables correlated were health, the experience of abuse, and the resilience of OAs. We used a community-engaged research approach in that participants were more than research volunteers but stakeholders in the research project. Findings showed that the means for more positive health features (physical function, and social roles) increased with increases in education, while more negative health features (anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, pain interference, and pain intensity) decreased with higher levels of education. Regression models indicated that above and beyond demographic features, resilience had a significant prediction of anxiety and depression. None of the other health outcomes were significantly predicted by either resilience or older adults’ abuse suspicion. Adding health to years in older adults is a collaborative effort with healthcare providers, healthcare systems, families, and communities. This study has identified three components of HEARTS (Health, Experience of Abuse, and Resilience) that blend with successful aging and provide data and possible prevention and intervention strategies, and family and community education programs that could add health to years in older adults.

“Who will say Kaddish for me”? The American Reform Jewish response to HIV/AIDS

ABSTRACT The AIDS epidemic tragically caused the death of millions of people. This article examines the role that the American Reform Jewish community fulfilled in responding to HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, and what lasting effects, if any, these responses had, and how they related to Reform Judaism as a whole. In 1985 the General Assembly of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) 1 passed a historic resolution calling to abolish discrimination against HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) positive people. The Reform movement thus became the only formal Jewish institution to advocate an open discussion regarding congregants who lived with HIV or had AIDS, and presented a clear resistance to the AIDSphobic Orthodox agenda, which declared the disease to be a punishment from God for the “sin” of homosexuality. Based on the textual analysis of recovery and memorial prayers, rabbis’ sermons and community services activities and educational programmes, I argue that the Reform community served as a social agent for the recognition of people with HIV/AIDS. Thus, I conclude that the Reform response, which was arising from personal mourning and social needs, advocated and encouraged inclusion of the American gay Jewish community.

Efficacy of the computer simulation-based, interactive communication education program for nursing students

BackgroundSimulation-based education using standardized patients or high fidelity patient simulators is resource-intensive and can be limited in its consistency and repeatability. Standardized, interactive, and effective computer simulation-based education programs that improve communication skills among nursing students are greatly needed. ObjectivesThis study aimed to (1) compare the efficacy of a computer simulation-based, interactive communication education (ComEd) program and an attention control (AC) program on communication knowledge, learning self-efficacy, and communication efficacy at baseline and twice after the intervention (immediately after and two weeks after); and (2) assess the acceptability and satisfaction of the ComEd reported by the participants. DesignThis study employed a mixed-method, randomized controlled design with repeated measures. MethodsStudents were recruited from four nursing schools and randomly assigned to either the intervention or AC group. They received either the ComEd or AC program installed on a tablet PC or a desktop computer in the classrooms and completed a 15-item communication knowledge scale, 10-item learning self-efficacy scale, 22-item communication efficacy scale, and 14-item satisfaction scale. In addition, six open-ended questions were used to help participants reflect on their learning experiences and explore their satisfaction with the programs. The Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model was the main model employed to examine the effects of the ComEd program over time in comparison with the AC program, and the content analysis method was used for qualitative data. ResultsIn total, 131 nursing students (66 in ComEd and 65 in AC) completed the programs and 127 participated through the two-week follow-up test. Compared to the AC group, the ComEd group significantly improved communication knowledge, learning self-efficacy, and communication efficacy; these effects were maintained at two weeks. The ComEd program was well accepted by the participants. ConclusionsThe ComEd is a promising approach because it is highly accessible, consistent, and repeatable, and has positive learning effects.

Depression is more severe among females with autoimmune conditions

Abstract Rationale We explore the relationship between severity of depression on participants with autoimmune conditions and its relationship with gender. Methods Participants from a non medical community educational program that finished the intervention and had an autoimmune condition were used in the study. Participants met once a week for 8 weeks for a 2-hour program, which educated them about healthy lifestyle habits like diet, exercise, control of thoughts, etc. Each patient took the Depression and Anxiety Assessment Test (DAAT registration TX 7-398-022) before and after the intervention. The questionnaire measured depression and asked about demographics, patient history and research consent. Results From n=5651 people that finished the intervention n=432 participants reported autoimmune disease and were used in the study, n=369 (85%) were female and n=64 (15%) were male. At baseline regarding depression severity, female participants n=116 (32%) reported severe depression, n=130 (35%) moderate, n=60 (16%) mild, and n=62 (17%) none. Male participants on the other hand reported n=63 (22%) severe depression, n=14 (29%) moderate, n=18 (30%) mild, and n=12 (19%) none. At the end of the program, females reported the depression reported in the group was n=22 (5.9%) severe depression, moderate n=94 (26%), mild n=61 (17%), and n=191 (52%) none. For males, end group depression distribution was n=4 (6.3%) severe depression, n=11 (17%) moderate, n=15 (24%) mild, and n=33 (52%) none. Conclusions More women with autoimmune disease seem to have more severe depression than men, but both genders improved at the end of the program. Further follow up is being planned.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES (KAP) REGARDING ZOONOTIC DISEASES AMONG SMALLHOLDER LIVESTOCK OWNERS OF TULSIPUR SUB-METROPOLITAN CITY, NEPAL

A questionnaire based study was conducted in Tulsipur sub-metropolitan city to assess the community’s knowledge, attitude, and practice on zoonosis. A total of 177 participants from 19 different wards were purposively selected and requested to answer the questionnaire. The educational level of farmers was positively associated with their knowledge towards zoonosis (P<0.05) in which farmers with lower educational background had less knowledge about zoonosis. The respondents’ attitude towards zoonotic disease prevention & control was found to be statistically significant with the educational background. Among those who have a positive perception of zoonotic prevention, about 25.3% of respondents were having college and university education while 52.6% of those who didn’t have a positive perception of the zoonotic disease prevention were illiterate. The educational level of the respondents was statistically significant with their practices towards zoonotic diseases (P<0.05). Respondents who had lower educational levels consumed raw milk, dead animals and assisted during parturition and other animal diseases without safety measures. Community education and awareness programmes are to be defined and further investigations on prevalence and risk factors for zoonosis in such settings will be necessary to define intervention targets.

Exploring the barriers and facilitators to the acceptability of donor human milk in eastern Uganda \u2013 a qualitative study

BackgroundHuman milk is the best nutrition for all infants. When the mother’s own milk is not available, the World Health Organization recommends the use of donated human milk and milk banking for neonates born prematurely or with medical problems.Donor human milk is rarely available in low-resource settings where both the rates of preterm birth and neonatal mortality are highest. The potential to reduce neonatal mortality through use of donated human milk is one that is yet to be fully explored in the African setting. For the introduction of any new health intervention to be successful, determining the barriers and facilitators to its acceptability is a vital first step. There are limited studies on this in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsThis qualitative study used focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to explore the potential barriers and facilitators to utilizing donated human milk for neonates in a hospital setting in eastern Uganda from the perspectives of caregivers (parents, grandparents) and healthcare workers.ResultsSix focus group discussions involving 28 caregivers were conducted in a hospital setting in eastern Uganda. Four in-depth interviews were then also held with healthcare staff. Lack of knowledge of donated human milk emerged with discussants, and the barriers relating to transmission of infection (HIV) and poor hygiene. Common reasons which facilitated its acceptability were; a general knowledge and recognition that human milk is better than formula milk and a strong belief by caregivers in healthcare workers providing knowledgeable and safe care. Healthcare workers were supportive of introducing donor human milk but perceived a need for community and hospital education programs to enable this to be facilitated and scaled up.ConclusionsThis study shows that donor human milk can be acceptable to the caregivers of vulnerable babies in hospital settings in Uganda. Lack of awareness of donor human milk, its benefits and the methods of screening, acquisition and storage of donor milk are all barriers that could be addressed through improved education. This study advocates for national policies and programs that build capacity for effective and sustainable donor milk banking.

An MCDM framework for assessment of social sustainability indicators of the freight transport industry under uncertainty. A multi-company perspective

PurposeThe balancing of sustainability dimensions is the prime agenda of supply chain organisations. The supply chain sustainability greatly influenced by its freight transport activities. Most of the previous work discussed the economic and environmental sustainability of freight transport industry; although the social sustainability (SS) dimension paid less attention to researchers and practitioners of emerging economies. The purpose of this study is to investigate the importance of SS indicators in the freight transport industry. The SS assessment framework is validated with the Indian freight transport industry.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed framework considers four SS dimension and 25 indicators. The SS indicators’ importance varies with the individual company's prospect. Therefore the proposed framework is used in multi-company perspective as well as in industry perspective to present more realistic results. The importance weight of SS dimension and indicators are computed with a novel multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method, i.e. fuzzy best–worst method (FBWM).FindingsThe prioritisation of SS indicators in each company perspective is compared with an industry perspective. The contribution to community health and education program is most valuable indicator followed by the prevention of child and forced labour. The model robustness is tested through sensitivity analysis and reported that less variation in indicators’ ranking.Originality/valueTo authors best of knowledge, this is the first study to highlight the importance of SS indicators in the freight transport industry. This study contributes to the sustainability assessment literature by providing a nuanced perception of the SS indicators and put forward managerial implications for improving the SS of the freight transport industry. The proposed framework could be treated as a benchmark for other developing nation's freight transport industry.

Ratios and determinants of maternal mortality: a comparison of geographic differences in the northern and southern regions of Cameroon

BackgroundWhile maternal mortality has declined worldwide in the past 25 years, this is not the case for Cameroon. Since there is a predominantly young population in this country, high maternal mortality ratios may persist. Maternal mortality ratios vary within countries, yet it is unknown if the North and South, the most distinct parts of Cameroon, differ in terms of ratios and determinants of maternal mortality.MethodsThis study explored ratios and determinants of maternal mortality in women of childbearing age (15–49 years) and assessed differences between the North and South. We used the Cameroon Demographic and Health Surveys (2004 and 2011) to extract a sample of 18,665 living or deceased women who had given birth. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between maternal mortality and sociocultural, economic and healthcare factors.ResultsMaternal mortality ratios were different for the two regions and increased in the North in 2011 compared to 2004. In the North, any level of education and being Muslim were protective against maternal mortality. Meanwhile, the odds of maternal mortality decreased with increasing age, and having secondary or higher education in the South. Domestic violence and ethnicity were associated with maternal death in the South. Increasing parity was protective of maternal death in both the North and South.ConclusionsMaternal mortality ratios and determinants varied between women of childbearing age in the North and South of Cameroon. These reinforce recommendations for region specific strategies that will improve health communication, community education programs, curb domestic violence and train more community health workers to connect pregnant women with the health system. Programs to reduce maternal death among women with low parity and little or no education should be national priority.

Adaptation of the “active communication education” programme into Spanish for older adults with hearing loss

Objective: To adapt the Active Communication Education (ACE) programme into Spanish. In addition, this study aimed at determining the effects of the adapted ACE programme on the social/emotional impacts of hearing loss and hearing functioning in a group of older adults with hearing loss who do not wear hearing aids.Design: This was an exploratory cohort study. Study group participants received the newly adapted ACE programme and control group participants received a cognitive stimulation programme. The Shortened Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly in Spanish (HHIE-S) and the Spanish version of the Amsterdam Inventory for Auditory Disability and Handicap (S-AIADH) were carried out before and after each programme.Study sample: Sixty-six older adults with hearing loss and who did not wear hearing aids were randomly assigned to either an ACE group (n = 30) or a cognitive stimulation group (n = 36).Results: Participants who received the ACE programme showed a significantly larger improvement for the S-AIADH than did the cognitive stimulation group participants.Conclusions: The ACE programme has been adapted into Spanish for use with Chilean older adults with hearing loss. The results show that older adults report better functioning in listening situations after attending the sessions of the adapted ACE programme.

Community education to enhance the more equitable use of precision medicine in Northern Manhattan

Focusing screening and treatment to those most likely to benefit is the promise of precision medicine but inequitable distribution of precision medicine innovations may exacerbate health disparities. We investigated whether complex genomic concepts can be successfully communicated to diverse populations. Incorporating principles of Community-based Participatory Research, we created a precision medicine curriculum tailored to the needs of our predominantly Hispanic community. We administered the curriculum over 26months, assessed pre- and post-test comprehension of 8 genetics-related terms, and compared comprehension differences based on demography and health literacy. In total, 438 individuals completed pre-/post-test assessments. At pre-test, 45.6% scored ≥75% across eight major constructs; 66.7% at post-test. Comprehension increased for 7/8 terms with greatest pre/post-test increases for 'mutation' (55% to 78%) and 'sporadic' (34% to 59%). Mean pre-test comprehension scores (≥75%) were lower for Spanish versus. English speakers; mean post-test scores were equivalent. No heterogeneity by demographics or health literacy was observed. We demonstrate that a brief community educational program can improve knowledge of complex genomic concepts. Interventions to increase understanding of genomic concepts underlying precision medicine are key to patients making informed treatment and prevention decisions and may lead to more equitable uptake of precision medicine initiatives.

The impact of Community intervention on the time from Symptom onset to first medical contact with acute coronary syndrome

ObjectivePatient delay in the recognition of and response to the symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a worldwide problem. A community education program about chest pain was implemented in China, and was aimed at providing better community intervention. In this study, the impact of this program on the time of symptom onset to the first medical contact (SO-to-FMC) in ACS patients was investigated, as was the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in these patients. MethodsA total of 10 local communities were included in this study. A 9-month intensive community education program about chest pain was conducted in these communities. The data on the demographics, mode of transportation, procedures, clinical outcomes, and discharge diagnoses of all ACS patients in these communities were collected. ResultsThe study communities had a combined population of 361,609, and all community population sizes ranged from 12,823 to 66,127. The average SO-to-FMC time of the control period was 510 min, whereas, following community intervention, the average SO-to-FMC time was 256 min (P < 0.001). Furthermore, comparative analyses revealed that, following discharge from the hospital, the 1.5-year MACCE-free survival rate was higher in the community intervention group than in the control group (95.0 % vs. 90.5 %, P = 0.025), and the 1.5-year mortality rate was lower in the community intervention group than in the control group (3.3 % vs. 6.3 %, P = 0.03). Conclusions and practical implicationsThe Hangzhou Chest Pain Science Education Project(HCPSEP) was found to reduce the SO-to-FMC time and improve the outcome of ACS patients. This indicates that a scientific, educational program on chest pain can be effective in improving the knowledge and alertness of the local residents about chest pain. This type of program may be recognized and carried out in other regions.

Health Education Programs Challenges in Rural Communities: Experiences of Health Educators and Healthcare Authorities.

Health education is one of the main areas of primary health care and it is improbable that health promotion will succeed without it. However, studies show that there are some problems when implementing health education programs in rural communities. This study was carried out to illuminate the barriers to health education using Ardabil's health center manager's and health educators' experiences. This was a qualitative study using the content analysis approach. Twenty-seven health educators and managers were selected to participate in the study considering the maximum variation. Purposive sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Data analysis was done using a six-stage thematic analysis framework. During the data analysis, four themes were apparent as barriers to health education in rural communities included: inefficient management skills, lack of responsibility among health personnel, inadequate policies, and poor inter-sectoral cooperation. It seems that changing job descriptions of health workers, reviewing health priorities, increasing lobbying activities are mechanisms that can help overcome barriers to health education in the rural communities.

SHORTAGE OF MALE NURSING STUDENTS: THE EXPERIENCE OF A GROWING NURSING PROGRAM

Background and ObjectiveThe shortage of male nurses in the United States is a well-known phenomenon that the nursing academia is trying to remedy. This case study examines the experience of a new southwest US nursing program in its recruitment and retention of male nursing students. In the process, the case study will attempt to explore insights on opportunities to improve nursing workforce policies to better attract male recruits into the profession. MethodsData related to application, enrollment, and retention were retrieved and merged from the school’s application and enrollment systems. Overall, 978 students were enrolled from 2011 to 2019, with 837 females and 141 males. For applications, from 2014 to 2018, there were 2185 applicants, with 1879 females and 306 males. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS version 25 (IBM). Results are shown as means±standard deviation. ResultsResults show that 14% of the applicants to the program were male, while 14.4% of the enrollees were male. In terms of retention, males had lower (73.8%) retention rates than females (83.9%), although it is not statistically significant (p=0.08). On average, there were significantly fewer male applicants and enrollees (p<0.001) than females, and the differences are getting larger (p<0.001). ConclusionNursing shortage and, more specifically, the lack of male nurses is a well-known phenomenon in healthcare. Nursing schools have attempted to diversify enrollment through the recruitment of more male nursing students; however, their efforts seem to have hit a barrier with a continued shortage of male applicants. To change outcomes, the nursing profession and academia should consider providing more community education and outreach programs targeting students and their parents earlier in their academic careers.

Rethinking palliative care in a public health context: addressing the needs of persons with non-communicable chronic diseases.

Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCDs) are the main cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Demographic aging has resulted in older populations with more complex healthcare needs. This necessitates a multilevel rethinking of healthcare policies, health education and community support systems with digitalization of technologies playing a central role. The European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Aging (A3) working group focuses on well-being for older adults, with an emphasis on quality of life and healthy aging. A subgroup of A3, including multidisciplinary stakeholders in health care across Europe, focuses on the palliative care (PC) model as a paradigm to be modified to meet the needs of older persons with NCCDs. This development paper delineates the key parameters we identified as critical in creating a public health model of PC directed to the needs of persons with NCCDs. This paradigm shift should affect horizontal components of public health models. Furthermore, our model includes vertical components often neglected, such as nutrition, resilience, well-being and leisure activities. The main enablers identified are information and communication technologies, education and training programs, communities of compassion, twinning activities, promoting research and increasing awareness amongst policymakers. We also identified key 'bottlenecks': inequity of access, insufficient research, inadequate development of advance care planning and a lack of co-creation of relevant technologies and shared decision-making. Rethinking PC within a public health context must focus on developing policies, training and technologies to enhance person-centered quality life for those with NCCD, while ensuring that they and those important to them experience death with dignity.