Outreach Activities Research Articles

NĂNG LỰC HIỆN TẠI, THÁCH THỨC VÀ NHU CẦU NÂNG CAO NĂNG LỰC CỦA CÁN BỘ KHUYẾN NÔNG TRONG BỐI CẢNH BIẾN ĐỔI KHÍ HẬU TẠI TỈNH BẮC KẠN

This study aims to assess the current capacity, challenges and needs of capacity building of agricultural extension workers in Bac Kan province under the context of climate change. The research was conducted during 2021-2022, using semi-structured questionnaires for face-to-face interviews with 17 leaders and 59 staff members of agricultural extension agencies in the province. Results show that the agricultural extension workforce of Bac Kan province has advantages in terms of qualifications and work experience. Nonetheless, they also encountered a number of challenges under the context of increasingly changing environment. These include: (1) passivity in guiding production and technical transfer activities, (2) difficulties in pest and disease forecast and management, (3) increased workload; and (4) their communication and/or community outreach activities face many challenges, especially in localities with ethnic minorities, scattered housing locations, and difficult travel access. Most of the agricultural extension workers have not been trained in both agricultural extension methods and climate change adaptation. Technical climate-resilient production manuals (for both crops and livestock), effective communication methods and information sharing networks among agricultural extension officers were considered the main learning resources that they desired to be equipped to effectively carry out their tasks under the context of climate change.

Improving Retention and Success of African American Students in Computer Science: A Mixed-Method Case Study at an HBCU

This case study introduces the STARS (Supporting Talented African American Undergraduates for Retention and Success) project, designed to foster the retention and success of academically talented African American computer science students from low-income backgrounds at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the U.S. The STARS program employs a holistic approach, integrating four primary pillars of support: academic, social, career, and financial. Specific support provided includes near-peer mentoring, technical skill development seminars, undergraduate research, and high school outreach activities. To explore the program’s effectiveness and areas of improvement, a mixed-method evaluation study was conducted, collecting data through surveys, observations, individual interviews, and focus group interviews. The findings revealed that the STARS program contributed to high levels of retention among its scholars, and the mentoring program provided valuable networking opportunities. The study suggests that the program’s comprehensive approach, tailored to scholars’ needs, and combined with a culturally affirming learning environment, facilitates the retention and success of talented African American students in computer science.

Toward Zero New HIV Infections in Amsterdam in 2026: Building Bridges Between Community Organizations, Undocumented Migrants, and Sexual Health Care Providers.

In the 4 largest cities in the Netherlands, an estimated 400 people live with undiagnosed HIV, including 170 in Amsterdam. Amsterdam targets having zero new HIV infections in 2026. Undocumented migrants are disproportionately affected by HIV and often contract HIV after migration. Moreover, they often experience difficulties accessing health care. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of an HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing program for undocumented migrants through community based testing. Between May 2021 and January 2022, data for this cross-sectional study were collected during outreach testing activities of the Amsterdam Center for Sexual Health of the Public Health Service, and the NGO Doctors of the World. Activities were organized in collaboration with migrant partner organizations. Participants were tested free-of-charge for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and, if indicated, hepatitis B and C. Before testing, a health care provider-administered questionnaire was filled out. A total of 126 people from 22 countries were tested for HIV during 28 outreach activities. Mean age was 37 (IQR 32-43). Forty-nine people (39%) were additionally tested, (through self-sampling) for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, 42 (33%) for Hepatitis B and 14 (11%) for Hepatitis C. We found zero new HIV infections and 5 positive chlamydia cases.Reaching 52 HIV first time testers and 19 first time testers since migration shows the importance of these activities. The number of participants tested were lower than initially expected due to lower attendance per testing day for various reasons. To increase the likelihood of reaching undocumented migrants for HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing and linkage to care, focus should be on on-site provider-initiated testing, e.g. during outreach health care activities, and on easy access to centers for sexual health. Collaboration between health care providers and community stakeholders is essential.

Implementasi Program PUSPAGA Dalam Pencegahan Kekerasan Anak di Kota Serang

Children have the same rights guaranteed by the state. Fulfilling children's rights is the responsibility of local governments to improve child-friendly cities through the PUSPAGA program. But the fact is that there are still many children, especially in the city of Serang, who are still victims of violence, which is increasing every year. This research focuses on the implementation of the PUSPAGA Program in preventing child violence in Serang City and aims to find out more about the implementation of the PUSPAGA program in preventing child violence in Serang City using the A Model of Implementation theory according to Van Metter and Van Horn. This research uses descriptive qualitative research methods, then the data is analyzed based on the results of observations, interviews and documentation. The results of this research show that the implementation of the PUSPAGA Cahaya Hati Program in preventing violence against children has not been carried out optimally due to the existence of constraints and obstacles, namely the absence of counselors to provide counseling services, the absence of guidance to sub-district cadres related to the PUSPAGA Program, the facilities and infrastructure available. inadequate and there are still minimal outreach and promotional activities carried out due to limited budget funds.

The Impact of Anemia on Adolescent Girls in the Future

This community service activity aims to increase teenagers' knowledge about anemia when teenagers are at risk of becoming pregnant and giving birth to stunted children in Banjarbaru City. This activity needs to be done because development during adolescence, greatly determines a person's ability to become an adult. Nutritional problems that occur during adolescence will increase vulnerability to disease in adulthood and risk giving birth to a generation with nutritional problems. For this reason, the community service team is expected to be able to carry out outreach activities to teenagers about anemia when teenagers are at risk of becoming pregnant and giving birth to stunted children. This activity uses the method of counseling and asking and answering teenagers' knowledge about anemia when teenagers are at risk of becoming pregnant and giving birth to stunted children. After carrying out this community service activity, the conclusion that can be drawn is that there is an increase in teenagers' knowledge about anemia when teenagers are at risk of becoming pregnant and giving birth to stunted children. The hope is that after gaining knowledge about anemia, teenagers can avoid it.

Analysis of Food Extracts with Thin Layer Chromatography: A STEM Outreach Activity

Analysis of Food Extracts with Thin Layer Chromatography: A STEM Outreach Activity

Vaccination campaign implementation in Madagascar: a Dynamic Sustainability Framework approach

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for equitable and timely access to vaccination. Limited evidence is available on how to implement vaccination campaigns (VCs) that are sustainable and responsive to changes in real-world health policy and practice contexts. We present lessons learned from the implementation of a COVID-19 VC in the Boeny region of Madagascar. Methods Informed by the Dynamic Sustainability Framework, VC implementation was continuously reviewed during multisectoral stakeholder feedback rounds, key informant interviews, and problem-solving meetings to identify and put key adaptations throughout the campaign process into practice. Outcome indicators include pre- and post-VC vaccine hesitancy and trends in vaccine doses deployed were analyzed using generalized linear models. Results Key adaptations of the implementation strategy included community-led awareness-raising and outreach activities also in remote areas, strengthening VC through the training of 340 staff, and addressing gaps identified in the cold chain, waste management, vaccine transportation, and IT equipment. Overall, 24888 COVID-19 vaccines were administered in six months. Changes in campaign strategy increased the number of doses administered by 8% (RR = 1.08; CI 95%: 1.01; 1.15) per week. No changes in vaccine hesitancy post-VC were observed in an unvaccinated population(Δ = 0.02, CI 95%: -0.04; 0.08). Conclusions Collaborative and dynamic multi-sectoral VC strategies that combine healthcare-based approaches with pro-active outreach and community-led awareness-raising activities are essential in increasing vaccine uptake in limited-resource settings. Our findings show that despite boosting vaccination coverage, such initiatives may not have an impact on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy at the community level Key messages • Multisectoral stakeholder collaboration and engagement are key to successful vaccination campaign implementation. • A Dynamic Sustainability Framework approach can be effective in ensuring a continuous fit between campaign and its setting.

Vaginal self-sampling for HPV in the context of cervical cancer screening

Abstract Background Effective cervical cancer screening programme has the potential to improve disease outcomes, yet women’s participation rates in Latvia remain suboptimal. Utilizing vaginal self-sampling for HPV, a convenient method, has demonstrated efficacy in boosting participation in under-screened populations. We analysed sociodemographic factors, as well as health behaviours with the preference for vaginal self-sampling procedures for early detection of cervical cancer. Methods Cross-sectional survey (2021-2022) included 1313 women in Latvia. Sampling was done in the colposcopy clinic and among GP practices. In the univariate analysis cervical cancer examination preference (self-test or by a physician) was analysed in association sociodemographic factors, participation in the screening, HPV status, study group, and health-related behaviour. Financed by “Internal consolidation of RSU and external consolidation of RSU with LSPA” (No. 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/005), The EU Recovery and Resilience plan and the state budget, Grant Nr. RSU-PAG-2024/1-0016. Results 48.6 % (n = 538) of the women would prefer to use a vaginal self-test. Higher odds of the vaginal self-test preference were observed among Latvian (OR = 1.4 (1.1-1.8) vs other nationality women, but no other sociodemographic factors showed statistically significant associations. Women in the colposcopy study group (vs GP practices) were more likely to utilize self-sampling (OR = 1.8 (1.4-2.5). Non-participation in cervical cancer screening was related to 2.4 (1.6-3.6) higher odds of self-test preference, but knowledge about screening was related to 1.5 (1.1-2.0) times higher odds. Women who were HPV-negative were more likely to prefer vaginal self-test for HPV (OR = 1.4 (1.1-1.8) in comparison to HPV-positive women. Health-related behaviour did not show any associations. Conclusions Vaginal self-test for HPV can be effectively used to reach under-screened populations and enhance cervical cancer screening coverage. Key messages • The implementation of vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing has the potential to improve participation rates in cervical cancer screening programs among under-screened populations. • Outreach and education activities tailored to specific target groups in population could enhance level of the cervical cancer screening uptake.

Provider and community perceptions of integrated COVID-19 and routine childhood immunisation programmes in Nigeria: a qualitative exploratory study

BackgroundIn Nigeria, COVID-19 vaccines were delivered through outreach activities, as well as integrated within routine immunisation. However, evaluations of integrated approaches for novel vaccines are scarce. We aimed to understand the perceived benefits and challenges of integrating the COVID-19 vaccine within routine immunisation in Nigeria, and identify ways to strengthen this approach.MethodsWe conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with community members and healthcare workers in primary healthcare facilities (PHCs) in Jigawa (n = 16) and Oyo (n = 14) states, Nigeria from 08 August to 13 September 2022. Participants were selected purposively from PHCs. We obtained information on participants’ perception about routine immunisation, and perceived benefits and challenges associated with integrated COVID-19 vaccine delivery. Healthcare worker and community interviews were analysed separately following a thematic analysis approach.ResultsWe identified four themes that describe the community and healthcare workers’ responses, perceived impact, and the health system adaptions to the challenges associated with the integrated vaccine delivery approach. Community members expressed concern that children might be given COVID-19 vaccines instead of routine immunisations, while others appreciated the integrated approach due to their trust in the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, government, and healthcare providers. Healthcare providers perceived the integrated approach as improving vaccination coverage and awareness but noted additional problems of increased workload, vaccine scarcity, and prolonged clinic visits. Insufficient resources were subsisting barriers to effective integration in both states, but the provider’s gender was also a challenge in Jigawa state. Additionally, the use of incentives to generate demand had ambiguous effects in Jigawa state.ConclusionTaking an integrated approach to deliver COVID-19 vaccines was acceptable by healthcare providers but community members expressed concerns. Given existing vaccination programmes have persistent challenges, it is pertinent to address these barriers to enhance effectiveness of an integrated approach.

“Sweet” detectives: children crack the case for a healthy future

To coincide with British Science Week, we ran an outreach activity in March 2024 with several year 5 and 6 (ages 9–11) classes at Whitehall Park School in Islington, London. Cases of type 2 diabetes are on the increase in children, so we wanted to raise awareness of diabetes and discuss the importance of healthy living as prevention. We also wanted to promote the work of scientists and show the diversity of those working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. We did this through a range of accessible, fun hands-on interactive activities such as getting children to play the role of scientists to test the sugar content of popular soft drinks. Through these activities and by collecting feedback, we learnt how much children already knew about healthy living and diabetes and recorded how much they learnt from doing our activity. Children said they enjoyed the activity, and we received positive feedback from teachers. This feedback will help inform our future diabetes research and improve our communications with the public and local communities. Due to the success of these activities, we plan to take them to more schools across London in the near future.

Enhancing awareness of breast self-examination and pap smears for early detection of breast and cervical cancer

Reproductive health problems, especially breast cancer and cervical cancer are the most common cancers diagnosed in women in Indonesia. Currently, several testing methods to detect breast and cervical cancer early, such as breast self-examination (BSE) and pap smears, have been used to reduce cancer risk factors. However, these two methods are still not widely used. Outreach activities have been proven to increase knowledge about the importance of BSE and pap smears in women. This community service program aims to increase knowledge about the causes and symptoms of breast and cervical cancer, as well as early detection using BSE and pap smears. This service activity plan consisted of preparation, implementation, and evaluation stages. The method used consists of delivering interactive material, discussion, and practice. This activity was attended by 38 participants, consisting of women from PKK cadres in the Andir area, Ciroyom District, the majority of whom were over 35 years old. Based on the results of the post-test, this community service activity was successful in increasing participants' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior towards breast and cervical cancer as well as the early detection methods of BSE and pap smears.

Socialization, cultivation, and utilization of empty land for family medicinal plants

The prevalence of illness complaints among the Indonesian population is 228.15 percent, with 65.01 percent opting for self-treatment using synthetic drugs, while 38.30 percent prefer traditional medicine. The use of traditional medicines in communities, including in Katimbang Village, remains significantly lower compared to synthetic alternatives. A comprehensive strategy is needed to enhance public knowledge and understanding of how to obtain and utilize traditional medicine from medicinal plants found around the home. This socialization and cultivation activity was conducted at Integrated Service Post (Posyandu) RW 04, Katimbang Village, involving 21 community members. The event included a socialization session on family medicinal plants, pre- and post-tests, QA discussions, and the planting of 50 medicinal plant seeds, with participation from students and local residents. Statistical tests revealed the success of this intervention in improving participants' understanding of medicinal plants, with an average pre-test score of 8.4762 increasing to 8.6190 in the post-test. More than 50 percent of participants scored ≥80 in the post-test. The success of this outreach and planting activity provides a strong foundation for further increasing public awareness of the use of medicinal plants as complementary treatments for various illnesses.

Efforts to Prevent the Increase in Child Marriage in Loloan Hamlet, Loloan Village, Bayan District in 2024

The purpose of writing this article is to examine or describe efforts to prevent the increase in child marriage in Loloan Village, Bayan District. The type of research used in this research is qualitative research using interview and observation methods, with information from children, village heads and participants from local residents. The results obtained from this qualitative research show efforts to prevent the increase in child marriage. The efforts made by researchers include conducting outreach or providing regular views to children aged 12 to 20 years regarding child marriage. by holding outreach activities related to child marriage, this is a work program carried out by researchers in Loloan Village, Bayan District involving the school and students at SMPN 4 Bayan and Mts Miftahussuar NW Loloan class 9.

Prevention of Stunting in Children and Pregnant Women Through 4 Healthy 5 Perfect Nutritious Food in Pansor Village

In Indonesia, one of the health problems that frequently arises is stunting. Currently, Indonesia is ranked 5th in the incidence of stunting in babies in the world. In Indonesia, stunting is called stunting, meaning there are obstacles to physical development and brain development in children. The prevalence of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) was 24.6%, decreasing to 8.1% compared to information from the Indonesian nutritional status survey (SSGI), where one of the villages, Pansor Village, had 39 standing babies, the aim of carrying out this research activity was To avoid the number of incidents in babies in Pansor village, the approach taken is to provide outreach activities about stunting and its consequences, explaining the dangers of stunting to children to the community, especially mothers with two bodies. Explaining the consumption of nutritious food through demonstration activities for making bonus meals, methods for implementing clean and healthy living behavior through hand washing activities to cadre mothers and mothers of two in the RT. Indeed, 75% of cadre mothers and women with two bodies in Pansor village have undertaken socialization regarding stunting, the result of dedication to the community is that the women of cadres and mothers with two bodies are able to master the movement of washing their hands and making additional food.

Adaptable Framework for K-12 STEM Outreach Activities: The Case of a Civil Engineering Workshop on Sustainable and Hazard-Resistant Earth Masonry

Adaptable Framework for K-12 STEM Outreach Activities: The Case of a Civil Engineering Workshop on Sustainable and Hazard-Resistant Earth Masonry

Empowerment of Financial Literacy in the Era of Digitalization 5.0 MSME Trade at the Bandung City Chamber of Commerce

Technological developments have brought us to an era where digital financial literacy has become very important, especially for people accustomed to the digital world. In today's digital era, skills in managing finances are no longer enough just to count money conventionally. The micro, small, and medium enterprises sector plays a vital role in the national economy, especially in creating jobs and increasing people's income. Based on this, the Community Service implementation team held training and outreach activities with the theme Empowering Financial Literacy in the Era of Digitalization 5.0 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Trade at the Bandung City Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Community Service Activities in the form of presenting material regarding Financial Literacy Empowerment in the Digitalization Era 5.0 will be held on July 31 2024. 15 Bandung City KADIN Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise partners who attended this activity have businesses in the culinary, fashion, service and trade sectors. The activities went well based on the evaluation results, and the training materials were based on work needs. A follow-up to this activity is the need for a sustainability program with the help of lecturers from the Faculty of Economics and Business, Widyatama University and KADIN Bandung City to help partners in the field of Financial Technology so that partners and the community can maximize training and development of financial literacy, especially for MSMEs in the Era-based trade sector. Digital 5.0 is vital because the micro, small, and medium enterprises sector is essential in advancing the country's economy.

Sosialisasi dan Pelatihan Pembibitan serta Pembudidayaan TOGA (Tanaman Obat Keluarga) di Desa Rambipuji, Kabupaten Jember

Rambipuji Village is one of the villages in Rambipuji Sub-district, Jember Regency, with the potential for medicinal plants (TOGA) cultivated by the community in their home gardens. However, several issues hinder the cultivation process of TOGA among the residents, including the limited variety of TOGA plants, the potential of TOGA being uncharted, and the cultivation not being done optimally and sustainably. The SEMILIR program emerges as a solution through outreach and training activities to enhance residents' understanding of TOGA seedling and cultivation. The research method used includes material presentation sessions, TOGA seedling practices, and concludes with a post-test to measure the target group’s understanding. The results of this program show a significant increase in understanding of TOGA seedling and cultivation among 22 participants, or 99.09% of the total participants. This activity not only provided new knowledge but also practical skills that can improve family health and nutrition quality. The program is essential to be sustained in the future, as it has the potential to raise public awareness about health.

Sosialisasi Berbasis Masyarakat: Penerapan Progam Pengabdian dalam Mengatasi Tantangan Kenakalan Remaja dan Pernikahan Dini di Desa Poncokusumo

Poncokusumo Village faces serious challenges related to early marriage and juvenile delinquency. Student Work Lecture (KKM) UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang responded to this need by conducting outreach activities in Poncokusumo Village on Friday, January 19 2024. In this activity, information was presented regarding adolescent development, factors causing juvenile delinquency and early marriage, the impact juvenile delinquency and early marriage, as well as efforts to prevent juvenile delinquency and early marriage. Apart from that, there was also a question and answer session. Through socialization activities, it is hoped that teenagers can understand the negative impacts of this behavior and can be directed towards more positive choices. Long-term solutions require collaborative efforts from families, schools, and communities to create environments that support positive youth development.

Development and Implementation of a Comprehensive Initiative to Educate Healthcare Providers and Patients in the United States about the Risk of Drug-Drug Interactions Associated with Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This case study describes the development of a comprehensive drug-drug interaction (DDI) education initiative for nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid™) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following Emergency Use Authorization in December of 2021, the rapid dissemination of information on identification and management of DDIs was needed to ensure appropriate use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir when treating patients with COVID-19 who were at an increased risk of progression to severe illness. The initiative included comprehensive outreach activities to compliantly inform healthcare providers and patients through the development of various educational materials and omnichannel engagement strategies. This case study may serve as an example to guide best practices for therapeutics requiring timely and comprehensive approaches to the dissemination of medical information in the future.

Tracking Community Outreach and Engagement Activities among National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers.

The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Cancer Center Support Grant mandates that NCI-Designated Cancer Centers establish a Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) component to help direct efforts at reducing cancer burden within their catchment areas. Despite the critical role of COE offices, little is known about how they track and evaluate outreach activities and outcomes. We gathered information on current practices from representatives of 40 out of 65 COE offices using an online survey. While nearly all responding centers (97.5%) tracked COE activities, no consensus existed on resources used and satisfaction with current solutions was mixed (51.0% not satisfied). Respondents expressed need for a centralized, standardized, and comprehensive tracking solution to capture outreach events and external partnerships, automate report generation, and ensure alignment with COE aims. This study highlights challenges COE offices face with resource limitations and a heterogeneity of activities to track, and the need for a standard evaluation framework.