Public Health Students Research Articles

Using Simulations to Help Public Health Students Overcome Language Barriers for Better Health Outcomes.

Growing migration into Norway has increasingly strained the country's health services. Good communication is essential to ensure quality care. Often, healthcare workers and immigrant clients do not share a common language, and it is known that the conditions and expectations of immigrant clients can be different from the majority population. This study aimed to explore the viability of utilizing simulations as a pedagogical tool for educating public health students in effectively navigating a multicultural environment to promote better health outcomes. This study is a component of an extra-curricular training project that utilized a convergent mixed-methods design. The present study focuses on reporting the qualitative component of the findings. The data collection process encompassed the implementation of a stepwise simulation exercise with case-based clinical scenarios focusing on three lifestyle diseases specifically designed for this study. Method triangulation was achieved by using different methodological approaches in the analysis. Our results show the importance of simulation training for healthcare students when working with clients who do not share the same language. Interactions with clients of different backgrounds must be practiced, and simulations can be used to improve healthcare students' communication skills. The study highlights the need for healthcare education programs to integrate cultural competence simulation training and broaden the scope of medical training to address culturally challenging encounters.

ESP Need Analysis For Public Health Course Material: A Learner Centered Approach

The purpose of this research is basically oriented towards the output of teaching materials based on English for Specific Purposes (ESP) modified learner-centered approach for Public Health sophomores, Faculty of Health and Sport, State University of Gorontalo. This research was conducted at the Faculty of Health and Sport (FOK) State University of Gorontalo, particularly in the Department of Public Health. The research was carried out for 2 years (2022-2023). This research is classified into the type of research development ( Research and Development or R & D) , which is a research that is used to produce certain products, and test the effectiveness of these products. The result showed that target need analysis covered the respondents considered the learner centered approach to be practical and easy to understand in their learning (47.6%). However, complaints can occur because the learning process takes a long time with a percentage (64.3%). Therefore, researchers assume that these obstacles occur because learning strategies are still conventional, and the learning media used are not up to date. The possibility that occurs in learning is if the learning strategy is only centered on the teacher explaining the material without considering student knowledge. In Learning need analysis, Subindicators of public health topic covered some materials such as medication and treatment, ecosystem, pain, health environment, and monitoring the patients. For the learning activities, it refers to the demonstration as the indicator that is needed to be conducted. Then, the trouble undrstanding lecturing in ESP course is relevant with lecturing. Therefore, it seems clearly that the learning needs of Public Health students deals with the concept of speaking skill in learning process.

Public Health Student Internship: An Opportunity to Explore System, Self, and Society

Emerging public health challenges require attention to self and society, beyond the classroom and exposure to the health system. The sensitisation of the future public health community is crucial to cover the last mile of the marginalized population. However, in general, public health education focuses on the health system and sciences and lacks a central focus on community-based internships. This short essay is an amalgamation of immersive field experiences of two young public health students with a renowned non-governmental organization called Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in Gujarat, India. It argues that immersive internships can help students rise above the need of advancing job prospects and revisit their very purpose of learning by realizing their accountability as future members of the PH community. This perspective of a developing country like India would be immensely valuable to the global community elsewhere too.

Knowledge about monkeypox disease of students of Preventive Medicine and Public Health of Hanoi Medical University in 2022 and some related factors

Background: To describe the knowledge of monkeypox among students majoring in Preventive Medicine and Public Health at Hanoi Medical University in 2022 and several associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study, using self-administered questionnaire was conducted with 551 students. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to describe associated factors. Results: The proportion of students with good knowledge about monkeypox is 88.9%. In which the knowledge of female students is 2 times higher than that of male students (OR:2.0; 95% CI: 1.1 – 3.7). Students in subsequent years have higher knowledge than first-year students, except for fourth year. Conclusion: The proportion of preventive medicine and public health students with a good knowledge of monkeypox is relatively high. However, there has been no assessment on the sustainability. Therefore, providing appropriate and updated materials and training course for students on epidemics and responses is essential

Peningkatan Pengetahuan Kader Kesehatan Terhadap Hipertensi

Hypertension can cause degenerative diseases, and when it worths, death. It’s called silent killer because it can attack anyone with no specific signs. Based on several studies, people who suffer from hypertension are 12 times more likely to have a stroke and 6 times more likely to have a heart attack.
 This aim of community service methods used are lectures and discussions. The participants who attended this activity were 28 health cadres, lecturers and public health students at Baiturrahmah University. This activity took place on March 10, 2022.
 In this activity an assessment of cadres' knowledge about hypertension was carried out before and after being enlightenment. The average knowledge of cadres about hypertension before the activity was 5.10 while after the counseling was 7.14. From this activity it shows that there are differences and an increase in the knowledge of health cadres after counseling with a P Value 0.00. It is suggested to the public health service that it is necessary to routinely increase the knowledge of cadres about hypertension with various health promotion methods

Development of gamification as addiction education and examining its effects on students’ motivation and enjoyment

Introduction Addiction is a “social disease” which has physical and mental effects. Having adequate knowledge and information about addiction is the best way to prevent it in the community. The current study aims to focus on developing gamification as addiction education and examining its effects on students’ motivation and enjoyment. Methods: This is guise experiment for gamification development and assess educational intervention. Educational and technical standards have been considered for the development of gamification. In technical standards, it is congruent with the app-making technology based on dynamism, mechanisms and dynamic gamification. This game is available on www.addiplay.ir website through Microsoft Aps net core technology. Educational intervention implied on two groups of medical students and Public Health students and learning indicators assessed through intervention. Results; The findings of this study on two groups of students showed that, the game can influence on students’ enjoyment and consent. In addition, the game had a high average in increasing learners’ ability and students satisfaction. One of the limitations of gamification has been its dependence on each learner’s ability. Conclusion: The results showed that new teaching and learning methods such as gamification in addiction lessons in a mixed and complimentary way can fulfill the educational goals instead of written handbooks or traditional classes and makes learning possible in a motivated and entertaining environment. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 22 No. 03 July’23 Page : 564-572

When it “Feels Like We’re in This Together”: Toward a Trauma-Informed Public Health Pedagogy Drawing on Lived Experiences

Since 2020, graduate public health students have been living through the intersecting pandemics of COVID-19 and structural racism while simultaneously experiencing classroom lessons on these topics. In this paper, we analyze 14 oral history interviews exploring these experiences, and identify needed shifts in public health pedagogy that these interviews illuminate. Interviews were produced through a participatory oral history project called Public Health Education Now, which was led by a team of faculty and MPH students based at the City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. We analyzed the interviews using reflexive thematic analysis. In these interviews, students described lived experiences of trauma, isolation, and tensions in public health (Theme 1), as well as a desire for public health education anchored in their lived experiences that activates hope (Theme 2), and public health education that nourishes and sustains them (Theme 3). Our analysis advances a view of public health students of this era as survivor-learners whose lived experiences can be a rich resource for informing the future of public health education, provided appropriate supports are in place. We discuss the ways that trauma-informed teaching and learning responds to these findings. Finally, we suggest action steps toward incorporating trauma-informed public health pedagogy drawing on lived experiences into public health classrooms, programs, and schools.

Teach, Learn, Do, Repeat: Service Learning Curriculum that Drives Public Health Education while Improving Community Health Outcomes.

The integration of service learning into public health curriculum allows students to apply and ultimately better understand often abstract but important theoretical concepts. We provide lessons learned and practical advice on how to plan and implement an experiential learning project over a two-semester period for upper level undergraduate public health students. Through application of program planning pedagogy, students obtained real-world experience while simultaneously improving mental health for college students. We also discuss how experiential curriculum also provides faculty the opportunity to engage with community stakeholders and organizations to build sustainable partnerships that positively impact students and the community at large.

Integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into instruction: Case studies from the University of Florida's Health Science Center Libraries.

Librarians at the University of Florida Health Science Center Libraries have begun to intentionally incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles into teaching during design, implementation, and evaluation. This article uses four case studies to provide an overview of the librarians' approaches to inclusive teaching (1) an annual workshop for Physical Therapy students on the intersection between DEI, health literacy, and patient education; (2) a librarian-taught one-credit course for public health students, which was revised to create a more inviting syllabus and integrate elements of universal design; (3) an annual project for first year medical students highlighting health disparities and community resources; and (4) piloting the application of critical librarianship principles in library standalone sessions on database searching and reference management. Suggestions are provided for other librarians who are interested in developing a culture of inclusive teaching in their own libraries.

CHRONIC STRESS IN MEDICAL STUDENTS

The prevalence and impact of chronic stress on the world's population are quite important. In the modern world, students have to deal with many stressors, and the medical students stand out with the highest stress level. The main causes of stress are academic overload, fear of failure, financial problems, high expectations from others, and many more.             Aim: To study indicators of chronic stress among Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) students. Materials and Methods. We conducted survey of the TSMU students using the Student Stress Inventory in Georgian and English. Total number of questions was 51 with 40 items in 4 subscales: physical factors, interpersonal relationships, academic activities, and environmental factors. Students were asked to rate how often these events happened in their lives. Stress level was determined based on the summary points. The total number of respondents was 193, 69.95% women, 29.50% men; Faculty of Medicine (English) 23.32%, Faculty of Medicine (Georgian) 56.48%, Faculty of Public Health 20.21%, the mean age 22.45±1.3 years.             Results. Among physical components of chronic stress, the majority of interviewed students reported having the feeling of constant fatigue 54.92% and sleep problems 43.00% often and very often. In the domain of personal relationships, 64.25% of the total number of interviewees believe that parents want success for them. Among the academic factors, students reported stress caused by exams at 53.37%. Among the environmental factors, the majority - 62.17% of respondents mentioned the hot weather.             Conclusion. In general, psychological symptoms are more pronounced among students than physical ones. The overall prevalence of moderate and severe chronic stress among medical university students is 60.62% (Georgians 63.27%, foreigners 51.11%). Most of the female students (63.70%) have moderate stress, while most of the male students (56.14%) have mild stress. Students of the Faculty of Medicine reported higher levels of stress than Public Health students. Obtained results are in line with the international data. It is desirable to conduct the qualitative study as well in order to find more information on the causes of the stress.

Human Trafficking Myths as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Ambivalent Sexism and Sex Trafficking Attitudes Among Undergraduate, Medical, and Public Health Students

ABSTRACT Although the extant body of research has established how the presence of human trafficking myths impact attitudes about sex trafficking survivors, few standardized sex trafficking curricula exists for undergraduate students and undergraduate medical students. The current study used a sample of 414 undergraduate, public health, and medical students from three large public universities in the midwestern United States to explore the relationship between ambivalent sexism, human trafficking myths, personal comfort with sexuality, and sex trafficking attitudes. The findings of our mediated moderated path analysis indicated that the path between hostile sexism and three sex trafficking attitudes subscales were mediated by human trafficking myths. Personal comfort with sexuality was also significantly and positively associated with sex trafficking attitude subscales. Based on these findings, it may behoove undergraduate programs and undergraduate medical programs to increase students' personal comfort in discussing sexualitybased content and include sex trafficking information into existing curricula.

Developing an online accessibility course for health science educators

The UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth has approximately 2,472 students in DO, PA, PT, pharmacy, public health, and biomedical sciences programs across five colleges and approximately 285 faculty members whose primary role is instruction. The Office of Disability Access manages disability accommodations for the university. Currently, there are 156 students receiving accommodations.

MPH Capstone experiences: promising practices and lessons learned.

To ensure workforce readiness, graduate-level public health training programs must prepare students to collaborate with communities on improving public health practice and tools. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) requires Master of Public Health (MPH) students to complete an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) at the end of their program of study that yields a high-quality written product demonstrating synthesis of competencies. CEPH suggests written products ideally be "developed and delivered in a manner that is useful to external stakeholders, such as non-profit or governmental organizations." However, there are limited examples of the ILE pedagogies and practices most likely to yield mutual benefit for students and community partners. To address this gap, we describe a community-led, year-long, group-based ILE for MPH students, called Capstone. This service-learning course aims to (1) increase capacity of students and partner organizations to address public health issues and promote health equity; (2) create new or improved public health resources, programs, services, and policies that promote health equity; (3) enhance student preparedness and marketability for careers in public health; and (4) strengthen campus-community partnerships. Since 2009, 127 Capstone teams affiliated with the Department of Health Behavior at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have worked with seventy-nine partner organizations to provide over 103,000 h of in-kind service and produce 635 unique products or "deliverables." This paper describes key promising practices of Capstone, specifically its staffing model; approach to project recruitment, selection, and matching; course format; and assignments. Using course evaluation data, we summarize student and community partner outcomes. Next, we share lessons learned from 13 years of program implementation and future directions for continuing to maximize student and community partner benefits. Finally, we provide recommendations for other programs interested in replicating the Capstone model.

Development and Evaluation of Scenario-based E-Simulation for Humanitarian Health Training

Introduction:In response to the global upward trend of humanitarian emergencies, the humanitarian health workforce has grown substantially in the last decades. Still, humanitarian education and training programs are limited in availability, geographical locations, and teaching methods, and are too expensive for local respondents. To address these gaps, an e-learning tool for humanitarian public health has been developed and evaluated.Method:Action research was used to develop the e-Learning tool. Rapid prototyping–a modified analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE) model, was used to identify the content and instructional design. This iterative process involved consultations and feedback from public health and disaster medicine instructors and students at different levels and training programs from within and outside CRIMEDIM. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data were appropriately summarized. Pre/post-test change in knowledge score was tested with paired t-test.Results:Although different levels of training are needed, targeting health professionals at the entry-level in the humanitarian field is identified as a priority. Scenario-based e-Simulation covers health needs assessment, essential health services, communicable diseases standards, and the health system was developed and evaluated. Trainees were highly satisfied by the clear objectives, the realism of the simulated scenarios, quizzes, and interactivity. In the 1-7 numerical scale, the median for overall experience satisfaction was 6.3 (IQR=5.3-7, N=35). The mean of the post-test score was 7.71, which was significantly higher than the mean of the pre-test score of 5.88. The large effect size of 1.179 indicates the training effectiveness. Poor internet was identified as a potential barrier to delivering the training.Conclusion:This participatory study resulted in the development of effective Scenario-based e-Simulation. Offline mode of training will be adapted for trainees with poor internet connection settings. Successful factors in instructional design will be used to inform the development of advanced training in the field.

Road Traffic Regulation Awareness, Attitude and Practice among Public Health Students: An Observational Study

Introduction: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are the leading causes of premature deaths in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Public health students are the special cadre of human resources for addressing public health issues in the community including RTAs. This study aimed to assess the awareness, attitude, and practice of public health students of Kathmandu Valley regarding road traffic regulations. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 395 undergraduate public health students of Kathmandu Valley using structured self-administered questionnaire via google forms. The study participants were selected through student networking and invitation through emails and phone calls. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics: Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskall-Wallis H test, and spearman’s rank correlation were computed at 5% level of significance. Results: Majority of the participants had knowledge on causes of RTAs, rule for seat belt and not using mobile phone while driving. However, few knew about the maximum penalty for driving without a license and correct side for pedestrians to walk. The median knowledge score on road traffic regulations was 11 out of 14, attitude score 7 out of 7, practice score for pedestrians 10 out of 12 and for drivers/riders 16 of 18. No significant association was found between knowledge and any socio-demographic variables. Knowledge was weakly correlated with attitude. Conclusion: Majority of the participants had knowledge scores above average, while the attitude and practice percentages were higher. We found weak correlation of knowledge with attitude, and no correlation with practice. This indicates that there is still gap between knowledge and practice, which needs to be explored further.

Implementation Of Project-Basedd Learning In Improving Crtical Thinking Skills And Communication Skills Of Public Health Students

Implementation Of Project-Basedd Learning In Improving Crtical Thinking Skills And Communication Skills Of Public Health Students

Perceptions towards an e-learning approach Public Health students at a South African University

Perceptions towards an e-learning approach Public Health students at a South African University

Lessons from India: outcomes of an overseas field trip for public health students

Lessons from India: outcomes of an overseas field trip for public health students

Comparing Individual Versus Team Decision-Making Using Simulated Exercises in a Master of Public Health Program

In line with the complex modern health care system and the increasing importance of interprofessional teams, a powerful strategy to facilitate the acquisition of essential teamwork skills and expose students to complex decision-making processes is learning in teams. The purpose of our study was to obtain empirical evidence of superior decision-making by teams versus individuals in two simulated decision-making exercises conducted 4 months apart. We collected quantitative data from three cohorts of Master of Public Health students to determine if teams make better decisions than individuals (“team effect”) between September and January. Students completed simulated emergency survival exercises requiring them to make correct decisions individually and then as teams. Decision quality was determined by comparison to survival experts’ decisions. We calculated the “team effect” as the gain or loss of mean individual versus group scores across 10 learning teams per cohort for fall and winter exercises. All three cohorts had a consistently small average team effect in September and a much larger team effect in January. Our study showed consistent improvements in decision-making after students had worked in teams for 4 months. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential benefit of incorporating team learning into a public health curriculum and the importance of strategies to teach teamwork in health education. Using simulation in health education and promoting team learning activities can help prepare students for interprofessional collaboration, a part of the demanding public health landscape. These results might help convince students of the benefits of teamwork, facilitate collaborative decision-making, and enhance the learning experience.

The Deadly Intersections of COVID‐19: Race, States, Inequalities and Global Society edited by SuneraThobani, Bristol University Press, 2022, 176 pp., $83.95 (hardback).

The Deadly Intersections of COVID‐19: Race, States, Inequalities and Global Society edited by SuneraThobani, Bristol University Press, 2022, 176 pp., $83.95 (hardback).