Sensitization Workshops Research Articles

Critical Challenges of Cultural Competence Professional Development

Driven by increasing inequities in health, education and social outcomes for Aboriginal people, cultural competence professional development has become more commonplace in many organizations. There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity, or cultural competence professional development workshops held throughout Australia each year. However, there is an uncertainty about whether some professional development approaches improve one’s knowledge, skills and attitudes towards diverse cultures. This article presents one of the key findings of a doctoral study which explored early years educators’ understandings of cultural competence and presents several viewpoints towards professional development. This article calls for approaches to professional development that move beyond passive transmission modes of learning towards localized, participatory models that encourage engagement with local community to privilege a diversity of voices and that also inspires critical self-reflection.

Do pharmacology faculties welcome the new competency-based undergraduate curriculum? A nationwide questionnaire-based study

Background: In 2018, Medical Council of India (MCI) recommended competency-based medical education (CBME) for medical undergraduates. Aim and objective: A questionnaire-based study was conducted to assess the perceptions and preparedness of pharmacology faculties on CBME. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among pharmacology faculties selected on basis of any one or more of the following criteria: (1) Faculties who attended the national faculty development program conducted by MCI and (2) Members of Indian Society for Rational Pharmacotherapeutics. The questionnaire was made available through Google doc online platform which was e-mailed/WhatsApp to selected participants. It included questions related to components of the curriculum, namely, objectives, teaching–learning methods, and integration of disciplines. The responses received were analyzed in Microsoft Excel sheet using descriptive statistics. Results: Questionnaire was sent to 1424 participants out of which 144 (10.1%) responded. Majority (27.8%) had 6–10 years of postgraduate teaching experience. A total of 130 (90.3%) respondents were aware of CBME; sensitization workshops, continuing medical education (CME), etc., (41.5%) being most frequent source of information. Half of respondents (49.2%) were prepared to implement the curriculum, while 26 (20.0%) were not. The lack of training about CBME was the most cited reason for nonpreparedness. Majority (64.6%) of the respondents (84/130) considered horizontal and vertical integration to implement the new curriculum is feasible. However, most of them (70.8%) expressed reduction in teaching hours will be inadequate to complete pharmacology syllabus. On a scale of ten, the average rating of the respondents for new curriculum (6.83) did not show any statistical difference against old one (6.25). Conclusion: In our study, most of the participants welcome the new curriculum, although majority suggested need for training and guidance. To further understand the requirements, national organizations like MCI may conduct larger studies in the wide network of institutes.

Impact of socioeconomic status on morbidities, disabilities, activity limitation, and participation restriction in the geriatric population living in urban area: A comparative study

Introduction: Socioeconomic inequalities have been considered as an important factor for disparity in the prevalence of disabilities among geriatric population belonging to different socioeconomic strata with significantly increased of disability in elderly population belonging to lower socioeconomic status. The impact of socioeconomic status on the morbidity and disability profile of elderly in India is very scarce. This study would help in planning geriatric health care services for different communities depending upon their socioeconomic status. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the morbidity profile, disability profile, and perceived health care needs in Indian elderly population belonging to two different socioeconomic strata residing in city of western India. Methodology: This was a cross sectional qualitative comparative study done in Aug 2016 to Dec 2016. In this study two geriatric cohorts one belonging to high income group staying in a gated community and other belonging to low income group staying in a urban slum were compared. House to house survey was done based on prevalidated WHO DAS scale predesigned questionnaire to assess the activity limitation and participation restriction of the elderly population in city dwellers in Western India. After initial sensitisation workshops to sensitise and train the medical students, paramedics and the social workers, the house to house survey was on holidays. Results: Total 406 elderly patients were interviewed in HIG and 409 were interviewed in LIG. Females outnumbered the males in both the cohorts with 53.7% in HIG and 63.8% in LIG. It was noted that 14.5% of the elderly were staying alone in HIG where as against 10.2% in LIG. It was also noted that 14.5% of elderly in HIG required help of outside caregiver from doing the activities of daily living (ADLs) where as 28.9% in LIG required outside help to do ADLs. It was noted that there was a significant difference in the activity limitation score in both the cohorts with 64% of elderly in HIG having a good score (0-18) as against 13.9 % in LIG. in participation restriction score with 77% of elderly belonging to HIG having a good participation score as against 40.6% in the elderly belonging to LIG. Conclusion: The morbidity profile, disability profile, and perceived health care needs in Indian elderly population belonging to two different socioeconomic strata residing in city of western India are different. Public health care penetration was poor in the elderly living in LIG as most of them visited the doctor only during emergencies and that too majority of them had access to alternative medicine system. Dedicated geriatric services along with provision of medicines, ambulance and geriatric helpline was the most felt needs in the society.

Impact of National Tuberculosis Elimination Program sensitization workshop on health-care workers in a Medical College and Hospital in Karnataka, India

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) has been haunting humanity for decades. Even with the existing treatment modalities and preventive measures, it continues to be among the top 10 killers in the world. India had 2.69 million cases in the year 2018, with 440,000 deaths due to TB alone. Hence, in this scenario, the knowledge of the health-care providers play a crucial role in the efforts of the Stop TB strategy of the National TB Elimination Program. This study aims to assess baseline knowledge and impact of TB sensitization program among nurses, interns, and postgraduate students in a Medical College Hospital in Karnataka. Materials and Methods: The methodology involved a questionnaire to assess the baseline knowledge of the participants of the RNTCP sensitization program. The same was repeated after completion of the program. Analysis: Data were entered into excel spreadsheets and analyzed using SPSS software. Proportions and paired t-test were used to assess the impact of the training on the participants. Results: The mean baseline knowledge among nurses, interns, and postgraduate students was 38.02%, 30.61%, and 34.04%, which improved by 40%, 57%, and 60%, respectively, after the training program. Conclusions: A highly significant (P < 0.001) difference was found in the pretest and posttest scores of the nurses, interns, and postgraduate students, indicating that training increased the knowledge scores of the Health Care Workers (HCW's) significantly. Hence, regular trainings are recommended to keep the HCWs updated on TB facts and strategies in the country.

Prevalence and determinants of sexting behaviour among undergraduates in Kawara State

This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of sexting behaviour among undergraduates in Kwara State. The population for this study comprised all undergraduates in Kwara State while the target population was undergraduates of three universities in the Kwara States. A stratified sampling the technique was used to categorise universities based on ownership (Federal, State and Private) as well as gender. A random sampling technique was used to select 100 undergraduates from each university, totaling 300 respondents. A researcher-designed questionnaire titled Prevalence and Determinants of Sexting Behaviour Questionnaire (PASODOEBEQ) was used to elicit information from sampled respondents. The instrument was validated by experts in Sociology of Education and Educational Psychology. Test re-test method of reliability was applied to test the reliability of the instrument, using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistics. The coefficient value of 0.86r was derived. The data collected were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation and Multiple Regression Statistical Tool. The result of the findings revealed that sexting behaviour is prevalent among undergraduates and low self-esteem and peer association are significant determinants. The study recommended among others that schools authorities as a matter of fact should organize a sensitization workshop or seminar for undergraduates on the meaning, ripple effects and the punishment associated with sexting behaviour for necessary social adjustment.

An Evaluation of Community-Based Interventions Used on the Prevention of Female Genital Mutilation in West African Countries

The traditional practice called Female Genital Mutilation has been recorded in several countries in Africa and in other regions around the world. Female Genital Mutilation is regarded as a major Public Health burden due to the extensive health risks associated with the procedure and community-based interventions has been prescribed to eliminate the practice. This paper presents a review of published literature about community-based interventions carried out to prevent Female Genital Mutilation in West Africa between the years 2000-2013. A literature search was conducted for papers published between the years 2000 - 2013. Papers were reviewed if they reported a positive change in knowledge, attitude and behaviour towards FGM. Twenty papers met the inclusion criteria. A total of eight types of methods were identified: Advocacy Campaigns, Health Education, Sensitization Workshops, Community dialogue, Media campaigns (radio, newspaper, film shows, information posters) counselling, role plays and Skills training. This study identified that these interventions utilised health promotion models such as the behaviour change, client-centred/empowerment, social change and most commonly the educationalmodel. None of the interventions were based on the medicalmodel of health promotion. Hence, it seems an incorporation of the medical and educational models of health promotion could result in a greater impact in community-based interventions to prevent FGM.

The role of record keeping and maintenance in enhancing decision making among smallholder dairy farmers in Gitugi Ward in Murang’a County, Kenya

Dairy farmers are expected to maintain farm records for aiding decisions making. However, the extent to which farm records inform decision making is not clear in Gitugi Ward in Murang’a County, Kenya. This study aimed to determine the role that record keeping and maintenance play in enhancing decision making of smallholder dairy farmers in that area. Descriptive survey research design was used to examine 175 smallholder dairy farmers. Simple random sampling technique was used in getting a sample size of 118 subjects. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to test the underlying proposition. Most smallholder dairy farmers have adequate experience in dairy farming and have minimum basic education, although not sufficient for making complex computations and interpretations for key decision making. The kind of decisions made based on dairy farm records statistically and significantly affect output in dairy farming businesses. Livestock Extension Officers should embark on advocacy programs, sensitization workshops, mentorship and training programs on record maintenance practices to ensure dairy farm records are preserved and utilized in supporting decision making. The findings of this study contribute to improvement of dairy farming information management practices and in making data-supported decisions among dairy farmers in Gitugi Ward, Mathioya Sub-County and in other geopolitical regions.

EP1.11-14 Knowledge and Perspectives of Indian Medical Practitioners to Lung Cancer: A Regional Sample Survey

Lung cancer leads cancer-associated mortality figures in India. According to various cancer registries, It’s a pervasive problem with incidence expected to rise to 67,000 new cases per year by 2020. Especially concerning are limited health resources to tackle this problem in terms of specialty centers and trained staff. Adding to woes are poor knowledge, and practices among general practitioners (GPs) pertaining to lung cancer screening and referral. Thereby putting an additional burden on the constrained Indian health care system as a majority of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages leading to poorer prognosis and high treatment costs. A descriptive online survey was developed and pilot tested for GPs with Bachelor degree in Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) using Google survey forms. Google platform was selected for its wide outreach and use by GPs in northern India. The survey was done over 1 month period and included items related to etiopathology and diagnosis of Lung Cancer. The survey adopted a stratified sampling strategy for representation, and data collected were completely anonymous. A total of 2674 complete responses were collected. Majority of GPs were in the private sector (67.68%) with a mean work experience of 8.93±6.70 years. An average of 10 (10.45±7.10) Lung cancer cases were attended by GPs with majority presenting with non-resolving cough and/or hemoptysis (66%). Most common risk factors reported were cigarette smoking (93.27%) and exposure to chemicals (74.49%). Only a quarter of GPs identified lung cancer mortality being the highest (29.09%) with attribution to smoking (23.60%). Only 69.10% GPs advocated Lung cancer screening for current and past smokers. Only 30.89% GPs affirmed that a substantial reduction in mortality (95%) can be achieved by timely and proper screening. Only a quarter (25.46%) GPs reported low dose CT Scan (LDCT) as best modality lung cancer screening. 1943 (72.66%) GPs reported tissue sample biopsy as a method of diagnosis followed by CT scan (58.18%). Histopathology (85.48%) and molecular markers (74.49%) were frequently reported to guide therapeutic decision making. Based on the survey, It can be concluded that knowledge of Indian GPs for Lung cancer is deficient in wake of high disease burden. Poor suspicion and detection of lung malignancy at early stages devoid patients of better prognosis and outcomes. Therefore it is recommended that sensitization workshops and training of GPs in opportunistic cancer screening and referral protocols be done.

Gendering academic positions: Does gender equity project count in Obafemi Awolowo University Nigeria?

The paper analyzed dynamics that shaped disproportionate academic positions occupied by men and women at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nigeria between 2003/2004 and 2013/2014 academic sessions. It demonstrated that disparity between men and women in academic positions is not natural but social. The gap is, thus, susceptible to social intervention. The paper identified Carnegie Project as a major interventionist project that has influenced the positions occupied by women in academic positions within the period under review. Before, during and after method was used to establish the influence of the project on gender gap. The data used for this study were obtained from the Budgeting and Monitoring Unit and Centre for Gender and Social policies Studies of the University. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics and while inferential statistics such as Analysis of Variance (AVOVA) was used to make deductions. The results showed that out of 1,041 academic staff in 2003/2004 academic session, 876 were males (84.0%) while 165 (16.0%) were females. The 2007/2008 academic session had a higher proportion of 22% showing an increase of 6% within a period of six years. The 2009/2010 academic session recorded the highest proportion of female academics in the University with 24%. The periods 2007/2008 to 2009/2010 were the peak of the Carnegie programme when there were female scholarships and Fellowships and when a lot of sensitization and motivational workshops were held for female students and female staff. However, by 2012/2013 the percentages of female academic staff declined from 24% in 2009/2010 to 16%. Four factors were found to have accounted for this change. These were the stoppage of female scholarship programmes, awareness campaigns on radios, television and OAU—Carnegie Gender Equity Initiative Bulletin, sensitization and motivational workshops. These results greatly affected the female staff and students whose ambitions were to pursue Ph.D. programme. The paper suggested therefore, that there is need for the university to put in place structures that will enable female academic to develop themselves and thus reduce gaps in employment of academic posts. There is also need to encourage a gender friendly environment for staff and revisit the Sensitization and awareness programmes / motivational workshops. The influence of the project began to be significant on the gender gap three years after its inception.

Professional development needs of primary school teachers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to teach peace

ABSTRACTEducating for peace is essential for students and teachers not only to understand the basis of aggression and conflict but also to independently resolve such situations in non-violent ways and hence, influence the behaviours anticipated for a peaceful society. The article 4 of the UN resolution 53/423 also proclaimed the need to promote peace education at each level. However, teachers are not likely to achieve the objectives so desired if they have not been trained in peace education. This paper examines the training needs of primary school teachers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to teach peace. By drawing on questionnaire, interviews and focus group data, the article reflects on consistent training of teachers about peace education concept and methodology to support them achieve the desired objectives. The research article identifies sensitisation workshops, revision of teacher training programmes and availability of peace education module on the provincial education website, beneficial for this purpose.

Societal Perceptions of Breast Cancer among Elderly Women in Nigeria

The study examined the impact of the societal perceptions of breast cancer among elderly women on both its care and prevention in south-eastern Nigeria. A representative sample of adult members of the population was drawn in three local government areas in Enugu State. The study drew its rationale from the recognition that the societal perceptions of the causes, nature and management of breast cancer can make a major difference in whether aged women in Nigeria afflicted by breast cancer survive or not. The data were collected using a multistage sampling technique that consisted of a questionnaire and in-depth interviews. It was found that there is a need for more awareness creation, sensitivity workshops and the committed involvement of social workers, counsellors and allied professionals in providing care and counselling for elderly women, as they are often perceived as lying beyond reproductive health ailments in popular discourse.Â

Transformaciones socioculturales generadas por la convivencia de los niños, adolescentes y jóvenes con trastornos de Espectro autista

El presente trabajo es una investigación cuanti-cualitativa sobre la educación inclusiva en los centros educativos de El Salvador. Las administraciones de los presidentes Mauricio Funes 2009-2014 y Salvador Sánchez 2014-2019, han llevado consigo una serie de talleres de sensibilización en el Ministerio de Educación de El Salvador de aquí en adelante (MINED) sobre la inclusión educativa de estudiantes con autismo, así como también asociaciones como Angelitos, Asociación de Autismo de El Salvador de aquí en adelante (ASA), Music Time e instituciones que forman parte del Sistema Salud como el Instituto Salvadoreño de Rehabilitación Integral de aquí en adelante (ISRI) y el Hospital Bloom. Sin embargo, no existe un programa interinstitucional que permita llevar un control de los procesos educativos de los estudiantes con autismo. A pesar de las limitaciones institucionales, los estudiantes con el Trastorno de Espectro Autista de aquí en adelante (TEA), padres de familia, especialistas de la salud, instituciones gubernamentales y las asociaciones han sabido construir una cultura de Educación Inclusiva, la cual debe de ser fortalecida por un programa gubernamental en El Salvador.

Sensitization of Medical Teachers on Teaching Learning Procedures based on Guidelines of Medical council of India-A Study in West bengal

Medical Education has always been considered for reformations to render a fruitful teaching to the students to meet the constantly changing social need to get an appropriate medico of first contact. Creation of Medical Education Technology Cell at the medical colleges and evaluations from students are the basic steps of it. MCI guidelines also have been changed accordingly with an inclusion of AT-COM(attitude and communication) and a requirement of teachers training through sensitization of the medical teachers with the newly formed idea has come up. Based on this concept a sensitization workshop was conducted at Malda Medical College for the doctors attached to Medical Education Service of West Bengal. Answers of Pre and Post workshop questionnaire given to the doctors were collected, tabulated, analyzed and Conclusion has been drawn with an objective to get an idea of further development of policies on it.

Compliance of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act among Tobacco Vendors, Educational Institutions, and Public Places in Bengaluru City

AbstractBackground: Tobacco has been the arch criminal of most head-and-neck cancers in the world. Many laws have been implemented to control this menace, but still this slow poison persists. Effectiveness of these laws has always been a matter of concern to the authorities. The present study was conducted to observe the compliance of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) among public places, educational institutions, and tobacco vendors in Bengaluru city. Methodology: A cross-sectional, observational study was done to assess the violations at public places, educational institutions, and tobacco vendors. Violations for Sections 4, 5, 6, and 7 of COTPA were assessed from 25 each of these places in the eight zones of Bengaluru city. The study areas were chosen by convenience sampling method, and using a questionnaire, the violations were recorded. Data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel to find out the percentage of violations. Results: The COTPA Sections 4 and 5 violation was 134 (67%) and 94 (47%), respectively. A total of 124 (62%) of the educational institutions had tobacco vendors within 100 yards, and only 30 (15%) had signboard for the prohibition of tobacco use. Around 14 tobacco vendors had beedis without proper pictorial warning with them which violated Section 7 of COTPA. Conclusion: For proper implementation of COTPA laws, we should create awareness about the laws, what amounts to violations and also the health hazards to tobacco use among general population. The law enforcing personnel should act on those who violate the law. There is a need for a sensitization workshop and advocacy for all the stakeholders.

Improving Breast Cancer Patients Survival and Quality of Life by Targeting Traditional and Religious Leaders in Northern Nigeria

Background and context: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Nigerian women, mostly aged 35 years and older. The survival rate of breast cancer patient in northern Nigeria is 40% and below as compared with that of developed countries at 95% and above. The rising incidence of breast cancer in northern Nigeria is complicated, mainly due to cultural beliefs for incision by traditional rulers, poverty, illiteracy and fear of high cost of treatment. Aim: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Nigerian women, mostly aged 35 years and older. The survival rate of breast cancer patient in northern Nigeria is 40% and below as compared with that of developed countries at 95% and above. The rising incidence of breast cancer in northern Nigeria is complicated, mainly due to cultural beliefs for incision by traditional rulers, poverty, illiteracy and fear of high cost of treatment. Strategy/Tactics: We made contact with two tertiary health facilities in Kebbi state to determine the baseline prevalence of stage 3 and 4 breast cancer in the hospitals. Organized cancer sensitization workshops for religious bodies to incorporate breast cancer awareness into sermons and also capacity building for nurses and traditional healers. Engaged the media through delivery of radio and television jingles on dangers of refusing medical care and also telling the stories of cancer survivors to enable the populace to be strong and brave to take charge of their health and quality of life. Program/Policy process: The entire communities were carried along. Tertiary health facilities provided support in giving access to relevant data. Permission from local government chairmen were sorted to interact with members of the communities. The general public were engaged through media. Outcomes: There was 30% increase in percentage of male participation especially spouses in encouraging women to seek appropriate help for breast cancer. Traditional healers and religious leaders had a positive impact in sensitizing women on need to attend hospitals for any breast changes early so as to reduce the incidence of late detected cases. They also alleviated avenues of stigmatization among the populace. Survivors were able to tell their stories via various media channels. What was learned: Majority of the target population lack access to basic health care. They patronize unorthodox medicine rather than clinical medicine. Cancer education and advocacy made a huge difference in health care perspective of this population. There is great need for continued cancer education and awareness to improve patients' survival and quality of life.

Open educational practices at Uttarakhand Open University: from policies to implementation

Soon after the emergence of the open courseware movement, in 2002 UNESCO coined the term Open Educational Resources (OERs) in a forum on the impact of open courseware on higher education in developing countries. Since then, the OER movement has gained much momentum and a global movement towards collaboration in the development and sharing of content has developed worldwide. Uttarakhand Open University (UOU) has embraced the OER approach and started following Open Educational Practices (OEP) after adoption of OER policy by it. Using OERs, the University has developed 45 courses and released them under the Creative Commons license. In addition, the University has conducted many OER sensitization workshops, both for policymakers and stakeholders, in the last few years. This paper presents UOU’s journey of adopting Open Educational Practices, from policy formulation to implementation. This paper also discusses the outcome of a survey conducted by UOU for ascertaining its teachers’ attitude towards OERs.

Impact of sensitization workshop on knowledge regarding tuberculosis among graduate students of rural area of Bareilly District

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern worldwide. It has been seen that TB control efforts worldwide are although impressive, but not sufficient. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) are an integral and important strategy of the program to create awareness among general public. Objective: The study was conducted to assess the impact of sensitization workshop regarding tuberculosis among graduate students of rural area of Bareilly district.Material &amp; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2017 to July 2017 by interviewing 146 students in a college in rural area of Bareilly district, U.P after multistage sampling. A pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the pre-workshop and post-workshop data. The data obtained was compiled and statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 23.Results: A paired-samples t-test was conducted to analyse the impact of sensitization workshop among the students. The mean scores for knowledge regarding TB symptoms pre-workshop was 3.20 ± 1.90 and post-workshop was 5.68 ± 1.58.Conclusion: Knowledge about various aspects of TB was significantly improved after students attended a training workshop. Efforts should be geared towards education in terms of training and retraining regarding TB, as it is known that IEC activities can create awareness among students, thus eradicating the stigma and fear associated with it.

Designing maximum impact into disability sensitization workshops

PurposeThis paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.FindingsThis research paper concentrates on assessing the effectiveness of disability sensitization workshops, with the aim of helping organizations become inclusive workplaces through self-evaluation. Respondents valued being trained by a person with a disability, and a psychologically complex symptom of informative disability training was that delegates inadvertently conceptualized disabled people as “others”.Practical implicationsThe paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.Originality/valueThe briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

How effective are disability sensitization workshops?

PurposeOrganizations are increasingly investing in disability-specific sensitization workshops. Yet, there is limited understanding about their hoped outcomes, that is, increased knowledge about disability-related issues and behavioral changes with respect to those with a disability. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness and boundaries of disability-specific sensitization training in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThis is an interview-based study where 33 employees from five industries across India were interviewed over the span of a year.FindingsThe findings suggest that sensitization workshops are successful with regard to awareness generation. Paradoxically, the same awareness also reinforced group boundaries through “othering.” Further, workshops resonated more so with individuals who already had some prior experience with disability, implying that voluntary sensitization is likely attracting those who have the least need of such sensitization. The findings also suggest that non-mandated interventions may not necessarily influence organizational level outcomes, especially if workshops are conducted in isolation from a broader organizational culture of inclusion.Originality/valueThe present study helps outline effects of sensitization training initiatives and enhances our understanding about how negative attitudes toward persons with a disability can be overcome. The study also indicates how such training initiatives may inadvertently lead to “othering.” Finally, this study offers suggestions to human resource managers for designing impactful disability sensitization workshops.

Instrumenting Community Health Agents to Address Child and Youth Violence at Home

Introduction: This is an experience report of a descriptive nature related to the project of university extension, developed by two professors and four undergraduate students in Nursing at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology / IFPE, Campus Pesqueira. This research is linked to the extension project entitled “Child and adolescent as victims of domestic violence: sensitization workshops with Community Health Agents (ACS) of the municipality of pesqueira – PE to recognize and cope with child and juvenile violence.” Objectives: The objective of this study was to use the ACS through awareness-raising workshops to recognize cases of domestic violence against children and to adopt means to confront this event. Methodology: The methodology was adopted focusing on the interests and knowledge of the participants, aiming at empowering the individuals’ autonomy and emancipation. The study was carried out between February and October 2017 and had a weekly workload of twenty hours. For the development of the activities, the Family Health Strategies of the Municipality of Pesqueira-PE were selected, justifying the choice of the fact that these units present socio-economic vulnerability; as well as because it has already been a scenario of research on domestic accidents with children, thus characterizing itself as a context of teaching, research and extension experiences. Results and discussion: The sample consisted of 31 ACS, and guiding questions were elaborated to to construct a plan of intervention in the face of a case of violence, guaranteeing the continuity of care in the primary care network. Conclusion: The research becomes relevant as the ACS are aware of the occurrences of child and juvenile violence and the subjects involved can reflect on the importance of adopting preventive behavior to minimize these cases.