The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67407

kathleen a. sternas, PhD, RN and maryann Scharf, EdD, RN. college of nursing, seton hall university, 400 south orange avenue, south orange, NJ 973 275-2154, sternaka@shu.edu, sternaka@shu.edu

This presentation focuses on a partnership model which includes assessment of health needs and interventions that promote behavioral and lifestyle changes in high-risk populations. Methodology:Traditional(n=29)and accelerated (second degree,n=23)community health nursing students,10 community partners and faculty participated. Students selected a topic/population from a list developed by partners and faculty for assessment and intervention projects and received mentoring from partners and faculty. Topics included:asthma in children;homelessness; chronic and communicable diseases; mental illness; maternal-child health,prenatal care,breastfeeding,immunizations,lead poisoning;polypharmacy,dehydration and nutrition in older adults. Creative interventions included:computerized educational program on asthma triggers;diary for parents on baby's growth and development; magnetized medication card on polypharmacy;game board on methadone for homeless women; pamphlet on STD facts,transmission,prevention and treatment;binder on the illnesses of the mentally ill. Students and partners completed evaluations on their experiences. Findings were:86.2% traditional and 100% accelerated students reported increased competence in planning community-based interventions. All partners (100%,n=10)agreed that assessments and interventions met population needs, findings were useful in program planning and writing grants. Implications include educating health professionals about benefits of the partnership model for meeting assessment and health promotion needs of high risk populations.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the learner will be able to:1)list the components of a community partnership model which meet the health needs of high risk populations through interventions that promote behavioral and lifestyle changes; 2)identify creative projects which promote healthy behaviors and lifestyle changes in high risk populations

Keywords: Community Health Assessment, Community-Based Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.