Journal Of Prevention & Intervention In The Community

Schober, Daniel J.; Carlberg-Racich, Suzanne; Dirkes, Jessica

doi: 10.1080/10852352.2021.1915736pmid: 34551685

Abstract A skilled public health workforce is critical to assure the public’s health. Recent scholarship has highlighted the benefits of practice-based fieldwork to train the public health workforce. This scholarship has highlighted these benefits primarily through quantitative evaluation. DePaul University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) Program provides practice-based education and training to enable students to develop key competencies in public and community health. A key component of the MPH Program is a 9-month practicum experience. This practicum experience requires students to (1) Complete at least 250 h of fieldwork at a local health organization and (2) write a capstone thesis about their practicum project. In this themed issue, seven MPH Program students provide empirical papers, describing their practicum project and the competencies they gained. These empirical papers build upon existing scholarship on practice-based fieldwork and aim to advance academic and community efforts to assure a skilled public and community health workforce.

Niemet, Claire J.; Rice, Kelly

doi: 10.1080/10852352.2021.1915937pmid: 34605360

Abstract While health-related research on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) older adults has grown, more research is necessary to understand this population. Howard Brown Health (HBH) conducted a mixed-method needs assessment in Cook County, IL. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of the community survey, focus group guidebook, and study protocol. HBH created the needs assessment to increase knowledge about access to and need for services and barriers to care among LGBTQ aging patients. Furthermore, the study explored how subgroups based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, and veteran status differed in access, need, and barriers to care. Study participants were 50 years and older, self-identified as LGBTQ, and resided in Cook County. With this knowledge, HBH plans to launch culturally competent wellness programs to improve the quality of life of its LGBTQ older adult patients.

Zepeda Orozco, Michelle; Magner, Bridget

doi: 10.1080/10852352.2021.1915735pmid: 33909982

Abstract Hepatitis C has become a silent epidemic in the United States. Many are unaware of their status and are left untreated, especially among at risk populations due to barriers prohibiting access to care. Therefore, it is important to establish Hepatitis C treatment programs in health centers that serve these communities. This project involved creating the groundwork for the development of a Hepatitis C program at a federally qualified health center primarily serving a low-income, minority population. Program development included creating a patient registry, identifying best practices, and participating in HCV case management and capacity building trainings. When accompanied with evidence-based practices, the inclusion of the registry will enhance Hepatitis C programs to be able to address the needs and effectively respond to the HCV crisis.

Akufo, Jennifer K.

doi: 10.1080/10852352.2021.1915734pmid: 35084289

Abstract Obesity among Latino children in the United States is a serious health concern that poses a risk to develop other chronic illnesses such as Type 2 Diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. The following paper is focused on a 6-week health education intervention that was developed for 12- to 14-year-old Latino youth of an after -school program at a social service agency in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. Within Chicago, childhood obesity rates in children of all ages were shown to be the second highest among Latino communities for both boys and girls. Implications from this article will provide insight into the need for public health professionals to further research and use that information to formulate ideas to create nutrition and physical activity programs that will address obesity among Latino and other ethnic youth populations—to promote and encourage them to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Ibrahim Puri, Jessica

doi: 10.1080/10852352.2021.1915732pmid: 34569445

Abstract Introduction Older adults who suffer from chronic illnesses often employ the help of Home Care Aides (HCAs). These HCAs assist their client’s nutrition and other activities of daily living. However, many HCAs who care for the elderly are themselves unaware of proper nutrition habits that can improve health outcomes. This project proposal centers on a nutrition-training program that focuses on HCAs and their knowledge of proper nutrition. It will challenge participants to eat better using foods are best suited to the chronic illness that their client suffers from. Approach The Nutrition Training Package contains materials that can be used in training sessions conducted over two days. Each day consists of interactive activities, discussions and presentations. These materials were adapted from interventions used by the Healthy Aging Program- an intervention previously hosted by EverThrive IL. Outcomes Although pilot testing is yet to be conducted, the training package is complete and ready for implementation. Conclusion Based on literature review, the contents of the Nutrition Training Package for Home Care Aides will guide participants through stages of the Model of Change, simultaneously creating the self-efficacy to contribute to elongated, healthier living for the elderly.

Day, Kelli; Tsupros, Megan May; Schober, Daniel J.

doi: 10.1080/10852352.2021.1915938pmid: 34657586

Abstract Nutrition education through school-based garden programs is a promising intervention to promote youth health and development. Gardeneers is a Chicago-based nonprofit, leading garden programming across area schools. To better understand their impact on youth health, Gardeneers aimed to define their model more clearly. Using a collective case study design, this mixed-method, formative program evaluation focused on describing program implementation variation across schools. General program design included nutrition education through hands-on garden-based learning. Stakeholder engagement was a strength for some schools and a challenge for others. Sustainability was an ongoing challenge for all schools, particularly funding. Priority student outcomes also varied between schools. Adaptability is core to Gardeneers’ approach—the challenge lies in replicable program design and manageable growth, but the strength lies in the ability to meet specific school and student needs. Using these findings, Gardeneers refined their program model and identified program improvements opportunities.

Ostrander, Noam; Carlberg-Racich, Suzanne

doi: 10.1080/10852352.2021.1915733pmid: 34547981

Abstract Syringe access programs (SAPs) provide an array of supplies and services to people who inject drugs (PWID). Governmental reports within the United States have often neglected to include the voices of people who utilize SAPs. This project, which was part of a master’s of public health practicum, surveyed 28 injection drug users about their experiences with an SAP in a major Midwestern city. Through this work, participants prioritized the supplies they most frequently need and the services they most often utilize. The results of this study may provide guidance to emerging SAPs that are working to prioritize supplies and services.

Craig, Derek W.

doi: 10.1080/10852352.2021.1915939pmid: 34520698

Abstract Obesity represents a significant threat to quality of life and overall health for typically and a typically developing children with those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) having obesity prevalence at least as high as their typically developing counterparts. A systematic review was conducted on publications describing physical activity interventions with children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We searched Ovid PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PsycNET, Academic Search Complete, and CINAHL, as well as the citations of publications included in the study. Intervention characteristics such as study design, participant age, sample size, mode, frequency, duration, and intensity of activity were abstracted for review. Sixteen studies were selected for review. Aerobic and anaerobic activities were employed across school and community-based settings. Evidence suggests that increasing physical activity in children and adolescents with ASD is likely to improve BMI and physical fitness.