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Abstract #151855

Ellyn R. Mulcahy, PhD, MPH, Science Department, Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210, 913 469 8500 x4123, emulcah2@jccc.edu and Carla Buchheit, Jewish Vocational Service, 1608 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO 64108.

Chronic disease represents a significant public health concern for Somali refugees in Kansas City, Missouri. The aim of this study was to educate non-literate female Somali refugees about relevant chronic diseases. The women in this study have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and/or diabetes (n=16). The study focused on conveying the most important information on each of these chronic conditions by breaking the input down into comprehensible units of learning that employed a reinforcing combination of visual, physical and audible information. The goal of the educational program was to assist the participants in understanding what these chronic diseases were, how they could be managed and the importance of complying with medical advice. Prior to the study, the participants were interviewed to determine their knowledge and understanding of their health status. Sixty-nine percent of the study group indicated that they did not fully understand the causes of their chronic disease(s). In addition, their chronic diseases were not managed (19%) or were incompletely managed (31%). Each chronic disease topic was presented in English and translated into Somali in small group sessions with familiar, culturally sensitive group leaders. Post-study interviews indicated improved chronic disease understanding in 86% of those interviewed. Furthermore, 43% of those interviewed were able to recognize and explain the interactive models used in the education sessions. The results of this study indicate that the use of comprehensible input and visually stimulating interactive models improves comprehension of complex health topics by non-literate populations.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe strategies that can be used to improve retention of complex health topics by non-literate populations.
• Recognize and articulate how comprehensible input can be utilized in educational intervention for non-literate populations.

Keywords: Refugees, Chronic Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.