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

Abstract #55499

Debbie Wimmer, MSN, PNP, Elizabeth Keech, PhD, RN, and Karen McKenna, MSN, RN. College of Nursing, Villanova University, St Mary's Hall, Villanova, PA 19095, 610-519-4900, debbie.wimmer@villanova.edu

During the spring of 2003, the College of Nursing, Villanova University supported an assessment of pediatric health care needs for the children of Chulucanas, Peru. Chulucanas is a small rural community in northern Peru. Poverty and high unemployment are major barriers to accessing health care in this region. Childhood diarrhea, malaria, and malnutrition are reported to be prevalent among the children. For the past four years the College of Nursing has been involved with adult health promotion activities in the Chulucanus community. This year, the project has been expanded to include health promotion programs for the pediatric population. In order to plan appropriate health promotion strategies, it was necessary to begin with a comprehensive pediatric assessment. Data was gathered utilizing available resources. Initial assessment included internet resources, professional literature and professionals. In-country assessment continued through interviews of local health professionals and regional health workers. Observation and health promotion activities, including home visits and primary care in clinics provided additional data. This program will present the assessment process, identifying the benefits and barriers to collecting accurate information for a particular community. Strategies to generalize this process to similar community assessment projects will be discussed

Learning Objectives:

• The learner will be able to:
• 1.identify methods for assessing pediatric health care needs in a rural developing community in northern Peru.
• 2.recognize the benefits and barriers of in-country collaboration with available health care professionals.
• 3.discuss strategies to successfully implement pediatric health assessment within selected communities.

Keywords: Pediatrics, Latin American

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The College of Nursing, Villanova University
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment