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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Rita DeBate, PhD, MPH, CHES, Community and Family Health, School of Public Health, University of South Florida, 9031 Quail Creek, Tampa, FL 33647, 813-746-9246, rdebate@health.usf.edu and Lisa Tedesco, PhD, School of Dentistry, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, 1011 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.

The dental professionals' role in the screening of systemic health problems via oral manifestations is well established. Given that they may be the first health care provider to assess the effects of disordered eating behaviors; dental professionals are key health in the secondary-prevention of eating disorders. Yet, research indicates that the majority of providers are not engaged in assessment, referral, and case management of persons with eating disorders. The purpose of this innovative project is to increase the oral-health care providers' capacity to deliver eating disorder specific secondary-prevention via an on-line theory-based resource kit. Based upon a comprehensive needs assessment, a web-based resource kit was developed upon the constructs of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model, Diffusions of Innovations Theory, and Motivational Interviewing. Educational and skill-based components include: Types and prevalence of eating disorders; oral and physical manifestations; communication skill; patient approach videos; stage-based secondary-prevention protocol; printer-friendly resources; and referral resources and links. The resource kit is currently under pilot test using an experimental pre-test post-test research design. Assessment items include changes in knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, skills, behaviors, and self-efficacy regarding secondary prevention of eating disorders. Post-test items also include assessment regarding diffusion of innovations. This theory-driven web-based resource kit is a work in progress that links research to practice. Preliminary evaluation data indicates positive practitioner feedback regarding the on-line resources. Pilot data will provide evidence regarding the efficacy of web-based resources to guide practitioners in the secondary-prevention of eating disorders. This study is funded by a NIH grant (1R15 DE013963-01A1).

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the components of the web-based toolkit
• Discuss the use of technology in devloping educational and referral resource
• Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of a web-based educational and referral resource for dental professional continuing education opportunities

Keywords: Health Education Strategies, Technology

Related Web page: https://dental.cs.odu.edu (userid: dental.com.1; password: emmerson; click on Welcome!)

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No