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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Samir Ayad, MD, Basic Sciences Department, Southern California University of Health Sciences, 16200 E. Amber Valley Drive, Whittier, CA 90604, 562-947-8755 ext. 658, samirayad@scuhs.edu, Kevin Rose, DC, MPH, Clinical Internship Department, Southern California University of Health Sciences, 16200 E. Amber Valley Drive, Whittier, CA 90604, and Raheleh Khorsan, MA, Research Division, Southern California University of Health Sciences, 16200 E. Amber Valley Drive, Whittier, CA 90604.

Objective: To assess factors which may affect chiropractic students' awareness and opinions regarding public health concepts after attending a Community Health course in SCU.

Methods: Community health class students were surveyed at the beginning of the spring 2006 trimester. A questionnaire of course contents was created to assess the factors, which may affect students' awareness and opinions. Of the 38 students who were given the pre-class questionnaire 33 responded. Results: Demographics: 82% males, 58% between 25-34 years, 3% American Indian/Alaskan Native, 24% Asian/Pacific Islander, 12% Hispanic Origin, 56% White, 3% Other. Results from health/disease portion: 64% were aware of Healthy People 2010, 52% public health agencies, and 67% on reportable diseases. 61% improved their health in past year and 100% thought there is a relationship between life-style factors and health. Regarding importance of vaccination: 33% said very important, 46% somewhat, and 18% not sure. When asked “How important is it for a practicing chiropractor to understand the concepts of public health/health promotion”: 76% answered very important, 21% somewhat, and 3% not sure. “How important is it for a practicing chiropractor to work with public health agencies or community health resources”: 49% answered very important, 39% somewhat, and 12% not sure. Finally when asked, “How important is it for a chiropractor to utilize health promotion in their practice”: 79% answered very important, 15% somewhat, and 6% not sure.

Conclusion: We are half way through our research process. Comparative pre/post analysis will be conducted at the end of the term.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize chiropractic students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding public health concepts prior to a course in community health
• Assess if the students’ knowledge and attitudes will change over the course of the Community Health class
• Determine what factors influence chiropractic students’ achievements before and after a public heath course.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No