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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Blanca M. Ramos, PhD, CSW¹, Pedro Mendoza Guerrero, Magister², Julio Cesar Fernandez Alvarado, Lic², Armando Mera Rodas, Lic², Luis Piscoya Bravo, Lic², Godofredo Puican Careno, Lic², and Patricia Pisfil Arroyo, Lic². (1) School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Richardson 110, Albany, NY 12222, 518-442-5365, ramos@albany.edu, (2) Universidad Católica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo, Panamericana Norte 855, Chiclayo, Peru

The right to health among children in rural indigenous communities is often profoundly curtailed by poverty and geographic isolation. In the Andes, some live in poverty stricken, remote areas where health outcomes are disturbing and healthcare is minimal. Universities can contribute toward child health equity drawing upon a basic commitment to social justice, knowledge, and expertise of faculty, administrators, and students. We present a comprehensive project to promote rural child health as part of an academic international partnership between universities in northern Peru and northeast U.S. An interdisciplinary team of faculty and students was convened to implement public health interventions and collect quantitative and qualitative data focusing on 850 school children in Colaya, Peru. Clinics setup to assess the children's height, weight, vision and nutrition status provided baseline data for monitoring and follow up. Supplemental math and basic science classes were offered to strengthen children's abilities for the health fields. Health workshops for families, teachers, and students were conducted. Toys, clothing, and school supplies were distributed. Data indicate a precarious socioeconomic profile with low education, high unemployment, and monthly income levels of $15. Children's health status is bleak marked by high presence of rickets, intestinal parasites, and malnutrition. Availability of healthcare and western medicine is rare. Parents, teachers, local government officials, health advocates, and community members were mobilized to take active steps to promote child health. Implications of the findings including those indicating heavy reliance on alternative medicines and cultural traditions for appropriate policy, intervention, and research will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to
• 1. Identify health related challenges as well the value of living in Andean rural communities for children in Peru.
• 2. List the resources universities can use to contribute toward child health equity.
• 3. List essential components of a successful health promotion program for children in Andean rural communities.
• 4. Evaluate how participatory research principles are effectively applied in developing nations as models for health practice and research with diverse U.S. populations.
• 5. Discuss ways in which U.S. universities can contribute toward global child health equity through international academic partnerships.

Keywords: Child Health Promotion, International Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered