Promoting health education through research and service in Kuzmolovsky, Russia

Faculty and Students from North Carolina combined and global health care experience to Russia with a health promotion and wellness program targeted at “needed services” in a rural Russian Primary Care Clinic. At first glance it appeared client education materials was the only option students had for service due to all the barriers to international travel. After careful deliberation and consultation with Kuzomolovsky clinic staffers, determined faculty and students decided to offer cholesterol and glucose laboratory screening for patients in the Kuzmolovsky Clinic. Laboratory testing for disease is truly a luxury in Russia, especially outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg. The Kuzmolovosky Clinic rarely has the opportunity to provide laboratory screenings and was delighted that we could provide them. One faculty member of Russian heritage trained nursing students in Russian culture, health care, and human subjects' protection prior to the trip. Consent forms were translated into Russian and Kuzmolovsky clinic staff explained and collected the consent forms. Lifestyle and physiological data were collected including health screenings focusing on diabetes and cardiovascular disease using the Cholestech LDX. Of the 140 subjects, more than half were obese, had elevated cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Students with the help of a translator conducted teaching projects on heart disease, diabetes, nutrition, and exercise. Russian health care providers were involved in all aspects of this project. The findings provided Kuzmolovsky clinic staff with diagnostic information and nursing students with the opportunity to share in health education and communication within a unique cultural setting.