Abstract
Leveraging stakeholder partnerships in a statewide health survey: NJ middle school risk and protective factors survey
Maria Mera, MPH1, Katherine Melz, BS1, Rebecca Swann-Jackson, M.Ed.2, Eden Kyse, Ph.D.1, Donald Halcom, Ph.D.3 and Suzanne Borys, Ed.D.3
(1)Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, (2)Monclair State University, Montclair, NJ, (3)NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Trenton, NJ
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The New Jersey Middle School Risk and Protective Factors Survey (NJRPFS) is a statewide student health survey designed to systematically collect information from middle school students about their school climate and safety; community; drug, alcohol, and tobacco perceptions and use; and other factors showing strong correlations to risky behaviors. Findings from this study are used to create tailored prevention programs for New Jersey’s youth and complete the Federal application for block grant funding; results become part of the NJ State Epidemiological Profile that is used for interdisciplinary and inter-governmental planning and for disbursement of funds within the State. About 110 public schools were randomly selected to participate during the 2019-2020 academic year. School-based health surveys face several challenges with school recruitment due to a wide range of barriers at the district, school, and parent levels, including similar survey efforts, concerns regarding class interruption, timing, and work necessary for administrations. To better coordinate efforts across the state and tailor communication strategies, the Center for Research and Evaluation on Education and Human Services engaged in targeted and semi-structured one-on-one phone interviews with over 70 key stakeholders, including state agencies, regional substance abuse prevention coalitions, student assistance counselors, community leaders, parent advocate groups, parent-teacher organizations, and school leadership. Stakeholders were geographically diverse and represented a range of special interest areas. Results from these interviews provided insight into the relationship structure between local schools and school administration and/or parents; county and local community challenges, including issues with privacy and confidentiality of reportable data; and other best practices for engaging schools and parents. Recommendations from these interviews also helped to add relevant indices on gambling and depression as well as questions on e-cigarettes and vaping, and sources for obtaining or purchasing substances. School recruitment success in this study was largely a function of stakeholder partnerships. External stakeholders have a critical role to play in the different facets of a statewide health survey, including recruitment and administration, as well as delivering and communicating results.
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs Public health or related research