Nurse-Led Model of Care That Helps a Community Heal: Curbside Immunizations With Assistance in Social Determinants.

The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed communities. Physical, emotional, and financial struggles have heightened, especially with our vulnerable populations. People have been afraid to return to their provider's office. For children, there has been an interruption of well-visits and immunizations. As the nation saw a decline in immunization uptake, a pilot nurse-led program was designed to increase vaccinations and address the social determinant needs during a global pandemic. The purpose of this article is to describe the planning and implementation of a curbside immunization event. The Logic model was used as a framework to ensure an efficient and replicable process. Initial observations showed an overall increase in immunization uptake and 97% of participants current with recommended vaccinations. Most parents (93%) would attend again and recommend it to others. They also felt that infection control precautions helped make the care delivered safe and efficient. Social determinants of health were assessed and addressed. This method of vaccine delivery is a viable model going into the future. Others may replicate this model, and it may also serve as a platform regarding flu or COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

Yoga to Enhance Self Efficacy: An Intervention for At-risk Youth.

OBJECTIVE: Yoga has demonstrated effectiveness in improving self-management in a variety of disease states however little is known about the impact of yoga as a health promotion intervention for adolescent females in an urban school based environment. This pilot study was conducted to determine if yoga could improve the self-efficacy and body core tone in at-risk adolescent female participants. METHOD: A quasi-experimental design was employed, with data collection at baseline, end of program, and 1month post-program. Fifteen participants ages 11-14 were recruited. Yoga was practiced twice weekly for eight weeks. Self-efficacy was measured using a standardized tool, the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C). Improvements in flexibility and core body tone were also examined. The researchers collected data on adverse childhood events using the Adverse Childhood Event (ACEs) scale. RESULTS: Fifteen participants were successfully recruited and 14 (87%) were retained through the duration of the project. Based on the small sample size, non-parametric tests were used (Freidman's test). Although there were no significant improvements in total SEQ-C, there were significant improvements in SEQ-C social subscale (p=0.028). Significant improvements were also identified in waist circumference (p=0.001) and in flexibility (p=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Participant attendance/dose did not correlate to any of the outcomes, however with the physical and emotional improvements noted, it is assumed that any level of attendance was beneficial. Improvements in the social subscale of the SEQ-C could be the result of belonging to a group and strengthening healthy relationships.

Using the Program Logic Model to Evaluate ¡Cuídate!: A Sexual Health Program for Latino Adolescents in a School-Based Health Center.

BACKGROUND: Addressing the disparities in pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates for Latino youth in the United States requires an evidence-based approach. Although randomized controlled trials for sexual risk reduction interventions have shown promise in improving short-term outcomes, program sustainability has not been extensively examined in school settings where teens spend time. Latina teen pregnancy rates are nearly twice the national average. Adolescents comprise only 17% of the U.S. population, yet they account for 50% of STIs. ¡Cuídate! is a high-impact sexual health group program endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that has not been replicated in a real-world setting. AIMS: The program logic model (PLM) was used as the systematic approach to plan, implement, and evaluate a sustainable model of sexual health group programing (¡Cuídate!) in a U.S. high school with a large Latino student population. METHODS: The PLM provided the framework for the evaluation of outputs, outcome, and impact. A multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance was used as the means to evaluate the participant outcomes immediately postprogram and at 8-12 weeks. RESULTS: ¡Cuídate! was executed within an existing school structure and time constraints, below cost projections, and with high participant retention (95.8%). Three cohorts (N = 24) of female teens demonstrated significant increases in STI or HIV knowledge, self-efficacy, and intention to use condoms (p < .01). Condom use increased postprogram. No participants initiated sexual behavior, nor were there any reported pregnancies or STIs. CONCLUSIONS: An evidence-based intervention previously tested in randomized controlled trials can be sustained in a school-based health center with similar results of efficacy. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Our success served as a platform for a sustainable program. We continue to extend the impact of the program by delivering ¡Cuídate! in the school setting using a community health worker.

Health Behaviors Survey: An Examination of Undergraduate Students' Substance Use.

OBJECTIVE: This study determined the prevalence of alcohol, drug, and nonmedical prescription drugs at a small private university. In addition, risk and protective factors are examined. METHOD: The Core Institute (Southern Illinois University) was contracted to administer an anonymous, Web-based 49-item survey to matriculated undergraduate students, aged 18-23 years. Data were obtained on student behaviors, perceptions, consequences of substance use, risk factors, and coping strategies. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures, cross-tabs, t test, and chi-square. RESULTS: The response rate was 14%, which is consistent with other CORE Institute surveys. Almost half of the total respondents were from the college of nursing (46%), and most participants were female (82%). There was a significant association between heavy drinking and grades; the B students engaged in more binge drinking. Living on campus and being involved in Greek life confer a higher level of risk for sexual assault when alcohol was consumed. Most participants (57%) were unaware of campus resources for assistance with alcohol or drug problems. CONCLUSION: Campus administrators now have a better awareness related to the extent of drug and alcohol use among the student body. A faculty engagement workshop was developed to provide tools to assess and communicate with students. Improvements are anticipated to enhance student relationships and decrease incidents of drug- and alcohol-related sexual assault or misconduct.