When you first learn about the Community Health Education Project in the LSI curriculum you couldn’t help but groan. On top of all your studying you had to complete a group project that required a year long commitment and planning. However, finding a way to implement new healthy strategies in the community around you was something worth the time and effort. Fortunately, I was able to find an amazing group of people who shared a common goal of having a good time working together, making real change in the community, and growing our skills on team work as communication.
We had decided to partner with a group called Sisters without Borders. Their program was designed to serve members of the Ghanaian community. We decided, after a review of the literature, that we wanted to focus on individuals that meet criteria for having or being at risk of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome had been recognized as one of the leading predisposing factors for various chronic health conditions that contribute to morbidity and mortality among people of African descent. Furthermore, members of the Ghanaian community in Columbus were particularly at risk due to the reported low health literacy. Our primary question was how much the Ghanian community of Columbus knew about metabolic syndrome and what percentage of participants showed signs of metabolic syndrome.
Artifact 1: Facts and figures from literature review
Artifact 2: Logic Model
We decided to do three separate events aimed at conducting health screenings and improving the education regarding metabolic syndrome in the Ghanaian community in Columbus. The first event was the “Kick-off event” which was the annual Summer picnic/ Health fair hosted in part by Sisters Across Borders’. During this time our CHE group also conducted diabetes screening as certified screeners through Central Ohio Diabetes Association (CODA). We also be measured blood pressure and other vitals. Interestingly, there was an Afrobeat exercise session led by an Ohio State medical student. It was so much fun having the community dancing along. During the kick-off event, we distributed flyers for our next event in which our cooking event will occur and food giveaways were provided.
Artifact 3: Kick-off Event
Our second event was planned as collaboration with a Ghanaian organization and food pantry. However, at the last minute the partnership fell through and we were unable to do the distribution of groceries. We also had one more set back during this time 2 of our 6 members had to drop out of the group. This required a substantial amount of communication and organization as the planning and execution required a lot of work. Fortunately, everyone was able to regroup and finish out our goals. Our third and final event was a two-hour event held at a community center. In addition to conducting screenings such as vision exam, diabetes screening, and blood pressure checks, we also had a cooking demonstration (food samples of healthier alternatives to African foods – Jollof quinoa, a sweet potato lentil soup, and baked plantains) on how to make nutritious and healthy meals that may decrease the risk of having metabolic syndrome. There was also a session where we presented key information on what metabolic syndrome is, risk factors, and how to prevent it. The audience was very engaged and asked a myriad of questions after the presentation. Overall, we received a positive reception to the event.
In conclusion, partnership with Sisters Without Borders allowed us to work with a population at high risk for metabolic syndrome, educate on the disease, conduct preventative screenings, and provide tangible lifestyle changes that can be incorporated into their daily lives. By conducting two events in venues most frequented by this population, we were able to get a good turnout and high participation. The Sisters Without Borders team guided us every step of the way, provided feedback and thoughts, and ensured that this was a true partnership with open communication. The culmination of this project resulted in a group poster presentation in which we reported our findings. As a resident and future attending I hope to continue to be an apart of the community in regards to health education and increasing health literacy. These communities commonly are underserved and are in need with someone with connections or a specific interest in helping improve health outcomes.
Artifact 4: Poster and Presentation
