Abstract: SA-PO199
Targeted Primary Prevention Pilot for High School Students Living in High-Risk Areas for ESRD
Session Information
- Educational Research
October 27, 2018 | Location: Exhibit Hall, San Diego Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Educational Research
- 800 Educational Research
Authors
- Wright Nunes, Julie A., University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Rao, Panduranga S., University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Ransier, Ben, University of Michigan, Project Healthy Schools, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- DuRussel-Weston, Jean, University of Michigan, Project Healthy Schools, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Newman, Brad, University of Michigan, Project Healthy Schools, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Eagle, Kim, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Background
Development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk factors depends heavily on behaviors learned early in life. There is a paucity of research examining ways to improve youth health behavior and education to prevent later development of CKD.
Methods
A Health and Wellness community-based program partnered with clinicians and educators at one academic medical center to develop a kidney education module. This module was delivered by two kidney doctors to 11th grade students at an urban high school in Detroit, Michigan. The 1.5 hour kidney education module included didactic and hands-on exercises that were literacy-sensitive and introduced students to kidney anatomy, physiology, and function as well as risk factors for CKD and health behaviors needed to prevent it. Pilot aims were to; 1. Examine feasibility of delivering the kidney education module to high-school science classes, and 2. Determine student perceptions about the usefulness of the kidney education module.
Results
Thirty-seven students and one science teacher received the kidney education module in March 2016. Thirty-six students filled out voluntary surveys consisting of six questions asking about their perceptions of the kidney education module. All students (n=36, 100%) were of African American race and in the 11th grade. One-hundred percent (n=36) said the kidney education was personally helpful and that they learned "a good amount / a lot". Forty-four percent (16 students) reported knowing someone afflicted by kidney disease. The majority said the kidney education module would be helpful for future students (n=34, 94%), and that they would share what they learned with family (n=24, 67%) and friends (n=22, 61%). The program was repeated in Spring of 2017, and is now incorporated into the standard curriculum -- taught annually by the high school science teacher.
Conclusion
This pilot offers a promising model for educating and empowering youth to learn about chronic kidney disease and its prevention. Feasibility was supported in rapid uptake and adoption at the school. Student perceptions were overwhelmingly positive. There may be secondary gains when students share what they learned with family / friends. Next steps include adapting the program for other schools and examining its impact on behaviors, knowledge and clinical indices over time.
Funding
- NIDDK Support