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Student-led pop-up health check clinics: innovative health prevention strategy for a low socioeconomic community.
- Source :
- Australian Journal of Primary Health; 2023, Vol. 29 Issue 6, p606-612, 7p
- Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Background: To improve preventative health screening in regional Victoria, Australia, a collaborative student-led health prevention strategy was initiated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of four health check clinics using a free 'pop-up' format within community settings. Methods: A mixed methods, explanatory sequential design was used to explore community health data and participant experiences in utilising the free health check clinics. The clinics were delivered over 6 months and located in three different communities within the regional government area. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse participant health data and a thematic analysis was utilised to determine themes from participant feedback and health outcomes. Results: The clinics were attended by 188 community members, largely impacted by government lockdowns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Health check results indicate the population is overweight and at high risk of diabetes. Participants enjoyed the free and convenient nature of the health check program and the location of the venues. Feedback from participants indicate the health education provided was useful and advocated for changes in current behaviours. Many embraced the new information and community connections and made changes to improve their future health. Others claimed to enjoy the clinic experience but reported no action from the recommendations. Conclusions: Evaluation of the health check clinics indicate they had a minor, yet positive impact on the local community in increasing engagement with preventative screening strategies. COVID-19 restrictions impacted participant numbers and thus more research is needed in a time where community movement is not limited. Access to preventative health care and screening is often challenging in regional areas. Free student-led pop-up health check clinics provide improved access and convenience, offering health education and early intervention strategies that aim to reduce future chronic health within the local population. This study demonstrates how community collaboration is able to provide screening services, support healthy behaviour change and strengthen the development of future health practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- DIABETES risk factors
COLLEGE students
BLOOD pressure
HEALTH education
EVALUATION of medical care
OBESITY
STRATEGIC planning
NURSE administrators
HEALTH services accessibility
EVALUATION of human services programs
CLINICAL trials
RESEARCH methodology
INDEPENDENT variables
MEDICAL screening
COMMUNITY health services
MEDICAL care
OUTPATIENT medical care management
INTERVIEWING
BLOOD sugar
SOCIOECONOMIC status
PREVENTIVE health services
HUMAN services programs
SOCIAL classes
DESCRIPTIVE statistics
RESEARCH funding
NURSING students
DATA analysis software
BODY mass index
THEMATIC analysis
DIFFUSION of innovations
HEALTH promotion
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14487527
- Volume :
- 29
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Australian Journal of Primary Health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 174162682
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1071/PY23034