Jerrold S. Greenberg

Service-Learning in Health Education

Abstract This article describes service-learning as an experiential educational methodology by which people learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences. Service-learning is separate and distinct from either community service, volunteerism, field work, or internships. Community service and volunteerism are primarily focused on the service provided and the benefits to the recipients of that service. Internships and field work are primarily focused on the learning acquired by the student. Service-learning, however, has an equally weighted focus between the benefits of the service to the recipient and the benefits of learning for the student. The benefits of service-learning are outlined and examples of service-learning projects are presented in this article. Last, the authors use of service learning in health education courses is described and the reader is encouraged to incorporate service-learning in his or her courses and curriculum.

A community-campus partnership for health: the Seat Pleasant-University of Maryland health partnership.

A partnership formed between the University of Maryland and the city of Seat Pleasant, Maryland, designed to enhance the health of the citys residents and the education of the universitys students—graduate and undergraduate—in the Department of Public and Community Health is described. The health partnership is based on service-learning theory, and a presentation of research findings related to service learning is offered. The history of the health partnership, its developmental stages, its operational procedures, and its evaluation are discussed. In addition, projects resulting from health partnership activities and projects and goals projected for the future are presented. Throughout the article, lessons learned are discussed, and the discussion and conclusions detail the benefits to inform other programs interested in forming a community-campus partnership for health.

A Door-to-Door Needs Assessment to Guide a Community-Campus Health Partnership and Contribute to Community Empowerment

Abstract A community-campus health partnership was formed in 1999. To determine health partnership priorities, it was collaboratively decided that an assessment of the communitys health needs and interests was necessary. This article describes a community-based participatory research project: namely, a door-to-door survey to assess community health needs and interests. The survey was developed and approved by the health partnerships board of directors, consisting of a majority of community residents, and university personnel. The survey was based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, allowing comparison between community residents (97 percent of who were African American) and a national sample of African Americans. Resident interviewers were trained to administer the survey. Data were collected from 301 residents (195 adults and 106 children) from 124 households. A test of binomial proportions was used to compare the study population with a national sample of African Americans. Similarities and differences from that national sample were observed. The data will be used to prioritize health promotion programming, to validate health needs in funding proposals, and to track community health over time. The studys protocol is offered as a community-based participatory research model for communities seeking to acquire health data specific to their jurisdictions.

The receptivity to and the feasibility of patient education for patients of private practice, primary care physicians.

This article describes a study of the receptivity to and the feasibility of a patient education service for patients of private practice, primary care physicians. A stratified (by medical specialty), random sample of 400 private practice, primary care physicians in the State of Maryland was selected from the State medical society roster. In addition, a random sample of 800 health care consumers was selected from a listing of residents in a five county area of Maryland. Questionnaires were developed, pilot tested, revised, and eventually mailed to the physician and consumer samples. Completed questionnaires were obtained from 140 physicians and from 314 consumers. Results indicated that both physicians and consumers were receptive to patient education in the private practice medical setting. Based upon the findings, recommendations are offered regarding the manner in which patient education in a private practice medical setting should be organized.

The Alternative Intersession Break: Health Education Off-Campus

Abstract A means of offering a unique health education course during the time when many universities and colleges are out of session (between academic semesters)—an alternative break—is presented. A winter term course titled Service-Learning in Health Education, taught between the fall and spring semesters, involving transporting students to an out-of-town location, and organizing health and wellness seminars for elders is described. The 12-day course was based on a service-learning model and resulted in evidence of a degree of learning, motivation, and student involvement seldom experienced in full-semester courses. Student reflections on the course are presented that demonstrate learning about health education methodology, about elders, and about themselves. Students reported a greater interest in participating in community service when they returned to campus, and of getting to know their elderly relatives better. Information is presented to provide guidance for other health educators who might wish to...

Social Obligation: The AAHE Convention Cities Initiative

Abstract The Association for the Advancement of Health Education (AAHE) has begun a project offering health education services to people in the cities in which it holds its yearly convention. Entitled the Convention Cities Initiative, this project has provided consultation for local health departments and school districts, speakers for conferences, and has collected money for shelters for the homeless. This article describes the history of the project, recent services provided, and benefits of the Convention Cities Initiative for AAHE, its members, and citizens of the convention cities. Plans for future conventions are discussed.

A Study of the Psychosocial Profile of the Health Promoting Adult.

Abstract This article describes a study designed to develop a profile of the health promoting adult. A sample of 1,200 adults was selected from different community groups, universities, and hospitals in the Maryland suburban area. Using a self-test designed to measure health promoting lifestyles, a self concept scale, a health locus of control scale, a health values scale, a self actualization scale, a definition of health instrument, a lifestyle instrument, and demographic variables, data were collected on a study population of 830 subjects. Results indicated that psychosocial variables most strongly associated with health promoting behavior were total self concept, physical self, moral-ethical self, self satisfaction, behavior, and chance health locus of control. Demographic variables most strongly associated were age and education. Based on analysis of the definitions of health, health promoters frequently behave in ways to maintain and/or improve their health. Results support the need to develop a psy...

Resolving Ethical Issues When Conducting Sexuality Education

ABSTRACT Ethical issues about conducting sexuality education often arise. This paper describes one system of ethics and how the sexuality educator can use that system to determine whether an action is moral or immoral and, therefore, the appropriate action to take for that sexuality educator to be consistent with his or her values. Ethical principles are presented along with examples of potential ethical dilemmas. Examples of common ethical issues related to the conducting of sexuality education are given. Two examples are used to show how ethical dilemmas can be resolved using this system of ethics.

Ethics and Policy Governing Faculty and Students

Abstract College faculty and student relationships often suffer due to an absence of explicit, written policy regarding authorship of collaborative research findings and advisor responsibilities. This article suggests that each department develop and disseminate such policy to provide guidance for both faculty and students. Students will not feel used and faculty will not feel confused when a clear statement of the ethics of their relationship is available. Lastly, this article presents one universitys policy that is now operative and effective.