Melita

Name of the activity: Melita

Country/NMO: Slovenia (SloMSIC)

Program: Healthy Lifestyles & Non-Communicable Diseases

Contact information: [email protected]

Type of the activity: Education. Education on health issues for specific societal groups, either in the form of projects (set of tasks for a certain group over a fixed period of time), events (something notable that happens) or conferences (form meeting about ideas related to a particular topic, usually over several days).

General description:

Project Melita is based on the knowledge and eagerness of medical students to enlighten the target population about the consequences of unhealthy lifestyle and by this spreads awareness of the increasing threat of diabetes which is estimated to increase to more than 620 million by 2045, making it a grave public health issue. We combine the knowledge of the medical profession with the effort of young students to help the public by educating, teaching and cooperating with many associations, companies, hospitals and various individuals. All of the above is acchieved by voluntary work from selfless students who strive for a better world.

Focus area:

Diabetes

Problem statement:

Project Melita is based on the knowledge and eagerness of medical students to enlighten the target population about the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle and by this spread awareness of the increasing threat of diabetes which is estimated to increase to more than 620 million by 2045, making it a grave public health issue.

Braunwald, K. Harrison’s principals of internal medicine, 16th edition. New York, 2005.

Target groups:

General population, Medical students, Healthcare Students, Doctors, Other health professionals, Children, Youth, Women, Elderly people

Beneficiaries:

General population, Medical students, Healthcare Students, Doctors, Children, Youth, Women, Elderly people

Objectives and indicators of success:

-Successfully perform 6 workshops for the elderly at the HQ of the Diabetic association of Maribor about specific topics. (Consulting the association manager, direct feedback from participants)

-Perform 35 seminars on the topic of diabetes, with the option of helping primary & high school students prepare for the national competiton on the knowledge of diabetes. (Statistical analysis of the surveys)

-Project promotion on international Diabetes day (11/14) & other dates in public places around Maribor with the goal of spreading knowledge about diabetes. We will put together a stall with promotion material, interactive quizes, where atleast one of our members will always be present, ready to answer questions. We will also measure blood glucose levels & other parameters in willing individuals and organise sporting events, to help promote a healthy lifestyle.(Consulting the manager, verbal feedback, number of participants)

-Cooperation with chosen health centers & hospitals & their staff.(Direct feedback from Diabetes department manager)

-Cooperation with Slovenian Diabetes Association .(Number of activites performed, verbal feedback, assessment at the end of cooperation term)

Methodology:

With the help of our many members(over one hundred) we give seminars to a variety of different target groups. We give seminars on the basics of human body function, healthy lifestyle and diabetes to primary and high school students. We hold lectures and talks with parents of diabetic children and the elderly who suffer from diabetes, who want to know more about the disease. We are working with the diabetic association of Maribor to give out a six part workshop on the physiological background and consequnces of diabetes for diabetic patients. We promote a healthy lifestyle with measuring of blood glucose levels and other parameters troughout the city and by organising sporting events. We are active in pursuing the issue with research work, where we are collaborating with the departments of physiology and pharmacology at our faculty. Our members also promote the issue on social media and other networks.

Plans for evaluation:

Statistical analysis of acquired surveys, which is sent to the respective lecturer for self evaluation. Direct, verbal feedback from all of the partipicants. Taking action with the 20% of the lowest evaluated lecturers by giving them tips and talks on how to better their craft and abilities. Discussion and problem solving about the feedback with the organisational team of all projects we take on during the year. Issuing a survey, twice a year to all our members on their thoughts, complaints and criticism on our project. Listening and implementing their tips and ideas.