Prevention on Public Health

Name of the activity: Prevention on Public Health

Country/NMO: Greece (HelMSIC)

Program: Healthy Lifestyles & Non-Communicable Diseases

Contact information: [email protected] [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:

Prevention on Public Health | Diabetes & Cardiovascular Diseases is a project aiming to raise awareness regarding Public Health and especially Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases, as well as about prevention on NCDs, among medical students and the general public.

The project took place in all of 7 local committees of HelMSIC and it consists of two parts:

The 1st part is a seminar, delivered by specialists in the field and aiming to educate students about Diabetes and CV Diseases, as well as train them to run blood glucose and blood pressure diagnostic tests. The seminar is followed by a peer education training on communication skills and health behavioural change, delivered by HelMSIC trainers.

The 2nd part is a street action. During that, the participants raise awareness about prevention and healthy lifestyle among the general public, by distributing informative leaflets and running diagnostic tests, in addition with gymnastic events, distribution of healthy snacks taking place.

Focus area:

Prevention on NCDs and Health Promotion, main focus on Diabetes & Cardiovascular Diseases

Problem statement:

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Greece and worldwide, whereas Diabetes is one of the greatest public health issues. At least 68 percent of people age 65 or older with diabetes die from some form of heart disease; and 16% die of stroke. In addition, adults with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to die from heart disease than adults without diabetes. According to the International Diabetes Federation, 1 in 11 adults has diabetes.

Target groups:

General population, Medical students

Beneficiaries:

General population, Elderly people

Objectives and indicators of success:

The project’s Objectives for Medical Students are:

To educate them regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

To improve their communication skills through raising awareness among the general public during the street action.

To exercise practical skills such as measuring glucose and blood pressure

To understand the importance of physical activity and healthy diet in the prevention of NCDs

To understand the Public Health aspect of the topic and the benefits of a Public Health intervention.

The project’s objectives for the general public are:

To raise awareness regarding Diabetes & CVDs, as well as promote healthy lifestyle as the most important factor of NCDs prevention.

To recognize the impact the modern way of living has to their health

To underline the importance of getting regular check-ups

To site examples of healthy ways of cooking, engage in exercising activities

Methodology:

At the first part of the project (workshop) we used the following methods:

Two Interactive lectures about diabetes and cardiovascular diseases delivered by professors expert on the field (such as cardiologists or endocrinologists). The lectures were followed by practical skills teaching on blood pressure and blood glucose measurement tests.

A Peer Education Training on Communication Skills and Health Behavioral Change, delivered by HelMSIC’s trainers.

At the second part of the project (street action) we used the following methods:

Raising Awareness through distribution of informative leaflets about diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Performing diagnostic tests such as blood pressure and blood glucose measurement, by the participants of the first part of the project.

Gymnastic events and dance classes by gyms, dance schools and university’s clubs.

Distribution of healthy snacks such as fruit, salads, fresh juice and desserts for people with diabetes.

Plans for evaluation:

The project was evaluated through different anonymous google forms shared with:

The participants of the project

External Partners

Local organising committees

Trainers who delivered the Peer Education Trainings

Evaluation Results | Participants of the project

From 1 to 5

Evaluate the project as a whole: (1) 0% | (2) 2,2% | (3) 15,6% | (4) 53,3% | (5) 28,9%

For the 1st part (seminar):

Speakers and trainers: (1) 4,4% | (2) 8,8% | (3) 13,3% | (4) 24,4% | (5) 48,8%

Knowledge and information: (1) 2,2% | (2) 13,3% | (3) 13,3% | (4) 35,5% | (5) 35,5%

Training: (1) 0% | (2) 22,2% | (3) 8,8% | (4) 24,4% | (5) 44,4%

For the 2nd part (street action):

Overall impression: (1) 4,4% | (2) 2,2% | (3) 26,6% | (4) 31,1% | (5) 35,5%

Preparation: (1) 4,4% | (2) 8,8% | (3) 22,2% | (4) 37,7% | (5) 26,6%

Duration: (1) 4,4% | (2) 4,4% | (3) 24,4% | (4) 33,3% | (5) 33,3%

Would you recommend this project to a fellow student of yours? (Yes) 88,9% | (No) 11,1%