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Learning Objective:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to
describe viral hepatitis prevention initiatives in the adolescent population.
Background:
Viral hepatitis continues to be a public health concern. Adolescence is a turbulent time of experimentation, development of self and a sense of immortality. There is limited understanding about consequences for behaviors and resultant health sequelae. Primary prevention efforts targeted at youths can delay or stop the transmission of viral hepatitis infections. Prevention efforts include viral hepatitis A, B, C education and hepatitis B vaccination. Since the fall of 2000, Connecticut requires documentation of receipt of the hepatitis B vaccine for seventh grade entry with completion by 8th grade entry. Therefore, there was an unvaccinated cohort in the 11th and 12th grade students.
Setting:
Connecticut public and private high schools. Expanded to include: juvenile detention centers; correctional facilities; middle, vocational, alternative and secondary educational schools.
Population e.g. API Youth, MSM, IDU:
Adolescents, particularly hepatitis B unvaccinated cohorts.
Project Description:
Surveyed school nurses and conducted focus groups with adolescents to develop, implement and evaluate two viral hepatitis primary prevention models: “Vaccinate Before You Graduate” Campaign (VBYGC), and a variety of educational venues. Educational venues included posters, brochures, interactive educational theater (Stop HEP Mobile Theater) and provider education programs. In addition, existing resources were provided or referenced. Participated in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) advisory group to include questions concerning viral hepatitis risk factors. Collaboration with Department of Education, School Based Health Centers, Community Health Centers, local public health departments, and community based organizations.
Results/Lessons Learned:
Results, evaluations, gaps, areas needing improvement and lessons learned will be summarized and presented. For example, there was a 7% increase in the completion of the hepatitis B vaccination series in target population for the first year of VBYG campaign. Educational materials will be shared.
See more of A1 - High Risk Adolescent Hepatitis Prevention
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference