Building the foundation of health‐related knowledge via near‐peer education for children with sickle cell disease. Issue 4 (27th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hardy, Elaissa L. Trybus; Williams, Brenda; Harden, Christopher; Oshinowo, Oluwamayokun; Copeland, Renee; Carden, Marcus A.; Gee, Beatrice E.; Lam, Wilbur A.
• Is Part Of: Pediatric blood & cancer. Volume 69:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-01-27
• Subjects: disease‐specific knowledge -- education -- health literacy -- pediatrics -- sickle cell disease; Tumors in children -- Periodicals; Blood -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Cancer in children -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29566
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1545-5009

Abstract

Abstract: Health education for children with chronic illnesses (i.e., sickle cell disease [SCD]) has focused on educating adult caregivers with minimal consideration to educating the pediatric patients. We introduce a pediatric‐focused educational paradigm, health‐related knowledge (HRK), teaching pediatric patients developmentally appropriate general health literacy, and disease‐specific knowledge. Using science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education concepts, pediatric‐specific HRK interactive activities address educational gaps: (a) general STEM education; and (b) general health and disease‐specific knowledge to improve clinical outcomes. Total 144 pediatric SCD patients completed HRK activities, revealing overwhelmingly positive feedback (87%). Seventy‐five percent of participants in 6th grade and above demonstrated thorough understanding of the STEM/HRK topics taught.