ABSTRACT
Background: Data is sparse regarding the utility of social media in engaging southern, rural communities in health awareness education and research. Community Advisory Board (CAB) members of the Mississippi (MS) Core of the Risk Underling Rural Areas Longitudinal (RURAL) Study suggested the use of a Facebook social media platform to promote the RURAL Study while providing live health education presentations that they could review and refer to others. Objective(s): Identify social media strategies using existing Facebook metrics to engage the populations of two rural counties in research on Heart, Lung, Blood and Sleep disorders. Method(s): The Principal Investigator of RURAL Study's MS Core collaborated with the University's Social Media Coordinator to implement a Facebook page for the Study. The team implemented six health awareness education programs focused on monthly health observances that best fit with HLBS disorders and COVID-19 concerns noted by the CABs. Facebook metrics including Reach (Organic and Paid Ads), Views, Likes, Comments and Shares were collected continuously. Finding(s): There were six Health Awareness events between February and June 2021 (Table 1). Paid Ads resulted in a greater reach among those in targeted rural communities. The number of views positively correlated with the number reached. The highest number of views were for short talks on Men's Health (June events) compared to hour-long panel discussions (Feb, May and Aug events). The numbers of Likes, Comments and Shares were similar among the different approaches. Clicks were greater among Paid Ads compared to Organic Ads. Between February and August the number of followers increased from 39 to 300 with the largest increase in July after the Men Health talks. Conclusion(s): Using social media may be an effective tool for reaching communities with health awareness and health education. Our findings support that Paid Ads (Boosts) focusing on targeted audiences are more effective than Organic Ads. Short talks are more effective than hour long programs.
ABSTRACT
Rationale: To reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), including school closures, hand hygiene, mask mandates, and social distancing, were enforced in Arkansas from 3/2020-2/2021. We hypothesized that the presence of NPIs would correlate with a decrease in asthma exacerbations and viral infections. Methods: Demographic information was collected on subjects with asthma exacerbations or viral infections from 3/2018-5/2022, including age, race, ethnicity, and sex. To evaluate the effects of NPIs, three periods were considered: pre- (03/2018-02/2020), during (03/2020-02/2021), and post- (03/2021-05/2022) NPIs. ANOVA analysis and generalized linear models were performed to determine statistical significance. The stringency of NPIs was evaluated using publicly available data (Oxford Covid-19 Government Response Tracker), which allows for direct comparison of Arkansas NPI status to exacerbation data during the same time periods. Results: 5055 asthma exacerbations (3322 unique subjects) occurred between 3/2018-5/2022. Asthma exacerbations decreased from 3/2020-3/2021 and returned to pre-pandemic numbers by summer 2021 (p<0.0001). Similar downward trends occurred for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with out-of-season return in summer 2021 (p<0.0001). Rhinovirus was present throughout NPIs. The mean age of exacerbations decreased by 0.9 years when comparing the during NPIs and after NPIs periods (p = 0.0002). An increase in the proportion of exacerbations was noted for non-black and other/unknown ethnicity subjects during and after NPIs. Conclusions: Fewer asthma exacerbations occurred during the most significant NPI employment period (03/2020-02/2021), and an increase in exacerbations was seen as mitigation strategies were relaxed, which correlated with timing of increasing RSV infections.
ABSTRACT
Rationale: Identification and control of environmental triggers is one of the cornerstones of asthma management. Access to homes, underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic, frequently limits mitigation efforts. We sought to determine the feasibility of telemedicine for identification of home asthma triggers. Methods: Patients age 5-18 years with persistent asthma, recent exacerbation, home Internet access, and stable residency were eligible. Families were randomized to standard of care (SOC) or telemedicine (TELE);virtual assessments were performed at 2, 4, and 6 months. Data included demographics and standardized assessment of the home environment. Results: Eighteen participants were enrolled (9 TELE, 9 SOC). There were no significant differences in baseline demographics between groups. Sensitization to pollens and dust mites was most common in both groups. Housing conditions were similar. In both groups, 89% lived in detached homes with forced air (standard filter) being the most common heating source (33%). Visible signs of pests/mold were seen in <12%. 89% use scented air fresheners/candles/potpourri. The SOC group had more pets (67% versus 33%) and smoking in the home (22% versus 11%). There was less evidence of mold in the TELE group (0 versus 22%). All SOC participants use bleach/ammonia cleaning products (78% in TELE). Thirteen participants (72%) completed at least one virtual home visit. No significant barriers were identified to telemedicine encounters. All participants reported “completely” or “very” satisfied with telemedicine visits. Conclusions: Virtual home assessments for identification of asthma triggers is a feasible alternative to in-person home visits, and it is well accepted by patients.
ABSTRACT
Introduction and Objectives On March 1st 2020 the World Health Organisation dashboard had recorded 1 897 cases of COVID-19, rising to 75 008 by April 1st 2020. In this time, there were rapidly emerging changes in clinical knowledge and management, challenging the work of hospital teams caring for these patients. This project specifically aimed to rapidly bring together cross-speciality medical trainees in teams to develop a distanced weekly education update to help manage this 'infodemic', including real-time audit and quality improvement projects, local case reports, and a virtual journal club. Method Initial opportunities were created for trainees to join projects including: Rapid follow up of local admissions examining demographics and clinical outcomes;anti-microbial audit;bi-weekly oxygen usage audit, and thrombosis prophylaxis. These were carried out in a quality improvement style with education and re-evaluation. Cases and journal articles were selected for educational interest. A weekly update was sent online to those working within the COVID-19 inpatient departments. There was input from over 35 individuals. Results The overall data collection ran for 7 weeks, from March 13th to May 1st, rapidly assessing 874 patient presentations and tracking the progress of 329 COVID-19 positive patients. 42 patients were admitted to level 2 care, with positive outcomes similar to national data associating with shorter lengths of stay, female gender, younger age, and lower peak CRP. An antimicrobial audit on 2 occasions found 100% adherence to local guidance. Prevalence of antimicrobial use did not differ from a concurrent audit in non covid wards (31%). Oxygen usage work showed the majority of our patients had stepwise improvement in adherence to saturation targets by week 5, in keeping with NHS England guideline of 92-96%. The thrombosis prophylaxis project found an improvement in adherence from 88% to 100% as evidence emerged of a possible increased risk of pulmonary vascular complications. A total of 5 cases of complex COVID-19 were presented during this period. Outcomes This cross-department education process allowed for multiple trainee-led projects and presentations to guide local education, and ensured that our clinical practices were reviewed and in line with evolving national guidance during a pandemic.