The impact of student pharmacists at health fair events

Am J Pharm Educ. 2012 Oct 12;76(8):149. doi: 10.5688/ajpe768149.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate student pharmacists' impact on health fair participant knowledge of selected disease states and to evaluate the intent of health fair participants with abnormal screening results to seek follow-up care within 1 month of screening.

Methods: Health fair participants were assessed for changes in their knowledge of specific diseases before and after screenings. Participants' intent to seek health care was assessed through a survey instrument developed using Rosenstock's Health Belief Model.

Results: Increases in participant knowledge of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and body mass index were significant, and 78% of participants with abnormal results intended to contact a provider.

Conclusions: Student pharmacists' had a positive impact on health fair participants' disease knowledge and intent to follow up with a provider.

Keywords: communications; health beliefs; health fairs; student pharmacists.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Health Fairs / organization & administration*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Pharmacists / organization & administration*
  • Students, Pharmacy*