1. BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
TO INCREASING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH LITERACY
Starleen Maharaj-Lewis, BA, Stacey Denham, MSW, MPH, AE-C, Maureen Lichtveld, MD, MPH
Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
There is a link between anxiety and intimidation surrounding computer usage and
navigation among the senior population.1-3 According to the 2012 Census, there
are approximately 13,000 senior residents living in southeast Louisiana without
access to computers or on-line navigation. Studies show that increased awareness
of computer skills and an online presence may improve self-efficacy in using
computers, technology, and the internet.1,4 In response to the perceived need to
develop computing skills, a tailored curriculum was created to increase computer
literacy in the context of developing disaster preparedness plans. Indications of a
tailored curriculum consisting of hybrid learning methods is a key driver
proliferating familiarity and confidence with increased computing skills, significantly
related to better student achievement.1-5
A basic “Introduction to Computers” curriculum for seniors was created. The
curriculum focused on developing a baseline of computer knowledge, while
increasing environmental health literacy by focusing content on disaster
preparedness. Comprehensive four-hour classes covered hardware, software, and
virtual components in a participatory approach to elicit a more interactive response
from participants. Participants were recruited from three communities in Louisiana-
a rural bayou community in Houma, an urban community in Algiers, and an urban
community in central New Orleans over a three month period from October-
December 2015. Inclusion criteria consisted of individuals aged 55 and older with
little to no previous knowledge of computer skills or access to a computer.
Homework assignments, self-reported evaluations, pre- and post- tests were
administered to gauge and measure perceptions of increased computer abilities
and skills. The post-test and class evaluation were accomplished after the
completion of course instruction to measure and rate increased skill levels based
upon course objectives, instructional time and content (Rate of Knowledge Gained
and Overall Self Evaluation tables).
To increase computer and environmental health literacy amongst senior citizens
living in vulnerable communities along the Louisiana Gulf Coast through application
of a basic computing class with emphasis on disaster preparedness.
BACKGROUND
PURPOSE
METHODS
CONCLUSION
Persons residing in disaster-prone communities must have basic computing skills in
order to have an awareness of specific exposures and their potential health effects.
Based on participant feedback, significant recurring themes revealed that
terminology is important in curriculum design, presentation style is important in an
age group where physical disabilities are present, and hands on interactive
interventions enhance cognitive capability. This presentation fully covers a
curriculum design conceptualizing hardware, software, and virtual components of
basic computing skills with a focus on disaster planning. Pre- and post- test
evaluations reveal increased user abilities, online presence, and lessons learned.
Responses from the Overall Self Evaluation indicate the course successfully
addressed personal and environmental barriers that affected increased user ability
and online presence. The experiential learning style allowed for a more participatory
classroom environment, providing older adults more benefit through computing
usage and navigation.1-5
A total of 42 registrants participated in a series of classes held at three different
regional locations- library, wellness center, and a senior living center. The curriculum
incorporated experiential learning, plain language, and discussion for each
component. In response to a perceived necessity with the development of
emergency plans amongst vulnerable populations in the Gulf South region, a tailored
curriculum was developed. Environmental Health Literacy was introduced through
the development of personalized disaster preparedness plans. Data obtained from
the pre- and post- test responses are indicative that a basic computing class for
seniors significantly relate to better student achievement, suggesting attributes of
increased confidence with contemporary computing skills and environmental health
literacy while developing emergency response plans for residents in vulnerable
areas. On the Rate of Knowledge Gained graph, responses measured a 65%
improved knowledge in hardware, software, and virtual components. On the self
administered course self evaluation, 74% of participants indicated they gained
comprehension of basic computing skills.
DISCUSSION/RESULTS
REFERENCES
1. Goodwin CL. Use of the computer and the internet by well older adults. Activities, adaptation & aging.
2013;37(1):63-78.
2. Cotten SR, Anderson WA, McCullough BM. Impact of internet use on loneliness and contact with others among
older adults: Cross-sectional analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2013;15(2):15-15.
3. Shapiraa N, Baraka A, Gala I. Promoting older adults’ well-being through internet training and use. Aging &
Mental Health. 2007;Volume 11(5):477-484.
4. Cresci MK JP. Bridging the digital divide for urban seniors: Community partnership.. Geriatric Nursing.
2010;31(6):455-463.
5. H. White, E. McConnell, E. Clipp, L. G. Brancha, R. Sloane, C. Pieper & T. L. Box. A randomized controlled trial
of the psychosocial impact of providing internet training and access to older adults. Aging & Mental Health.
2002;6(3):213-221.
Rate of Knowledge gained
Answers
1.Im
proved
knowledge
identifying
hardw
are
and
software
pre
to
posttest
2.Im
proved
knowledge
conducting
internet
navigation
pre
to
posttest
3.Particiapnts
who
will
store
info
online
on
post
test
Yes 27 27 18
No 6 6 9
Incomplete 9 9 15
Total 42 42 42
27 27
18
6 6
99 9
15
Q.1 Q.2 Q.3
Rate of Knowledge gained
Yes No Incomplete Survey