Good Oral Health Project
Research Method:Participatory Action Research
Principal Investigator: Jean J. Schensul, Ph.D.
Grant:National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (1 RC4 DE021324)
Dates of Study: 2010-2013
Project Summary: Significant oral health disparities exist among older low income and minority community dwelling adults. There is little research on these topics that would assist in improving oral health among vulnerable older adults. The project team is building a statewide geriatric oral health research strategic alliance to promote geriatric oral health projects, services and research, and will link the university, ICR and NCAAA to a network of older adult residences receiving public funding in Hartford and the surrounding areas including Meriden.
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V.I.P.: Vaccinate for Influenza Prevention
Research Method: Intervention Research
Principal Investigators: Jean J. Schensul, Ph.D.; George Kuchel, M.D., FRCP
Grant: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Partners: The Center on Aging at the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC) (Grantee); Hartford Housing Authority (HHA); VNA Health Care, Inc. (VNA); the North Central Area Agency on Aging (NCAAA); the Adult Immunization Program of the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Dates of Study: 2005-2006, with possible extension to 2007
Project Summary: The purpose of this intervention study V.I.P.: Vaccinate for Influenza Prevention is to improve influenza vaccination rates among older, low-income, and minority adults who live independently in senior housing facilities in Hartford, CT. Nationally, this group has the highest risk for influenza, yet the lowest vaccination rates. The study utilizes an empowerment model to build a residential public health committee that is trained in the benefits of flu vaccine. Facilitated by project staff, the committee will receive interactive flu education, conduct a two-month long flu campaign, and organize flu vaccination clinics. A pre-post evaluation in one intervention and one matched comparison building will compare changes in knowledge, attitudes and rates of vaccine uptake among building residents.
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Vaccinate for Influenza Prevention: A Pilot Study of Influenza Vaccine Acceptability Among Residents of Senior Housing
Research Method: Intervention Research
Principal Investigator: Jean J. Schensul, Ph.D. (PI), Janet McElhaney, M.D. (Co-PI)
Grant: Core funding, ICR
Partners: University of Connecticut Health Center’s Center for Immunotherapy of Cancer and Infectious Diseases (UCHC-CICID), Hartford Housing Authority (HHA), VNA Health Care Inc. of Greater Hartford (VNA), North Central Area Agency on Aging (NCAAA)
Dates of Study: December 2004 – February 2005
Project Summary
The purpose of Project V.I.P.: Vaccinate for Influenza Prevention was to develop materials and approaches for an intervention study designed to increase flu vaccination rates among low-income, ethnically diverse older adults living independently in senior housing in Hartford, CT. The study assessed a theory-driven, peer-led intervention to identify and remove barriers to influenza vaccination and evaluated the utility of a pre-post survey. With the assistance of ICR staff a committee of residents formed. Through an interactive training process, committee members learned about influenza and the advantages of vaccination and could then act as peer educators in their buildings. Residents and project staff worked together to coordinate 3 influenza vaccine clinics and a flu vaccine promotion campaign. ICR interviewers completed surveys with 54 residents on their knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about influenza and influenza vaccination, and their previous vaccination practices. The project collected formative data for a subsequent 1-year project also called VIP: Vaccinate for Influenza Prevention.
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