Published
2023-06-28
Section
Articles
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Copyright (c) 2023 Shanna Miko, Sarah J. Hoffman, Mathika Thongkhamkitcharoen, Susan Docker, Vivian Bampoh, Jean Sitati, Michelle Weinberg, William Stauffer, Alexander Klosovsky
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
All work in IJPS is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Copyright of content published in IJPS belongs to the author(s).
How to Cite
Implementation of a Curriculum to Optimize Hygiene Behaviors Among Refugees and Migrants Being Resettled
Shanna Miko
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7382-6119
Sarah J. Hoffman
School of Nursing, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Mathika Thongkhamkitcharoen
International Organization for Migration
Susan Dicker
International Organization for Migration
Vivian Bampoh
International Organization for Migration
Jean Sitati
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Michelle Weinberg
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
William Stauffer
Medical School, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Alexander Klosovsky
International Organization for Migration
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/ijps.v10i1.4990
Keywords: refugee health promotion, COVID-19 hygiene practices, refugee health behaviors, refugee health education
Abstract
Health knowledge and behaviors can impact well-being and promote community integration post-arrival for refugees and migrants being resettled. Health and hygiene curricula are efficient and accessible mechanisms to mitigate the risk of chronic and infectious diseases in populations being resettled. This report summarizes a successful interagency/interdisciplinary Uganda-based collaboration between the International Organization for Migration, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the University of Minnesota. The project's objective was to co-create and align a health curriculum and education messages across the resettlement continuum. Due to timing, the curriculum expanded to include COVID-19 prevention education, thus broadening the initiative's impact. Since the initial implementation, thousands of US-bound applicants have had exposure to the curriculum modules. The curriculum is now the primary tool for health education during pre-departure procedures in Kampala, Uganda, with implementations planned in other countries. The modular format and standardized non-technical language facilitated uptake by medical and non-medical personnel. Incorporating end users in curriculum development supports the early adoption and sustainability of the project. The interagency/interdisciplinary partnership strengthens systems and supports resource sharing to optimize the health and well-being of persons resettling in the United States.
