An International Model for Staffing Maternal and Child Health Research: The Use of Undergraduate Students

A Wallis; R M Chereches; Florin I Oprescu; A Brinzaniuc; C I Dungy

doi:10.1089/bfm.2006.0036

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An International Model for Staffing Maternal and Child Health Research: The Use of Undergraduate Students

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

An International Model for Staffing Maternal and Child Health Research: The Use of Undergraduate Students

A Wallis, R M Chereches, Florin I Oprescu, A Brinzaniuc and C I Dungy

Breastfeeding Medicine, Vol.2(3), pp.139-144

2007

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2006.0036

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Abstract

Nutrition and Dietetics

Public Health and Health Services

undergraduate students

Research

child health

Constrained resources in Central and Eastern Europe limit the capacity of local and national health ministries to study breastfeeding practices or implement evidence-based breastfeeding support programs. This paper describes an innovative model for studying an important maternal and child health (MCH) problem by training undergraduate students to strengthen local capacity for research. An international team of researchers from Romania and the United States designed a study conducted at BabeÅŸ-Bolyai University and two academic maternity hospitals in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The objectives were to (1) spark interest in breastfeeding research among undergraduates, (2) develop empirical knowledge about breastfeeding, and (3) train a team of undergraduate students to collect, manage, and enter study data. A team of carefully selected undergraduate students was trained in survey design, data collection, data entry, and interviewing skills. Internet technology was used to facilitate communication and to transfer data. The project resulted in a trained cadre of undergraduate students able to conduct survey research on breastfeeding practices with skills ranging from questionnaire design and implementation to descriptive data analysis. Empirical data obtained from the study will be used for student projects, to stimulate new breastfeeding support policies and programs, and to apply for research grants. Undergraduate students in developing countries in Central and Eastern Europe are a valuable, untapped resource for expanding MCH capacity. We recommend adoption of this cost-effective approach to foster high-quality MCH research.

Details

Title: An International Model for Staffing Maternal and Child Health Research: The Use of Undergraduate Students
Authors: A Wallis (Author) - University of Iowa, United States
R M Chereches (Author) - University of Iowa, United States
Florin I Oprescu (Author) - University of Iowa
A Brinzaniuc (Author) - University of Iowa, United States
C I Dungy (Author) - University of Iowa, United States
Publication details: Breastfeeding Medicine, Vol.2(3), pp.139-144
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Publishers
Date published: 2007
DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2006.0036
ISSN: 1556-8253
Copyright note: This is a copy of an article published in Breastfeeding Medicine. Copyright © 2007 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.; Breastfeeding Medicine is available online at: http://online.liebertpub.com
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; Engage Research Lab; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Public Health
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449569702621
Output Type: Journal article

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