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Bridging storytelling traditions with digital technology.
Melany Cueva1, Regina Kuhnley, Laura J Revels
1Community Health Aide Program,Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA. mcueva@anthc.org
International Journal of Circumpolar Health
|August 29, 2013
Summary
Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Alaska found digital storytelling effective for cancer education. This culturally respectful method enhanced learning and confidence in sharing health messages within their communities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Communication
- Digital Health
Background:
- Community Health Workers (CHWs) are vital in delivering health education in diverse populations.
- Digital storytelling offers a novel approach to health communication, potentially enhancing engagement and cultural relevance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Community Health Workers' (CHWs) perceptions of digital storytelling in a cancer education curriculum.
- To assess digital storytelling as a culturally respectful tool for disseminating cancer-related health messages in Alaska.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-seven CHWs participated in seven cancer education courses, creating personal digital stories on cancer topics.
- Data collected through pre-course applications, end-of-course evaluations, and post-course internet surveys.
- Digital stories covered topics such as tobacco cessation, cancer screening, survivorship, and end-of-life care.
Main Results:
- All 67 CHWs successfully created and shared digital stories, reporting enhanced learning and cultural respect for health messages.
- 62 CHWs reported increased confidence in sharing cancer information post-course.
- Long-term follow-up showed 23 of 24 CHWs reported behavior change from the digital storytelling experience.
Conclusions:
- Digital storytelling is an accessible and effective tool for CHWs, regardless of prior computer skills.
- This method empowers CHWs to increase cancer knowledge, facilitate community conversations, and promote wellness.
- Digital stories serve as a culturally appropriate medium for sharing vital cancer-related health information.
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