Objectives: The purpose of our study was to understand the perception of the Latino community in a rural state regarding COVID-19. Over one third of national COVID-19 cases are among Latinos, likely due to an increased prevalence of comorbid risk factors and social determinants of health that make following precautions difficult. Design: Respondents were recruited using snowball sampling as part of a previous effort to establish an academic-community partnership with Latinos in the area. In April 2020, we conducted 14 semi-structured interviews in Spanish with participants over the phone. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed into Spanish, and translated to English. We employed the framework approach in a thematic analysis using NVivo 12. Results: Common themes were a wariness of news appearing on social media, generalized worry, and the use of natural medicines to maintain health. Respondents followed recommended guidelines to protect their own health, though expressed concern that members of their community were not. Conclusions: We offer insights into the perception of Latinos of the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural state. Our findings may influence communication techniques of local health departments and offer a way to understand how this often-overlooked community deals with the pandemic.

Introduction: In 2020, 18.4% of Hispanics experienced mental illness, yet only about a third received treatment compared with nearly half of non-Hispanic Whites. In Montana, where only 11% of the mental health needs are currently met, service utilization is low. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of the Hispanic immigrant population in a rural state on mental health and professional service utilization. Methods: Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, we conducted semi-structured telephone interviews in Spanish. Audio recordings were transcribed, translated to English, and analyzed for themes. Results: We recruited a sample of 14 participants from Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela ranging in age from 33 to 59. We identified five themes: definitions of mental health, maintaining mental health, familismo/socialization, stigma, and acculturation stress. Discussion: Novel findings point to the need for Spanish-language services focused on reducing stigma around mental illness and incorporating the importance of social connections.

Background: Engaging minorities in research especially in Montana where Latinos make up a small percentage of the population can be a challenge. We describe an effort to recruit Latinos into a research study by hosting a health screening event.Purpose: This event served as the first step in the creation of an academic-community partnership. Methods: We formed an interdisciplinary research team and involved key community stakeholders in planning a health screening event. We provided lunch, flu vaccinations, and screening measures including blood pressure, body mass index, and diabetes status. We also asked for volunteers to sign up to participate in future focus groups. Results: Thirty five people participated in the health screening event, and 29 people volunteered to engage in future research. The majority of participants reported not having health insurance or a regular medical provider, were overweight or obese, and did not have diabetes. Discussion: Engaging the Latino community in research is important, and this paper describes the first step in the creation of an academic-community partnership. Translation to Health Education Practice: Attention to community needs through active partnership and adherence to the responsibilities and competencies for health education specialists provides an example of a successful study that can be adapted to other populations.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common disorder that affects the hand, caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Despite its prevalence and impact on individuals, the underlying biological mechanisms of CTS remain poorly understood. Moreover, there is a lack of strategies for identifying individuals at risk for CTS in order to prevent its development. In recent years, the use of genome sequencing, genetic analysis, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has revealed several genetic factors that may be associated with CTS, including specific genes and gene loci. A Genetic Risk Score (GRS) that incorporates these findings could potentially be used to predict the likelihood of developing CTS and enable earlier identification and prevention of the condition. GWAS has already demonstrated a correlation between CTS severity and a GRS composed of 13 susceptibility loci. Further research on the development of a more comprehensive GRS for CTS could potentially reduce the overall burden of this disorder.

Background Gaining communication skills with adolescents is a competency required by all paediatric trainees. Effective communication involves the ability to listen and empower adolescents to discuss and decide on sensitive or complex issues impacting on their health. Aims To gain communication skills with adolescents by doing school health visits that provide information about the hospital and facilitate discussion on health topics and life style issues raised by young people themselves. Methods Paediatric trainees carried out 2-3 school visits over 6 months during their child health rotation. Initially visits targeted a school for vulnerable adolescents at risk of school exclusion. Subsequently visits expanded to two mainstream schools. Workshops were discussed with schools and presented to parents and students as part of health promotion within Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE) lessons. In pairs registrars did 45 min workshops introducing adolescents to their local paediatric team and hospital using different approaches, including a short video of the hospital. This was followed by a discussion on health and life style topics raised by the young people themselves. A self reporting semi-structured questionnaire was sent to all registrars involved to seek their views on the skills gained by participating in this project. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was carried out. Results To date 17 paediatric registrars over 2 years have participated in these school visits. A response rate of 100% was achieved. 90% considered they had gained skills to communicate effectively with adolescents;80% felt they had better understanding of how the school environment impacts on young people (including impact of peer relationships) and 80% considered they had been provided with an opportunity to participate in health education. Trainees' comments on their individual learning were categorised into different themes. The most common theme was the increased understanding of adolescents' needs and the training value of talking to adolescents in their own 'comfort' zone. Trainees suggested ideas to improve further the educational value of the school visits. Conclusion Paediatric trainees involved in school health workshops self-report gaining experience in competencies towards effective communication with adolescents. Trainees also considered that these school visits were a valuable learning opportunity to improve their understanding of young people's health needs.