Biomedical subjects

Melany Cueva

Publications and source records attributed to Melany Cueva.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Healing hearts: laughter and learning.

BACKGROUND: Cultural values of Alaska Native people acknowledge laughter as good medicine. It is heard in their words and stories. METHODS: To investigate how and in what ways laughter impacts learning from the learners' perspective, cancer education course evaluations were reviewed and a survey administered. RESULTS: 94% (235/259) of Community Health Aides and Community Health Practitioners surveyed emphasized the importance of laughter to support adult learning. Written comments are grouped into three main themes: (1) supporting a comfortable learning community, (2) relieving stress, and (3) enhancing learning. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates the value and significance of laughter to support people in their learning journey.

Alaska↗

PubMed2005

Using theater to promote cancer education in Alaska.

BACKGROUND: Cancer, a rare disease in the 1950s, is now the leading cause of death among Alaska Natives (AN). METHODS: Building on AN rich traditions of storytelling to share knowledge and wisdom, a 45 minute play, Understanding, was developed to address cancer-related issues specific to AN. RESULTS: Written audience evaluations assessed the impact of this theater-based education. After seeing the play, 327 (94.5%) people reported feeling more comfortable talking about cancer, 265 (66.1%) shared that they had learned about cancer, and 234 (61.7%) wrote healthy ways they intended to change their behavior. CONCLUSION: A postplay discussion provided an opportunity for the audience to share their stories, concerns, beliefs, and feelings.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Cancer education for Community Health Aides/Practitioners (CHA/Ps) in Alaska assessing comfort with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Village-based Community Health Aides and Community Health Practitioners (CHA/Ps) are the primary providers of health care in rural Alaska. METHODS: We discuss the development and results of a CHA/P cancer self-assessment survey, which assessed comfort with cancer knowledge and providing cancer information. RESULTS: A total of 402 responses were received from a mailed questionnaire to 477 CHA/Ps. Respondents were predominantly Alaska Native women. Using a 5-point Likert scale from don't know to very comfortable, approximately 50% of CHA/Ps reported feeling "OK" when providing information about cancer risk factors, cancer screening, surviving cancer, and providing care and support. CHA/Ps reported feeling less comfortable with discussing cancer diagnosis, treatment, pain, and loss and grief.

Adult↗