A perspective on non-formal education for health: the research potential of health fairs.
The proliferation of health fairs provides a unique opportunity for the incorporation of research protocols into nonformal educational situations. One such fair, designed as a first step in implementing a health risk reduction program for a target population of parents and teachers of handicapped children, served as a catalyst for a comprehensive analysis of research possibilities. The health fair was organized and operated by faculty and graduate students of the University of Texas School of Public Health, following goals established by an advisory committee, which included representatives of the target population. Following the fair, there was an evaluation by participants, designers, implementers, and observers. This evaluation led to a more comprehensive assessment of health fairs in general as potential sites for research. The extensive feedback and indepth analyses generated a series of questions compatible with research paradigms.
D006266:Health Education; D006277:Health Fairs; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013781:Texas