UH Hilo nursing students write booklet “Molly the Mosquito,” help children understand dengue fever outbreak
The booklets are being distributed to parents and children in the community.
Nursing students from the School of Nursing at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo have written a booklet, “Molly the Mosquito,” to help school children understand dengue fever.
The booklet, printed in the County of Hawai‘i print shop, is written and illustrated by students Alejandra Duarte, Christine Ucol, Ellie-Jean Kalawe, Jayahmie Drio and Malia Silva and edited by Lisa Tostenson, assistant professor of nursing. The 16-page booklet takes children through the life cycle of a mosquito and how it spreads dengue.
The booklets are being distributed to parents and children in the community.
More info:
- Hawai‘i State Department of Health web page on dengue fever outbreak on Hawai‘i Island.
- UH Hilo Chancellor Don Straney’s most recent message on the university’s dengue fever response.
WikiWiki Health Booklets
In an email exchange with UH Hilo Stories, Tostenson explains that each year in her Fundamentals of Nursing course with junior baccalaureate nursing students, she gives an assignment to produce a children’s book or easy-to-read short book on an important health topic.
“We had nine books produced this year on topics such a bullying, asthma, and the book on dengue fever,” she says. “Our goal is to help people understand health concerns in our community. We base our information on current evidence-based research. We hope people find our books helpful, however, we always recommend people seek care from their primary care provider for official treatment.”
About the writer of this story: Susan Enright is a public information specialist for the Office of the Chancellor and editor of UH Hilo Stories. She received her bachelor of arts in English and certificate in women’s studies from UH Hilo.
