Evaluation of the Florida Newborn Screening Program Education Campaign

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

3-10-2025

Journal

International journal of neonatal screening

Volume

11

Issue

1

DOI

10.3390/ijns11010020

Keywords

focus groups; newborn screening; parental awareness; perceptions; survey

Abstract

Florida's Newborn Screening Program campaign aims to increase the awareness and participation of birthing facilities, providers, and parents. This evaluation aimed to determine the effectiveness and reach of the Newborn Screening Program (NBS) Statewide Educational Campaign to pregnant women through surveys and focus groups. The online survey, conducted throughout Florida in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, evaluated the reach and effectiveness of educational materials such as paid advertisements and brochures. The surveys also served to recruit participants for in-person focus groups throughout the state. The findings showed that 85.3% of the mothers had discussions with health professionals about the screening program, while others did not hear about it from health professionals. More than 50% of the respondents learned about the program through health facilities, with additional exposure from media platforms such as television, radio, and friends. This study shows the need for increased outreach of the campaign and better communication and education from medical professionals to increase awareness.

Department

School of Medicine and Health Sciences Student Works

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