BY | Chidyaonga Shalita ’17
St. Paul, Minn.
Biology       

I worked on a research project called Power to Quit II (PTQII), which focuses on helping homeless people quit cigarette and alcohol use. My research experience was through Programs in Health Disparities Research (PHDR) at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. As a PHDR intern, I took part in the data collection process.

At numerous homeless shelters across the Twin-Cities area, we recruited and enrolled homeless people into our study. As a result, I had the privilege of talking with individuals and learning about some of the factors that led them to become homeless. It has been a humbling experience to witness the mental illness and substance abuse issues that are associated with homelessness.

Some of my courses at Macalester, including Educational Psychology and Introduction to American Studies, have taught me about the social aspects of people’s lives that can lead to homelessness and some of systemic obstacles that disadvantaged populations face. With PHDR, I witnessed how the material we learn in the classroom translates into the real world.

The aim of the PTQII project is to identify which methods work best to help people who are homeless abstain from cigarette and alcohol use. People may develop a variety of diseases and medical complications that are rooted in their use of cigarettes and alcohol. Homeless individuals are already at a higher risk of contracting illness due to sanitary issues and lower access to care. All of these risk factors together highlight the importance of helping homeless individuals quit smoking and drinking.

To ease the process of quitting smoking, PTQII offers nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the form of lozenges, gum, and the patch. These NRTs are used to help relieve the effects of nicotine withdrawal and reduce the chances of relapsing.

As this is my second research experience, it has been a blessing to get a chance to do community-based research. Last summer I did a laboratory-based research experience in pharmacology, which was amazing. Inside the lab, I focused on conducting experiments and following procedures. As a community researcher, there are the same structural routines and procedures, plus I enjoy the social aspect of interviewing people.

Even as someone who was born and raised here, I have learned so much about the Twin Cities. It really opened my eyes to the daily struggles that others just a few miles from me have to deal with, and how fortunate I am to attend a school like Macalester and to have this opportunity to make a difference in my community.

September 16 2015

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