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Does Medical School Prepare Doctors To Treat Sexual Health?, Sonjia Kenya, Breanne Young, Fabiola Joseph, Olveen Carrasquillo

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

Does Medical School Prepare Doctors to Treat Sexual Health?

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual function is a normative process warranting the equal attention of preventive and treatment services throughout the lifespan. Despite growing recognition of the value of human sexuality in clinical settings, there is no standardized sexual wellness curriculum universally administered in medical schools. Accordingly, many current and future physicians feel underprepared when taking care of patients’ sexual health needs.

Methods: To strengthen sexual health knowledge among medical students in Miami, we conducted a brief workshop in February 2020 and March 2021. The workshop provided an introductory overview of the physiology …

Asl-English Interpreters And Anxiety, Stephen B. Fitzmaurice, Meri Faulkner

Journal of Interpretation

Reflective of the American population, there are a number of interpreters who have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Using a mixed methods approach, credentialed interpreters share their experience with anxiety as a professional interpreter. Participants relate both the positive and negative effects of anxiety on their interpreting work. Several anxiety coping strategies are explored, as well as, detailing the importance of finding a confidant. Issues such as potential professional stigma and the consequences of declining assignments for anxiety reasons are discussed.

The Hiv/Aids Epidemic In Miami: Perspectives Of Stakeholders And Frontline Providers, Tracy Pugh, Carrigan L. Parish, Pedro C. Castellon, Allan Rodriguez, Michael A. Kolber, Lisa R. Metsch

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Miami, Florida persists as an epicenter of HIV/AIDS nationally and has been more delayed than other areas with high HIV burden in implementing public health measures that mitigate transmission risk. These issues among other social and structural-level determinants have complicated progress in addressing HIV/AIDS in Miami.

Purpose: The stagnated progress in improving HIV outcomes in Miami necessitated a more comprehensive understanding of the experiences and insights of stakeholders within the system. We used a stakeholder analysis approach to understand the complexity of driving factors and key challenges facing this HIV epidemic.

Methods: A stakeholder analysis was conducted …

Trends In The Utilization Of Metabolic And Bariatric Surgery (Mbs) Procedures By Race And Ethnicity In Florida (2006-2017), Siyao Liu, Sarah E. Messiah, Denise C. Vidot, Preesha Malladi, Wayway M. Hlaing

Florida Public Health Review

Abstract

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an increasingly common treatment option for individuals with severe obesity, but utilization disparities remain with race and ethnic minority groups completing the procedure less frequently than non-Hispanic Whites. We examined the trends in MBS procedure types and prevalence of utilization by race and ethnicity among Florida inpatients.

Discharge records with any MBS using the International Classification of Diseases 9th or 10th edition Procedure Coding System (ICD-PCS), were extracted from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) inpatients’ data (2006 to 2017). Those who completed either Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), Sleeve Gastrectomy …

Tailoring The Gut Microbiome Through Diet To Target Short Chain Fatty Acids And Trimethylamine N-Oxide For Heart Failure Prevention, Julia M. Gabel

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

The number of people diagnosed with heart failure is on the rise—it’s becoming an epidemic. There are treatment options available for heart failure, but unfortunately there is not a cure. However, most cases of heart failure can be prevented. One mechanism that provides promise for preventing heart failure is the implementation of a heart healthy diet. However, not in the context that most are familiar with. In this case, a heart healthy diet is in reference to the ability of diet to tailor the gut microbiome in order to target specific metabolites that are associated with heart failure. Diet plays …

Association Between Lgb Status And Levels Of Mental Distress, Florida Brfss 2017-2019, Tammie M. Johnson, Torhonda Lee

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Poor mental health is a significant determinant of health in the US and is associated with several adverse health outcomes. Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) measures help assess the mental distress burden on individuals and populations. This study examines mental distress health disparities at and above the frequent mental distress threshold among Florida adults who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB).

Methods: We used data from the 2017-2019 Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). A total of 39,876 adults aged 18 years and older were included in the analyses. The key dependent variables used for the study …

Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions Of Deaf-Hearing Interpreter Teams: Impact Of Interpreting Approaches, Julayne Feilbach

Journal of Interpretation

This study explores the perceptions and preferences of healthcare providers who work with Deaf Interpreter-Hearing Interpreter (DI-HI) teams. Healthcare providers depend on interpreters' ability to bridge the communication and cultural gap to assess and treat patients accurately. Although there have been studies on healthcare providers’ perceptions of interpreters to date, none of the research explores the impact of healthcare providers’ perceptions on their experiences with DI-HI teams. To address this, interviews with nine healthcare practitioners were conducted. As part of the interview, participants were shown a video of two interpreting samples to illustrate different approaches to interpreting. Data were analyzed …

Workplace Traumatic Stress And Mental Health Sequelae Among Public Safety Telecommunications Officers In Florida, Kellie O'Dare, Tammie M. Johnson, Erin A. King, Joseph Herzog, Dana R. Dillard, Kimberley Powell, Arthur R. Kirby, Leah Atwell

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Public safety telecommunications officers (PSTCOs), aka emergency “dispatchers,” are exposed to workplace traumatic stress and can experience situations characterized by uncertainty, communication difficulties, and a lack of resources. Traumatic stress experienced by emergency dispatchers has led to mental health symptoms. Purpose: This paper aims to describe the results of a study examining the patterns of workplace traumatic stress and the relationship between workplace traumatic stress and mental health concerns among a sample of PSTCOs. Methods: PSTCOs (n=54) participated in a cross-sectional, anonymous survey including screeners for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal thoughts, and harmful alcohol use. …

Assessing The Effects Of Health Insurance Status On Compliance With Diabetes Care, Sara L. Colosimo, Leann N. Petschonek, Uvina S. Allen, Dominique L. Rogers, Sericea Stallings-Smith

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people in the United States. Compliance with treatment plans is important for preventing life-threatening complications of the disease. However, many diabetics forgo recommended testing and other management standards due to lack of health insurance.

Purpose: This study aims to assess the effect of health insurance status on compliance with diabetes care.

Methods: This study was a secondary analysis using 2005–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. For participants who reported having diabetes, compliance with care was assessed based on insurance status. Compliance indicators included hemoglobin A1C check by …

Interprofessional Collaborative Attitudes: Comparing Social Work Learners To Their Medicine And Nursing Peers, Joseph Bartholomew, Marcia Mount French, Hea-Won Kim

Florida Public Health Review

Interprofessional learning activities in higher education aim to unite healthcare professionals in their future practice, thus reducing duplication and fragmentation of services. This study uses a social learning perspective to examine advanced practice medicine, nursing, and social work learners’ attitudes toward interprofessional education and collaborative practice activities within their university programs. The authors used a cross-sectional design to administer a questionnaire that included the Interprofessional Attitudes Scale (IPAS) to 151 advanced practice health care learners (internal medicine residents, nurse practitioner students, master’s-level social work students). Findings indicated significant differences in three subsections of the IPAS. Social work learners possessed a …

Low English Proficiency In The United States Associated With Reduced Healthcare Access Under The Affordable Care Act, Benjamin L. Siegel, Jessica M. Waddell

Florida Public Health Review

Background:

From 2014-2018, the US Census Bureau reported that 8.3 percent of Americans had limited English proficiency (LEP), defined as speaking English less than very well. Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) ensures meaningful access to care for individuals with LEP.

Purpose:

This research aims to identify the current relationship between LEP and healthcare access.

Methods:

Data used in this study were obtained from electronic files from the 2019 Full Year Consolidated File of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, or MEPS. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between insurance coverage and whether an individual speaks …

School Bullying And Health Risk Behavior Outcomes Among Adolescents In Florida, Amanda Raymond, Stephanie Grant, Rima Tawk

Florida Public Health Review

Background: School bullying is a major social and public health threat as it presents a variety of developmental and psychological adolescent hazards that stretch into adulthood problems. Bullying victimization has been linked with a plethora of adverse health risk behavior outcomes.

Purpose: To examine the association between bullying (in-person and electronic) and health risk behaviors related to school violence, mental and sexual health risks, substance abuse, and weight control practices.

Methods: Data were drawn from the Florida Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). A 4-level variable was generated using the in-person and electronic bullying questions resulting in four mutually …

Exploring Medical Marijuana Knowledge And Perceptions Among A Community-Based Sample, Lan'tejuana S. Cooper, Jullet Davis Weaver, Vanessa Crowther, Marisa Lewis

Florida Public Health Review

Exploring Medical Marijuana Knowledge and Perceptions among a Community-Based Sample

Abstract

Background: The increasing number of states legalizing marijuana suggests that a growing majority of adults now see marijuana as offering more benefits than risks. As use increases, the need to better understand user characteristics and the nature of their beliefs also increases. Purpose: This exploratory study investigates the knowledge and perceptions of medical marijuana among community-based individuals. We theorize that demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, social network, health status, and knowledge about marijuana are associated with the number of conditions the person believes marijuana treats. Methods: The study utilizes a …

Risk Factors For Emergency Medical Care Or Hospitalization Due To Heat-Related Illness Or Injury: A Systematic Review, Blair Litwiller, Amber N. Barnes

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Temperatures globally have been predicted to increase due to changes in the climate. As the earth gets warmer, it is expected that heat-related illness will also increase worldwide. An effective and appropriate public health response will be critical. Purpose: The aim of this review was to identify risk factors associated with heat-related illness and injury to provide target areas for future interventions. Methods: A review of existing literature was analyzed for risk factors that may increase the likelihood of being admitted to an emergency department for a heat related illness or injury. Results: Of the …

Exploring The Association Of Physician Characteristics To Patient Requests For Genetic Testing, Vanessa B. Crowther, Sandra G. Suther, Jullet Davis Weaver, Clement K. Gwede, Matthew T. Dutton, Dongming Cui, Ivette A. López

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Cancer genomic testing improves health outcomes for individuals at risk, drives cost-efficiency, and facilitates healthcare equity; however, little is known about how physician demographic and practice characteristics influence patient requests for genetic testing. Purpose: To explore whether (and to what extent) physician demographic and practice characteristics are associated with patient requests for cancer genetic testing. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design survey was distributed to 1240 primary care physicians registered with the state health department who had active licenses and main practices in Florida. Primary care physicians were defined as those who practice family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics, and gynecology. …

Covid-19 Vaccination: Public Health Lessons From A Large Indoor Gathering, Nidhi Manikkoth, Kirthika Venkatesan, Subrahmanya Bhat, Madhavan V Pillai, Nisha Nigil Haroon

Florida Public Health Review

COVID-19 transmission rates among vaccinated persons attending large gatherings have not been reported widely. This research was intended to track the potential incidence of COVID-19 among physicians and their families who attended a large in-person gathering in Atlanta in August 2021. After the successful conclusion of a large-scale indoor gathering, we encouraged all attendees to self-report the incidence of COVID-19 illness. In addition, an online questionnaire was disseminated to collect basic information about age, gender, place of residence, vaccination status including the number of doses, type, and date of each dose as well as behavioral and convention factors that would …

A Comparison Of Diet And Physical Activity Behaviors Of High School Students In Duval County And Nationally: 2019 Yrbs, Bethley Luctama, Sydney Bridges, Kaitlyn Kol, Jack Sparkman, Judith Rodriguez

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Establishing proper physical activity and dietary behaviors during adolescence is crucial because these habits will carry on with the individual into adulthood. Proper physical activity and nutrition reduce the risk of illness and ailments.

Purpose: Identifying physical activity and dietary behaviors of adolescents in Duval County, FL, and the U.S. nationally. This study examines the differences between the Duval County and national samples using gender and grade comparisons.

Methods: The study utilized data from the 2019 Youth Behavior Risk Survey for high school students. Analysis was conducted for eight questions encompassing both physical activity and dietary behaviors to examine …

Homelessness In Urban Communities In The Us: A Scoping Review Utilizing The Socio-Ecological Model, Rolando F. Trejos Saucedo, Carla Y. Salazar Marchan, Lauren Linkowski, Shannon Hall, Lynette Menezes, Karen Liller, Joe Bohn

Florida Public Health Review

Homelessness remains a core element of the current housing stability crisis in the United States, especially in urban communities. Disparities are an important part of the pathway to homelessness, but they alone are not enough to generate and perpetuate homelessness in the US. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze existing literature to provide an evidence-based framework to help inform homeless-related policies, programs, and interventions to improve the quality of life for homeless individuals. This scoping review aims to map the last five years' literature around homelessness in U.S. urban communities by utilizing the socioecological model to analyze system-based implicated factors. …

Sexual Hookups Via Dating Apps: A Qualitative Study Exploring The Experiences Of Black Men Who Have Sex With Men In Florida, Brandon A. Moton, Rima Tawk, Ivette A. López, John Malone, Salimah El- Amin Witherspoon, Sandra G. Suther

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Sexual hookups via social media dating apps have been understudied among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM). Purpose: The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the role of dating apps on hookup culture and to describe the sexual experiences among BMSM in Florida. Specifically, this research delves into various sexual hookup themes. Methods: Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with BMSM participants aged 18 to 25 in Florida who self-identified as frequent dating app users. A grounded theory approach was applied to thematically analyze the hookup encounters and the factors that drive these perceptions and experiences …

The Gender Freedom Model: A Framework For Helping Transgender, Non-Binary, And Gender Questioning Clients Transition With More Ease, Rae Mcdaniel, Laurel Meng

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

Transgender/non-binary experiences and identities are often represented in academic literature through narratives of distress and are often pathologized through a medical lens. This holds implications for the field of psychotherapy, as interventions aimed to support transgender/nonbinary individuals often focus solely on risk mitigation. This article presents a therapeutic framework that rests on three pillars—Play, Pleasure, and Possibility—as the focal points for reimagining work with transgender/non-binary clients. This model aims to help this population explore gender transition with more ease through building practical skills, cultivating personal and collective pride, and centering pleasure equity.

Provider Perception And Office Practices Of The Initial Prenatal Visit Pre – Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic, Arlin Delgado, Emma Hale, Jay Schulkin, Charles Macri, Kimberly Fryer

Florida Public Health Review

Background Prenatal Care is a critical aspect of women’s health and current literature shows adequate care significantly reduces risk of adverse outcomes. With scientific advancement, the initial prenatal visit is increasingly tasked with more objectives that leave providers with barriers to provide appropriate and adequate care.

Purpose The aim of this survey study was to determine clinical practices of the initial prenatal visit – regarding history taking, counseling, lab work and screening prior to the onset of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Methods A one-time anonymous provider survey was distributed electronically to all obstetrics providers in the Tampa Bay Region in Florida. Descriptive …

#Selfcare On Instagram: Proactive Mental Health Has Its Moment, Collin Mullis, Luke Nguyen, Calista Pappas

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

While widely used by clinicians, self-care has recently emerged as a trending topic in mainstream and social media. Informal health and support communities have formed on social media sites such as Instagram, which hosts more than one billion monthly users and ranks as the second most popular social networking application in the United States (U.S). This study investigates how the term self-care is portrayed on Instagram. In particular, the researchers were interested in whether or not current portrayals of self-care on Instagram aligned with the health themes previously established in the clinical definitions of self-care. Using the search term #selfcare, …

The Influence Of Cyber-Sexual Assault On The Mental Health Outcomes Of Survivors, Kelley R. Holladay, W. Bryce Hagedorn, David Boote

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

Researchers examined data collected from the only national sample of cyber-sexual assault (CBSA) survivors (N = 97; 3.75\% response rate to the online survey) using three valid instruments that measure symptomology of sexual assault. We found that participants scored high across each of the inventories, indicating CBSA survivors respond in ways that are similar to sexual assault survivors concerning emotional dysregulation, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptomology, particularly if they had a history of sexual assault. Implications for counselors are reviewed, and clinical recommendations are offered.

Counselors-In-Training Reactions To Clients Living With And Without Hiv, Melissa Zeligman, J. Richelle Joe

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

An estimated one million people are currently living with HIV in the United States. Therefore, an important question remains pertaining to professional helpers’ preparedness in working with people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This study (N = 165) utilized an analogue design, with participants receiving one of four possible clinical case vignettes, to determine the relationship of client HIV status and race with counselor-in-training self-efficacy, multicultural competency, and empathy. Results revealed that client HIV status was predictive of counselor self-efficacy, and that self-efficacy held relationships with multicultural counseling competency and empathy. Findings suggest multicultural skills training may be particularly important to …

Healthy Vending Policy Increases Sales And Healthy Food Choices, Lauri Wright

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Vending machines can be a source of unhealthy food and beverages, potentially contributing to obesity and obesity-related diseases. However, vending machines are often a source of revenue for schools and hospitals. As such, interventions that improve the healthfulness of the snacks and beverages purchased may be a more acceptable solution than simply banning them from host institutions.

Methods: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact of a healthy vending policy to improve the quality of snacks and beverages purchased from vending machines. During the pilot, the usual snacks contained in the vending machines at a hospital …

A Visit To The World Health Organization: Student Perceptions Of Interprofessional Learning After A Short-Term Public Health Study Abroad Course In Switzerland, Emma Apatu, Deborah M. Owen, Sericea Stallings-Smith, Aaron Spaulding, Hanadi Hamadi

Florida Public Health Review

There is a need for interprofessional learning in public health, and healthcare education and study abroad opportunities provide a unique context in which interprofessional programming can be integrated into the learning experience. Public health training programs have an important role in furthering interprofessional learning. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to describe a short-term study abroad course to examine students’ perceptions of interprofessional learning readiness after ten-day travel to Geneva. Mixed-methods design with pre- and post-assessments was used. The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Survey was used to assess interprofessional learning of eleven participants. Quantitative analyses revealed that respondents had …

Health Insurance Coverage In The Gulf Coast States After Affordable Care Act By Rural And Urban Area Between 2009 And 2017, Hosik Min, Kenneth Hudson

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Although health insurance coverage for adults in each of the Gulf Coast States and the rest of the country increased after implementing the Affordable Care Act, the coverage rates in the Gulf Coast region remained lower to rural residents, compared to those in the rest of the Nation. Purpose: This study aimed to update the changes of health insurance coverage in all states and the Gulf Coast states, confirm the significance of the health policy on insurance coverage by analyzing Louisiana, and examine the relationships between socio-demographic variables and rural/urban area by using interaction variables. Methods: …

Cultivating Healthy Schools: The Feasibility Of An Outdoor Classroom In A Public Elementary School, Erin Largo-Wight, Caroline A. Guardino, Katrina W. Hall

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Nature contact and time outdoors is critical for healthy child development and well-being and a disconnect from nature may be problematic. Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of a nature contact intervention for children – an outdoor classroom - in a public school. Methods: Two kindergarten classes participated in this mixed-methods case study (N=2 teachers, n=36 children aged 5-6) and used an outdoor classroom every other day for language arts lesson over a six weeks observation period. The two teachers in this case study completed a survey that assessed perceived practicality and feasibility of using the …

Photovoice And Youth On Violence And Related Topics: A Systematic Review, Yingwei Yang, Andrew C. Lim, Renée E. Wallace, Stephanie Marhefka-Day, Karen D. Liller

Florida Public Health Review

Background and Purpose: Photovoice is a qualitative method that empowers youth to identify community issues and assets through photo-taking and photo discussions. The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the characteristics of studies using photovoice in violence and related topics among youth, and the rationale, strengths and limitations of the photovoice methodology when applied to youth.

Methods: Inclusion criteria, search strategy, and data extraction and analysis plan were specified in advance and documented in a protocol (Registration: PROSPERO-CRD42018087290). The search strategy included three search concepts: photovoice, youth, and violence-related topics. Two rounds of formal searches were executed across …

Sexuality Beyond Young Adulthood: Affordances And Barriers To Sexual Expression In The Nursing Home, Angela Schubert, Mark Pope

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

Human sexuality is part of life, regardless of age or where someone resides. Previous research on older adult sexual expression in nursing homes has primarily focused on staff perceptions – almost all of which was conducted using quantitative methods. This phenomenological study aimed to explore sexual expression as it was perceived, experienced, and practiced by ten older adults, ages 65 and older, residing in a nursing facility. This paper will explore themes associated with the self-perception of affordances and barriers to engage in sexual expression, and how we as mental health counselors may best serve the needs of older adults …