Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Using Social Cognitive Theory To Model Health Behaviors Among Chinese Children, Yan Zhang

Health Services Research Dissertations

This study examined the usefulness of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to model fast-food intake, fruit/vegetable consumption, and regular physical activity among a group of Chinese-American children in a Southeastern Virginia urban area.

An observational cross-sectional survey research design and snowball sampling were used. The survey employed items from the Health Behavior Questionnaire, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and a 24-hour Diet Recall Form. Eighty-four children completed the self-administered survey; 54 of these were enrolled in a Chinese Weekend School. The mean age of the children was 10.5 years (range 6-18) and 43% were girls. Logistic regression models were used to …

The Great Pestilence: Yellow Fever In Portsmouth, Virginia, 1855, Burden Susan Lundgren

Health Services Research Dissertations

In 1855, the town of Portsmouth, Virginia was devastated by an epidemic of yellow fever. Most citizens fled. Of those who remained, most became infected and a thousand died. The municipal government collapsed. In their place, a small organization known as the Portsmouth Relief Association assumed responsibility for ensuring the survival of the town. This organization managed the care of the sick, the burial of the dead, and the care of orphans. It was the sole agent receiving and allocating the funds and resources that poured into the community. Scarce food, drugs and other supplies were available only through the …

Factors That Influence Mammography Use Of Community Health Workers, Cynthia M. Kratzke

Health Services Research Dissertations

Community health worker (CHW) interventions promote early detection of breast cancer and mammography use to help eliminate health disparities for minority and low-income women. Data trends show lower mammography use among this population although CHW interventions have been shown to promote mammography use. However, CHW interventions have not been tested sufficiently to examine the factors that influence mammography use of CHWs.

This cross-sectional study examined the factors that influence mammography use of CHWs and the relationship of self-efficacy, social norms, and mammography use of CHWs. The PRECEDE model served as the framework combining social factors, beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and accessibility …