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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

The Influence Of Family Dynamics On Contraceptive Use In Madagascar And The Ensuing Impact On Family Well-Being, Joel Zafitandra Hajason, Kayla Piña, Joel L. Raveloharimisy Dec 2013

The Influence Of Family Dynamics On Contraceptive Use In Madagascar And The Ensuing Impact On Family Well-Being, Joel Zafitandra Hajason, Kayla Piña, Joel L. Raveloharimisy

Faculty Publications

While studies have shown a relationship between family dynamics and contraceptive use and between contraceptive use and family well-being, no empirical study has been conducted to test whether a relationship exists between family influence on contraceptive use and family wellbeing. The objective of this study is to explore whether there is such a relationship between family influence on contraceptive use and family well-being.


Physiological Arousal In Autism And Fragile X Syndrome: Group Comparisons And Links With Pragmatic Language, Jessica Klusek, G E. Martin, M Losh Nov 2013

Physiological Arousal In Autism And Fragile X Syndrome: Group Comparisons And Links With Pragmatic Language, Jessica Klusek, G E. Martin, M Losh

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.


Preparing Public Librarians For Consumer Health Information Service: A Nation-Wide Study, L. Luo, Van M. Ta Park Oct 2013

Preparing Public Librarians For Consumer Health Information Service: A Nation-Wide Study, L. Luo, Van M. Ta Park

Faculty Publications

A nationwide survey study was conducted to gain understanding as to how to prepare public librarians for consumer health information service. Findings indicate that the popular health information needs encountered by public librarians cover a wide variety of topics, including the human body, a medical/health condition, a disease, a medical concept, and fitness/diet/nutrition. The top two challenges faced by public librarians when providing consumer health information service are difficulty in interpreting patrons' questions and lack of knowledge about available and trusted/appropriate medical/health information sources. Public librarians wish to receive training on a number of topics that could help address the …


Alcohol In The Life Narratives Of Women: Commonalities And Differences By Sexual Orientation, Laurie A. Drabble, K. Trocki Jul 2013

Alcohol In The Life Narratives Of Women: Commonalities And Differences By Sexual Orientation, Laurie A. Drabble, K. Trocki

Faculty Publications

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore social representations of alcohol use among women, with a focus on possible differences between sexual minority and heterosexual women. Methods: This qualitative study was part of a larger study examining mediators of heavier drinking among sexual minority women (lesbian identified, bisexual identified, and heterosexual identified with same sex partners) compared to heterosexual women based on the National Alcohol Survey. Qualitative in-depth life history interviews were conducted over the telephone with 48 women who had participated in the 2009–2010 National Alcohol Survey, including respondents representing different sexual orientation groups. Questions explored the …


Distance And Online Social Work Education: Novel Ethical Challenges, Frederic G. Reamer Jan 2013

Distance And Online Social Work Education: Novel Ethical Challenges, Frederic G. Reamer

Faculty Publications

Digital technology has transformed social work education. Today’s students can take individual courses and earn an entire degree without ever meeting their faculty members in person. Technological innovations such as videoconferencing, live online chat, asynchronous podcasts, and webinars enable social work educators to reach students whose personal circumstances and geographical locations make it difficult for them to attend school in person. This paper highlights complex ethical issues associated with the proliferation of digital and online social work education. Key ethical issues concern student access; course and degree program quality and integrity; academic honesty and gatekeeping; and privacy and surveillance.


Factors Influencing The Use Of Complementary Alternative Methods (Cam) In Patients Attending An Adult Sickle Cell Clinic In Jackson, Mississippi., Wendy E. Thompson Dr, Clifton C. Addison Jan 2013

Factors Influencing The Use Of Complementary Alternative Methods (Cam) In Patients Attending An Adult Sickle Cell Clinic In Jackson, Mississippi., Wendy E. Thompson Dr, Clifton C. Addison

Faculty Publications

Abstract Background: This study builds on a previous study that examined pediatric patients with sickle cell disease and use of complementary and alternative therapies. The results of the study revealed that the use of CAM therapies is common for children with SCD. Prayer, relaxation techniques, and spiritual healing were the most commonly reported CAM therapies. However, there is a paucity of research studies on CAM use among adult sickle cell patients and the associated factors that predict its use. This research sought to explain the frequency of CAM use and to examine the factors influencing the use of CAM as …


Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Resilience, And Religious Orientation And Practices Among University Student Earthquake Survivors In Haiti, Harvey J. Burnett Jr, Herbert Helm Jan 2013

Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Resilience, And Religious Orientation And Practices Among University Student Earthquake Survivors In Haiti, Harvey J. Burnett Jr, Herbert Helm

Faculty Publications

This study examined the prevalence of PTSD symptoms; the relationship between PTSD and resilience, religious orientation and religious practices; and how gender is associated with these variables among a volunteer sample of 140 students attending a Christian university in Haiti approximately four months after the January 2010 earthquake. Using the PTSD Checklist-Civilian (PCL-C), the Resilience Scale (RS), and the Religious Orientation Scale (ROS) found no significant relationship between PTSD, resilience, religious orientation and religious practices. Results did indicate that 34% of the sample had PCL-C scores indicative of PTSD; female participants had higher PTSD symptoms than males; higher levels of …


Psychologists And Medications In The Era Of Interprofessional Care: Collaboration Is Less Problematic And Costly Than Prescribing, William N. Robiner, Tim R. Tumlin, Tanya Tompkins Jan 2013

Psychologists And Medications In The Era Of Interprofessional Care: Collaboration Is Less Problematic And Costly Than Prescribing, William N. Robiner, Tim R. Tumlin, Tanya Tompkins

Faculty Publications

Increasing emphasis on interprofessionalism and teamwork in healthcare renders psychologists’ collaborations critical and invites reexamination of psychologists’ roles related to medications. The Collaboration Level outlined by the APA’s Ad Hoc Task Force is more achievable and in synch with health reform than prescription privileges (RxP). RxP remains controversial due to training and safety concerns, lacking support from health professionals, psychologists, and consumers. Differences in educational preparation of psychologists relative to prescribing professionals are discussed. Enactment of only three of 170 RxP initiatives reveals RxP to be a costly, ineffectual agenda. Alternatives (e.g., integrated care, collaboration, telehealth) increase access without risks …


The Impact Of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms On Maternal Parenting Behaviors, Le'ann L. Solmonson, Tiffany Stewart Jan 2013

The Impact Of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms On Maternal Parenting Behaviors, Le'ann L. Solmonson, Tiffany Stewart

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this qualitative research project is to examine the impact of maternal ADHD symptoms on managing the responsibilities related to parent-ing. The primary researcher conducted three interviews with mothers who exhibit ADHD symptoms in order to gain insight into their perceived difficulties related to the disorder. Analysis of the data indicates these mothers have difficulty completing tasks, are disorganized, and are easily overwhelmed with the responsibilities of parenting resulting in difficulty managing their own behavior and being consistent in disciplining their children. Due to these areas of deficiency, it is suggested the presence of maternal ADHD symptoms results …


Advancing Trauma-Informed Systems Change In A Family Drug Treatment Court Context, Laurie Drabble, Shelby Jones, Vivian Brown Jan 2013

Advancing Trauma-Informed Systems Change In A Family Drug Treatment Court Context, Laurie Drabble, Shelby Jones, Vivian Brown

Faculty Publications

A growing body of literature documents the importance of trauma-informed and trauma-specific services and systems change in both addiction treatment and child welfare fields. The overall aim of this qualitative study was to explore barriers, benefits, and facilitating factors associated with a trauma-informed systems assessment and improvement initiative conducted in the context of a family drug treatment court (FDTC). Semistructured in-depth interviews with 12 key informants and historical analyses of project documents over a 4-year time span were conducted. Results underscore the relevance of trauma-informed systems change in collaborative contexts designed to address the complex needs of children and families.


Dual Diagnosis, Mutual-Help Use, And Outcomes: A Naturalistic Follow-Up, Erin Woodhead, Alexandra Hindash, Christine Timko Jan 2013

Dual Diagnosis, Mutual-Help Use, And Outcomes: A Naturalistic Follow-Up, Erin Woodhead, Alexandra Hindash, Christine Timko

Faculty Publications

Objective: Individuals with dual diagnoses benefit from participation in mutual-help groups, though it is unclear how much such participation contributes to outcomes when accounting for utilization of treatment. Methods: We used mixed-model regressions to examine associations between participation in mutual-help groups reported at 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-ups with substance use and psychiatric outcomes among outpatients with dual diagnoses (N = 304), while controlling for amounts of substance use disorder and mental health outpatient treatment. Results: Follow-up rates were 81%, 82%, and 84% at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. Mean involvement in mutual-help groups (scale of …


Social Work In A Digital Age: Ethical And Risk Management Challenges, Frederic G. Reamer Jan 2013

Social Work In A Digital Age: Ethical And Risk Management Challenges, Frederic G. Reamer

Faculty Publications

Digital, online, and other electronic technology has transformed the nature of social work practice. Contemporary social workers can provide services to clients by using online counseling, telephone counseling, video counseling, cybertherapy (avatar therapy), selfguided Web-based interventions, electronic social networks, e-mail, and text messages. The introduction of diverse digital, online, and other forms of electronic social services has created a wide range of complex ethical and related risk management issues. This article provides an overview of current digital, online, and electronic social work services; identifies compelling ethical issues related to practitioner competence, client privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, conflicts of interest, …


Facilitating War-Affected Young Mothers’ Reintegration: Lessons From A Participatory Action Research Study In Liberia, Sierra Leone, And Uganda., Miranda E. Worthen, G. Onyango, A. Veale, M. Wessells, S. Mckay Jan 2013

Facilitating War-Affected Young Mothers’ Reintegration: Lessons From A Participatory Action Research Study In Liberia, Sierra Leone, And Uganda., Miranda E. Worthen, G. Onyango, A. Veale, M. Wessells, S. Mckay

Faculty Publications

Young women and girls formerly associated with armed forces and armed groups face multiple challenges. Many become pregnant or have children while they are associated and face stigma and marginalization upon reintegration into civilian communities. This article describes a multi-year participatory action research study that took place in twenty communities in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and northern Uganda from 2006 – 2009 and included more than 650 young mother participants. We find that this community-based approach to reintegration improved the wellbeing of young mother participants and their children. We discuss the challenges and limitations of conducting participatory action research with war-affected …