Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Mda’S Michigan Donated Dental Services (Dds) Program: How To Serve The Elderly And Disabled In Your Community And Build Your Team (Without Leaving Your Office!), April Stopczynski

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

April Stopczynski, MDA Manager of Access and Prevention, sheds light on the Michigan Donated Dental Services (DDS) program, elucidating its impact on individuals through poignant patient narratives and dentist testimonials. The article illustrates how DDS bridges the gap in dental care for the elderly, disabled, and financially compromised individuals in Michigan. The program not only restores smiles but also transforms lives by providing much-needed dental treatment through volunteer dentists and labs. This article presents the value of DDS for patients, providers, dental team members and the greater community. Information is provided on how to participate in this transformative program.

Towards A Globalised Vision Of Aquatic Competence, Rita F. Pinto, Juan Antonio Moreno Murcia

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Human interaction with the aquatic environment has always taken different forms to meet the needs of pleasure, survival, therapy or performance. The diversity of existing aquatic spaces presents itself as a challenge, due to their variety, dynamism, unpredictability and unrepeatable conditions. These factors potentiate an infinite number of possibilities for human response in interaction with the aquatic environment, with aquatic competence being the one that will be able to sustain all types of interaction. Thus, the aim of the proposal has been to present a new approach to the contextualisation of aquatic competence. After a literature review on the concept …

African American And Caucasian Perceptions And Attitudes Toward Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Qualitative Study, Peter Warren, Stacie Pankow, Yvette Rother, Peggy Wagner

The Qualitative Report

This study examined the attitudes held by both African Americans and Caucasians regarding colorectal cancer screening and the reasons why they avoid screenings even when clinically indicated by their physicians. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and easily preventable types of cancer in the United States. If diagnosed and treated early prior to metastasis, the five-year colorectal cancer survival rate is approximately 90%. However, many patients avoid screening procedures for colorectal cancer due to a number of reasons. Qualitative data was gathered from focus groups and found four major themes that emerged in both groups: (1) reported …

Psychophysiological Effects Of Increasing Awareness Of Nondual Consciousness In Young Adults With Depression And Anxiety, Milena Braticevic

CONSCIOUSNESS: Ideas and Research for the Twenty-First Century

Young adults increasingly suffer from anxiety and depression during the time of transition into adulthood. This research study examined the effects of increasing awareness of nondual consciousness in young adults who were experiencing various levels of anxiety and depression. The methodology was mixed-method and included four 1-hour group-based sessions over 4 weeks. Increasing awareness of nondual consciousness through educational, experiential, and behavioural components resulted in reduction in the average depression score from 19.4 (borderline clinical depression) to 10 (normal), and reduction in the average anxiety score from 12.7 (moderate anxiety) to 6.9 (mild). Participants reported increased mental, emotional, physical, and …

Review Of Cannabis Use Among Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People, Julia Butt, Mandy Wilson, Jocelyn Jones, Simon Lenton

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

The health effects of cannabis use may not always be seen as a high priority for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. However, the impact of cannabis use on physical and mental health can have significant consequences. It is known that the use of high potency cannabis has increased over the last two decades, with a corresponding increased risk to health. In particular, young people are at increased risk of experiencing harms to mental health. Physical harms to health include effects on the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, an increased risk of cancer, and in-utero effects from maternal use. The review …

Making Covid-19-Related Decisions: A Qualitative Study Of University Students, Jamie Methvin, Antonio J. Gardner, Leah B. P. Pylate, Barry P. Hunt, Holli H. Seitz, Regina Young Hyatt

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: SARS-Cov-2 (Coronavirus Disease or COVID-19) has impacted society greatly since its arrival to the United States. More specifically, college students have had to modify their behaviors on campus to minimize the spread of the virus.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify benefits and barriers to testing, reporting, and quarantining of undergraduate college students attending a large southeastern university.Methods: Undergraduate students were asked to complete an open-ended Qualtrics survey to share their perceived benefits and barriers to engage in behaviors to detect and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Data was analyzed via Grounded Theory techniques to determine codes …

Individual Correlates Of Covid-19 Concerns, Prevention Behaviors, And Experiences Among College Students, Samantha Cohen-Winans Ms, Kaitlyn Armstrong Ms, M. Allison Ford Phd, Hannah K. Allen Phd

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a public health crisis, and college campuses and areas in the southern U.S. are high-risk environments for disease spread. Purpose. This study examined variation in COVID-19 concerns, prevention behaviors, and related experiences among college students at a large, public university in the southeast region of the U.S. Methods. A sample of 544 undergraduate students completed an online survey in the final weeks of the Fall 2020 academic semester. Subgroup variation in level of COVID-19 concern by history of COVID-19 diagnosis and associations between individual correlates and COVID-19 outcomes were explored. Results. Students were …

Distribution Of Foot Pressing Forces In A Standing Position Of Children And Youth In The Light Of Prevention And Correction, Malgorzata Kawa, Marcin Garsztka, Michal Hillar

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of this paper was to show abnormalities in distribution of foot pressing forces in standing position in children and youths, and also related consequences, in the light of preventive and corrective actions. Material/Methods: The research was conducted in December 2009 at the Rehabilitation Centre in Malbork. It was part of a huge research project covering almost 2500 people. The control group comprised of 205 students in two age groups: 7–9 years old and 17–19 years old. The examined students attend two schools: No 3 Primary School in Pruszcz Gdanski and No 2 Secondary Schools Group in Malbork. …

School Injuries And Their Prevention From The Present Perspective, Václav Beranek, Petr Stastny, Vit Novacek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪Injuries are considered worldwide to be the most significant health problem, especially in childhood. In the Czech Republic, injuries are the most common cause of death among children and young adults. The aim of the study was to provide more insight in school accidents in the Czech Republic from 2008 to 2018 and to estimate future trends. Material and methods: ‪Annual reports of the Czech School Inspectorate (CSI) from 2007 to 2017 were the main sources of data. Results: ‪A high number of injuries occur in the school environment, especially at the primary level. In the Czech Republic, there …

The Lifeguard Rescue Reporting System: Survey Results From A Collaborative Data Collection Method, William D. Ramos, Roy Fielding, Kristina R. Anderson, Peter G. Wernicki Md

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Several water safety organizations have attempted to improve reporting regarding lifeguard actions in order to better understand the characteristics of successful, non-fatal rescues. In 2003, a collective effort initiated the Lifeguard Rescue Reporting System, an online survey distributed to lifeguards and facility managers across the United States and Canada to better understand rescue actions performed in pools/spas, water parks, and open water areas. After seven years of data collection, the online survey accumulated data reflecting 1,676 rescue actions, collecting information including location, victim characteristics and outcome, rescuer characteristics and strategies, and other general circumstances. Descriptive results indicated that at least …

In Their Own Words: How Opioids Have Impacted The Lives Of “Everyday” People Living In Appalachia, Patricia Nola Eugene Roberson, Gina Cortez, Laura H. Trull, Katherine Allison Lenger

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The opioid epidemic is ravaging people, families, and communities in Appalachia. However, limited research has examined how “everyday” people (e.g., not chronic pain patients, not medical professionals) living in these communities how opioids have impacted their lives.

Objective: Identify the perception of the opioid epidemic on individuals, families, and communities from people living in region most impacted regions.

Methods: Patients were recruited at Remote Area Medical clinics throughout Central and Southern Appalachia to complete interviews online (N = 169) or over the phone (N = 26), including one open-ended question about how opioids have impacted their lives.

Results: Using …

Association Of Drowning Mortality With Preventive Interventions: A Quarter Of A Million Deaths Evaluation In Brazil, David Szpilman, Danielli B. Mello, Ana Catarina Queiroga, Rogerio Ferreira Emygdio Rfe

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

In 2015, drowning in Brazil was responsible for 6,043 deaths and was the second leading cause of death in children. Although several prevention strategies have been promoted to reduce drowning, most are still based on low levels of evidence. This study evaluated the effectiveness of prevention and water safety interventions in reducing drowning mortality. Data obtained from the National Mortality System for 36 years were split in two time periods to allow the comparison of drowning mortality numbers before and after implementation of SOBRASA’s drowning prevention and water safety programs and to check for any positive effects attributable to such …

Predictors And Missed Opportunities For Blood Glucose Screening Among African Americans: Implications For Church-Based Populations, Alexandria G. Bauer, Jannette Berkley-Patton, Carole Bowe Thompson, Kelsey Christensen

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

African Americans (AAs) are disproportionately diagnosed with prediabetes, diabetes, and related complications. Guidelines for prediabetes/diabetes screening emphasize reaching at-risk adults. The AA church has potential to increase reach of BGS with AA church members and community members. The current study identified predictors of blood glucose screening (BGS) and individuals with missed opportunities for BGS among church-affiliated AA adults. Participants were drawn from a previous pilot study (Project Faith Influencing Transformation) conducted in six AA churches over eight months. Eligibility criteria included self-identifying as AA and being aged 18 or older. Participants who had previously been diagnosed with diabetes were excluded, …

Human Papillomavirus: The Influence Of Prevention And Vaccination, Lacey N. Russell

Kentucky Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship

Human Papillomavirus infections (HPV) are the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States. Of cancers in parts of the body where HPV is often discovered about 80% originated from an HPV infection. Despite this knowledge and the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, vaccination by both genders in Kentucky and on a national scale remains highly underutilized. As a result, preventable incidence and mortality rates from HPV-related illness are elevated. Health care delivery factors such as increased vaccination and preventative care, insurance coverage, and accessible rural health care are necessary for HPV prevention and promotion of holistic health. The …

Reaction To Safety Equipment Technology In The Workplace And Implications: A Study Of The Firefighter’S Hood, Brian W. Ward

The Qualitative Report

In the 1990s the firefighter’s hood became a standard article of safety equipment worn by municipal firefighters, eliciting a negative reaction among many of these firefighters. I used data from interviews with 42 firefighters to explain why this reaction occurred. Data analysis revealed that negative reactions ultimately stemmed from the hood’s disruption of autonomy, repudiation of the complex mental and physical skill needed to perform tasks required of firefighters, and hindrance in negotiating the life-threatening environment created by a fire. These findings indicate that when introducing new safety equipment technology to emergency response workers, their reaction to this equipment, and …

Superman And Wonder Woman: French Champions For Hiv/Aids Prevention Of Failed Aids Campaign?, Stephen M. Croucher, Terry L. Rentner

Speaker & Gavel

In 2004, the French government sponsored an AIDS/HIV prevention campaign; AIDES.ORG using photos of AIDS infected Superman and Wonder Woman to persuade adolescents to adopt preventative behaviors. This article asserts campaign organizers cancelled the campaign because it failed to provide audience efficacy and incorrectly manipulated fear in its campaign messages. Moreover, this article compares the AIDES.ORG campaign to other AIDS/HIV campaigns and argues effective health communication campaigns must provide efficacy to facilitate adoption of desired preventative behaviors. The Social Norms Approach is offered as an alternative method for developing effective health communication campaigns.

Are There Gender Differences In Perceived Sexual Self-Efficacy Among African-American Adolescents?, Michelle L. Redmond, Rhonda K. Lewis

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Background: African American adolescents accounted for more than half of all HIV/AIDS cases in 2009. Behavioral Strategies are needed to help lessen the incidence of HIV/AIDS among this population.

Purpose: The aim of his study was to examine sexual self-efficacy practices and beliefs among African American adolescents. We also examined gender differences between African American adolescents to better understand their perceptions of sexual self-efficacy, condom use intention, and other safer sex practices and beliefs.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 214 African American adolescents using survey instruments to examine their beliefs, perception and intentions on the use of condoms, …

Editorial Comment: Understanding Cost Variation In Std Service Delivery As State And Federal Agencies Reduce Funding, Michael A. Preston, William W. Greenfield, Sharla A. Smith

Frontiers in Public Health Services and Systems Research

As health reform gains momentum, many changes have been seen in the way health services are delivered and financed. In an attempt to address the uncertainties and understand the costs of delivering STD prevention services, the authors examined the cost of STDs in a highly centralized public health agency system (PHAS). This commentary covers several implications that arise from this study.

Hiv And Sti Risk For Young Blacks In High Prevalence Areas: Implications For Health Equity In Communities Hosting Historically Black Colleges And Universities (Hbcus), Tanya Telfair Leblanc, Madeline Y. Sutton, Peter Thomas, Wayne A. Duffus

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Background

Every year, thousands of young, black, high school graduates who are seeking higher education, attend one of the 105 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) located primarily in the south and east. The objective of the research was to examine the geographic proximity of HBCUs to areas of high HIV and STI disease burden among college age people to assess infectivity of potential sex partners in the areas surrounding HBCUs.

Methods

We examined the 14 states reporting the greatest HIV diagnoses burden among persons age 20-24 years old and STI burden among persons age 15 to 24 years old …

Utilizing Community Resources To Reduce The Presence Of Type 2 Diabetes In Rural Youth, Antonia S. Mead, M. C. Nagy, Stephen Nagy

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

The purpose of this study was to implement a program designed to promote diabetes prevention activities among preadolescents in a rural southern setting using a day camp intervention. Participants in the study were eleven youth from a rural Alabama county who participated in a week-long half-day camp administered by local and community volunteers. Change scores were used to compare pre- to post- to follow-up measures for camp participant responses. Program results consistently demonstrated that the day camp was theoretically sound and that program activities positively impacted behavioral antecedents. This study demonstrated the feasibility of conducting a diabetes prevention day camp …

Vaccine Risk Communication: Lessons From Risk Perception, Decision Making And Environmental Risk Communication Research, Ann Bostrom

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

Dr. Bostrom reviews the rich variety of empirical findings available to guide risk communication and demonstrates how it can contribute to vaccine risk and safety communication.

Aids News As Risk Communication, Admassu Tassew

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

Reports on a study of AIDS prevention stories in four prestige dailies, two in Europe and two in Africa, over an eight-year period.

Review Of: Bonnie L. Walker, Injury Prevention For The Elderly- A Research Guide (Greenwood Press 1995), David E. Belfort

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

Review of: Bonnie L. Walker, Injury Prevention for the Elderly- A Research Guide (Greenwood Press 1995). Acknowledgments, appendices, author index, bibliographical references, foreword, preface, subject index. LC 95-32989; ISSN 0743-7560 [328 pp. Cloth $75.00. 88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881.]

Quantitative Economic Evaluations Of Hiv-Related Prevention And Treatment Services: A Review, David R. Holtgrave, Ronald O. Valdiserri, Gary A. West

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

Dr. Holtgrave and colleagues at the CDC set forth an extensive taxonomy of HIV prevention and treatment services and review reports of efforts to subject some of those services to formal economic evaluation. They find few services thus far to have been so evaluated, no evaluation to have focused solely upon behavioral outcomes and most economic evaluations to lack formal quantitative analyses.

The Role Of Education In Aids Prevention, George A. Lamb, Linette G. Liebling

New England Journal of Public Policy

The severity of the current AIDS epidemic, combined with the lack of successful biological interventions, necessitates an active educational program as the primary intervention strategy. Health education theories abound, but relatively little definitive application of these theories has been made to the issues involved with HIV transmission: sexual behavior and the sharing of intravenous drug apparatus. Significant behavior changes have occurred in some people, but the consistency of the behavior change may be difficult to sustain. Thus, the authors suggest that health education should be delivered repeatedly in culturally acceptable language and format, by community leaders, and through many different …