Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Significance Of A K-12 Diabetes-Based Science Education Program For Tribal Populations: Evaluating Cognitive Learning, Cultural Context, And Attitudinal Components, Carolee D. Francis, Doug Coulson, Bonnie Kalberer, Lemyra Debruyn, William Freeman, Janet Belcourt

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Preventing and reducing the onset of type 2 diabetes among American Indian/Alaska Native youth requires ground-breaking strategies to affect knowledge, attitudes, and cognitive decision-making skills. In an unparalleled endeavor to address the growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes in tribal communities, a K-12 Diabetes Education in Tribal Schools (DETS) curriculum was created by eight tribal colleges and three federal agencies. This article highlights the results of the implementation phase, the final evaluation step in acquiring and measuring student knowledge and attitude gains through pre-post standardized assessment.

Barriers, Control And Identity In Health Information Seeking Among African American Women, Jennifer R. Warren, Lynette Kvasny, Michael L. Hecht, Diana Burgess, Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, Kolawole S. Okuyemi

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Qualitative research methods were used to examine the role of racial, cultural, and socio-economic group (i.e., communal) identities on perceptions of barriers and control related to traditional and internet resources for seeking health information. Eighteen lower income, African American women participated in training workshops on using the internet for health, followed by two focus groups. Transcripts were analyzed using standardized coding methods. Results demonstrated that participants perceived the internet as a tool for seeking health information, which they believed would empower them within formal healthcare settings. Participants invoked racial, cultural, and socio-economic identities when discussing barriers to seeking health information …

Health Care Disparities For Persons With Limited English Proficiency: Relationships From The 2006 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (Meps), Diane L. Smith

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Inadequate communication between patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) and providers can be associated with lower access to health care. The purpose of this research was to determine if there is a significant difference among those persons whose primary language is English and those with LEP in ability to access care and preventative screenings and perception of interaction with their physician. Chi square analysis was performed to determine if there was a significant relationship between primary language spoken and access to health care and patient-provider interaction. Data were obtained from the 2006 Medical Expenditure Panel Study. Results show that there …

Colorectal Cancer Brochure Development For African Americans, Kim L. Freeman, Lina Jandorf, Hayley Thompson, Katherine N. Duhamel

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Introduction: African Americans are more likely to die from colorectal cancer (CRC) than any other racial/ethnic group in the United States. Unfortunately, African Americans are also less likely to undergo screening for CRC than their White counterparts. Focus groups methodology was used to refine educational brochures designed to increase CRC screening among African Americans.

Methods: Two series of focus groups were completed, with a total of seven groups and 39 participants. Six different brochures (stage-matched and culturally sensitive) designed to promote CRC screening among African Americans were evaluated.

Results: All participants thought that the brochures motivated them …

Modeling Health Inequities Research In Context And The Minority Researcher’S Role, Ari Mwachofi, Ngure Wamwachofi

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Current health inequities research templates are flawed and self-defeating because they do not include historical inequalities as the central context that points to the root causes of health inequities. The context includes structural malformations which are products of the history of colonization and slavery that created racial separation and hierarchies which established Whites as the dominant group and non-Whites (minorities) as the subordinate group. Consequently it is difficult for mainstream researchers to capture the minorities’ core knowledge necessary for the creation of relevant and effective interventions for fundamental and sustainable improvement of their health. This paper proposes a health inequities …

Family Home Visitors: Increasing Minority Women’S Access To Health Services, Mechthild Meyer, Alma R. Estable, Lynne Maclean, Wendy E. Peterson

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

The article describes how service access barriers (language, trust) were addressed at different levels (organization, service provider, community) by involving Family Home Visitors to support Nurse Practitioners in providing pre- and postnatal services to linguis­tic minority women in Ontario. The investigators undertook a secondary analysis of 18 semi-structured interviews with health unit informants, Nurse Practitioners, program us­ers, and community leaders, including Family Home Visitors. Health units facilitated col­laboration between two programs aimed at serving mothers with young children, result­ing in both programs using Family Home Visitors. They enhanced minority women’s trust in Nurse Practitioner services by providing interpretation, outreach and …

Patterns Of Interaction Among Local Public Health Officials And The Adoption Of Recommended Practices, Jacqueline A. Merrill, Kathleen M. Carley, Mark G. Orr, Christie Y. Jeon, Jonathon Storrick

Frontiers in Public Health Services and Systems Research

The network that local health officials use to communicate about professional issues contains two groups of LHDs that are influential for either their ability to spread information or to innovate. Both groups are more likely to conduct community health assessments and develop health improvement plans. Since these activities are fundamental aspects of accreditation and health reform, the findings may present an early indication that these initiatives are having an effect on the public health system.

Public Health Governance And Population Health Outcomes, Scott P. Hays, Janine Toth, Matthew J. Poes, Peter F. Mulhall, David M. Remmert, Thomas W. O'Rourke

Frontiers in Public Health Services and Systems Research

Research reviews have identified a gap in understanding the diversity of health department governance structures and in understanding how the variations in governing relates to health outcomes. This report details the categorization of local public health governance and reveals that certain governance types may be better suited to achieve better population health outcomes. State systems achieve the poorest health outcomes, but the best health outcomes are achieved when the political branches have a key role in local public health governance. Public health systems should consider greater local control and involvement in governance; but local governance should include the political branches …

Using State And Local Health Survey Data To Advance Phssr, Glen P. Mays

Health Management and Policy Presentations

State and local health survey data can be used to evaluate the implementation and impact of public health delivery innovations in real-world practice settings.

Harnessing The Potential Of Comparative Effectiveness Research And Delivery System Innovation Through Practice-Based Research, Glen P. Mays

Health Management and Policy Presentations

Testing delivery system innovations in health care and public health allows the practice-based research enterprise to lead the way toward gains in health and economic efficiency.

Factor Analysis Of Intern Effectiveness, Sid T. Womack, Shellie Louise Hannah, Columbus David Bell

Administrative Issues Journal

Four factors in teaching intern effectiveness, as measured by a Praxis III-similar instrument, were found among observational data of teaching interns during the 2010 spring semester. Those factors were lesson planning, teacher/student reflection, fairness & safe environment, and professionalism/efficacy. This factor analysis was as much of a statement about effective teaching as it is about the technical aspects of an instrument utilized to assess it. Forty-one percent of effective teaching was found to be in the lesson planning.

11th Annual Undergraduate Student Symposium, Farquhar Honors College

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The Undergraduate Student Symposium, sponsored by the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, presents student projects through presentations, papers, and poster displays. The event serves as a “showcase” demonstrating the outstanding scholarship of undergraduate students at NSU. The Symposium is open to undergraduate students from all disciplines. Projects cover areas of student scholarship ranging from the experimental and the applied to the computational, theoretical, artistic, and literary. They are taken from class assignments as well as from independent projects. The projects do not have to be complete; presentations can represent any stage in the concept’s evolution, from proposal and literature …

Major Difference: An Examination Of Student Writing Performance By Major And Its Implications For Business Communication, Lucia S. Sigmar, Geraldine E. Hynes

Administrative Issues Journal

This study analyzes the writing performance levels of 352 students to determine the extent to which business students are achieving written communication competency and whether differences exist among the business majors. Although most students met or exceeded expectations in format and content on a common writing task, students were weakest in grammar and mechanics, with almost half scoring below expectations across all majors. The findings indicate no statistically significant differences in writing competency among majors. This study also suggests that business communicators can serve as “collegial consultants” in a cross-disciplinary effort to improve student writing.

Wright State University Celebration Of Research, Scholarship And Creative Activities Book Of Abstracts Friday, April 13, 2012, Wright State University Office Of Undergraduate Research And Stemm Activities

Celebration of Undergraduate & Graduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Materials

The student abstract booklet is a compilation of abstracts from students' oral and poster presentations at Wright State University's second annual Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 13, 2012.

Hiv/Sti Risk Factors Among African-American Students Attending Predominantly White Universities, Marya L. Shegog, Lisa Lindley, Melva Thompson-Robinson, David Simmons, Donna Richter

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Introduction: The majority of African American college students in the U.S. attend predominantly white institutions (PWIs). However, there is minimal research examining this population’s HIV/STI risk behaviors. The purpose of this investigation was to assess HIV/STI behavioral risk factors among African American college students (aged 18 – 24years) attending PWIs. (n = 2,568)

Methods: Backwards step-wise logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with a positive HIV/STI diagnosis (past year) among sexually active African American college students who participated in the Spring, 2006 National College Health Assessment.

Findings: Nine factors were significantly associated with an HIV/STI diagnosis among …

Using Concepts From Freire’S Pedagogy Of The Oppressed To Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening In An Urban Minority Population, Corey H. Brouse, Charles E. Basch, Randi L. Wolf

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

This paper briefly introduces Freire’s philosophy of education, as well as examples of how this philosophy can be used in health education. Concepts from Freire’s work are highlighted along with how they are applicable to educating adults about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, a health behavior that is less prevalent among poor and minority populations. Concepts highlighted in Freire’s writing can be directly applied to reducing disparities in health.

Prioritizing Interventions And Research To Address The Cancer Disparities Of Arizona’S American Indian Population, Norman J. Petersen, Sujata Joshi, Tim Flood, Kathryn Coe

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

The aim of the Southwest American Indian Collaborative Network (SAICN) is to reduce cancer disparities by closing the gap between community needs and the promise of cancer prevention and cure through participatory education, training and research programs. In an effort to provide evidence-based recommendations and promote the use of relevant data in tribal communities, the SAICN Data and Evaluation Core developed two comparison matrices that present scientifically sound practices for use by community health decision makers in prioritizing activities likely to reduce the irrespective community’s burden of cancer. In their current configurations, Matrix A considers those cancers for which prevention …

A Communication Strategy To Address Health Inequities In Municipal Settings, Christine Unson, Ben Tyson, Angela Funaiole, Comfort Agaba

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

This study assessed knowledge of health inequities, importance and benefits/barriers of addressing inequities, and ways of communicating information about inequities among municipal officials. Five focus groups (N=47) were conducted with officials from economic development, land use and housing, public safety, education, and environment departments. Discussions were recorded, transcribed and analyzed for key themes. Findings show that participants had an uneven understanding of the symptoms and causes of health inequities and identified limitations to participating in health equity initiatives and collaborating with local health departments. Recommendations are that a communication strategy to reduce health inequities should aim to increase awareness of …

Pap Test Follow-Up Pattern Among American Indian Women In Arizona, Merrill Eisenberg, Kathryn Coe, Charlton Wilson, Kathleen Evans, Elizabeth Brewer

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Objective: To quantify the loss to follow-up rate after abnormal Pap test results at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, an Indian Health Service regional facility, and identify barriers to follow-up from the patients’ point of view.

Materials and Methods: Patient records were used to identify women who had abnormal Pap tests in 2002 and to document the status of their follow-up care. Women who had no clinical record of follow-up were contacted by telephone to arrange a follow-up appointment and to request participation in a structured qualitative interview to identify barriers to follow-up at the individual, family, community, and health …

Application Of The Pen-3 Model In A Diabetes Prevention Intervention, Joan E. Cowdery, Shandowyn Parker, Amy Thompson

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

More effective strategies for addressing health issues in African American communities are needed. As part of a three year NIH funded Project Export grant, this community campus partnership used community-based participatory research principles and thePEN-3 Cultural Framework to develop a culturally specific, locally relevant intervention to prevent Diabetes among African-Americans. A comprehensive needs assessment which included 13 elicitation interviews, 3 focus groups, and 217 surveys resulted in identifying major themes including overall lack of knowledge regarding Diabetes,issues of denial and stigma, sense of inevitability, influence of family on perceptionsand behaviors, communication issues with health care providers, and lack of culturally …

Racial Differences In The Use Of Most Commonly Performed Medical Procedures In The United States, Syed S. Haque, Mohammad A. Faysel, Hafiz M. R. Khan

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Objective: This study investigates racial disparities in the use of commonly performed medical procedures in U.S. hospitals. Methods: To examine racial disparities, we calculated age-adjusted rate of procedures used by all Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians or Pacific Islanders and Native Americans and calculated corresponding Relative Risks(RRs) of White vs. all other races based on procedure utilizations and insurance types using 20% random sample of Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data between 2001 and2003. Results: Whites were significantly more likely to receive 3 of the study procedures than Blacks, 3 of the procedures than Hispanics, 2 of the procedures than Asians or …

Racial Disparities In Cancer Screening Among Women With Chronic Joint Pain, Edith M. Williams, Laurene Tumiel-Berhalter, Christopher Purdy, Adrianne Ransom, Judith Anderson

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Chronic pain related disorders and breast and cervical cancer are more prevalent among African-American women compared with non-Hispanic White women. However, few studies address how racial differences in the context of comorbidity may compound these disparities. This study used secondary analysis of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to assess racial differences in breast and cervical cancer screening and patient education among adult women with chronic joint pain conditions. Statistical analyses included chi-square and independent samples t-tests. African-American women compared with non-Hispanic White women were less likely to receive a pap smear or mammogram within the last two years and …

The Promises And Realities Of Evidence-Based Practices: Perceptions From Assessment Personnel, Jessica A. Rueter, Cynthia G. Simpson

Administrative Issues Journal

Assessment personnel are those individuals who work in the capacity of evaluation of students with disabilities, including, but not limited to, educational diagnosticians, educational examiners, psychometrists, and instructional specialists. These professionals are responsible for identifying strengths and weaknesses and for providing teachers with evidence-based recommendations that can be implemented in the classroom to improve performance of students with learning deficits. This qualitative study examines 19 educational diagnosticians’ perceptions related to the barriers and supports that impacted their ability to provide evidence-based recommendations for students who are learning disabled. Three categories of barriers to issuing successful evidence-based recommendations emerged as a …

Children’S Vulnerability Related To Chlorine Exposure, Container Confusion, And Mixing Household Cleaners – Florida, 2006-2008, Roxie Zarate, Alan Becker, Ivette A. López, Jay L. Schauben

Florida Public Health Review

Acute and chronic effects of exposure to chlorine and chloramines can result in the irritation of the skin and mucous mem- branes, often leading to airway edema resulting in respiratory difficulties, burning in the throat, eyes and nose. Ingestion of bleach or bleach-containing products often results in adverse gastrointestinal effects. Data captured by the three centers com- prising the Florida Poison Information Center Network (FPICN) between 2006 and 2008 was examined to characterize the extent oftoxic effects from chlorine gas exposures related to misuse ofhousehold cleaners. A known outcome was determined in 48.4% of the 5315 cases. Of those with …

A Report Of Florida’S Cancer History, Risk Factors, And Screening Behaviors: Data From The National Health Interview Survey, Laura A. Mcclure, Tainya C. Clarke, Cristina A. Fernandez, Kristopher L. Arheart, William G. Leblanc, Lora E. Fleming, David J. Lee

Florida Public Health Review

To target populations at greatest risk ofdeveloping cancer, it is vital to understand the patterns ofrisk factors and screening behaviors along with cancer surveillance data. This study provides data on the prevalence of self-reported cancer history, can- cer risk factors, and cancer screening behaviors in Florida and compares them to rates in the rest ofthe U.S. Data were ob- tained from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an annual, cross-sectional household survey of the U.S. civilian non-institutionalized population. We analyzed pooled data from the 2000 and 2005 Cancer Control Modules. Compared to the rest ofthe U.S., Floridians reported a lower …

Obesity And Food Insecurity Are Both Florida Public Health Issues – A Commentary, Judy E. Perkin

Florida Public Health Review

Florida faces an epidemic of overweight and obesity primarily due to an imbalance of caloric intake and physical activity modulated by multiple physiologic and cultural factors. The overweight and obesity issue notwithstand- ing, Florida’s public health efforts must also continue to address problems related to food insecurity and hunger. Although much of the focus concerning food insecurity has been at the individual or household level, there is also discussion among policymakers, food experts, and community members about the need to focus on food security at the community-level as well. This commentary examines Florida’s current food security issues.

The Sandwich Generation: A Review Of The Literature, Leaanne Derigne, Stephen Ferrante

Florida Public Health Review

Many Americans balance dual caregiving responsibilities for both children and aging family, dubbed the “sandwich genera- tion.” Between 1 out of8 and 1 out of11 households with an adult aged 30 or older is comprised ofdual-earner, sandwiched generation couples. There are psychological, physical, employment, and financial outcomes ofbalancing multiple caregiving duties. The literature shows positive benefits for caregivers too. A review ofliterature in the past 30 years, citing only U.S.- based studies is summarized in this paper. Policy, clinical, and research implications are included. It is possible that multi- generational caregiving responsibilities will continue to rise for the children ofbaby …

Impact Of The Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (Nica) On Obstetrician And Attorney Practices, Karen W. Geletko, Andrew Hunt, Leslie M. Beitsch

Florida Public Health Review

As health reform continues to unfold nationally, one ofthe more dramatic strategies for reform ofthe current medical liability system is to move towards a no-fault compensation system. Although, no state has established a comprehensive no-fault medical malpractice system, the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) is a unique and rare working model ofa functioning no-fault insurance program. A cross-sectional design was utilized to survey obstetricians and health law attorneys practicing in Florida in 2011 to ascertain their knowledge and opinions of NICA and its impact on practice patterns and defensive medicine. The findings indicate that respondents believe NICA has …

Infectious Syphilis In Non-Hispanic Blacks And Hispanics In An Urban Std Clinic, Tai Hunte, Maria L. Alcaide, Ricardo Franco, Khaled Deeb, Jose G. Castro

Florida Public Health Review

Syphilis is a complex infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum and acquired through sexual contact or vertical transmission. The natural history of syphilis is divided in primary, secondary, latent and tertiary stages. The syphilis epidemic has evolved over the years. National rates of syphilis infection dropped to the lowest in 2000 and have since increased in certain populations. Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for 60% of new infections and high rates occur in individuals with human immune deficiency virus co-infection. This study describes and compares the demographic characteristics, risk factors, and clinical presentation ofinfectious syphilis cases diagnosed …

Drinking Games Among College Students, Emily Schumacher

2012 Awards for Excellence in Student Research & Creative Activity - Documents

The purpose of this study was to explore, analyze, and compare the attitudes, behaviors, consequences, and reasons for participation in drinking games among college students. An 11-item questionnaire was created and used to survey respondents. Face and content validity were established by using an expert panel. The survey included demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal information and consisted of yes or no, multiple choice, and ranking questions. The data was analyzed through descriptive statistics using SPSS. Data was reported by frequencies and percentages. Descriptive studies allowed the researcher to gain a better understanding of the attitudes and behaviors of college students participating …