bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commentary on "A Health Education Perspective on Sexual Risk Taking Behavior in Perimenopausal Women"
Authors: Ojanlatva Ansa
Published: July 2019

This is a commentary on, "A Health Education Perspective on Sexual Risk Taking Behavior in Perimenopausal Women" by Silvea Thomas, California Journal of Health Promotion 2004, 2(1), 56-60.
Births to Teens Older and Younger Than 17 Years in San Bernardino County and California
Authors: Boafo Kofi Adade , Smith Bruce , Modeste Naomi N , Prendergast, Jr Thomas J
Published: July 2019

Objective: The purpose of this cohort, descriptive study was to attempt to understand the variables associated with discordant infant mortality among teenagers 17-19 years old whose infants demonstrated higher mortality than infants of teenagers who were younger than 17 years old in San Bernardino County, California. The intent was to elicit further research and/or define appropriate interventions for teen mothers within the age range 17-19 years. Methods: Data was abstracted from an electronic infant mortality data set, the State of California Birth Cohort File in which birth records from San Bernardino County for the period 1989 through 1993 were matched with mortality records. Results: The data showed that infants of white teens within the 17-19 age groups were more likely to have higher infant mortality rates when compared to their younger peers. Infant mortality rates among offspring of Hispanic and black teenage mothers showed no discrepancy between the two groups nor between county and state rates. Conclusions: Further study is needed to answer why infants of white teen mothers in the 17-19 age groups have higher mortality rates. There is also a need to review the services rendered to pregnant and parenting adolescents in San Bernardino County. In addition, very low birth weight infants were much more likely to die when born to older teens than when born to younger teens.
Characteristics and Needs of Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Santa Clara County, California
Authors: Orzech Shoshanah M. , Hollenbeck Clarie B. , Reddan Paige , McProud Lucy M.
Published: July 2019

Objective: The study objectives were to examine the characteristics and perceived needs of children and adolescents diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Design: Data were gathered via self-administered questionnaires pertaining to demographics, family history of type 2 diabetes, physical characteristics, lifestyle/exercise behaviors, dietary behaviors and interests in meeting other youth with type 2 diabetes. Subjects and their parents/guardians were asked to complete separate questionnaires and afterwards, each youth participated in a follow-up interview related to diabetes management. Subjects: Participants (N=14) were obtained from a population of youth diagnosed with type 2 diabetes seeking medical care at the Kaiser Santa Teresa Pediatric Endocrine Clinic in Santa Clara, CA. Eleven of the subjects were Latino (79%) and the remaining 3 were Asian American (21%). Subjects ranged in age from 10 to 18 years with a mean age of 13.8 ± 2.3 years. The mean age at diagnosis was 12.7 ± 2.3 years with a range from eightand-a-half years to 17 years when first diagnosed. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the participants was 33.5 ± 6.2 kg/m2 . Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics were utilized for all analyses including discrete and continuous data to determine counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Results: The youth characteristics in the present study were consistent with previous studies that have examined the demographics, physical characteristics, and family history of type 2 diabetes among youth in the United States. Acanthosis nigricans, a hyperinsulinemic condition, was present in 10 of the 14 (71%) of the youth and most were overweight or obese with a mean BMI of 33.5 ± 6.2 kg/m2 . A positive family history for diabetes was evident in most subjects, however, this positive history did not lead to an increase in diabetes knowledge among youth. Most youth subjects were sedentary and were more likely to make dietary changes than exercise changes to manage their diabetes. Interests in attending youth summer camps or family camps geared towards diabetes education were quite high. As the characteristics and diabetes risk factors of type 2 diabetes among youth continue to be identified, and as it continues to increase in this population, culturally appropriate prevention programs will need to be designed and implemented to address the needs of this unique population.
Risky Lifestyles and Unintentional Firearms Fatalities
Authors: Ruddell Rick , Mays G. Larry
Published: July 2019

This state-level study departs from other investigations of unintentional firearms fatalities by examining the relationships between lifestyle choices, legislation, and accidental gun deaths. We find that the source of these deaths is very similar to those for unintentional fatalities from other mechanisms, such as motor vehicle accidents, residential fires, or occupational injuries. Unintentional mortality is consistently associated with state-level indicators of risky behavior, and to a lesser extent, inactivity. Moreover, we also examined the influences of child access prevention (safe storage), overall firearms laws, and background checks on firearms fatalities. Unlike previous research, we found that these legislative initiatives were not significantly associated with reductions in accidental shooting deaths. Our findings suggest that theories about unintentional fatalities will remain incomplete and harm reduction policies, including the public health model endorsed by many scholars, will not be fully effective if the role of risktaking and sensation-seeking behaviors as an important source of these tragedies is neglected.
Oregon’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (EHDI)
Authors: Lahr Martin B. , Rosenberg Kenneth D.
Published: July 2019

Following unsuccessful efforts in the early 1990’s, using a “high-risk” registry to identify infants with hearing loss, and following the development of practical automated electrophysiologic technology to identify hearing loss in infants, community advocates and the Office of Family Health (OFH) lobbied to introduce universal newborn hearing screening in Oregon. In 1999, the Legislature adopted a compromise bill that mandated screening in all hospitals with more than 200 births annually. When the new law took effect, in July 2000, the proportion of infants screened rapidly rose from 25% to over 94%. In 2003, the Legislature added mandatory individual-level reporting and the OFH established a registry. With these essential elements now in place, a critical task is to ensure complete follow-up of infants failing newborn hearing screening with diagnostic testing and early intervention, if appropriate. Health promoters and educators will play a key role encouraging participation in the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program by health professionals and parents.
Letters of Recommendation
Authors: Lamarine Roland
Published: July 2019

This paper provides helpful advice to faculty writing letters of recommendations for college graduates in health education and health promotion. An example of a letter of recommendation is included.
HIV/AIDS Among Female Prison Inmates
Authors: Franklin Cortney A. , Fearn Noelle E. , Franklin Travis W.
Published: July 2019

Research points to the importance of adequate health care in women’s prisons. This is especially important as female inmates are faced with a host of unique and distinct needs, in particular, an increased risk of HIV/AIDS infection. This risk presents a significant public health concern as the majority of female offenders receive limited screening, treatment, education, and counseling related to HIV/AIDS infection and transmission while in prison. Additionally, when these women return to their communities, they are generally ill-equipped to prevent the transmission of their disease. Further, their heath concerns become the responsibility of an already overburdened public health system. Effective medical care in prison alleviates inmates’ growing medical needs and protects the public from the transmission of HIV/AIDS. This study identifies the current state of HIV/AIDS among female inmates in correctional institutions nation wide. We argue that mandatory AIDS screening for all inmates and gender-specific educational programming will lower the rate of transmission and the prevalence of high-risk behaviors, thus reducing pre- and post-release health threats. Future research directions and policy implications are discussed.
Conversation
Authors: Caravella Tracy , Wycoff-Horn Marcie
Published: July 2019

This teaching strategy is designed for high school or college level. During this lesson, dramatization is utilized to help students examine health issues that occurred in the 1900 as compared to those of today. Additionally, students will explore their own health status and work to develop a plan to promote or enhance their own lifestyle behaviors.
Addressing Health Education Responsibilities and Competencies Through Service Learning
Authors: Young Kathleen J. , Spear Caile
Published: July 2019

It is in the best interest of all academic preparation programs in the health professions to address and adjust their programs as health and healthcare continues to change (Clark, 1999). As a result of some of these changes, health education as a profession has become more community-focused and committed to the development of community-academic partnerships. Many universities are finding themselves integrating service learning pedagogy into their professional preparation programs. As such, service learning activities provide health education majors with the opportunities to participate in community organizing and building as well as practicing many of the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) responsibilities early on in their academic development. This paper will provide examples of how health education courses can integrate service learning pedagogy into their programs while reinforcing the seven core health education responsibilities into practice.
Menopause Knowledge and Attitudes of English-Speaking Caribbean Women
Authors: Thomas Silvea E.
Published: July 2019

Seventy-four 36-60 year old English-speaking Caribbean women living in the New York metropolitan area were surveyed to determine their knowledge and attitudes towards menopause, and to identify implications for health education practice. A 33-item questionnaire was distributed by the researcher and her trained research assistant at three sites. Sixty-three (85%) of the seventy four women surveyed returned useable questionnaires. Respondents lacked comprehensive understanding of the meaning of the term menopause and information about the risks of heart disease associated with menopause. In general, menopause health information was limited. The majority said they did not seek medical attention when symptoms were present. Among those who did seek care and those for whom treatment was prescribed, non-compliance was high, even with the support of a significant other. There was little correlation between the reported level of education and knowledge of health risks associated with menopause. Although limited in its generalizability, this study identifies the need for further research. It suggests the tailoring of health promotion and disease prevention strategies as well as identifying “efficacy-based” prevention strategies that focus on the needs of English-speaking Caribbean women.
Improving Access to Physical Activity
Authors: Matsuoka Carol T. , Nett Blythe , Stromberg Heidi , Maddock Jay E.
Published: July 2019

Environmental approaches to increase access to physical activity facilities are recommended for promoting physical activity. People with easy access to recreational facilities are more likely to achieve the recommended levels of physical activity, and neighborhoods that are walkable and provide access to public parks and jogging trails are associated with higher levels of activity. Friends for Fitness, a grassroots organization in West Hawai‘i spearheaded a community-based planning process and intervention to revitalize the Old Kona Airport into a walking/jogging trail. Through community engagement, support from local media and businesses, and volunteers, Friends for Fitness succeeded in increasing physical activity among residents. After three years, the number of walkers utilizing the trail increased more than 20%.
E 'ao lu'au a kualima
Authors: Liu David M. K. I.
Published: July 2019

Currently the Kanaka Maoli, or Maoli are struggling to restore Ka Lahui, or the Maoli nation. At the same time, they face the highest rates of chronic disease and cancer, and have become in the discourse of Western medicine the "unhealthy Hawaiian." This article seeks to trace the geneaology of the "unhealthy Hawaiian" as it articulates with the attempted destruction of the nation. But health is a contested terrain, and for the past two hundred years, the Maoli have resisted colonization and now neo or postcolonialism. This resistance encompasses health as well, in maintaining tradition against the inscription of the Maoli into the American and international political economies, as well as the restoration of the Maoli ola and the health of Ka Lahui.
Cholesterol Primer for Health Professionals
Authors: Bowden Rodney G. , Hebert Stuart , Wilson Ronald , Gentile Mindy , Lanning Beth A.
Published: July 2019

As research continues in the field of coronary artery disease, more information is revealed about various etiological factors. Emerging lipoprotein risk factors have been identified and are now starting to surface as instrumental in the cause and prevention of coronary artery disease. In order to conduct comprehensive cholesterol screening programs and counseling sessions a health professional must have a thorough understanding of lipid metabolism. Recent changes in cholesterol guidelines make it necessary to have a review that addresses the specifics of lipid management. A health professional needs an appropriate knowledge base to be able to understand a major coronary artery disease risk factor and thereby more effectively educate the public about lipid management and coronary artery disease risk reduction. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to review the role of cholesterol in both normal physiological functioning and disease causation and to examine the research concerning new emerging cholesterol risk factors.
Medical Marijuana Revisited
Authors: Koger Michael
Published: July 2019

The use of marijuana as a medicinal agent is an old practice in many parts of the world. In recent decades it has gained increased attention of the general public and of the medical profession. Ten states and Canada have legalized medical marijuana; physicians prescribe it for nausea and vomiting in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. They also prescribe it for appetite loss and wasting in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Controversies exist about its use in the treatment of glaucoma, spasticity or chronic intractable pain. Though state governments have passed laws authorizing physicians to prescribe marijuana, the federal government contends that the drug is a Schedule I agent with no medicinal use, a high potential for abuse and no accepted safety for use in medically-supervised treatment. There are legal issues regarding its use as a medicinal agent, and the United States Supreme Court has provided rulings on these matters. This paper will explore those controversies, the history of medical marijuana and the implications for its future use as a therapeutic agent in this country.
Epidemic of Obesity in African American Communities and the Need for a Culturally Sensitive After School Childhood Obesity Prevention Program
Authors: Wallace Edward V.
Published: July 2019

An after-school obesity prevention program for African American children is proposed in this paper. The prevention program is a behavioral education program designed to facilitate healthy behavior changes in obesity self-care and provide culturally sensitive interventions specifically for obese African American children. The self-care concepts addressed involve: knowledge of obesity, exercise, and nutrition. The culturally sensitive interventions address the problems of low self-esteem, communication, and ineffective family coping. The implementation of the after-school obesity program included four phases: needs assessment, planning and goal setting, implementation, and monitoring for progress. This afterschool education program is designed to promote self-care, family support, and improve the quality of life for obese African American children.
Exploring Agenda-Setting for Healthy Border 2010
Authors: Kozel Charles T. , Hubbell Anne P. , Dearing James , Kane William M. , Thompson Sharon , Peréz Frank , Suárez Enrique , Peña Adriana , Hatcher Michael T. , Goodman Melanie , Pettit Kathrin Berg , Modell Shelly , Rogers Everett M.
Published: July 2019

Policy makers take action largely on issues that attain the pinnacle of the policy agenda (Pertschuck, 2001). As a result, how decision makers choose which issues are important has been the subject of much research. Agenda-setting conceptualizes the process of how issues move from relative unimportance to the forefront of policymakers’ thoughts (Dearing & Rogers, 1996). An area within agenda-setting research, Health Promotion Agenda-Setting, provides Health Promotion practitioners with an innovative framework and strategy to set agendas for sustained courses of action (Kozel, Kane, Rogers, & Hammes, 1995). In this interdisciplinary and bi-national exploratory study, funded by the Center for Border Health Research of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, we examine agenda-setting processes in the Paso del Norte Region and evaluates how the public health agenda is determined within the U.S.-Mexico border population. Integrating both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, the current research is focused on identifying deficiencies in the public health infrastructure in the U.S.-Mexico border area, and identifying channels that exist for working toward the bi-national goals presented in Healthy Border 2010 (U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission, 2003). Research directions, design, and methodologies for exploring health promotion agenda-setting in applied settings, such as Healthy Border 2010, provide health practitioners and policy makers the potential to improve public health leadership by influencing the public health and policy agendas.
Overweight, Diet, Physical Activity, and Hypertension in Low-Income School-Aged Children
Authors: Marty Kelley , Wolff Cindy , Morgan Irene
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this cross-sectional, descriptive study was to examine overweight as an independent risk factor for hypertension (HTN) in children, as well as associations among body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, diet, and physical activity. Study participants included 1,284 students in grades five to eight in three school districts in rural northern California. Analysis of variance was used to test for differences in BMI and blood pressure based on diet and physical activity. Pearson’s correlation was used to assess the relationships among blood pressure, BMI, dietary, and physical activity variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for BMI and systolic blood pressure. Forty-four percent of the students were > 85th percentile BMI-for-age. With one blood pressure reading, 28% met the criteria for either pre-hypertension or hypertension using standardized criteria for age, gender, and height. HTN rates were significantly higher for overweight vs. normal weight children (p=.001). Fruit and vegetable intake decreased significantly by grade (р =.001). Regression results showed that soda consumption was an independent risk factor for BMI (p =.001) and that BMI was an independent risk factor for HTN (p=.001). Findings support the need for nutrition education and physical activity promotion programs in these three school districts.
Association Between Health Risk Knowledge and Risk Behavior Among Medical Students and Residents In Yerevan
Authors: Khachkalyan Tereza , Petrosyan Varduhi , Soghikian Krikor
Published: July 2019

Background. The relationship between risk knowledge, attitude, and behavior among different population groups is complex and has not been sufficiently explored. It was especially interesting to look at some aspects of this relationship among future health professionals (medical students and medical residents) assuming their detailed exposure to medical knowledge and health risks. The objectives of this study were to investigate the association between risk behavior and health risk knowledge/perception among medical students and residents in Yerevan, Armenia and examine the degree and direction of association between individual characteristics and risk behavior. Methods. A descriptive-analytical crosssectional survey design was used. Risk behavior and health risk knowledge/perception were assessed through an anonymous self-administrated questionnaire. Risk-taking behavior was measured as the number of all risk behaviors in a lifetime. Knowledge/perception was measured by the extent to which subjects agreed with risk-related statements. T-test, ANOVA, and linear regression modeling were used to analyze associations between total risk, health knowledge/perception, and individual characteristics. Results. Total risk was statistically significantly associated with age, gender, education, marital status, and having children; no association was found with birth order or attitude toward religion. Knowledge/perception about health risks was not associated with behaviors of interest after adjustment for potential “confounders.” There was a statistically significant interaction between marital status and knowledge/perception. Decrease in the number of reported risk behaviors with higher knowledge/perception score in this population was less among married participants than single participants. Conclusion. In this preliminary study, knowledge/perception of health risk did not appear to be a statistically significant predictor of risk behavior. Considering the limitations of this study, more research is needed to adequately assess the effect of knowledge and perception of health risk on risk behaviors of medical students and residents in Armenia.
Relationship of Media Attention to Colorectal Cancer-Related Risk Appraisals in Older Japanese Americans
Authors: Honda Keiko , Kreps Gary L.
Published: July 2019

Objectives: The goals of this study were: (1) to explore how personal attributes and media attention are related to colorectal cancer (CRC)-related risk appraisals (i.e., causal attribution, and fatalism/misconception) among Japanese Americans at risk; and (2) to identify segments of the population that should be targeted for education programs, topics of interest, and health communication channels. Methods: Structural equation modeling was used to cross-sectionally test a proposed model derived from the Heuristic-Systematic Model (HSM) and Attribution Theory for understanding the relationship between media attention and cognitive processes related to CRC in a population-based community sample of 341 asymptomatic Japanese Americans aged 50 and over residing in the Greater New York region. Results: Accounting for 30% of the variance in risk appraisals, the data fit a model (χ²(136)=231.41, p
Comparison of Selected Measures Of Physical Fitness in Women Subjects from Various Ethnic Groups and National Backgrounds
Authors: Chun Donna , Eburne Norman , Donnelly Joseph , Kaluhiokalani Norman , Kokkonen Joke , Whitehead Jana
Published: July 2019

This study compared fitness components in 317 women of different ethnicity from BYU-Hawaii. Data was analyzed using SPSS, ANOVA, t-tests, and Tukey’s HSD Post-Hoc Test. Results showed American Caucasians were faster and leaner than Pacific Islanders and Hawaiians. American Caucasians, Pacific Islanders and Hawaiians were stronger than Asians. American Caucasians did more sit-ups than Pacific Islanders and Asians and more back extensions than Pacific Islanders. Asians were leaner than Pacific Islanders and Hawaiians, and faster than Pacific Islanders. Whether these differences resulted from genetics or socio-cultural factors is unclear. Differences may be remedied by ethnic norms as developed in this study.
Minimizing Musculoskeletal Discomfort in the Workplace
Authors: McMahan Shari , Chikamoto Yosuke
Published: July 2019

America’s work force is aging but very little is known about functional limitations (e.g., changes in vision, hearing, musculoskeletal system) and how that affects individual performance, productivity and the needs of aging workers. Four hundred eight employees at a college campus completed a web-based questionnaire. There was a significant difference between older and younger workers with regards to both mental and physical health compared to five years ago. Older workers (ages 45 and over) reported greater degrees of physical declines than younger respondents. The largest decline in older respondents was found in eyesight followed by upper/lower back strength and muscle strength. As for specific changes in mental health characteristics, older respondents showed greater degrees of decline in memory, reaction time, and learning ability. Workers that participated in ergonomics training were more likely to change their work environment to reduce discomfort and enhance their performance. Health promotion programs of this type should be encouraged by employers.
Pre-Service Educators’ Confidence and Efficacy in Dealing with Child and Adolescent Risk Behaviors in Diverse Classroom Settings
Authors: Wyatt Tammy Jordan
Published: July 2019

Continuing behavioral research has documented the mounting prevalence of child and adolescent health risk behaviors. Fifty pre-service educators were assessed regarding their perception of critical factors that would influence their confidence, comfort, and efficacy levels in dealing with child and adolescent risk behaviors. Study results revealed that administrative support and legal concerns, personal experiences, educational training, the student’s family, professional advice, and student support services influence preservice educators’ reactions to student risk behaviors. Factors essential to enhancing pre-service educators’ confidence, comfort, and efficacy levels include providing opportunities to gain skills in tackling risk behaviors; addressing legal issues, such as confidentiality, student rights, and district policies, within a teacher training program; offering professional advice regarding effective strategies for handling risk behaviors in the classroom and school settings; enlightening campus administrators of the importance of perceived teacher support; as well as informing counselors and other support personnel of their identified role as informational resources.
Educational Professionals’ Perceptions Of The Health Benefits Of T’ai Chi Chih® Discipline
Authors: Detert Richard , Caravella Tracy
Published: July 2019

One hundred seventeen (N=117) education professionals completed a 15 hour T’ai Chi Chih® (TCC) professional development experience followed by four weeks of individual practice. Qualitative data of salient perceptions of health benefits were collected from participants after four weeks of practice. One hundred ninety one pages of narrative were reduced by commonality statements into five major themes. Themes included: (1) general physical benefits, (2) psychological/mental benefits, (3) physical ailments benefits, (4) spiritual awareness benefits, and (5) social benefits. A discussion of TCC as a powerful method of eliciting the Relaxation Response is proposed as one explanation for these benefits. Implications are stated in terms of future directions for quantitative investigations into the benefits of TCC as a behavioral intervention of school personnel.
Helping Nurses Manage Their Stress by Integrating Health Promotion
Authors: Wallace Edward V.
Published: July 2019

In the United States registered nurses constitute the largest health care occupation; with about three out of five jobs being located in hospitals Everyday more and more nurses describe their profession as increasingly hectic and stressful. The purpose of this study is to design and implement how nurses at the Cayuga Community Health Network Center can reduce stress by using an Ecological Approach on health promotion programs. Two-hundred and seventy five nurses agreed to attend the Stress Management for Professional Caregivers workshop. All of the participants were female, with the majority being Caucasian. A majority of the nurses stated the workshop made them think about how they handle stress. Nearly all of the nurses stated that the information in the stress management workshop was valuable to them professionally. The success of this stress workshop demonstrates that implementing health promotion programs from an ecological perspective has the potential to reduce stress among nurses.
Preliminary Study of the Effects of an Innovative Social Cognitive Theory Driven Yoga-Based Behavioral Intervention on Smoking Cessation
Authors: Sharma Manoj , Corbin David E.
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study was to develop and test an innovative yoga-based behavioral intervention for smoking cessation based on social cognitive theory and compare it with an existing self-help based program. In both the groups, the antecedents of quitting based on social cognitive theory, namely, selfefficacy for quitting and self-control for quitting were tracked for six months along with self-reported daily consumption of cigarettes, self-efficacy for yoga, and past week performance of yoga behaviors. A valid and reliable 23-item instrument was utilized. The study employed an experimental design. Twenty one participants recruited in this study after informed consent and randomly assigned to the two groups. Seven (33.3%) participants completed the study protocol and one participant who was in the yoga group was successful in quitting smoking. Statistically significant improvements occurred in the social cognitive-theory based yoga group over the self-help group for self-control for quitting (p
Association of Primary Care providers Health Habits with Lifestyle Counseling to Hypertensive Elderly Patient
Authors: Hajjar Ihab , Frost Brandy , Lacy John E. , Kotchen Jane
Published: July 2019

We were interested in studying the association between personal health habits of healthcare providers and their beliefs and practices of lifestyle counseling to elderly hypertensive patients. We conducted a national anonymous cross sectional survey of physicians and nurse practitioners providing primary care. The survey was developed to assess providers’ beliefs and practices of lifestyle counseling as well as personal habits. Beliefs about counseling were assessed by (a) perceived available time, (b) perceived skill, and (c) perceived effectiveness of lifestyle counseling. Reported lifestyle counseling practice were assessed by reported frequency of (a) obtaining lifestyle habits and (b) providing lifestyle counseling to elderly hypertensive patients. We mailed 7,500 mailed surveys and received 774. Providers who reported healthier lifestyle habits reported that they more frequently obtain lifestyle history (p=.004) and provide lifestyle counseling (p
Surrejoinder to Rejoinder by Norman A. Constantine and Carmen R. Nevarez to "Youth Health Services, Development Programs, and Teenage Birth Rates in 55 California Cities"
Authors: Males Mike
Published: July 2019

Objective: A support model consisting of a local health educators’ network, a technical assistance team with academic and practice experts, and an evolving sequence of professional continuing education activities supported health educators transitioning from community or school health education sites to health care sites as part of the Clinic Health Education and Life Style Promotion Project (Clinic HELP) designed to increase health education options for individuals within the Paso del Norte Region of the United States-Mexico Border. Methods: Focus groups, interviews and surveys were used to evaluate intervention activities designed to assist in the transition. Results/Conclusions: Lack of familiarity with health care settings and role delineation were identified as barriers while “expert” sounding boards, professional development activities, and advanced education assisted in the transition. Use of the professional network was less than anticipated. Practice Implications: Based on the Clinic HELP experience, recommendations are provided for professional education and support for health educators within clinical practice settings.
Integrating Health Education into Clinical Settings
Authors: Byrd Theresa L. , Hoke Mary M. , Gottlieb Nell H.
Published: July 2019

In the United States, health concerns such as food insecurity and obesity continue to rise among American households (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003). Poor dietary intake can result in poor health outcomes as well as negatively impact student academic performance (Sigman-Grant, 2003). Despite the growing health concerns among the youth, limited studies have examined the dietary patterns of the Mexican-American adolescent population. This study aims to fill that void by describing the dietary intake of predominantly Mexican-American adolescents 13-18 years of age (n=532). The study design was cross-sectional and randomly selected high school participants based on their enrollment in physical education classes. Results of a one day 24-hour dietary recall showed both males and females in this study were below the national recommendations for total calories per day and reported poor eating behaviors. Further research is needed to investigate food insufficiency in this population who has high prevalence of overweight.
Low Caloric Intake Among Mexican – American High School Students May Suggest Food Insecurity and/or Insufficiency in the Household
Authors: Leal-Vasquez Liset , Wyatt Tammy , Love Ashley
Published: July 2019

In the United States, health concerns such as food insecurity and obesity continue to rise among American households (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003). Poor dietary intake can result in poor health outcomes as well as negatively impact student academic performance (Sigman-Grant, 2003). Despite the growing health concerns among the youth, limited studies have examined the dietary patterns of the Mexican-American adolescent population. This study aims to fill that void by describing the dietary intake of predominantly Mexican-American adolescents 13-18 years of age (n=532). The study design was cross-sectional and randomly selected high school participants based on their enrollment in physical education classes. Results of a one day 24-hour dietary recall showed both males and females in this study were below the national recommendations for total calories per day and reported poor eating behaviors. Further research is needed to investigate food insufficiency in this population who has high prevalence of overweight.
Asian American Subgroup Differences in Sources of Health Information and Predictors of Screening Behavior
Authors: Shive Steven E. , Ma Grace X. , Tan Yin , Toubbeh Jamil I. , Parameswaran Lalitha , Halowich Joseph
Published: July 2019

This study examined Asian subgroup differences in sources of health information and cancer screening, comparison of Asians and Whites in screening, and the association between health information and screening behavior. A nationally representative sample of 6,722 adults in the US, including those who speak, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean was selected. Questionnaire items developed by the Commonwealth Fund included demographic variables, health status, cancer screening, health care experiences, health information sources, and use of an interpreter in the patient-provider interaction. There were differences between subgroups in source of health information. Indians from India were more likely to use the World Wide Web than Chinese, Koreans, and Filipinos. There were differences in ease of reading or understanding instructions on the prescription bottle, information booklets provided by physicians, and in difficulty speaking with a physician. There were differences in getting a general physical and a pap test between Asian ethnic subgroups and between Asians and Whites. Certain sources of health information were positively correlated with specific screening tests. Development of particular sources of health information relevant to specific Asian subgroups and for specific screening tests may enhance their decision making prior to and in conjunction with receiving medical care services.
Tracking Sleep Times to Reduce Tiredness and Improve Sleep in College Students
Authors: Prestwich Daniel J. , Rankin Linda L. , Housman Jeff
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect that additional sleep health education, as well as recording amounts of nightly sleep had on the amounts of sleep and sense of daytime sleepiness, experienced by participants enrolled in a personal health class at a state university in the Pacific Northwest. Participants were divided into four groups, a control, a group that received sleep education only, a group that kept a sleep log only, and a group that received both interventions. Outcomes were assessed with a three day sleep recall, and using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The students who received both interventions improved their sleep by over 50 minutes per night
Parents Attending a Family Weight Management Program Perceive Similar Home Fruit and Vegetable Accessibility, but Greater Child Proxy Agency and Physical Activity Opportunity
Authors: Rosenkranz Richard R. , Geller Karly S. , Dzewaltowski David. A.
Published: July 2019

Many children do not meet current guidelines for physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption, two areas of health-related behavior with links to obesity. Objective: To examine child and parent perceptions of child proxy agency, home physical activity opportunity, and home accessibility of fruits and vegetables. Methods: Dyads (N = 117) of parents and children completed questionnaires for this cross-sectional study. Results: For child proxy agency, fruits and vegetables accessibility, and physical activity opportunity, the parent and child perceptions were significantly related. Parent ratings of physical activity opportunity and child proxy agency were significantly greater than child ratings. Perceptions of both parents and children for proxy agency were associated with fruits and vegetables accessibility and physical activity opportunity. Conclusions: Parents and children hold similar, yet distinct perceptions of physical activity opportunity and child proxy agency. Perceptions of child proxy agency are associated with obesity-related home environmental characteristics.
Measuring Workload Among Health Education Faculty
Authors: Cowdery Joan E. , Agho Austin
Published: July 2019

Legislation nationwide has mandated millions in funding cuts to state funded universities over the past several years. Additionally, university administrators frequently find themselves in the position to quantify faculty workload and productivity. The purpose of the study was to assess methodologies used by a national sample of universities to determine and assign faculty workload within health education programs. Methods included a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted utilizing a mailed survey to 106 department chairs or program directors of Health Education programs at various universities across the country. Results showed that the majority (87%) of health education programs reported using credit hours as a measure of faculty workload (rather than contact hours). For undergraduate health education faculty 12 credit hours was the typical teaching load for 54% of respondents while 35% taught nine or less credit hours. For graduate health education faculty 48% had a full time teaching load of nine hours or less while 37% reported 12 credit hours as a full time load. At the undergraduate level, administrators allocate the majority of faculty time for teaching (61% of effort) while at the graduate level the effort allocation was slightly shifted toward research with teaching occupying 58% of faculty time. It is anticipated that the results of this study will assist faculty and administrators in making informed decisions regarding faculty workload assignments.
Submaximal Decision Theory and Health Resource Conservation
Authors: McArthur Kara , Dacso Clifford C.
Published: July 2019

The challenge of eliminating disparities in chronic illness in the United States is hampered by the diversity of the epidemiology of the chronic conditions themselves, and by the individuality of the communities and patients affected by them. This article outlines some of the ways in which the complexity of chronic illness in underserved communities in the United States limits the data and the strategies available to clinicians and patients. We then present the example of chronic heart failure (CHF) to illustrate a possible solution that we are developing for supporting underserved patients’ selfmanagement of chronic illness: individualized health care (through “personal normals” derived from the patient’s own clinical history combined with population-based data), and distributed health care (point of care through wireless biosensors and community health workers). We present some of the possible barriers to the implementation of the model. Conclusion: we believe that this approach is a pathway to empowering CHF patients in underserved communities. Further research is necessary to test the clinical viability of the model and the acceptability of the model for patients, physicians, and families.
Community-Based Participatory Research and Gene-Environment Interaction Methodologies Addressing Environmental Justice among Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Women and Children in Texas
Authors: Hernández-Valero María A. , Herrera Angelica P. , Zahm Sheila H. , Jones Lovell A.
Published: July 2019

The “From Mother to Child Project” is a molecular epidemiological study that employs a communitybased participatory research (CBPR) approach and gene-environment interaction research to address environmental justice in migrant and seasonal farmworker (MSF) women and children of Mexican origin home-based in Baytown and La Joya, Texas. This paper presents the background and rationale for the study and describes the study design and methodology. Preliminary data showed that MSF women and children in Texas have measurable levels of pesticides in their blood and urine, some of which were banned in the United States decades ago and are possible human carcinogens. Polymorphisms in genes involved in chemical detoxification and DNA repair have been associated with susceptibility to genetic damage and cancer development in populations exposed to environmental toxins. The “From Mother to Child Project” is testing three hypotheses: (1) MSF women and children who are occupationally exposed to pesticides are at higher risk for DNA damage than are non-exposed women and children. (2) Both, the extent of pesticide exposure and type of polymorphisms in chemical detoxification and DNA repair genes contribute to the extent of DNA damage observed in study participants. (3) The mutagenic potency levels measured in the organic compounds extracted from the urine and serum of study participants will correlate with the total concentrations of pesticides and with the measured DNA damage in study participants. The study will enroll 800 participants: 200 MSF mother-child pairs; 200 children (one per family) whose parents have never worked in agriculture, matched with the MSF children by ethnicity, age ± 2 years, gender, and city of residence; and these children’s mothers. Personal interviews with the mothers are used to gather data for both mothers and children on sociodemographic characteristics; pesticide exposure at work and home; medical and reproductive history; dietary assessment, and lifestyle factors. Blood and urine samples are collected from each participant and analyzed for (1) organochlorine and organophosphate pesticide levels, (2) genetic polymorphisms of chemical detoxification and DNA repair genes, (3) DNA damage (chromosomal aberrations), and (4) the mutagenic potential of pesticides in the serum and urine. Recruitment and data collection in Baytown is near completion, and over one third of the target population for the La Joya study site.
Exploratory Study of Touch zones in college students on two campuses
Authors: Tomita Mark
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this exploratory study was to characterize college student beliefs about where it is acceptable to touch and be touched by other students in casual social interactions. Undergraduate students at a residential university (N = 242) and at a local community college (N = 200) completed the Touch Survey. The survey measures beliefs about touching in social interactions. Hierarchical cluster analyses were used to form touch zones (Public, Discretionary, and Private) by gender and direction of touch. The results of the study showed distinct same- and opposite-gender touch zone patterns, and there were touch zone differences between the two campuses. There were reciprocal touch zones for residential university male/male public touch zones and female/female private touch zones. There were no reciprocal touch zones for the community college sample. Implications for college health educators are discussed.
Impact of a three-year worksite wellness program on employee blood lipid levels
Authors: Byrd Kendra , Silliman Kathryn , Neyman Morris Michelle
Published: July 2019

Worksite wellness programs can be used to implement interventions aimed at addressing current rates of obesity and related chronic disease and their associated health care costs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a worksite wellness program on blood lipid levels among employees at a rural manufacturing plant in Northern California. Pre to post changes were analyzed using paired sample ttests. Demographic data collected as part of a subsequent nutrition education component of the program indicated that the employees were mostly male (88%) and Caucasian (71%), with a mean age of 47 ± 9 years. Forty-seven percent of the subjects were overweight and 38% obese. Following the three-year worksite wellness program, subjects’ total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels decreased, while their HDL-cholesterol levels increased significantly. These results suggest that long-term worksite wellness programs can improve employee health outcomes.
Influence of a Pilot Nutrition Education Program on Dietary Knowledge among Undergraduate College Students
Authors: Napoleone Pires Geraldine , Pumerantz Amy , Silbart Lawrence K. , Pescatello Linda S.
Published: July 2019

Objective and Participants: The objective of this study was to determine if a nutrition education program, Everyday Healthy Eating on Campus (EHEC), resulted in positive healthy eating perceptions and behaviors among 103 undergraduates. Methods: Students from eight dormitories (n = 42) and five classrooms (n = 61) completed a shortened Diet and Health Knowledge Survey (DHKS) prior to and one month after EHEC. Another 153 students from eight dormitories (n = 56) and five classrooms (n = 62) were the comparison group. Results: Students that completed EHEC increased their perceived value of eating a diet moderate in salt and sugar, low in saturated fat, adequate in fiber, eating a variety of foods, and consuming a diet with adequate carbohydrate containing foods (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in comparison group surveys (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A simple one session college nutrition education program focusing on specific campus dining strategies appears to positively affect undergraduate students’ perceived value of healthy eating.