bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deafblind people's experiences of cochlear implantation
Authors: Soper Janet
Published: January 2006

Cochlear implants are electronic devices that create the sensation of hearing in those who cannot obtain any benefit from conventional hearing aids. This article examines the experience of cochlear implantation in a select group of individuals with acquired deafblindness, focusing on three key themes: access to communication, information and mobility. Research was conducted using semi-structured interviews with five individuals known to the national charity, Deafblind UK, and explores participants’ feelings about individual problems encountered prior to implantation, the experience of cochlear implant surgery, and the outcome. The findings confirm that deafblindness is a unique disability and that cochlear implants are beneficial in terms of improvements to quality of life and communication, especially for those who are post-lingually deaf.
Non-verbal communication in children with visual impairment
Authors: Mallineni Sharmila , Nutheti Rishita , Thangadurai Shanimole , Thangadurai Puspha
Published: January 2006

The aim of this study was to determine: (a) whether children with visual and additional impairments show any non-verbal behaviours, and if so what were the common behaviours; (b) whether two rehabilitation professionals interpreted the non-verbal behaviours similarly; and (c) whether a speech pathologist and a rehabilitation professional interpreted the behaviours similarly. Twelve children, aged from two to eight years, with visual and additional impairments, were videotaped during their play sessions to observe their non-verbal behaviour. A rehabilitation professional observed the tapes and identified and interpreted 131 non-verbal behaviours. The study found that the children showed 33 common behaviours. There was 98.4 per cent agreement between the two rehabilitation professionals, and there was 88.5 per cent agreement between the first rehabilitation professional and the speech therapist. The authors go on to suggest strategies for developing the non-verbal behaviours of children with visual and additional impairments.
Blindness and social meaning: The baleful tale of Blind Freddy
Authors: Steer Michael , Gale Gillian
Published: January 2006

The widely used Australian expression ‘Blind Freddy could see that’ is proposed as an exemplar of the terms blind and blindness in conveying social meaning. Examples of the expression's popular use are presented, and the extraordinary origin of the term explored. It is concluded that the expression should cease to exist, and that the challenge of promoting ‘people-first’ language as its replacement should lie primarily with: (a) Australians who are themselves blind or significantly vision impaired; and (b) with individuals and organizations who identify with the aims and aspirations of those who are sight impaired.
Reading difficulties in blind, braille-reading children
Authors: Coppins Natasha , Barlow-Brown Fiona
Published: January 2006

An account is given of a new research project that is concerned with examining the problems encountered by some young blind children as they learn to read braille. The research to be conducted will look at various developmental and learning theories that are used to explain the reading difficulties of sighted readers, with a view to ascertaining their relevance to the teaching and learning of braille.
Growing up with Sorsby's Fundus Dystrophy
Authors: Pepper Wendy
Published: January 2006

This is a highly personal account of how the author became aware of the source and the nature of her visual difficulties that stem from a rare, genetically inherited condition known as Sorsby's Fundus Dystrophy. Tracing the family history, discovering the characteristic symptoms of this degenerative eye condition, and coming to terms with the consequences of the impairment for work and daily life are described, as is the decision about whether on not she and her husband should have a family of their own. Despite the continuing deterioration in her sight, the author describes the demanding physical and social activities in which she regularly participates.
Coping with sight loss: Getting used to glaucoma
Authors: Jones Derek
Published: January 2006

The author gives an account of the onset of glaucoma while he was still at work, of the medical treatments and surgical operations aimed at saving his sight, and of how he learned to accept that he would no longer be able to work and to continue with some of the pastimes and activities that had been part of his and his family's daily life. The support of the staff of his local Social Services Department is described and praised, and he shows how his ongoing rehabilitation is equipping him to cope with life during his retirement years.
Reflections on the Prairie as a Creative Teaching-Learning Place
Authors: Bunkers Sandra Schmidt
Published: January 2006

In this column, the author reflects on characteristics of the prairie land of South Dakota and how it contributes to a creative teaching-learning place. Attributes of the prairie that are linked with creative teaching-learning include prairie as a space of aloneness and solitude, prairie as a boundless seeing what may be, prairie as contradiction and paradox, and prairie as possibility. These attributes of the prairie are explored through the author's personal experience, theoretical literature on creativity and teaching-learning, and literature from Parse's theory of human becoming.
The Practice Turn in Nursing Epistemology
Authors: Reed Pamela G.
Published: January 2006

This column presents the perspectives of two authors, Pamela Reed and Gary Rolfe, on the topic of knowledge production in nursing practice. The articles were written independent of each other, but readers may note areas of remarkable similarity as well as differences in emphasis between the two authors. The column concludes with a dialogue between Pamela Reed and Gary Rolfe.
Nursing Theory and Practice: Connecting the Dots
Authors: Marrs Jo-Ann , Lowry Lois W.
Published: January 2006

The authors propose connecting the dots among theory, practice, and research by adopting an expanded conceptual-theoretical-empirical structure of nursing knowledge and matrix process to guide the placement of nursing knowledge in a contextual whole. An overview of the theoretical journey of nursing knowledge development is contrasted with the journey from practice resulting in a theory-practice disconnect. Both approaches are united to present an integrated view of the dimensions of the knowledge development of nursing as a professional discipline.
Feeling Respected: A Parse Method Study
Authors: Parse Rosemarie Rizzo
Published: January 2006

This article reports a Parse research study on feeling respected with 10 participants. The finding of this study is the structure: The lived experience of feeling respected is fortifying assuredness amid potential disregard emerging with the fulfilling delight of prized alliances. The structure is discussed in light of the human becoming school of thought and related literature.
Death as a Transformation of Wholeness: An “Aha” Experience of Health as Expanding Consciousness
Authors: Zust Barbara L.
Published: January 2006

A nurse-patient clinical experience is presented from a unitary transformative perspective. The experience is interpreted through Newman's theory of health as expanding consciousness. A brief description of Newman's theory is given in order to provide the reader with Newman's key terms and fundamental philosophical principles. The nursepatient healing partnership is explained using Newman's terminology and theory of health as expanding consciousness. The purpose of this article is to advance the critical importance of uncompromised and nonfragmented nursing care in partnership with the irreducible whole person.
Florence Nightingale and Healthcare Reform
Authors: Kudzma Elizabeth Connelly
Published: January 2006

The purpose of this article was to examine the work of Florence Nightingale in light of her collaboration with William Farr, the eminent medical statistician. Nightingale's epidemiological investigations supported by Farr illustrated that attention to environmental cleanliness was an important factor in preventing spread of disease. Nightingale channeled her investigations to support hospital reforms and the need for an educated nurse who could provide better management of the hospital environment. Statistical support and solicited criticism allowed Nightingale to argue more forcefully for her reforms.
Rogerian Science-Based Nursing Theories
Authors: Malinski Violet M.
Published: January 2006

In this column, the author provides a general overview of selected theories derived from Rogerian nursing science. After a brief discussion of the Rogerian perspective, she highlights representative theories. She suggests that ongoing development of proposed theories has been relatively slow for two main reasons. First, scholars still use the 1970 book as a major reference. Unfortunately, despite her promise to do so, Rogers never updated the 1970 book and admitted on many occasions that it would more accurately reflect her refinement of her science if a major portion of the pages were torn out. Second, theories were often proposed by doctoral candidates who changed focus in their careers postdoctorate. Despite this, there is a fascinating body of theories in various stages of development for Rogerian scholars to pursue.
The Researcher-Person-Family Process
Authors: Baumann Steven L.
Published: January 2006

The author discusses the importance and some of the challenges of conducting qualitative family nursing research in a way that honors the meaning potential of the family. Examples of studies of low income families, families with children with special circumstances, and families with members with cancer are discussed. The use of the arts and humanities to explore the meaning potential of families is also discussed.
The Interplay Between the Abstract and the Particular: Research Ethics Standards and the Practice of Research as Symbolic
Authors: Peter Elizabeth
Published: January 2006

Ethical standards for research with human participants are increasingly important. With respect to nursing research these standards are symbolic of the interplay between the abstract theoretical aspects of bioethical standards and the particulars of nursing practice. In this column, this interplay is symbolized as a reflective equilibrium. These standards are argued to symbolize not only the dialectic relationship between the abstract and the particular in ethics, but also the general lack of a nursing specific articulation of ethical standards. Further understanding of the distinctiveness of nurses' moral judgments and knowledge is presented as necessary in strengthening the reflective equilibrium.
Using the Neuman Systems Model for Best Practices
Authors: Ume-Nwagbo Pearl N. , DeWan Sharon A. , Lowry Lois W.
Published: January 2006

Human beings with unmet needs related to their health and illnesses are the central focus of the domain of nursing. It is proposed in this column that nurses who conduct their practice from a nursing theory base, while assisting individuals and families to meet their health needs, are more likely to provide comprehensive, individualized care that exemplifies best practices. The Neuman systems model has been widely acclaimed to guide practice, yet specific examples are few in the published literature. The purpose of this column is to present two case studies based upon Neuman systems model; one case is directed toward family care, and the other demonstrates care with an individual. Theory-based exemplars serve as teaching tools for students and practicing nurses. These case studies illustrate how nurses' actions, directed by Neuman's wholistic principles, integrate evidence-based practice and generate high quality care.
Innovation in Healthcare: A Systematic Review of Recent Research
Authors: Länsisalmi Hannakaisa , Kivimäki Mika , Aalto Pirjo , Ruoranen Raija
Published: January 2006

Research on innovations in healthcare organizations published between 1994 and 2004 are here reviewed and summarized. The majority of the 31 identified studies dealt with the adoption of innovations and new practices and were cross-sectional designs applying quantitative methods, or multiple case studies applying qualitative methods. Five pathways for future research are recommended: (a) Multilevel approaches studying innovation simultaneously on individual, group, and organizational levels; (b) a combination of quantitative and qualitative data; (c) use of longitudinal designs (innovation both as the dependent and independent variable); (d) application of experimental designs in interventions; and (e) exploration of innovation generation and structural innovations.
Aboriginal Healing: Regaining Balance and Culture
Authors: Hunter Linda M. , Logan Jo , Goulet Jean-Guy , Barton Sylvia
Published: January 2006

This ethnographic study explored the question, How do urban-based First Nations peoples use healing traditions to address their health issues? The objectives were to examine how Aboriginal traditions addressed health issues and explore the link between such traditions and holism in nursing practice. Data collection consisted of individual interviews, participant observations, and field notes. Three major categories that emerged from the data analysis were: following a cultural path, gaining balance, and sharing in the circle of life. The global theme of healing holistically included following a cultural path by regaining culture through the use of healing traditions; gaining balance in the four realms of spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health; and sharing in the circle of life by cultural interactions between Aboriginal peoples and non-Aboriginal health professionals. Implications for practice include incorporating the concepts of balance, holism, and cultural healing into the health care services for diverse Aboriginal peoples.
Beyond Asylum: Implications for Nursing and Health Care Delivery for Afghan Refugees in Australia
Authors: Omeri Akram , Lennings Christopher , Raymond Lynnette
Published: January 2006

Descriptions of the refugee experience, together with an analysis of access, use, and appropriateness of mental and physical health services as perceived by members of the Afghan immigrant or refugee community living in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, are reported in this article. Using focus groups and semistructured interviews in a variety of settings, the study included 13 key informants and 25 general informants, together with health care agencies providing services to the Afghans and organizations providing resources. Analysis of interviews with Afghan people revealed a number of themes. These include emotional responses to trauma, migration, and resettlement experiences; culture-specific health maintenance strategies; barriers impeding access to and appropriateness of Australian health care services; and informant-suggested strategies to enhance accessibility and the appropriateness of health care and community services. These findings are significant and have relevance for improving the quality of culture-specific health care for the Afghan community in NSW Australia.
Community Home-Based Care in a Rural Village: Challenges and Strategies
Authors: Shaibu Sheila
Published: January 2006

In Botswana, there has been an increase in community home-based care (CHBC) following a shift from hospital care to CHBC because of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Yet the health care system has limited resources. To fulfill one of the terms of reference of the World Health Organization Collaboration Centre at the Department of Nursing, University of Botswana, an outreach program was developed in collaboration with 18 lay volunteers in a nearby village, Mmopane. This article discusses the process of establishing the CHBC committee and the challenges faced by faculty, students, and lay caregivers in working with a diverse CHBC group to render culturally sensitive care. Strategies for dealing with these challenges are discussed.
Psychological and Mental Illness Among Elder Immigrants From the Former Soviet Union
Authors: Polyakova Svetlana A. , Pacquiao Dula F.
Published: January 2006

The study examined the cultural context of psychological illness among elder immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU). Kleinman’s (1980) explanatory model of illness and Leininger’s theory of culture care (1997) provided the conceptual framework for the study. Participant Observations were conducted in an Adult Day Care Center and Senior Housing. Twenty-three key informants and 10 general informants participated. The social and historical context of the FSU influenced the meaning, attitudes, expressions, and coping strategies toward psychological and mental illness. Cultural stigma influenced the attribution of cause, somatic expression of symptoms, and attitudes toward seeking professional help. Psychological illness was unrecognized, whereas mental illness was viewed as lack of dusha (inner strength and moral character). Group differences were evident with ethnicity as a significant influence in symptom recognition, expression, and attitude toward seeking professional help.
Cultural Competence in Nursing: New Meanings
Authors: Cowan David T. , Norman Ian
Published: January 2006

Shortages of nurses challenge the provision of health care in developed countries including those in the European Union (EU), but there has been no upward trend in recruitment of nurses from EU countries with a surplus. A remedy is to facilitate migration of nurses around Europe. However, the importance of the concept of cultural competence has been overlooked within EU health care systems. Migrant nurses from EU countries employed in the United Kingdom indicate that they have experienced problems arising from a variety of issues related to cultural diversity. Countries such as the United Kingdom could benefit from introducing enculturation courses for migrant nurses.
Thai School-Age Children’s Perception of Fear
Authors: Chaiyawat Waraporn , Jezewski Mary Ann
Published: January 2006

Information about how Thai school-age children perceive fear is necessary for the development of culturally appropriate anxiety or fear measures. The purpose of this study was to describe Thai school-age children’s perceptions of fear from their own perspective. Qualitative data from 13 Thai students in Grades 3 to 6 in three schools in Bangkok were obtained by semistructured, formal interviews, combined with drawings. The data were analyzed using content analysis within the frame of category development in the grounded theory method. Several culturally specific aspects of fear were revealed. This information is useful for health care providers caring for Thai children. The results of this study also illustrate the importance of carefully assessing children from culturally diverse backgrounds related to manifestations of anxiety or fear.
Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing: Knowledge and Practices in a Rural South African Village
Authors: Mabunda Gladys
Published: January 2006

The purpose of the study was to identify themes related to voluntary counseling and testing services in a rural South African village. Qualitative research methods using grounded theory approach were used. Data were collected from 20 informants. Participants demonstrated knowledge of the availability of voluntary HIV counseling and testing services in the area; however participants did not utilize the services unless they had signs and symptoms suggesting possible HIV infection. Health providers have a responsibility to ensure that individuals get tested before they are infected so as to educate them about ways to protect themselves against HIV infection.
The Meaning of Family Caregiving in Japan and the United States: A Qualitative Comparative Study
Authors: Wallhagen Margaret I. , Yamamoto-Mitani Noriko
Published: January 2006

This study explores how cultural values affect the meaning and experiences of daughter (or daughter-in-law) caregivers of elderly persons with dementia by comparing caregivers in the United States and Japan. Nine American and seven Japanese caregivers were interviewed twice at 6-month intervals. Interviews were audiotaped and analyzed using constant-comparative techniques. Data suggest that moral obligation to care and intense loss are two universal themes of caregiving. However the experiences and perceptions of the role of caregivers from these two cultures differed in select ways that were captured within three categories: reasons for caregiving, caregiving as a career, and caregiving as a life phase or detour. Findings suggest that American caregivers may need greater anticipatory socialization regarding the caregiving role, whereas Japanese caregivers may benefit from assistance in accepting needed services.
Racial Disparities in Testicular Cancer: Impact on Health Promotion
Authors: Gleason Alexander M.
Published: January 2006

The present study sought to determine to what extent there was a difference in ethnicity between age and stage of testicular cancer. The sample, from National Cancer Institute data, included 7,777 men with testicular cancer. A one-way ANOVA was used for significant differences among racial groups in age and stage of tumor at diagnosis. The main research variables were race, age at diagnosis, and tumor stage. Hispanic males were found to be diagnosed at the significantly youngest age (29.8 years old) and White males at the oldest age (35.0). Even with the oldest age at diagnosis, White males were diagnosed at the significantly lowest tumor stage (M = 2.3), which was highest for Black males (2.5). Minority males are diagnosed at the earliest age, yet their tumor stage is significantly higher than that for White males. Therefore nurses need to screen all males regardless of ethnicity for testicular cancer.
Being Different and Vulnerable: Experiences of Immigrant African Women Who Have Been Circumcised and Sought Maternity Care in Sweden
Authors: Berggren Vanja , Bergström Staffan , Edberg Anna-Karin
Published: January 2006

The purpose of the study was to explore the encounters with the health care system in Sweden of women from Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan who have been genitally cut. A qualitative study was performed through interviews with 22 women originally from Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea who were living in Sweden. The women experienced being different and vulnerable, suffering from being abandoned and mutilated, and they felt exposed in the encounter with the Swedish health care personnel and tried to adapt to a new cultural context. The results of this study indicate a need for more individualized, culturally adjusted care and support and a need for systematic education about female genital cutting for Swedish health care workers.
Healing Fractured Families: Parents’ and Elders’ Perspectives on the Impact of Colonization and Youth Suicide Prevention in a Pacific Northwest American Indian Tribe
Authors: Strickland C. June , Walsh Elaine , Cooper Michelle
Published: January 2006

Suicide rates among American Indian youth in the United States are two to three times the national average. Risk factors for American Indian youth include depression, alcohol use, hopelessness and stress, and family conflict, abuse, poverty, and instability. In this descriptive study, the authors aimed to obtain parents’ and elders’ perspectives on community needs and to identify strengths on which the community might build to reduce youth suicide risk. Data were collected from focus groups with 40 American Indian parents and from individual interviews with 9 American Indian elders. The major task participants addressed was holding the family together and healing intergenerational pains. Topics parents discussed were holding onto cultural values, holding the family together, getting through school, and getting a job. These findings substantiate previous research and provide useful information for the design of culturally appropriate family or community-based interventions to prevent American Indian youth suicide.
Duvergerian Dynamics in the Indian States
Authors: Chhibber Pradeep , Murali Geetha
Published: January 2006

Empirical research on voting in electoral districts in single-member, simple-plurality electoral systems has demonstrated the general validity of Duverger’s law. This article shows that while the law is generally valid for state assembly elections in India, there are exceptions. In a significant number of electoral districts, more than two parties secure votes. We attribute these non-random deviations from Duverger’s law to the influence of federal arrangements. The article provides evidence that more than two parties will get votes in an electoral district when either more than two national parties or a combination of national and regional parties compete for votes in a state. We show that an increase in the number of regional parties alone at the state level would not have the same effect on district-level results.
What’s on the Table? The Content of State Policy Agendas
Authors: Fellowes Matthew , Gray Virginia , Lowery David
Published: January 2006

While national policy agendas have evolved away from materialist issues to focus more on post-materialist concerns, much less is known about state legislative agendas. In this article, we utilize new data to describe the content of state legislative agendas from 1995 to 1999. We then examine why some states allocate more agenda space to postmaterialist policies than others. We find that states with larger and wealthier economies and greater representation by Democrats in the legislature allocate relatively more agenda space to post-materialist policies. We also find that the relative size of the population of interest organizations registered to lobby on post-materialist policies does not have a significant effect on the relative content of policy agendas. Representation of post-materialist policies in state agendas, while generally less dominant than in national agendas, originates, then, predominantly from the state’s economy and the political choices of its citizens.
Race, Class and Underlying Trends in Party Support in South Africa
Authors: García-Rivero Carlos
Published: January 2006

The advent of multi-racial elections inaugurated democracy in South Africa in 1994. The results of subsequent elections in 1999 and 2004 differed little from those of 1994, except that the Democratic Party gained ground and the National Party lost support. In all three of these elections, there was an important correlation between race and vote. However, although participation in elections has remained high, rates of underlying party identification have significantly decreased over the first decade of democracy. This article uses survey data to analyse changing patterns of underlying support for political parties in South Africa, focusing closely on the African National Congress and the (New) National Party. Evidence is found of an emerging class cleavage that significantly affects party support.
The PRI’s Choice
Authors: Brinegar Duke Adam , Morgenstern Scott , Nielson Daniel
Published: January 2006

This article explores the puzzle of why Mexico’s long-ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) implemented a series of electoral reforms in 1996 that precipitated its own downfall. Previous work explaining the process of Mexican democratization focuses on foreign pressures, interparty bargaining and a unified PRI. Alternatively, we argue that internal divisions in the PRI–conjoined with the threat of a presidential deal with the opposition–determined the particular shape of the reform. The article uses a bargaining model to illustrate the conjunction of interests between the President and PRI hard-liners while taking into account the shadow role played by the opposition. We argue, finally, that the model can be extended to aid explanations of other democratic transitions, as well as general cases of majority-party decision-making and coalition bargaining.
Party System Change
Authors: Tavits Margit
Published: January 2006

I argue that the costs of entry, benefits of office and the probability of receiving electoral support, i.e. the strategic entry calculation by new party elites, determine new party emergence. The model is tested using pooled time-series cross-sectional data from 22 OECD countries for elections held between 1960 and 2002. The results show that new parties are more frequent when the institutional structures are permissive (the cost of entry is low), the corporatist arrangements are weak or non-existent (the benefit of entry is high) and the electoral histories of the incumbents are short (the probability of attracting votes is high). The last two factors interact in their relationship with the number of new parties, as presumed by the theory.
Party Strategies and Voter Behavior in the East European Mixed Election Systems
Authors: Kostadinova Tatiana
Published: January 2006

I pursue two goals in this article: first, to explain parties’ and voters’ strategic choices in mixed electoral systems and, second, to assess the presence of such behavior in East European transitional elections. I develop a spatial model to explain parties’ decisions to form coalitions when proportional representation and plurality formulas are combined. Next, I identify factors that encourage voters to support different parties in the two tiers of the competition and use district-level data to examine these effects in Croatia, Lithuania and Ukraine. The findings suggest that considerations of spatial distribution of party support and the need to cross two thresholds shape decisions on whether or not to enter electoral coalitions. Some Croatian, Lithuanian and Ukrainian supporters of weaker parties, similar to voters in consolidated democracies, split their vote when they face strategic situations.
Prostate Cancer Screening Decision Making Under Controversy: Implications for Health Promotion Practice
Authors: Gwede Clement K. , McDermott Robert J.
Published: January 2006

Prostate cancer is a major health problem for U.S. men and is characterized by paradoxes and controversies. Despite the wide availability of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, prostate cancer screening remains a controversial practice mainly because the direct impact of screening on mortality is not yet proven. As the relative value of screening, early detection, and treatment strategies continue to be debated, glaring racial-ethnic disparities persist with African American men experiencing excess morbidity and mortality and demonstrating the lowest screening rates among racial-ethnic groups. Given the prevailing controversy, uncertainty, and known disparities, how can health education messages be framed to assist men and their family members? This article highlights the ethnic disparities, paradoxes, and controversies of prostate cancer and identifies critical challenges and opportunities for health educators and clinical practitioners. Implications for health promotion communications and informed decision making in this era of uncertainty are discussed.
Parental Literacy and Infant Health: An Evidence-Based Healthy Start Intervention
Authors: Levandowski Brooke A. , Sharma Priya , Lane Sandra D. , Webster Noah , Nestor Amanda M. , Cibula Donald A. , Huntington Sally
Published: January 2006

Syracuse Healthy Start, a federally funded infant mortality prevention project in Onondaga County, New York, has undertaken a range of interventions to address parental low literacy as a risk factor for infant mortality. A growing number of studies advocate for health-related information that is easy to read, of a low literacy level, and culturally appropriate. Creation of an evidence-based public health intervention involves analyzing local data, reviewing published studies, assessing available materials, initiating programmatic interventions, and evaluating the outcomes. Preparing health educational materials that are clear, culturally sensitive, and at appropriate reading levels follows Paulo Freire’s lead in empowering the disadvantaged to positively affect their health and the health of their infants toward the reduction of infant mortality.
The Development and Validation of a Coding Protocol to Measure Change in Tobacco-Control Newspaper Coverage
Authors: Helme Donald W. , Borland Ron , Young Walter , Nycum Colleen , Buller David B.
Published: January 2006

The national ASSIST newspaper coding protocol model was used as a template to adapt a system for measuring tobacco-related newspaper coverage in Colorado newspapers. Over a 3-month period, tobacco-related articles were clipped from 180 daily and weekly newspapers. Variables coded included adaptations of the original ASSIST categories. During development and testing, additional variables were added to make the protocol more comprehensive and sensitive to tobacco policy media coverage. Intercoder reliabilities were calculated for all nonstatic variables using Cohen’s kappa. Disagreements were resolved through group discussions. Two rounds of testing achieved ratings above .70 for all variables. The protocol improves dramatically upon the ASSIST model by providing greater breadth and depth of analysis and more sensitivity to the nuances of newspaper coverage of tobacco-related issues. Given its simplicity, the protocol could also prove valuable for antitobacco advocacy groups who wish to track the changes in public and media opinions.
Salud Para Su Corazón-NCLR: A Comprehensive Promotora Outreach Program to Promote Heart-Healthy Behaviors Among Hispanics
Authors: Balcazar Hector , Alvarado Matilde , Hollen Mary Luna , Gonzalez-Cruz Yanira , Hughes Odelinda , Vazquez Esperanza , Lykens Kristine
Published: January 2006

This article describes results of year-1 implementation of the Salud Para Su Corazón (Health For Your Heart)—National Council of la Raza (NCLR) promotora (lay health worker) program for promoting heart-healthy behaviors among Latinos. Findings of this community outreach initiative include data from promotora pledges and self-skill behaviors, cardiovascular disease risk factors of Latino families, family heart-health education delivery, and program costs associated with promotora time. Participation included 29 trained promotoras serving 188 families from three NCLR affiliates in Escondido, California; Chicago, Illinois; and Ojo Caliente, New Mexico. Using several evaluation tools, the results showed that the promotora approach worked based on evidence obtained from the following indicators: changes in promotora’s pre-post knowledge and performance skills, progress toward their pledge goals following training, recruiting and teaching families, providing follow-up, and organizing or participating in community events. Strengths and limitations of the promotora model approach are also discussed.
Use of Body-Mind-Spirit Dimensions for the Development of a Wellness Behavior and Characteristic Inventory for College Students
Authors: Hey William T. , Calderon Kristine S. , Carroll Holly
Published: January 2006

The purpose of this study was to use a body-mind-spirit model to measure wellness behaviors and characteristics and develop the Body-Mind-Spirit Wellness Behavior and Characteristic Inventory (BMS-WBCI) for college students. The first study of this two-part project included item generation and factor analysis using 1,000 college students with average loadings of .64, .51, and .58 for the Spirit, Mind, and Body factors, respectively. Using a minimum 4.0 Eigenvalue criterion, the factors accounted for 30% of item variance. The second study phase included validity testing using TestWell (college version), a meal screener, and construct physical activity question with 141 students. The BMS-WBCI dimensions had high, positive correlations with all appropriate TestWell subscales. The Body dimension significantly correlated with the By-Meal Screener and physical activity question. Factor split-half reliabilities ranged from .73 to .84 and alpha coefficients ranged from .75 to .92. Implications and utilization of the BMSWBCI for college students are discussed.
Developing a Community Health Promotion Agenda for a Managed Care Organization
Authors: Burwen Dale R. , Sylvester Carol C. , Patow Carl A.
Published: January 2006

Coordination and collaboration between organizations interested in promoting the health of the populations they serve can potentially help to ensure that key services are provided as well as augment the efforts beyond that which could be accomplished by each organization alone. Understanding the perspectives of each organization can facilitate development of health promotion initiatives that will be of mutual benefit. In Maryland, when a Medicaid managed care program was initiated, Memoranda of Understanding were signed between each managed care organization (MCO) and each of the 24 local health departments; many stipulated that the parties will coordinate on community health issues. This report describes a telephone survey of the health departments that was performed by one MCO to better understand the interests and expectations of the health departments and discusses a process for developing a community health promotion agenda for an MCO.
Developing Effective Written Communication and Advocacy Skills in Entry-Level Health Educators Through Writing-Intensive Program Planning Methods Courses
Authors: Galer-Unti Regina A. , Tappe Marlene K.
Published: January 2006

Written communication is a requisite skill for practitioners in the field of health education. Advocacy skills are now considered to be both a professional competency and an ethical responsibility. Given that many advocacy strategies involve written communication, it makes sense that the skills of writing and advocacy be developed concomitantly and within a writing-intensive class. The purposes of this article are twofold: (a) to describe the role of writing-intensive program planning methods courses in the development of written communication and advocacy skills in entry-level health educators and (b) to suggest strategies for planning, implementing, and assessing writing-intensive assignments and instructional activities designed to develop students’ written communication and advocacy skills. Multiple examples of writing assignments are presented that can be used in helping students in developing their critical thinking, writing, and advocacy skills.
Cultural Relevancy of a Diabetes Prevention Nutrition Program for African American Women
Authors: Williams James Herbert , Auslander Wendy F. , de Groot Mary , Robinson Adjoa Dionne , Houston Cheryl , Haire-Joshu Debra
Published: January 2006

Diabetes among African American women is a pressing health concern, yet there are few evaluated culturally relevant prevention programs for this population. This article describes a case study of the Eat Well Live Well Nutrition Program, a community-based, culturally specific diabetes prevention nutrition program for African American women. The stages of change theory and principles from community organization guided the development of the program. Health education strategies, including participatory development and program delivery by peer educators, were applied to promote cultural relevance. Results indicated that overall participants (90%) believed the program to be culturally relevant and were very satisfied with the program (82%). Cultural relevancy was significantly associated with greater program satisfaction and changes in dietary patterns when controlling for the number of sessions attended. Conclusions suggest that participatory strategies can be effective in designing culturally specific prevention programs for African American women.
Our Lives Were Healthier Before: Focus Groups With African American, American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and Hmong People With Diabetes
Authors: Devlin Heather , Roberts Martha , Okaya Amy , Xiong Yer Moua
Published: January 2006

Focus groups were conducted to explore health-related beliefs and experiences of African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, and Hmong people with diabetes and engage community members in improving diabetes care and education for these populations. Eighty participants attended 12 focus groups, 3 per population. Major themes were loss of health attributed to modern American lifestyles, lack of confidence in the medical system, and the importance of spirituality. Participants recommended improvements in the areas of health care, diabetes education, social support, and community action. Their recommendations emphasize the importance of respectful, knowledgeable health care providers; culturally responsive diabetes education for people with diabetes and their families; and broad-based community action. These recommendations align with current public health priorities and medical knowledge. It is proposed that healthy traditions from diverse populations can be leveraged to improve the health of all people with diabetes.
Improving Our Application of the Health Education Code of Ethics
Authors: Marks Ray , Shive Steven E.
Published: January 2006

The Health Education Code of Ethics was designed to provide a framework of shared values within which health education might be practiced. However, an informal survey conducted on a limited sample in November 2004 indicated that ethics and how to apply the code are topics not readily taught formally within all health education programs. There is, however, an expressed interest among health educators in understanding the code and its application. Because of the immense import of ethics, affecting responsible professional conduct at all levels, this article is designed to introduce the topic to health education practitioners who have had little formal exposure to ethics curricula, as well as to faculty who would like to teach this subject. The authors specifically review several resources that might be especially helpful in fostering a better understanding of this essential but often underestimated aspect of health education practice and research, namely, its ethical application.
Rethinking the Bystander Role in School Violence Prevention
Authors: Stueve Ann , Dash Kimberly , O’Donnell Lydia , Tehranifar Parisa , Wilson-Simmons Renée , Slaby Ronald G. , Link Bruce G.
Published: January 2006

Public concerns about school shootings and safety draw attention to the role bystanders can play in preventing school violence. Although school violence prevention plans are often required, there is little guidance about whether these should address the roles of bystanders and what actions bystanders should take in different circumstances, from more common instances of bullying and fighting to rare, but potentially lethal, threats and use of weapons. Literature pertaining to bystanders is reviewed and applied to the school setting. The definition of bystander is expanded, including parents, teachers, and other school staff as well as youths and those who have information about potential violence as well as those who witness its occurrence. Barriers preventing bystanders from taking positive actions are discussed. The authors call on health promotion researchers and practitioners to work with school communities to identify norms, attitudes, and outcome expectancies that shape bystander behaviors to inform prevention efforts.
Web-Based Technical Assistance and Training to Promote Community Tobacco Control Policy Change
Authors: Young Walter F. , Montgomery Debbie , Nycum Colleen , Burns-Martin LaVon , Buller David B.
Published: January 2006

In 1998 the tobacco industry was released of claims that provided monetary relief for states. A significant expansion of tobacco control activity in many states created a need to develop local capacity. Technical assistance and training for new and experienced staff became a significant challenge for tobacco control leadership. In Colorado, this challenge was addressed in part through the development of a technical assistance and training Web site designed for local tobacco control staff and coalition members. Researchers, technical Web site development specialists, state health agency, and state tobacco control coalition staff collaborated to develop, promote, and test the efficacy of this Web site. The work group embodied a range of skills including tobacco control, Web site technical development, marketing, training, and project management. Persistent marketing, updating of Web site content, and institutionalizing it as a principal source of information and training were key to use by community coalition members.
Using the Internet to Build Community Capacity for Healthy Public Policy
Authors: Grierson Tanya , van Dijk Marlies W. , Dozois Elizabeth , Mascher Judith
Published: January 2006

An interactive Web site and e-mail campaign became the primary focus of a coalition’s community mobilization strategy to advocate for changes to the local smoking bylaw in a large Canadian urban center. This article presents the findings of an Internet survey of 2,200 Internet mailing list recipients in which 26% (n = 605) submitted responses. Findings from four focus groups of the survey respondents (n = 28) are also reported. The survey found that a majority of the mailing list respondents (66.1%) contacted the city council during the campaign. Only 35.8% of respondents had contacted a city council member prior to this campaign. As a result of their participation in the Internet campaign, 50.6% stated that they were more likely to get involved in future civic issues. These findings were confirmed by focus groups that found increased capacity for political involvement on this issue as well as capacity for future social and political action.
Benefits of Standardized Diabetes and Hypertension Screening Forms at Community Screening Events
Authors: Graham Garth N. , Kim Soo , James Barbara , Reynolds Gladys , Buggs Georgia , Hunter Mildred , Davis Willie , Welsh Valerie , Bourne Khandi , Payne Kermit , Primas Marion E. , Burwell Audrey
Published: January 2006

The objectives of this project were to (a) assess hypertension and diabetes screening data collection practices and guidelines and (b) develop and test standardized screening forms for use at minority community- and faith-based screening events. Project Phase I involved resource assessment and the development of a set of screening forms and guidelines containing a core data set for both hypertension and diabetes. These were then tested during Phase II at predetermined communitybased screening events throughout the United States. Community- and faith-based health screening programs are important in reaching and informing individuals in selected communities about their health and health risks. This study demonstrated the development of a standard tool that was effective in conducting African American community-based screening programs for hypertension and diabetes by community-based organizations. These activities are effective to obtain standardized information on individuals within the communities served.