ethanporcaro/eric-fulltext-meta huggingface dataset:
Behavioral Intention and Behavior toward the Obese on a College Campus: An Exploratory Analysis of Discriminatory Behavior
Author: Irwin, Carol
Date: 2009-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: College Students,Obesity,Body Composition,Age,Health Education,Intention,Measures (Individuals),Regression (Statistics),Social Discrimination,Mental Health,Correlation,Scores,Body Weight,Student Behavior,Student Attitudes

Background: Discriminatory behavior toward the obese is ubiquitous, which can lead to psychological conditions that exacerbate physical repercussions. Purpose: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study examined the link between college students' behavioral intention and self-reported behavior toward the obese. Possible connections with demographic variables were explored. Methods: Students at one university participated (n=718). Two scales were developed; one measured behavioral intention--College Obesity Behavioral Intention Scale (COBIS); one measured behavior--College Obesity Behavior Scale (COBS). Alphas fell in the acceptable to excellent range for both instruments. Results: There was a statistically significant correlation (r=0.6642; P=0.001) between the COBIS and COBS. Linear regression was significant (R2=0.4412; P=0.001). A significant regression model (P=0.001) consisting of age group, sex, and BMI status by COBIS and COBS scores was found. Discussion: Behavioral intention among subjects had a significant impact on how they behaved toward the obese. Predictor characteristics for this discriminatory behavior are being male, younger-aged (18-25 years), and have an underweight or normal Body Mass Index (BMI). Translation to Health Education Practice: Further research could identify other TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral controls) that can shape behavioral intention toward the obese among college students. (Contains 5 tables and 3 figures.)
Methodological Issues Related to the Use of P Less than 0.05 in Health Behavior Research
Author: Duryea, Elias
Date: 2009-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Intervals,Health Behavior,Epidemiology,Statistical Significance,Effect Size,Research Methodology,Sample Size,Psychology,Credibility,Research

This paper reviews methodological issues related to the use of P less than 0.05 in health behavior research and suggests how application and presentation of statistical significance may be improved. Assessment of sample size and P less than 0.05, the file drawer problem, the Law of Large Numbers and the statistical significance arguments in epidemiology, health behavior, and psychology were examined. The reporting of confidence intervals (CI), effect sizes (ES), and use of non-statistical graphics can improve portrayal and understanding of findings. Health behavior literature has had some scholarly examination of how to improve analysis of findings but has not had an in-depth dialog on other concepts related to P less than 0.05. Attention to these concepts could improve clarity in how research outcomes are presented and thereby increase credibility of health behavior research. (Contains 1 table.)
Factors Associated with Tweens' Intentions to Sustain Participation in an Innovative Community-Based Physical Activity Intervention
Author: DeBate, Rita D.
Date: 2009-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: School Activities,Intervention,Health Education,Physical Activities,Group Activities,Females,Physical Activity Level,Intention,Preadolescents,Play,Health Promotion,Summer Programs,Middle School Students,Surveys,Case Studies,Student Participation,Measures (Individuals)

Background: Participation in free-time play, including individual and group activities, is important during youth as patterns of physical activity established then persist into adulthood. The VERB Summer Scorecard (VSS) intervention is an innovative physical activity promotion initiative that offers tweens (8-13 year-olds) opportunities to be active during the summer months when increased sedentariness can occur, leading to weight gain and a predisposition for further inactivity. Purpose: This study identified factors associated with intentions to participate in VSS among tweens previously exposed to the intervention. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1,063 middle school youth using a 39-item survey and performed a multi-level analysis. Results: Being female (OR=1.43), having tried a new physical activity (OR=1.59), not currently participating in out-of-school activities but wanting to (OR=2.60), and self-monitoring of physical activity (OR=4.42 to 7.50) were associated with future intention to participate in VSS. Discussion: Adoption of the VSS seemed to inspire some tweens to initiate and sustain activity. VSS appealed to tween girls, an especially important priority audience because of the observed tendency of girls' physical activity to decline during the teen years. Moreover, VSS offered youth the opportunity for trying a variety of games, sports, and other activities. Additionally, the tangible practice of monitoring physical activity (via the scorecard) appeared to have a favorable impact on intention to participate again in VSS. Translation to Health Education Practice: Implications for school and community based physical activity interventions include structures that incorporate trialabilty and observability as mechanisms for increasing likelihood of intervention adoption. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)
The Relationship of College Students' Perceptions of Their BMI and Weight Status to Their Physical Self-Concept
Author: Binkley, Sue Ellen
Date: 2009-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Undergraduate Students,Body Composition,Health Education,Student Attitudes,Body Weight,Self Concept,Self Concept Measures,Scientific Concepts,Classification,Scores,Questionnaires,Body Height,Gender Differences,Risk,Physical Health

Background: Limited research has investigated the relationship between individuals' perceptions of their weight status and their physical self-concept. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of college students' Body Mass Index (BMI) scores (i.e. based on actual and self-reported data), and whether students' physical self-concept scores differed according to their perceived weight status classification. Methods: Undergraduate students (N=192) completed the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire and self-reported their height, weight and weight status classification. Actual height and weight measurements were also obtained. Results: Analysis using t-tests revealed females had significantly higher actual than self-reported BMI scores (t = 2.16, df = 125, P less than 0.05), but not males. ANOVA analyses revealed a significant difference for both females and males in physical self-concept scores based on their weight status category. Discussion: Results suggested that males, but not females, accurately reported their height and weight scores, but neither gender tended to accurately identify their weight status. Females and males who perceived themselves to be of normal weight reported the highest physical self-concept scores. Translation to Health Education Practice: To understand and assess students' health risks better, health educators should provide students information about (1) accurately identifying and understanding their BMI scores, (2) their weight status implications, and (3) the effects that weight status may have on physical self-concept. (Contains 4 tables.)
Motivators of and Barriers to Engaging in Physical Activity: Perspectives of Low-Income Culturally Diverse Adolescents and Adults
Author: Bragg, Marie A.
Date: 2009-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Ethnicity,Race,Qualitative Research,Obesity,Age,Health Education,Physical Activities,Low Income,Physical Activity Level,Focus Groups,Minority Groups,Adolescents,Adults,African Americans,Hispanic Americans,Social Influences,Fatigue (Biology),Time Management,Body Weight,Physical Fitness,Gender Differences,Motivation

Background: Obesity rates are rising in the United States, especially among low-income and racial/ethnic minority individuals. Exploring motivators and barriers relative to engaging in physical activity is imperative. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify motivators and barriers relative to engagement in physical activity as reported by culturally diverse low-income adolescents and adults. Methods: A total of 91 adolescent (11 to 15 years of age) and adult (18 years of age or older) participants who self-identified as African American, Hispanic, or non-Hispanic White engaged in age group-, race/ethnicity-, and gender-concordant focus groups. Results: Qualitative data analysis indicated that the motivators and barriers most commonly identified among the adolescent and adult focus groups were: social influence; time and priorities; physical environment; fun and enjoyment; inherently physical activities; weight concerns; fatigue, physical discomfort and current fitness level; and immediate positive feelings. Discussion: Findings were generally similar across age group, gender and race/ethnicity. Age group-specific, gender-specific and race/ethnicity-specific motivators and barriers were related to how commonly the motivators and barriers were identified among each group. Translation to Health Education Practice: Implications for increasing physical activity among low-income culturally diverse adolescents and adults are discussed. (Contains 1 table.)
Multivitamins, Folic Acid and Birth Defects: Knowledge, Beliefs and Behaviors of Hispanic Women in North Carolina
Author: deRosset, Leslie
Date: 2009-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Health Services,Speech Communication,Health Education,Females,Public Health,Congenital Impairments,Pregnancy,Counties,Nutrition,Hispanic Americans,Health Behavior,Risk,Incidence,Spanish Speaking,Interviews,Surveys,Cultural Awareness,Health Personnel

Background: Consumption of folic acid prior to conception can prevent up to 70% of neural tube defect (NTD)-affected pregnancies. In 1992, the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) issued a recommendation that all women of childbearing age capable of becoming pregnant consume 400 [mu]g of folic acid daily to reduce their risk for a NTD-affected pregnancy. A 26% decrease in the overall NTD rate in the United States was observed between 1995 and 2000, after the fortification of cereal grain products. However, the NTD prevalence for Hispanics remains almost twice that of the general population, both nationally and in North Carolina. Purpose: To measure the baseline knowledge, beliefs and behaviors about multivitamins, folic acid and birth defects of Spanish-speaking Hispanic women ages 18-35 in North Carolina. Methods: Face-to-face oral interviews with Spanish-speaking Hispanic women were conducted by native Spanish-speaking data collectors using a culturally appropriate survey instrument in 12 North Carolina counties. Results: Thirty-three percent of the total respondents (n = 896) reported taking a daily multivitamin. Of those who reported currently planning a pregnancy or trying to become pregnant (n = 134), 22% reported taking a daily multivitamin. Knowledge was highest about birth defects (79%), followed by multivitamins (64%), and then folic acid (54%). Ninety-nine percent of respondents who did not take a daily multivitamin reported they would do so upon the recommendation of their health care provider. Discussion: Multivitamin consumption is low among this group at increased risk, and even lower among those actively attempting or contemplating pregnancy. Health care professionals play a critical role in increasing the knowledge and influencing the behaviors of this population. Translation to Health Education Practice: Folic acid education in all preconception encounters with Hispanic women is critical to address this health disparity and help prevent NTD-affected pregnancies. (Contains 6 tables and 1 figure.)
Comparison of School Food Policies and Food Preparation Practices before and after the Local Wellness Policy among Indiana High Schools
Author: Seo, Dong-Chul
Date: 2009-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Food Service,High Schools,Health Education,Federal Legislation,Wellness,School Districts,Educational Change,Comparative Analysis,Educational Policy,Educational Environment,Administrator Attitudes,Principals,Surveys,Food,Standards

Background: Federal legislation requires local education agencies or school districts to develop a local wellness policy. No data-based research using a prospective cohort of a representative sample of secondary schools has been conducted to investigate the impact of the local wellness policy. Purpose: To investigate changes in school food policies and food preparation practices before and after the local wellness policy was implemented in Indiana high schools. Methods: The principal or food service director of 226 food-serving Indiana high schools participated in a survey in February-March 2006. Of the 226 schools, 150 participated in the follow-up survey in April-May 2007 (response rate: 66%). Results: The proportion of schools was significantly reduced that offered chocolate candy (63% to 39%), non-low-fat cookies or crackers (79% to 53%), soda pop (83% to 63%), and non-low-fat salty snacks (72% to 43%). The proportion of schools that prohibited junk foods from being offered significantly increased (29% to 68%). However, no significant increase was observed in the proportion of schools that offered fruit (75% to 76%), vegetable salads (71% to 75%), or 100% fruit juice (83% to 84%). Also, little significant improvement was observed in food preparation practices. Discussion: Additional improvement should be made in food preparation practices and providing more healthy foods. Translation to Health Education Practice: More schools should offer students fruits, vegetables, and 100% fruit juice and make an effort to improve food preparation practices as little improvement was observed in these areas after the local wellness policy was developed. Positive effects of local wellness policies are limited. School health educators and professionals need to advocate the adoption of a minimum federal standard for the school wellness policy rather than allowing each LEA or school district to develop its own wellness policy. (Contains 5 tables.)
HPV Vaccine Acceptance in a Clinic-Based Sample of Women in the Rural South
Author: Brandt, Heather M.
Date: 2009-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Health Education,Females,Immunization Programs,Knowledge Level,Sexually Transmitted Diseases,Public Health,Cancer,Clinics,Rural Areas,Interviews,Safety,Costs,Questionnaires

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted infection linked to cervical disease. Vaccines for some types of HPV were in development at the time of the study. Purpose: The study examined HPV vaccine acceptability among underserved women in a rural region of the southeastern U.S. with high rates of cervical cancer for development of future educational interventions. Methods: A clinic-based sample of women (aged 18-64; ASCUS or higher and tested for HPV DNA) completed a telephone interview (response rate = 78%). Results: Among participants who had ever heard of HPV (n=108), 81% were &quot;very likely&quot; to get the vaccine and 72% would have their daughter vaccinated. These participants desired information about vaccine safety (100%), efficacy (100%), side effects (100%), clinician recommendation (96%), cost (94%), and composition of the vaccine (94%). Cost was identified as the main barrier (55%). Among a subset of participants who reported HPV positivity (n=49), younger age, being single, and high HPV knowledge level were associated with specific types of desired information before getting the HPV vaccine. Discussion: Similar to previously reported vaccine acceptability studies, acceptance among participants in this rural region of the south was also high. Participants also desired more information about the vaccine. Translation to Health Education Practice: Public health educational efforts must address health education issues related to vaccine acceptability and increase HPV knowledge and understanding. (Contains 3 tables.)
Tick-Associated Diseases: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Author: Anderson, Alice
Date: 2009-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Disease Control,Health Education,Prevention,Diseases,Identification,Incidence,Entomology,Symptoms (Individual Disorders),Guidelines

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are eleven tick-associated diseases prevalent in the United States. Most commonly diagnosed are Lyme disease, anaplasmosis (ehrlichiosis) and babeisois, with Lyme disease being the most common vector-borne disease in the country. In southeastern states, studies have shown the prevalence of southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI), which is similar to Lyme disease. Healthy People 2010's 14-8 objective is to reduce Lyme disease, with a "44 percent improvement" by the year 2010. A key component for success of this objective is to provide the public with important information that can yield early detection or prevention against tick-associated disease, such as Lyme disease. Additionally, awareness of signs, symptoms and how to protect oneself from tick-borne illnesses is critical for individuals living in regions where these diseases are most prevalent. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to convey the signs, symptoms, and clinical tests for early detection of Lyme disease and STARI, and (2) to provide guidelines and discussion of some treatment controversies for health educators to utilize in educating the public on personal protection against tick-associated illnesses. (Contains 2 figures.)
Using Focus Group Research to Assess Health Education Needs of Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers
Author: Vamos, Sandra
Date: 2009-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Health Education,Elementary Secondary Education,Focus Groups,Health Programs,Teacher Role,Ecology,Foreign Countries,School Health Services,Teaching Methods,Preservice Teachers,School Role,School Community Relationship

Background: Few studies have been conducted in Canada to investigate the roles, actions and beliefs of health teachers in school health programs. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore health education teaching and assess related needs among pre-service and in-service teachers in a British Columbia K-12 school system, and to elicit conclusions regarding how to improve health through schools. Methods: K-12 teachers from the participating school district (N = 16) and pre-service teachers from the participating university (N = 14) participated in four focus groups. Results: Guided by the ecological model, seven themes were identified and categorized: (1) Intrapersonal Level (teaching strategies; knowledge/skills; comfort); (2) Interpersonal Level (teaching barriers); and (3) Community Level (health curricula; health programs; role of school). Discussion: Seven themes highlight the issues of school health programs from practitioners' perspectives, which also correspond with five sources of problems of school health programs classified by the WHO Expert Committee. This study reinforced the need for initial development of health educator roles and competencies to guide actions in school health improvement. Translation to Health Education Practice: The identified sources of problems illustrate the potential role that a health-promoting school approach plays to build school-community connectedness. (Contains 2 tables and 2 figures.)
Assessment of the Knowledge and Beliefs regarding Probiotic Use
Author: Stanczak, Melanie
Date: 2009-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Health Education,Health Promotion,Knowledge Level,Food,Questionnaires,Beliefs

Background: Although there is mounting evidence of the benefits of probiotics, many consumers are unaware of the definition of probiotics and are unable to state which foods contain these live microorganisms. Purpose: This study attempted to determine if participants were able to state the definition of probiotics, whether they utilize these products regularly and if they would consider consuming probiotics if it were recommended by a health professional. Methods: The subjects were evaluated via an 18-item questionnaire. A total of 335 surveys were returned completed. Results: This study demonstrates that 38.5% of respondents had heard of probiotics, but only 27.2% stated that they knew what probiotics are. Those participants who stated they knew what probiotics are were more likely to try them when recommended. Participants who were able to state the benefit of probiotics, consumed them in greater frequency. Discussion: The results of this study support the hypothesis that many consumers are unaware of the definition of probiotics and are unable to state which foods contain these live microorganisms. Translation to Health Education Practice: These results indicate a need for further education of the general public in regards to the definition, benefits, and sources of probiotics. (Contains 2 tables.)
Use of University/School Partnerships for the Institutionalization of the Coordinated School Health Program
Author: Videto, Donna M.
Date: 2009-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Comprehensive School Health Education,Formative Evaluation,Health Programs,Community Involvement,Program Effectiveness,Educational Environment,Partnerships in Education,Academic Achievement,Parent Participation,Questionnaires

Background: Health educators have discussed the importance of the eight component Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) approach to facilitate the success of school health education. Conducting a School Health Index (SHI) assessment of the CSHP is an important early step for improving the health, environment and academic success of youth. Purpose: To: (1) provide process evaluation data to improve a University-school partnership designed to assist in assessing the current state of the CSHP in 25 area schools and (2) to assess the level of institutionalization of the resulting SHI generated action plans. Methods: A 27-item questionnaire was used to conduct follow-up interviews with the project schools following the completion of the SHI assessment. Results: Data supported the continuation of the university-school partnership model for facilitating the SHI assessment. Only moderate institutionalization of SHI action plans for advancing the CSHP was shown, mostly related to policy and school environment changes. Discussion: Findings indicated the need for health coordinators taking a strong role in the assessment, for developing administrative support, for expanding parent and community involvement and for a formal process evaluation monitoring system to increase accountability. Translation to Health Education Practice: Additional recommendations for improving the partnership and the CSHP institutionalization following an SHI assessment are presented. (Contains 5 tables and 2 figures.)