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Preservice teachers' perceived confidence in teaching school violence prevention.

OBJECTIVE: To examine preservice teachers' perceived confidence in teaching violence prevention and the potential effect of violence-prevention training on preservice teachers' confidence in teaching violence prevention. METHODS: Six Ohio universities participated in the study. More than 800 undergraduate and graduate students completed surveys. RESULTS: Violence-prevention training, area of certification, and location of student- teaching placement significantly influenced preservice teachers' perceived confidence in teaching violence prevention. CONCLUSION: Violence-prevention training positively influences preservice teachers' confidence in teaching violence prevention. The results suggest that such training should be considered as a requirement for teacher preparation programs.

Adolescent↗

Ethnic and racial minority students in U.S. entry-level dental hygiene programs: a national survey.

PURPOSE: The United States is rapidly becoming a more multicultural society. Although minority groups are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, minorities are not pursuing careers in health care professions in the same proportions. The literature suggests that increasing the number of minorities in the health care professions will increase access to health care for minority populations and help non-minority health care professionals become more aware of and sensitive to minority issues. The results reported here are part of a larger national survey that examined the commitment of entry-level dental hygiene programs to ethnic/racial diversity. METHODS: A 19-item survey was mailed in 1998 to all 233 entry-level dental hygiene program directors in the United States. The survey was piloted using a random sample of six entry-level dental hygiene program directors in the United States. Data were collected on demographics, formal written mission statements that support ethnic/racial diversity, minority recruitment programs, and recruitment mechanisms. Data were analyzed using frequencies, chi-square, t-tests, F-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients. The response rate was 60.1% (140). RESULTS: Results indicate that 10.5% of dental hygiene students and 6.7% of dental hygiene faculty are members of ethnic/racial minorities. Results also indicate that Asian and Pacific Islander (API) students are not underrepresented in U.S. entry-level dental hygiene programs, but Asian and Pacific Islander faculty are. CONCLUSIONS: A statistically significant relationship was found between the percentage of 1) minority faculty and students in entry-level dental hygiene programs; and 2) minority students and minorities in the state where the entry-level dental hygiene program resides.

Data Collection↗

The role of state public health agencies in addressing less prevalent chronic conditions.

INTRODUCTION: State-based chronic disease programs typically focus on the most prevalent chronic conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, but interest in less prevalent chronic conditions (LPCCs), such as epilepsy, is growing. In our study, we examined the perceived roles of state health departments in addressing LPCCs and used this information to develop recommendations for state health departments that are considering developing LPCCs programs. We also compared the identified state health department roles for LPCCs with roles related to healthy aging, as well as to the essential elements of existing state-based chronic disease programs, to determine whether future LPCCs programs would have any unique requirements. METHODS: Participants used concept-mapping techniques to generate a set of 100 statements on steps that state health departments could take to address LPCCs. The participants sorted and rated each statement according to importance and feasibility. We used a sequence of multivariate statistical analyses to generate a series of maps, or clusters, and rating graphics. We reviewed the findings and produced recommendations for state health departments. We used a similar process to examine roles of state health departments in addressing healthy aging. RESULTS: The participants grouped the LPCCs statements into nine clusters, which they rated as moderately feasible and important. The healthy aging statements were grouped into eight clusters. Clusters for LPCCs and healthy aging were similar. We also compared LPCCs clusters and the essential elements of existing state-based chronic disease programs and found that they were similar. CONCLUSION: The similarities between LPCCs clusters and essential elements of existing state-based chronic disease programs highlight an important point. State health departments that are considering establishing LPCCs programs should use strategies that have already been used by other public health agencies to develop chronic disease prevention and control programs.

Chronic Disease↗

The global elimination of blinding trachoma: progress and promise.

Trachoma is the world's leading cause of preventable blindness. It affects approximately 150 million people living in the world's poorest, rural communities and causes an estimated loss of $2.9 billion in productivity annually. In 1985, the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation joined with the World Health Organization to support studies on trachoma epidemiology and control, resulting in the elaboration of the surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement (SAFE) strategy as the basis for the elimination of this blinding disease. Founded in 1998 by the Clark Foundation and Pfizer, Inc., the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI) is the only organization dedicated to eliminating blinding trachoma through support to national control programs. The availability of donated Zithromax (azithromycin) by Pfizer, Inc. has been paramount to the support of the ITI for implementation of SAFE in 10 country programs. The program has made considerable progress in four years. More than seven million individuals have received treatment, resulting in a cumulative reduction of 50% in active disease rates in children. More than 60,000 have also benefited from lid surgery that has halted progression to blindness. Morocco is expecting to attain the elimination of blinding trachoma by 2005. However, the challenges facing the goal of global elimination by 2020 involve a vital program expansion, increased financial and technical support, environmental improvement, and continued advocacy efforts.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Access to and participation in breast cancer screening: a review of recent literature.

Recently, attention has been focused on the incentives for access to and participation in breast cancer screening programs. The Healthy People 2000 health goals for the nation calls for 60% of women aged 50 years and older to have had mammograms and clinical breast exams within the preceding 2 years. To achieve this objective, the incentives for access to and participation in breast cancer screening programs must be identified. The present review examines incentive-based hypotheses dealing with lower socioeconomic status, lack of insurance coverage, physician referral, and self-referral. Policy-oriented solutions that have attempted to correct the disincentives associated with low access and participation were analyzed. The sophistication of screening technology is of primary importance; however, this review provides additional information that can be used to ensure the implementation of quality mammography screening programs.

Adult↗

Exercise and coronary heart disease: role in primary prevention.

Physical fitness programs for healthy people have gained popularity throughout the world. Available scientific studies, none of which is ideal, suggest that those engaged in vigorous activity at work or in leisure hours have a reduced risk of coronary events. The possible mechanisms for this have been reviewed. A balanced exercise program (including endurance, flexibility, and strength activities) should be prescribed on an individual basis, after appropriate baseline testing. Target heart rates should be assigned. Risks and precautions should be discussed.

Adult↗

A qualitative assessment of Charlotte REACH: an ecological perspective for decreasing CVD and diabetes among African Americans.

An ecological perspective of health promotion was used as the framework for a Charlotte community-based intervention to eliminate rates of health disparities in cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Interventions are targeted on 5 levels of influences, with interaction between levels creating a supportive system for sustained change. The purpose of this qualitative assessment was to explore changes that have occurred among and between the following levels of influences: intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy. Data from 10 focus groups were analyzed to identify overarching themes and subthemes. Results support positive changes within and between levels of change. REACH participants reported an increase in knowledge of preventative health behaviors, the development of health-related skills, and the diffusion of knowledge to family. Fellowship was identified as the primary motivator to continue positive health behaviors. Community Lay Health Advisors (LHAs) reported changes in individual health perceptions from disease-to prevention-oriented, and positive community changes, including the establishment of walking groups, and a farmers' market. The REACH program staff reported that collaboration between staff and LHAs was crucial to program success. The results of this assessment provide feedback for improving community health promotion activities and developing program sustainability.

Black or African American↗

A community-based approach to diabetes control in multiple cultural groups.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common, serious, and costly chronic diseases, and is a leading cause of death in the United States. Communities of color bear a disproportionate burden of diabetes risk, prevalence, complications, and mortality. REACH 2010 Seattle and King County provides socio-ecological interventions to reduce diabetes disparities among African-American, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Latino/Hispanic, Vietnamese and soon Samoan, and Vietnamese groups. This paper reports evaluation results of REACH classes and support groups. Results from participant pre- and post-surveys demonstrated increases in self-reported physical activity and healthier eating, and increased self-efficacy in managing diabetes. Qualitative focus group results revealed participants' enthusiasm for classes tailored to their ethnic groups, and for intervention impact on management of their diabetes. Qualitative results confirmed survey findings that group participation resulted in significant changes in diet and physical activity. The results underscore the need for more widespread adoption of culturally competent diabetes education and support programs.

Adult↗

Cigarette smoking among adults--United States, 2004.

One of the national health objectives for 2010 is to reduce the prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults to < or =12% (objective no. 27-1a). To assess progress toward this objective, CDC analyzed self-reported data from the 2004 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) sample adult core questionnaire. This report describes the results of that analysis, which indicated that, in 2004, approximately 20.9% of U.S. adults were current smokers. This prevalence is lower than the 21.6% prevalence among U.S. adults in 2003 and is significantly lower than the 22.5% prevalence among adults in 2002. The prevalence of heavy smoking (> or =25 cigarettes per day) has also declined during the past 11 years, from 19.1% of smokers in 1993 to 12.1% of smokers in 2004. Tobacco-use prevention and control measures appear to be decreasing both the prevalence of cigarette smoking and the proportion of heavy smokers, who are at high risk for tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. However, to further decrease smoking prevalence among adults and to meet the national health objective, effective comprehensive tobacco-control programs that address both initiation and cessation of smoking should be fully implemented in every state and territory.

Adult↗

Facilitators of well-functioning consortia: national Healthy Start program lessons.

Social workers often are central to the work of community-based consortia to improve service delivery and enhance community participation in health initiatives. This article presents qualitative findings from a multisite case study of consortia in the federal Healthy Start Initiative to reduce infant mortality in high-risk communities. The authors examine the facilitators of well-functioning consortia in a framework of empowerment theory and community organizing with women of color. These facilitators include flexibility in the design of locally appropriate consortia structures; broad institutional support; diverse incentives for participation; adequate resources on multiple levels; and identification with the program and its mission. Implications for social work practice and for policy are provided.

Community Health Planning↗

Dentistry for babies: why do parents seek dental care?

This study investigated what are the main reasons that led parents to enroll children in a clinic for infants. This was studied by consulting 1368 records during the period from July 1996 to August 2001. The predominant reason for enrolling was orientation/prevention followed by "other" and treatment. This study demonstrated that a program for children from the first year of life encourages parents to have a new vision of dentistry.

Brazil↗

Community empowerment to reduce childhood immunization disparities in New York City.

This paper reports on the impact of the community-based Start Right program on childhood immunization coverage in 2 communities of color in New York City. Fully launched in 2002, Start Right operates through the major social service programs of its 23 member organizations. Immunization promotion strategies are based on the following guiding principles: community leadership; integration with community programs; parental empowerment; peer health educators; tracking and feedback; and linkage with health providers. By September 2003, 2,433 children under age 5 years (14% of that age group in the community) were enrolled in Start Right. The rates for the cohort of children enrolled in 2003 were substantially higher than for those enrolled in 2002. Among the 2003 cohort of 19- to 35-month-old children, the coverage rate was 88%, significantly more than national rates: 75% for total population, 68% for African Americans, and 73% for Hispanics. The rate for our 2003 enrollment cohort exceeded the rate for New York City (78%) but did not exceed the New York City average for Hispanics (79%). Of the 2003 enrollment cohort, the Washington Heights children had the highest rates for enrollment (89.6%), exceeding New York City rates. Parents reported a high level of satisfaction with the program.

Black or African American↗

Using behavioral risk factor surveillance data for heart disease and stroke prevention programs.

An effective state heart disease and stroke prevention program must be able to monitor changes in heart disease and stroke risk factors of the state population. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a state-based telephone survey, has been an important source for monitoring health-related factors and evaluating the success of programs. The BRFSS currently includes modules on hypertension and cholesterol screening and awareness, cardiovascular disease preventive practices, and recognition of the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke as well as relevant modules on fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, tobacco use, and diabetes. Publication topics included monitoring risk factors and clinical services, assessing progress toward national goals, assessing health disparities, and health status and health-related quality of life issues. States have used the BRFSS data for monitoring health risks in the state, assessing state and national health objectives, determining and providing data for public health campaigns, providing information for legislative proposals, and providing information that helps to initiate collaboration. Major methodologic issues involve validating self-reported data against direct measurement and assessing the effects of changes in telecommunications. As Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) national heart disease and stroke prevention program and each state health department program develop, state and even local level data will become more important to measure the burden of disease and program impact. State heart disease and stroke prevention programs are encouraged to work closely with state BRFSS coordinators to obtain vital information to measure the burden of heart disease and stroke in their state and to be able to measure program impact on addressing the first and third leading causes of death in the U.S.

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System↗

Tobacco control interventions in the emergency department: a joint statement of emergency medicine organizations.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and illness in the United States. National practice guidelines call for all health care providers to "ask" all patients about tobacco use, and to "advise, assess, assist, arrange" when smokers want to quit smoking (the "5 As"). Emergency departments (EDs) have not been an important locus of tobacco control efforts, although ED patients typically smoke at rates exceeding that of the general population, are interested in quitting, and often have limited access to primary care. To address the role of emergency medicine in tobacco control, the American College of Emergency Physicians convened a task force of representatives of major emergency medicine professional organizations. Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the group met in 2004 and 2005. This article represents a summary of the task force's recommendations for tobacco control practice, training, and research. We call on emergency care providers to routinely assess patients' smoking status, offer brief advice to quit, and refer patients to the national smokers' Quitline (800-QUIT-NOW) or a locally available program. Given the global burden of tobacco-related illness, the task force considers it essential for emergency physicians to conduct research into the efficacy of ED-based interventions and to place tobacco control into the training curriculum for emergency medicine residencies. Tobacco control fits within the traditions of other ED-based public health practices, such as injury control. ED-based tobacco control would allow the specialty to help fulfill the Healthy People 2010 mandate to reduce the prevalence of smoking among US citizens.

Cause of Death↗

Tobacco control interventions in the emergency department: a joint statement of emergency medicine organizations.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and illness in the United States. National practice guidelines call for all health care providers to "ask" all patients about tobacco use, and to "advise, assess, assist, arrange" when smokers want to quit smoking (the "5 As"). Emergency departments (EDs) have not been an important locus of tobacco control efforts, although ED patients typically smoke at rates exceeding that of the general population, are interested in quitting, and often have limited access to primary care. To address the role of emergency medicine in tobacco control, the American College of Emergency Physicians convened a task force of representatives of major emergency medicine professional organizations. Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the group met in 2004 and 2005. This article represents a summary of the task force's recommendations for tobacco control practice, training, and research. We call on emergency care providers to routinely assess patients' smoking status, offer brief advice to quit, and refer patients to the national smokers' Quitline (800-QUIT-NOW) or a locally available program. Given the global burden of tobacco-related illness, the task force considers it essential for emergency physicians to conduct research into the efficacy of ED-based interventions and to place tobacco control into the training curriculum for emergency medicine residencies. Tobacco control fits within the traditions of other ED-based public health practices, such as injury control. ED-based tobacco control would allow the specialty to help fulfill the Healthy People 2010 mandate to reduce the prevalence of smoking among US citizens.

Cause of Death↗

Sustaining new parents in home visitation services: key participant and program factors.

OBJECTIVES: As prevention efforts have adopted more intensive service models, concerns over initial enrollment and retention rates have become more salient. This study examines the participant, provider and program factors that contribute to a longer length of stay and greater number of home visits for new parents enrolling in one national home visitation program. METHODS: Retrospective data were collected on a random sample of 816 participants served by one of 17 Healthy Families America (HFA) program sites around the country. Using case record reviews, research staff documented each participant's characteristics and service experiences. To capture relevant staff and program information, research staff collected basic descriptive information from published documents and interviews with program managers. All home visitors who had contact with sample families also completed a self-assessment instrument regarding personal and professional characteristics. Hierarchical linear modeling allowed us to examine the unique role of participant, provider and program characteristics while recognizing the lack of independence among these three sets of variables. RESULTS: The combined provider and program levels in the HLM model accounted for one-third of the variance in service duration and one-quarter of the variance in the number of home visits. Older participants, those unemployed, and those who enrolled in the program early in their pregnancy were more likely to remain in services longer and to complete a greater number of home visits. Compared to White participants, African Americans and Hispanics were significantly more likely to remain in services longer and, in the case of African Americans, to receive a greater number of home visits. Participants who were enrolled in school were more likely to remain in services longer. Age was the only consistent provider characteristic associated with positive results in both models, with younger home visitors performing better. Prior experience showed a significant relationship only in the service dosage model and African American workers demonstrated greater success than White home visitors did in retaining families in service. At the program level, programs with lower caseloads and greater success in matching their participants and providers on parenting status and race/ethnicity were significantly more likely to demonstrate stronger enrollment patterns.

Adult↗