Joan R. Bloom

Bio: Joan R. Bloom is an academic researcher from University of California, Berkeley. The author has contributed to research in topics: Breast cancer & Capitation. The author has an hindex of 38, co-authored 110 publications receiving 7235 citations. Previous affiliations of Joan R. Bloom include Cancer Prevention Institute of California & University of California.

Physical Performance at work and at Leisure

Abstract: This article examines the concurrent validity of a measure of use of biological energy. The measure consists of the individual's activity patterns at work and at leisure and is weighted by a factor associated with the expenditure of biological energy. The results obtained from 85 men who had been treated for Hodgkin's disease indicated that more sedentary activity patterns are positively correlated with scores on the Fatigue subscale of the Profile of Mood States (POMS), whereas more active patterns are positively correlated with scores on the POMS Vigor subscale, self-reports of energy level, and self-ratings of health status. In addition, consistent with biological research, perceived energy levels interact with activity patterns at leisure but not at work. Using this strategy to assess an individual's physical performance at work after the diagnosis and treatment of cancer may help practitioners in rehabilitation counseling.

Developing a Culturally Competent Faith-Based Framework to Promote Breast Cancer Screening Among Afghan Immigrant Women

Abstract: For the tens of thousands of Afghan immigrant women currently living in the USA, religious and cultural beliefs can act as a barrier to health care access. Islamic frameworks and men's gatekeeping roles often control women's decision-making power about their health care needs. Gatekeepers, however, can be reconceived as facilitators empowered to protect the well-being of the family, and positive messages within Islam can foster collaborative investment in women's health. Drawing upon a pilot study utilizing community-based participatory research involving the largest Afghan community in the USA, this paper documents the need for culturally sensitive faith-based education to promote breast cancer screening among this growing population.

Evaluating Health Care Programs by Combining Cost with Quality of Life Measures: A Case Study Comparing Capitation and Fee for Service

Abstract: Objective To demonstrate cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) for evaluating different reimbursement models.

Organizational and Individual Factors Affecting Consumer Outcomes of Care in Mental Health Services

Abstract: The impact of organizational and individual factors on outcomes of care were assessed for 424 adult consumers with chronic mental illness who were receiving services from one of 14 Community Mental Health Organizations (CMHOs) in Colorado over a 30-month period, as part of a larger statewide evaluation of the impact of Medicaid capitation on mental health services. Data on organizational culture and climate were aggregated from surveys of staff and administrators conducted within CMHOs over a two-year period corresponding to the collection of consumer outcome and service utilization data. Growth curve analyses were conducted on consumer perceptions of physical and mental health, and on quality of life (QOL). Analyses indicated a significant cross-level effect of organizational culture and climate on improvements in consumer perceptions of physical and mental health, but not on a “quasi-objective” index of QOL. Individual characteristics, such as age, diagnosis, gender, and ethnicity, were significant predictors of outcomes. Being older, female, an ethnic minority, and having a diagnosis of schizophrenia all predicted poorer outcomes among consumers. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for policy and future research.

Human aging: usual and successful

Abstract: Research in aging has emphasized average age-related losses and neglected the substantial heterogeneity of older persons. The effects of the aging process itself have been exaggerated, and the modifying effects of diet, exercise, personal habits, and psychosocial factors underestimated. Within the category of normal aging, a distinction can be made between usual aging, in which extrinsic factors heighten the effects of aging alone, and successful aging, in which extrinsic factors play a neutral or positive role. Research on the risks associated with usual aging and strategies to modify them should help elucidate how a transition from usual to successful aging can be facilitated.