Showing papers in "Health Education & Behavior in 1996"
TL;DR: The results suggest that community leadership, shared decision making, linkages with other organizations, and a positive organizational climate were key determinants of member satisfaction and participation, but these same factors were not related to the quality of coalition plans.
Abstract: Coalitions currently are a popular tool for promoting community-based solutions to health problems, such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) abuse. Private foundations, granting agencies, and other public health organizations assume that participation of community members in health promotion coalitions will increase the likelihood of program success. This article examines whether key characteristics of coalitions are related to effectiveness as measured by member satisfaction, commitment to the coalition, and the quality of planning efforts. Member survey data from the first year evaluation of an ATOD coalition were analyzed using factor analysis, chi-square, and multiple regression techniques at both the individual and group levels. The results suggest that community leadership, shared decision making, linkages with other organizations, and a positive organizational climate were key determinants of member satisfaction and participation. These same factors were not related to the quality of coalition plans. However, the significance of coalitions for community empowerment and health promotion is discussed.
366 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that the average effect for peer or social-type programs is likely to be quite limited in magnitude, and that the reduction in smoking may be only 0.10 standard deviation units, or perhaps 5%.
Abstract: This article presents the results of a meta-analysis designed to test the prevailing view that we largely understand why adolescents start to smoke and how to delay it. This view has developed even though none of the major reviews of the last 12 years has adjusted for the important methodological problems that all of those reviews identified as common in the published literature. School-based smoking prevention programs based on peer or social-type programs, published between 1974 and 1991, were included in this meta-analysis. Treatment characteristics were used to predict an effect size after adjustment for study design and population characteristics, and in particular, after a post hoc correction for errors in the original unit of analysis. The results suggest that the average effect for peer or social-type programs is likely to be quite limited in magnitude, and that the reduction in smoking may be only 0.10 standard deviation units, or perhaps 5%. Even under optimal conditions, the reduction in smoking may be only 0.50 to 0.75 standard deviation units, or perhaps 20%-30%.
243 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that effective health promotion will tailor interventions by culture as necessary but reach across cultures when possible and appropriate.
Abstract: The increasing diversity of American communities raises an important question about the efficiency, appropriateness, and feasibility of tailoring messages and intervention strategies to target groups identified by race and ethnicity. To explore this issue, this article distinguishes race and ethnicity from culture and then discusses four questions: (1) What is the meaning of culture in health promotion? (2) What is the role of culture in understanding health behavior? (3) What is the role of culture in the design of interventions? and (4) What do the relationships of culture to behavior and to intervention mean for cultural tailoring? Based on this analysis, the authors suggest that effective health promotion will tailor interventions by culture as necessary but reach across cultures when possible and appropriate. A framework is presented to assess the need for cultural tailoring, and a new generation of health promotion research is proposed to facilitate cross-cultural comparisons.
202 citations
TL;DR: Developments in these areas suggest that the field of worksite health may be undergoing a fundamental paradigm shift away from individually oriented wellness programs and toward broader formulations emphasizing the joint impact of the physical and social environment at work, job-person fit, and work policies on employee well-being.
Abstract: This article identifies new research and policy directions for the field of worksite health in the context of the changing American workplace. These directions are viewed from an ecological perspective on worksite health and are organized around three major themes: (1) the joint influence of physical and social environmental factors on occupational health, (2) the effects of nonoccupational settings (e.g., households, the health care system) on employee well-being and the implications of recent changes in these settings for worksite health programs, and (3) methodological issues in the design and evaluation of worksite health programs. Developments in these areas suggest that the field of worksite health may be undergoing a fundamental paradigm shift away from individually oriented wellness programs (provided at the worksite and aimed primarily at changing employees' health behavior) and toward broader formulations emphasizing the joint impact of the physical and social environment at work, job-person fit, and work policies on employee well-being.
132 citations
TL;DR: When workers were aware of changes their employer had made to reduce exposures to occupational hazards, they were more likely to participate in both smoking control and nutrition activities, even when controlling for job category.
Abstract: According to prior reports, blue-collar workers are less likely to participate in worksite health promotion programs than are white-collar workers This study examined worker participation in the WellWorks worksite cancer prevention intervention, which integrated health promotion and health protection Analyses were conducted to assess relationships among participation in health promotion and health protection programs, and workers' perceptions of management changes to reduce potential occupational exposures Results indicate that blue-collar workers were less likely to report participating in health promotion activities than white-collar workers A significant association was observed between participation in nutrition- and exposure-related activities, suggesting that participation in programs to reduce exposures to occupational hazards might contribute to blue-collar workers' participation in health promotion activities Furthermore, when workers were aware of changes their employer had made to reduce exposures to occupational hazards, they were more likely to participate in both smoking control and nutrition activities, even when controlling for job category These findings have clear implications for future worksite cancer prevention efforts
111 citations
TL;DR: Baseline data for women ages 18 to 74 years showed that levels of screening were higher than national averages for Latina, white, and black women but lower for Chinese and Vietnamese women, and the importance of education and insurance in obtaining recommended screening regardless of race/ethnicity.
Abstract: The Pathways project studied the relationship of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and culture to breast and cervical cancer screening. A multidisciplinary, multicultural team of investigators ...
110 citations
TL;DR: The data supported the proposed model and confirmed was two predicted relationships between model constructs, which provided a better understanding of differential participation by employee groups.
Abstract: Guided by a conceptual model, the authors used both qualitative data (e.g., individual interviews, focus groups) and quantitative data from an employee survey (N = 3,388) in 10 federal agencies to investigate whether organization context and implementation process affected participation in worksite health promotion and disease prevention (HPDP) activities among demographic subgroups. Overall, employees on average participated in fewer than two agency-supported health-related activities per year (17% in fitness, 40% in health risk assessment activities). Employees participated more where coworkers endorsed such programs. Minority employees and employees in lower level positions were more likely to participate in fitness activities when organizations had a more comprehensive program structure, engaged in more marketing strategies, gave time off to employees to participate, or had on-site facilities. Management support for the program was related to participation by employees who were male, white, and had upper level positions. The data supported the proposed model; also confirmed was two predicted relationships between model constructs, which provided a better understanding of differential participation by employee groups.
104 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that occupational safety and health and worksite health promotion practitioners need to develop more comprehensive interventions and rigorously evaluate these programs to determine if they are more effective than programs with a more narrow focus.
Abstract: Within a single firm it is common to find both occupational safety and health and worksite health promotion interventions operating in isolation from one another, with different intervention targets, methods, and personnel. Overcoming the segmentation of the two fields will require, among other things, the promulgation of an overarching model of work and health. The purpose of this article is to describe an integrated model and to show how it can be applied to improve worksite health interventions for both occupational safety and health and worksite health promotion. Practice examples from both fields are used to illustrate interventions that focus on different areas of the model (individual behavior, psychosocial, organization, and contextual factors). It is argued that occupational safety and health and worksite health promotion practitioners need to develop more comprehensive interventions and rigorously evaluate these programs to determine if they are more effective than programs with a more narrow focus.
95 citations
TL;DR: Results from a survey of the 37 projects that contained a substantial prevention effort are presented and qualitative data from in-depth site visits to 12 projects are embellished with recommendations to guide the development and delivery of future community-based AIDS prevention projects.
Abstract: In 1988, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awarded grants to 54 AIDS prevention and service projects. This article presents the results from a survey of the 37 projects that contained a substantial prevention effort and embellishes these findings with qualitative data from in-depth site visits to 12 projects. Survey respondents reported conducting a mean of 19 different intervention activities. Small-group discussion, outreach to populations engaged in high-risk behaviors, and training peers and volunteers were the intervention activities rated most effective by project staff. Qualitative analysis identified eight factors facilitating intervention effectiveness. Three site-visited projects were chosen to exemplify the ways in which these facilitating factors contributed to the perceived effectiveness of small-group discussions, outreach, and the training of peer educators. Recommendations to guide the development and delivery of future community-based AIDS prevention projects are presented.
91 citations
TL;DR: There were no significant differences in screening rates between the two communities, and the study hypothesizes that postintervention measurements of screening rates will reflect significantly greater increases among women in the experimental community than in the comparison community.
Abstract: To promote breast and cervical screening among Vietnamese women, a neighborhood-based intervention was developed that included small-group education, distribution of Vietnamese-language educational materials, and health fairs. The rationale for these modes of intervention is described. A pretest/posttest controlled trial is used to evaluate the intervention. San Francisco, California, is the experimental community; Sacramento, California, is the comparison community. The study hypothesizes that postintervention measurements of screening rates will reflect significantly greater increases among women in the experimental community than in the comparison community. This article reports results from the 1992 baseline household survey of 306 Vietnamese women in San Francisco and of 339 Vietnamese women in Sacramento. There were no significant differences in screening rates between the two communities. Only 50-54% of women had received routine checkups; 44-55%, mammograms; 40-45%, clinical breast examinations; 4...
81 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the effects of an AIDS/STD curriculum for 9th and 10th grade students in the Netherlands and found that the experimental curriculum had a stronger favorable impact on students' attitudes and beliefs regarding using condoms consistently.
Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of an AIDS/STD curriculum for 9th- and 10th-grade students in the Netherlands. Curriculum development was based on (1) theory-based need assessments among students and teachers, (2) pilot testing of data-based and theory-based methods and materials, and (3) cooperation between researchers and students, teachers, and gatekeepers within the school system. Using a quasi-experimental design, program effects on students' attitudes, beliefs, and sexual behavior were compared with those of current AIDS/STD education practice. The results indicated that the experimental curriculum had a stronger favorable impact on students' attitudes and beliefs regarding using condoms consistently. Regarding sexual risk behavior, a differential curriculum effect could be demonstrated. These findings support the contention that current AIDS/STD education can be improved by (1) using empirical data, (2) applying multiple theories from the social sciences, and (3) involving representatives within the school system in the development process.
TL;DR: The results of applied ethnographic research aimed at developing a community-based diabetes prevention program in an isolated Ojibway-Cree community in northern Ontario are presented.
Abstract: This article presents the results of applied ethnographic research aimed at developing a community-based diabetes prevention program in an isolated Ojibway-Cree community in northern Ontario. Using qualitative techniques, the authors describe diabetes in its sociocultural context and underlying belief systems that affect related activity and dietary behaviors. Local concepts of food and illness are dichotomized into "Indian" and "white man's" groupings, with Indian foods perceived as healthy and white man's foods felt to be unhealthy. Diabetes is believed to result from consumption of white man's "junk foods" (sugar, soda); some believe the disease can be avoided by eating traditional Indian foods such as game animals (moose, beaver, duck). While dietary linkages to diabetes are recognized, physical activity as a means of controlling obesity and decreasing the risk for diabetes is not part of the local ethnomedical model. This information is being used to develop culturally appropriate health education interventions.
TL;DR: The relationship between sexual partners and the individual's prior experience with condom use should be incorporated into attempts to understand this complex, dyadic behavior.
Abstract: The theory of reasoned action (TRA) provides useful information when designing health education interventions. In this study, 703 heterosexual STD clinic clients responded to a TRA-based survey. With steady partners, social norms and attitudes toward condom use were significant predictors of intention for both men and women. The interaction of attitude and norm increased prediction for men (R = .64, p < 0.001) and women (R = .70, p < 0.001). With casual partners, attitude was a predictor for men and social norm was a predictor for women. Prior use of condoms increased prediction for men (R = .38, p < 0.001) and women (R = .47, p < 0.001). Findings suggest that, in addition to traditional TRA model variables, the relationship between sexual partners and the individual's prior experience with condom use should be incorporated into attempts to understand this complex, dyadic behavior. Examining specific outcome and normative beliefs also provides important information for intervention design.
TL;DR: The authors describe the use of the subjective culture methodology and social marketing to develop health education materials targeted to multicultural populations, illustrate cultural factors that should be considered when designing printed materials, and outline steps in the design of attractive, stimulating, and culturally appropriate materials.
Abstract: Health education materials designed for the general population may be perceived as unattractive, irrelevant, or unclear by members of certain cultural groups. Given the increasingly multicultural demographics of the United States, planners need to be aware of the specific characteristics of a target audience to address cultural differences and similarities in health messages. The authors describe the use of the subjective culture methodology and social marketing to develop health education materials targeted to multicultural populations, illustrate cultural factors that should be considered when designing printed materials, and outline steps in the design of attractive, stimulating, and culturally appropriate materials. The authors describe the challenges and problems in designing printed materials for multiethnic communities, give suggestions for written educational messages, present a summary of the lessons learned in the development of materials for ethnically diverse populations, and give examples of ...
TL;DR: Ability to speak English and insurance status were significantly associated with breast and cervical cancer screening knowledge and practices and will provide a basis for future interventions.
Abstract: Preliminary to the design of interventions aimed at increasing use of breast and cervical cancer screening tests among Chinese Americans--and thus decreasing the high incidence of late-stage cancer diagnoses in this group telephone interviews were conducted with 775 Chinese-American women 20-74 years of age living in San Francisco California. Respondents were derived from a random sample of telephone prefixes of high Chinese density or from the Chinese Community Health Plan membership list. Almost 90% were foreign-born; 50% had been in the US for less than 10 years. Although at least two-thirds of respondents had heard of a mammogram clinical breast exam breast self-examination and a Pap smear and had had these tests only one-third had these procedures at regular intervals and in accordance with screening guidelines (e.g. only 25% had had three or more mammograms in the past 5 years 26% had done 10 or more breast self-examinations in the last 12 months and 37% had had three or more Pap smears in the past 5 years). Moreover 80% had limited knowledge of breast and cervical cancer risk factors. Respondents who spoke better English and had health insurance were significantly more likely to have heard of cancer screening tests to have had these tests and to have had these tests at regular intervals. The unexpected high rates of first-time screening are attributed to positive attitudes toward preventive health care among Chinese Americans the high rate (92%) of insurance coverage among survey respondents and exposure to mass media educational campaigns. Cancer prevention informational brochures that emphasize the need for preventive measures among healthy people and describe each screening procedure should be made available in Chinese.
TL;DR: The epidemiology and use of screening tests for these cancers and cultural factors that affect screening are reviewed, with no significant differences in mammography and Pap smear use, knowledge, and attitudes.
Abstract: Latinas have less breast cancer, have more cervical cancer, and obtain fewer screening tests at recommended intervals This article reviews the epidemiology and use of screening tests for these cancers and cultural factors that affect screening En Accion Contra el Cancer was designed to increase use of breast and cervical cancer screening services by distributing free cancer educational materials in Spanish, implementing a media campaign, conducting community outreach, training lay networkers, and assisting clinicians A survey of 1,601 Latinas, 20 to 74 years old, ascertained screening behavior and knowledge and attitudes about cancer Comparison of intervention and control cities showed significant differences in proportion insured, married, born in the United States, and less acculturated There were no significant differences in mammography and Pap smear use, knowledge, and attitudes Culturally appropriate prevention interventions that target ethnic-specific concerns arc needed
TL;DR: It is argued that the minimization of risk from bloodborne pathogens requires a multilevel or work-systems perspective that considers individual, job/task, and environmental/organizational factors.
Abstract: Universal precautions are work practices designed to protect health care workers from occupational exposure to HIV and other bloodborne pathogens. However, despite aggressive dissemination efforts by CDC and regulatory action by OSHA, compliance remains less than satisfactory. This article argues that the minimization of risk from bloodborne pathogens requires a multilevel or work-systems perspective that considers individual, job/task, and environmental/organizational factors. The available literature on universal precautions suggests the potential of such an approach and provides insight into the limited success of current worker-focused mitigation efforts. In particular, specific opportunities exist to develop and apply engineering controls, to improve the design and organization of jobs and tasks, and to create organizations that facilitate and reinforce safe behavior.
TL;DR: The results indicate a consistent interaction between pretest and intervention, which seems to have an effect on condom use in Norway, and the interaction effect appeared among the students with few sexual partners.
Abstract: A school-based sex education program was developed in order to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. A Solomon four-group design, with random assignment to the different conditions, was used to evaluate an intervention based on cognitive social learning theory and social influence theory. The main goal of the intervention was to increase use of condoms. A stratified sample of 124 classes (2,411 students) was drawn at random from all the upper secondary schools (high schools/colleges) in one county in Norway. The results indicate a consistent interaction between pretest and intervention, which seems to have an effect on condom use. Pretest or intervention alone did not contribute to this effect. The interaction effect appeared among the students with few sexual partners. Several possible explanations to the observed interaction effect and the implication for future interventions are discussed.
TL;DR: The strategies and outcomes of the Dangerous Promises efforts to date are examined and a case for application of media advocacy as a tool for increasing community voice in policymaking processes is made.
Abstract: This article describes one effort to help prevent violence against women by addressing some of the larger societal factors involved. The Dangerous Promises campaign is based on the premise that sexist advertising images contribute to an environment conducive to violence against women. The goal of the campaign is to convince alcohol companies to eliminate sexist alcohol advertising and promotions. Using the tools of community organizing and media advocacy, the campaign pressures the alcohol industry to change the ways in which they portray women in much of their advertising. Media advocacy has been instrumental in the successes of the campaign. This article examines the strategies and outcomes of the Dangerous Promises efforts to date and makes a case for application of media advocacy as a tool for increasing community voice in policy-making processes.
TL;DR: This paper investigated the effects of a media advocacy program to build support for cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related policy changes and to encourage adoption of heart-healthy behaviors in the Stanford Five-City Project, a long-term trial of community-wide CVD risk reduction.
Abstract: The authors investigated the effects of a media advocacy program to build support for cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related policy changes and to encourage adoption of heart-healthy behaviors in the Stanford Five-City Project, a long-term trial of community-wide CVD risk reduction. The authors content analyzed 4,824 health articles in two treatment city newspapers and two reference city newspapers between 1977 and 1990. One treatment city newspaper responded well to the program; the other did not. In the Salinas Californian, the number of CVD-related articles increased during the campaign; these articles became more prominent and conspicuous, the focus on prevention increased, and more of these articles were written by local staff. Maintenance of these effects after the campaign was mixed. Results suggest that frequent, regular, systematic contact with media professionals and provision of materials influence newspaper coverage of health-related topics, which has important implications for shaping public op...
TL;DR: The data suggest that the stepped approach is more viable than conventional approaches, recruitment is unquestionably an exigent research priority because of the overwhelming lack of interest in alcohol programs, and specific variables that were identified may be important for recruiting particular subgroups.
Abstract: This study evaluates interest in a stepped approach model (SAM) of service delivery and identifies variables to enhance recruitment to alcohol programs. Subjects were 2,443 college student drinkers (1,420 men and 1,023 women) at a large midwestern university (selected by stratified systematic sampling) who completed a questionnaire on drinking behavior and interest in five intervention steps. Results indicated that there was more interest in interventions that required less time, which supports predictions of SAM. Overall lack of interest peaked at 67% for men and 65% for women and did not change significantly across the last three steps of SAM, which included traditional interventions of group and individual counseling. The data suggest that the stepped approach is more viable than conventional approaches, recruitment is unquestionably an exigent research priority because of the overwhelming lack of interest in alcohol programs, and specific variables that were identified may be important for recruiting particular subgroups.
TL;DR: Tolerance of deviance, deviant self-image, susceptibility to peer pressure, personal and peer approval, peer use and exposure by peers, and parental permissiveness were positively correlated with alcohol use/misuse and self-efficacy, child-parent interactions, family adjustment, and peer adjustment were negatively correlated.
Abstract: To determine level of alcohol use/misuse and to examine correlates of these behaviors, 1,314 fourth-grade students were surveyed. The questionnaire included 55 items concerning tolerance of deviance, deviant self-image, self-efficacy, susceptibility to peer pressure, personal and peer approval of alcohol use, peer adjustment, parent nurturance and monitoring, family adjustment, parental permissiveness, peer use of alcohol, and exposure to alcohol. The items were factor analyzed and indices constructed. The indices generally had acceptable alpha coefficients (α = .61-.91); two exceptions were peer adjustment (α = .51) and parental permissiveness (α = .42). Tolerance of deviance, deviant self-image, susceptibility to peer pressure, personal and peer approval, peer use and exposure by peers, and parental permissiveness were positively correlated with alcohol use/misuse. Self-efficacy, child-parent interactions, family adjustment, and peer adjustment were negatively correlated with alcohol use/misuse. Implica...
TL;DR: The Pathways surveys are described, the challenges encountered in question translation are summarized, an adapted approach to translation is presented, and lessons learned throughout this process are presented.
Abstract: Pathways to Early Cancer Detection in Four Ethnic Groups is a program project funded by the National Cancer Institute aimed at increasing the use of breast and cervical cancer screening among underserved African American, Chinese, Hispanic, and Vietnamese women. The program project core is dedicated to cross-cultural studies including development of survey questions that are comparable in four languages. This article describes the Pathways surveys, summarizes the challenges encountered in question translation, and presents an adapted approach to translation. Concurrent, multilingual, decentered translation was the process through which an English version of each question was selected only when it could be directly and meaningfully translated into Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Examples of challenges and how these were addressed in the Pathways surveys are presented, along with lessons learned throughout this process.
TL;DR: A framework of the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and behavior was described in the context of couple's use of birth control to hypothesized that when knowledge of behavioral enactment is present, attitudes and beliefs about susceptibility to pregnancy will be predictive of accurate use of the diaphragm.
Abstract: A framework of the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and behavior was described in the context of couple's use of birth control. It was hypothesized that when knowledge of behavioral enactment is present, attitudes and beliefs about susceptibility to pregnancy will be predictive of accurate use of the diaphragm. Respondents were 111 women who participated in a three-wave panel design focusing on diaphragm use. Analyses indicated that the level of knowledge about what a woman should do to use the diaphragm correctly was high. Correct knowledge, however, did not translate into accurate behavior. Motivational factors focusing on attitudes, perceived susceptibility to pregnancy, and normative factors were also relevant.
TL;DR: The use of theory and data to develop 188 educational messages is illustrated and training methods and experiences are reported for 150 peer leaders, 104 other community networkers, and 22 outreach workers, and these activities appear to offer an effective, general approach for diverse, special populations.
Abstract: Using applied behavioral science techniques that have been successful in other areas of health promotion, community-level campaigns were implemented in 5 cities to prevent HIV infection among hard-to-reach, at-risk populations: men who have sex with men but do not self-identify as gay; women who engage in sex for money or drugs; injecting drug users (IDUs); female sex partners of IDUs; and youth in high-risk situations. Communication materials presented positive role models for risk-reducing behaviors, and peer networks prompted and reinforced the behavior change process. This article describes the first year of intervention experience and documents the practical application of theoretical concepts of persuasion and learning. The use of theory and data to develop 188 educational messages is illustrated and training methods and experiences are reported for 150 peer leaders, 104 other community networkers, and 22 outreach workers. These activities are feasible and appear to offer an effective, general appro...
TL;DR: The workplace is a common context within which health promotion, disease prevention, and injury prevention programs are conducted and OSH interventions attempt to reduce exposure to aspects of the worksite that are deleterious to employee health.
Abstract: The workplace is a common context within which health promotion, disease prevention, and injury prevention programs are conducted.1,2 Health educators have been important contributors to the burgeoning area of worksite health promotion (WHP), with its traditional focus on individual behavior change of personal risk factors (e.g., smoking, lack of exercise, unhealthy diet). Recently, health educators and health behavior specialists are taking a more active role in occupational safety and health (OSH) programs that address the influence of physical, chemical, and psychosocial work exposures on employee health. For WHP efforts, the worksite serves as a convenient venue for health programs, providing access to adult populations that might otherwise be hard to reach and providing organizational structures and norms that can facilitate successful individual behavior change (e.g., employer-provided incentives and the social influence of coworkers) 3 In contrast, OSH interventions attempt to reduce exposure to aspects of the worksite that are deleterious to employee health. OSH interventions may involve engineering strategies (e.g., making physical modifications to the worksite or work process), administrative strategies (e.g., management initiatives that modify the work process or environment), and individual behavior change strategies (e.g., educational training to increase personal protective equipment use) 4 4
TL;DR: Investigation of influences on brushing, flossing, and dental checkups in a probability sample of adults in the Detroit tri-county area suggests even closely related behaviors are best predicted using separate equations that include mostly behavior-specific predictors.
Abstract: Canonical correlation analyses of a previous dental survey suggested that dental checkups, flossing, and tooth brushing could all be predicted from a single equation. Most theories and research about the influence of beliefs on behavior, however, suggest different behaviors will be best predicted by different behavior-specific measures. The current survey investigated influences on brushing, flossing, and dental checkups in a probability sample of adults in the Detroit tri-county area. Both behavior-specific variables, such as perceived benefits and costs of flossing, and general variables, such as gender, were included as predictors. Canonical correlation analysis indicated three equations were needed to predict the three oral health behaviors. Flossing frequency, for example, was best predicted by confidence in flossing ability and beliefs about the benefits of and barriers to flossing. The results suggest that even these closely related behaviors are best predicted using separate equations that include...
TL;DR: The Resource Sisters/Compañeras Program represents a case study in implementing an empowerment education effort that developed skills of women from the community to facilitate peer support groups that brought other women together.
Abstract: Empowerment education is a social action process that promotes participation of communities in gaining control over their lives and their community. The Resource Sisters/Companeras Program represents a case study in implementing an empowerment education effort. The program developed skills of women from the community to facilitate peer support groups that brought other women together. The program attempted to foster community development while also providing individual case management services. The program, its challenges, and its successes are described. The difficulties of possibly conflicting goals and objectives are discussed.
TL;DR: This article describes how the protection motivation theory was used to inform the production of video curriculum for a bloodborne pathogens training program for hospital nurses and shows that this video curriculum successfully aroused negative affect in the target audience.
Abstract: This article describes how the protection motivation theory (PMT) was used to inform the production of video curriculum for a bloodborne pathogens training program for hospital nurses. Although hospital nurses are well acquainted with the work practices designed to prevent bloodborne pathogen exposures (universal precautions), there is evidence that they do not always follow them. First, the onginal PMT is adapted to reflect what is currently known about the role of affect in health behavior prediction. Second, the authors show how the four PMT message constructs—probability of occurrence, magnitude of noxiousness, response efficacy, and self—efficacy—guided the planning, shooting, and editing of the videotapes. Incidental to this process was the operationalization of these message constructs in such a way that affective reactions would result. The results show that this video curriculum successfully aroused negative affect in the target audience. Only by carefully planning and documenting how message con...
TL;DR: The case study is an ideal method for studying empowerment education and one of a range of social change approaches that health educators may employ in facilitating people in their efforts to overcome structural and social disadvantage.
Abstract: Empowerment has become a popular objective of health education programs targeting populations that are low income, alienated, or otherwise disadvantaged. Populations that have experienced a lifetime of inferior medical care, poor living conditions, and lack of economic opportunity may perceive themselves to be without power to alter the conditions of their lives. Empowerment education is one of a range of social change approaches that health educators may employ in facilitating people in their efforts to overcome structural and social disadvantage. The case study is an ideal method for studying empowerment education. A case study