Public Health Nursing 

About: Public Health Nursing is an academic journal published by Wiley-Blackwell. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Public health & Public health nursing. It has an ISSN identifier of 0737-1209. Over the lifetime, 2630 publications have been published receiving 46038 citations. The journal is also known as: PHN: public health nursing & PHN.

Outcome effectiveness of community health workers: an integrative literature review.

Abstract: Community health workers (CHWs) are promoted as a mechanism to increase community involvement in health promotion efforts, despite little consensus about the role and its effectiveness. This article reviews the databased literature on CHW effectiveness, which indicates preliminary support for CHWs in increasing access to care, particularly in underserved populations. There are a smaller number of studies documenting outcomes in the areas of increased health knowledge, improved health status outcomes, and behavioral changes, with inconclusive results. Although CHWs show some promise as an intervention, the role can be doomed by overly high expectations, lack of a clear focus, and lack of documentation. Further research is required with an emphasis on stronger study design, documentation of CHW activities, and carefully defined target populations.

Health-promoting behaviors and psychosocial well-being of university students in Hong Kong.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to examine health-promoting behaviors and psychosocial well-being of university students in Hong Kong. A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sample (n = 247) of students recruited at various locations on campus. The Chinese version of the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II; S. Walker, K. Sechrist, & N. Pender, 1995) was given to students as a questionnaire. Relatively few university students had a sense of "health responsibility" (6.5-27.1%), engaged in any form of physical activity (31.2%), or exercised regularly (13.8%). Less than half ate fruits (35.2%) and vegetables (48.9%) every day. Positive personal growth was reported by 50.6% of the students; 42.5% used stress-management skills and 74.1% rated their interpersonal relationships as meaningful and fulfilling. Students' scores on the health responsibility, nutritional habits, spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, or stress-management subscales of the HPLP-II did not differ significantly by gender, but males scored better than females (p = 0.001) on the physical exercise subscale. This study provides information on gender differences and specific needs of students which can help university administrators, curriculum planners, and community health professionals design guidelines for structuring a healthier environment and developing health education programs that support healthy choices among university students.

The Experience of Quarantine for Individuals Affected by SARS in Toronto

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of home quarantine during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in Toronto in 2003. Design: Qualitative descriptive design. Sample: Stratified random sampling techniques were used to generate a list of potential participants, who varied in terms of gender and closeness of exposure to someone with suspected SARS (contact level). Twenty-one individuals participated in the study. Measurements: All interviews were audiotaped and followed a semistructured interview guide. Participants were invited to describe their experience of quarantine in detail including their advice for Public Health. Results: The experience followed a trajectory of stages beginning before quarantine and ending after quarantine. Despite individual differences, common themes of uncertainty, isolation, and coping intersected the data. Conclusions: Public Health has a dual role of monitoring compliance and providing support to people in quarantine. This study has implications for public health policy and practice in planning for future public health emergencies in terms of the information and the resources required to mount an effective response.

Key Elements for Church‐Based Health Promotion Programs: Outcome‐Based Literature Review

Abstract: Although not a new concept, church-based health promotion programs have yet to be widely researched. Few of the initial studies used randomized and controlled designs. Dissemination of study results has been sporadic, with findings often reported in church periodicals. A renewed interest in church-based health promotion programs (CBHPP) is emerging. The purpose of this article is to propose seven key elements found in a literature review to be beneficial in establishing church-based community health promotion programs that demonstrated desired health promotion outcomes. Based on the outcomes of successful CBHPP, the following key elements have been identified: partnerships, positive health values, availability of services, access to church facilities, community-focused interventions, health behavior change, and supportive social relationships. An example of one program that embodies these elements is presented. The Heart and Soul Program, designed to increase physical activity in midlife women to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease with advancing age, is discussed within the context of the elements for successful church-based programs. CBHPP have effectively promoted health behaviors within certain communities. To promote health and wellness in light of our diverse society and health needs, health promotion professionals and churches can be dynamic partners.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Developing Fear of Falling in Older Adults

Abstract: Fear of falling is a potential cause of excess disability and an emerging public health problem. This study explores fear of falling in a longitudinal study of falls to determine incidence, prevalence, and risk factors for developing fear of falling. Prospective cohort study with annual follow-up for 2 years, conducted in a large urban metropolitan area, included 890 community-dwelling older adults-approximately equal numbers in four age groups over the age of 65. Demographic data, falls, injuries, balance, fear of falling, cognition, health, and functional status were collected through annual interviews. The prevalence of fear of falling increased over 2 years from 23 to 43%; the incidence averaged 22.5% in the 2 follow-up years. Having two or more falls, feeling unsteady, and reporting fair or poor health status were independent risk factors for developing fear of falling. The incidence and prevalence of fear of falling is significant among community-dwelling older adults and has the potential to impact function and quality of life. Public health nurses should consider fear of falling in practice, in developing screening and health programs for older adults, and as an important avenue for further research.