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Limited information is available regarding the knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk factors and the actual risk behaviors among African American (AA) older women living in rural areas of Alabama. A pilot study of needs assessment for CVD prevention behaviors was conducted to collect such data from rural AA women. This paper reports the quantitative part of the needs assessment of this pilot study. We recruited participants (N = 30) using convenience sampling. Data collection measures included: i) American Heart Association's CVD‐related knowledge questionnaire, ii) Five Times Sit to Stand Test to measure dynamic balance and iii) Six minute walk test (6MWT) to assess exercise endurance iv) standard weighing scale to measure body weight and v) standard measurements scale to measure height. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The majority (76%) of participants had hypertension (70%), diabetes (60%), poor balance (70%), and low exercise endurance (100%). Most of the participants had low knowledge related to CVD risk factors. This study demonstrated the need to conduct a large‐scale study to assess knowledge related to heart health and the actual needs and preferences of these individuals. Conducting such a study would lay the foundation for developing a need‐based program for these underserved individuals while incorporating their preferences and the strategies that would help engage them in a heart health intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: We analyzed data from a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Relationships Under Construction (RUC) sexual risk avoidance education program promoting positive youth development and healthy relationships. METHODS: Twelve schools in the Midwestern region of the United States randomized to the intervention implemented RUC in health or science classes, while control schools collected study measures and implemented the standard curriculum. RESULTS: Post‐randomization analyses revealed significant differences in grade, race/ethnicity, and prior relationship education at baseline between intervention and control students. Subsequent analyses controlled for these differences. We distributed parental notification letters to 641 students, and no parents requested that their adolescent opt out of data collection. We obtained assent and baseline computer‐assisted survey interviews or paper‐and‐pencil instrument forms from 100% of these students. Findings suggest that RUC significantly reduced sexual activity (odds ratio = 0.56, p =.046) at 3‐month follow‐up, compared to those in the control group. RUC also reduced pornography viewing and improved attitudes about delayed gratification, beliefs, decision making, and negative outcome expectations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that RUC improves sexual attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors among this population of adolescents. Additional research is needed to assess RUC impacts among diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Diabetes is a significant public health concern in India, with Kerala being labeled as the diabetes capital of the country. The study aims to evaluate the prevalence, treatment, and management of diabetes to examine the unmet need for care to propose cost-effective strategies. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a geographically defined cohort population in Ernakulam. Sample: This paper presents diabetes data of adults ≥30 years enrolled from the community cohort. The interviews were conducted with 997 participants at their residence. Measurement: Random blood glucose was assessed for each participant using a finger prick test. Results: The overall prevalence of diabetes was 30.1%, of which 4.1% of participants had undiagnosed diabetes. Among those with diabetes, 86.3% were aware of their diagnosis; among those aware, 86.5% were on treatment. Among those on treatment for diabetes, 54% achieved controlled blood sugar. Conclusion: The challenge in diabetes management is controlling the blood glucose levels of people who adhere to treatment. Younger employed females from lower-income quartiles have the highest risk. The study also raises questions about quality and strategies for medication compliance. The findings inspire future research on care needs, policies, and program responses to reduce the diabetes disease burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behaviour change communication (BCC) can improve infant and young child nutrition (IYCN) knowledge, practices, and health outcomes. However, few studies have examined whether the improved knowledge persists after BCC activities end. This paper assesses the effect of nutrition sensitive social protection interventions on IYCN knowledge in rural Bangladesh, both during and after intervention activities. We use data from two, 2-year, cluster randomised control trials that included nutrition BCC in some treatment arms. These data were collected at intervention baseline, midline, and endline, and 6-10 months after the intervention ended. We analyse data on IYCN knowledge from the same 2,341 women over these 4 survey rounds. We construct a number correct score on 18 IYCN knowledge questions and assess whether the impact of the BCC changes over time for the different treatment groups. Effects are estimated using ordinary least squares accounting for the clustered design of the study. There are 3 main findings: First, the BCC improves IYCN knowledge substantially in the 1st year of the intervention; participants correctly answer 3.0-3.2 more questions (36% more) compared to the non-BCC groups. Second, the increase in knowledge between the 1st and 2nd year was smaller, an additional 0.7-0.9 correct answers. Third, knowledge persists; there are no significant decreases in IYCN knowledge 6-10 months after nutrition BCC activities ended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Health literacy is crucial to develop health-related knowledge, adopt healthy lifestyles, and benefit from health care services. However, research on the association between health literacy and adolescent health outcomes, particularly on their prospective associations, is rare. We assessed health literacy using 3 validated measures, and examined cross-sectional and prospective associations between health literacy and adolescent health behaviors and outcomes. METHODS We conducted a short-term prospective study of 250 adolescents (mean age = 14 years; 57% female; 48% African American) who were entering or in the ninth grade in an urban school district. Health literacy was assessed by individual interviews at baseline, and health-related behaviors and outcomes were assessed by a paper-and-pencil survey at baseline and at a 6-month follow-up. RESULTS Nearly half of the sample was reading at least 2 grades below expected levels. Lower baseline health literacy was associated with a lower self-rating of general health, unhealthier diet, heavier weight, and greater engagement in problem behaviors and sexual behaviors at baseline. Lower baseline health literacy also was associated with a greater increase in substance use over time. CONCLUSIONS Results point to the pressing need to improve health literacy in urban high school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite strong policy and program commitment, essential maternal nutrition services are not reaching enough women in many countries. This paper examined multifactorial determinants (personal, family, community, and health services) associated with maternal nutrition practices in Uttar Pradesh, India. Data were from a household survey of pregnant (n = 667) and recently delivered women (n = 1,835). Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to examine the determinants of four outcomes: consumption of diverse diets, consumption of iron folic acid (IFA) and calcium tablets, and weight monitoring during pregnancy. Population attributable risk analysis was used to estimate how much the outcomes can be improved under optimal program implementation. During pregnancy, women consumed 28 IFA and 8 calcium tablets, 18% consumed diverse diet, and 17% were weighed ≥3 times. Nutrition knowledge was associated with consumption of diverse diet (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2 times), IFA (2.3 times), calcium (11.7 times), and weight monitoring (1.3 times). Beliefs and self‐efficacy were associated with IFA (OR = 2.0) and calcium consumption (OR = 4.6). Family support and adequate health services were also associated with better nutrition practices. Under optimal program implementation, we estimate that 51% of women would have adequate diet diversity, an average consumption of 98 IFA, and 106 calcium tablets, and women would be weighed 4.9 times during pregnancy. Strengthening existing program operations and increasing demand for services has the potential to result in large improvements in maternal nutrition practices from current baseline levels but may not be sufficient to meet World Health Organization‐recommended levels without creating an enabling environment including improvements in education and income levels to support behaviour change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]