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In the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd in 1999, a Community Advisory Committee requested assistance from its university partners (University of North Carolina) to address stress and increased risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). Collected from 12 study work sites, baseline data indicated that IPV rates were higher among blue-collar women in eastern North Carolina than national population-based rates suggest. IPV victims reported higher levels of perceived stress, psychological distress, somatic complaints, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms than did nonvictimized coworkers. As for the relationship of the flood to IPV, no significant increase in IPV incidence occurred after the flood. Regardless of their flood experience, however, IPV victims consistently reported greater stress, PTSD symptoms, and somatic and psychological problems. Moreover, IPV victims may be at higher risk for stress-mediated chronic illnesses and for using negative coping behaviors. This study uses an established trusting relationship between researchers and community members to explore community needs and inform intervention design. (Contains 6 tables.)

Socioeconomic status (SES) and income disparity are strong predictors of health, and health promotion interventions that address them are more likely to be meaningful to participants and to sustain positive effects. Seeds of HOPE is an innovative project that is the result of a long-standing collaboration between the University of North Carolina (UNC) Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Prevention Research Center, and communities in rural North Carolina. Initial formative work, including key informant interviews, community surveys, and focus groups, strengthened our understanding of the link between hope and health and the importance of addressing social and economic issues as part of our health promotion interventions. A Seeds of HOPE strategic plan was developed using a community-based participatory process and led to the idea to start Threads of HOPE, an enterprise that will serve as a business laboratory where women will produce and market a unique product and also learn business skills. Threads of HOPE will be a health-enhancing business and will serve as a training program for a new cadre of women entrepreneurs in two rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighty-one percent of the Presidents from the 59 campus North Carolina Community College System completed a brief survey to assess interest and current status of worksite health promotion programs. Campus tours were conducted at a convenience sample of six campuses using interviews, checklists, and environmental scans. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Only 27% of campuses had a wellness program in place. Campus Presidents affirmed high interest and a good fit between wellness programs and college mission. Possible barriers included limited access to healthy foods; variable access to fitness facilities; and, the challenge of accommodating part-time employees employed at geographically dispersed locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Funding for this project was provided by the ADHA Institute for Oral Health. Purpose: Recent evidence has shown that periodontal disease may be a risk factor for preterm low birth weight (PTLBW). This study assessed obstetricians' knowledge and practice behaviors concerning periodontal disease and its possible effect on preterm low birth weight. Methods and Materials: One hundred ninety-four practicing obstetricians in a five-county area in central North Carolina were surveyed. Second and third mailings were sent to non-respondents. Descriptive statistics, chi square, and Fisher's exact tests were calculated using SAS software (Cary, NC). Fifty-five obstetricians in the population were ineligible because they had retired, were no longer practicing obstetrics, or were no longer in the study area. Results: Of the remaining 139 eligible obstetricians, 55 responded, yielding a 40% response rate. When asked about the cause of gingivitis (95%) and periodontitis (67%) most answered correctly. When asked about risk factors for periodontal disease, most correctly indicated bacteria (94%), tooth decay (73%), aging (69%), and excess dietary sugar (51%). When asked if they looked into patients' mouths, 22% did so at the initial visit, 9% did so periodically, and 48% did so only when a problem was mentioned by the patient. When asked if they recommended dental examinations, 49% responded rarely or never. When asked about risk factors that may contribute to PTLBW, 99% responded maternal smoking, 94% responded preeclampsia, 84% indicated periodontal disease, and 79% indicated bacterial vaginosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]