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This research reports an exploratory study of 22 pre-service teachers involved in the Religious Education courses offered by The University of Notre Dame Australia, as part of the university's accreditation to teach religious education. The study examined the influence of key factors on how confident these pre-service teachers perceived themselves to be to engage with the necessary knowledge to effectively teach religious education in a Catholic school. The pre-service teachers were surveyed pre and post their final-year internship, and subsequently, six of these were interviewed at the end of their first term of employment. Results indicated that out of the five compulsory courses, the two teaching method courses were found to be most influential in developing confidence to teach. Family, religious background, schooling, and mentoring were found to be influential in confidence development. In addition, confidence improved across the timeframe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Educational practices to reduce negative attitudes toward persons with substance use disorders (SUD) are urgently needed for undergraduate nursing students, but few studies have examined their long term effectiveness. In this pilot, consenting students completed the Drug and Drug Problems Perception Questionnaire (DDPPQ) anonymously online, before and 1 year after integrated curricular content about SUD. Pretest scores were significantly higher than posttest, indicating higher negative attitudes toward persons with SUD before the integrated content. Time main effect was statistically significant. To our knowledge, this is the first report examining long-term effects of an educational intervention with reinforcement in multiple courses over time upon the attitudes of undergraduate nursing students toward persons with SUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This pilot aimed to test the engagement, acceptability, and usefulness of a goal-setting smartphone app, Kiss myAsthma, in young people with asthma. Methods: Young people aged 15–24 years old were invited to trial a smartphone app for asthma management. A mixed-methods approach combined quantitative analysis of self-report questionnaires and app usage log data with qualitative thematic analysis of open-ended questions at baseline and six weeks after downloading the app. App log data (pages visited, frequency of use and content of participants interaction, e.g.goals set, symptoms recorded) were analyzed. Results: Nine of 12 participants completed both baseline and six-week questionnaires. Participants reported high satisfaction with app content and usability (median score 5 out of 6 [range 4–6]) and rated the app highly on "feeling confident in my ability to manage my asthma." At six weeks there was a clinically significant change in asthma quality of life (e.g. Emotional Function domain score baseline: 4.7 [2.7–6.3], follow-up: 5.7 [4.7–6.7]; p = 0.043). Participants logged information about asthma severity, flare-ups and mood and tracked their symptoms with the app's History functionality. Five participants (42%) nominated goals and strategies and 3 participants (25%) entered data in the Inspiration section, a tool to support intrinsic motivation to manage asthma. Qualitative data aligned with quantitative results. Conclusions: This six-week pilot of the Kiss myAsthma app showed its potential to support self-management, quality of life and health behavior change in young people with asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the large body of evidence linking physical and mental health and the impetus provided by health care reform and the Affordable Care Act, the time is ripe to engage nurses in community based, integrated primary care teams to holistically address psychiatric, mental health and substance abuse needs. There is a compelling need for curricular redesign and clinical innovation to prepare an RN workforce for practice in community based integrated primary care teams. To that end, a faculty team of primary care, interprofessional education and content experts developed the Transforming RN Roles in Community Based Integrated Primary Care (TRIP) program for BSN students in a large university in the southeastern United States. The primary goals of the TRIP program are to build/implement an innovative BSN curriculum and expand our academic practice partnership by enhancing student clinical experiences with the goal of preparing an RN workforce for practice in community based integrated care teams. The TRIP program incorporates didactic, simulation and clinical components. Our first student cohort began the TRIP program in the fall of 2018 and will complete the program in spring 2020. In this paper, we provide details about the background, content and activities of this 4-semester (2 year) program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined potential psychosocial determinants of male condom use in steady heterosexual relationships among Somali and Ethiopian immigrants in Minnesota in two sequential phases: the elicitation (Phase I) and cross-sectional quantitative studies (Phase II). Information from Phase I was used to develop the instrument for Phase II. Study participants who self-identified as Somali and Ethiopian immigrants (n = 205) responded to questions on demographic characteristics, attitudes (affective and instrumental), norms (subject and descriptive), perceived behavioral control, self-efficacy, and intention to use male condoms. Hierarchical regression models were used to assess the relationship between the main independent variables (attitude norms, perceived behavioral control, and self-efficacy, and the dependent variable, the intention to use male condoms. Overall, participants showed low intention and slightly favorable (affective and instrumental) attitudes toward condom use; had experienced weak, but positive social influence as measured by injunctive and descriptive norms. Moreover, study participants had shown slight perceived behavioral control, but had fairly moderate positive self-efficacy. The Theory of Planned Behavior was moderately effective in predicting condom use; however, the Integrated Behavioral Model, explained nearly 40% of the variations in the intention to use male condoms. Among men, self-efficacy had the strongest influence (β = .44, p < .001) on behavioral intention. Among women, descriptive norms (β = .22,p < .05) exerted the strongest effect (model 3). Improving self-efficacy, specifically, among older men, and fostering desirable normative influence among women, are suggested as main components of public health interventions to promote condom use among Somali and Ethiopian immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: This aim of this study was to assess inhaler technique of people with intellectual disability (ID), and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching with respect to their individual ability to adopt correct technique.Methods: Seventeen people with ID were recruited through existing networks of general practitioners and disability support organisations. Inhaler technique was assessed using validated checklists and placebo devices, followed by provision of individualised training. The educational interaction between participant and researcher was captured via video recording and analysed qualitatively.Results: Seventeen people with ID participated; females comprised 65%. At baseline, no participants correctly used any device. Pressurised metered dose inhalers, with or without accessory devices, were the most poorly used devices. Inhalation steps were poorly performed across all devices. Following training, the proportions of assessed participants that were able to master inhaler technique were 100% of Accuhaler users, 40% of Turbuhaler users, 25% of pressurised metered dose inhaler users and 0% of Handihaler users. Barriers identified included poor comprehension of breathing processes, the lack of attentiveness and poor dexterity. Facilitators for educator delivery of inhaler technique education included the use of analogies and being patient.Conclusions: This is the first study to examine inhaler technique mastery in people with ID. Results show that with education that addresses the unique patient barriers inherent in this group, some individuals can be trained to mastery. Structured modules of inhaler technique training tailored for people with ID, but which can be individualised, are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundRespiratory disease is common in people with intellectual disability (ID). The inhaled route is preferred for medication administration in treating respiratory diseases, including asthma. People with ID often need assistance with taking medicines due to cognitive, physical, and sensory impairments; in supported accommodation this assistance is provided by direct support professionals (DSPs). MethodA qualitative study design was used to explore DSPs’ experiences with asthma medication management. Data were collected via in-depth, semistructured, face-to-face or telephone interviews. ResultsKey findings included the complex balance of duties undertaken by DSPs, and a lack of consistency in asthma management processes across sites. ConclusionsThis exploratory research suggests that DSPs are involved in asthma management and required to use clinical judgement, but are not provided with education and tools to manage asthma in, and foster correct inhaler use by, their clients. This highlights the need for tailored guidelines that integrate with the principles of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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African Americans are disproportionately burdened with colorectal cancer. Although incidence and mortality rates have declined in the past two decades, the disparity in health outcomes has progressively increased. This comprehensive review examines the existing literature regarding racial disparities in colorectal cancer screening, stage at diagnosis, and treatment to determine if differences exist in the quality of care delivered to African Americans. A comprehensive review of relevant literature was performed. Two databases (EBSCOHOST Academic Search Premier and Scopus) were searched from 2000 to 2007. Articles that assessed racial disparities in colorectal cancer screening, stage of disease at diagnosis, and treatment were selected. The majority of studies identified examined colorectal cancer screening outcomes. Although racial disparities in screening have diminished in recent years, African American men and women continue to have higher colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates and are diagnosed at more advanced stages. Several studies regarding stage of disease at diagnosis identified socioeconomic status (SES) and health insurance status as major determinants of disparity. However, some studies found significant racial disparities even after controlling for these factors. Racial disparities in treatment were also found at various diagnostic stages. Many factors affecting disparities between African Americans and Whites in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality remain unexplained. Although the importance of tumor biology, genetics, and lifestyle risk factors have been established, prime sociodemographic factors need further examination to understand variances in the care of African Americans diagnosed with colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers in this study sought to construct an instrument specifically designed to measure counselor trainee attitudes toward alcohol and drug abuse. The instrument, the Counselor Trainee Attitudes Measure (CTAM), used for this research was developed collectively by the researchers. The CTAM gathered demographic data including undergraduate or graduate status, gender, current major, age, postsecondary institution and the total number of addiction specific courses completed at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Student attitudes were measured through the use of 35 statements about substance abuse, people with alcohol and drug abuse issues, people with disabilities, and treatment options for AODA problems. There were 74 complete and usable responses for the instrument. Nineteen males and 55 females completed the survey. Forty respondents (54%) were classified as undergraduates and 34 (46%) were classified as graduate students. Respondents’ ranged in age from 19 years to 55 years. The mean age of all respondents was 29.2 years. Findings included significant differences in the between-subjects variable of recovery status, as well as an interaction effect for class standing and recovery status. Respondents who did have someone close to them experience a substance use disorder reported higher mean agreements with the medical and natural covery models than the moral model; whereas individuals that did not have an experience with someone close to them reported higher agreement with the moral model and lower agreement with the medical and natural recovery models. The interaction effect of class standing and recovery status was significant; however interpretation of the results proved difficult due to a small sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predictors of drop-out from a group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) program were examined. In Study 1, 6 years of archival data of Perth Clinic's group CBT program were examined to determine the predictors of treatment drop-out. The predictors identified were low self-esteem at admission and a poor relationship status. These predictors were used to generate an algorithm for use by clinicians in identifying patients who may be likely to drop out. In Study 2, a controlled trial was conducted to determine if a brief self-esteem module delivered prior to a group CBT program might enhance outcomes and reduce drop-out rates. Day-patients who received the self-esteem module reported small additional reductions in depression scores but there were no noticeable effects upon drop-out rates. Suggestions are made for other ways to reduce drop-outs in CBT programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cancer Information Service Research Consortium (CISRC) was funded by the National Cancer Institute to disseminate as a pilot study a longitudinally tailored print intervention to promote the 5 A Day for Better Health program among callers to the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (CIS). Using a one-group (intervention-only) study design, 1,022 eligible CIS callers were enrolled to receive the intervention consisting of four mailings of tailored print materials over a 3-month period. Program evaluation focused on process and implementation evaluation, including adherence to the baseline interviews by CIS information specialists based on live-call monitoring (n = 55 eligible callers), and the timeliness of the intervention mailouts (4,088 scheduled mailouts). Adherence to the baseline interviews by CIS information specialists was extremely high, exceeding 90% for all indicators of quality control. Of the 4,088 intervention mailings, 75% occurred on or before the target date, while 95% occurred within 21 days of the target date. All delays in the scheduled mailouts occurred in the first mailing, due to changes made in the production process (batch printing of all tailored print materials at baseline). This change required additional system upgrades and more intensive and time-consuming quality control than originally anticipated, which was exacerbated by the faster-than-expected accrual of eligible participants. Based on this pilot study, the CIS is now positioned for widespread dissemination of the 5 A Day tailored print intervention. Several key lessons learned are also identified to facilitate the transition from research to dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results are reported from a large (n = 3,402) four-group randomized trial to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among callers to the National Cancer Institute's (NCI's) Cancer Information Service (CIS) using tailored print materials. Following a baseline telephone interview, which included a brief educational message (BEM), participants were assigned randomly within CIS offices to one of four groups: single untailored (SU) group—one untailored set of materials: single tailored (ST) group—one tailored booklet: multiple tailored (MT) group—four tailored materials: and multiple retailored (MRT) group—four tailored materials with retailoring based on new information obtained at 5 months follow-up. Follow-up telephone interviews were conducted at 5 (n = 2,233) and 12 months (n = 1,927) after baseline. The main outcome measure was self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption using a seven-item food frequency questionnaire. At 12 months follow-up, there was a significant linear trend across groups of 0.21 servings (p = 0.0002). Specific nested hypotheses then were tested and revealed significant mean serving differences between SU (5.07) vs. MT (5.64) (p = 0.002) and SU vs. MRT (5.71: p « 0.001). Although the mean for ST (5.40) was greater than that for SU (5.07), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.07), and no difference was found between MT vs. MRT (p = 0.69). A higher proportion of recipients of tailored materials reported reading all of the materials and believing that they were written especially for them. No differences by experimental condition were found for the perceived usefulness or motivational impact of the print materials. In this trial, MT print materials were more effective at increasing fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption than were SU materials. The intervention mechanisms responsible for this effect merit further research. Retailoring did not produce a significant difference when compared with longitudinal baseline tailoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-help materials computer-tailored to the specific needs of smokers have shown promise as a high-reach, low-cost intervention for smoking cessation. Adding tailored cessation materials to telephone-based cessation counseling may be a way of generating greater efficacy in promoting and maintaining cessation. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of adding different types of behavioral smoking cessation materials to brief telephone-based cessation counseling. A total of 1,978 smokers calling the National Cancer Institute's (NCI's) Cancer Information Service (CIS) for help in quitting smoking initially received brief cognitive-behavioral cessation counseling from a CIS information specialist. Following a baseline interview administered by the information specialist, subjects were randomly assigned to one of four conditions, each delivered by U.S. mail: a single, untailored smoking cessation guide (SU): a single, tailored smoking cessation guide (ST): a series of four (multiple) printed materials tailored only to baseline data (MT): and a series of four (multiple) printed materials tailored to baseline as well as retailored using 5-month interim progress data (MRT). The primary outcome measure was 7-day point prevalence abstinence rates assessed using a computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) at 12-month follow-up. At 12-month follow-up, using intent-to-treat, imputed, and per-protocol analyses, no differences were found among the four experimental conditions (linear trend), or when the ST, MT, and MRT groups were compared with the control (SU) group. Participants in the two multiple message group conditions combined (MT+ MRT), however, had significantly higher abstinence rates than participants in the two single message group conditions combined (SU+ST). Moreover, among subjects who reported quitting at the 5-month follow-up, participants receiving the MRT materials reported higher abstinence rates at 12 months than the other three groups combined (SU+ST+MT). The results of this study support the effectiveness, over and above a single telecounseling interaction, of multiple tailored print material contacts on cessation. These effects, however may be due to tailoring, or the longitudinal nature of the two multiple tailored conditions, or both. The strongest evidence for tailoring occurred in the MRT condition for relapse prevention, suggesting that print materials tailored to interim progress may be especially effective in this context. The qualities of specific psychosocial and communication elements in tailored materials should receive attention in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Part VII. Presents a survey which was conducted to determine the caller's satisfaction on the information services rendered by the Cancer Information Service (CIS) in the United States and to determine if the information provided by CIS facilitates decisionmaking and subsequent reduction actions. Methodology; Measures used; Results.

Part V. Presents the telephone service user survey which was conducted to assess the satisfaction and impact of the assistance and information provided by the Cancer Information Services (CIS) to callers in the United States. Methodology; Role of CIS cancer information specialists; Statistics on the results of the survey.

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the author discusses South Africa's inflationary targeting monetary policy and gender implications of trade liberalization using the Mauritian textile industry.