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OBJECTIVE: The study purpose was to generate theory to explain why some hospital staff chose to stay on the job during a prolonged public health crisis. BACKGROUND: The "great resignation" of 2021 created shortages across the healthcare industry. Why some healthcare staff chose to stay at work when coworkers were leaving in large numbers through retirement, transition to different careers, or perceived suddenly better clinical opportunities was not clear. METHODS: Qualitative Grounded Theory methods guided this research study. Sixteen healthcare workers participated in open-ended interviews that provided data to identify major concepts in an emerging model of commitment during crisis. RESULTS: A "Commit to Stay" model emerged showing 4 major influences including sense of personal agency, supportive organization, social connections at work, and external connections and influence. CONCLUSIONS: The Commit to Stay conceptual model can help guide nurse leaders as they grapple with supporting those who choose to stay at work in healthcare during intense, sustained healthcare crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe preceptors' implementation experiences after implementing a workplace learning program in Texas WIC (women, infant, and children) agencies and identify implementation best practices. Design/methodology/approach: This research used qualitative description methodology. Data collection consisted of 11 semi-structured interviews lasting approximately one hour with all preceptors who piloted a workplace learning program in five Texas local agencies to examine barriers, facilitating factors, best practices, and the workplace learning program's impact. Findings: This research identified several workplace learning implementation best practices, including the importance of planning at multiple organizational levels, candidate selection, flexible implementation design, managerial buy-in, preceptor knowledge and availability, open communication, and the establishment of clear expectations and timelines. Originality/value: Examining implementation of a workplace learning program across a multi-level public health service organization using a multi-theoretical approach contributes to the existing workplace learning literature. Recommendations regarding implementation best practices are discussed.

Objective: To examine differences between light and heavier smoking vocational/technical students in tobacco use, related behaviors, and cessation. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting and Methods: Two hundred and four smokers attending two vocational/technical colleges in east Texas, USA, completed an anonymous survey during a regularly scheduled class in Fall, 2004 or Spring, 2005. Results: Heavier smokers (39.7 per cent of the sample) were more likely than light smokers to be European American, to be dependent on cigarettes, to use cigarettes in a variety of situations, to use medication to quit smoking, and to be less likely to report a desire to quit on their own. The two groups did not differ on gender or the use of cigars and chewing tobacco. Conclusion: Given the disproportionately high rates of tobacco use among vocational/technical students, results from this study indicate that salient anti-tobacco programs that can be implemented at the vocational school and that target light and heavier smoking students are needed. (Contains 3 tables.)

Although students enrolled in trade or technical colleges are at an elevated risk for tobacco use, virtually no information exists regarding their smoking behaviors. Objective and Participants: In the present study, the authors examined (1) the prevalence of smoking and quitting among 617 students in 2 trade or technical colleges in East Texas and (2) on-campus media exposure to antitobacco messages. Methods: Students voluntary completed the 42-item Texas Trade and Technical School Tobacco Survey during a required introductory-level class. Results: Of the participating students, 34% reported past-30-day smoking ("current smoking"). Of current smokers, 74% reported a previous quit attempt and 64% wanted to quit before graduation. Although most current smokers expressed a desire to quit smoking, the antitobacco message they were least likely to see on campus was that regarding how to quit. Current smokers cited their own health as the most likely reason to quit smoking, and most reported wanting to quit on their own, without the use of resources. However, of the 9 listed resources, students were most likely to report the possible use of medication. Conclusions: Given that most smoking students desire to quit smoking--and that they are enrolled in trade or technical schools for an extended period of time--additional research should examine how successful interventions can be delivered at the trade or technical school itself. (Contains 4 tables.)

This study reports the results of a cross-sectional analysis of variables associated with parents' reading to young children among participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Texas. The participants were 600 WIC mothers visiting WIC clinics in Texas. The data were collected by survey, and the requested information concerned reading to young children, environmental support for reading (access to books), perceived barriers to reading to children (such as cost of books and being too busy), outcome expectations concerning reading, self-efficacy concerning reading, and demographic variables. Mplus was used to analyze a structural equation model predicting reading to young children. The model results indicated that outcome expectations concerning the benefits of reading to children and access to books were positively related to reading to children, and that perceived barriers were negatively related. Self-efficacy to select books and mother's education did not account for parents' reading to children when included in the model. The implications of the findings for interventions to increase reading to children are discussed. (Contains 4 tables, 4 figures and 3 notes.)

The authors examined college student opinions of no-smoking policies, secondhand smoke, and smoking in public places. A convenience sample of 1,188 (66.4% female; 26.9% White, 64.1% Black, and 9.0% Hispanic) students attending 5 Texas colleges volunteered to complete a 60-item anonymous survey on tobacco attitudes and behaviors. Results of our study showed that women, Black students, and nonsmoking students reported the most favorable attitudes toward no smoking. Male students, white students, and students who smoked in the past 30 days (current smokers) reported the least favorable attitudes. The lowest level of agreement by all subgroups was provided for prohibiting smoking everywhere on campus (inside and outside of buildings). Implications for tobacco control on college campuses are discussed. (Contains 3 tables.)

Describes evaluation of "Heart Partners," which used an interpersonal approach to increasing schools' and teachers' acceptance and use of school health-promotion innovations. Trained individuals became on-campus recruiters and allies of advocates. Participant surveys showed a twofold to fourfold increase in actual use and reach of school health-promotion packages and programs following Heart Partners. (SM)

An understanding of the behavior of SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric hematology-oncology patients is essential to the optimal management of these patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study describes the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 disease in children with cancer or hematologic disorders treated at a large children's hospital. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center from January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020. All patients with a primary hematology-oncology diagnosis and SARS-CoV-2 positivity by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were identified. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from the medical record. Descriptive analyses were performed to evaluate COVID-19-related outcomes and risk factors for severe disease in this population. We identified 109 patients with COVID-19 disease, including 52 hematology, 51 oncology, and 6 HSCT patients; median age was 10.3 years (IQR 4.4–15.9), and 58.7% were male. Seventy-four percent of the patients were managed in the outpatient setting. Patients with sickle cell disease were more likely to require hospitalization. ICU care was needed in 8% (n = 9) of the entire cohort, and mechanical ventilation was required in 6.4% (6 oncology patients, 1 hematology patient). COVID-19 contributed to the deaths of two cancer patients. No deaths occurred in hematology or HSCT patients. In conclusion, the risk of severe COVID-19 complications is slightly higher in pediatric hematology-oncology patients than in the general pediatric population but lower than initially feared. For most asymptomatic patients, primary disease management may continue as planned, but treatment decisions must be individualized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address teacher supply/demand/preparation issues, the Texas Education Agency funded a project that established a statewide inter-institutional system for providing Web-based distance education courses as preparation for FCS teacher certification. The Family and Consumer Sciences Distance Education Alliance (FCS Alliance) involves voluntary participation of ten universities that have teacher preparation programs. The purposes of the FCS Alliance are to: (a) Address the shortage of certified FCS teachers; (b) Enhance existing campus-based teacher preparation programs by providing Web-based course options accommodating scheduling needs of campus-based students, customize courses reflecting content needs that are unique to teacher certification specializations, and offset infrequency of campus-based course offerings; and (c) Allow individuals otherwise unable to obtain FCS certification due to schedule and proximity constraints to pursue a degree including a full complement of content specialization and discipline-specific courses.

BACKGROUND: Culturally sensitive interventions are needed to assist Mexican American (MA) patients with cancer and their family members in managing their care, navigating the healthcare system, and decreasing disparities in healthcare outcomes for Hispanics with cancer. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to understand the meaning of culturally sensitive care for oncology clinic healthcare providers and to assess the usefulness and feasibility of the role of a promotora de salud to meet caregiver needs. METHODS: This study involved focus groups of 18 diverse providers who provided data for qualitative analyses. FINDINGS: The findings (themes) defined the facilitators of and barriers to culturally sensitive care and the perceived role of a promotora de salud to support the healthcare team and improve cancer care provided by MA caregivers. In addition, promotoras de salud can help reduce health costs by decreasing patient clinic visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in parental feeding practices according to ethnicity/race, household income, parent education level, acculturation (for Hispanic participants only), and participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program among parents living in a southern state in the United States. For this cross-sectional study, parents of children ages 1-5 years living throughout Texas were recruited through random digit dialing with screening questions during Fall 2006. Eligible parents who agreed to participate completed the Preschooler Feeding Questionnaire (PFQ) and a demographic questionnaire over the phone in either English or Spanish. The PFQ included five subscales: child overeating concerns, child underweight concerns, difficulty with picky eating, using food to calm, and pushing child to eat. Demographic questions assessed ethnicity/race, household income, parent education level, acculturation, and WIC participation. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), with the demographic variables as predictors, was used to predict the five PFQ subscales. Complete data were obtained from 721 parents, 50% of whom were Hispanic. Significant differences for the PFQ subscales were noted for ethnicity/race, acculturation, and income level. Spanish-speaking Hispanic participants were significantly more worried about their child being underweight than English-speaking Hispanic participants. High-income non-WIC respondents were more likely to report that they have difficulty with picky eaters compared to WIC respondents. Spanish-speaking Hispanics and Black respondents were more likely than English-speaking Hispanics to use food to calm the child. Health practitioners need to be aware of differences in parental feeding practices and concerns among parents of diverse demographic backgrounds. Results from this study can be used to tailor health programs that promote healthy feeding practices among parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Who is ultimately responsible for the harms that befall us? Corporations who make dangerous products, or the consumers who use them? The answer to this question has a profound impact on how personal injury lawyers screen products liability cases. In this chapter, I analyze results from an experimental vignette study in which 83 lawyers were asked to evaluate a hypothetical products liability case. Half of the lawyers practice in states considered to be difficult jurisdictions for the practice of personal injury law due to tort reform and conservative political climates (Texas and Colorado), while the other half work in states that have been relatively unaffected by tort reform and are considered to be more "plaintiff friendly" (Pennsylvania and Massachusetts). While lawyers in reform states and non-reform states were equally likely to accept the hypothetical case with which they were presented, they approached the case in different ways, used different theories, and made different arguments in order to justify their acceptance of the case. Lawyers in states with tort reform were most likely to accept the case when they focused on the issue of corporate social responsibility - that is, what the defendant did wrong, how they violated the rules, and how they could have prevented the injury in question. Lawyers in non-reform states, however, were most likely to accept the case when they believed that jurors would feel sorry for the injured child and not find their client at fault for the injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored preschooler feeding practices and beliefs among Spanish- and English-speaking WIC participants in Texas. The Preschooler Feeding Questionnaire examined 9 dimensions of the parent-child feeding interaction among 235 caregivers. Results from ANOVA and post hoc analyses demonstrated significant differences in reported preschooler feeding practices and beliefs among Spanish-speaking Hispanics in comparison with English-speaking Hispanics and non-Hispanics. No significant differences were found between English-speaking Hispanics and non-Hispanics. Results indicated that acculturation may impact behaviors apart from ethnicity. Nutrition professionals should understand and acknowledge the cultural context of the parent-child feeding interaction when developing programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of theory-based intervention strategies to increase the adoption of the Smart Choices Diffusion project. The purpose of the project was to study the diffusion of an innovative tobacco prevention program to school districts and to evaluate the effectiveness of theory-based intervention strategies aimed at influencing the diffusion process. The project was divided into four phases: dissemination, adoption, implementation and maintenance. The adoption intervention followed a series of dissemination intervention strategies targeted at 128 school districts in Texas.

The article focuses on the Smart Choices Diffusion Project which aims to develop and evaluate strategies to increase the diffusion of an effective tobacco prevention program. The diffusion of innovations proceeds in five stages: knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation and confirmation. The project targeted 128 school districts in eastern Texas. The Project employed a theory-based model to disseminate information about a proven tobacco prevention program to opinion leaders in each district. The program provided information about the characteristics of the Smart Choices Tobacco Prevention Program through media and interpersonal channels.

The article presents information on the evaluation of a Smoke-Free Class of 2000 project in Texas. The Smoke-Free Class of 2000 Campaign is a 12 year program provided by the National Triagency Tobacco Free Young America Coalition composed of the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association Inc. and the American Lung Association. The evaluation was done on the basis of descriptive model developed from diffusion theory. Tobacco-prevention education materials were to be made available to all first grade teachers within the state.

Objectives. This study describes state legislators' knowledge, attitudes, and voting intentions with regard to tobacco-related issues. Methods. A cross-sectional survey of state legislators was conducted in North Carolina, Texas, and Vermont in 1994. Results. Most legislators agreed that secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer in nonsmokers, and a majority believed that smokers are addicted to nicotine. More than 75% stated that they would support a measure to enforce laws preventing tobacco sales to youth. A majority of Texas and Vermont legislators supported an increase in the state cigarette excise tax; 43% of North Carolina legislators would support an increase if revenues were directed toward tobacco farmer diversification. Conclusions. State legislators believe tobacco to be addictive, and they support policies to protect youth from tobacco. Support for other legislative measures differs significantly across states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the nutrition value of foods served in nursery schools in Texas. Presence of vitamin A, carotene and total ascorbic acid in the diets; Level of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, iron and copper in the food; Assessment of the food intake of students.

The article provides information on Gaura lindheimeri, a non-rhizomatous herbaceous perennial wandflower that is native to southeastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana. Gaura lindheimeri is one of the two species of gaura that is bee-pollinated and whose flowers open in the morning. A cultivar called Gaura Snowstorm is the first cultivar that is released from the gaura breeding program established at the University of Minnesota in 1999.

The article discusses the experience of the author as a student at McLennan Community College from 1972 to fall of 1974. He stated that he can recall all his English faculties which were outstanding and helpful on him. He also noted that he can not forget the coming back of the veterans at those times and the vocal attitude of the students.

The article reports on the importance of the annual Children's Art Month held every March in Texas. The event, which began in 1961, is sponsored by the Texas Art Educators Association. The author declares that the event provides an avenue for U.S. art educators to stress the importance of art in the growth of all children. Among the activities held during the month include art exhibits at malls, libraries, universities, museums, community centers, and at PTA meetings all over the state. Also, there are special programs such as talks to civic clubs, assembly programs, art demonstrations and lectures that promote the value of art in the school program.