Search

School-based sexuality education provides a means of disseminating valuable information about decision making and avoidance of risky behaviors that may result in an unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection; however, effective teacher training is required for efficacious sexuality education programs. The purpose of this paper is to describe changes in participants' perceptions and adoption of evidence-based sexuality education after attending a unique professional development opportunity for teachers of sexuality education using a Diffusion of Innovation Theory framework. Methods: A non-representative sample of 20 public school health education teachers (85% female) from across the state of Texas participated in the Sexuality Education Academy (SEA), and completed pre-, post-, and six-month follow-up Web-based surveys. Descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to measure change in perceptions and adoption of evidence-based sexuality education. Results: Statistically significant changes were found between pre- and post-test scores in "relative advantage," "compatibility," "complexity," and "observability." At six-month follow-up, participants indicated increased advocacy for and implementation of evidence-based sexuality education practices. Conclusions: Teacher training can improve sexuality education teachers' understanding, confidence and effectiveness in delivery of evidence-based sexuality education within school settings.

Objective: This cross-sectional study utilized structural equation modeling to examine effects of COVID-19 stress on food insecurity and fruit and vegetable consumption mediated through personal agency and behavioral intention. Participants: Students (n = 749) enrolled at one federally designated Hispanic-serving public university during the fall 2020 semester. Methods: A 34-item survey was developed and administered. Results: COVID-19 stress had a statistically significant impact on food insecurity (B =.341; p <.001) and an inverse impact on personal agency to consume fruit and vegetables (B = −.283; p <.001). Personal agency (B =.389; p <.001) and behavioral intention to consume fruit and vegetables were directly associated while food insecurity inversely impacted behavioral intention (B = −.076; p =.034). Conclusions: Pandemic-related stress impacts nutrition behaviors among the student population already at risk of poor fruit and vegetable intake. During periods of high pandemic-related stress, college students need adequate access to fruits and vegetables and health promotion programs emphasizing stress management and healthy dietary behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Seven participants completed a one-on-one, in-depth interview to share their experiences of IPV and any internal or external factors that influenced whether they sought support services or reported victimization. Thematic analysis revealed four overarching themes: (a) health complications, (b) coping mechanisms, (c) barriers to seeking professional help, and (d) suggestions for professionals. Results contribute insight into internal and external barriers LGBTQIA+ IPV survivors face when accessing support services and outline practical approaches for professionals providing support to LGBTQIA+ IPV survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to explore the impact of service-learning on graduate physical education teacher education students. Social-Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1986; 1999) served as the framework to examine graduate student's experiences in a service-learning program. Participants were graduate students (N =16) enrolled in a curriculum and instruction in physical education course at a major university in the southwest United States. The course's service-learning component provided graduate students opportunities to teach physical activity to Hispanic-American and African-American children from low-socioeconomic backgrounds. Participant's described their experiences through weekly reflections and discussions. Content analysis of data sources indicated that participation in the service-learning program strengthened graduate student's efficacy for teaching, contributed to their acquisition of varied teaching strategies, and enhanced graduate students understanding of children living in low-income, minority households. Findings suggest service-learning can be a valuable pedagogy to infuse into graduate teacher education programs. (Contains 2 figures and 1 table.)

The purpose of this research was to assess the frequency of nutrition label use among college students and its relationship to nutrition and label knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding diet-disease relationships, and to determine factors predictive of frequent or infrequent label use. This study utilized a cross-sectional design. Volunteer participants included a convenience sample of 1,294 students from a large university in Texas. A 57-item survey instrument was used to assess nutrition label knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs about diet-disease relationships. Open-ended items were included to capture reasons for frequent/infrequent label use. Statistical analyses included frequency distributions, Pearson's correlations, independent sample t-tests, and binary logistic regression. Label users had greater knowledge, more favorable attitudes, and more accurate perceptions of diet-disease relationships than nonusers. Females exhibited greater knowledge, more favorable attitudes, and more frequent label use than males. Health reasons, looking for specific information, weight control, and knowledge predicted frequent label use. Desire for certain foods, time constraints, and "don't care" attitudes predicted infrequent use. These predictors of frequent/infrequent use suggest important points of intervention for increasing label use among selected groups of college students. (Contains 5 tables.)

This study is a systematic review of the Alameda County study findings and their importance in establishing a link between lifestyle and health outcomes. A systematic review of literature was performed and data indicating important links between lifestyle and health were synthesized. Although initial studies focused on the associations between health outcomes and personal health habits known as the "Alameda 7," subsequent studies focused on the relationships between social variables, religiosity, several chronic health problems, and long-term health. Significant findings during periodic assessments of the original 1965 cohort yielded strong support for a link between lifestyle habits and long-term health outcomes. Additionally, social networks, religiosity, and several demographic variables were found to be associated with chronic disease development.

Objective: The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine cultural factors that influence Hispanic male college students' intention to communicate with partners about contraception use. Participants: A sample of 239 self-identified Hispanic participants enrolled in at least 1 college course participated in this study in the spring 2014 semester. Methods: Students completed a 47-item paper survey. Data were analyzed with multiple regression and descriptive methods. Results: Participants with more siblings were more likely to intend to communicate with partners about contraception use than those with fewer siblings. Participants who received contraceptive information exclusively from fathers exhibited a more favorable attitude toward partner communication. Mother's education level was positively correlated with participants' contraceptive knowledge. Conclusions: These results emphasize the importance of support from family members to this sample's intentions to communicate with partners about contraceptive use. Parental involvement and male responsibility, in regards to contraceptive use, should be integrated into Hispanic-focused sexual health improvement efforts.

The purpose of this study was to measure particulate matter ([PM.sub.2.5]) in pubs and bars prior to the adoption of a comprehensive, citywide smoke-free ordinance, as well as at multiple time points after adoption. Ten venues in a Southern U.S. city were measured at 1-month preordinance and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month postordinance. Air quality risk was determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index. Data revealed a statistically significant difference (p < .001; [Eta.sup.2] = .889) in [PM.sub.2.5] levels for the four time points. Air quality measurements showed that [PM.sub.2.5] was 202.17 [+ or -] 97.89 (mean [+ or -] SD) at 1-month preordinance, 25.53 [+ or -] 14.18 at 1-month postordinance, 18.00 [+ or -] 8.43 at 3-month postordinance, and 10.77 [+ or -] 2.45 at 6-month postordinance. At the preordinance measurement, no venue was found to be in the 'good' (minimal risk) range of the Air Quality Index; however, 100% of venues presented minimal air quality risk by the 3-month postordinance measurement. This study shows that adoption of smoke-free ordinances yields immediate reductions in health risks with continued air quality improvements up to 6-month postordinance (the last time point measured)., Introduction The U.S. Surgeon General has described secondhand smoke (SHS) as being potentially more toxic than the direct smoke inhaled from a filtered cigarette (U.S. Department of Health and Human [...]

Background: Development of cultural competence in future health educators is often mentioned as a goal of health education preparation programs; however research demonstrating evidence-based methods for development of cultural competence is limited. Purpose: To determine the impact of a service-learning project on development of cultural competence and health education skills among health education students. Methods: All students in the community health courses completed the Cultural Competence Assessment (CCA) survey at the beginning of the courses; then, 17 students participated in a three-week service-learning project with members of a low-income community. Students repeated the CCA at the end of the course and CCA scores were compared to measure the impact of the service-learning project; additionally, students completed weekly reflective narratives regarding their experiences. Results: Analysis of data indicated that students participating in the service-learning project scored significantly higher on the cultural competence behavior post-test than those that did not; there was a strong association between service-learning participation and cultural competence behavior; and students had increased perceived self-efficacy and cultural competence. Discussion: Service-learning activities can improve health education students' cultural competence. Translation to Health Education Practice: Students completing health education preparation programs having developed cultural competence are better prepared to design and implement culturally appropriate interventions. (Contains 3 tables and 2 figures.)

Objectives: To determine factors that influence sport-related dietary supplement consumption among NCAA Division 1 female student athletes and to estimate the plausibility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) for predicting the use of sport-related dietary supplements among NCAA Division 1 female student athletes. Method: Self-report data were collected by questionnaire from 207 NCAA Division 1 female student athletes. Parameter estimates of 3 TPB-based models were calculated using Mplus software. Results: The TPB-based models explained 64-66% and 18% of variance in behavioral intention and behavior, respectively, with subjective norm being the strongest predictor of dietary supplement consumption intention. Conclusions: Results support plausibility for the TPB to predict sport-related dietary supplement consumption among NCAA Division 1 female student athletes.

The purpose of this study was to test a proposed model that examined how COVID-19 stress may have impacted fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption among U.S. college students. The model was tested using five separate scales (Cronbach's α > .70) to measure the relationship between COVID-19 stress, food security, personal agency related to FV, behavioral intention to consume FV, and 7-day intake of FV. Multiple linear regression assessed how COVID-19 stress, food security, personal agency, and intention were associated with FV consumption. The model indicated a moderate correlation (R = .597) and explained 32.8% of the variance in FV consumption scores (F = 12.454, p < .001). However, COVID-19 stress and food security were not statistically significant predictors of FV consumption. This pilot study provided a reliable model to explore the relationship between COVID-19 stress and fruit and vegetable consumption among college students. Results showed that food security may act as a mediator between COVID-19 stress and personal agency and intention to consume fruits and vegetables. Overall, college students who experienced high COVID-19 stress may have also experienced inability to access fruit and vegetables during the pandemic, which is a cause for concern among health education professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Understanding modifiable risk factors related to cancer among adolescents and their parents may help identify at-risk populations and intervention aims for reducing cancer risk among families. Methods: Participants were 1336 adolescent-parent dyads who participated in the 2014 Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) conducted by the National Cancer Institute. Using independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA, we assessed differences in mean behavioral scores by sex and race/ethnicity, respectively. Results: For this nation-wide sample, non-Hispanic black adolescents and parents were significantly (p < .05) more likely to participate in multiple dietary and sedentary behaviors than their Hispanic and non-black counterparts. Male adolescents reported significantly higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and processed and red meats than their female peers (p < .02 for all). We also found a strong positive association between adolescents’ and their parents’ dietary and sedentary behaviors (p < .001 for all). Conclusions: Sex and racial differences in cancer-related health behaviors among adolescents and their parents suggest current guidelines for cancer may benefit from inclusion of younger populations and families. Effective health interventions targeting adolescent- parent dyads may help reduce cancer risk among multiple populations simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: About 30% of high school students use energy drinks. Alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) has been associated with higher rates of risky driving among college students. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to: (a) examine AmED-use in a sample of high school students and (b) to specifically investigate differences in risky driving behaviors between 12th grade students who engaged in AmED-use and those who consumed alcohol only. Methods: Differences in risky driving behaviors were investigated by utilizing secondary data analyses of nationally representative data from the Monitoring the Future Study (N = 1305). Results: 12th grade AmED users were significantly more likely to be in a motor vehicle accident (p <.001) and receive a ticket for a traffic violation (p <.05). Additionally, 12th grade AmED users were significantly less likely to wear a seatbelt as a driver or passenger (p <.001). Conclusions/Importance: Although this study does not link risky driving behaviors to specific drinking events, it does indicate a relationship between AmED-use and high-risk driving. Because traffic accidents are the highest cause of mortality among U.S. teenagers, drug education efforts to reduce high-risk driving behaviors should include information on the decision-making and synergistic effects of energy drinks when mixed with alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article assesses the relationship of energy drink, high-sugar, and low-sugar beverage consumption with body mass indexes (BMI) among teenagers. It states that consumption data was examined by Mann-Whitney U, Cohen's d and effect sizes. It examined the rate of consumption of energy drinks and reported higher BMI among energy drinks consumers.