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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.)

Young children who have or are at risk for developmental problems are particularly vulnerable to nutrition-related conditions including underweight, feeding and oral-motor problems, and dietary inadequacies (1). Providing appropriate care [...]

Over the past decade there has been a dramatic increase in obesity for children and adolescents (1). In North Carolina, the prevalence of overweight white and African-American females aged 12 [...]

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major public health concern in the United States. We developed an annual training course, Nutrition and Public Health, A Course for Community Practitioners (NPH), to address the identified training needs of state staff responsible for designing and implementing the Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) program and to support other health professionals working in programs that address chronic disease prevention and management. Methods: After conducting a needs assessment with state-level WISEWOMAN staff in 2001 to identify topics of interest, we formed an advisory committee to provide guidance on topics, theoretical frameworks, training concerns, and multilevel intervention approaches. The first week-long training course, which included an intensive field practicum, was implemented in the fall of 2002. Results: Participants rated three fourths of the elements listed in a posttraining evaluation as a course strength, giving particularly high ratings to various indicators of course quality (100%) and networking opportunities (95%). Just over half (55%) rated the field practicum as a course strength. Four fifths (83%) of participants responded to a 6-month follow-up evaluation, and most indicated that the course had increased their knowledge and skills and increased their confidence in planning programs. Conclusions: Unique features of the course include its suitability for public health practitioners not previously trained in nutrition, its promotion of multilevel interventions, and its focus on CVD risk reduction and nutrition interventions for underinsured and uninsured populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses a study which ascertained concerns of U.S. parents related to their children's body image, self-esteem and eating behaviors. Formats preferred for receiving free programs related to self-esteem, body image and nutrition for youth; Importance of creating meaningful solutions to address body image and healthy eating; Role of extension professionals in educating parents and youth.