Upheavals in the health care landscape threaten the sustainability of contemporary hospital organizations. Yet there is limited research regarding the characteristics of leaders within successful hospitals. The problem is the leadership styles needed to effectively run hospital organizations have not been identified and/or established. The purpose of this study was to develop a model of congruent leadership styles linked to the success of hospitals in one metropolitan city. The research questions sought to uncover (a) consistent leadership styles within successful hospitals, and (b) what, if any, relationship exists between leadership styles and measures of success. Examination of the literature uncovered the value of leadership to organizations through theoretical frameworks of organizational development, organizational culture, leadership, and change strategies that supported the need for hospital organizations to foster leadership practices associated with successful outcomes. Correlational analyses were used to examine the relationship between leadership styles and successful hospital outcomes. Primary data for this research were collected from 109 hospital leaders via the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) Form 5X. Results from this study indicated an increased likelihood of performance success with the application of transformational characteristics. These findings support positive social change as results may serve as a model for leadership practices within 21st century hospitals. Results should further heighten social consciousness to spawn the development of related college curricula, scholarship programs, and leadership alliances that weave transformational characteristics into the leadership fabric of contemporary hospital organizations.

Throughout the relevant literature, research addressing the impact of a specific environmental factor, such as snowfall, on injury patterns or severity among alpine skiers and snowboarders is sparse. The foundation for inquiry into this relationship was developed based on principles of physics and traumatology coupled with findings in the available literature. Secondary analysis of trauma registry data coupled with daily snowfall measurements from one of the largest ski areas in North America illustrated a negative correlation between daily snowfall amount and injury severity (r = -.08). Concordant findings demonstrated an increased odds of sustaining an injury defined as severe or critical according to Injury Severity Score (ISS) classification when there was less than two inches of fresh snowfall (OR = 3.9; 95% CI[1.06, 16.69]). Additionally, utilizing the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), a regional anatomical finding illustrated that in the absence of recent snowfall, there was an increased odds of sustaining a thoracic injury defined as severe in this patient population (OR = 10.4; 95% CI[1.62, 66.9]). Secondary research considerations detailed the variances in injury severity resulting from a collision when compared to a fall and the predilection for skiers to sustain increased lower extremity injuries when compared to snowboarders. Findings from this project may lead to positive social change as the increased understanding of predictive factors contributing to injury can be directly applied to further the current understanding of trauma care in this patient population. The benefits from this work may also extend to the public health arena through enhanced educational opportunities for skiers and snowboarders as well as enhanced resort safety initiatives tailored to the ambient conditions.

Global morbidity and mortality associated with malaria is rampant, and most of the clinical malaria cases are found in sub Saharan Africa. Previous and current research show that malaria is both preventable and treatable and that socioeconomic variables have a profound influence on how persons in rural Africa respond to malaria infections and the associated preventive strategies. This study assessed two key research questions for malaria cases in the Gusii region of Kenya regarding: First, whether a community education program on malaria has an impact in changing malaria preventive behaviors; and, second, if a relationship exists between socioeconomic factors and participants' knowledge and associated behavioral change to control malaria cases. Participatory model and social cognitive theory were used in conjunction with a community intervention with pre-post-test approach. Ten trainees each interviewed 36 participants, for a total of 360 participants, using a structured questionnaire before and after providing a layperson health education program (LPHEP) related to malaria prevention. Repeated measures one-way ANOVA, Chi-square, and Cramer's V test were used for the test of significance. Results showed statistically significant differences between pre- and post-test scores on signs and symptoms of malaria. Participants were able to identify and stated > 2 signs and symptoms of malaria after exposure to the LPHEP. Implications for positive social change included evidence that a simple LPHEP can improve malaria knowledge level.

Vulnerable populations, including immigrants, are often at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection because of their risk-taking behaviors. This study investigated risk-taking behavior for HIV infection among Sub-Saharan African (SSA) immigrants in United States. Using social capital as a theoretical foundation, the study aimed to address the question, is there any association between social capital assets of educational opportunity, employment, and eligibility for social assistance and HIV risk-taking behavior, defined as condom use before sex (CUBS) among SSA immigrant in the U.S? Potential participants were recruited through religious and social organizations in a southwestern US state. The survey generated 167 responses. The majority of the participants were Nigerians, single females, and Christians, with monthly income of more than {dollar}500.00. Analysis using Chi square statistic and unconditional logistic regression model showed that those without education opportunity were more likely to use condom but no significant association existed between social assistance opportunity and CUBS. Employed participants were 83 times more likely than those who were unemployed to use a condom before sex. Being employed was the strongest indicator of HIV risk-taking avoidance behavior among SSA immigrants in the U.S. This study provides insight into risk-taking behaviors among SSA immigrants. This information can be used by providers of services to immigrants and other vulnerable populations in the U.S., policy makers, and social advocacy groups that target HIV prevention. Implications for social change included the recognition of employment as a deterrent to HIV risk-taking behaviors among vulnerable populations.

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The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Health Education Program of Denton County for 1947-78, and in the light of the findings to make recommendations for 1948-49.

<p> This thesis presents findings from a narrative and phenomenological case study that examined the inspirations and motivations that led to an adolescent student&rsquo;s engagement in a self-initiated experiential education project (SEEP) and the subsequent effects on the adolescent&rsquo;s sense of self. The student&rsquo;s SEEP was a month-long challenge to eat only wild foods. SEEPs and self-designed experiential learning projects are examples of self-directed learning, which is becoming more common in adult, elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education. Six theoretical areas are addressed in the literature review, including adolescent sense of self, benefits of exposure to nature, mentoring, experiential education, eclectic homeschooling, and rites of passage. The investigator interviewed the SEEP initiator, who was a student at a school employing the deep nature connection mentoring model of education, and seven of the student&rsquo;s mentors. Artifacts produced by the student and mentors related to the student&rsquo;s self-initiated experiential education project were examined. Data analysis included crafting researcher profiles, writing a chronological story of the case, and an open-coded thematic analysis of the interview transcripts. Findings indicate the influences and motivations inspiring the creation of the SEEP in this case included elements of the initiators&rsquo; identity, self-esteem, education, resilience and self-efficacy; an adolescent need to test oneself; and a desire for a deeper connection with nature. The outcomes in terms of sense of self include impacts on identity and self-esteem, increased resilience and self-efficacy and an increasing appreciation for nature, family, and the student&rsquo;s interdependence with other people. These impacts indicate that SEEPs could be a desired aspect of curriculum design. Educator, family, peer, and community support appear to be important influences encouraging students to create and engage in SEEPs. </p>