The problem of this study is to compare prior health care experience with satisfactory adjustment in a long-term care facility. Both quantity and quality of prior experience in a health care facility are examined in terms of the significance to successful relocation. Demographic data and perceived control of health are examined in relation to significance of the findings.

Little is known about breast health behaviors in Afro-Caribbean women (ACW) residing in the United States, as they are often included in the collective group of African American women (AAW). The objective of this study was to determine the influence of a spiritually-guided intervention on breast health self-care (BHSC) attitudes in ACW residing in southeastern Florida using a concurrent triangulation mixed methods design. One hundred and seventeen women were recruited from three local south Florida Caribbean churches. Inclusion criteria included: (a) self-identification as Afro-Caribbean, (b) female aged 30 years or older, (c) living in the United States for at least 1 year, (d) able to provide informed consent, (e) able to speak and read English at the 8th grade level, and (f) no previous history of breast cancer. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

O estudo teve como objetivo identificar as possíveis relações entre atitudes e percepções de estudantes de Enfermagem sobre o cuidado religioso e espiritual oferecido nos serviços de saúde aos usuários de álcool e/ou drogas, antes e após uma intervenção educativa. Foram objetivos específicos realizar a adaptação transcultural e a avaliação do desempenho psicométrico das versões brasileiras dos instrumentos Treatment Spirituality/Religiosity Scale (TSRS-br) e Drug and Drug Problems Perceptions Questionnaire (DDPPQ-br). Trata-se de um estudo analítico, longitudinal e prospectivo, com uma etapa de avaliação psicométrica. A amostra foi constituída por estudantes de Enfermagem de nível técnico e superior, vinculados a instituições públicas e privadas do município de Barra do Garças/MT. Na etapa de intervenção educativa, foram incluídos 62 estudantes de nível superior e, na de estudo psicométrico, participaram também estudantes de nível técnico. De acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, totalizou-se 246 indivíduos para avaliação do DDPPQ-br e 188 no estudo da TSRS-br. O questionário de pesquisa foi aplicado antes e após um mês de uma intervenção que consistiu de um curso sobre assistência para usuários de substâncias psicoativas, contendo questões sobre informações gerais; conhecimentos em assistência de enfermagem ao usuário de álcool e outras drogas; escala de percepção sobre ênfase no cuidado religoso e espiritual nos serviços (TSRS-br) e duas escalas de atitudes, sendo a DDPPQ-br e a SAAPPQ (Short Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perceptions Questionnaire). A idade média dos entrevistados foi de 23 anos (Dp?4,83). Os resultados evidenciaram aumento dos conhecimentos e melhora significativa das atitudes dos estudantes após a intervenção educativa, mas o mesmo não foi encontrado em relação às suas percepções a respeito da ênfase no cuidado religioso e espiritual nos atendimentos que envolvem a temática do uso de álcool e drogas prestados nos serviços. Também não se observaram relações entre essas variáveis. Em relação às propriedades psicométricas do DDPPQ-br, uma Análise de Componentes Principais confirmou a validação de construto do referido instrumento com 16 itens, divididos em cinco fatores. A consistência interna global encontrada foi de Alfa=0,85. O TSRS- br, tal como o instrumento original, manteve-se com 10 itens, divididos em dois fatores. A confiabilidade por teste-reteste apresentou kappa variando de ?=0,22 a 0,47 e consistência interna global de Alfa=0,85. Conclui-se que o meio acadêmico deve continuar investindo na ampliação da discussão sobre o uso e abuso de substâncias e suas interfaces com a implementação do cuidado religioso e espiritual, o qual pode ser desenvolvido por meio de uma relação de ajuda, além de aprimorar formas de se examinar a efetividade de intervenções educacionais para o trabalho nesta área. Os instrumentos utilizados no presente estudo com tal finalidade mostraram medidas satisfatórias de confiabilidade e de validade de construto. / The aim in this study was to identify the possible relations between attitudes and perceptions of Nursing students about religious and spiritual care offered at health services for users of alcohol and/or drugs, before and after an educative intervention. Specific aims were to develop the cross-cultural adaptation and assess the psychometric performance of the Brazilian values of the Treatment Spirituality/Religiosity Scale (TSRS-br) and Drug and Drug Problems Perceptions Questionnaire (DDPPQ-br). An analytic, longitudinal and prospective study was undertaken with a psychometric assessment phase. The sample consisted of technical and higher-education Nursing students, affiliated with public and private institutions in Barra do Garças/MT, Brazil. In the educative intervention phase, 62 higher-education students were included and, in the psychometric study, technical students participated as well. In compliance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 246 individuals took part in the evaluation of the DDPPQ-br and 188 in the TSRS-br study. The research questionnaire was applied before and one month after an intervention, which involved questions on general information; knowledge in Nursing care delivery to alcohol and other drugs users; scale of perception about the emphasis on religious and spiritual care in health services (TSRS-br) and two attitude scales, the DDPPQ-br and the SAAPPQ (Short Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perceptions Questionnaire). The interviewees\' mean age was 23 years (Sd?4.83). The results evidenced increased knowledge and a significant improvement in students\' attitudes after the educative intervention, but the same was not found with regard to their perception concerning the emphasis put on religious and spiritual care during care delivery involving alcohol and drugs use at the services. No relations among these variables were observed either. As regards the psychometric properties of the DDPPQ-br, a Main Components Analysis confirmed the construct validity of the 16-item instrument, divided in five factors. The global internal consistency found corresponded to Alpha=0.85. Like the original instrument, the TSRS-br continued with ten items, divided in two factors. The kappa coefficient to evaluate test-retest reliability varied between ?=0.22 and 0.47, while the global internal consistency coefficient equaled Alpha=0.85. In conclusion, the academic world should continue investing in a broader discussion about substance use and abuse and its interfaces with the implementation of religious and spiritual care, which can be developed through a help relation, besides improving forms of examining the effectiveness of educational interventions to work in this area. The instruments used in this study for that purposed showed satisfactory reliability and construct validity coefficients.

Abstract not available

Today in the United States, herbal supplements are growing increasingly popular, however, little is known about the safety and efficacy of these products. This study contributes to the growing body of information about the prevalence of herbal supplement use among young adults (18 to 24 years) and the beliefs young adults hold about herbal supplements in relation to their dietary attitudes and behaviors. A self-administered, four-part questionnaire was mailed to a geographically representative sample of 298 young adults (18 to 24 years) residing in Oregon; 205 questionnaires were usable (69% response rate). There was an equal ratio of male and female respondents, half students and half non-students, the majority being Caucasian (93%), with a mean age of 21.5 years. Nearly 60% of the sample reported using herbal supplements (n=122). Thirty-seven percent were sometime users (less than weekly) and 22% were regular users (at least weekly). More female respondents reported using herbal supplements (69%) than did male respondents (49%). Respondents who were White or Asian/Pacific Islander were the only ethnic groups that reported using herbal supplements regularly. Users were more educated than non-users, however use was very similar among students and non-students. Herbal supplement use also was very similar between respondents having different residencies. Familiarity with different herbs was positively related to level of herbal supplement use. Regular users were familiar with the greatest number of herbs, followed by sometime users. Herbal supplement users tended to have more healthful lifestyle characteristics than non-users. Frequency of fast food patronage was negatively related to level of herbal supplement use. The median number of times a fast food restaurant was patronized was lower among regular users of herbal supplements than among those who did not use supplements or used them less often. The median number of times breakfast was eaten also seemed to be slightly higher among regular users than other groups. Other healthful lifestyle characteristics, such as BMI and drinking in moderation, did not tend to be more healthful among herbal supplement users. The results were mixed on smoking behavior. Regular users of herbal supplements were no more or less likely than non-users to smoke, but non-users were less likely than sometime users to smoke. Regular users of herbal supplements tended to think herbal supplements are useful for certain health parameters more often than sometime users and non-users. Most regular users of herbal supplements agreed herbs are useful for maintaining good health (89%) and preventing/treating common illnesses like colds (85%). Almost two-thirds also thought herbs are useful for preventing serious chronic illnesses (61%) and insuring a well-balanced diet (65%). Attitudes toward the effectiveness, convenience, and expense of taking herbal supplements in comparison to eating a balanced diet as ways of staying healthy were related to herbal supplement use. Herbal supplement users did not appear to have positive attitudes towards herbs when comparing herbs to a well-balanced diet. Only 11% of users thought that herbs are more effective than diet as ways to stay healthy, and users were more likely than non-users to think herbs are more expensive ways to stay healthy. However, both levels of users were more likely to think herbal supplements are more convenient than diet. Attitudes about the effectiveness, safety, expense, naturalness, potency, and personal control of taking herbal supplements in comparison to prescription medications was related to level of herbal supplement use. In general the trend was for users to be more likely to have positive attitudes toward herbs and less likely to give a "don't know" answer. Eating the recommended number of food guide pyramid servings of fruits and vegetables as well as eating a greater number of nutrient rich vegetables was not related to herbal supplement use. However, a somewhat higher percentage of herbal supplement users tended to meet the fruit and vegetable recommendations than nonusers of herbal supplements. Stage of change in relation to vegetable intake was related to herbal supplement use. As respondents' herbal supplement use increased, so did the likelihood of classifying themselves into one of the action stages of change for vegetable consumption. Stage of change for fruit consumption was not related to herbal supplement use. Choice to stop using herbs if they were pronounced unsafe by a governmental agency was not related to level of herbal supplement use. However, 17% of sometime users and 16% of regular users reported that they would continue to use herbs even after they were pronounced unsafe by a governmental agency. The results of this study clearly show that there is a high prevalence of herbal supplement use among young adults in Oregon, and those who are using herbal supplements seem to have a strong belief in the herbs they are taking. With the limited knowledge on herbs' safety and efficacy, young adults need to be educated about the herbs they are using. Hopefully, the information from this study can help health professionals identify which young adults might be using herbal supplements in order to educate them on making smart choices about herbs, and smart choices about their overall health. To inform young adults about the herbs they are using, additional research on herbal supplements' potential benefits and harmful side effects is needed. / Graduation date: 2002

Thesis (Dr.P.H.)--University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. School of Public Health, 1982. / Typescript. Dissertation Abstracts International Order No. 83-08,249. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 179-190).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 125-131).

Most of the empirical research on later life well-being in Taiwan has focused on demographic, structural factors and resources flow, and tended to ignore the meaning and beliefs older Taiwanese assign to aging and the consequences. In light of dramatic social transformation and the changing nature of elderly support, the empirical test of the values and beliefs about later life and their effects may provide a significant viewpoint in understanding why some older adults in Taiwan are healthier and live longer than others. This project employs a national representative data drawn from the Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan in year 1996 and 1999. Beliefs about aging are conceptualized into several constructs and each is linked to three dimensions of health outcomes: physical health, mental health and mortality. In addition, I tested whether engagement in healthy habits, supportive social relationships, and greater involvement in social activities account for the associations. Results suggest that general higher levels of positive beliefs about aging are predictive of improved health and longevity over time. When I divide general beliefs into positive and negative domains, I find that positive beliefs improve health largely through life style factors. While, compared to positive beliefs, negative beliefs seem to exert stronger effects on health through pathways well beyond an individual's lifestyle. That is, pessimistic views on aging may be more detrimental to health because domains related to negative beliefs (e.g., "boredom and uselessness" and "financial insecurity") directly challenge an individual's desires to search for a sense of meaning, purpose and security later in life. Taken together, this study shows that positive beliefs about aging shape proactive behaviors and translate limited resources into opportunities, eventually leading to better health outcomes. In contrast, viewing aging in an unfavorable way may limit an individual's pursuit for a better life, and, in turn, impact health and well-being, regardless the actual resources possessed by the individuals. Therefore, this study suggests despite physically intact, generally active, and supportive relationships, the individual's subjective perception of aging is another important determinant in securing a healthy later life among elderly Taiwanese. / text

Two overall national health goals are to increase the quality and years of healthy life and to eliminate health disparities. Physical inactivity is a leading cause of disability and death due to its relationship with overweight and chronic disease. Hispanic women are less physically active than Hispanic men and Anglo women in leisure time physical activity and recommended levels of physical activity (PA). From a developmental perspective, understanding prevalence and correlates of PA in emerging adulthood may make a significant contribution to increasing PA as women move into full adulthood. The Health Promotion Model (HPM) advanced by Pender provided the framework for examining beliefs about PA and other correlates of PA. This study also developed and tested a scale measuring beliefs about PA (BPA) that tried to access cultural differences between non-Hispanic and Hispanic women. The study was carried out by electronic solicitation to randomly selected non-Hispanic and Hispanic students from 3 southwestern universities and yielded 237 complete online surveys. Instruments comprising the survey included the Short-version of the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ), Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS), Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE), Social Support for Exercise Survey for Family and Friends (SSFA, SSFR), BPA, the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans (ARSMA II), and questions about SES. Statistical procedures included factor analysis, t-tests, and multi-sample path analysis. Respondents included 80 non-Hispanic and 157 Hispanic women, aged 18-27. Factor analysis of the BPA produced 7 subscales accounting for 68% of the explained variance (spirituality, role enhancement, socialization preferences, personal benefits, cultural beliefs, exercise difficulty, and women’s roles). Independent sample t-tests indicated group means for spirituality and cultural beliefs significantly differed, as did total BPA, acculturation, & SES. Path analysis provided evidence for a model with good fit for both groups. Significant path coefficients to vigorous PA included benefits, SE, and SSFA. Total indirect effects for SES to vigorous PA through SE and SSFA were significant. Acculturation, SES, SSFR, and BPA were not significant predictors of vigorous PA. / text

As Africa faces the challenges of its renewal or renaissance, the HIV/AIDS epidemic poses the greatest potential barrier to the attainment of this vision (Makgoba, 2001 in Dorrington, Bourne, Bradshaw, Laubscher & Timaeus, 2001). The development of an HIV vaccine that is safe, effective and affordable, has been widely contemplated as a necessary supplement to already established interventions. In preparation for HIV vaccine trials in South Africa the current project aimed to assess students' understanding (knowledge and perceptions) and experiences of vaccination in general, and to explore if these were associated with demographics such as motherhood and gender. A parallel aim was to assess students' knowledge and expectations of HIV vaccination and trial participation. A sample of 33 students was recruited from university residences at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg. Participants were interviewed via a semi-structured interview schedule. The data collected was then coded and analysed using content analysis, while Chi - square analysis was used to evaluate if demographics such as gender and motherhood were systematically associated with various responses. The results revealed that the vast majority of participants (97%) knew the purpose of vaccination, stating that it was to promote health and prevent illness. Most participants (67%) knew that vaccination works by mobilising the immune system (vaccination mechanism). The vast majority of participants (91%) could name at least one vaccine preventable disease. Uptake of childhood immunisation was reportedly high (88%) while adult uptake of immunisation was low (33%). A significant minority (36%) reported that they had experienced side effects but understood these to be an integral part of vaccination. Thirty percent of participants stated they were willing to participate (WTP) in a hypothetical vaccine trial, 33 % of participants were not WTP and 15% were not sure. Motivations for trial participation were reportedly influenced most by personal incentives of altruism (39%) and barriers such as perceived significant physical risk (61%). In general, knowledge and experiences of vaccination were not associated with gender or with motherhood. The results suggest that more awareness of HIV vaccine trials is needed. In this regard education should emphasise that the prospective vaccine will be preventive, that only healthy people can volunteer and that the HIV vaccine will not guarantee immunity to HIV infection. Suggestions are made for future research into motivations, barriers and incentives to facilitate an ethical process of vaccine trial participation. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.