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A growing body of research has addressed the relationship between religiousness and spirituality. In addition, recent research focuses on the variations in definition and operationalization of the two concepts. Most of this literature examines spirituality as a construct under religion. Conceptualizing those who are spiritual but non-religious has received far less attention. This study uses recent data from the General Social Surveys to assess the relationship of those who are spiritual but not religious with education and a number of socio-demographic variables. The analysis shows that there is a positive relationship between one identifying as someone who is spiritual but secular and educational attainment. Directions for future research are discussed.

Fundamental Cause Theory suggests that socioeconomic and demographic factors are causal to various illnesses, including depression. However, no known previously existing research has used Fundamental Cause Theory to create a model of depression among college students. To do this, the present study conducted a stepwise binomial logistic regression to examine how socioeconomic status and the sociodemographic variables of Gender, Race, and Sexual Orientation, and others predict depressive symptoms in a large sample of undergraduates when controlling for stressful life events and social support (N = 2,915). Results support the hypothesis that socioeconomic disparities in depressive symptoms are the result of stress. In the final model, low Social Support was the most predictive variable of high depressive symptoms (OR = 2.882), followed by being bisexual (OR = 2.061). Being black was significantly protective against high depressive symptoms (OR = 0.613). Implications for future research and university services are discussed.

Pancreatic carcinoma or pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is an insidious disease with a prognosis of 6- to 12-month survival time for a late stage diagnosis. This problem has become crucial given that no study to date had been able to establish a definitive association between independent factors (other than a few diseases) and the survival rate of pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional study was to determine whether an association exists between the independent, sociodemographic variables (marital status, age, education, income, and employment) and the outcome variable of survival rate. The social cognitive theory was the framework that provided the blueprint throughout the development of this study and helped guide the analysis of the secondary data, which was procured from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results program. The sample of 56,166 participants was collected from 2009 to 2013 and Cox proportional hazard was used to analyze the data and arrive at the answers to the research hypotheses. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze whether an association existed between each of the independent variables and the outcome variable. The analysis showed significant association between age, education, income, and employment and survival rate. It was not the same for marital status. These findings could stimulate social change by allowing stakeholders and other policy makers to become aware of the role that sociodemographic factors can play in health care. In addition, a need exists for effective research to be undertaken in the prevention and intervention of this disease. This could then lead to private and public health innovations and procedures to benefit patients with PaCa.

This study examines relationship violence among college students, focusing on the predictive roles of their sociodemographic characteristics and domestic violence beliefs. College students experience an extremely high level of abuse among intimate partners, with prevalence rates ranging between 20 and 50%. Since relationship violence among college students is such a widespread problem, it is important to understand what lies at the foundation of this type of abuse. Findings from previous studies demonstrate correlations between sociodemographic characteristics and perpetration of relationship violence as well as correlations between beliefs supportive of abuse among intimate partners and perpetration of relationship violence. However, research to date fails to fully explore the potential interactions between these variables. In an attempt to fill this void, the current study uses data from the Relationship Characteristics Study conducted in 2001, which includes a sample of 1,938 college students, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of relationship violence among college students. This study examines the associations between students' (1) sociodemographic characteristics, including race and ethnicity, university year, parents' education, family income, parents' marital status, and students' relationship status as well as additional risk factors, consisting of alcohol consumption, drug use, and witnessing interparental violence, (2) domestic violence beliefs, including empirically-based and myth-based domestic violence causation endorsements as well as physical and sexual abuse, stalking, and verbal abuse definitions, and (3) relationship violence perpetration, including negotiation, psychological aggression, physical assault, sexual coercion, and injury. Separate analyses are conducted for male and female college students. Based on previous research and theoretical foundations, it was expected that both college students' sociodemographic characteristics and their domestic violence beliefs would be predictive of relationship violence perpetration. It was further hypothesized that students' sociodemographic characteristics would impact their domestic violence beliefs. Findings generally support these expectations. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.

ABSTRACT MARY D. HILL Recalled fruit and vegetable intake while growing up and its association with adult fruit and vegetable intake among U.S. adults – analysis of the food attitudes and behaviors survey (Under the direction of DR. KYMBERLE STERLING) High dietary intake of fruits and vegetables (FVs) is associated with a lower risk for chronic disease including certain cancers, optimal child growth, and weight management. More than 72 million U.S. adults are obese; therefore, fruit and vegetable intake is important in weight management. Using data from the Food Attitude and Behavior survey, this study will address the following questions: is there a correlation between recalled fruit and vegetable intake during childhood and adult fruit and vegetable intake among U.S. adults? Secondly, is reported fruit and vegetable consumption associated with sociodemographic variables and other health-related behaviors? Results indicated there is a positive correlation between recalled FV intake and reported FV intake in adults. Therefore, public health practitioners should develop initiatives to increase the amount of FV intake in children so that these FV consumption habits may continue in adulthood.

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Research has demonstrated that >5 servings of fruits and vegetables (F&V) per day improve health. Eighty-three percent of 18-24 year olds, including college students, do not meet recommendations. For the study, freshmen at MSU were recruited. Included freshmen (n=132), 6 percent, received a sociodemographic and intake survey. Eighty subjects, 61 percent, completed the survey. Of these subjects (n=33), 41 percent, participated in focus groups. X2 analyses assessed intake and sociodemographics. Paired t-test compared BMI and intake. Focus group analyses determined additional influences. Results indicated nine percent of subjects consumed >5 servings, and 23 percent of subjects consumed >3 servings. >3 servings was insignificant to sociodemographics. Significance occurred between income and french fry and salad, parental environment and french fry, and gender and white potatoes. Focus groups revealed additional factors influenced intake. In conclusion, F&V consumption was inadequate, placing students at health risks. Dietary interventions should address barriers other than sociodemographics.

Even though initiation of breastfeeding among term and preterm infants has increased, the incidence and duration among preterm infants continues to lag because of the unique challenges of breastfeeding preterm infants. African American mothers have the lowest rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration, and their preterm infants are less likely to receive breast milk while in the neonatal intensive care unit. The objective of this cross-€sectional quantitative study was to evaluate the relationship between breastfeeding and maternal sociodemographic factors as well as medical and obstetrical conditions for infants born between 32-€37 weeks gestational age in South Carolina from 2009 to 2011. The health belief model provided the framework for this study. Secondary data from the South Carolina Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System included 1,752 preterm pregnancies. Results of binary logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that mothers who were African American and those who had lower income, no Medicaid, and lower education level breastfed less frequently. Findings may be used to decrease neonatal, postnatal, and infant morbidity and mortality, and to increase breastfeeding knowledge and support to ensure successful breastfeeding of preterm infants beyond the hospital.

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