<p> Sexual violence against women has persisted throughout time and has proven to carry many detrimental psychological and health complications. Individuals at a higher risk for experiencing sexual violence are women of lower socioeconomic status and ethnic minorities. This curriculum was developed as a prevention program that will serve to educate young Latinas in the topic of sexual violence and enhance awareness of personal values about sex, relationships and stress management. The curriculum highlights the role that ethnicity plays in the main risk factors involved sexual violence. Specifically, young Latinas can be provided with valuable psycho education and the knowledge needed to protect themselves against the many forms of sexual violence in their communities. </p>

This research seeks to explore the nature and value of peer learning for a group of pre-registration nursing students and specifically aims to examine a group of student nurses in order to inquire whether they learn from each other and if so, how, when and where this takes place. Secondly, the work aims to discover more about the process used by those nurses while engaging in peer learning and to unearth their perceptions of and value systems ascribed to this type of learning. In this context the students engage in peer learning as they learn from and through each others’ experience. This research is set against the backdrop of recent changes within nurse education in the United Kingdom. In 1999, the Peach report made several main recommendations regarding the future of pre-registration nurse education, including the integration of knowledge and skills through balanced time in theory and practice together with the fostering of interpersonal and practice skills through experiential and problem-based learning (UKCC 1999). In this case the fellow learners are a group of pre registration student nurses enrolled on a programme leading to registration as Adult Branch nurses with a Diploma level academic qualification. The curriculum (based on the Fitness for Practice recommendations within the Peach report) convenes the group (known as a base group) together throughout the course at regular intervals, and utilizes a strategy of problem based learning as part of a range of teaching and learning strategies in order to help the students to acquire the knowledge required by a qualified nurse. It is important to differentiate peer learning from other mechanisms which involve students in learning from each other. For example, peer teaching or peer tutoring is a far more formal and instrumental strategy whereby advanced students or those further on in progression, take on a limited instructional role (Boud, Cohen and Sampson 2001). In other words, the more senior students are used to formally teach various aspects of the curriculum to more junior students.

<p> There is an increasing demand for more baccalaureate- and graduate-prepared registered nurses in the United States, to face the healthcare challenges of the 21st century. As a strategy to meet this need, educational institutions are expanding electronic learning in nursing education; however, technology acceptance in education continues to be a concern for educational institutions. In this context, the goal of the study was to investigate factors that potentially influence registered nurses&rsquo; intentions to adopt e-learning systems. A theoretical model was used to determine whether perceived value, attitude toward e-learning systems, and resistance to change influence registered nurses&rsquo; intentions to use e-learning systems. </p><p> A web-based survey was used to assess the effect of the aforementioned constructs on registered nurses&rsquo; intentions to use e-learning systems. The web-survey instrument was developed as a multi-item questionnaire using Likert-type scales. A 35-item survey instrument was developed using previously validated measurable items. The target population of this study was registered nurses in South Florida. The sample for this study was 323 (over 21% response rate) registered nurses at two hospitals in South Florida. </p><p> Multivariate analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling and robust standard errors with the Satorra-Bentler adjustment. The results revealed that perceived value, attitude toward e-learning systems, and resistance to change influence registered nurses&rsquo; intentions to use e-learning systems. Findings from this investigation may be of interest to educational institutions preparing to make investments in e-learning systems. The information provided in the study will allow administrators in higher educational institutions to make decisions on ways to address the challenges that may be affecting e-learning acceptance by registered nurses.</p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast four age cohorts to determine: (a) if they have any preexisting knowledge about The Blue Zones Power 9 lessons for longevity, (b) if they are currently practicing any of the Power 9 lessons, and (c) to what extent they intend to adopt all or some of the Power 9 lessons in the future. The Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (DiClemente &amp; Prochaska, 1982) guided exploration of the respondents&rsquo; adoption of the Power 9 lessons. There were four significant findings in this study. Physical activity and stress relief had similar results in that both the youngest and oldest age cohorts&rsquo; expressed higher frequencies than the two middle age cohorts. Wine consumption and adoption/intention to adopt the Power 9 also had similar results, demonstrating that as age increased, so did the frequency of wine consumption and adoption/intention to adopt the Power 9.</p>

<p> The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study was threefold. First, this study compared the effects of two different simulation-based instructional strategies on athletic trainers&rsquo; clinical competence in performing cardiovascular screening with cardiac auscultations. Second, this study identified the athletic trainers&rsquo; perceptions of learning through simulation-based instructional strategies. Third, this study attempted to identify and offer instructional recommendations based on the outcomes. </p><p> The quantitative phase analyzed cognitive and diagnostic reasoning knowledge and history-taking and clinical skills specific to cardiovascular screenings with cardiac auscultations as it was taught to athletic trainers (ATs) at a continuing professional education (CPE) course. The quantitative results found that high-fidelity and low-fidelity simulation-based instructional strategies significantly increased cognitive and diagnostic reasoning knowledge and history-taking and clinical skill from pre-test to post-test assessment on all dependent variables. When comparing the two fidelity types to each other, the analysis found that the participants in the high-fidelity simulation group gained significantly more skill when compared to the low-fidelity group. </p><p> In the qualitative analysis of this study, three themes emerged specific to the perceptions of the athletic trainers&rsquo; experiences as they learn through simulation-based instructional strategies. The first theme that emerged was a clear indication that participants&rsquo; exhibited positive perceptions of learning through simulation-based instructional strategies. The second theme that emerged was that the high-fidelity simulation experience during the pre-assessment and post-assessment raised an awareness of the deficit of knowledge and skills in performing a comprehensive cardiovascular screening with cardiac auscultations. Lastly, the third theme that emerged was specific to the perceived limitations in the effectiveness of low-fidelity simulation and the perceived strengths in the effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation. </p><p> A few instructional recommendations emerged from this dissertation study. Simulation-based instructional strategies are an ideal teaching method to utilize during continuing professional education courses with athletic trainers. Specifically, this study identified that both, high-fidelity and low-fidelity simulation, are effective in teaching cardiovascular screening with cardiac auscultations. Additionally, the participants perceived influences of a pre-test on the identification of their knowledge and skills deficit suggests that there are benefits of utilizing an authentic simulation pre-test as part of CPE courses.</p>

<p> Employee job satisfaction is an ongoing concern in the field of social work. High caseloads, low compensation, and the lack of job security are sources of job dissatisfaction for novice and seasoned social workers in managed care settings. Specifically, the purpose was to determine if there is a correlation between high caseloads, the lack of job security, and low compensation and job dissatisfaction among novice (<i>n</i> = 24) managed care social workers and seasoned (<i>n</i> = 86) social workers in Texas and the surrounding areas. The emphasis of these factors, if not recognized and addressed through interventions by health care administrators, can lead to novice or seasoned managed care social workers&rsquo; dissatisfaction and within their position and careers with an ending result of desirable professional leaving the field of social work. Herzberg&rsquo;s two-factor theory guided the study. The independent variables were selected for use in a multiple regression analysis at the .05 level of significance. No correlation was found between high caseloads and job dissatisfaction among novice social workers or between low compensation and job dissatisfaction among novice and seasoned social workers. High caseloads were correlated with job dissatisfaction among seasoned social workers. A correlation was found between the lack of job security and job dissatisfaction between novice and seasoned social workers. The research study collected data used in sealing the gap in the health care community by providing valuable information and directions for health care administrators to focus on in an attempt to reduce turnover, increase productivity, and improve the quality of patient care.</p>

This thesis used an action learning approach to achieve two aims. Firstly to develop the authors knowledge of research and research methods and secondly to design, deliver and evaluate interprofessional education (IPE). An undergraduate IPE module was designed using the Contact Theory and delivered, in February 1999, to final year students of midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy and radiography through a problem-based learning approach. This IPE experience was evaluated in two phases. Phase one was a positivist/post-positivist evaluation and used a quasi-experimental approach. Questionnaires measured the role perception, subject and skills knowledge that one profession had regarding another profession and participants enthusiasm for IPE. Pre and post module group interviews with staff and students were also undertaken. Phase two was a 1-year follow up of students’ perceptions of their experiences on the module and used an interpretivist approach. This interview data was analysed from a phenomenological perspective. Phase one results demonstrated some statistically significant differences for some of the questionnaire items but little more than would be expected by chance. Interview and learning index data showed that students had learned about the subject knowledge of other professions with all students combined learning the most about subject knowledge for nurses. Midwifery was revealed as the profession that students had learned most about for skills knowledge. There was a statistically significant difference between professions’ enthusiasm for IPE with radiography the least enthusiastic. Phase two uncovered several themes including factors that have a detrimental effect on interprofessional working (IPW), the positive effect of the module on practice and positive and negative views of IPE. My personal leaning led me to a broader inquiring approach to research and developed my understanding of research paradigms. I gained knowledge and skills in qualitative research and improved my interviewing and analysis skills. The future of multiprofessional education is positive at both faculty and NHS levels and I conclude that there is a need for diverse forms of IPE including its delivery in the clinical context. Future research in IPE outcomes should use the qualitative paradigm.

The purpose of the study was to develop and evaluate educational materials for dietetic practitioners in the Cajun and Creole regions of Southern Louisiana. They were designed to meet the educational needs of dietetic practitioners regarding Cajun and Creole food habits and health beliefs and serve as resource materials. The materials consist of informative text, exchange values, and modified recipes for traditional dishes. / The culture-specific competencies required for dietitians working in the designated regions were determined by conducting an interdisciplinary review of literature focusing on Southern Louisiana. This revealed information on Cajun and Creole food habits and health beliefs not present in the nutrition literature. / Focus group interviews and a mail survey of dietitians in selected parishes revealed their present level of knowledge and subsequently, their culture-specific educational needs. / The validity of the materials was assured by the use of culture-specific sources. The educational materials were developed, evaluated, and approved by a jury of individuals knowledgeable in cultural foods education and dietetic practitioners and nutrition educators in Southern Louisiana. / The following conclusions were formulated: (1) Conventional nutrition literature failed to yield pertinent information on Cajun and Creole food habits and health beliefs. Such information was obtained through an expanded search of interdisciplinary professional and scholarly literature in home economics, cooperative extension, medicine, public health, nursing, anthropology, history, and folklore. (2) Focus group interviews (a) revealed information undocumented in the literature and (b) reported current incidence of food- and health-related practices. This was incorporated into the educational materials. (3) Limited knowledge of Cajun and Creole food habits and health beliefs was exhibited by the 64% of Southern Louisiana dietitians participating in the mail survey. Particularly noteworthy was their apparent lack of knowledge of inter- and intra-regional variation in food habits and health beliefs. (4) The jury determined that the educational materials were appropriate for use by dietetic practitioners in Southern Louisiana. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 54-02, Section: A, page: 0441. / Major Professor: Sally Hansen-Gandy. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1993.

This study was an evaluation of an outreach program designed to modify the sexual and contraceptive knowledge, attitudes and behavior of participating late adolescent males. Using a quasi-experimental design the evaluation consisted of pretest, posttest, and follow-up survey. / The workshop pretests were completed by 575 participants (mean age 20 years). Slightly more than half of them had experienced intercourse in the 30 days prior to workshop attendance. Approximately one third of the sexually active had failed to use contraception. / Posttest and follow-up results indicated the workshops were associated with a significant increase in sexual and contraceptive knowledge, a significant change to more positive attitudes towards male and female contraceptives, and a significant decrease in unprotected intercourse. Participants reported the workshops as clearly presented, interesting and meeting their needs. / It was concluded that the treatment was effective in promoting change in the sexual knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of the participants. This change was seen to extend through the follow-up period. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 42-01, Section: B, page: 0428. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1981.

The lack of information about the health care practices and needs of Dade County adults has contributed to a delivery system which is fragmented, uncoordinated and crises-oriented. The overall purpose of this study is to help alleviate those undesirable conditions by developing an information base that will specify the health needs of Dade County adults in terms of their perceived health problems, knowledge of health practices, lifestyles conducive to optimum health and knowledge and use of health care services. / Drawing on literature relating to wellness, health education, health related behavior, the promotion of quality lifestyle, needs assessment and the conceptual framework posited for this study, a needs survey was developed to determine among adults their (1) perceived health status; (2) personal health care practices; (3) frequency of contact with health care providers; (4) personal health behaviors including cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, nutrition, stress and hypertension management; (5) experiences with common health problems; and (6) perceived level of control over personal health. / This study, descriptive in nature, followed selected and validated procedures of telephone survey methodology. Data were derived from a stratified random sampling of Dade County non-institutionalized adult residents. Data were tabulated by frequency and percentage distribution and tested with Chi Square at the.05 level to identify the association that may exist between dependent and independent variables. Data obtained was used to address five research questions. / Findings showed significant relationships between independent and dependent variables in the following: cigarette smoking to education level; alcohol consumption to ethnic background/race, age, sex, household income, and education level; amount of stress to ethnic background/race, age, and education level; and hypertension to ethnic background/race, age, sex and household income. / Some implications are that health education programs can contribute to changes in health related practices, and consequently improved health, but such programs are only part of the total effort required to bring about significant change. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 49-08, Section: A, page: 2072. / Major Professor: Roy J. Ingham. / Thesis (Ed.D.)--The Florida State University, 1988.