Thesis (Ed. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1998. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 85-92). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Psy. D.)--Wheaton College, 2006. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 31-35).

Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Also available in print.

Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Also available in print.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin -- La Crosse, 1986. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 50-52).

Thesis (M.S.E.)--University of Wisconsin -- La Crosse, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 35-36)

Thesis (M.A.(Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references.

Introduction The use of technology and Internet-based activities (IBAs) is increasing in society. However, seniors with limited experiences with the Internet can experience restricted participation in meaningful activities that are dependent on the Internet. Also, social transitions during aging might lead to reduced social activities and social contacts and to increased experiences of loneliness, all of which might have negative health implications. Therefore, there is a need to advance the knowledge of how occupational therapists can support seniors’ use of IBAs and create opportunities for social contacts and social activities during aging. Aim The overall aim of this thesis is to increase the knowledge of how Internet-based activities influence seniors’ participation in society, how seniors experience and are influenced by support from a social Internet-based occupational therapy intervention, and how different aspects of this intervention can contribute to healthy ageing. Methods In study I, seniors’ experiences of IBAs were explored and described through interviews with 10 seniors (66–82 years old) that were analyzed with the constant comparative method. In study II, a multiple case study with five seniors (65–85 years old) was used to explore the design of an Internet-based occupational therapy social intervention program and how it influenced social activities and social contacts among the participants. The qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources were analyzed by pattern matching. In study III, an explorative randomized crossover study with an AB/BA design was conducted with 30 seniors (61–89 years old) who were vulnerable to loneliness and who participated in the intervention program. The quantitative data were analyzed with parametric and non-parametric statistics. In study IV, a qualitative interview study was conducted to collect the experiences of 15 seniors (66–87 years old) from the previous intervention process in study III. The interviews were analyzed with the constant comparative method. All participants in studies I–IV were community-dwelling, retired seniors without home-care services.   Results Complex interactions of different aspects influence seniors’ possibilities and preferences for taking part in IBAs. The performance of IBAs yielded different experiences of participation in society (study I). The initial explorative results indicated that the client-centered and individually adapted intervention program supports participation in social IBAs (SIBAs) and other social contexts (study II). After participation in the intervention program, the experiences of loneliness significantly decreased, and satisfaction with social contacts on the Internet increased for one group (study III). If an individual’s requirements are met during the intervention process, experiences of habitual SIBA usage, increased self-reliance, and enriched social contacts and social activities both on and off the Internet might be facilitated (study IV). Conclusion This thesis provides knowledge of how social support, experiences of and accessibility to technology, life-changing events, and identified meaningfulness with online activities influence the motivation to participate in social and Internet-based activities. The occupational therapist should address the individual’s perspective in the intervention program so as to adapt the intervention and to support experiences of satisfactory participation and enhanced social activities and social contacts for seniors. In addition, healthy aging might be supported by the intervention program due to the reduction in loneliness and increased participation in social activities and society. Further evaluation of the framework and content of the intervention program for seniors with restricted participation in IBAs and SIBAs and high levels of loneliness is suggested.

abstract: Encouraging stair use may increase physical activity among college students. The overall goals of this study were to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate a stair use initiative, which included a mural painting contest in a residential hall. The number of individuals exiting the stairs were counted and interview data were obtained regarding the visibility of the signs and murals and whether the signs or murals influenced stair use. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with the community assistants (CAs) and staff members involved with the project to obtain qualitative data on their perceptions and opinions of the mural painting event. It was hypothesized that the average number of individuals per half hour who used the stairs would significantly increase from baseline to post-test. To examine changes over time in individuals exiting the stairs, a quasi-experimental design was used with one baseline measurement and multiple posttests (n=5). Stair use was determined by counting individuals exiting the stairwells. Time differences in exiting stair use were examined with repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used to analyze interview data. Qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. There was a significant time effect on stair use (F=7.512, p =0.000) and a significant interaction between staircase and time (F=7.518, p=0.000). There was no significant interaction of gender over time (F=.037, p=0.997). A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted on each staircase individually and showed that significant time differences were only found in the Southwest staircase. Based on exit interviews (n=28), most students saw the directional signs (61%) and murals (89.3%). However, neither the signs (71.4%) nor the murals (82.1%) were perceived as influential on stair use. Data from the focus groups and interviews revealed that the mural painting contest did not occur as intended, because the contest piece did not take place. In conclusion, solely having residents of a residential hall paint murals in stairwells was insufficient for increasing stair use. A mural painting contest may be a viable approach if properly planned and implemented. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Exercise and Wellness 2011

Background: University of Fort Hare (UFH) provides health care services to its students and staff; however, whether the health care services are being utilised by the staff is only speculative. Hence, the aim of the study was to determine the level of employees’ awareness regarding availability of University Health Care Services (UHS) and factors responsible for their utilization. wildlife and thereby may constitute a serious risk to public health. Therefore, it is recommended that proper regulation of the use of the compounds and their safe disposal be ensured to protect aquatic resources and the well-being of humans. Methodology: This quantitative descriptive study involved conveniently selected 255 UFH employees who were either permanently employed or on contract employment for two years and above. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire solicited information on demographics variables, awareness of employees regarding the existence of university health services, and factors affecting utilization of university health services (UHS) by employees. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages) and inferential statistics (logistic regression analysis). Results: -Two hundred and thirty three (91 percent) of sampled UFH employees in both campuses are aware of the UHS. The longer the duration of employment and the older the employee (above 50 years old) the more likely the employees are aware of UHS. However, the elderly employees displayed poor utilization of health care services. Accessibility of UHS (96 percent), satisfaction with UHS (95 percent), listening to others (word of mouth) (61.2 percent) and having a health concern (51 percent) encourage UHS utilization whereas being unaware (8.6 percent) of the UHS remains the barrier for utilisation. Having medical aid (81 percent) prevent those who are aware of UHS from utilising the university health care services. Operating hours (30 percent), staff attitudes (50 percent) and long waiting time (70 percent) with lack of essential medicines (38 percent) prohibit employees from revisiting. Conclusion: The University of Fort Hare’s health care services are well known by almost every employee through “word of the mouth” though they are not completely aware as to which health service programmes are being offered. The utilization of University of Fort Hare’s health care services is positively and adversely influenced by different factors.