Assessing Risk of Influenza Infection on a College Campus: An Emphasis on Housing Arrangement

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Comparing Two-Year Community College and Four-Year University Student Social and Behavioral Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk Factors

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) could cause ectopic, cervical cancer, infertility, and organ damage to the heart, kidneys, and brain. This study compared several behavioral risk factors of STIs (condom use, number of sexual partners, type of sex (anal or vaginal) and drinking habits) between two distinct educational settings and their association with socioeconomic risk factors such as low income and parent’s lower level of education that are known to increase the incidence of STIs among college-aged students. This study was based on the precautionary-health-behavior model, where individuals act regardless of consequences, and the health-behavior-change model, where individual behaviors either increase one’s risk of contracting or preventing an STI. A total of 238 participants responded with 139 from each institution. Data were analyzed using chi-square, and linear and logistic regression analysis to determine which educational setting has more STI behavioral risk factors and if there is a greater risk of students with lower socioeconomic status (SES) reporting these behavioral risk factors. The study concluded that students enrolled in a 4-year university are not more likely to report STI behavioral risk factors than students enrolled at a 2 year community college. However, the study did show that students with SES factors of low income and parents with lower levels of education is related to a higher risk of reporting an increased risk of noncondom use, a higher number of sexual partners, anal and vaginal sex, and at risk drinking habits associated with STIs. Implications for positive social change include increased awareness of STI among college-aged students which can lead to lower STI incidence rates regardless if it is a 2-year college or a 4 year university

Social and Behavioral Risk Factors of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Community College and University Female Students

Purpose: To compare female students’ engagement in behavioral risk factors for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) between a 4-year university and a 2-year community college and determine the impact of institutional setting on risky sexual behavior. Methods: Participants aged 18-24 years were recruited from a local community college or university and 143 female students were included in the study. Paper questionnaires were distributed to all participants to identify various socioeconomic and behavioral risk factors known to be associated with a high incidence of STIs among college-aged students. Results: Between the two institutional types, females from the community college were more likely to have parents with less educational attainment and a lower family income (p\u3c0.001). In fact, students whose parents’ highest level of education was a high school diploma were more likely to report not always using condoms during vaginal intercourse in comparison to students whose parents had a post graduate degree (OR: 8.62; 95% CI: 2.67-27.89, p\u3c0.001). Findings: Students within the community college reported lower parental income and education attainment in addition to more sexual partners and alcohol consumption in the past week. Conclusion: The findings suggest a potential correlation between low socioeconomic status and STI contraction

Empowering Community Health Workers in Guatemala

Introduction: Community health workers (CHW) have been integral in helping middle- and low-income countries. This research paper discusses the benefits of the involvement of CHWs in health screenings. Methods: Health screenings were performed for three rural communities in Guatemala, in 2021, alongside a church in Zacapa, to identify community wide health risks. The screenings included a detailed questionnaire that collected demographic data, height and weight, a blood glucose check, a hemoglobin check, and a blood pressure reading. Additional nutritional data was collected to understand diet patterns and habits. In-depth educational sessions were done with the CHWs, emphasizing preventative care, and the teach-back method was used to verify the effectiveness of instruction. Results: Educational efforts were measured by accurate demonstrations and correct answers to questions at the end of the sessions. The results yielded 47% of the CHW’s displayed a correct return demonstration on the first try, 33% did on their second try, and 20% on their third. Conclusion/Limitations/Recommendations: Using the methods described above and the data collected on previous trips, the study allowed for health screenings and education, along with the resources to continue screenings independently. Some limitations of this study include participant age or previous illness, along with the missing data from the 2020 trip, which was postponed due to COVID-19. Recommendations include first-aid response training to combat the limited emergency medical services and additional studies to continually educate the communities in Guatemala

Socioeconomic Status and Barriers Influencing Healthcare Access among Hispanics in Central Virginia

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Assessing Health Risks in Rural Communities Surrounding Zacapa, Guatemala

The aim of this practicum/study is to determine the prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and anemia among Guatemalan adults, as well as the rates of obesity among children in Zacapa, Guatemala. Location, gender, age, personal education level, household daily income, or employment status were examined to determine whether they influence rates of obesity and anemia among adults in Zacapa, Guatemala

Social and Behavioral Risk Factors of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Community College and University Female Students

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