Variation in Environmental Risk Perceptions and Information Sources among Three Communities in El Paso

The authors report the results of a pilot study of environmental risk and sources of environmental information in three socio-economically and culturally distinct communities in Texas

Attitudes Towards Cervical Cancer Screening: A Study of Beliefs Among Women in Mexico

Pap smear testing continues to be the single most effective tool in reducing deaths due to cervical cancer (Watkins, Gabali, Winkleby, Gaona & Lebaron, 2002). Despite the creation of a national cervical cancer screening program, more than 4,000 women die every year in Mexico from this disease. This study explored the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Mexican women regarding cervical cancer screening, and identified beliefs and barriers that may influence cervical health. All analyses compared women who had ever had a Pap test in their lives (“ever”) with women who had never had a Pap test (“never”). In bivariate analyses, the following variables were significantly associated (

Transitioning Health Educators to Clinical Settings

Objective: A support model consisting of a local health educators’ network, a technical assistance team with academic and practice experts, and an evolving sequence of professional continuing education activities supported health educators transitioning from community or school health education sites to health care sites as part of the Clinic Health Education and Life Style Promotion Project (Clinic HELP) designed to increase health education options for individuals within the Paso del Norte Region of the United States-Mexico Border. Methods: Focus groups, interviews and surveys were used to evaluate intervention activities designed to assist in the transition. Results/Conclusions: Lack of familiarity with health care settings and role delineation were identified as barriers while “expert” sounding boards, professional development activities, and advanced education assisted in the transition. Use of the professional network was less than anticipated. Practice Implications: Based on the Clinic HELP experience, recommendations are provided for professional education and support for health educators within clinical practice settings

Integrating Health Education into Clinical Settings

In the United States, health concerns such as food insecurity and obesity continue to rise among American households (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003). Poor dietary intake can result in poor health outcomes as well as negatively impact student academic performance (Sigman-Grant, 2003). Despite the growing health concerns among the youth, limited studies have examined the dietary patterns of the Mexican-American adolescent population. This study aims to fill that void by describing the dietary intake of predominantly Mexican-American adolescents 13-18 years of age (n=532). The study design was cross-sectional and randomly selected high school participants based on their enrollment in physical education classes. Results of a one day 24-hour dietary recall showed both males and females in this study were below the national recommendations for total calories per day and reported poor eating behaviors. Further research is needed to investigate food insufficiency in this population who has high prevalence of overweight

A systematic review of special events to promote breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening in the United States

BACKGROUND: Special events are common community-based strategies for health promotion. This paper presents findings from a systematic literature review on the impact of special events to promote breast, cervical or colorectal cancer education and screening. METHODS: Articles in English that focused on special events involving breast, cervical, and/or colorectal cancer conducted in the U.S. and published between January 1990 and December 2011 were identified from seven databases: Ovid, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstract, Cochrane Libraries, and EconLit. Study inclusion and data extraction were independently validated by two researchers. RESULTS: Of the 20 articles selected for screening out of 1,409, ten articles on special events reported outcome data. Five types of special events were found: health fairs, parties, cultural events, special days, and plays. Many focused on breast cancer only, or in combination with other cancers. Reach ranged from 50–1732 participants. All special events used at least one evidence-based strategy suggested by the Community Guide to Preventive Services, such as small media, one-on-one education, and reducing structural barriers. For cancer screening as an outcome of the events, mammography screening rates ranged from 4.8% to 88%, Pap testing was 3.9%, and clinical breast exams ranged from 9.1% to 100%. For colorectal screening, FOBT ranged from 29.4% to 76%, and sigmoidoscopy was 100% at one event. Outcome measures included intentions to get screened, scheduled appointments, uptake of clinical exams, and participation in cancer screening. CONCLUSIONS: Special events found in the review varied and used evidence-based strategies. Screening data suggest that some special events can lead to increases in cancer screening, especially if they provide onsite screening services. However, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that special events are effective in increasing cancer screening. The heterogeneity of populations served, event activities, outcome variables assessed, and the reliance on self-report to measure screening limit conclusions. This study highlights the need for further research to determine the effectiveness of special events to increase cancer screening

Characterizing Emerging Canine H3 Influenza Viruses.

The continual emergence of novel influenza A strains from non-human hosts requires constant vigilance and the need for ongoing research to identify strains that may pose a human public health risk. Since 1999, canine H3 influenza A viruses (CIVs) have caused many thousands or millions of respiratory infections in dogs in the United States. While no human infections with CIVs have been reported to date, these viruses could pose a zoonotic risk. In these studies, the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS) network collaboratively demonstrated that CIVs replicated in some primary human cells and transmitted effectively in mammalian models. While people born after 1970 had little or no pre-existing humoral immunity against CIVs, the viruses were sensitive to existing antivirals and we identified a panel of H3 cross-reactive human monoclonal antibodies (hmAbs) that could have prophylactic and/or therapeutic value. Our data predict these CIVs posed a low risk to humans. Importantly, we showed that the CEIRS network could work together to provide basic research information important for characterizing emerging influenza viruses, although there were valuable lessons learned

Session 1B: Women of Color in Academic Library Leadership: A Testimony to Resilience

Women of Color in Academic Library Leadership: A Testimony to Resilience A senior African-American library leader, who has served in three types of academic libraries, will discuss the challenges librarians of color face in academic libraries and academic professional associations, such as culture, gender, isolation, microaggressions, and stereotypes. She will explore the duality of librarians of color: race and profession in white institutions, and how race may impact one’s job. This library leader will stress the ways in which minority librarians can avoid getting trapped in what she calls the “ghetto” of academic libraries. Finally, the presenter will provide advice for new and mid-career librarians on how to overcome barriers and obstacles in academic libraries, which can be difficult political organizations to navigate. This session will assist participants with identifying the knowledge and skills needed to have a successful career that will enable them to thrive in academic libraries and the academy