Trends and Correlates of Breast Cancer Screening among Florida Women: Analysis of 2001 and 2008 BRFSS Data

This study examined trends and correlates of breast cancer screening among women aged ≥40 years old by race/ethnicity using the 2001 and 2008 Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Breast cancer screening was measured using both mammography and clinical breast examination (CBE). The total sample size was 10,386, with 4,938 women in the 2001 BRFSS and 5,448 in 2008. Significant disparities in breast cancer screening by race/ethnicity were found both in 2001 and 2008, with Hispanics having the lowest screening participation, compared to non-Hispanic whites and non-Hispanic Blacks. In 2008, non-Hispanic Black women had the highest percentage of timely mammography, CBE, and both mammography and CBE combined than non- Hispanic white and Hispanic women. Not having health insurance was a strong predictor of non-screening across all racial/ethnic groups. Whereas age, being married, and having a college education or higher were negatively correlated with lack of timely breast cancer screening among non-Hispanic Whites, poor health status was positively associated with lack of timely screening. Among Hispanics, the variables of having some college education or college degree or higher were positively associated with lack of CBE and with mammography and CBE. Our findings suggest that both an expansion of health insurance coverage as well as the timely promotion of screening across education and racial/ethnic segments may be important for breast cancer prevention

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Disparity among Truck Drivers: Danger on American Roads

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder, can cause perilous levels of fatigue that impact commercial drivers who operate vehicles such as tow trucks, tractor trailers, and buses. In this study, we explored this population for its awareness of obstructive sleep apnea, the risk factors, and its impact on health for all. We conducted a qualitative study using 33 semi-structured in-depth interview questions with 12 male commercial truck drivers ages 28 to 44 years old, who were Florida residents. Participants had basic knowledge of OSA, minimal awareness of the underlying risk factors that impact their overall health, and of OSA treatment. There was awareness of the effect of OSA on sleep partners of study participants. All participants felt it was important for truck drivers to receive routine OSA screening, even among those who expressed concern about having results negatively impact their occupational status. Consistent policies of trucking companies, which ensure trucker involvement and maintenance of the necessary preventive behaviors, are necessary. Further, truck drivers and their families should receive direct and consistent support of health conditions that have a direct effect on the driver’s health and the industry’s future

Perceived Susceptibility and Prevention Attitudes of African-American College Students’ toward Type 2 Diabetes

Whereas type 2 diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the general United States, it is the fourth leading cause of death for African Americans. This health disparity remains a serious and costly public health issue. This study investigated the type 2 diabetes preventive behaviors and intentions among 130 African-American college students. Data collection for this cross-sectional study included administration of a 23-item survey that measured knowledge, attitudes, perceived susceptibility, and social norms. We found that only 19% of the respondents perceived themselves at risk for developing diabetes. Students who had been told by a health professional that they were pre-diabetic or diabetic were more likely to perceive an increased risk for developing diabetes than their counterparts. Despite low risk perception in this group, 95% reported a favorable attitude towards preventing diabetes. These results underscore the need to enhance college students’ knowledge and understanding of type 2 diabetes risk, while capitalizing on positive student attitudes toward prevention. Social and environmental influences on type to diabetes preventive behaviors also should be considered

Children’s Vulnerability Related to Chlorine Exposure, Container Confusion, and Mixing Household Cleaners – Florida, 2006-2008

Acute and chronic effects of exposure to chlorine and chloramines can result in the irritation of the skin and mucous mem- branes, often leading to airway edema resulting in respiratory difficulties, burning in the throat, eyes and nose. Ingestion of bleach or bleach-containing products often results in adverse gastrointestinal effects. Data captured by the three centers com- prising the Florida Poison Information Center Network (FPICN) between 2006 and 2008 was examined to characterize the extent oftoxic effects from chlorine gas exposures related to misuse ofhousehold cleaners. A known outcome was determined in 48.4% of the 5315 cases. Of those with a known outcome, 0.2% (6) had a major effect. Children two and younger were the most frequently exposed population (22.7%). Children 19 and under accounted for 39.1% (2079), whereas children 2 and under accounted for 22.7% (1204) of the chlorine exposure population. Container confusion accounted for 12%, and mixing cleaning products accounted for 17% of the cases reviewed in 2006. The most common route of exposure in cases reviewed in 2006 was by-mouth and the most common symptom was gastrointestinal (GI). Fact sheets and educational outreach related to reducing the mixing of household cleaners, reading manufacturers safety instructions carefully, and storing the chemical clean- ers safely away from children and in original containers is warranted to reduce chlorine exposures in children

Exploring the Effect of Sexual Education on Sexual Health Risk Behaviors: Analysis of the 2003 and 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys in Florida and Alabama

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between sexual health education content and sexual health risk behaviors, and the mediating effect of demographic variables. A cross-sectional research design employing secondary data analysis explored these associations in a sample of African American and non-Hispanic White male and female adolescents that took part in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) for the years 2003 and 2007 in the aforementioned southern states. Significant associations were observed between race and reported condom use and alcohol and/or drug use during last intercourse. For both Alabama and Florida, sexual health education was associated with reported condom usage as well as alcohol and/or drug use at last sexual intercourse. Those receiving sexual education of either type were more likely to report using a condom at their last sexual encounter, and less likely to report alcohol and/or drug use. However, the multivariate analysis did not support all of the findings of the bivariate analysis for both reported condom and alcohol and/or drug use. These findings suggest there is need for continued sexual education in this vulnerable demographic group

Nurses\u27 Knowledge and Attitudes towards Victims of Sexual Trafficking

Florida ranks fourth in the United States in reports of human trafficking. Human trafficking is the second largest international criminal industry in the world. Globally, 80% of all transnational victims are women and girls, and half of all trafficked victims are children. Approximately $32 billion are generated annually from this global trade. The public health consequences include physical, sexual, and psychological trauma, as well as addiction and violence. Healthcare providers represent part of a safety net of professionals who may have the ability and access for identifying and assisting victims of trafficking. This study was investigated Florida nurses’ knowledge of sex trafficking and attitudes toward victims of sex trafficking. The study sample included 74 Florida nurses. Overall, participants reported high self-efficacy for identification and treatment of sex trafficking victims, but lower factual knowledge about trafficking. Attitude scores in this sample also suggest a moderate level of negative bias toward victims of trafficking. Nurses need increased knowledge of sex trafficking, including knowledge of policies. Cultural competence training may also help to address biases held by healthcare professionals

Knowledge and Perceptions of HPV Vaccine Acceptance among African-American College Women

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Prevalence rates among sexually active young women are approximately 50%. An HPV vaccine has been created that has high efficacy in preventing persistent HPV infection, cervical cancer precursor lesions, and genital warts caused by four HPV subtypes. The purpose of this study was to assess African-American college women’s knowledge and perceptions of HPV, and their association with the acceptance of HPV vaccination. Variable selection was guided by the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior. Written surveys were administered to 122 African-American women between the ages of 18 and 26 who were enrolled as undergraduates at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). Statistically significant associations were found between planning to get vaccinated against HPV and several perception variables. Health education efforts aimed at African-American women in college should be renewed, given the high percentage of misconceptions about HPV among members of the study population. Interventions should appeal to social networks of the young women, as their opinions regarding the vaccine weighs in their decision to plan to get vaccinated. This study underscores the need for continuous and consistent health education interventions directed at African-American women of college age

The Cognitive Mediating Process of Diabetes among African-American College Students

Diabetes places a tremendous burden of health inequity on African-American women in the United States. Behavioral risk factors for diabetes underscore the importance of determining to what extent African-American college students are motivated to adhere to protective behaviors that may decrease the likelihood of diabetes onset. The purpose of this study was to evaluate threat and coping appraisal of diabetes among African-American women enrolled in college, using the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) as a theoretical framework. Questionnaires were administered to 128 African-American women between the ages of 18 and 25 who were enrolled at Florida A & M University, the nation’s largest historically Black university. Bivariate correlations were performed to determine associations involving protection motivation factors (coping and threat appraisals), diabetes knowledge, and demographic characteristics. Statistically significant associations were found between the demographic and knowledge of diabetes variables, and the coping appraisal process. Significant associations were not found with the threat appraisal variables. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship for the maladaptive response of the PMT model between dietary intake levels and perceived severe diabetes threat. For this sample of African-American female students, efforts that articulate active coping strategies may be more effective than those that focus on threat perception. Culturally competent and age appropriate nutrition, physical activity and diabetes education should be increased, given the high percentage of misconceptions about health protection behaviors among study participants. Continuous health education interventions and research focusing on African-American women of college age are needed

After Implementation of the ACA – Coverage Gaps among Rural Latinos Still Remain

In this study, we assessed health needs and insurance coverage among a rural Latino population. A health needs survey was conducted in 2015 with approximately 100 Latino residents living in a rural Florida county. The survey included questions on socio-economic characteristics, type of insurance coverage, lapses in coverage, delays in care and satisfaction with health services. Only 15% of respondents had insurance through their employer, and 11% had Medicaid. Over 45% of participants had no health insurance, and 20% had no insurance for more than three years. One in ten had a medication delay due to lack of coverage/money, and 17% expressed they had medical bills they were paying off. Gaps in coverage highlight the need for targeted outreach efforts, while gaps in access and affordability highlight the need for new strategies to address barriers to care and out of pocket expenses for those with health insurance

Sexual Hookups via Dating Apps: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experiences of Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in Florida

Background: Sexual hookups via social media dating apps have been understudied among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM). Purpose: The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the role of dating apps on hookup culture and to describe the sexual experiences among BMSM in Florida. Specifically, this research delves into various sexual hookup themes. Methods: Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with BMSM participants aged 18 to 25 in Florida who self-identified as frequent dating app users. A grounded theory approach was applied to thematically analyze the hookup encounters and the factors that drive these perceptions and experiences among BMSM. QSR NVIVO 12 was used to code, categorize, and collect emergent themes. Results: Three major themes emerged depicting the complexities of hookup culture using social media dating applications among BMSM. 1. Positive hookup experiences were linked to feelings of “no strings attached” to some participants, while others associated this positive experience to the use of alcohol and drugs; 2. Negative hookup experiences revolved around miscommunication on sexual roles, catfishing, and disclosure of HIV status; 3. Psychological aspects of hookups were centered on feelings of regret, disbelief, and disgust after a sexual hookup encounter. Discussion: Understanding BMSM hookup culture could aid in the development of prioritized evidence-based interventions for behavioral change to improve safer sexual health encounters among this vulnerable populatio