Measuring the Work of Intermediaries in the St. Louis Region

This guide serves to encourage funders and intermediaries to think about intermediary nonprofit organizations and their outcomes differently as well as explain how these two groups can partner successfully to create change. "We do not fund intermediaries" is often times used as a blanket statement by funders. This statement has led many nonprofit organizations to claim "we are not an intermediary" to avoid getting lumped into a certain bucket when they are in fact an intermediary organization. This guide will give insight into both the communications struggles and best practices that funders and intermediaries encounter with one another and give examples of successful funder/intermediary partnerships

Vaccination Hesitation: Investigation Why Parents Decline Pediatric Influenza Vaccines in Juneau, Alaska

The influenza virus is responsible for hundreds of childhood deaths and costs the health care system millions of dollars each year (Hassan, Lewis, Davis, Gebremariam, and Dombkowski, 2009). The influenza vaccine is the most effective intervention for prevention of pediatric influenza, yet many parents decline this vaccine for their children. Studies completed in various geographic locations cite different factors influencing parents who decline pediatric vaccinations. Alaska has the second lowest rate of influenza vaccination in the country (Center for Disease Control [CDC], 2012). The purpose of this project was to understand the factors that influence parental decision to refuse influenza vaccination in Juneau, Alaska. A modified version of the Childhood Influenza Immunization Questionnaire, an instrument based on the Health Belief Model, was utilized to collect data from a convenience sample of parents at a private pediatric practice in Juneau, AK. Statistical analysis revealed the only significant influencing factor on parents’ decisions on whether to vaccinate against influenza was their perception of vaccine risk (p < .001). Information obtained from this study will be used to educate local providers in the community with the goal of enabling said providers to overcome resistance to vaccination hesitancy based on parent perceptions

The Impact of a School-Based Program on Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Obesity is an increasing health issue both in the United States and worldwide. Furthermore, childhood obesity is increasing in prevalence. Childhood obesity is associated with an increased risk of comorbidities in adulthood. Obesity in childhood and adolescence makes one more likely to become obese during adulthood. This study sought to determine the effect of a school-based obesity prevention program on diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors such as body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, waist circumference, and acanthosis nigricans. Measurements were taken before education in the fall semester, and again after two education sessions in the spring semester. Student and faculty researchers at the University of Arkansas developed the Eat Better, Move More program to be implemented in two classrooms in George Elementary School. Teaching points were developed and given to teachers who implemented the education in their classrooms. Topics covered in the teaching included sleep habits, exercise, nutrition, and healthy habits. A paired sample T-test was used to evaluate the difference in pre- and post-education data points. Results showed a significant difference in pre- and post- education BMI; however, the BMI increased significantly instead of the desired decrease. Results showed no significant difference in pre- and post-education blood pressure or waist circumference. Results of a Wilcoxon sign-rank test showed no significant difference in pre- and post-education acanthosis nigricans. Results of the study indicate that the school-based program did not have a positive impact on obesity and cardiovascular risk factors such as BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and acanthosis nigricans. Further research can be done to determine the effects of a long-term program on these risk factors

Performance, Politics, and the War on Terror: Whatever It Takes

Lindsey Mantoan reviews Performance, Politics, and the War on Terror: Whatever It Takes (by Sara Brady) for TDR: The Drama Review

Leading Causes of Death in Vietnam

Vietnam is currently facing a public health crisis. Rates of chronic and preventable diseases are climbing, in addition to mortality rates from these diseases. If nothing is done to halt these rising rates, the health of the Vietnamese people will only continue to decline. Although there may be many factors contributing to these high death rates due to chronic diseases, risky health behaviors, such as smoking, and the state of the healthcare system can be considered two main contributors to the leading causes of death in Vietnam. The high smoking rates and high costs of healthcare are hindering the health of Vietnam, and may be related to the top causes of death, including stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lower respiratory infections (World Health Organization and UN partners, 2015). Implementing government programs, including smoking cessation, smoking education, tobacco taxes, healthcare education, and continued work toward universal healthcare coverage, will hopefully help decrease the rising rates of chronic diseases and the high mortality rates they cause.https://jdc.jefferson.edu/cwicposters/1033/thumbnail.jp