Cigarette smoking and the desire to quit among individuals living with HIV

Among individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), studies have found that smokers are at greater risk than nonsmokers to develop bacterial pneumonia, oral lesions and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) dementia complex. Information is lacking regarding the prevalence of cigarette smoking among people living with HIV or about their intentions to quit smoking. A survey was conducted with a sample of patients attending an HIV outpatient clinic at San Francisco General Hospital to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking and the level of interest in quitting. In total, 228 assessments were completed. Study results revealed a high percentage of smokers among our sample of individuals living with HIV compared to the percentage of smokers found in the general adult population. A total of 123 individuals (54%) reported that they smoked cigarettes. Men were more than twice as likely to have made previous attempts at smoking cessation than were woman. The majority of cigarette smokers (63%) reported that they were currently thinking about quitting. Respondents\u27 preferences for types of smoking cessation methods are discussed, and recommendations are proposed for identifying and treating tobacco dependence in this population

Selecting for a diverse public health workforce - community health education MPH program for admissi

The population of California continues to become more diverse; it has become increasingly important for California universities to provide graduate education to underrepresented groups and to prepare culturally competent health educators whose skills are adapted to these dynamic demographic changes. This paper describes the graduate admissions requirements of the four California-based graduate programs in Community Health Education (CHE) accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH ) and uses the graduate admissions process at San Jose State University as a case example for selecting a cohort that reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of the state. The use of multiple methods of assessment and the avoidance of undue emphasis on standardized tests in the admissions selection creates a more equitable graduate admissions process

Assessing the Professional Development Needs of Public Health Educators in Light of Changing Competencies

Introduction Because of the need for a well-trained public health workforce, professional competencies have been recently revised by the Institute of Medicine and the National Health Educator Competencies Update Project. This study compared the self-identified training needs of public health educators with the updated competencies and assessed employer support for continuing education. Methods A convenience sample of public health educators was recruited from an e-mail list of San Jose State University master of public health alumni. Respondents completed a Web-based survey that elicited information on emerging trends in public health education, training needs, and employer support for continuing education. Results Concerns about funding cuts and privatization of resources emerged as a theme. Key trends reported were an increase in information technology, the need for policy advocacy skills, and the importance of a lifespan approach to health issues. Primary areas for training were organization development, evaluation, and management. Although most employers were reported to support continuing education, less than two-thirds of respondents were reimbursed for expenses. Conclusions These findings have implications for both research and practice. Innovative technologies should be developed to address health education professionals’ training needs, and emerging themes should be incorporated into curricula for students

Conducting HIV Prevention Programs for the Severely Mentally Ill: An Assessment of Capacity Among HIV Prevention Programs Providers in the City and County of San Francisco

Recent studies have shown that the severely mentally ill (SMI) are at higher risk for HIV infection than the general population. At the same time, the number of HIV prevention programs available for this priority population is extremely low. The purpose of this study was to identify the extent to which community-based organizations conduct HIV prevention for severely mentally ill people. Telephone interviews with HIV prevention program managers in San Francisco were conducted over two weeks in 2003. Of the 21 agencies funded by the San Francisco Department of Public Health, only three agencies included severely mentally ill people as a priority population for their prevention efforts. However, 16 agencies reported that they provided prevention services to the SMI, even though they were not considered a priority risk population. Three providers reported no SMI among the population they served. Additional studies are also needed to examine the capacity building elements that are necessary for HIV prevention program providers to plan, design, and implement prevention programs tailored for SMI individuals