Influence of a content course and early field experience on preservice teachers' acquisition of content and pedagogical content knowledge

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of one content course and its follow-up early field experience (EFE) on preservice teachers' (PTs) acquisition of content knowledge (CK) and development of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). The three specific sub-questions which guided data collection and analysis were (a) With what level of CK did PTs enter a PETE program?, (b) How did PTs acquire CK and develop PCK during the content course?, and (c) How did PTs acquire CK and develop PCK during the follow-up EFE connected with the content course? Participants were 16 PTs enrolled in the content course and EFE. Six qualitative techniques were employed to gather data. Data were analyzed using analytic induction and constant comparison. Findings indicated that the majority of the PTs who began the course with very little CK and no PCK acquired impressive levels of both forms of knowledge and were fairly successful in terms of teaching third grade children swimming and basic aquatic skills. Factors that enhanced the acquisition of CK and PCK were the course structure, pedagogical strategies used by the instructor, nature of the content, and the children who took part in the EFE. Factors that negated the effectiveness of the hybrid course were the level of PTs' CK at entry and the length of the EFE. PTs' acculturation either facilitated or negated the acquisition of both forms of knowledge depending on whether they began the course with coaching or teaching orientations. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Development and validation of an instrument to assess college students' oral health knowledge, beliefs, and behavior

Oral health education emphasizes the importance of brushing, flossing, and getting regular dental exams. Some examples of oral health problems that can occur without proper oral hygiene and dental care are dental caries and gingivitis. Research has shown that a relationship exists between oral health and other health related problems. The lack of awareness, education, and services regarding oral health and hygiene can cause severe unfavorable outcomes later in life. Unique oral health issues that affect today's college students include the use of smokeless tobacco, sexually transmitted diseases, and oral piercing. Although there are many studies conducted on oral health, few are targeted towards the college aged population. The purpose of this study was to develop a valid instrument based on constructs from the Health Belief Model to measure the knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors of college students' regarding oral health and hygiene. The present study utilized a review of the literature and an eight-step process to develop and validate College Students Oral Health Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behaviors (OHKBB). The most effective way to treat oral health related problems is through prevention. Oral health education is needed to ensure that college students are aware of not only the risks but also the prevention of oral diseases. The proposed research will pave the way for programs to help individuals improve their oral hygiene and reduce their risks of oral health related problems through education by identifying the specific oral health related knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors that affect college students oral health. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Potential and realized food environments: an application of the social cognitive theory in Alabama food deserts

Evidence from the United States (US) suggests that low-income, racial/ethnic minority, and rural populations often live in food deserts - areas underserved by grocery stores. Food deserts increase risk for diet-related disease among already at-risk populations; however, food access research has often included limited types of food outlets and has made assumptions about individual food procurement patterns. Framed by the Social Cognitive Theory, this mixed methods study was conducted in two phases in order to investigate Greene County, Alabama food retailers (potential environment) and assess residents' food access patterns (realized environment). In Phase One, all county food retailers were identified and classified in order to describe variances in distribution between the two census tracts considered a food desert (FDT) by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the non-food desert tract (NFDT). USDA designations were confirmed, meaning FDT did not have grocery stores. However, the NFDT contained more of almost every store type, contrasting research suggesting increased presence of other retailers, such as convenience stores and fast food restaurants, in the absence of grocery stores. In Phase Two, semi-structured interviews were conducted in order to describe household food procurement patterns of 30 Greene County Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants, highlighting differences based on whether or not participants lived in a food desert. Patterns identified did not vary significantly based on residential area. Participants were utilizing 59% of county stores, identifying NFDT grocers and dollar stores as more important to meeting household food needs than FDT outlets. However, 53% of participants were leaving the county to do the bulk of their food shopping, using local stores to top off monthly food supply. Participants used a variety of shopping strategies, encountering a range of monetary and opportunity costs. Though not assessed directly, perception of Greene County stores was generally poor. Results demonstrate the value of using USDA food desert designations with in-depth exploration of potential food environments to best describe area foodscapes. Additionally, resident-informed data describing realized food environments can support research about residential attitudes and perceptions to inform food desert solutions. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Investigating campus cycling environment of a large southeastern university from an ecological perspective

Cycling is an effective method to address physical, psychological, and environmental health. As an alternative mode of transport, it can also be more economical compared to motor vehicles. Despite these benefits, cyclists run a moderately high risk of being injured on the road or in a vehicular accident. According to a survey completed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 88% of cyclists felt most threatened by motorists on the road and 37% perceived uneven walkways and roadways were a threat to personal safety. The purpose of this study was to examine college student perceptions of safety and factors contributing to campus cycling from an ecological perspective. Intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional factors associated with safety and campus cycling were assessed as well as how they interacted with each other. A survey was developed and administered to students on a large southeastern public university. The sample of 356 participants indicated that certain intrapersonal level factors were predictors of cycling, including bike specific issues (e.g., concerns about general bike maintenance) and personal appearance (e.g., looking "silly while wearing a helmet). Interpersonal cycling factors (e.g., concerns about interacting with motor vehicle drivers) were not statistically significant. However, institutional cycling factors, including institutional barriers (e.g., busy roads) and institutional facilitators (e.g., establishing more bike lanes and covered parking), were predictors of cycling. The study findings provide guidance to university stakeholders about what specific factors are prioritized and deemed more likely to facilitate cycling among students. Cycling has been found to be very beneficial, as it has been associated with reduced traffic, improved parking, and better ease of transport on campus. Therefore, these suggestions have implications for environmental and structural changes, policy development, and program planning. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Breast cancer knowledge, beliefs, and screening behaviors of college women: utilization of the health belief model

Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is currently considered the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. It is unique from other cancers in that it presents extreme financial costs, coupled with both physiological and psychological consequences for the impacted women and their families. Lifestyle factors are known contributors to rates of breast cancer, and knowledge is essential to its prevention. Women who are classified as "emerging adults" offer a vital window of opportunity for intervention, as lifestyle patterns are often set during this time. This cross-sectional, descriptive study examined the level of breast cancer knowledge, beliefs, and screening behaviors among a sample of emerging adult college women (n = 342) in the southeastern U.S. by measuring participants' confidence, health motivation, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers, in addition to their degree of worry in relation to breast cancer. Participants responded to a written, self-report 86-item questionnaire. All analyses were conducted using SAS® 9.0. Results of the study showed participants had a low level of perceived susceptibility towards breast cancer, as well as relatively low overall breast cancer knowledge. Findings also revealed a significant association between ethnicity, year in school, and family history of breast cancer and participants' general degree of breast cancer-related worry. Of the Health Belief Model constructs, confidence and perceived barriers were found to significantly predict breast self-examination. The college years provide a great opportunity for health intervention strategies. Health program planners should aim to develop interventions that are adapted to address the unique needs of women who are transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. These interventions should center on enhancing self-efficacy of breast cancer screening and reducing barriers. Education-based programs are also needed to increase women's overall knowledge and awareness of breast cancer-related issues. Such strategies have great potential to enhance women's quality of life and positively influence those with whom they closely interact. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Correlates for metabolic syndrome among employees at a Southeastern university

Presently, it is estimated that thirty-four percent of Americans, over the age of twenty years, have a combination of risk factors known as metabolic syndrome. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationship of the risk factors for metabolic syndrome and multiple lifestyle variables. METHODS: Data was collected on 1358 employees from a southeastern university that participated in a wellness program. After controlling for missing variables, 1156 employee records were used to identify the relationship between risk factors for metabolic syndrome and lifestyle variables. Metabolic syndrome risk factors were analyzed along with covariates of demographics and self -reported overall physical health status. RESULTS: Significant relationships were identified to explain lifestyle variables and the cluster of risk factors in metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that metabolic syndrome is associated with the modifiable risk factors of sleep and physical activity. Metabolic syndrome is also predictive of poor self-reported overall physical health status. Some findings from this study support previous research efforts, while some are unique to this southeastern population. The findings from this research will translate into health promotion activities aimed at decreasing risks of metabolic syndrome in individuals that are most susceptible. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

A survey examining the nonmedical use and diversion of prescription stimulant medications among college students using the theory of planned behavior

The purpose of this study was two-fold. First, the proposed study aimed to create a reliable survey instrument designed to examine the nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (NMUPS) and diversion behaviors using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) among undergraduate students aged 18-24. Second, this study examined the utility of the TPB in predicting NMUPS and diversion behaviors. The study utilized a cross-sectional design (n=1,026) to administer an 88-question survey assessing the nonmedical use and diversion of prescription stimulants. As part of this survey, students responded to theory-based questions for both behaviors. Results of a principal components analysis suggested strong reliability in the survey's ability to measure the theoretical constructs of diversion and NMUPS. Further statistical analyses found utility for TPB in predicting NMUPS. However, TPB had limited ability in predicting the diversion behavior. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Development of a theory based instrument to predict the influence of sexually-oriented music lyrics on the sexual attitudes, beliefs, and intentions of African-American adolescents

Early sexual initiation among American adolescents represents a major public health problem. African-American adolescents (AAas) report earlier age of sexual initiation, which places them at an increased risk of ill health outcomes. Approximately 3 million adolescents are infected with a STI yearly, with the highest incidence occurring in African Americans from impoverished, inner city environments. A relationship among media exposure and media's influence on adolescents' sexual perceptions, attitudes, and intentions has been suggested. However, answers as to whether sexually-oriented music lyrics influence adolescent sexual initiation are unclear. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid instrument based on the Theory of Reasoned Action to enable researchers to predict the influence of sexually-oriented music lyrics on the sexual attitudes, beliefs, and intentions of AAas. A nine step process was followed to develop a survey to enable researchers to predict the influence of sexually-oriented music lyrics on the sexual attitudes, beliefs, and intentions of African-American adolescents. The steps were: 1) identify the attitudinal object, 2) collect a pool of opinion items, 3) submit pool of items to expert panel for review, 4) pilot test draft of the survey, 5) administer item pool to a group of respondents, 6) score each item for each respondent, 7) sum respondents' item scores, 8) correlate item scores with total scale scores for all respondents, and 9) apply statistical criteria for elimination of test items. One hundred eighty-five (n =185) AAas in grades 6-8 residing in rural and urban communities in Alabama participated in the study. An initial pool of items (n =95) was developed based on the TRA, a review of the literature, and input received through focus group interviews with the target audience. Items were eliminated through expert panel review (n =49), item response discrimination, factor analysis (1), and Cronbach's alpha (3). Four subscales were identified with reliability statistics ranging from .722-.940. The final instrument consisted of 44 items with a Cronbach's alpha of .846. Future research should utilize this survey to determine the influence sexually-oriented music lyrics may have on the sexual attitudes, beliefs, and intentions of African-American adolescents. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Examining the determinants of condom use among African American college students attending predominantly white institutions

African American college students at predominantly White institutions (PWIs) are disproportionally at risk for experiencing negative sexual health outcomes. African Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 are disproportionally affected by unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, which are associated with risky sexual behaviors, including sex without a condom. The risks and stress associated with living at the intersection of both African American risk factors and college risk factors may play a role in the sexual behavior of African American college students. The purpose of this study was to examine the determinants of condom use among African American undergraduates at predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). This study used the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to examine the factors that contribute to condom use. An added factor the study examined was the relationship between different types of stress and condom use. The relationship between stress, intention to use condoms, and actual condom use was also investigated. The study employed a cross-sectional design and used surveys to collect data on African American college students between the ages of 18 and 24 years old at PWIs. The survey was disseminated through Qualtrics online survey software. The sample of 202 students engaged in a range of sexual behaviors (vaginal, oral, and anal sex) and had inconsistent condom use during these activities. The study found that constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior, namely intentions and attitudes, were independently significant at predicting condom use. However, the interaction between intentions and overall stress was more significant in predicting condom use among African American college students attending PWIs over the past 30 days. The study findings have promising implications for health education practitioners, university stakeholders, and researchers who are interested in reducing sexual health disparities. Coordinated efforts are needed to reduce the risk factors that contribute to unsafe sexual behaviors among college students, especially among those at greater risk such as African American college students at PWIs. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Exploring risky sexual behaviors of southern African American men and their readiness for barbershop-based HIV prevention programs

African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV, and males make up most of the cases by gender. Innovative methods for addressing the gap in the HIV epidemic are needed. Barbershops have been identified as one locale to address health disparities among African American males. Few studies have used barbershops as sites to provide HIV prevention information. Though barbershops have been sites for a few urban-based HIV prevention programs for African American men, none have been inclusive of rural men and only one was conducted in the southern United States. The purpose of this study was to explore the risky sexual behaviors of African American men in Alabama, and assess their readiness for a barbershop-based HIV prevention program. The study was guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior. A paper-and-pencil survey was administered to adult African American males at three barbershops in Alabama. The results of this study suggested that over half the men in the study did not consistently use condoms in the preceding three months. About one-fourth of the men reported having multiple sexual partners, and over half of all sexually active men used drugs and/or alcohol during a sexual encounter in the last three months. Attitudes were a significant predictor of having multiple sexual partners. Overall, the men were moderately ready for a barbershop-based HIV prevention program. Neither engagement in risky sexual behaviors nor the antecedents to engagement in risky sexual behaviors were predictive of readiness for barbershop-based HIV prevention programs. The findings of the study provide valuable insight to stakeholders who are interested in reducing the spread of HIV among African American men. Improving attitudes toward condoms in the barbershop setting may lead to less frequent engagement in risky sexual behaviors, which could curb the HIV acquisition rate among African American males. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries