Time In Ghana And Dietary Patterns In Liberian Refugees

Previous research suggests acculturation (i.e. exposure and assimilation to local culture) is associated with changes in dietary patterns among immigrants. This study investigates this association in a refugee population using time in refugee settlement as a proxy for acculturation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a convenience sample to: (i) identify dietary patterns in Liberian refugees and Ghanaians living in or near a refugee settlement; (ii) compare adherence to these dietary patterns between groups; and (iii) investigate the association between acculturation and dietary patterns in Liberian refugees. Time in refugee settlement was assessed by self-report; food consumption was assessed by food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Principal component analysis was used to identify dietary patterns; generalized linear model was used to test the association of interest. Participants were Liberian and Ghanaian women with young children living in Buduburam Refugee Settlement or Awutu in Ghana (n=480; 50% Liberian; mean age 28.0, SD=6.3, range=16-48, years). Three distinct dietary patterns emerged: Healthy, Sweets, and Fats. Ghanaians were more adherent to the Healthy pattern than Liberians (p\u3c0.05). Liberians were more adherent to the Sweets and Fats patterns than Ghanaians (p\u3c0.05). There were no significant differences in dietary pattern adherence among the Liberians based on time in settlement. Ghanaians living in Awutu were more adherent to the Healthy pattern than Ghanaians who lived in settlement (p\u3c0.05). Differences in dietary patterns were observed between Liberian refugees and Ghanaians. These differences were not associated with acculturation. The reasons for these differences warrant further investigation

Monitoring neurocognitive functioning in childhood cancer survivors: evaluation of CogState computerized assessment and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)

Abstract Background Many childhood cancer survivors develop neurocognitive impairment, negatively affecting education and psychosocial functioning. Recommended comprehensive neuropsychological testing can be time- and cost- intensive for both institutions and patients and their families. It is important to find quick and easily administered surveillance measures to identify those in need of evaluation. Methods We evaluated, individually and in combination, the sensitivity and specificity of the 1) Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning-Metacognition Index (BRIEF-MCI), and 2) CogState Composite Index (computerized assessment of cognition) in identifying below grade-level performance on state-administered tests of reading and mathematics among childhood cancer survivors. Results The 45 participants (39% female) were a mean age of 7.1 ± 4.4 years at diagnosis, 14.0 ± 3.0 at evaluation, with a history of leukemia (58%), lymphoma (9%), central nervous system tumors (20%), and other tumors (13%). Impairment on the BRIEF-MCI was associated with low sensitivity (26% reading, 41% mathematics) but stronger specificity (88% reading, 96% mathematics). We found similar associations for the CogState Composite Index with sensitivity of 26% for reading and 29% for mathematics and specificity of 92% for both reading and mathematics. Combining the two measures did not improve sensitivity appreciably (47% reading, 59% mathematics) while reducing specificity (84% reading, 88% mathematics). Conclusions While individuals identified from the BRIEF-MCI or CogState Composite would likely benefit from a full neuropsychological evaluation given the strong specificity, use of these measures as screening tools is limited. With poor sensitivity, they do not identify many patients with academic difficulties and in need of a full neuropsychological evaluation. Continued effort is required to find screening measures that have both strong sensitivity and specificity

Perceptions, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Active Transportation Among Key Stakeholders in Norwalk, CT

To characterize the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding active transportation among key stakeholders in Norwalk. Specifically, the project aimed to identify: 1. Social, physical, and financial barriers to walking and biking 2. Perceived importance and utility of bike lanes and sidewalks 3. Priority improvements to make the city more conducive to active transportation 4. The most important areas on which to educate the general public about active transportationhttps://elischolar.library.yale.edu/ysph_pbchrr/1013/thumbnail.jp