A Comparison of Course Delivery Formats on Student Success of Developmental English Students at California Community Colleges

This study examined the influence of campus-based and online-based community college developmental English courses on two student success factors: course persistence and course success. Retrospective data on all first year California community college students enrolled in developmental English courses between 2008 and 2011 were analyzed for differences between students. Descriptive statistics were used to compare differences in individual student characteristics of age, gender, and race, and the situational variables of enrollment status and eligibility for tuition fee waiver. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to examine the difference in likelihood of course success and course persistence of developmental English students in the two course delivery formats. Results indicated that course delivery format has a statistically significant relationship with both course persistence and course success. Statistically controlling for all other independent study variables, students in online developmental English courses were less likely to persist to course completion, or to receive final grades of C or higher than students in campus-based courses

An Examination of the Utility and Acceptability of Strength-Based Assessment in the Schools

The current literature on strength-based assessment in the field of school psychology is limited. Although arguments have been made for its use, research on the applicability of strength-based data in schools is needed. The present study chose to focus on the perceived acceptability and utility of strength-based data by teachers. Data was collected from general and special education teachers in both urban and suburban school districts in western Pennsylvania through the use of surveys and focus group interviews. Quantitative analyses revealed that teachers, regardless of their individual characteristics, found strength-based data acceptable for potential use in the classroom practices. Qualitative findings provided further insight around the integration and potential barriers of strength-based data into the school setting. The present study contributes and expands the current literature by examining teachers\u27 perspectives of this data. A mixed methods approach was utilized, which also provides a unique contribution to the literature in the field

The reliability and validity of a manual coding system for identifying emotion

Emotion focused coping and emotional expression have been identified as potential mediators of long-term adjustment to a cancer diagnosis. Tools for measuring emotional expression in text have not been well-validated, although there is an abundance of textual data that is available to help explore emotional expression and the relationship between emotional expression and outcome measures. The purpose of this dissertation was to develop a manual coding system of emotional expression that could be compared with current programs that have been used to evaluate emotional expression. Inter-rater reliability was found to be good with the use of the manually coded system of emotional expression between both trained and blinded coders. Sensitivity and specificity statistics compared the ability of a currently used text analysis program to predict both presence and absence of emotional expression. While excellent specificity and negative predictive value were found, the program demonstrated relatively good sensitivity and poor positive predictive value. There were not many notable differences found between manual coding and computerized coding in predicting change over time in regards to outcome measures. Replicating these findings on another sample is one area of future direction. Assessing the possibility of supplementing current content analysis programs to include the capability of attending to context is another important area of future direction

Understanding disparities in clinical trials for Native Hawaiian men

Understanding low rates of participation by minority populations in clinical trials is critical for reducing and eliminating disparities. We examined beliefs and attitudes of Native Hawaiian men related to illness and cancer to better understand their rates of participation in clinical trials. We conducted face-to-face interviews with Native Hawaiian key informants throughout the State of Hawai‘i using quota sampling methods to obtain a range of perspectives about attitudes towards health care seeking to provide insight into low clinical trials participation. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and independently coded by researchers. Thematic analysis guided the extraction of relevant data from the discussions. Key informants (N=16) suggested the following beliefs and attitudes regarding clinical trials participation: 1) mistrust in the healthcare system, 2) external locus of control, 3) gender norms, and 4) the customary pono (righteousness, to make right) practice towards family/community to model and maintain good health, including participation in cancer clinical trials. Native Hawaiian men in this study expressed hesitation in the benefits of formalized health care. Many men described experiences of racism, inequity, and injustice associated their interactions with health care providers. These encounters were factors that influenced their healthcare practices and beliefs towards maintaining health and longevity

Thought Suppression Change in Cancer Patients and Survivors After Writing

Breast cancer is a debilitating and many times fatal disease that will affect approximately 215,990 women in the United States alone this year. Treatment for breast cancer can involve many physically and psychologically straining features. The illness perception theory states that individuals form illness representations to make sense of health threats and illness. These representations contain a number of individual, specific attributes about the illness identity, and cause, time-line, consequences of, and cure/control of the illness. Many women who have experienced breast cancer have also been found to be keeping their thoughts inside. Thought suppression has been linked to many negative consequences, such as anxiety and depression. To investigate, a writing paradigm was introduced to breast cancer patients as survivors. An expected link between expressive writing and a decrease in thought suppression was examined, yet not found to exist. Themes and case examples are provided

Preliminary Findings from a Pediatric Physical Activity Program for Children with Cancer

It is critical for pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer to engage in physical activity (PA) as it is associated with positive psychosocial outcomes and may improve physical function. However, physical activity opportunities for pediatric cancer patients are limited. PURPOSE: To test the feasibility and adherence of pediatric cancer patients to a virtual PA program. METHODS: Pediatric patients undergoing cancer treatment were referred to the Pediatric Physical Activity program (PePA) by the Children’s Hospital’s oncology team using rolling recruitment. The target sample size was 20-25 patients. Patients enrolled in an online 12-week PA intervention with similar-aged peers (2x/week, 60 min/session). Patients completed surveys which shared their hobbies and interests. They were given PA equipment (i.e., yoga ball, mat). Trained undergraduate Kinesiology students designed and delivered the PA lessons which included yoga, dancing, calisthenics and Pilates. PA duration (visual inspection of recorded sessions, system for observing fitness instruction time, SOFIT), intensity (wrist-based heart rate monitors) and focus group data were used to assess program feasibility. RESULTS: Nine patients enrolled in the study (5, 5-7 years-olds; 4, 13-16 year-olds). One patient from each group completed 95% and 79% of the 24 sessions, respectively. These 2 patients reported improved balance and enjoyment of the program. PA leaders led the 5-7-year-old and 13-16-year-old groups through 27.6±4.9 and 33.0±9.4 minutes of PA, respectively. Average PA intensity was 26±6% heart rate reserve (HRR) and varied based upon activity. Patients rated their perceived exertion (RPE) of the PA as 2-7 on a scale of 1-10. During the session, children aged 5-7 years and 13-16 years engaged in 14.6±9.1 and 27.2±14.4 minutes of fitness, respectively (SOFIT coding). Three-fourths through the program, the duration for the 5-7 year olds was reduced to 45 minutes to match energy levels. Patients and parent-proxies of the younger children reported that they liked the session duration and type of PA performed. CONCLUSION: PA intensity fell at the lower end of the recommended 30-45% HRR range for adult patients undergoing cancer treatment. Program adherence was difficult to achieve, but those who completed the program reported physical benefit

A web-based intervention (RESTORE) to support self-management of cancer-related fatigue following primary cancer treatment: a multi-centre proof of concept randomised controlled trial

Purpose: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a frequent and distressing symptom experienced after cancer treatment. RESTORE is the first web-based resource designed to enhance self-efficacy to manage CRF following curative-intent treatment. The aim of this study is to test the proof of concept and inform the design of an effectiveness trial. Methods: A multi-centre parallel-group two-armed (1:1) exploratory randomised controlled trial (RCT) with qualitative process evaluation was employed in the study. Participants (≥18 years; ≤5 years post treatment with moderate to severe fatigue) were recruited and randomly assigned to RESTORE or a leaflet. Feasibility and acceptability were measured by recruitment, attrition, intervention adherence, completion of outcome measures and process evaluation. Change in self-efficacy to manage CRF was also explored. Outcome measures were completed at baseline (T0), 6 weeks (T1) and 12 weeks (T2). Data were analysed using mixed-effects linear regression and directed content analysis. Results: One hundred and sixty-three people participated in the trial and 19 in the process evaluation. The intervention was feasible (39 % of eligible patients consented) and acceptable (attrition rate 36 %). There was evidence of higher fatigue self-efficacy at T1 in the intervention group vs comparator (mean difference 0.51 [−0.08 to 1.11]), though the difference in groups decreased by 12 weeks. Time since diagnosis influenced perceived usefulness of the intervention. Modifications were suggested. Conclusion: Proof of concept was achieved. The RESTORE intervention should be subject to a definitive trial with some adjustments. Provision of an effective supportive resource would empower cancer survivors to manage CRF after treatment completion