{"title":"Supporting Mental Health in School Settings: Findings from a Qualitative Evaluation","authors":"Linda Weiss, M. Jacob, Maya Scherer, A. Borkina","doi":"10.14485/hbpr.8.5.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14485/hbpr.8.5.4","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: In this paper, we describe results from stakeholder interviews conducted to assess implementation and perceived outcomes of a project, implemented in 92 New York City middle and high schools, and focused on building the mental health-related skills of school personnel and promotion of healthier school environments. Methods: As part of a mixed-methods evaluation, we conducted 59 key stakeholder interviews with staff of participating community-based organizations and schools. Interview topics included mental health needs, project activities, engagement by school staff, strengths and challenges of the initiative, and perceived impact. Results: At the start of the project, interviewees reported difficulty comprehending the model and accepting its utility, given the direct service needs of students. Although concerns remained, we found positive impact, including increased awareness of mental health issues and their root causes, a greater sensitivity to students’ social and emotional challenges, and improved capacity to manage behavioral issues in the classroom. Conclusions: Although targeted approaches are needed for high-risk youth, population-level approaches may increase mental health knowledge and skills and support transformation leading to healthier school environments.","PeriodicalId":44486,"journal":{"name":"Health Behavior and Policy Review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47068899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rosenda Murillo, Mariana Vazquez, Isabel Martinez Leal, Daphne C Hernandez, Qian Lu, Lorraine R Reitzel
{"title":"Perceptions and Barriers to Physical Activity in Childhood and Adulthood Among Latinas.","authors":"Rosenda Murillo, Mariana Vazquez, Isabel Martinez Leal, Daphne C Hernandez, Qian Lu, Lorraine R Reitzel","doi":"10.14485/hbpr.8.4.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14485/hbpr.8.4.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify perceptions and barriers to physical activity in childhood and adulthood among Latina adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Three focus groups, 2 dyadic interviews, and an individual interview were conducted using semi-structured interview guides with 23 Latina women aged 21-35. A thematic analysis approach employing inductive and deductive coding was utilized to code, categorize, and summarize data into themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The themes that emerged focused on: (1) physical activity is enjoyable; (2) family influenced physical activity; (3) different lifestyle in the US influenced physical activity; (4) physical activity is important for health; and (5) responsibilities (eg, work, caregiving) as barriers to physical activity in adulthood.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Perceptions and barriers to physical activity experienced in both childhood and adulthood should be considered in the promotion of physical activity among Latinas.</p>","PeriodicalId":44486,"journal":{"name":"Health Behavior and Policy Review","volume":"8 4","pages":"294-304"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8786208/pdf/nihms-1737506.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39724794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marie-Maude Dubuc, Seira Fortin-Suzuki, Sylvie Beaudoin, F. Berrigan, S. Turcotte
{"title":"High School Students Voice Regarding School-based Physical Activity: Perceived Barriers and Facilitating Factors","authors":"Marie-Maude Dubuc, Seira Fortin-Suzuki, Sylvie Beaudoin, F. Berrigan, S. Turcotte","doi":"10.14485/hbpr.8.4.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14485/hbpr.8.4.5","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: To contribute to the development of tailored school-based physical activity interventions, in this study, we aimed to identify the perceived facilitating factors and barriers of high school students toward their physical activity in the school environment. Methods: A total of 139 students from 4 different high schools completed an online questionnaire comprising open-ended questions on their perceived facilitating factors and barriers toward their physical activity at school. Thereafter, 100 of these students participated in one of the 16 focus groups designed to deepen students’ responses regarding their perceived facilitating factors and barriers. Qualitative content analysis was performed to classify data according to the Social-Ecological Model. Results: Through questionnaires, students mostly identified intrapersonal elements as facilitating factors and barriers to their practice of physical activity, as opposed to institutional factors during the focus groups. Girls strongly valued the characteristics of the interventions and of the involved school stakeholders. Conclusions: Our results allow us to qualify the current understanding of high school students’ perceived facilitating factors and barriers toward school-based physical activity and strengthen the relevance of surveying students prior to the development and implementation of physical activity interventions.","PeriodicalId":44486,"journal":{"name":"Health Behavior and Policy Review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45935251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessment and Management of Mercury-Catalyzed Polyurethane Gym Floors: 10 Lessons from 10 New Jersey School Districts","authors":"R. Lynch, E. Favata, M. Gochfeld","doi":"10.14485/hbpr.8.4.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14485/hbpr.8.4.6","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: Mercury catalyzed polyurethane (MCPU) floors installed in K-12 gymnasiums may release mercury vapor presenting possible mercury exposure to teachers and students. Varied approaches to sampling, air monitoring, ventilation, evacuation of gyms and/or removal of the floor coverings have occurred. As many gyms are being converted to classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic, effective assessment and management of these floors is essential. Methods: Mercury assessment strategies for 10 New Jersey schools with MCPU floors were reviewed to assist school districts with decisions for management in-place or removal. Results: Bulk mercury levels do not predict airborne mercury levels. Mercury generation rates ranged between 0.02 to 0.17 μg/ft2/ hour. Hazards encountered during removal are substantial. Conclusions: Decisions to manage or remove mercury catalyzed rubber-like gym floor should be based upon a rigorous multi-factor assessment. Mercury exposures often can be managed via HVAC, added ventilation, temperature, and maintenance controls. A statewide registry of MCPU floors should be considered. Removal of MCPU floors should be professionally monitored to protect teachers, staff, and students.","PeriodicalId":44486,"journal":{"name":"Health Behavior and Policy Review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48782381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"State Recreational Marijuana Laws and Dispensaries: Chronic School Absenteeism in Washington State","authors":"M. Gakh, C. Coughenour, B. Kleven, B. Labus","doi":"10.14485/hbpr.8.4.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14485/hbpr.8.4.8","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: Whereas states continue to experiment with liberalized marijuana laws, how these laws impact health, education, and social factors is not yet fully understood. In this study, we examined whether chronic school absenteeism rates changed in Washington State in the presence of recreational marijuana dispensaries pursuant to implementation of the state’s recreational marijuana laws. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis using school district chronic absenteeism rates before and after the presence of recreational dispensaries. Results: The results of the independent samples t-test showed no statistically significant difference in chronic absenteeism rates among districts with or without recreational marijuana dispensaries. Conclusions: The finding of no statistical significance for chronic absenteeism in districts with and without recreational dispensaries – a pattern that largely persisted among at-risk groups – supports that the presence of recreational marijuana dispensaries seems neither to exacerbate nor improve chronic school absenteeism rates. This finding is important for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers trying to understand the changing marijuana legal landscape.","PeriodicalId":44486,"journal":{"name":"Health Behavior and Policy Review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41495509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Cross-sectional Survey of Chinese Secondary School Students on Infectious Disease Prevention during the COVID-19 Outbreak","authors":"Hai-qing Qiu, Zhongwei Liu, H. Fang","doi":"10.14485/hbpr.8.4.7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14485/hbpr.8.4.7","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: Improving secondary school students’ knowledge and behaviors toward infectious disease prevention is key to promoting their health. In this study, we evaluated secondary school students’ infectious disease prevention literacy, determined the sources of knowledge acquisition, and identified deficiencies in education programs. Methods: A questionnaire was disseminated through social media from February 1-5, 2020, starting from selected class group chats of students in Shaanxi, Gansu, and Jiangsu provinces. A total of 1761 responses were collected. The male-to-female ratio was 1.08:1. The chi-square test was employed to analyze data. Results: Most respondents reported that they were familiar with the standard 7-step handwashing method. Most respondents reported that their knowledge and behaviors of infectious disease prevention were mainly acquired through the Internet. The vast majority of respondents believed that more education programs are needed in secondary schools. Conclusions: Secondary school students’ knowledge and behaviors toward infectious disease prevention need to be improved. Infectious disease prevention programs on campuses should be increased in quantity, enriched in scope, refined in form, and improved in coherence and continuity.","PeriodicalId":44486,"journal":{"name":"Health Behavior and Policy Review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42288362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Julie Maier, K. Jozkowski, María S. Montenegro, Malachi Willis, R. Turner, Brandon L. Crawford, Wen‐Juo Lo
{"title":"Examining Auxiliary Verbs in a Salient Belief Elicitation","authors":"Julie Maier, K. Jozkowski, María S. Montenegro, Malachi Willis, R. Turner, Brandon L. Crawford, Wen‐Juo Lo","doi":"10.14485/hbpr.8.4.9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14485/hbpr.8.4.9","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: Salient belief elicitations (SBEs) measure beliefs toward a health behavior through open-ended questions, with the purpose of developing close-ended survey questions. Auxiliary verbs used in SBE questions often differ (eg, What are the top 3 reasons you would/should decide to have an abortion?). We tested how 2 auxiliary verbs function in a SBE assessing abortion in English and Spanish: would/decidíra and should/debería. Methods: We administered a SBE survey online (N = 175) and in-person (N = 72); in-person participants also participated in cognitive interviews to assess question interpretation. Participants were assigned to survey versions that included identical SBE questions aside from auxiliary verbs—would/decidíra versus should/debería. Data analysis included: (1) content analysis of survey responses to assess differences in responses by version and (2) thematic analysis of interview data focused on interpretations of would/decidíra and should/ debería. Results: Would/decidíra surveys generated more response categories. Similarly, cognitive interview findings suggest participants conceptualized would/decidíra as allowing for more options, while should/debería was thought to include only the most significant reasons/circumstances for abortion, potentially restricting participants’ responses. Conclusion: These findings have important measurement implications for researchers administering SBEs","PeriodicalId":44486,"journal":{"name":"Health Behavior and Policy Review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44075982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. Alim, Kerim Gokustun, Gozde Caliskan, Z. Beşler
{"title":"Do Disordered Eating Behaviors Have an Effect on Food Addiction?","authors":"N. Alim, Kerim Gokustun, Gozde Caliskan, Z. Beşler","doi":"10.14485/hbpr.8.4.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14485/hbpr.8.4.4","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between food addiction and uncontrolled eating, cognitive restraint, and emotional eating. Methods: We carried out this study with 1168 students (758 girls and 410 boys) studying at 7 different high schools in Ankara, Turkey. We used 3 measures. The first measure part assessed the participants’ demographic characteristics. We used 2 other validated measures, the Yale Food Addiction Scale and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, to assess disordered eating behaviors. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between girls (12.9%) and boys (12%) in terms of food addiction (p = .67). We found that uncontrolled eating (p < .001), cognitive restraint (p = .007), and emotional eating (p < .001) scores were higher in individuals with food addiction (60.50±22.37; 38.39±24.41 and 57.42±28.49 respectively) than those without food addiction (40.17±24.74; 32.36±25.4 and 31.11±29.46 respectively). Furthermore, these eating behaviors increased the risk of food addiction in adolescents [Uncontrolled eating: OR: 1.02 (1.01-1.03); Cognitive Restraint: OR: 1.01 (1.00-1.02); Emotional Eating: OR: 1.016(1.009-1.024)]. Conclusions: Disordered eating behaviors can be seen more frequently among adolescents with food addiction compared to those without. In addition, these eating behaviors can increase the risk of food addiction relatively.","PeriodicalId":44486,"journal":{"name":"Health Behavior and Policy Review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46124431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J. Shrand, Madeline J. DiGiovanni, Dana Lee, anita kishnore, Andrés Martin
{"title":"Drug Story Theater: A Mixed-Methods Study of a Peer-to-Peer Approach to Substance Abuse Education","authors":"J. Shrand, Madeline J. DiGiovanni, Dana Lee, anita kishnore, Andrés Martin","doi":"10.14485/hbpr.8.4.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14485/hbpr.8.4.1","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: Drug Story Theater (DST) is a peer-to-peer intervention that engages teenagers in the early stages of their recovery to develop shows about the seduction of, addiction to, and recovery from drugs and alcohol. Methods: We analyzed anonymous surveys completed by students before and after attending a DST performance, and transcripts of focus group interviews conducted with (1) program developers, (2) stakeholders, (3) performers, and (4) audience members. Results: Students (N = 871) from 5 schools attended one of 2 DST performances. Participants demonstrated increased knowledge on 5 fact-based questions (mean improvement range, 19%- 35%; p < .001 for all), and favorable changes on 10 items addressing perceptions regarding substance use risk (paired t test range, 3.9-9.4; p < .001 for all). Through iterative thematic analysis we developed an alliterative “7P” model spanning 2 domains: (1) Participants (Performers and Peers); and (2) Program (Partnerships, Practicalities, and Prevention). Conclusions: Exposure to a DST performance improved knowledge and risk perceptions about addiction among middle and high school students. It remains to be seen if those changes can have an effect on the prevention of substance use and dependence among vulnerable youth, and whether the active components of DST can be replicated in other school environments.","PeriodicalId":44486,"journal":{"name":"Health Behavior and Policy Review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47306812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring the Potential Effects of Technology Exposure on Temporary Impulsive Behaviors in Children","authors":"Bahae Samhan, Regina Ruane","doi":"10.14485/hbpr.8.4.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.14485/hbpr.8.4.3","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: In this study, we examined the potential impact technology exposure has on children. We focused on its relation to temporary impulsive behaviors. Methods: We conducted a randomized, controlled experiment on kindergartners to examine whether exposure to media influenced their short-term impulsivity. Results: Our findings confirm impulsivity in the experimental group. All test score means were statistically differen- all time scores were smaller and means for all error scores were larger in the post-study. This implies children respond faster but with more errors, a typical symptom of impulsivity. Conclusion: Our results support the importance of minimizing excessive use of technologies for children to reduce educational risks. Exposure to technology has demonstrated increased tendencies among children, where there are demonstrated difficulties in slowing down and controlling the number of errors they make on complext parts of presented tasks. In contrast, children with no exposure to the technology were better able to slow down, and make fewer errors.","PeriodicalId":44486,"journal":{"name":"Health Behavior and Policy Review","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46902893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}