Judit Sarai Alvarado, Edith De Jesus-Sanchez As, Jessica Colon, Kevin Giff, Seth Lajeunesse, Molly De Marco
{"title":"Employing a Youth Internship Model to Identify Goals to Reduce Barriers to Active Living.","authors":"Judit Sarai Alvarado, Edith De Jesus-Sanchez As, Jessica Colon, Kevin Giff, Seth Lajeunesse, Molly De Marco","doi":"10.1177/15248399241263579","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15248399241263579","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Active lifestyles are vital for promoting health. In this practice note, we describe the implementation of an active living intervention designed to engage youth in identifying barriers to being physically active and developing recommendations to address these barriers. Youth interns were compensated for their time. Through this project, the community obtained street striping for the first time, secured a community center when the police substation building was turned over to the community, and had sidewalk funding prioritized for one of their busiest streets. Lessons learned while developing and implementing this youth internship program focused on making the internship program work well given youth schedules and focusing on supporting the voice of youth to advocate for changes to the built environment in an intentionally excluded community.</p>","PeriodicalId":47956,"journal":{"name":"Health Promotion Practice","volume":" ","pages":"397-400"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12996363/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141767665","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}
{"title":"Measuring Psychological Distress and Flourishing Among University Students: Initial Findings From One Health-Promoting University.","authors":"Abigail Seo-Youn Dubovi, Julie Edwards","doi":"10.1177/15248399251348164","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15248399251348164","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined baseline scores and health disparities on psychological distress, flourishing, and six flourishing domains among a diverse sample of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students as part of a comprehensive evaluation model for a health-promoting campus. The study offers a real-world approach to measuring student well-being with a focus on health equity. Participants (N = 1,019) completed an online survey including the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), Flourishing Measure-12 (FM), and demographic variables. In the sample, 30%, 39%, and 26% of students screened positive for psychological distress, anxiety, and depression, respectively. Notably, 58% were classified as \"flourishing\" or \"ready to start flourishing,\" highlighting the prevalence of flourishing among students in the face of distress. Results revealed significant group differences in distress and flourishing by gender identity, race, sexual orientation, and disability status. Students' scores on distress and flourishing significantly improved after finals, supporting the impact of semester timing on well-being. Findings support the utility of distress and flourishing as key well-being indicators and the need for systems-level, equity-focused approaches to address health disparities in campus settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":47956,"journal":{"name":"Health Promotion Practice","volume":" ","pages":"530-543"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508867","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}
Katherine DeVivo, Sara Wilcox, Yesil Kim, Daniel Heidtke, Scott Jamieson, Christine A Pellegrini
{"title":"Effective Recruitment Strategies for Underrepresented Adults With Arthritis in a Telephone-Delivered Walk With Ease Program.","authors":"Katherine DeVivo, Sara Wilcox, Yesil Kim, Daniel Heidtke, Scott Jamieson, Christine A Pellegrini","doi":"10.1177/15248399251337026","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15248399251337026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study describes the recruitment strategies for a 6-week telephone-delivered walking program for adults with arthritis, enrollment yields per strategy, and differences in participant sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, income, and race) across strategies. Adults with arthritis were recruited to participate in a clinical trial examining the effects of a telephone-delivered Walk With Ease (WWE) program. Enrollment yield was calculated as the ratio of participants randomized by recruitment strategy. Enrollment yields by each recruitment method were compared between age (<65 years and ≥65 years), income (<$66,990 and ≥$66,990), and race (Black and Non-Black). Participants (n = 267) were primarily female (92%) and Black (60%) with an average age of 64.1 ± 9.4 years and an average BMI of 34.2 ± 7.7kg/m<sup>2</sup>. The most successful recruitment strategies were Facebook (32%), radio advertisements (24%), word of mouth (13%), and community events or organizations (10%). There was no difference in recruitment strategies by age group; however, for Black and lower income participants, the top recruitment strategy was radio advertisements (39% and 28%, respectively). Facebook was the most effective recruitment strategy among the sample population, followed by radio advertisements and word of mouth. Radio advertisements were more effective at recruiting Black and lower income participants, and Facebook remained the most effective recruitment strategy among non-Black and higher-income participants. The approach to recruitment and strategies used may differ depending on the population of interest. Public health practitioners can use these results to tailor their recruitment strategies based on the priority population.</p>","PeriodicalId":47956,"journal":{"name":"Health Promotion Practice","volume":" ","pages":"503-510"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12996372/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144040856","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}
Joseph S Lightner, Kelsey Gardiner, Amanda Grimes, Robin P Shook, Sarah Hampl, Tyler Prochnow, Vicki Collie-Akers
{"title":"Communities Leading Change: Using Implementation Science to Improve Physical Activity and Nutrition Among Racially Minoritized Communities in Kansas City.","authors":"Joseph S Lightner, Kelsey Gardiner, Amanda Grimes, Robin P Shook, Sarah Hampl, Tyler Prochnow, Vicki Collie-Akers","doi":"10.1177/15248399251343048","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15248399251343048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Kansas City, Missouri (United States) is the fifth most economically and racially segregated city in the United States. Black and Latino individuals in Kansas City die up to 18 years earlier than non-Hispanic White individuals. The historical divestment has led to communities on Kansas City's east side having deleterious environments for physical activity and lack of access to healthy food. As a result, these residents, primarily Black and Latino community members, are disproportionately burdened by chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The purpose of this project is to reduce health disparities in chronic disease by increasing physical activity, improving nutrition, and increasing participation in family healthy weight programs for Black and Latino families in Kansas City. This implementation and research protocol describes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded collaborative agreement \"Communities Leading Change\" to improve long-term health among Black and Latino families in Kansas City. In the short term, we will improve policies, plans, and community design that increases access to physical activity, improve access to fruit and vegetables, and increase support for an evidence-based family healthy weight program. This initiative may inform future practice, policy, and research by providing an example of a long-term funded project that is community-driven and uses partnerships to create policy, systems, and environmental change.</p>","PeriodicalId":47956,"journal":{"name":"Health Promotion Practice","volume":" ","pages":"554-563"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144136495","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}
Ammar D Siddiqi, Rishit Yokananth, Maggie Britton, Hon Larry Wallace, Ananya Bharadwaj, Naimisha Vunnam, Alex Sherwood, Batul Hasan, Nina Palmo, Lorraine R Reitzel
{"title":"Care You Can Trust: How the Black Men's Health Clinic Leverages Community Partnerships Charting a Course Where Health Care Struggles to Reach.","authors":"Ammar D Siddiqi, Rishit Yokananth, Maggie Britton, Hon Larry Wallace, Ananya Bharadwaj, Naimisha Vunnam, Alex Sherwood, Batul Hasan, Nina Palmo, Lorraine R Reitzel","doi":"10.1177/15248399241269872","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15248399241269872","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Black men in the United States have a lower life expectancy than Hispanic and White populations due to elevated morbidity and mortality from various health conditions. This is partially attributable to the experience of systemic racism and earned mistrust toward health professionals, the majority of whom are not Black. Despite recognition of this issue, limited progress has been made to improve Black men's health trajectories. Thus, there is an urgent need for health care organizations to reach more Black men and address existing health inequities through innovative means. Larry Wallace Sr., an experienced health care executive, recognized this issue in his community and created the Black Men's Health Clinic (BMHC) with his son, Larry Wallace Jr., to improve health care delivery to Black men in and around Austin, Texas. BMHC has successfully reached Black men in its catchment area through its strategic community engagement efforts and a unique financial model to increase health care accessibility for a population that has historically experienced poor health outcomes. Furthermore, they offer a comprehensive range of services that acknowledge the impact of social and structural determinants of health and address social needs to provide Black men with access to vetted, high-quality health care. Consequently, BMHC's health care model offers a useful framework for other health care organizations that are aiming to achieve health equity. The BMHC model is presented herein, highlighting strategies for other health care organizations to reach Black men and deliver trusted care. Implementing suggestions discussed in this work may lead to improved health outcomes for Black men in the United States.</p>","PeriodicalId":47956,"journal":{"name":"Health Promotion Practice","volume":" ","pages":"408-412"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12996353/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141917783","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}
{"title":"Peer Learning in a College Student Health and Well-Being Expo: Together Again After Returning From Remote Learning.","authors":"Rebecca Rich, Leah Frantz, Zeinab Baba, Heather Edelblute, Jayme L Trogus","doi":"10.1177/15248399241298804","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15248399241298804","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Returning to campus after remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us were excited about participating in interactive, hands-on health promotion for students. In response, our Office of Wellness Promotion planned a student health and well-being expo in partnership with the university's College of Health Sciences (CHS). Faculty were invited to involve their students in the delivery. Student groups were encouraged to deliver health education in an interactive format. The event was open to the campus community, and participants were able to further their knowledge and skills in health and well-being topics. The student health and well-being expo was the first of its kind at the university, where students could learn with and from their peers and share their skills in many dimensions of wellness. The interactive nature of the activities allowed participants to practice health promotion skills and engage a diverse audience. Analysis of program evaluation data yielded overwhelmingly positive results, with most attendees considering the expo an innovative campus activity that fulfilled a need. Specifically, the interactive nature, peer learning, and incentives were aspects of the event students want to see return in future iterations of the expo.</p>","PeriodicalId":47956,"journal":{"name":"Health Promotion Practice","volume":" ","pages":"405-407"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142644962","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}
Allison Maiuri, Katharine Tatum, Sarah Segerlind, Rajita Bhavaraju, Anita Khilall, Shwata Suresh Kumar, Kelly Musoke, Delphina Sanchez, Karen Simpson, Ann Raftery, Kay Wallis, Elise Caruso, Nickolas DeLuca
{"title":"Education and Training Needs of U.S. Tuberculosis Programs.","authors":"Allison Maiuri, Katharine Tatum, Sarah Segerlind, Rajita Bhavaraju, Anita Khilall, Shwata Suresh Kumar, Kelly Musoke, Delphina Sanchez, Karen Simpson, Ann Raftery, Kay Wallis, Elise Caruso, Nickolas DeLuca","doi":"10.1177/15248399251347535","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15248399251347535","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funds tuberculosis (TB) Centers of Excellence (COEs) that support TB control and prevention efforts in the United States. In 2018, the TB COEs conducted a multiphased assessment among U.S. staff involved in TB service delivery to identify needs related to TB training, resources, and medical consultation. Representatives from each TB COE and CDC's Division of TB Elimination formed a workgroup to guide the design of the needs assessment. The group used an online survey for data collection. Participants were staff working in some capacity on TB within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Staff could be in non-public health (e.g., community health center, hospital, laboratory, private practice) or public health (state or local health department staff responsible for TB) settings and did not have to be a clinical health care provider (N = 1,482). We identified four priority areas for future TB training and education efforts. These areas include (1) focus on key topics; (2) tailor training and products to different professions, settings, and skill levels; (3) keep learners updated on the latest resources and best practices; and (4) use a mix of training methods and formats. The findings highlighted future priorities for TB training and education and were shared with health department TB programs throughout the United States.</p>","PeriodicalId":47956,"journal":{"name":"Health Promotion Practice","volume":" ","pages":"521-529"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12631154/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144295134","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}
{"title":"Feasibility and Impact of an Outdoor Physical Activity Park for Older Adults to Encourage Healthy Aging and Maintain Independence.","authors":"Yael Zilbershlag, Sigal Liraz Zaltsman, Ella Been","doi":"10.1177/15248399251349463","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15248399251349463","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Physical activity may maintain and improve overall health and well-being throughout one's lifetime. Among older adults, improved physical function can reduce fall risk, cognitive decline, and improve overall psychological well-being. Despite these numerous benefits, older adults often encounter barriers to regular exercise, including limited accessibility, lack of motivation, and financial constraints. Placement of designated outdoor physical activity parks specifically designed for older people may offset these barriers. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of using outdoor parks to encourage physical activity and improve motor and cognitive function, and quality of life among older people. Independent participants were recruited from the community, and frail participants from the day center adjoining the park. Participants completed pre-/post-intervention evaluations [Activities of Daily Living [ADL], Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale [IADL], World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief [WHOQoL-BREF], falls questionnaire, Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA] assessment and the Timed Up and Go [TUG], Uni Pedal Stance Test [UPST], and 30 seconds sit to stand test [<sub>30</sub>CST] tests]. Exercise sessions lasted 30 to 45 minutes, were supervised by a health professional, and provided twice weekly over an 8-week period; 33 participants (66-87 years), completed the program. Among frail participants, a significant improvement was noted in TUG test results [F(1, 30) = 15.49, p < .001, η<sup>2</sup> = .356], indicating improved balance and reduced fall risk, and a marginally significant increase in the psychological quality of life was noted among independent participants [F(1, 30) = 3.62, p = .067, η<sup>2</sup> = .108]. Overall participant satisfaction was high. An outdoor park intervention among older frail and independent adults may have a significant positive impact on physical and psychological health variables and future research should be encouraged in this area.</p>","PeriodicalId":47956,"journal":{"name":"Health Promotion Practice","volume":" ","pages":"440-451"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144585302","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}
Natalia Gonçalves Bernardi, Eduardo Quadros da Silva, Marilene Ghiraldi de Souza Marques, Samuel Rodrigues Lourenço de Morais, José Roberto Andrade do Nascimento Júnior, Bráulio Henrique Magnani Branco, Daniel Vicentini de Oliveira
{"title":"Effects of 12 Weeks of Functional and Resistance Training on Anxiety Symptoms and Sleep Quality in Older Individuals.","authors":"Natalia Gonçalves Bernardi, Eduardo Quadros da Silva, Marilene Ghiraldi de Souza Marques, Samuel Rodrigues Lourenço de Morais, José Roberto Andrade do Nascimento Júnior, Bráulio Henrique Magnani Branco, Daniel Vicentini de Oliveira","doi":"10.1177/15248399251367246","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15248399251367246","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This quasi-experimental intervention study aims to verify the effects of 12 weeks of functional and resistance exercise on anxiety symptoms and sleep quality in 40 older adults. The Perceived Stress Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used. The physical training protocol used in the intervention was structured into resistance training and functional training sessions. Data analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, asymmetry and kurtosis coefficients, bootstrapping procedures, dependent and independent Student t-test, and Spearman correlation (p < .05). There was a significant reduction in the mean of anxiety symptoms (p < .001) in the sleep disturbance component (p = .033) and the total sleep quality score (p = .017). It is noteworthy that younger older people (60-69 years old) showed better quality in the sleep disorders component after the intervention when compared to older people (70 years old or more) (p = .004). It is concluded that 12 weeks of functional and resistance training were able to reduce symptoms of anxiety and sleep disorders and increase sleep quality in older people. Implementing functional and resistance exercise programs can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms and improve sleep quality in the older population.</p>","PeriodicalId":47956,"journal":{"name":"Health Promotion Practice","volume":" ","pages":"464-473"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145055912","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}
Rebekah Duchette, Roshelle Payes, Christopher Botsko, Carrie Dooyema, Margaret West, Kelly Dahl
{"title":"Embedding Physical Activity Training in State Child Care Systems: An Evaluation of the Physical Activity Learning Sessions.","authors":"Rebekah Duchette, Roshelle Payes, Christopher Botsko, Carrie Dooyema, Margaret West, Kelly Dahl","doi":"10.1177/15248399251320977","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15248399251320977","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Child care programs can be one setting for promoting physical activity (PA). To support technical assistance providers in promoting PA best practices, Nemours Children's Health with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed a set of trainings known as Physical Activity Learning Sessions (PALS). PALS centers on PA best practices, and state partners are encouraged to embed the program into early care and education (ECE) systems, such as training and TA networks. From 2019 to 2023, 22 states and 802 individuals completed a PALS train-the-trainer (TTT) course. This brief highlights findings from the 2022-2023 PALS evaluation, examining the extent to which PALS provided ECE trainers with effective training materials, affected trainer confidence in providing PA trainings to ECE providers, and was integrated into state systems. The PALS evaluation included a mixed-methods design consisting of pre-, post-, and 6-month post-TTT surveys of trainers. Among trainers, 87% of 125 respondents said they were confident training ECE providers on PA practices after completing the PALS TTT. Nearly 67% of participants planned to deliver a PALS training to ECE providers within 6 months of completing the TTT. Surveys from 16 of 18 PALS state leads suggested PALS has been embedded in state ECE systems. PALS counts for training credit of some type in 10 states, including licensing, provider credentials, and Quality Rating and Improvement Systems. Additional evaluation efforts could determine the impact of PALS on PA practices and policies among ECE providers and programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":47956,"journal":{"name":"Health Promotion Practice","volume":" ","pages":"425-429"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12353378/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143504855","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}