Health Studies

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11274/15831

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A light in the flame: Perceived burnout among underrepresented minority physician assistant educators in the United States
(7/12/2021) Sturges, Daytheon; Massey-Stokes, Marilyn
There is a keen interest surrounding burnout in academic medicine with an existing need for more studies regarding the subject (Dandar et al., 2019). The priority population for this study were underrepresented minority (URM) physician assistant (PA) educators in the United States. The purpose was to determine external and internal contributors that lead to perceived burnout, as well as to investigate if primary and secondary appraisal inform burnout coping strategies. The study also sought to determine if there was an existing relationship between demographic factors (gender, age, self-identified race, faculty role, and “years in faculty position”) and emotional exhaustion (EE). This study employed a mixed-methods research design using a convenience sample representative of URM PA educators from across the United States (n = 101). For the quantitative portion of the study, the participants completed a demographics survey and the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Educators Survey from which their average EE score was calculated. For the qualitative portion of the study, 11 participants were interviewed to identify burnout perception, burnout contributors, and burnout coping strategies. An independent samples t test, Pearson’s r correlation, multiple linear regression, and one-way analysis of variances were used to determine the relationship between demographic variables and EE. Qualitative data were analyzed by categorizing the findings into codes and organizing the themes into parent nodes. Data analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between gender and EE. This relationship demonstrated that women URM PA educators experience burnout at increased rates compared to men URM PA educators. There were no statistically significant relationships between age (r = .015, R2 = .000225, p = .883), self-identified race (F (1, 98) = .108, p = .744, η2 = .001), faculty role (F (1, 97) = 3.09, p = .082, η2 = .031), and “years in faculty position” and EE (F (1, 99) = .271, p = .604, η2 = .003). The overall predictive model of the demographic variables and EE score was not statistically significant (F(5, 92) = 1.859, p = .109, R2 = .092, adjusted R2 = 0.042). The qualitative data offered insight into burnout perception, contributors, coping strategies, current institutional and programmatic burnout strategies, suggested institutional and programmatic burnout strategies, common occupational stressors, initial responses to occupational stressors, and overall experiences of URM PA educators. Study results yielded insight regarding burnout perception among URM PA educators in the United States. In turn, these findings can be used to inform future health education interventions aimed at preventing burnout among URM PA educators.
Access versus attitude: Determining influences on fruit and vegetable intake of fifth grade students
(6/10/2019) Gardner, Julie G; Golman, Mandy
Obesity rates are at the highest ever with 39.8% of American adults and 18.5% of Americans aged 6 to 19 years considered obese (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2018a; CDC, 2018c; Hales, Carroll, Fryar, & Ogden, 2017). Obesity is a serious health concern that increases the risk for chronic disease as well as psychological issues (CDC, 2018c; Dauchet, Amouyel, Hercberg, & Dallongville, 2006; Litwin, 2014). Improved fruit and vegetable intake reduces risk for weight gain; however, many Americans fail to get the recommended daily intake (World Health Organization [WHO], 2014). Additionally, a person’s positive attitude toward consumption, as well as access to healthy foods impacts eating habits and patterns. This study examined the school-based intervention Grow into Health (GIH) and its attempt to improve fruit and vegetable (FV) intake. The study examined how attitude and perceptions of access to healthy foods may affect FV intake. Over 700 students participated in the intervention. This study utilized pre- and post-survey data to analyze the intervention, attitude, and perceptions of access as predictors of improved FV intake. Although, the program was designed to improve knowledge and behavior related to fruit and vegetable consumption, analysis of the data found no statistically significant impact which provides opportunity for future researchers to learn. School-based interventions should include a comprehensive approach which should be long term and involve educational, environmental, and physical strategies (Brown et al., 2016). The strategies must include input from a comprehensive personnel team including classroom teachers, family members, and student support systems (Brown et al., 2016; Mahmood, Perveen, Dino, & Mehraj, 2014; Mei et al., 2016; Mukamana & Johri, 2016). The GIH intervention was restricted by internal and external limitations which contributed to the absence of statistical significance. Researchers should invest time in survey design and intervention planning to better understand content, evaluation and data analysis to improve program efficiency and outcomes.
Accessibility of physician services to Medicare and Medicaid recipients in Denton, Texas
(8/30/1993) Chastain, Carol Ann; Ward, Susan E.; Baker, Judith; Cissell, William B.
In 1965, the Congress of the United States enacted Title XVIII and Title XIX of the Social Security Amendment Act. This was the formal beginning of Medicare and Medicaid, programs established to provide health care for the elderly and the impoverished, two of the most vulnerable groups in society. The system was designed to provide health care without discrimination. The purpose of this study was to determine which physicians in Denton, Texas would accept Medicare and Medicaid patients, their policies on assignment, and office accessibility to handicapped patients. The study, using a descriptive survey method of research, with a mailed questionnaire, and telephone follow up of non-respondents, realized a 97% response. Results were analyzed in two ways, by total sample and by specialty. Analysis by total sample appeared to demonstrate a fairly favorable physician attitude toward Medicare and Medicaid recipients. The pattern seemed to change significantly when data was analyzed by physician specialty group.
Actual and self-perceived knowledge of health care providers regarding Southeast Asian health-related communication styles and cultural beliefs
(12/30/1992) Greer, Ruth Elaine; Kaplan, Leah E.; Ward, Susan; Cissell, William B.
The purpose of the study was to examine health care providers' self perceptions of their effectiveness when providing health care to Southeast Asian adults as related to their knowledge concerning Southeast Asians' communication styles and cultural beliefs about health. The population consisted of 30 professional health care providers employed at either the East Dallas Health Center or the Dallas Memorial Hospital Clinic located in Dallas, Texas. The questionnaire was administered in June 1992. The Pearson product-moment correlations were used to determine whether relationships existed between the knowledge of Southeast Asian communication styles and cultural beliefs and the providers' self-perceptions of effectiveness when providing health care to Southeast Asian adults. Overall results revealed no significant relationship between the objective and subjective measures of the knowledge of health care providers regarding Southeast Asian communication styles; no significant relationship between objective and subjective measures of the knowledge of health care providers regarding Southeast Asian cultural beliefs about health, and that health care providers' self-perceived effectiveness when providing health care to Southeast Asian adults is not related significantly to their knowledge concerning either Southeast Asian communication styles or cultural beliefs about health.
An adapted physical education service delivery system utilizing an interagency inservice teacher education model
(Texas Woman's University, 12/31/1981) Tymeson, Garth T.; Sherrill, Claudine; Gench, Barbara; Gorton, Chester; Moran, Joan; Mott, Jane
An Afrocentric perspective: needs of breast cancer survivors
(12/30/2002) Coggin, Claudia Stickney
The number of breast cancer survivors has continued to increase over the last 10 years. Surviving a cancer diagnosis changes all aspects of a woman's life forever. The purpose of this study was to identify the needs of Black/African American breast cancer survivors using a Delphi Technique and to determine the resources available, accessible and used by these breast cancer survivors. The researcher applied a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze the data. Nominations for a panel of experts (participants) were solicited from the Sisters Network, Inc., a national African American breast cancer support group, and other service providers. Invitation letters and a Round One Questionnaire were sent to 216 Black/African American breast cancer survivors. One hundred forty participants returned completed surveys. Ninety of the 140 participants returned a self-addressed label indicating their willingness to continue in the study. Each of the 90 participants was mailed the Round Two Questionnaire and 81 returned the questionnaire. Eighty-one participants were mailed the Round Three Questionnaire. Sixty-two returned the third and final questionnaire of the Delphi Technique process. Black/African American breast cancer survivors identified their most important needs to be: (1) to have a full range of affordable, accessible, acceptable, and appropriate medical care and other support services; (2) to have a loving, caring family; (3) to know who to contact for information regarding breast cancer symptoms or related health problems; (4) to have strong faith and relationship with God; and (5) to have adequate resources for self-care and care for their family. The study findings can be used to guide health educators in designing and implementing culturally appropriate programs to assist Black/African American breast cancer survivors to access and utilize available support services. Further, health educators could assist breast cancer support groups, service providers, and other community organizations design educational programs/services that are culturally appropriate for Black/African American breast cancer survivors. Efforts to address survivorship needs of diverse groups of women require knowledge and understanding of the needs of all women who experience and survive breast cancer.
Alienation, group dependency and reasons for abstinence among female college student marijuana users and nonusers
(8/30/1973) Bledsoe, Pamela; Day, Dalton; Merki, Donald; Janssen, Calvin
The present study compared marijuana users and nonusers with regard to demographic and personality variables, including alienation and group dependency. The nonusers' reasons for abstaining from marijuana were also investigated. The subjects were 316 students enrolled at Texas Woman's University. A three-part questionnaire eliciting background information and drug data, and containing Dean's Alienation Scale and the Q2 Scale from the Sixteen Personality Factor Test, was administered to the subjects. Marijuana users were characterized as being more likely to live with their parents, to participate in protests and demonstrations, to feel bored and depressed frequently, to have parents who smoke cigarettes frequently, to smoke cigarettes and drink alcoholic beverages frequently themselves, to use drugs for nonmedical reasons, to obtain their drug information from friends, and to have more friends who also smoke marijuana. Results indicated that nonusers abstained from marijuana because: (a) they believed that they did not need marijuana in order to enjoy life, (b) they did not want to live a life distorted by the use of marijuana, and (c) they did not believe that marijuana would solve their problems. Marijuana users were more likely to be alienated than nonusers. Users and nonusers were not significantly different with regard to group dependency; however, principled nonusers were found to be more group dependent than users.
Anaerobic fatigue and its effect on kinematic and kinetic variables associated with impact during vertical jumping
(1996) Robinson, Russell E.; Wilkerson, Jerry; Gench, Barbara; Ben-Ezra, Victor; French, Ronald
Kinematic and kinetic variables associated with impacts during non-fatigued and fatigued vertical jumping were examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate fatigue and its effect on anterior/posterior shear forces, compression forces, and flexion/extension moments at the ankle, knee, and hip during an impact from vertical jumping. Twenty unskilled untrained females were tested isokinetically at 60 and 180 deg/s for leg extension and flexion strength. Leg strength was examined then retested two days later immediately following the Wingate Anaerobic Power test. This data was compared and used to quantify the amount of fatigue that would occur following the Wingate test. Non-fatigued and fatigued conditions were compared and significant differences $(p<.01)$ were present for peak torque at 60 and 180 deg/s during both leg extension and flexion. Significant differences $(p<.01)$ also occurred during the 25th repetition of leg extension and flexion at 180 deg/s. Non-fatigued and fatigued vertical jumps were performed approximately one week after the isokinetic leg testing. Non-fatigued countermovement vertical jumps were performed first with the fatigued jumps occurring second. The fatigued jumps were conducted immediately following the Wingate test. No differences were present for anterior/posterior shear forces, compression forces, and flexion/extension moments for the ankle, knee, and hip. There was a significant decrease $(p<.01)$ in vertical jump height. It was concluded that kinetic changes in the joint did not occur because of a decrease in jump height. This was attributed to the lower extremity muscles being fatigued and as a result, the lower extremity muscles were unable to produce enough force to displace the body of the individual into the air for the same distance.
An analysis of predictors of Staphylococcus aureus among patients with autoimmune diseases in North Texas
(12/30/2010) Kehl, Susan; Wiginton, Kristin; Massey-Stokes, Marilyn; Coyle, Thomas
The prevalence of autoimmunity is increasing, and a comprehensive, definitive understanding of treatment remains elusive to medical and genetic research. Hospitalized autoimmune patients who experience complications are potentially at greater risk for infections. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the predictors of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) among hospitalized, autoimmune patients in North Texas. This retrospective study assessed secondary data of 65,536 adult patients from 1999 to 2005. Cross tabulations, chi squares, t tests, ANOVAs, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to find relationships and predictors of SA related infections among the sample. The descriptive characteristics of patients discharged after SA infections were analyzed. Multiple significant relationships were identified. The rate of SA infections discovered in the sample, SA specific infections (2.8%), SA infections (1.7%), MRSA (.1%), and SA possibly related infections (3.3%) was included in the data presentation. Finally, multiple logistic regression analyses were completed on the full sample, and three random samples. Several covariates were either protective or predictive of a diagnosis of infection in patients with autoimmune diagnoses. Females (OR = 1.256 – 1.791, p <.05), African-Americans (OR = 1.231– 1.427, p < .05), 10 or more day 1.427, p < .05), 10 or more day hospital stay (OR = 3.955 – 6.911, p < .001), $24,000 or more in hospital charges (OR = 2.210 – 2.726, p < .01), SLE patients (OR = 1.421 – 2.198, p < .05), acute renal failure (1.346 – 3.071, p < .05), and patients with acute respiratory failure (OR = 1.416 – 2.664, p < .05) were at increased risk for infection.
An analysis of psychosocial constructs of weight behaviors among college women
(8/30/2007) Finnie, Jamecia; Love, Anna; Wiginton, Kristin; Ward, Susan
This study used archival data collected from the 2005 Psychosocial Barriers to Healthy Behaviors in College Students Project at a mid size, public university in the southwestern region of the United States. A phenomenological approach was used to analyze nine focus groups for barriers, sociocultural influences, locus of control, and sources of health information, concerning healthy weight behaviors among college women 18 and 44 years of age. Six research questions were developed to complete the study purposes. Focus group data were transcribed from audio recordings, audited using video recordings, and coded. Then, the long table method was used to generate themes. Additionally, video recordings were analyzed for body dynamics. Five overarching themes were found. Additionally, results show that internal conflict and the internalization of cultural norms may play a major role in participants' ability to control healthy weight behaviors. Creating studies that seek to understand the multitude of factors that influence weight behaviors will help researchers understand and alleviate the current obesity epidemic.
An analysis of socio-economic levels and ethnic backgrounds with respect to health behavior of seventh-grade girls in Del Rio, Texas
(Texas Woman's University, 8/31/1970) Lynch, Patricia L,
Analyzing the use of alcohol-related protective behaviors among college students attending a Midwest Liberal Arts University
(12/30/2011) Holbrook, Celeste; Massey-Stokes, Marilyn; Terrell, Jody A.; Parker, Kimberly A., Ph. D.
The increased use of alcohol among college students has raised concern among health educators. High-risk drinking behaviors are widely popular in many groups of college students, and binge drinking is especially common. Studies indicate that two out of every five American college students are considered binge drinkers (O'Malley & Johnston, 2002). Many types of types of health education programs have been utilized by campus health educators to reduce alcohol-related negative consequences among college students (The Bacchus Network, n.d.). One particular type of intervention includes the promotion of alcohol-related protective behaviors that can be employed by students to reduce the occurrence of alcohol-related consequences (College Drinking Prevention, 2010a). This study identified the frequency of nine alcohol-related protective behaviors that undergraduate students who attended a Midwestern U.S. university employ to reduce the negative consequences of frequent, heavy alcohol use. The null hypothesis indicated that there would be no difference in the use of alcohol-related protective behaviors by gender (male vs. female), Greek affiliation (students who identify as Greek vs. independent), or living status (students who live on campus vs. those who live off campus). A secondary data set collected in 2007 from the students was analyzed for this study. The findings indicated that gender and Greek affiliation had a significant effect on the use of alcohol-related protective behaviors, while living status had no significant effect on alcohol-related protective behaviors. The influences of gender. Greek affiliation, and living status were examined in relation to theoretically based health education programs aimed at reducing alcohol-related negative consequences. Further research on alcohol-related protective behaviors in this population can help health educators plan, implement, and evaluate programs to reduce negative consequences of alcohol consumption by college students.
Assessing community reintegration in adolescents and young adults with spinal cord injury: A Delphi study
(2013-05) Rivera, Roy Jr.; Massey-Stokes, Marilyn; Coyle, Thomas; Parker, Kimberly A.; Golman, Mandy
The ability for adolescents and young adults (YA) with spinal cord injury (SCI) to reintegrate into the community and become contributing members of society is constantly challenged by both internal and external factors. In acute, sub-acute, and rehabilitative settings, allied health professionals are instrumental in helping these adolescents and YA with SCI reintegrate into the community by providing those physical, emotional, and psychosocial skills necessary for success. The purpose of this study was for a panel of allied health professionals to arrive at a consensus regarding the most effective multidisciplinary approach for helping adolescents and YA with SCI reintegrate into the community. This study used the Delphi technique and was comprised of physical therapists (PT), occupational therapists (OT), and certified child life specialists (CCLS). The Delphi Panel was initially composed of 31 allied health professionals from various clinical practice settings across the United States; however, only 10 allied health professionals followed the study to completion. The Delphi study utilized three rounds of data collection. Round 1 gathered demographic data on participants and also contained three open-ended questions regarding defining community reintegration, identifying barriers to community reintegration, and the most effective treatment strategies for community reintegration in adolescents and YA with SCI. For Round 2, participants were asked to rate their collective opinions from Round 1 on a 7-point Likert scale. Round 3 was a consensus and ranking survey of the opinions provided in the open-ended questions from Round 1. Cain and Mittman's (2002) Diffusion of Innovation in Health Care theory with the ten critical dynamics was used to evaluate the findings. Successful completion of the Delphi study was defined as the group having reached at least 80% consensus with its self-generated ideas. In Round 2, the Delphi Panel reached 92% consensus, and in Round 3, this increased to 92.5% consensus. Findings indicated that the most effective multidisciplinary approach that an allied health professional can take to help adolescents and YA with SCI successfully reintegrate into the community is by providing education for caregivers and others about SCI.
Assessing diabetes knowledge, perceived standard of care, and perceived barriers to health care among truck drivers with type 2 diabetes mellitus
(8/30/2004) Prejean, Anne Michelle L.; Wiginton, Kristin; Ward, Susan; Oomen, Jody
The truck driving industry in the United States employs over 3 million professional drivers. Drivers who are found to need insulin lose their Commercial Drivers License (CDL) thus limiting their employment options. This study had three purposes; to assess the level of diabetes knowledge among truck drivers with and without type 2 diabetes, to determine to what degree physicians employ the American Diabetes Association (ADA) standard of care for type 2 diabetes (as recalled by the truck drivers) and to explore the internet as a research medium. Based on the researcher's professional experience with truck drivers with type 2 diabetes, this study hypothesized that drivers did not have enough knowledge about diabetes to either prevent the disease or to control their disease so to delay or avoid the need for insulin. Diabetes knowledge was measured with the Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT) created by the Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center. A total of 45 participants completed the DKT, which was made available on an independent website, www.addaform.com. The type 2 diabetics scored significantly higher than those without diabetes, t(42) = 2.31, p = .0258. Diabetic participants were also able to answer “yes” greater than 50% of the time for 96.7% of the questions on the three surveys (At the Doctor's Office, Other Doctors Visits, and My Diabetes Plan) related to the ADA standard of care for type 2 diabetes. The internet allowed for a quick data collection (13 weeks), but produced other issues related to IRB approval and accuracy of the data as reported to the researcher by the data collection website.
Assessing the impact of water, sanitation and hygiene (wash) on diarrheal disease and malnutrition among children under-five in Chad
(5/24/2021) Azeez, Olumayowa I.; Menn, Mindy
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are pivotal in order to improve health outcomes and overall quality of life. More than 25 diseases are transmitted by poor and inadequate WASH conditions, killing more than two million people each year, including more children than Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), tuberculosis, and malaria combined. Internationally, poor WASH conditions are the primary reasons for diarrheal disease, which result in morbidity and mortality among children under the age of five. Moreover, diarrhea is a major cause of malnutrition and has a cyclical relationship with malnutrition. The burden of disease resulting from poor WASH conditions lies heavily upon sub-Saharan Africa (46% of global DALYs). Chad, a sub-Saharan African country, has the second highest under-five mortality rate in the world at approximately 123.20 deaths per 1000 live births, as well as the highest rate of under-five mortality due to diarrhea (499 deaths per 100,000). The purpose of this study was to use secondary data to assess the relationship between improved versus unimproved household WASH sources and diarrheal disease incidence among children under the age of five in Chad. A parallel purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between improved versus unimproved household WASH sources and the incidence of malnutrition among children under the age of five in Chad. Using nationally representative data from Chad from two time periods (2004-2005 and 2014-2015), the researcher used logistic regression analysis to answer three research questions and test three hypotheses. No evidence was found for effects of the usage of improved household water sources and sanitation facilities on the incidence of diarrhea, both in 2004-2005 and 2014-2015 periods. However, the researcher found that specific types of water sources led to increased incidences of diarrhea in 2014-2015, whereas specific sanitation facility types led to decreased incidences of diarrhea. Also, in 2014-2015, the researcher found that having access to improved water sources and sanitation facilities significantly reduced malnutrition incidence.
An assessment of attitudes and experiences with intimate partner abuse among Latina women in North Texas
(5/30/2003) Burke, Sloane Christine; Oomen, Jody; Ward, Susan; Cissell, William
Using the grounded theory method, a substantive theory of Latina intimate partner abuse was developed. Latina women above the age of 18, who by self-report were survivors of intimate partner abuse, were recruited via flyers distributed at various locations such as shelters, community gatekeepers, churches, Latina nursing associations, a local Spanish newspaper, and universities. Themes emerged from constant comparative analysis of in-depth, semi-structured one-on-one interview transcripts with 15 Latina survivors of intimate partner abuse living in North Texas. Based on the themes, the theory Sobrevivientes: encontrar el valor de irse Survivors: Finding the courage to leave emerged. Courage to leave included 5 phases, the pursuit, the abuse begins, risk factors associated and cultural considerations, the cycle continues or escalates, and escape and a new life. The basic social psychological problem encountered was self-sacrifice. Because the women wanted what was best for their families and usually had limited resources, both financially and socially and a great deal of fear, they continued to stay in the abusive cycle. In addition, the women had fear if they left they could not provide for their children, the abusive partner would kill them, or they would lose custody of their children. By self-sacrificing their own happiness and needs in the relationship, in an effort to uphold their cultural values and norms, the women were able to redefine their situation as livable, tolerable, understandable, reasonable and survivable. By internally combining courage and strength they were able to seek a safe place for themselves, and more importantly from their perspective, their children. With the external support of friends, family, law enforcement and shelters these women were able to begin a new chapter in their lives. Through the process of finding the courage to leave, the Latina women interviewed attempted to redirect their lives and begin a new life, free from abuse. Recommendations for outreach and prevention strategies are discussed.
An assessment of health educators' likelihood of adopting genetically modified food competencies for health promotion
(5/30/2017) O'Donnell, Renee; Golman, Mandy; Massey-Stokes, Marilyn; Parker, Kimberly A., Ph. D.
Genetically modified (GM) food utilizes biotechnology to increase crop yield, decrease pesticide use, modify nutritional content, and other desirable effects to systematically influence how food is produced. The acceptance of GM food technology has been met with opposition as communities campaign for GM food labeling and/or promote the possibility of detrimental effects from foods that are GM. To date, there are no GM Food Competencies that have been standardized across all public health organizations. The purpose of this study was to assess health educators’ knowledge and attitude toward GM food, where they received information regarding GM food, and if they participated in GM food education at present. A quantitative data collection was employed in which 98 health educators completed an online survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to answer the research questions. Pearson correlations were conducted to address the null hypotheses. An analysis of variance was computed to help support investigations. Structural equation models (SEMs) were created to help explain the mediation relationship media and perceived barriers had on other test variables, like self-efficacy in performing GM food education tasks. Findings of this study indicated that the majority of health educators had no previous experience in GM food education and their knowledge was low regarding what GM food is; however, their perceived barriers in addressing GM food as health educators’ responsibility were similar. The results of this study supported the need for establishing GM food competencies across health organizations and disciplines in order to help ensure consumers receive unbiased, scientific information, in order to properly discern whether GM food provides benefits and/or harm to the consumer.
An assessment of physical therapists' orientations to planned change
(5/30/1986) Beissner, Katherine Louise; Cramer, Barbara; Morrison, Eileen; Friberg, Robert
Fifty-three physical therapists employed in 13 hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex participated in a study to determine how physical therapists approach the process of planned change. The researcher-developed Change Orientation Inventory was designed to measure individuals' attitudes toward seven change strategies. Test reliability was determined with a test-retest methodology, and a one month interval between testing dates. Each strategy's reliability was determined, with the mean reliability of the instrument found to be 0.57. The subjects' consistence in responding to the inventory was examined to determine the internal consistence aspect of test reliability. Ninety-one percent of the study participants demonstrated an internal consistence significant at the 0.05 level. Subjects' average scores were used to determine physical therapists' change orientations. The therapists were found to prefer the change orientation in the following order (most preferred to least preferred): academic, engineering, fellowship, economic, confrontation, political, and military.
An assessment of risk factors and attitude toward physical activity in postmenopausal women committed to an osteoporosis related research project
(12/30/1991) Hammond, Judy; Tandy, Ruth; Shipley, Roger; Gench, Barbara; Cissell, William
Risk factors were retrospectively identified in 98 post menopausal subjects considered at risk for primary, Type I osteoporosis. The relationship between identified risk factors and exercise participation by volunteer postmenopausal females was investigated. Attitude toward physical activity was determined for both the experimental (those who elected to exercise) and control groups (those who elected not to exercise). Eight selected risk factors were assessed: chronological age, years post menopause, ethnic background, exercise history, calcium intake, smoking, hormone therapy, and menopause history. Attitude toward physical activity was assessed by the use of Kenyon's ATPA Inventory. The experimental group had a significantly lower number of risk factors than did the control group (p = $>$.0001). The experimental subjects had a significantly more positive exercise history than those in the control group (X2 = 18.643, 2 = >.0001). More than half of the control group (55.6%) and the experimental group (54.7%) had a calcium intake less than 800 mg/day. Assessment of attitude toward physical activity revealed no significant difference between groups; however, ATPA scores in the health and social subdomains revealed positive responses by both groups. No significant relationship was found between attitude toward physical activity and level of physical fitness.
Assessment of the need for a dental hygiene Master's program
(8/30/2000) Testerman, Deborah L.; Ward, Susan; Beatty, Chris
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the need for a Master's degree program in dental hygiene at Texas Woman's University. A total of 127 respondents replied to the questionnaire making a response rate of 48%. The questionnaire obtained information about demographics, future educational needs of TWU graduates, and desire to pursue a higher education degree. The results were tabulated in frequencies and percentages using SPSS for Windows. The results of the survey suggest that the majority of the TWU dental hygiene graduates believe a graduate degree in dental hygiene would increase career opportunities. If a graduate degree were offered at TWU, the respondents would like to see a variety of courses to choose from and would need flexible and creative scheduling. The primary reasons cited to pursue a master's degree in dental hygiene were fulfillment of personal goal and enhancement of skill.

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