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So far Steven Rowe has created 118 blog entries.

Military Veteran Involvement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Occupations: A Scoping Review

A Fast Track Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Justin T. McDaniel, PhD
Harvey Henson, PhD
Yvonne Hunter-Johnson, PhD
Dan Brown, EdD
Petra A. Robinson, PhD
Dauran M. McNeil
Angela T. Julien
David L. Albright, PhD
Robert J. McDermott, PhD

Objective:

We conducted a scoping review to establish a scientific baseline of STEM occupational involvement (i.e., a social determinant of health) prevalence among military veterans.

Methods:

he search for peer-reviewed publications was conducted from October 2023 through May 2025 using the following online databases: PubMed, EBSCOhost, JSTOR, and Google Scholar. We used search terms such as “STEM” and “veteran.”

Results:

The initial search yielded 7468 articles, from which 34 were screened at the full-text level. After our research team conducted a full text review of the relevant studies, we retained four studies for the final analysis (n = 4). Studies were primarily cross-sectional, and utilized non-random samples as well as varying definitions of STEM. Results showed that STEM occupational involvement prevalence ranged from 3.70% (95% CI = 2.58-3.22) to 7.00% (95% CI = 6.93-7.07).

Conclusions:

Veteran involvement in STEM occupations is relatively low and the literature on the topic stands to benefit from more rigorous and consistently applied methods. Given the technical expertise common among veterans and their known difficulty with the transition to civilian life, programs and policies that assist with reintegration in STEM occupations could provide an important improvement in social determinants of health and health behavior.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/psp/hbpr/pre-prints/content-psp_hbpr_1222

2025-09-06T10:14:25-06:00September 6th, 2025|Veterans|

Longitudinal Impact of Tobacco Use and Social Determinants on Respiratory Health Disparities among Louisiana Medicaid Enrollees

A Fast Track Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Yead Rahman, MS
Prerna Dua, PhD

Objective:

Tobacco use remains a leading preventable cause of severe health conditions, notably chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe COVID-19 complications. Tobacco prevalence is particularly high among Louisiana Medicaid enrollees compared to privately insured individuals; yet, its full long-term impact remains unclear. We aimed to examine how tobacco use, alongside demographic and clinical factors, influences COPD and COVID-19 incidence among Medicaid participants over time.

Methods:

Using Louisiana Department of Health data (January 2020-February 2023), we performed chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression models across three study waves, assessing associations between risk factors and new disease cases. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (AORs) after controlling for demographics, comorbidities, and healthcare utilization.

Results:

Tobacco use significantly predicted new COPD (AOR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.05-1.18) and COVID-19 cases (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.15-2.38). Other key predictors included older age, sex, region, and existing comorbidities, each of which was all significantly associated with increased disease incidence.

Conclusions:

By clearly linking tobacco use, demographic disparities, and clinical conditions to heightened COPD and COVID-19 risks, we highlight an urgent need for tailored tobacco cessation and prevention initiatives in Louisiana’s underserved Medicaid population.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.3.1

2025-08-31T09:34:36-06:00August 31st, 2025|COVID19, Tobacco|

School Program Improves Adolescents Short- and Long-term Knowledge of Responsible Medicine Use

An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Leslie Bloom, MS, CCRA, CMPP
Leily Saadat-Lajevardi, MSEd, MBA
Andrew Myers, MD
Mary Kathryn Malone, MEd, MBA

Objective:

Evaluations of the OTC Medicine Safety program confirm that safety knowledge gaps significantly improve after one exposure. We evaluated students’ knowledge throughout the school year.

Methods:

Twenty participating schools administered quizzes to measure students’ safety knowledge. Ten test schools implemented the program and measured baseline knowledge, and at 1 week, 10 weeks, and 8 months. Ten control schools administered quizzes using a similar timeline. Following quiz completion, control schools implemented the program.

Results:

At baseline, students had 43.5% correct answers. One week later, test students increased 27.1 points (p < .001), statistically higher than control students (-2.2 points, p < .001). Ten weeks after participation, test students’ remained improved (+23.6 points, p < .001), significantly higher than control students (-0.3 point, p < .001). At 8 months, test students’ remained higher than baseline (+25.5 points, p < .001), and significantly higher than control students (+1.06 points, p < .001). We found statistically significant improvement over time in urban schools, low socioeconomic (SES) schools, grades 5 and 6, and between boys and girls.

Conclusions:

OTC Medicine Safety improved students’ short- and long-term knowledge of safe practices with similar results across school type, SES setting, minority enrollment, grade, and sex.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 2, June 2025, pp. 34-49(16)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.2.4

2025-08-28T14:52:00-06:00August 28th, 2025|Adolescents, School Health|

Perceptions of Air Pollution Risks in Road Runs: Insights from Runners and the Public in Taiwan

An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Hsueh-wen Chow, PhD

Objective:

This study explores how runners and the public in Taiwan perceive and respond to air pollution risks during road-running events. Specifically, the study identified differences in risk perception and behavioral responses between these groups, and to inform strategies that align with WHO priorities and Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Methods:

Focus group interviews and Facebook forums with runners were conducted, as well as LINE discussions with the general public. Data were analyzed thematically guided by constructs from the Health Belief Model.

Results:

Runners acknowledged air pollution risks but tended to prefer personal coping strategies such as wearing masks or adjusting pace, as opposed to race withdrawal, largely due to financial and emotional investment. In contrast, the public emphasized the need for policy-driven measures and cooperation between event organizers and public health authorities. Perceptions were shaped by sociocultural factors and individual health beliefs.

Conclusions:

The perception gap between runners and the public highlights the need for targeted risk communication and robust air quality management in endurance sports. Recommendations include real-time air quality monitoring, clearer race protocols, and collaborative planning to protect public health in outdoor sports settings.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 2, June 2025, pp. 23-33(11)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.2.3

2025-08-23T11:40:49-06:00July 14th, 2025|Air Quality|

Early Results from the Horizon Eagle Fatherhood Program: Impact on Employment

An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Michael Young, PhD
Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA
Valerie Pineiro, MPH
Christopher B. Smith, MSW, MPA

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a responsible fatherhood program, with a focus on employment.

Methods:

Fathers (n = 195) participated in a 40-hour program, designed to help them improve relationships, parenting skills, and economic stability, including employment. Fathers were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. Intervention fathers received the program and case management. Fathers in the control group received case management. All fathers completed a pretest questionnaire. Then intervention fathers participated in the intervention program. After the intervention, all fathers completed the posttest questionnaire and participated in workforce training. Six months post-program, all fathers completed a follow-up questionnaire.

Results:

There was a statistically significant (p < .01) reduction in unemployment and increase in full-time employment from pretest to posttest and from pretest to follow-up, among participants in both the intervention and control groups. The difference between groups was not statistically significant, but the gains within both groups at posttest were even greater at follow-up (eg, 294% increase in full-time employment from pretest to follow-up among intervention participants).

Conclusions:

Employment status improved for both intervention and control groups. For practitioners seeking to help fathers improve economic stability, these employment results are encouraging.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 2, June 2025, pp. 1-12(12)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.2.1

2025-08-23T11:42:32-06:00June 15th, 2025|Fatherhood|

Alcohol Access: State-identification Check Failure Rates in the Age of E-commerce

An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Kyle D. Barrington, PhD, MA
Nicole L. Holt, BA
Atalie Nitibhon, MPAff, MAHS

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of pandemic-related changes on retail alcohol sales as they relate to verifying state-issued identification.

Methods:

Trained staff and volunteers completed an online survey entitled the Community Alcohol-to-go Research Tool each time they ordered an alcoholic beverage via a website or phone application, commonly referred to as an e-commerce order. These surveys were collected and analyzed to ascertain how often a state-issued identification was verified after an alcoholic beverage was ordered using an e-commerce option. In addition, we conducted focus groups.

Results:

After three years of research, we determined that the identification failure rate for overall e-commerce alcohol-to-go sales was approximately 64.8%. The identification failure rate ranged from 26.7% for third-party delivery drivers to 90.0% for customers who walked into a restaurant or grocery store to pick up their e-commerce orders.

Conclusions:

State alcoholic beverage control agencies must redesign their compliance measures to ensure that only those legally eligible to purchase an alcoholic beverage receive those orders, especially when placed via an e-commerce platform.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 1, February 2025, pp. 1837-1850(14)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.1.4

2025-05-01T17:31:37-06:00April 9th, 2025|Alcohol|

Promoting Food Security Policy Reform to Reduce Stunting through a Social Network Strategy

An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Untung, MM
Ari Darmastuti, PhD
Novita Tresiana, DPA
Noverman Duadji, DPA
Rulinawaty, DPA

Objective:

In this study, we explore the potential for reforming food security policy settings and reducing stunting through social network strategies.

Methods:

Using a qualitative case study method and social network analysis, we examined specific village fund allocation arrangements and the development of dynamic food granaries through the roles of key actors, actor-actor relationships, and potential collaboration to uncover the role of village governance social networks in catalyzing reforms to achieve community goals. Based on interviews, documents, and observations, we highlight how social networks can enhance policy effectiveness in remote village communities and present specific actors such as indigenous groups as important elements of legitimacy and social acceptance of government programs.

Results:

Our findings contribute to the understanding of navigating policy-setting reforms that emphasize the importance of developing dynamic social networks, focusing actor relationships more broadly, flexibly, and adaptively to local conditions and needs.

Conclusions:

By highlighting the village-level dynamic social network approach model, we offer actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners to strengthen evidence-based local policies and drive public health progress through stronger policy-setting reforms.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 1, February 2025, pp. 1807-1822(16)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.1.2

2025-05-01T17:34:05-06:00April 8th, 2025|Food Security, Indonesia, Social Media|

Analyzing Flood Risk Behaviors and Preparation in the Midwest Using the Health Belief Model

An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Danielle Hotalling, MPH
Kevin Boes, MPH
Megan Piotrowski, MS, BSN, RN, CHES
Dhitinut Ratnapradipa, PhD, MCHES
Amy McGaha, MD, MPH
Jack H. Taylor, PhD
Timothy C. Guetterman, PhD

Objective:

Flooding events are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, posing a public health threat to communities in flood zones. Therefore, it is essential to gain insight from residents’ knowledge and beliefs about flooding to inform and develop future risk communication efforts. In this study, we investigated the impacts of perceived risk, beliefs, and attitudes of flooding on flood preparatory behaviors among persons in Iowa and Nebraska.

Methods:

We distributed a survey to Iowan (N = 127) and Nebraskan (N = 144) households near the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, respectively. The survey, framed using the Health Belief Model (HBM), assessed flooding attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. We used a series of generalized linear models to predict flood pre- paratory behaviors.

Results:

We found that 3 out of 5 components of the HBM were significantly associated with measures of flood preparation – perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, and cues to action. Perceived benefits was statistically significant for one measure and perceived severity was non-significant.

Conclusions:

Our survey provides important insights on how flood risk perception and attitudes influence flood preparation. Understanding these factors is essential for guiding future emergency preparedness efforts.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 6, December 2024, pp. 1-9(9)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.6.1

2025-02-02T14:11:23-07:00February 2nd, 2025|Emergency Preparedness|

Understanding Perceived Barriers to and Responsibility for Implementing Recommended Hygiene Activities in US Schools K-12: A Needs Assessment among Caregivers and Educators

An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Monique Gabrielle Carry, PhD, MA
Rieza Hawarina Soelaeman, PhD, MPH
Samaria K. Aluko-Estrella, MPH
Amanda G. Garcia-Williams, PhD
Linda K. West, MSPH
Julia C. Haston, MD, MS
Bethlehem Nigussie Besrat, MPH
Jose Aponte, BS
Shantrice L. Jones, MPH
Candace D. Rutt, PhD

Objective:

Schools’ ability to implement recommended hygiene-related activities is critical in preventing the spread of gastrointestinal and respiratory illness. We conducted this study to improve understanding of perceived barriers to, and responsibility for implementing recommended activities related to hand hygiene, cleaning, and disinfection.

Methods:

We recruited a convenience sample of adults affiliated with the National Parent Teacher Association during July-August 2020. Questions focused on barriers to implementing recommended hygiene-related, cleaning, and disinfection activities.

Results:

Overall, 1173 participants completed the survey. Among caregivers, the main barriers to conducting hand hygiene were educators’ ability to monitor students (72%), lack of time (66%), and limited funding for hygiene supplies (65%). Among educators, the main barriers to conducting hand hygiene were access to needed supplies (75%), ability to monitor students (75%), and lack of time (72%). The top barriers reported by both groups relating to cleaning and disinfection activities were similar, with both groups reporting limited staff capacity (61% vs 75%), lack of time/scheduling difficulties (64% vs 75%), and lack of funds to purchase supplies (64% vs 70%).

Conclusions:

Our results clarify stakeholder concerns around implementation and main barriers. To implement recommended activities, schools need support (funding, staff, and supplies) and guidance for hygiene-related activities.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 6, December 2024, pp. 20-32(13)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.6.3

2025-02-02T14:04:04-07:00January 26th, 2025|School Health|

Relationship of Perceived Racial Discrimination and Age of Onset for Cigarette, Alcohol, and Marijuana Use among Adolescents

An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Ronald D. Williams, Jr., PhD, CHES, CPH
Genevieve Kitts, BS, CHES
Taylor M. Levy, MS, CHES
Jeff M. Housman, PhD, MCHES
Brenda Berumen-Flucker, PhD

Objective:

In this study, we explored the relationship between perceived racial discrimination and age of initiation for alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use in a nationally representative sample of adolescents.

Methods:

We analyzed data from the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey that was administered to students (N = 7705) in 128 high schools in the United States. We conducted bivariate logistic regressions to explore the relationship between perceived racial discrimination, initiation age of cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use, and demographic variables.

Results:

The odds of initiating all 3 substance use behaviors before age 13 were increased among participants who reported experiencing any level of perceived racial discrimination compared to those who reported never experiencing perceived racial discrimination. Participants who identified as gay or lesbian also experienced increased odds of early onset use.

Conclusions:

Adolescents experiencing perceived racial discrimination, as well as sexual minority youth, report higher likelihood of early onset cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use compared to their peers. Early onset substance use increases health risks for youth during both adolescence and adulthood. The psychosocial relationship between perceived racial discrimination and behavioral intentions, particularly among adolescents, should be explored further in public health research and practice.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 6, December 2024, pp. 10-19(10)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.6.2

2025-02-02T14:01:57-07:00January 23rd, 2025|Substance Use|
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