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So far Steven Rowe has created 133 blog entries.

Provider Trust in a Sample of Transgender Latinas in the US South

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

Authors:

Chyanne Thompson-Quartey, BA
Thomas P. McCoy, PhD, PStat
Lilli Mann-Jackson, MPH
Jorge Alonzo, JD
Sandy K. Aguilar-Palma, MHR, LLM
Amanda E. Tanner, PhD, MPH
Benjamin D. Smart, MD, MMSc
Scott D. Rhodes, PhD, MPH

Objective:

Low provider trust may further undermine care engagement, particularly in the United States (US) South where access to gender-affirming services remains uneven. Despite its importance, determinants of provider trust among transgender Latinas are understudied. This study examined factors associated with provider trust among transgender Latinas living in the US South.

Methods:

Using baseline data from an intervention trial conducted in North and South Carolina, we conducted mixed-effects regression analyses to assess associations between provider trust and demographic, behavioral, healthcare utilization, psychosocial, and structural factors, including acculturation, social support, discrimination, internalized transphobia, ethnic group pride, and patient activation (confidence in managing one’s overall health).

Results:

The sample included 144 Spanish-speaking transgender Latinas. Higher patient activation was positively associated with provider trust (p < .001), whereas higher internalized transphobia pride scores were negatively associated with trust (p = .001).

Conclusions:

Patient activation may be an important correlate of provider trust and represent a modifiable target for behavioral interventions. At the same time, higher transgender pride was associated with lower trust, underscoring the need for healthcare environments that affirm identity while addressing potential vigilance or skepticism shaped by lived experiences of stigma.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.13.1.3

2026-06-12T09:40:03-06:00June 12th, 2026|Hispanic/Latinx Health, LGBTQ|

Innovative Approaches in Medical Student Training: A Pilot Study of the Supporting Tobacco-Related ONGoing Education and Research (STRONGER) Scholar Program

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

Authors:

Asfand B. Moosa, BS
Isabel Martinez Leal, PhD, MPH
Brian J. Carter, JD
Tzuan A. Chen, PhD
Monisha Arya, MD, MPH
Hinal Patel, BDS, MPH
Denise De La Cruz, EdD
Hannah Wani, BS
Anastasia Rogova, PhD
Mhyank S. Sekhar
Lorraine R. Reitzel, PhD, FAAHB, FSRNT

Objective:

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. Addressing these disparities requires a workforce skilled in tobacco addiction research and intervention. The STRONGER Scholar Program trains medical students in tobacco dependence research and treatment and its intersection with health equity to meet workforce needs.

Methods:

Medical students (n = 7; national catchment) participated in the 10-week program. Scholars developed tobacco-related research projects with a faculty mentor and participated in interdisciplinary programming, including tobacco treatment specialist training, sessions linking research knowledge to clinical practice, and a health promotion campaign masterclass. We used mixed methods for program evaluation of this first scholar cohort.

Results:

Scholars showed gains in all targeted constructs and reported high satisfaction with programming, strongly agreeing that it advanced understanding of how research connects with clinical practice. Scholars praised the health promotion campaign masterclass and other innovative program components. Qualitative findings supported quantitative results.

Conclusions:

This pilot study of the STRONGER Scholar Program showed promise in preparing a physician-scientist workforce to address patients’ tobacco use through research-informed practice and yielded information for future improvement. Results and lessons learned can inform the design of other research education programs.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.13.1.2

2026-06-12T09:31:23-06:00June 12th, 2026|Health Education, Tobacco|

eHealth Literacy Comparison in Lampung Province

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

Authors:

Wulan Suciska, SIKom, MSi
Hartoyo
Anna Gustina Zainal, SSos, MSi

Objective:

We compared the ehealth literacy levels of 15 districts/cities in Lampung Province using the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS).

Methods:

We used a purposive sampling technique to obtain 513 respondents representing 15 regencies/municipalities in Lampung Province. We collected primary data through a digital questionnaire with a Likert scale using Google Forms. Data analysis was performed using SPSS.

Results:

The overall mean score for eHealth literacy was 30.4, indicating that respondents in this study had adequate eHealth literacy, except for Lampung Timur Regency, which is categorized as having low eHealth literacy.

Conclusions:

This eHealth literacy mean score is on the positive end of the continuum, indicating that respondents in this study have a moderate perceived level of eHealth literacy. However, upon closer examination, differences emerge between regencies and municipalities, as well as between rural and urban communities. A government commitment to create a program for equitable Internet access and better Internet literacy skills may make for more equitable eHealth literacy.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 6, December 2025, pp. 12-22(11)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.6.2

2026-06-09T14:30:28-06:00June 9th, 2026|Health Literacy|

Fit to Lead: A Social Interdependence–Based Leadership Development Program for Workforce Readiness Incorporating Secondary Military-Inspired Team Training

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

Authors:

Bruce DeRuntz, PhD
Harvey Henson, PhD
Justin T. McDaniel, PhD
Julie Dunston, PhD

Objective:

We conducted a prospective cohort study to examine the effects of a leadership development program on psychological grit and job readiness among college students, primarily as a means to strengthen the public health workforce.

Methods:

College students opted in to a two-year leadership development program (LDP; N = 31), and college major-matched controls were recruited to complete similarly administered measures (N = 93). Directed by the Social Interdependence Model, LDP participants engaged in group physical activity sessions, university student leadership opportunities, mentoring, and team-ship training. Job readiness scores and Grit-S questionnaire scores were collected at follow-up. Adjusted regression models were estimated to compare outcomes by group.

Results:

Grit-S scores were 12% higher among LDP participants, and job readiness scores were 19% higher. Additionally, regression results showed that participation in the LDP was associated with higher scores on the Grit-S scale (b = 1.39, p = .004) and job readiness scale (b = .81, p = .03).

Conclusions:

Our findings show that graduating from a Social Interdependence-based LDP was associated with significantly higher job-readiness and grit scores compared with matched peers.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.13.1.1

2026-05-31T14:21:16-06:00May 31st, 2026|Leadership|

Dilemmas of Culture and Nutrition: A Study of Food Taboos and Stunting in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

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

Authors:

Resa Ana Dina
Eka Purna Yudha

Objective:

The food taboo phenomenon remains prevalent in villages around Nusantara Capital City and is linked to stunting. A qualitative study exploring food taboos, stunting incidence, and related challenges is essential.

Methods:

Using a phenomenological approach with in-depth interviews, we involved informants from the Regional Health Office, Food Security Office, and parents of children suspected of stunting, from Penajam Paser Utara and Kutai Kartanegara regencies.

Results:

Food taboo traditions in East Kalimantan, such as avoiding gabus fish and Pundur fruit for pregnant and lactating women, hinder nutritional fulfillment, worsening stunting. These issues are compounded by unsanitary environments and limited clean water access. Whereas posyandu education (integrated health service post) has been implemented, geographical, economic, and various education challenges persist.

Conclusions:

Dietary restrictions rooted in tradition aggravate stunting in East Kalimantan. The government must enhance culturally sensitive education, improve health services and clean water access, and involve community leaders to address nutrition-related taboos.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 4, October 2025, pp. 2012-2024(13)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.4.3

2026-01-20T21:25:48-07:00January 20th, 2026|Indonesia, Nutrition|

Characteristics of Workers’ Food Programs and Policies around the World: A Scoping Review

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

Authors:

Fernanda M. de Albuquerque, PhD
Gimena B. Souza, MSc
Vivian C. R. Cunha, PhD
Cíntia C. Curioni, PhD
Daniel H. Bandoni, PhD
Daniela S. Canella, PhD

Objective:

In this scoping review, we mapped general characteristics of public policies, programs, and local actions related to nutrition for formal sector workers worldwide.

Methods:

We searched the PubMed, Lilacs, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus databases, Google Scholar, Governmental websites, NOURISHING framework (World Cancer Research Fund International), Global Database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (World Health Organization) in February, 2025, with no restriction on publication date or language. We included documents related to public policies, programs and actions that relate to recommendations and restrictions on the provision of meals, food and drink to workers, in the context of the organizational food environment.

Results:

We examined 27 publications and identified seven guidelines, six toolkits, eleven policies/laws/programs, directives, and one food and nutrition education action. The United States was the country with the most initiatives. Eleven actions were identified as determining standards for purchasing/offering meals, food and drink in the workplace.

Conclusions:

Although we identified many different experiences, strengthening control and accountability mechanisms is necessary to overcome barriers to addressing malnutrition among workers. The evidence presented could help develop policies that can contribute to better workers’ living conditions and health.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.5.3

2026-01-18T14:36:20-07:00January 18th, 2026|Food Policy, Nutrition|

Comparison of Salient Beliefs and Their Impact on Physical Activity before and during COVID-19: Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior

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

Authors:

Seiyeong Park, PhD
Chung Gun Lee, PhD

Objective:

We examined differences in salient beliefs about physical activity (PA) and their influence on PA intention and behavior among South Korean university students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

We used the Theory of Planned Behavior as a basis for the study. We used a repeated cross-sectional design. We conducted elicitation studies, and main and followup surveys with South Korean university students at two time points during September-October 2018 (n = 234) and September-December 2021 (n = 199). We used content analysis to identify salient beliefs about PA; we used structural equation modeling to analyze relationships among salient beliefs, PA intention, and behavior.

Results:

Prior to the pandemic, salient beliefs such as ‘builds social relationships,’ ‘takes too much time,’ and ‘friends’ significantly predicted PA intention and behavior. During the pandemic, ‘improves health status,’ ‘family members,’ and ‘laziness’ were significant predictors of PA intention and behavior although students’ average weekly PA time was decreased by half during the pandemic.

Conclusions:

The findings highlight how salient beliefs can shift substantially across contexts. Identifying such changes may improve predictions of PA engagement among university students, not only in the post-pandemic era but also in preparation for potential future public health crises.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.5.1

2026-01-12T21:58:08-07:00January 12th, 2026|COVID19, Physical Activity|

Impact of Web-based Activity Breaks on Child Physical Activity and Time Off-task: A Pilot Study

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

Authors:

Holly R. Huddleston, PhD
Vaughn W. Barry, PhD
Dana K. Fuller, PhD
Sarah J. Adams, DA
Jennifer L. Caputo, PhD

Objective:

Classroom activity breaks (ABs) have physical and cognitive benefits, although effectiveness of Web-based ABs remains unexplored. The purpose of this study was to assess impacts of three-minute Web-based AB on physical activity (PA) and time off-task in second graders (N = 38).

Methods:

This quasi-experimental design was implemented in a primary school setting. The SenseWear Armband assessed PA and a modified Behavioral Observation System in Schools assessed time off-task. Children participated twice in four conditions: control (CON), non-active breaks (NAB), one active break (1AB), and two active breaks (2ABs). Breaks entailed physically active or meditation GoNoodle videos.

Results:

Number of breaks was a significant predictor of PA (F(2, 68.47) = 25.85, p <.001), eliciting significantly higher PA intensity with each additional AB. We found a significant interaction between break type (CON, NAB, 1AB) and lesson (middle, post) (F(2, 163.95) = 4.73, p=.01), with a significant main effect for break type (F(2, 166.67) = 10.52, p<.001). Break type affected time off-task during post-lesson (F(2, 167.26) = 13.67, p<.001), with the AB condition demonstrating significantly lower time off-task than CON or NAB.

Conclusions:

Web-based ABs are an effective way to increase PA intensity and decrease time off-task in second graders.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.5.2

2026-01-12T21:56:25-07:00January 12th, 2026|Physical Activity, School Health|

Multiple Health Risk Behaviors: A Rapid Review and Dynamic Model of Adolescent Health Risk Behavior

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

Authors:

Mariyam Abbas, MA
Ella R. Fink, BS
Julia Wood, BA
Theodore A. Walls, PhD

Objective:

This study addresses a crucial gap in understanding multiple health risk behaviors (MHRBs) among adolescents and young adults by presenting a conceptual model of interconnectedness of health risk behaviors. Our model emphasizes that combined MHRBs amplify potential harms and complicate health outcomes.

Methods:

We conducted a rapid review focused on two key areas: (1) the impact of multiple risky behaviors on mental health and (2) potential intervention strategies to mitigate adverse MHRB outcomes. Following a quality assessment, we categorized 30 studies into three themes to inform our conceptualization of MHRBs.

Results:

The review revealed a high prevalence of studies on adolescents and collegeaged individuals engaging in MHRBs. Mental health studies indicated negative outcomes, and intervention-focused studies suggested that behavior change techniques could effectively mitigate these risks. Analyzing themes facilitated the development of a theoretical model called IMHRBDynamic that integrates MHRBs, offering a comprehensive understanding of how these behaviors interact and influence overall health outcomes.

Conclusions:

Our conceptualization of MHRBs promotes early interventions addressing individual and socio-environmental factors to strengthen youth health outcomes systemically.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 4, October 2025, pp. 2025-2045(21)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.4.4

2026-01-20T21:29:59-07:00January 7th, 2026|Adolescents, Mental Health, Substance Use, Youth|

Mobile Health Interventions for Noncommunicable Disease Prevention: GERMAS App Use at a University

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

Authors:

Lita Sri Andayani, PhD
Ernawati Nasution, PhD
Eddy Syahrial, MS
Juliandi Harahap, PhD

Objective:

In this study, we assessed the impact of the GERMAS mobile app on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) for non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention among Indonesian university students.

Methods:

We used a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design with 40 students. We used validated KAP questionnaires and clinical measures (BMI, blood pressure, uric acid). We analyzed data using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

Results:

The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements. “Good” knowledge increased from 0% to 27.5% (p < .001), attitudes improved to the “enough” category (p < .001), and healthy practices rose from 50% to 100% (p < .001). Systolic (p = .014) and diastolic blood pressure (p = .029) and gout levels significantly decreased (p < .001). Changes in BMI, glucose, and cholesterol were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

The GERMAS app enhanced health literacy and behaviors while reducing certain clinical risk factors, highlighting its potential as a mobile-based strategy for NCD prevention.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 4, October 2025, pp. 2002-2011(10)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.4.2

2026-01-20T21:28:54-07:00December 29th, 2025|Indonesia, Technology Use|
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