Open Access Articles - Health Behavior and Policy Review

Helping Everyone Achieve a LifeTime of Health – Future Addiction Scientist Training Program Outcomes

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

Authors:

Asfand B. Moosa, BS
Christina M. Segura, BS
Ammar D. Siddiqi, MPH
Hinal Patel, BDS, MPH
Tzuan A. Chen, PhD
Anastasia Rogova, PhD
Marcy Zere, BA
Ezemenari M. Obasi, PhD
Lorraine R. Reitzel, PhD, FAAHB, FSRNT

Objective:

Addiction to alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs (ATOD) remains a leading cause of cancer and a contributor to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, disproportionately affecting marginalized and minoritized groups. Social and structural inequities increase these risks. A diverse scientific workforce is necessary to mitigate ATOD-related health disparities; yet, underrepresentation persists in ATOD research. Helping Everyone Achieve a LifeTime of Health – Future Addiction Scientist Training (HEALTH–FAST) is a NIDA funded research education program to reduce ATOD-related disparities by training future scholars in addiction science and health equity.

Methods:

From 2021-2023, eight Doctoral Scholars, two Postdoctoral Fellows, and six Early-Stage Investigators were trained in the HEALTH-FAST Program.

Results:

Participants showed gains in research knowledge, research self-efficacy, and research preparation. As of April 2025, scholars produced 160 peer-reviewed publications and 41 grants.

Conclusions:

HEALTH-FAST can serve as a model research education program to train historically excluded scholars and diversify the ATOD health equity research workforce to address health disparities.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.3.5

Steven Rowe2025-09-30T16:53:44-06:00September 30th, 2025|Health Equity|

Development and Validation of the Transtheoretical Model-based Questionnaire to Assess Dietary Iron Intake in Adolescent Girls

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

Authors:

Chethana Chandrasekar, MSc
Priyanka Pareek, PhD
Aparna Thorat, PhD
Poonam Khanna, PhD
Rashmi Kulkarni, MSc

Objective:

In this study, our objective was to develop and validate a Transtheoretical Model (TTM)-based questionnaire to assess dietary iron intake in adolescent girls of ages 13-18 years.

Methods:

A 38-item pool developed based on TTM constructs underwent psychometric analysis. We assessed face and content validity by participants and experts. We measured internal consistency and stability using Cronbach’s alpha and an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). We assessed construct validity through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results:

The items contributed to a satisfactory content validity index (CVI ≥ .8). CFA showed good model fit with comparative factor index (CFI = .991-1.00), goodness of fit index (GFI = .954-.983), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA = .059-.079). The questionnaire demonstrated satisfactory reliability, with internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .734-.919) and stability (ICC = .775-.879).

Conclusions:

This validated questionnaire enables assessment of behavioral changes related to dietary iron intake in adolescent girls and can guide interventions to improve iron consumption.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.3.6

Steven Rowe2025-09-30T16:53:32-06:00September 30th, 2025|Adolescents|

Using Communications Technology to Mitigate Isolation: Experiences of Older Adults in the COVID-19 Pandemic

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

Authors:

Ellen N. Rokicki, BS
Mark J. VanLandingham, PhD

Objective:

Older adults are at risk for loneliness and social isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this vulnerability. The objective of this work was to describe and generalize older adults’ experiences using communications technology to stay connected throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 older adults We used purposive sampling. We used NVIVO to conduct a thematic analysis of the qualitative transcript data.

Results:

Whereas many older adults reported profound changes in their social patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, a large portion of respondents reported minimal change. Some of our respondents employed longstanding forms of technology to maintain social connections, whereas others leveraged newer forms to help them navigate the altered social landscape. We found differences in the degree of willingness to embrace technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. These differences appear to be influenced by variations in perceived opportunities, perceived difficulties, and concerns about privacy.

Conclusions:

Our results highlight opportunities to leverage communications technology to mitigate social isolation and loneliness among older adults during a public health emergency. They also illuminate opportunities to address the general and longstanding problems of social isolation and loneliness among older adults.

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_1234

Steven Rowe2025-09-28T14:31:58-06:00September 25th, 2025|COVID19|

Establishing an Integrated School Health Program at Public Sector Schools: A Mixed-Method Study from Islamabad, Pakistan

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

Authors:

Syeda Aimen Abbas, MSPH
Babar Tasneem Shaikh, PhD, FRCP (Edin)
Mariam Ashraf, MBBS, PhD

Objective:

Many countries integrate school health programs for early detection and intervention for certain health risks. In this study, we assessed school policies and practices regarding the health of the students in public schools, and determined the possibility of establishing an integrated school health program.

Methods:

We studied personnel at 67 schools, and conducted a detailed evaluation of children in two public schools in Islamabad, including a survey of school health policies, teachers’ training, and a NEEDS (Nutrition, Eye, Ear, Dental & Skin) screening by trained teachers and healthcare professionals.

Results:

Among 67 schools, none provided on-site health services, with no designated school health coordinator, and most lacked a school health policy. All expressed willingness to implement a school health program. Screening revealed 33% of students with nutrition problems, 8.5% vision problems, 5% hearing difficulties, 45% dental issues, and 39% skin and hygiene concerns. Teacher training was effective, and most of agreed to take the responsibility of health screening children.

Conclusions:

Implementing an integrated school health program can be a challenge because of resource constraints; yet, it can enhance student health and learning outcomes through teachers’ training and systematic screenings. Such a model can yield positive outcomes and improved students’ well-being.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/psp/hbpr/pre-prints/content-psphbpr_1233

Steven Rowe2025-09-15T21:35:59-06:00September 15th, 2025|Health Policy, School Health|

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

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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:

The 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

Steven Rowe2025-09-15T21:17:23-06:00September 6th, 2025|Veterans|

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

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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

Steven Rowe2025-08-31T09:34:36-06:00August 31st, 2025|COVID19, Tobacco|

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

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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

Steven Rowe2025-08-28T14:52:00-06:00August 28th, 2025|Adolescents, School Health|

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

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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

Steven Rowe2025-08-23T11:40:49-06:00July 14th, 2025|Air Quality|

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

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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

Steven Rowe2025-08-23T11:42:32-06:00June 15th, 2025|Fatherhood|

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

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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

Steven Rowe2025-05-01T17:31:37-06:00April 9th, 2025|Alcohol|

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