Open Access Articles - Health Behavior and Policy Review

A Reflection on 10 Years of Health Behavior and Policy Review

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

Authors:

Robert J. McDermott, PhD
Annie L. Nguyen, MPH, PhD

Objective:

In this historical brief about the journal, we examine the original and future intentions of Health Behavior and Policy Review as a contributor to the scholarly literature and look back at some of the challenges faced by academic journals.

Methods:

We review the purpose and principles upon which the journal was founded and offer some of the journal’s highlights of the past decade.

Results:

We report some specific benchmarks of achievement – notably major coverage of historically relevant and emerging public health issues, linkage with World Health Organization and Healthy People 2030 objectives, articulation of health behavior and policy, and recognition of the journal’s impact factor and rank among peer journals in social sciences and humanities.

Conclusions:

The journal has evolved into an outlet for reporting the results of scientific research and learned opinion that is international in scope.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 1, February 2024
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.1.7

Steven Rowe2024-03-27T15:56:25-06:00March 27th, 2024|Health Policy, Healthy People 2030|

Total vs Partial Workplace Tobacco Use Bans in Texas Behavioral Health Centers: Employees’ Perceptions Related to Best Practices Implementation

View Full Article

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

Authors:

Sriya N. Kakarla & Noor Shabaneh (Authors contributed equally)
Midhat Z. Jafry, BS
Maggie Britton, PhD
Anastasia Rogova, PhD
Brian J. Carter, JD
Tzuan A. Chen, PhD
Isabel Martinez Leal, PhD
Bryce Kyburz, MA
Teresa Williams, MS
Lorraine R. Reitzel, PhD

Objective:

Tobacco-free workplace policies (TFWPs) at behavioral health treatment centers can curb clients’ tobacco use and secondhand smoke/vape exposure. However, there is little extant observational research about how total versus partial workplace tobacco use bans are associated with employees’ perceptions of best tobacco-related practices in behavioral health centers. Little is understood about the relationship between total or partial TFWPs and other factors that influence evidence-based client care including employees’ beliefs and their tobacco treatment practices. In this study, we examined these associations within Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) providing behavioral healthcare throughout Texas.

Methods:

Employees from 30 of 39 LMHAs (> 75% of Texas’ statewide service area) responded to a 2021 survey on their TFWP characteristics. We explored associations between the TFWP (total vs partial) and variables of interest using independent proportions tests (p < .10).

Results:
LMHAs with total TFWPs reported clearer signage, more consistent enforcement, and greater client, contractor, and visitor awareness (ps = .013 to .078). They were also more likely to offer tobacco screening training, promote the Quitline, and believe in the benefits of concurrent treatment of behavioral health needs and tobacco use (ps = .024 to .079).

Conclusions:

LMHAs with partial TFWPs had weaknesses in communication, enforcement, awareness, and greater barriers to tobacco use care. There are opportunities for collaboration between LMHAs to share policies and care-facilitation practices to reduce the research-to-practice gap and resultant tobacco use inequities statewide.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 1, February 2024
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.1.4

Steven Rowe2024-03-27T15:36:38-06:00March 22nd, 2024|Tobacco|

Improving Water Consumption in Underserved Elementary Schools: Implementation and Evaluation of a School-based Hydration Initiative

View Full Article

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

Authors:

Kristina L. Tatum, PsyD
Jessica Gokee LaRose, PhD
Danyel I. Smith, PhD
Mary Dunne Stewart, MSW
Elizabeth Theriault, MPH, MSW
Melanie K. Bean, PhD

Objective:

Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a school-based hydration initiative in elementary schools.

Methods:

Hydration initiative included (1) placement of hydration stations, (2) promotional and educational activities during “Water Week,” and (3) provision of reusable water bottles. Surveys were administered at baseline and follow-up to assess student beverage intake and perceptions about the school’s environmental hydration policies and practices. Water bottle fills were assessed objectively at baseline, post-Water Week, and followup via weekly counts from hydration stations.

Results:
Water use increased post-Water Week (2.97±2.14), declining to 0.71±0.47 2 weeks later. At follow-up, frequency of soda consumption decreased (-.01 times/day; p < .001), self-reported water refill station use increased (p = .011), and a decrease (-.04 cups/day) in overall daily water intake (p = .043). At follow-up, there was an increase in the percentage of school personnel who reported their school promoted water as the best choice (p = .039). Students and teachers reported positive attitudes towards hydration stations, with some concerns about water bottle use in classrooms.

Conclusions:

The intervention reduced soda consumption and improved school hydration culture. Results can inform hydration policy and programming efforts for elementary school students.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 1, February 2024
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.1.6

Steven Rowe2024-03-27T15:54:54-06:00March 15th, 2024|School Health|

Social Connections as a Catalyst for Improved Mental Health and Health Behavior among Long-term Survivors of HIV

View Full Article

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

Authors:

Moka Yoo-Jeong, PhD, RN
Erik L. Ruiz, MPH
Jerome T. Galea, PhD, MSW
Andrea N. Polonijo, PhD, MPH
Jasmine L. Lopez, BS
Karah Greene, MSW
Chris Christensen
Jeff Taylor
Brandon Brown, MPH, PhD
Annie L. Nguyen, MPH, PhD

Objective:

In this commentary, we present our views on the importance of catalyzing social connections for mental well-being and effective health behavior, collectively, with special emphasis on long-term survivors of HIV.

Methods:

We examine select literature pertinent to mental health and HIV survivorship, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results:

Long-term HIV survivors face a substantial burden of health disparities and intersecting risk factors for comorbid health conditions.

Conclusions:

An ongoing commitment to social support interventions is imperative to structure an environment where people can connect and thrive.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 1, February 2024
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.1.5

Steven Rowe2024-03-27T15:42:36-06:00March 15th, 2024|HIV, Mental Health|

A Pilot Study of Physician Assistant Student and Alumni Attitudes, Awareness, and Perceptions of Medical and Recreational Marijuana

View Full Article

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

Authors:

Kathryn Lawler
Abigail Strauss, BS
Allison Kaczmarek, MPH, PhD
Mary P. Martinasek, RRT, MPH, PhD

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to explore current physician assistant (PA) student and alumni attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions towards recreational and medical marijuana.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study with PA students and alumni (N = 62) from a mid-sized university in the southeastern United States. We used an online QualtricsTM survey of 40 questions pertaining to both medical and recreational marijuana.

Results:

When asked about counseling patients on medical marijuana only 50.8% felt comfortable. Even fewer were comfortable with discussing drug interactions (39%). Participants felt that edibles were the safest route of administration (46.8%). The majority felt patient counseling should be incorporated into health sciences courses (79.7%). There was a statistically significant association between their knowledge and their comfort in answering questions about marijuana (p < .001) and between their knowledge and their comfort in addressing drug interactions (p = .005).

Conclusions:

Our results align with previous research concluding that a greater amount of marijuana education should be incorporated into healthcare professionals’ curricula.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 1, February 2024
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.1.3

Steven Rowe2024-03-27T15:45:11-06:00March 1st, 2024|Substance Use|

Health Risk Factors of Fishermen in West Seram Regency, Indonesia

View Full Article

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

Authors:

Sahrir Sillehu, PhD
Tri Niswati Utami, PhD
Ilyas Ibrahim, PhD
Zulfikar Peluw, MSN
Zulfikar Lating, MPH

Objective:

Fishermen are a group of workers who play a major role in the development of a country’s economy but are susceptible to health challenges due to the high-risk nature of their profession. Therefore, in this study, we determined the health risk factors among fishermen in West Seram Regency, Indonesia.

Methods:

We used a cross-sectional design to develop a predictive model for fishermen’s health. We collected data through a survey using validated and reliable questionnaires, followed by analysis with multiple logistic regression. The sample population consisted of 114 participants.

Results:

Smoking, exercise, and diving habits influenced the health of the participants with p-values of .016, .005, and .001, respectively. Parents’ health history also had a significant impact, with a p-value of .021. Furthermore, it was considered to be the dominant factor, possessing an Exp(B) value of 6.7.

Conclusions:

Based on the findings, these groups of workers were advised to maintain health through smoking cessation, engaging in regular physical activity, and undergoing regular check-ups at primary healthcare facilities.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 1, February 2024
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.1.2

Steven Rowe2024-03-27T15:47:35-06:00February 29th, 2024|Occupational Health|

Health and Social Service Needs of People who Inject Drugs Living in Rural Settings in the United States: A Qualitative Study

View Full Article

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

Authors:

William Bull, MD
Cahit Kaya, PhD
Wajiha Z. Akhtar, PhD
Joshua Wilke, MD
Sarah Krechel, PhD
Randall Brown, MD
Ryan P. Westergaard, MD
David W. Seal, PhD

Objective:

Rural communities continue to be among the most severely affected by the opioid epidemic, showing some of the highest rates of overdose deaths and increasing rates of injection drug use. Lack of resources among other barriers contribute to the needs of this population going unmet. We assessed service needs among people who inject drugs (PWID) in rural regions, barriers to the implementation of these services, and optimal strategies to intervene with people who inject drugs, as well as to better link them to needed programs and services.

Methods:

We carried out thematic content analysis of 46 in-depth interviews with key respondents who worked with or had knowledge of the needs of PWID.

Results:

Respondents saw a need for increased access to services (eg, healthcare, harm reduction, addiction treatment), different treatment options, and education related to substance use as the most needed services among this population.

Conclusions:

Opioid use disorder interventions and initiatives must address these core service and education needs to best serve PWID. Increasing access to services in rural communities must be a priority for policymakers, local respondents, and healthcare providers.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 1, February 2024
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.1.1

Steven Rowe2024-03-27T15:49:43-06:00February 4th, 2024|Opioid Use, Rural Health|

Biomedical Risk Factors for COVID-19 among People Living with HIV during the First Wave of the Pandemic

View Full Article

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

Authors:

Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan, MBA, MEd, FWACS
Roberto Ariel Abeldaño Zuñiga, MPH, PhD
Nourhan Moustafa Aly, MSc
Muhammad Abrar Yousaf, MSc
Passent Ellakany, PhD
Ifeoma Idigbe, MSc
Folake Barakat Lawal, PhD, FWACS, FMCDS
Zumama Khalid, MSc
Joanne Lusher, PhD
Jorma Virtanen, DDS, PhD, MScPH
Maha El Tantawi, PhD

Objective:

We assessed the associations between testing positive for COVID-19 and HIV viral load, and access to and adherence to antiretroviral therapy during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

We conducted a secondary analysis of data, where we extracted complete information for 904 participants self-identifying as HIV positive. The dataset encompassed the dependent variable (testing positive for COVID-19), independent variables (HIV viral load, access to a 90-day supply of antiretroviral drugs, adherence to antiretroviral therapy), and confounding variables (age, sex assigned at birth, living with HIV co-morbidities, and self-reported depression).

Results:

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (AOR: 0.364; 95% CI: 0.231-0.574; p < .001) was significantly association with decreased odds of testing positive for COVID-19. We found no statistically significant associations between HIV viral load or access to a 90-day supply of antiretroviral drugs and testing positive for COVID-19.

Conclusions:

The results underscore the necessity for ongoing HIV treatment adherence counseling for individuals with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is warranted to elucidate the paradox wherein adherence to antiretroviral therapy was associated with testing positive for COVID-19, but HIV viral load was not.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 10, Number 6, December 2023
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.10.6.3

Steven Rowe2024-03-27T15:52:33-06:00January 24th, 2024|COVID19, HIV|

Socioeconomic Factors, Movement Behavior Context, and Self-reported Physical and Mental Health in Adults Living in New York City

View Full Article

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

Authors:

Ryan D. Burns, PhD
Christopher D. Pfledderer, PhD
You Fu, PhD

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of socioeconomic factors, movement behavior context, and self-reported physical and mental health in adults living in New York City.

Methods:

Participants were adults from the Physical Activity and Transit Survey (N = 3811; 53.2% female). The dependent variables were items asking about the number of days the participant experienced poor physical and mental health. Independent variables were socioeconomic factors and items asking about the frequency of physical activity (PA) within certain contexts and rest/sleep behaviors. Weighted multivariable negative binomial regression models examined the associations.

Results:

More days of bicycling transit (IRR = 0.79, p = .001) and higher levels of household income (IRR range = 0.44-0.66, p < .025) were associated with lower rates of poor physical health. More days of poor rest/sleep (IRR = 1.05, p < .001) and labor PA (IRR = 1.10, p < .001) were associated with higher rates of poor mental health, and higher household income (IRR range = 0.58-0.65, p < .01) were associated with a lower rate of poor mental health.

Conclusions:

The strength and direction of associations with self-reported health varied according to PA context. Poor rest/sleep and low household income were strongly associated with both poor physical and mental health.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 10, Number 5, October 2023, pp. 9-24(16)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.10.5.2

Steven Rowe2024-01-12T09:56:45-07:00January 12th, 2024|Physical Activity|

Trauma Informed Care Can Enhance Whole Person Care to Meet the Quadruple Aim

View Full Article

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

Authors:

Rebecca M. Perley, DBH, LNHA
Barbara L. Ganzel, PhD, LMSW

Objective:

Whole person care typically includes a biopsychosocial, interdisciplinary treatment approach with the intent of improved health outcomes and savings in total dollars spent on healthcare providers and services. Its multidimensional approach to a patient’s physical and mental health makes it the model of choice for achieving the quadruple aim of healthcare reform. However, we argue that whole person care is incomplete in its current form due to its lack of attention to the public health impact of stress and psychological trauma.

Methods:

We used seminal articles, original research and theory, and a variety of databases such as PubMed, and Google Scholar to research our topic.

Results:

Whole person care would benefit from the integration of trauma informed care practices, so that it can better meet the quadruple aim by addressing these broader public health concerns. Trauma-informed care was selected because it understands, recognizes, and responds appropriately to trauma in patients and providers, which enhances the effectiveness of healthcare delivery and reduces the impact of social inequity.

Conclusions:

Integrating trauma informed care into whole person care can help achieve the quadruple aim, as well as the newly proposed fifth aim of advancing health equity, because social inequity increases stress and exposure to psychological trauma.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 10, Number 5, October 2023, pp. 25-33(9)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.10.5.3

Steven Rowe2024-01-12T10:18:55-07:00December 21st, 2023|Health Equity, Healthcare Reform, Whole Person Care|

12 Next