Open Access Articles - Health Behavior and Policy Review

The FELLAS (Fathers Empowered to Learn, Lead, & Achieve Success) Fatherhood Project: Pilot Study Results

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

Authors:

Michael Young, PhD
Kevin Cox, MA
Marielle Natera, MPH
Christopher B. Smith, MSW
Mark J. Kittleson, PhD
David Wingard, PhD
Shannon Lam, MPA
John Bermudez, BFA
Valerie Pineiro, MPH

Objective:

Researchers examined (1) changes in communication, conflict resolution, positive parenting skills, financial management, and 2 measures of employment status among participants in the FELLAS fatherhood program, and (2) whether pretest-posttest changes were maintained at 6-month follow-up.

Methods:

We recruited fathers to participate in a program designed to help them improve relationships, parenting skills, and make progress toward economic stability. Fathers in the program completed questionnaires prior to the beginning of the program, at the end of the program, and at 6-month follow-up. Some fathers also participated in focus groups.

Results:

Participants showed statistically significant improvement from pretest to posttest for four of the 6 outcome measures. These changes were maintained at the 6-month follow-up for 2 of the 4 measures. Additionally, the other 2 outcome measures, which did not show significant change from pretest to posttest, did show significant change from pretest to follow-up. Participant feedback from fathers in the focus groups was also positive.

Conclusions:

These positive results set the stage for a more rigorous evaluation of the intervention.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 5, October 2024, pp. 46-51(6)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/psp/hbpr/pre-prints/content-psp_hbpr_1155

Steven Rowe2024-12-05T22:26:20-07:00December 1st, 2024|Community Health|

Using the Active Implementation Frameworks to Explore Implementation of Recess before Lunch

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

Authors:

Heather F. Terral, PhD
Gina Williamson, PhD
Elizabeth L. Budd, PhD, MPH
Nichole R. Kelly, PhD

Objective:

In this paper, we evaluated barriers and facilitators of implementing a recess before lunch (RBL) schedule in a rural Oregon elementary school.

Methods:

School staff planning a transition to RBL agreed to participate in a qualitative evaluation of implementation feasibility. The Active Implementation Frameworks Exploration Stage and Hexagon Discussion and Analysis Tool informed semi-structured interviews by establishing a priori themes of need, fit, resources/support, readiness, and capacity which were integrated with deductive themes. Data were collected pre-post RBL transition.

Results:

The school principal, 3 teachers, one recess aide, and one food service manager completed interviews (N = 6). Emergent subthemes included: (1) linking RBL with existing health initiatives; (2) identifying a champion; (3) communicating clearly and regularly with teachers and staff; (4) identifying handwashing strategies; and (5) considering modifying school schedule to increase total student eating time.

Conclusions:

Interviewees found implementing RBL to be both feasible and acceptable with a leader to champion the transition. Perceived positive changes associated with RBL included increased student food consumption and improved behavior. School administrators may consider suggesting an RBL modification to their school wellness policy. With proper planning informed by case studies, schools can implement RBL, a relatively simple, low-cost intervention for supporting student behavior.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 5, October 2024, pp. 32-45(14)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/psp/hbpr/pre-prints/content-psp_hbpr_1154

Steven Rowe2024-12-05T22:24:41-07:00November 25th, 2024|School Health|

“I Was Afraid to Apply”: Community-based Organizations and Access to SNAP for Latine Immigrant Families with Children

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

Authors:

Luisa Cárdenas, MPH, CHES
Maya Scherer, MPH
Mayssa Gregoire, BS
Arline Cruz, BA
Daisy Segarra, BA
Becca Telzak, MPA
Linda Weiss, PhD

Objective:

This study focuses on barriers to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment and retention for Latine immigrant families in New York City and the value of facilitated access to SNAP provided by community-based organizations (CBOs).

Methods:

Between 2021 and 2023, we conducted surveys and interviews with Latine parents of children under 18 who received SNAP-related assistance from a CBO in the past year (250 surveys, 15 interviews). We also conducted interviews with staff from this same CBO (3 interviews with 6 participants).

Results:

Findings underscore the importance of SNAP to immigrant families with low incomes, the specific challenges immigrant families face in accessing the program, and the value of CBOs in facilitating access to SNAP for these families – by providing information, instilling trust, and addressing administrative burdens.

Conclusions:

Current SNAP enrollment and recertification processes create access barriers for eligible immigrants. Potential policy approaches to increase access include adjustments to documentation requirements, including reducing reliance on third parties; coordinated enrollment across benefit programs; improving language services; clarifying eligibility requirements that may cause fear among immigrants; and providing consistent and sufficient funding to CBOs facilitating access.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 5, October 2024, pp. 18-31(14)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.5.3

Steven Rowe2024-12-05T22:22:56-07:00November 25th, 2024|Immigration Health|

A Knowledge Translation Strategy to Promote the Health and Social Development of Students: An Evaluation Study

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

Authors:

Christian Dagenais, PhD
Michelle Proulx, PhD
Clara Morin, BSc
Roula Haddad, MA

Objective:

In this paper, we evaluate the implementation of a knowledge translation strategy aimed at optimizing the use and deployment of the ÉKIP reference framework within both the education (preschool, primary, secondary) and the health and social services networks of the province of Quebec (Canada) and their partner organizations.

Methods:

We collected data on Web-based use of the reference framework (ÉKIP Online) and promotional newsletters in spring 2021. We then compared these with other data collected and analyzed in September 2022. We subsequently conducted 19 semi-structured interviews to explore the extent and nature of ÉKIP Online use, identify enabling and inhibiting factors, and extract recommendations for the project’s continuance.

Results:

The increase in use of ÉKIP Online and its uptake tools suggested that communities had become increasingly interested in and informed about the reference framework. Nevertheless, the qualitative component of the evaluation offered a nuanced perspective on its use and deployment.

Conclusions:

The evaluation documented a series of levers to ensure the greatest possible reach of the reference framework and its use within the networks. Further efforts are necessary to reach more schools and support use and deployment.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 4, August 2024, pp. 1687-1699(13)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.4.5

Steven Rowe2024-09-24T15:10:23-06:00September 20th, 2024|School Health|

Factors Related to Eating Speed among Adults: A Scoping Review

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

Authors:

Emi Yoshii, PhD
Misa Shimpo, PhD
Tomomi Nagahata, PhD
Rie Akamatsu, DrPH

Objective:

Eating speed is associated with obesity, metabolic syndromes, and diabetes. However, factors associated with eating speed remain to be studied explicitly. In this scoping review, we aimed to report the factors associated with eating speed among adults.

Methods:

We searched the PubMed and EBSCO databases from inception through February 29, 2024 using the following criteria: (1) original articles reporting factors that influence eating speed; (2) articles on studies including adults (age ≥ 18 years); and (3) articles written in English. We excluded studies focusing on pregnancy, lactation, participants with diseases, and workers in specialized fields.

Results:

In this review, we examined 33 articles, and identified multiple factors influencing eating speed; namely, individual (demographic, sociopsychological, psychosomatic, and cognitive variables, and eating behavior), interpersonal, environmental, and food factors. Evidence indicates that male sex and non-intuitive eating were associated with fast eating speed. Other factors either showed inconsistencies or were inadequately studied.

Conclusions:

Although we identified many potential factors influencing eating speed, most of these remain insufficiently studied. Notably, male sex and non-intuitive eating were associated with fast eating speed. Further studies are needed to investigate modifiable factors for preventing fast eating.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 4, August 2024, pp. 1655-1671(17)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.4.3

Steven Rowe2024-09-24T15:11:09-06:00September 13th, 2024|Healthy Eating|

The Role of Health Literacy in Patient-Physician Communication: A Scoping Review

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

Authors:

Sandra D. Vamos, EdD
Michelle E. Vine, PhD, CE
Ian D. Gordon, MLS, MEd
Domenic F. Alaimo, MPH

Objective:

Our objective was to explore the influence of health literacy on patient-physician communication.

Methods:

We conducted a scoping review of academic papers using PRISMA guidelines and guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute. We explored health literacy competencies in studies by examining methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of patient-physician communication and identifying barriers and facilitators to communication in the broader context of relevant health literacy domains.

Results:

In total, we identified 51 papers that met inclusion criteria. Barriers to effective patient-physician communication were physicians’ lack of understanding of patients’ health literacy capacity, changes in healthcare delivery (time constraints and transforming technology due to COVID-19), and language barriers. Facilitators to communication included patient health literacy level, patient trust in the patient-physician relationship leading to decision-making, telehealth/digital health services, health literacy tools, and patient education materials.

Conclusions:

Future research, policy, and practice should aim for comprehensive assessment of all health literacy domains crucial for patient-physician communication. Delineating health literacy competencies is essential given increasing emphasis on technological resources in healthcare, culturally and linguistically appropriate care in multicultural societies, and addressing service backlogs precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings may inform educational programs focused on health literacy.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 4, August 2024, pp. 1624-1654(31)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.4.2

Steven Rowe2024-09-24T15:12:02-06:00September 11th, 2024|Health Literacy|

Driving Innovative Healthcare Reform through Meta-governance Strategies

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

Authors:

Intan Fitri Meutia, PhD
Devi Yulianti, MA
Bayu Sujadmiko, PhD

Objective:

This study explores the transformative potential of innovation in public sector governance, specifically within the healthcare sector, through meta-governance strategies.

Methods:

Employing qualitative case study methodology, the study thoroughly analyzes the impact of Bandar Lampung’s free health service program. Drawing from interviews, documents, and observations, the research highlights the critical influence of meta-governance in guiding innovation within the healthcare sector.

Results:

The findings contribute significantly to our understanding of public sector innovation, emphasizing the importance of meta-governance in fostering transformative change.

Conclusions:

By highlighting technological advancements in Bandar Lampung, this study offers actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars to enhance public service delivery and promote societal progress through innovation.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 4, August 2024, pp. 1613-1623(11)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.4.1

Steven Rowe2024-09-24T15:12:48-06:00September 11th, 2024|Healthcare Reform, Indonesia|

The Effects of Supervision and Activity Status on Physical Activity Participation with Activity Zoned Playgrounds in Elementary-Aged Children

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

Authors:

Jillian L. Barnas, PhD
Travis Emerson, MS
Stephen D. Ball, PhD

Objective:

We compared changes in physical activity (PA) in active and inactive youth during school recess with supervised and unsupervised activity zoned playgrounds (AZP).

Methods:

We analyzed PA of 143 third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders from 2 elementary institutions using Actigraph-GT3X accelerometers for 4 weeks. We collected baseline data for one week prior to activity zoning. Afterwards, the playgrounds were divided into 6 activity zones for 2 weeks, with activity zones supervised at only one institution. Activity zones were removed, and PA data were collected for one-week post intervention.

Results:

We saw few differences in PA engagement between the supervision conditions throughout the duration of AZP implementation such that moderate and vigorous PA decreased with supervision (ps < .05). Initial activity status influenced PA engagement with AZP implementation. AZPs significantly reduced vigorous PA engagement in active kids with subsequent increases in light PA engagement, whereas PA engagement remained relatively unchanged among inactive children.

Conclusions:

Supervising AZP may be detrimental to PA engagement during recess; however, this could be dependent on the reliability of employed supervisors. Additionally, considerable attention is needed with activity development that will appease students of differing activity statuses and prevent decreases in higher intensity PA engagement.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 3, June 2024, pp. 1599-1612(14)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.3.5

Steven Rowe2024-08-03T10:47:13-06:00July 24th, 2024|Physical Activity, School Health|

Effects of Activity-zoned Playgrounds on Social Skills, Problem Behavior, and Academic Achievement in Elementary-aged Children

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

Authors:

Jillian L. Barnas, PhD
Travis Emerson, MS
Stephen D. Ball, PhD

Objective:

We assessed changes in social skill development, problem behaviors, and academic competencies with an acute implementation of an activity-zoned playground (AZP) during recess.

Methods:

Third- and fifth-grade students (N = 116) from 2 midwestern elementary institutions were selected to wear an accelerometer at recess and have their teacher complete a pre- and post-intervention assessment of the Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS). We measured physical activity (PA) using Actigraph-GT3X accelerometers for 4 continuous weeks: one week of baseline, 2 weeks of activity zone intervention, one week of post-intervention with activity zone removal.

Results:

The AZP intervention was effective at increasing MVPA with decreases in sedentary activity during recess for third-grade students whereas fifth-grade students showed no significant change in PA (ps < .001). Furthermore, third-grade children improved their social skill scores by 3% (p = .003), but no change in social skill behavior was noted for fifth-grade students (p = .73); we detected no differences in problem behaviors or academic competence (ps > .05).

Conclusions:

Activity-zoned playgrounds can improve PA engagement and can lead to improvements in social skill development without worsening problem behaviors, especially in younger students.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 3, June 2024, pp. 1587-1598(12)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.3.4

Steven Rowe2024-08-03T10:44:21-06:00July 24th, 2024|Physical Activity, School Health|

Internalized Homonegativity is Indirectly Associated with Smoking Status through Somatic Anxiety

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

Authors:

Ty A. Robinson, EdM
Nathan Grant Smith, PhD
Ezemenari M. Obasi, PhD
Lorraine R. Reitzel, PhD, FAAHB, FSRNT

Objective:

In this study, we examined how internalized homonegativity (IH), a non-adaptive cognitive response to lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) minority stressors, related to the manifestation of somatic anxiety symptoms and reduced the likelihood of being a former smoker.

Methods:

Participants (N = 77) smoked ≥ 100 cigarettes in their lifetime, some of whom successfully quit their use (N = 23 former smokers). The Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale and the State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety were used to assess IH and somatic anxiety.

Results:

Current smokers experienced higher IH rates than former smokers (former = 0, current = 1; b = .65, p < .05). IH was positively associated with somatic anxiety (b = .17, p < .001), and the association between IH and smoking status was mediated through somatic anxiety (b = .17; CI = [.0002, .6539]).

Conclusions:

One’s experience with IH may be a risk factor for psychological distress and continued smoking. Current findings can aid in the development of future longitudinal or experimental studies to examine the causality between IH and somatic anxiety and include confounding variables.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 3, June 2024, pp. 1549-1557(9)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.3.1

Steven Rowe2024-08-03T10:45:09-06:00July 2nd, 2024|Tobacco|

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