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This study compared emergency preparedness of people with activity limitations, with limitations who use specialized equipment, and with mental health conditions with that of people without these disabilities. Results of chi-square analysis and logistic regression analysis showed that people with activity limitations and/or mental health conditions were significantly less prepared for emergencies than people who used specialized equipment or persons without disabilities. Having an activity limitation and/or severe mental health conditions, and being non-white, uncoupled, female, and below the poverty line increases the likelihood of not being prepared. Suggestions for increasing preparedness related to training and policy development were discussed.

The abundance of consumers and the availability of resources are often linked, and birds are known to track food resources at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. This study describes the seasonal influx of nectar-feeding birds during flowering in a 51-ha stand of Aloe ferox in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, over 5 years (2008–09 and 2011–13). Bimonthly point counts of birds were conducted before (April–May), during (June–July) and after (August) flowering, which occurs during the austral winter. The abundance of nectar-feeding birds increased significantly during flowering each year, whereas monthly abundances of non-nectarivores were unrelated to flowering. Models fitted to bird count-data revealed a significant interaction between feeding guild (nectarivorous versus non-nectarivorous species) and the percentage of flowering A. ferox over the 5 years of the study, confirming that these guilds responded differently to flowering events. Malachite Sunbirds (Nectarina famosa), which are specialist nectarivores, responded consistently to flowering of A. ferox each year, despite the low sugar concentrations of A. ferox nectar. The arrival of nectar-feeding birds en masse during flowering, and the number of bird species (16) observed feeding on A. ferox nectar, suggest that this plant is an important source of nutrition for birds at a time when other food resources are likely to be scarce.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between age and satisfaction with patient–physician communication. Data were obtained from the 2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Guided by the Communication Predicament Model, chi square analyses were run to examine the relationship of age and satisfaction with physician–patient communication for persons in general and those in fair to poor health. Regression analyses were run to determine whether older age (65+) increases the likelihood of experiencing communication issues of the physician listening to the older adult's medical concerns, explaining treatment so that the patient understood, treating the patient with respect and spending enough time with the patient. A significant relationship was found between age and dissatisfaction with physician communication. Persons who are 65 and older are 1.35–1.71 times as likely to perceive problems with physician communication. Other factors that increased the likelihood of perceived communication ...

Although most individuals continue to use and trust their health care professional for health information, they are increasingly bombarded with health information from other sources such as the Internet, television,andfamilyorfriends.Itisimportanttounderstand where variances in the use and trust of health information by various demographic factors occur, in order to monitor these sources to make sure that information provided is accurate and understandable. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to use data from the Annenberg National Health Communication Survey (ANHCS) to determine the relationship of demographic variables of age, race/ethnicity, educational level, gender, income level, and health status to use and trust of health information sources (health provider, television, Internet, and family or friends). Data were also analyzed to determine how these demographic variables increase or decrease the likelihood of using the various sources for health information. Results from the analysis showed that significant differences occur in use of health information when examined by demographic variables. Suggestions were made on how to make these health information sources more user-friendly and caution was expressed regarding the accuracy of sources.

Many clients have difficulty understanding health information, which may lead to less use of preventive services, greater use of hospital emergency services, poor physical and mental health, and an increased risk of death. Therefore, the objective of this article is to present a review of the accessibility of a rehabilitation center and an independent living facility with regard to navigation of the facility, understandability of written and oral communication, use of technology, and implementation of policies and procedures within these facilities. Findings from the reviews identified areas for improvement for both facilities in navigation as well as written and oral communication. Recommendations to the facilities are discussed for revision of signage and written and oral communication. Implications for occupational therapy practitioners, including establishment of best practices for health literacy and providing consultation for other health care professions, are highlighted. Possible future research is explored regarding evaluation of the effectiveness of the intervention.

This article explores domestic violence against women with disabilities from an occupational justice perspective. Domestic violence against these women warrants special attention because they are abused at rates equal to or greater than women without disabilities and they experience disability‐specific forms of abuse. The discussion adds to the body of knowledge of domestic violence by analyzing the occupational imbalance, marginalization, deprivation and alienation that women with disabilities experience as instances of occupational injustice that ultimately undermine health. Domestic violence against women with disabilities is also posited as an appropriate issue to examine from this perspective because of the layered injustices experienced. Finally, empowerment is proposed as a strategy to address the issues identified.

The relationship between the employment status of women with disabilities and the incidence of physical and sexual abuse in the United States was examined.Data from the 2005 Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were analyzed using descriptive analysis and proportional analysis to determine the significance of the relationship between the experience of abuse and employment status for women with disabilities. Due to the large sample size, effect size was examined through Cohen's h. Logistic regression analysis was also used to examine the risk of unemployment for women with disabilities who are abused.Women with disabilities who have been abused have higher levels of unemployment than women without disabilities who have not been abused. In addition, women with disabilities who have been abused have higher levels of unemployment than women without disabilities who have not been abused. Finally, experiencing physical and sexual abuse increases the risk of unemployment for women with disabilities.Unemployment increases the disadvantage for an already vulnerable population and potentially prevents women with disabilities from being able to break the cycle of violence they are experiencing. Recommendations are discussed with regard to intervention by rehabilitation professionals to assist women with disabilities who experience abuse.

To successfully manage their health care, individuals must be able to understand relevant written and verbal communication, navigate the complex health system, and have the skills and abilities to perform health care tasks. Conceptual models have been proposed and utilized to research and develop effective strategies to address barriers to health literacy and improve health outcomes. However, these models, in most cases, do not consider the full spectrum of individual factors, the complexity of environmental demands, and the specific components of the tasks necessary in order for individuals to successfully maintain health in the broadest sense. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to propose the utilization of an occupational therapy model, the Person–Environment–Occupational Performance (PEOP) model, which considers the interaction of intrinsic person skills, facilitators, and barriers provided by the environment, and the occupations (skills and tasks to manage health) and ability of the pe...