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With widespread adoption of the Internet, focus groups can now be conducted using Internet-mediated (IM) “chat” group technology. However, the methodology used for face-to-face groups must be adapted to this new communication medium. This paper presents a case study that describes feasibility issues of the IM “chat” focus groups, which arose when they were used to collect formative data for the NC STRIDES (STRategies for Improving Diet, Exercise, and Screening) project. This population-based study used the focus group to develop tailored and interactive health communication strategies to reduce the risk of recurrence of colon cancer. In this paper, we describe: (a) the characteristics of IM chat communication, (b) technical implementation of the NC STRIDES “chat” focus groups, (c) methodological considerations, d) chat focus group formation and management, and (e) participants, satisfaction with their chat focus group experiences. Finally, we offer suggestions for best practice in the use of chat focus groups in health behaviour and social work research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Research has demonstrated that self-efficacy among teachers is positively related to quality of instruction, including literacy instruction, and children's academic outcomes. However, self-efficacy is understudied among public library storytime providers who design and implement programs to promote children's early literacy skills. This dual-pronged study had two aims: to develop and test the reliability and validity of the Sense of Efficacy in Early Literacy Programming scale and to determine whether a storytime provider's professional experiences predict self-efficacy. Slightly more than 200 storytime providers (N = 226) completed the survey. Five subscales were determined using exploratory factor analysis, indicating that storytime providers' self-efficacy is multidimensional. Years of experience working in libraries predicated self-efficacy for engaging both children and caregivers, whereas professional development predicated self-efficacy beliefs for communicating early literacy strategies and using less common storytime practices. Implications for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical inactivity is one of the factors contributing to disproportionate disease rates among older African Americans. Previous literature indicates that older African Americans are more likely to live in racially segregated neighborhoods and that racial residential segregation is associated with limited opportunities for physical activity. A cross-sectional mixed methods study was conducted guided by the concept of therapeutic landscapes. Multilevel regression analyses demonstrated that racial residential segregation was associated with more minutes of physical activity and greater odds of meeting physical activity recommendations. Qualitative interviews revealed the following physical activity related themes: aging of the neighborhood, knowing your neighbors, feeling of safety, and neighborhood racial identity. Perceptions of social cohesion enhanced participants' physical activity, offering a plausible explanation to the higher rates of physical activity found in this population. Understanding how social cohesion operates within racially segregated neighborhoods can help to inform the design of effective interventions for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A better understanding of identifying tailoring variables would improve message design. Tailoring to a behavior that a participant selects as one they would like to work on may increase message relevance, and thus effectiveness. This trial compared 3 groups: message tailored to physical activity as a participant-selected topic (choice), message tailored to physical activity as an expert-determined topic (expert), or nontailored message (comparison). Methods: 408 female college students received web-delivered computer-tailored messages on physical activity. Outcomes were immediate and 1-month follow-up changes in psychosocial, goal-related, and behavioral variables related to physical activity. Results: Participants were predominately non-Hispanic White (73.8%). Change in self-efficacy and goal commitment at immediate follow-up and vigorous physical activity at 1-month follow-up was greater in the expert versus comparison group. Change in goal commitment at immediate follow-up was lower in the choice versus expert group. In the expert group, those choosing physical activity as their selected topic perceived the goal to be easier at immediate follow-up compared with those receiving unmatched messages. Conclusions: Findings supported tailoring to an expert-determined topic. However, based on the beneficial change in perceived goal difficulty when topics matched, future research should encourage synchrony between participant-selected topics and expert recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health and safety (H&S) campaigns for children are often aimed at six to twelve year olds, with the same materials targeted across this age range despite their developmental and cognitive differences. We conducted a study to examine whether three different visual approaches to H&S posters influenced children’s engagement with and ability to elaborate from the poster content, and preferences for the posters. The study was conducted with children from two age groups (7-8 and 10-11 years of age). The posters were designed with the same verbal information but we varied the presented pictorial information: Poster 1 had informative pictorial information; Poster 2 had decorative pictorial information; poster 3 had no pictorial information. The study consisted of a written activity and a discussion. The results suggest children from each age group have different responses to the different kinds of posters tested, and particularly age-related preferences for informative or decorative pictures. We describe four responses tendencies that should be considered for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Action Through Churches in Time to Save Lives (ACTS) of Wellness was a cluster randomized controlled trial developed to promote colorectal cancer screening and physical activity (PA) within urban African American churches. Churches were recruited from North Carolina (n = 12) and Michigan (n = 7) and were randomized to intervention (n = 10) or comparison (n = 9). Intervention participants received three mailed tailored newsletters addressing colorectal cancer screening and PA behaviors over approximately 6 months. Individuals who were not up-to-date for screening at baseline could also receive motivational calls from a peer counselor. The main outcomes were up-to-date colorectal cancer screening and Metabolic Equivalency Task (MET)-hours/week of moderate–vigorous PA. Multivariate analyses examined changes in the main outcomes controlling for church cluster, gender, marital status, weight, and baseline values. Baseline screening was high in both intervention (75.9%, n = 374) and comparison groups (73.7%, n = 338). Screening increased at follow-up: +6.4 and +4.7 percentage points for intervention and comparison, respectively (p = .25). Baseline MET-hours/week of PA was 7.8 (95% confidence interval [6.8, 8.7]) for intervention and 8.7 (95% confidence interval [7.6, 9.8]) for the comparison group. There were no significant changes (p = .15) in PA for intervention (−0.30 MET-hours/week) compared with the comparison (−0.05 MET-hours/week). Among intervention participants, PA increased more for those who participated in church exercise programs, and screening improved more for those who spoke with a peer counselor or recalled the newsletters. Overall, the intervention did not improve PA or screening in an urban church population. These findings support previous research indicating that structured PA opportunities are necessary to promote change in PA and churches need more support to initiate effective peer counselor programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many young adults are insufficiently active to achieve the health benefits of regular physical activity. Using signal detection analysis of data from the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey, the authors examined distinct subgroups of 18–39 year-old adults who vary in their likelihood of not meeting physical activity recommendations. We randomly split the sample and conducted signal detection analysis on the exploratory half to identify subgroups and interactions among sociodemographic and health communication variables that predicted engaging in less than 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity (low physical activity). We compared rates of low physical activity among subgroups with similarly defined subgroups in the validation sample. Overall, 62% of participants did not meet physical activity recommendations. Among 8 subgroups identified, low physical activity rates ranged from 31% to 90%. Predictors of low physical activity were general health, body mass index (BMI), perceived cancer risk, health-related Internet use, and trust in information sources. The least active subgroup (90% low physical activity) included young adults in poor to good health with a BMI of 30.8 or more (obese). The most active subgroup (31% low physical activity) comprised those in very good to excellent health, who used a website to help with diet, weight, or physical activity, and had little to no trust in health information on television. Findings suggest potential intervention communication channels and can inform targeted physical activity interventions for young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2008.06.428 Byline: Lisa M. Quintiliani, Marci K. Campbell, Pamela S. Haines, Kelly H. Webber Abstract: When encountering new or understudied populations, it is useful to build an understanding of the needs and perceptions of the target audience. This study investigated the application of the qualitative pile sort method for gaining information about nutrition and physical activity behaviors. In a pile sort, individuals make a list of topics relevant to a particular subject, and then they group these topics into related piles. This study investigated whether there was consistency in the ways in which participants grouped behaviors related to having a healthful lifestyle. Pile sorts were conducted during six focus groups among 28 female community college students (46% white; 39% had a 2-year degree or higher). A total of 74 piles of grouped behaviors were coded from the transcripts. Analyses revealed good consistency (identified nine to 12 times) for four groupings: exercise, lifestyle, how you eat, and positive foods. The pile sort method represents an activity that can be incorporated into formative research for interventions focused on complex behaviors with multiple components; in addition, this method may provide structure to counseling sessions and facilitate a better understanding of the perceptions of healthful eating and physical activity from patients' perspectives. Article History: Accepted 15 January 2008

Objective: This study examined the relationships between patient-provider (p-p) communication, patients' perceptions of the quality of the care received, and reliance on their health care providers. Methods: Data was collected from 3,959 respondents of the 2012 U.S. Health Information National Trends Survey. Responses to questions regarding patient-provider communication, reliance on health care providers for health care needs, and perceptions of quality of health care received were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to study the relationship among the three constructs. Results: SEM analysis showed directly proportional, statistically significant relationships between communication with health care providers and reliance on health care providers to take care of health needs, and reliance on health care providers and perceptions of the quality of health care received. The SEM path communication with health care providers and perceptions of quality of health care received was not statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet is an important contributor to many non-communicable diseases. Religion and spirituality (R/S) has a salutary effect on physical health, and one of the possible links between R/S and positive health outcomes is a better diet. Religious neighborhoods might also play a role in influencing the adoption of a healthier diet. Suggestions for future research in R/S and diet are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a previous investigation of religio-spiritual beliefs in American Indians, this article examined prevalence and correlates of religio-spiritual participation in two tribes in the Southwest and Northern Plains (N = 3,084). Analysis suggested a 'religious profile' characterized by strong participation across three traditions: aboriginal, Christian, and Native American Church. However, sociodemographic variables that have reliably predicted participation in the general American population, notably gender and age, frequently failed to achieve significance in multivariate analyses for each tradition. Religio-spiritual participation was strongly and significantly related to belief salience for all traditions. Findings suggest that correlates of religious participation may be unique among American Indians, consistent with their distinctive religious profile. Results promise to inform researchers' efforts to understand and theorize about religio-spiritual behavior. They also provide tribal communities with practical information that might assist them in harnessing social networks to confront collective challenges through community-based participatory research collaborations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer Connect matches cancer survivors and caregivers (guides) with those currently experiencing cancer-related issues seeking support (partners). Motivational interviewing (MI)-based communication skills are taught to provide patient-centered support. There is little guidance about MI-based applications with cancer survivors who may have multiple coping needs. This paper addresses the results and lessons learned from implementing Peer Connect. Thirteen cancer survivors and two caregivers received a 2-day MI, DVD-based training along with six supplemental sessions. Nineteen partners were matched with guides and received telephone support. Evaluation included guide skill assessment (Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity Code) and 6-month follow-up surveys with guides and partners. Guides demonstrated MI proficiency and perceived their training as effective. Guides provided on average of five calls to each partner. Conversation topics included cancer fears, family support needs, coping and care issues, and cancer-related decisions. Partners reported that guides provided a listening ear, were supportive, and nonjudgmental. Limited time availability of some guides was a challenge. MI can provide support for cancer survivors and caregivers without specific behavioral concerns (e.g., weight and smoking). An MI support model was both feasible and effective and can provide additional support outside of the medical system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LIVESTRONG Centers of Excellence were funded to increase the effectiveness of survivorship care in oncology practice. This study describes the ongoing process of adopting and implementing survivorship care using the framework of the diffusion of innovation theory of change. Primary data collection included telephone interviews with 39 members from the eight centers and site visits. Organizational characteristics, overall progress, and challenges for implementation were collected from proposals and annual reports. Creating an awareness of cancer survivorship care was a major accomplishment (relative advantage). Adoption depended on the fit within the cancer center (compatibility), and changed over time based on trial and error (trialability). Implementing survivorship care within the existing culture of oncology and breaking down resistance to change was a lengthy process (complexity). Survivorship care became sustainable as it became reimbursed, and more new patients were seen (observability). Innovators and early adopters were crucial to success. Diffusion of innovation theory can provide a strategy to evaluate adoption and implementation of cancer survivorship programs into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite evidence of the salutary effects of religion on physical health, relatively little attention has been paid to the influence of religiosity on the risk of overweight and obesity. Our study examines this relationship with specific attention to the influence of Latter-day Saint (LDS, Mormon) affiliation and attendance on bodyweight status. Latter-day Saints make an excellent test case because LDS proscriptions against the consumption of alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco could lead to either a reduced risk of overweight and obesity by reinforcing a broader constellation of healthy habits or a greater risk of overweight and obesity by contributing to unhealthy behaviors (e.g., overeating) that are substituted for religiously proscribed substance use. Given the salience of gender in the LDS context and gender-specific differences in bodyweight status, our analyses are run separately for men and women. While LDS men exhibit a somewhat greater obesity risk, LDS women are especially likely to face overweight and obesity risks. These findings demonstrate that religiosity can, in some circumstances, undermine physical health and that conservative religions can compromise bodyweight in gender-specific ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obese white women have lower rates of cancer screening compared to non-obese women. This study will determine if a relationship exists between weight and adherence to cancer screening guidelines among African Americans. We used multivariate logistic regression to examine the relationship between being up-to-date with cancer screening (colorectal, breast, cervical, and prostate) and weight group (normal, overweight, obese I, obese II+) using data from older (age 50+) members (N = 955) of 20 African American churches in Michigan and North Carolina. CRC testing rates were examined using multiple definitions to account for differences in screening rates vs. polyp surveillance rates. After adjusting for confounders, we found relationships between weight group and up-to-date CRC ( P = 0.04) and PSA ( P = 0.004) testing for men and mammography ( P = 0.03) for women. Compared to normal-weight men, obese I men were more likely to be up-to-date with CRC (OR 2.35, 95%CI 1.02-5.40) and PSA (OR 4.24 95%CI 1.77-10.17) testing. CRC screening rates were lower when individuals with polyps were excluded from the analysis; however, patterns by weight remained the same. Contrary to previous research, we did not find lower rates of cancer screening among obese African Americans. Instead, we found that normal-weight African American men had lower screening rates than any other group. As we did not consistently find lower screening rates among obese African Americans, targeting this group for increased screening promotion may not be the most effective way to reduce weight-related cancer disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objectives of this study were to characterize survivorship models of care across eight LIVESTRONG Survivorship Center of Excellence (COE) Network sites and to identify barriers and facilitators influencing survivorship care. Methods: Using the framework of the Chronic Care Model (CCM), quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry were conducted with the COEs. Methods included document reviews, key informant telephone interviews with 39 participants, online Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (ACIC) surveys with 40 participants, and three site visits. Results: Several overarching themes emerged in qualitative interviews and were substantiated by quantitative methods. Health system factors supporting survivorship care include organization and leadership commitment and program champions at various levels of the health care team. System barriers include reimbursement issues, lack of space, and the need for leadership commitment to support changes in clinical practices as well as having program 'champions' among clinical staff. Multiple models of care include separate survivorship clinics and integrated models as well as consultative models. COEs' scores on the ACIC survey showed overall 'reasonable support' for survivorship care; however, the clinical information system domain was least developed. Although the ACIC findings indicated 'reasonable support' for self-management, the qualitative analysis revealed that self-management support was largely limited to health promotion provided in clinic-based education and counseling sessions, with few COEs providing patients with self-management tools and interventions. Conclusions: The CCM framework captured experiences and challenges of these COEs and provided insight into the current state of survivorship care in the context of National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers. Findings showed that cancer patients and providers could benefit from clinical information systems that would better identify candidates for survivorship care and provide timely information. In addition, a crucial area for development is self-management support outside of clinical care. Implications for cancer survivors: Cancer survivors may benefit from learning about the experience and challenges faced by the eight LIVESTRONG Centers of Excellence in developing programs and models for cancer survivorship care, and these findings may inform patient and caregiver efforts to seek, evaluate, and advocate for quality survivorship programs designed to meet their needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wellness for African Americans Through Churches was a randomized trial that tested the effectiveness of tailored print and video (TPV) and/or lay health advisors (LHA) at increasing recreational physical activity (RPA), fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption, and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in African American churches. Baseline data revealed lower screening and RPA rates among obese individuals but no weight-related differences in F&V consumption. This analysis examined if intervention effectiveness was also moderated by participant weight group. Regression analyses tested for interactions between intervention and weight group for screening and RPA. Weight group was found to be a moderator of intervention effectiveness (p = .02); normal and overweight individuals receiving the LHA intervention increased RPA more, whereas obese individuals responded better to TPV. For CRC screening, the interaction term was not significant; weight alone was related to screening at follow-up (p = .049), with obese individuals reporting less screening. These results suggest that weight tailoring may improve the effectiveness of behavior change interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This research examines the influence of messages from religious leaders and congregants on whether Korean women are overweight or obese. Data were drawn from telephone interviews with a probability sample ( N = 591) of women of Korean descent living in California. Overweight or obese prevalence was measured using World Health Organization standards for Asians (BMI > 23). Respondents reported the frequency of messages discouraging “excessive eating” or encouraging “exercise” from religious leaders and congregants during a typical month. When conditioned on leaders’ messages, the frequency of congregants’ messages was associated with a significantly lower probability of being overweight or obese, although messages from either in the absence of the other were unassociated with being overweight or obese. At least for Korean women, religion may help prevent obesity via religious-based social mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to early detection and treatment, survival from colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis has been steadily increasing. A CRC diagnosis could be considered a “teachable moment,” a time when interventionists might successfully promote dietary changes. CRC interventions with tailored print communication (TPC) and telephone motivational interviewing (TMI) have been shown to be effective in promoting fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) among CRC survivors. However, little is known about how these interventions work to exert their effect. This study investigated whether information processes mediate the relationship between a CRC intervention and FVC among CRC survivors. This research used data from NC STRIDES, a study that tested the efficacy of two CRC intervention strategies to promote FVC among CRC survivors. Participants were randomized to control, TPC, TMI, or combined (TPC+TMI). Structural equation models were constructed to analyze data from 266 CRC survivors using two different measures of FVC, a 35-item and a 2-item measure. Two information processes, relevance of communication and trust in the communication, mediated the effect of TPC+TMI on FVC for both 35-item and 2-item measures. TPC+TMI was significantly associated with relevance of communication, and perceiving greater relevance was significantly related to trust in the communication. Trust was significantly related to FVC. Information processes, including relevance and trust in the communication, serve as mediators of the relationship between the CRC intervention and FVC. Future intervention research should investigate ways to enhance relevance of communication and trust in interventions with CRC survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine if the relationship between obesity and usage of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in women varies when stratifying by race.Methods: Using nationally representative data from the 2005 National Health Interview Survey, we examined the relationship between obesity and CRC screening for white and African-American women aged 50 and older. Screening usage variables indicated if a woman was up-to-date for any CRC screening test, colonoscopy, or FOBT. We used multivariable logistic regression models that included interaction terms to determine if race moderates the obesity-screening relationship. We also calculated adjusted up-to-date colonoscopy rates using direct standardization to model covariates.Results: The relationship between obesity and screening differed by race for any CRC screening test (P = 0.04 for interaction) and for colonoscopy (P = 0.01 for interaction), but not for FOBT. Obese white women had a lower adjusted colonoscopy rate (30.2%, 95% CI 25.9-34.8) than non-obese white women (39.1%, 95% CI 36.1-42.2). Obese African-American women, on the other hand, had a higher adjusted colonoscopy rate (41.2%, 95% CI 31.6-51.4) than their non-obese counterparts (35.6%, 95% CI 28.3-43.6). Overall, adjusted colonoscopy rates were lowest among obese white women.Conclusions: Obesity is associated with lower CRC screening rates in white, but not African-American women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. We assessed change in fruit and vegetable intake in a population-based sample, comparing an online untailored program (arm 1) with a tailored behavioral intervention (arm 2) and with a tailored behavioral intervention plus motivational interviewing — based counseling via e-mail (arm 3). Methods. We conducted a randomized controlled intervention trial, enrolling members aged 21 to 65 years from 5 health plans in Seattle, Washington; Denver, Colorado; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Detroit, Michigan; and Atlanta, Georgia. Participants reported fruit and vegetable intake at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. We assessed mean change in fruit and vegetable servings per day at 12 months after baseline, using a validated self-report fruit and vegetable food frequency questionnaire. Results. Of 2540 trial participants, 80% were followed up at 12 months. Overall baseline mean fruit and vegetable intake was 4.4 servings per day. Average servings increased by more than 2 servings across all study arms (P<.001), with the greatest increase (+2.8 servings) among participants of arm 3 (P=.05, compared with control). Overall program satisfaction was high. Conclusions. This online nutritional intervention was well received, convenient, easy to disseminate, and associated with sustained dietary change. Such programs have promise as population-based dietary interventions. [Am J Public Health. 2010;100:319-326. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2008.154468) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors explored associations of social environment with dietary behavior among participants in the Eating for a Healthy Life study, a randomized, low-fat, high-fruit-and-vegetable dietary intervention trial in religious organizations. Data in this report are from baseline telephone surveys of 1,520 persons that assessed dietary behaviors (Fat- and Fiber-Related Diet Behavior Questionnaire) and social environment (Moos Group Environment Scale). After adjusting for demographic characteristics, higher scores on the Cohesion and Order/Oṝganization subscales were associated with higher fruit/vegetable scores (indicating higher fruit and vegetable consumption). Higher scores on the Cohesion, Leader Support, and Order/Organization subscales were also associated with lower fat scores (indicating lower fat intake). Dietary behaviors within religious organizations may be related to positive perceptions of the social environment. These results support further exploration of the potential influence of religious organizations' social environment on health behaviors and its applicability to dietary change interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) among rural, southern Latinas. A sample of 1,212 women in blue-collar work sites in rural North Carolina completed a questionnaire assessing IPV and other social, demographic, and health-related variables. Social and demographic correlates of IPV were examined. Adult lifetime prevalence of IPV in Latinas was 19.5%, similar to that of non-Latinas. As compared to Latinas who did not experience IPV and non-Latinas who experienced IPV, Latinas who experienced IPV were more likely to lack social support and to have children in the home. Agencies that provide services to victims of IPV in the rural South need to be prepared to meet the unique needs of Latina immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latina women are a growing percentage of the working population, and very little is known about their health needs and interests. The purpose of this article is to share qualitative research results gathered from Latina women with a particular focus on exploring stress and health. This project was a substudy of Health Works in the Community, a 5-year CDC-funded multiple risk-factor reduction trial using participatory action research approaches to address smoking, healthy eating, stress, and physical activity among blue-collar women from 12 manufacturing work sites in rural, eastern North Carolina. Five focus groups were conducted with trained, bilingual facilitators using a vignettebased moderator guide that appeared particularly effective with this population. Results from the focus groups are used to make recommendations for future research with Latinas and for developing effective work-site-based interventions to address issues of stress and health within this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To examine health behaviors (fruit/vegetable intake and physical activity) and their association with social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors (n=304) and comparable non-CRC-affected participants (n = 521). METHODS: Baseline data were analyzed bivariately and modeled with linear regression. Participants were 48% female, 36% African American (mean age = 67). RESULTS: Behaviors were comparable between groups, but survivors perceived more social support for behaviors (P <.05). Lack of employment was associated with greater frequency of healthy behaviors (P <.05) as were more modifiable factors including higher self-efficacy and lower barriers. CONCLUSIONS: SCT constructs were associated with behavior and may be targets for future interventions, but other variables may be important as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edward G. Miner Library, the health sciences library at the University of Rochester Medical Center, is reaching out beyond its usual user group to improve health knowledge of members of six inner-city African-American churches and one community center. With the Congregation Healthy Heart Action Partnership (CHHAP) and the Rochester Public Library as partners, and with funding from the National Library of Medicine, Miner is providing Internet access at the churches and training church and community members to use reliable health Web sites such as MedlinePlus. A train-the-trainer approach and follow-up meetings empower church members to carry the information to others. In addition to trainees learning about reliable health Web resources and Rochester Public Library's health resources, new relationships between libraries and churches have resulted. It is hoped that this program will help reduce health disparities between Rochester's inner-city minorities and residents of the surrounding suburbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To examine physical activity among participants in the Wellness for African Americans Through Churches (WATCH) project. METHODS: Both focus-group and survey methodologies were employed. From surveys, frequencies and metabolic equivalents (METs) were calculated for recreational, household, and occupational activity. RESULTS: Half of respondents reported recreational activity > or = 5 days per week; most reported household activity. Women had significantly lower levels of recreational and occupational, but not household activity. Recreational and occupational levels decreased with age. CONCLUSIONS: This sample appears to meet exercise guidelines. Psychosocial factors may be important for intervention in recreational, but not household or occupational activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether there is a relationship between baseline levels of social support and women's health behaviors. Methods: Baseline surveys for 859 women assessed smoking, diet (fat, fruit, and vegetable consumption), physical activity, breast and cervical cancer screening, and levels of social support. Results: Women had substantial social networks and a high evel of interaction with their coworkers. Social support was associated with physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, and cervical cancer screening. Conclusion: Findings suggest that work-site health-promotion programs for women could benefit from intervening at the social-network level, especially for some health behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared two groups of high-risk Medicaid-eligible mothers, 221 who participated in a maternal home visitation program and 198 who did not, to determine whether program participation was associated with improvements in the mothers' psychological functioning 1 year after delivery, and whether these improvements were associated with the type and intensity of support provided by home visitors. The results suggest that, compared to nonparticipants, participants provided with more intensive home visitor support had significantly higher self-esteem (p = 0.039) and were less depressed (p = 0.015). Participants with less intensive home visitor support, however, did not differ significantly from nonparticipants in their self-esteem or depression levels. No significant differences were observed in the perceived stress levels of participants as compared with nonparticipants, regardless of the intensity of home visitor support. Mothers who had support from the baby's father, however, had significantly lower perceived stress levels than mothers with no support from the baby's father (p = 0.046). Moreover, the type of support provided by home visitors (emotional, instrumental, informational) did not appear to be related to the mothers' psychological functioning. This study suggests that the intensity of support is an important component of maternal home visitation programs that aim to improve women's psychological functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to identify characteristics of high-risk pregnant women that predicted long-term participation in a home visitation program. METHODS: Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, perceived needs, psychological functioning, substance use, and informal social support were collected prospectively from 152 short-term and 221 long-term program participants. RESULTS: In comparison with short-term participants, long-term participants were more likely to have been African American, married, nonsmokers, and enrolled in the program during their second trimester of pregnancy, and they were more likely to have had emotional and instrumental support needs. CONCLUSIONS: Women with greater social support needs and healthier behaviors were more receptive to long-term home visitation than other women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The section presents the schedule of the program of the 1994 American Public Health Association Meeting to be held in Washington, D.C. from October 29 to November 2. The program follows a definite format: day order, by time slot and alphabetical by first sponsor. The subjects of sessions include: drug use in the city; prevention research at the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; tobacco control in local, state, national and international levels; and strategies for improving health in the African American community.