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Understanding Rural Legal Deserts to Inform Public Policy: Identifying and Describing Lawyer Gaps in Non-Metropolitan Counties
Get PDFRural legal deserts have become a growing topic of interest to legal scholars and social scientists in the U.S. However, current research is limited by measurement issues and by the lack of national-scale analyses. To address these limitations, we identify legal deserts by applying latent profile analysis to lawyer gap rates for N = 2,307 non-metropolitan counties in the U.S. Lawyer gap rates are calculated as local demand for lawyers minus the local supply, using employment in private practice law offices from the Census Bureau. Next, we statistically describe the spatial, demographic, economic, and social characteristics of legal deserts. We then critically review, and offer recommendations to improve, existing policies to address lawyer shortages in rural areas. Our first finding is that there is no binary definition of a legal desert, rather it falls along a continuum based on severity of lawyer gap rates. Second, legal deserts affect over half of non-metro counties, but are concentrated in a few states in the West and South. Third, we find the American Bar Association’s definition of a legal desert is too high for use in policy; and we recommend lowering the threshold from 1.0 to 0.5 lawyers per 1,000 residents. Fourth, lawyers in legal deserts earn about the same as lawyers in other non-metro counties, suggesting financial incentives may be less effective. Legal deserts also tend to be more distant, disconnected, diverse, and disadvantaged. This limits the use of mobile legal clinics and tele-legal services; and it requires lawyers to have proper language and cultural competencies. We recommend licensed legal paraprofessional programs as a long-term solution to address legal deserts. Lastly, we recommend that communities promote legal consciousness in their community to improve people’s awareness of their legal rights, the legal process, and how to access legal services
Sketching Moments: Improving Quality of Life for Individuals with Dementia by Engaging the Senses Through Environmental Modifications
Get PDFAn estimated 1.2 million direct dementia care workers will be needed between 2020-2030 to meet the needs of persons living with dementia (PLWD) (AHCA/NCAL, 2021). The solutions come in the form of creating a site that promotes engagement in meaningful activities without the leadership of a staff member. By creating space for residents to engage in activities safely without staff guidance, a site allows residents to independently engage in a meaningful activity while freeing staff to help with other caregiving tasks. Increasing physical activity for those living with dementia helps to promote continued independence and maintenance of body control (Lam et al, 2018). Stimulation using one of the five senses of touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing is effective in improving quality of life (Liu, Liou, & Jou, 2021). Engaging several senses simultaneously is effective at reducing dementia-induced behavioral outbursts and agitation (Sanchez et al, 2012). The implementation of cognitive stimulation, sensory stimulation, wayfinding, color theory, and individual engagement in meaningful activities, showed an increase in wellbeing, nutritional intake, and social interaction as well as a decrease in dementia related behaviors. By stimulating both the body and the mind, the wellbeing of those living with dementia can be greatly enhanced
QUANTIFYING MODIFIABLE LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS AND INFLUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH PREVENTABLE CANCERS IN SELECTED RURAL COUNTIES: A MIXED METHOD STUDY
Get PDFCancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States disproportionately affecting rural communities. This dissertation study investigates the involvement of rural communities in lifestyle behaviors associated with increased risk of cancers, the impact of socioeconomic factors, and what influences their behavior and the impact of political party affiliation. The study was conducted using a mixed-method quantitative data analysis enhanced by qualitative interviews. It began with an extensive literature review to identify existing research, and evidence gaps on the topic. Data collection involved retrospective quantitative extraction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to quantify involvement of rural populations in lifestyle behaviors, followed by qualitative interviews to gather insights influencing barriers and motivators to engage in these behaviors. Demographic accounted for 8.9% of the variation in smoking behavior, while Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) explained 11.7%. Demographics explained 2.0% and SDOH explained 5.4% of the variation in physical activity levels. Consumption of fruits and vegetables was significantly associated with sex, age, Hispanic origin, education, and employment status. Females, older individuals, Hispanics, and those with higher education levels exhibited lower odds of drinking compared to racial minorities such as Blacks, American Indians or Alaskan Natives, and Asians who had higher odds. Cancer, health concerns, and social stigmas emerged as primary motivators for avoiding or quitting tobacco. Dietary decisions and weight management were influenced more by general health and weight management than cancer risk. Participants’ knowledge of the relationship between exercise, alcohol use and cancer risk varied, with some expressing some knowledge and others expressing little to no understanding. For some participants, the awareness between infections and cancer risk influenced decisions to adopt preventive measures while others relied on general health behaviors or expressed skepticism towards vaccination and other interventions. Knowledge of risks associated with cancer and sun exposure influenced sun protection behaviors. Family and personal history of cancer was also influential in motivating behaviors to reduce cancer risk. Political affiliation played a nuanced role in how participants interpreted perceived risks, motivators, and challenges related to lifestyle behaviors associated with cancer ris
Understanding Undergraduate Aspirations for Law Enforcement Careers and Motivation in the Classroom
Get PDFThis study investigates the factors shaping undergraduate student interest in law enforcement careers. By surveying students from various Midwestern universities, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between social influences, gender, and curricular exposure in shaping law enforcement career aspirations. Specifically, it examines how motivations for pursuing a public service career, external influences, and background characteristics shape career interest overall. The study also examines how these factors shape career interest between men and women and overall motivation to engage with specific law enforcement course topics. Findings inform policy and curriculum design
