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Examining the influence of heart disease risk factor knowledge and social support in African American women
Heart disease disproportionately impacts African American women and disparities can stem from risk factors related to limited risk factor knowledge and socioeconomic resources. Social support mitigates heart disease risk in this population. The study aimed to examine how perceived social support impacts heart disease risk factor knowledge among African American women and whether demographic characteristics moderate a relationship between perceived social support and heart disease knowledge. This was a quantitative study with purposeful, snowball sampling representative of African American women aged 30-55 in Texas (n = 121) who completed an online survey on heart disease knowledge and perceived social support. Approximately half the participants displayed heart disease knowledge deficiencies. Multiple regression analysis revealed that when demographic variables were controlled, age (standardized β= .28, p = .002) and income (standardized β= .19, p = .037) were the only predictor variables indicating that social support impacts heart disease knowledge, with nonsignificant differences in the regression model (standardized β = -.023, p = .80). Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that age (F change = 1.056, R square change = .008, and p = .306), education (F (3, 115) = .583, p = .627), family history (F (2, 116) = 1.51, p = .225), and income (F change = 1.006, R2 change = .008, and p = .318) as individual predictors yielded nonsignificant differences in the overall predictive model, indicating demographic variables did not moderate a relationship between social support and heart disease knowledge. Social support is critical to decision-making and lifestyle modifications, which can protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease in African American women. Further understanding of the connection between perceived social support and heart disease knowledge through public health education programs can be instrumental in reducing heart disease disparities among African American women
Exploring the impact of hyperlipidemia on cardio-motor function and exercise adaptability in Hispanic-latinos living with HIV
HIV may precipitate a myriad of health-related complications, potentially culminating in disabilities that detrimentally affect the quality of life. Certain conditions, such as hyperlipidemia (LP), which are exacerbated by HIV, can pose additional difficulties for this particular demographic. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of LP on the cardio-motor profile of Hispanic Latinos living with HIV. The methodology of this study consisted of a submaximal cardiovascular assessment (Ross Test) to collect relevant cardio-motor data for this research. These data were sourced from the records of individuals registered at La Perla de Gran Precio Community Centre for HIV in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The motor profile captured included treadmill speed and incline. Cardiovascular parameters recorded were blood pressure and heart rate at the cessation of the Ross Test. A total of 291 participants were classified into 229 in the non-LP group and 62 in the LP group. The findings of this study showed similar average CD4 counts. An ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) in the LP group, including decreased cardio time and treadmill incline compared to their counterparts. Hispanic Latinos living with HIV and LP exhibit notable deficits in motor gait. Gait parameters are particularly compromised in individuals affected by both conditions. The practical implication is to alert healthcare providers to integrate the specific cardio-motor assessments discussed in this study to address the factors influencing gait, which in turn may impact the quality of life of those with HIV
AI, AI everywhere, which one do I use?
Whether it thrills or scares us, AI is here, and it is probably here to stay. The education sector stands at the precipice of a significant AI-driven transformation. The vast variety of quality and abilities of available AI is proving a challenge in developing institutional policies on AI. As you lead your departments and institutes in developing comprehensive AI policies, we summarize the pros and cons of a few widely used platforms and some AI platforms useful in higher ed in living table forms that you can use as a reference; all readers can contribute their experiences to them
Strategies for launching a new degree program
The start of anything new can always be a little daunting; however, we also know that doing something worthwhile will always require effort and reaching outside our comfort zones. This is so true when preparing to launch a new program and adhere to all requirements and expectations of the state, the university, and accrediting bodies while also trying to build a different and exciting program that will bring a healthy student enrollment. Creating and preparing to launch a new program may take years as well as numerous rewrites and edits, so gearing up for the long haul is wise
Farm to Freedom: Transforming Lives Through an Independent Living Program
This project aims to develop a specific curriculum focusing on the Seven Human Essentials: transportation, education, access to financial tools, community, health and wellness, economic stability, and safe and affordable housing. The Seven Human Essentials are based on the universal human needs including: physical wellness, relationships, competence, autonomy, self-efficacy and meaning. Examining the research regarding independent living skill gaps will inform the future development of programming to address these issues for the residents of Bontan Farms. The Health Belief Model will guide the creation of the proposed capstone project, as self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and
perceived susceptibility are components of this theory.Bonton Farm
Caregivers Supporting Caregivers
For caregivers of a child with complex medical needs, caregiver support is needed to mediate feelings of isolation and lack of social participation in order to increase quality of life. This capstone project explored meeting the social needs of caregivers by creating a caregiver support group protocol and peer-led facilitator training protocol to launch a caregiver support group with Families for HoPE, a non-profit organization providing resources for families with children with holoprosencephaly.Scottish Rite Orthopedic Cente
Adaptive Activities and Community Participation for the Cerebral Palsy Population
This project focused on enhancing the quality of life of individuals with cerebral palsy through the implementation of an annual Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month community event. The doctoral capstone student partnered with CPATH Texas, a non-profit organization serving the cerebral palsy community in Austin, TX , to establish the program. The event included a variety of adaptive activities to promote participation among all abilities, and numerous local organizations held resource tables to connect families with beneficial financial, medical, or social resources. A post-event survey indicated an increased sense of community and social support, as well as the following perceived benefits: connecting with local resources, raising cerebral palsy awareness, and connecting with other families in similar situations. The results of this project emphasize the importance of community programs on the social and emotional well-being of the cerebral palsy population through increased occupational engagement.CPATH Texa
Wellness Education Program Effects on Cultural Adaptation for Refugees in France
The capstone project entailed the development of a wellness education program that focused on educating refugees on eight aspects of wellness (cognitive, emotional, physical, spiritual, occupational, financial, environmental, and social) while seeking to engage in mutual cultural exchange. The program was designed to offer a four-part video series consisting of brief instruction on each aspect of wellness and providing practical tips for incorporating them into daily activities. Additionally, the program included a discussion guide to facilitate group interaction in relation to the topics covered in the videos. The program was offered at a basic French level to encourage participants to engage in conversation as a way to practice and enhance their language skills.Le Quai 67 (Strasbourg, France
Choreographing 'joy’: Milton Myers and the life matters of a Black man in dance. An oral history and choreographic analysis
This study centers the New York City-based dance educator and choreographer, Milton Myers’ life as a Black male dancer to examine his choreographic and pedagogical activities, in addition to his mentorship of other dance directors and educators. It is theorized that Myers’ work is underpinned by Black joy, influenced by the significant investments he received from his highly prominent mentors which he carries forward through his work. Furthermore, Black joy is used as a theoretical framework to examine the Myers's teaching, choreography, and mentorship. The research was conducted using an oral history methodology with 21 participants representing a variety of perspectives on Myers’ work. Additionally, documents (mostly newspaper reviews and articles accompany the oral history interviews and a choreographic analysis of Myers’ work with Philadanco. Through the lens of Myers’s work, this study found that the Black artists, particularly at Philadanco, used Black joy as a mechanism to understand themselves and to overcomes life’s oppressive forces. The study argues that Black joy has been an effective conduit for communication through choreography and pedagogy
Denton Senior Center Arthritis Activity Group: Finding the Effectiveness of an Occupation-Based Community Group for Adults with Arthritis
Arthritis is a chronic disease of the joints that is the cause of disability for millions of Americans and those across the globe. It imposes functional challenges and hinders individuals from living as they desire. A community group was developed to help a diverse population of older adults with many forms of arthritis, including inflammatory and autoimmune types. The Denton Senior Center (DSC) Arthritis Activity Group aimed to improve self-management of arthritis symptoms in older adults. The program focused on three components being health education, exercise, and occupation-based activity and aimed to improve individuals’ participation and functional performance. The program spanned over nine weeks and covered topics such as energy conservation, exercise techniques, fall prevention, adaptive equipment, and more. To test program effectiveness pre and post testing was completed and included four standardized outcome measures. Five supplemental surveys were used to make the program specific to the population of the Denton Senior Center. Overall, significant improvements were seen in functional performance through the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) which concluded 84% of participants improved in at least one self-reported activity by three or more points.City of Denton Senior Cente