College of Health Sciences

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Preventive Mental Health Education for Functioning Adults: Stress, Coping and Mental Health Courses at the University of Maryland
(International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 2002) Schiraldi, Glenn R.; Brown, Stephen L.
Three fifteen-week courses at the University of Maryland are described. These courses explore diverse cognitive-behavioral skills that facilitate coping, are preventive in nature, and are suitable for learning by healthy individuals in educational settings. Initial results, previously reported, are encouraging and suggest the possibilities that similar courses might be offered in other university, community or workplace settings. [International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 2002 4(1),pp 57-63].
Influences on Cookware Choices of Young Adults
(Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences, 2007) Hammar, Molly; Hannon, Rebecca; Rogers, Rachel; Collins, Nina; Randall, Kevin
This study employed a focus group of thirteen mid-western university students ages 20-25 to test the hypothesis that after observing a demonstration using high-end stainless steel cookware, college student participants would exhibit a greater propensity to purchase the cookware than prior to the session. Questions regarding cookware choices were asked before and after the guided demonstration. Results confirmed that a guided demonstration of high-end, stainless steel cookware increased the likelihood of future purchase.
Home Economics in Higher Education: Enhancing Student Learning and Promoting Responsible Student Behavior
(International Journal of Home Economics, 2008) Randall, Kevin G.; Dallmeyer, Martha A.; Collins, Nina
Numerous challenges exist for Home Economics/Family and Consumer Sciences Departments and their universities. For universities, one challenge is the promotion of responsible social behavior by students, especially in light of the abuse and overconsumption of alcohol so often associated with the new found freedoms on campus. For HE/FCS Departments, high construction costs and maintenance expenses associated with a quantity foods laboratory often result in food service students working at various sites off campus to gain needed experience, leading to lack of consistency in student experience and reduced oversight by faculty. This paper illustrates how HE/FCS food service courses can benefit not only the department and its majors, but also can support and strengthen the university’s comprehensive alcohol action plan—ultimately enhancing the educational experience for students university wide.
Evaluation of Waterless Cookware on an Induction Cooktop
(Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences, 2008) Coyle, Michelle; Fontana, Michelle; Knaak, Alaina; Lynch, Rachael; Zannis, Maria-Kanella; Collins, Nina; Randall, G. Kevin
This student-faculty collaborative study compared the effects of different cookware using induction and electric cooktops on overall qualities of chicken breasts including shrinkage, palatability, and consumer acceptability. Four trials of cooking boneless, skinless, chicken breasts on each of these various cooktops were conducted to get an average shrink loss (i.e., weight and length change), taste, texture, and appearance. Objective tests resulted in lowest shrink loss and highest texture and appearance score for the high-end stainless steel cookware on an induction cooktop.
Food Portion Sizes Consumed by College Students
(Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences, 2008) Cloyd, Brooke N.; Collins, Nina; Randall, G. Kevin
Obesity is on the rise in the United States, and causes of such an epidemic have become the basis of research in many scientific studies. Researchers are looking at portion control or distortion as one part of the problem. This portion control problem can put people who often eat in a cafeteria setting at high risk for obesity. This study examined a Midwestern University’s students’ eating habits and compared their eating habits to the USDA guidelines. The purpose of this study was to compare the estimated portion sizes of fruits, vegetables, and french fries consumed by college students with the USDA suggested serving size. "Serving Size Screener ” was administered to a volunteer sample consisting of 67 college students (45 females) in general education classes during the 2008 spring semester. Participants were given a portion guide to use as they completed the personal food frequency questionnaire. Single sample t-tests were performed comparing the study sample's perceived average portion size consumed relative to the USDA suggested size for the three categories. Results indicated that students consumed significantly larger servings of each item than the USDA recommendations.
Motivational Profiles of Sport Fans of Different Sports
(Fitness Information Technology (Sport Marketing Quarterly), 2008) Wann, Daniel L.; Grieve, Frederick G.; Zapalac, Ryan; Pease, Dale G.
The current investigation examined sport type differences in eight fan motives: escape, economic (i.e., gambling), eustress (i.e., positive arousal), self-esteem, group affiliation, entertainment, family, and aesthetics. Participants (final sample N = 886) completed a questionnaire packet assessing their level of fandom and motivation for consuming one of 13 target sports: professional baseball, college football, professional football, figure skating, gymnastics, professional hockey, boxing, auto racing, tennis, professional basketball, college basketball, professional wrestling, and golf. Sports were classified into three different dichotomies: individual (e.g., figure skating, golf) versus team (e.g., professional baseball, college basketball); aggressive (e.g., professional wrestling, professional football) versus nonaggressive (e.g., professional baseball, figure skating); and stylistic (e.g., figure skating, gymnastics) versus nonstylistic (e.g., professional hockey, tennis). In addition to differences in target sports (e.g., golf versus professional football), statistical analyses indicated a number of sport type differences. Aesthetic motivation was found to be particularly prominent in individual sports, while scores were greater for team sports in eustress, self-esteem, group affiliation, entertainment, and family. Aesthetic motivation scores were also high in nonaggressive sports, while economic, eustress, group affiliation, and entertainment were higher for team sports. Finally, aesthetic motivation was quite high for stylistic sports, while economic, eustress, self-esteem, group affiliation, entertainment, and family motivation scores were higher for nonstylistic sports. Only one motive, escape, was not found to differ in at least one sport type comparison. The discussion centers on potential explanations for the sport type differences as well as on marketing implications and suggestions for future research.
A Preventative System Monitoring Residents' Behavior for Health Services
(International Society for Gerontechnology (Gerontechnology Journal), 2009) Roush, Robert E.
Correlates of Protein Intake among Community Dwelling Older Adults
(Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences, 2010) Sargent, Meredith E.; Evola, Kelly L.; Davidson, Jeanette; Randall, G. Kevin
Nutritional recommendations, BMI, and quality of life may be uniquely related in a population of older adults. The current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for dietary protein in older adults is 0.8 g/ kg of body weight per day, but controversy exists as to whether this amount is adequate. Research findings suggest that the protein turnover rate decreases by the age of 70, resulting in a greater need for protein by older adults. In addition, nutritional studies have suggested a lower mortality rate is associated with overweight BMI ranges in older adults. Last, a relationship between nutritional risk and quality of life has been found in community living elderly adults. To date no studies have been found investigating the relationship between protein intake and various physical and mental health correlates, such as quality of life among community dwelling older adults. Using data collected from a convenience sample of this population, who indicated protein intake of 0.8 -1.6 g/kg and BMIs of 25 and over, we investigated the relationship between protein intake, self-rated physical health, and life regard; analyses controlled for age, sex, and marital status. Results from a hierarchical regression analysis showed that a measure of life regard significantly and positively contributed to Protein Intake. This final model explained 49 percent of the variance.
Adolescent suicidal behaviors, self rated health and multiple health risk behaviors: Exploring new perspectives in suicide prevention research
(Academic Journals (Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology), 2010) Nkansah-Amankra, Stephen; Diedhiou, Abdoulaye; Walker, Ashley Dawn; Agbanu, Harry; Clark, Alena
We sought to evaluate the extent to which self-rating of health, gender, and the co-occurrence of other health risk behaviors were related to suicidal behaviors among adolescents. Cross-sectional survey data of Colorado middle and high school students aged 12 to 18 years were analyzed using logistic regression. Main outcome variables were suicide ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempt. Predictors included self-rated health, self-reported health behaviors, perception of body image, expression of sadness and hopelessness, self-reported sexual abuse, self-reported access to lethal weapon, and expression of school safety concerns. Adjusted results showed respondents with poor health rating had significantly higher odds of suicidal ideation (OR: 2.22), suicidal planning (OR: 1.35), and suicide attempt (OR: 2.23). Reporting of hopelessness was the most consistent predictor of suicidal behaviors with odds ratios ranging from 5.57 (for suicidal ideation) to 17.40 (for suicidal attempt). Factors associated with different adolescents’ suicidal behaviors were different for boys and girls. Findings suggest the need to consider gender differences as regards self assessment of health in order to improve the effectiveness of suicide interventions among adolescents.
Microbial Growth in Ground Beef During Different Methods of Thawing.
(Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences, 2010) Zahid, Saba; Fleming, Theodore; Randall, G. Kevin
Consumer safety has now become a pressing issue with recent illnesses and food recalls due to elevated microbiological contamination of a variety of different foods. Although there are many different steps in the handling and processing continuum that expose the food supply to potential microbial exposure and contamination, consumers can limit their risk for food-borne illness by practicing safe food handling practices in their homes. In this study, we examined several commonly used thawing methods and their impact on microbial growth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different thawing methods on microbial growth in ground beef. Microbial growth was evaluated during a six-hour thaw period using three different thawing methods: refrigerator, room temperature, and standing water bath. Beef maintained in the freezer was used as a control. Bacterial counts per gram of beef were determined at one-hour intervals using a viable count method. The least amount of bacterial growth occurred when beef was thawed in the refrigerator while bacterial growth occurred more rapidly in beef thawed at room temperature or in a standing water bath. After six hours, beef thawed in a standing water bath had the greatest bacterial count, 1.5 x 104 bacteria per gram of beef. This was 1.75 and 3.89 times greater than the microbial counts in beef samples thawed at room temperature or the refrigerator, respectively.
Measuring Awareness of the Impacts of Change in the Public Health Workforce: A Precursory Step in Promoting a Shared Vision Via Cross-Sectoral Collaboration
(Southern Illinois University (Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development), 2010) Robins, Anthony G.; Ratnapradipa, Dhititnut; Bliss, Kadi R.
Public health is currently undergoing significant changes and becoming increasingly dependent on one another to achieve their missions. The restructuring is forcing public health stakeholders to reexamine their present and future roles. This case study examines a local health department’s staff and its awareness of the department’s epidemiology program as a practical framework for thinking about and implementing cross-sectoral collaboration. An OEB (Office of Epidemiology and Biostatistics) Awareness Survey was developed and administered to 492 participants at the Allegheny County Health Department. Cross-sectional analysis examined associations between demographics, behavioral and cultural factors, and help seeking (attempts at collaboration). Results indicate an awareness deficiency for the epidemiology program and collaboration attempts among employees (only 54% of respondents were familiar with the OEB, and only 8% could identify an OEB employee). Strong implications suggest that collaborative relationships can help public health professionals deal with the challenges they face in today’s turbulent environment.
Resilience Training for Functioning Adults: Program Description and Preliminary Findings from a Pilot Investigation
(International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 2010) Schiraldi, Glenn R.; Brown, Stephen L.; Jackson, Theresa K.; Jordan, Jessica B.
It has previously been asserted that the construct of resilience holds great promise for diverse high-risk populations and that resilience may be an attribute that can be acquired through training. A rich body of literature suggests the strengths that comprise resilience. This paper describes a resilience training program based upon the identified strengths of resilience and provides additional preliminary data from a pilot investigation which lend support to the idea that resilience can be acquired through training. Suggestions for future research are provided. [International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 2010, 12(2), pp. 117-130].
Understanding Centenarians’ Psychosocial Dynamics and Their Contributions to Health and Quality of Life
(Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research, 2010-06) Poon, Leonard W.; Martin, Peter; Bishop, Alex J.; Cho, Jinmyoung; da Rosa, Grace; Deshpande, Neha; Hensley, Robert; MacDonald, Maurice; Margrett, Jennifer; Randall, G. Kevin; Woodard, John L.; Miller, L. Stephen
While it is understood that longevity and health are influenced by complex interactions among biological, psychological, and sociological factors, there is a general lack of understanding on how psychosocial factors impact longevity, health, and quality of life among the oldest old. One of the reasons for this paradox is that the amount of funded research on aging in the US is significantly larger in the biomedical compared to psychosocial domains. The goals of this paper are to highlight recent data to demonstrate the impact of four pertinent psychosocial domains on health and quality of life of the oldest old and supplement recommendations of the 2001 NIA Panel on Longevity for future research. The four domains highlighted in this paper are (1) demographics, life events, and personal history, (2) personality, (3) cognition, and (4) socioeconomic resources and support systems.
The effects of elliptical cross training on VO2 max in recently trained runners
(Western Kentucky University (International Journal of Exercise Science), 2011) Joubert, Dustin P.; Oden, Gary L.; Estes, Brent
This study examined the effects of elliptical cross training on VO2max in recently trained runners. 12 female and 8 male participants (mean ± SD; age = 23.70 ±6.33 years, body mass index = 24.85 ± 5.89 kg/m2) completed an initial four-week run training program, exercising four days/week, 30 minutes/day, at 80% maximal heart rate. VO2max was predicted based on the duration of a Bruce graded-maximal treadmill test (GXT) prior to and after the run training. After initial training phase and post-test, subjects volunteered for the detrain group (n = 6) or were assigned to the run (n= 7) or elliptical (n= 7) based on a matched-pair design. Elliptical and run groups exercised three weeks under same prescription as initial program. GXT again performed after mode-specific training phase. VO2max (ml/kg/min) increased (p < 0.001) from the pre-training (39.89 ± 10.74) to post-training (41.66 ± 10.90) after the initial run training program. Although not statistically significant, VO2max declined(0.8% running, 1.5% elliptical, and 4.8% detraining) for all groups following the additional mode-specific program. Despite declines, repeated measures ANOVA showed no significant differences within or between groups before and after the mode-specific training phase. However, dependent sample t-test did reveal a decline (p < 0.05) in GXT time (minutes) for the detrain group from before (11.01 ± 2.80) and after (10.54 ± 2.72) their detrain phase. Future research should determine if elliptical exercise maintains VO2max when away from running for longer periods.
Exploring the Experience of Older Adults Volunteering with an Intergenerational Program to Prevent Childhood Obesity
(Californian Journal of Health Promotion, 2011) Werner, Danilea; Teufel, James; Brown, Stephen L.
Over the past three decades, obesity rates in the United States have increased dramatically among both children and adults. A variety of programs have been created to prevent and intervene in the obesity epidemic but few are intergenerational. This article explores volunteers' experience with an innovative childhood obesity prevention program called Active Generations. Active Generations benefits both children and seniors by utilizing older adult volunteers to implement a version of the evidence-based childhood obesity prevention program, CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Child Health) in out-of-school settings. Understanding that social and civic engagement maintains or improves the health of older adults, this article reviews the stories and preliminary experiences of older adults volunteering to help reverse the trend of childhood obesity.
Service Learning and Civic Responsibility: Assessing Aggregate and Individual Level Change
(International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 2011) Brandes, Kendra; Randall, G. Kevin
This study sought to expand the extant literature regarding the effectiveness of a higher education service-learning project designed to increase students’ civic and socially responsive knowledge and intentions. A class with a semester long service-learning component was administered a pre- and post-test assessment using multi-item scales to determine if a student’s sense of civic responsibility would increase. Our hypothesis predicting overall mean or aggregate change in civic responsibility was not affirmed by the paired t-tests or analysis of covariance tests. However, using growth curve modeling, we investigated between-individual differences in within-individual change. The study’s results demonstrated that significant variation in individual differences between time one and time two did exist. Particularly noteworthy was the finding that previous service-learning experience, outside the classroom setting, predicted the level of civic attitudes and predicted the level and change of civic action.
Comparing the Support-Efficacy Model among Centenarians Living in Private Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and Nursing Homes
(Journal of Aging Research, 2011) Randall, G. Kevin; Bishop, Alex J.; Martin, Peter; Poon, Leonard W.; McDonald, Maurice; Margrett, Jennifer
We investigated the influence of social relations on health outcomes in very late life by examining the support-efficacy convoy model among older adults who resided in three different residential environments (centenarians in private homes, n = 126; centenarians in assisted living facilities, n = 55 ; centenarians in nursing homes, n = 105). For each group, path analytic models were employed to test our hypotheses; analyses controlled for sex, mental status, education, perceived economic sufficiency, and activities of daily living. The hypothesized relationships among the models’ variables were unique to each of the three groups; three different models fit the data depending upon residential environment. The direct and indirect effects of social relations assessments were positive for the mental and physical health of very old adults, suggesting that participants welcomed the support. However, residential status moderated the associations between the assessments of social relations, self-efficacy, and both outcomes, physical and mental health.
Beverage Consumption of College Students: Factors that Influence Their Choices
(Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences, 2011) Randall, G. Kevin; Collins, Nina; Mills, Ellen; Grumbine, Rachel
Beverage consumption is a major source of energy; intake varies depending on demographics, availability, and personal and behavioral influences (Storey, Forshee, & Anderson, 2006). To date no studies were found investigating the milk and soda consumption behavior of college students and the factors influencing their choices relative to such consumption. Based on Martin and Martin’s (2002) Developmental Adaptation Model, this study employed hierarchical regression and path mediation analyses to examine distal (family consumption) and proximal factors that influenced beverage consumption among college students. The results of this research found the three most influential factors that affect amount of milk consumption by college students are taste, family consumption, and perceived nutritional value; the most influential factors for soda consumption was taste, frequency of eating out, and perceived negative effect on dental caries.
Personal Emergency Response Services: Do the Benefits Justify the Cost in Seniors Housing and Care Properties?
(National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, Inc. (Seniors Housing & Care Journal), 2011) Roush, Robert E.; Teasdale, Thomas A.
Telephone-activated personal emergency response services (PERS) were developed 30 years ago so persons experiencing adverse events could summon assistance. Little evidence exists, however, associating PERS use with improved outcomes. With growing PERS use within continuing care retirement communities, it is important to tie usage to residents' needs. The authors present data from research at Baylor College of Medicine comparing event rates, well-being scores, and sense of security between cohorts of older persons with and without PERS. Results from retrospective studies in the U.S. and Canada comparing hospitalization experience with PERS use guided an IRE-approved, randomized controlled trial of PERS use with one year of telephone follow-up. Outcome variables included frequency of health care use, functional levels measured by SF-36 scores, and self-reported sense of security. Retrospective data revealed reduced hospitalization rates among PERS users. Prospective findings revealed slight increases in emergency department use and significant increases in sensed security and SF -36 vitality and mental health component scores. PERS is most useful when relieving a sense of insecurity, and making improvements in mental well-being are indicated. Expanding PERS use among a burgeoning older population should be tailored to changes in physical and psychosocial indicators that warrant environmental prescriptions for such services, especially in long-term care settings.
Evaluating Pre-Service Teacher Workforce: Environmental Health Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior
(Southern Illinois University (Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development), 2011) Ratnapradipa, Dhititnut; Rhodes, Darson L.; Brown, Stephen L.
Research has shown that personal health behaviors and actions established early in life are often carried through adulthood. Thus, working with children to increase environmental health literacy may improve the environmental health literacy of future adults, potentially improving the health of the Nation. Given the amount of time children spend in school, this setting could be an ideal place to address environmental health with children. According to social cognitive theory, observation is one way in which learning takes place. Consequently, the environmental behaviors and attitudes modeled by teachers would likely impact the environmental behaviors and attitudes learned by students. A research study including 101 pre-service teachers from a large Midwestern university was conducted to determine participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding environmental health. Results indicated major deficiencies in basic knowledge as well as many unfavorable environmental behaviors. On average, participants answered only 49.7% of knowledge items correctly. Less than half (46.0%) recycle bottles or cans “often” or “almost always.” Given these results, pre-service teachers are likely ill-prepared to address environmental health literacy in their classrooms. Teacher education programs need to address this deficiency in pre-service teachers through the implementation of new courses focused on environmental health or the redesign of current courses to include environmental health content.

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