Promoting Youth Development and Community Involvement with Technology: The Long Beach YMCA CORAL Youth Institute

ABSTRACT

The Long Beach YMCA CORAL Youth Institute is an innovative program that uses technology as a mechanism for promoting positive youth development and technology skills while enhancing school and life success among low-income, culturally-diverse, urban high school students. This article describes the Youth Institute and explores program outcomes on participants from the 2003 Intensive Summer Program (N = 37). Results from the quantitative and qualitative research indicated significant positive changes in both technology and leadership skills as well as increased positive youth development and community involvement for participants involved in the program.     

Class,race, and the disposal of urban waste: Locations of landfills,incinerators, and sewage treatment plants

This study compared the socioeconomic status, racial composition, and ethnic composition of 49 randomly selected U.S. cities with those of the census tracts containing the solid waste disposal facilities and sewage treatment plants for those cities. Contrary to the environmental racism and classism hypotheses, residents of tracts with landfills or incinerators had higher incomes and were less likely to be minority group members than residents of the cities that generated the refuse—although they did have somewhat lower education levels. There were few differences between the population characteristics of the cities and the census tracts that contained their sewage treatment plants. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.     

Sexual Health Education in OB-Gyn Residencies—The Program Directors’ Survey

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate U.S. obstetrics-gynecology (OB-Gyn) program Director appraisal of resident physician female sexual health training. Methods: An OB-Gyn resident sexual health curriculum survey was developed and sent to 237?U.S. OB-Gyn program directors. University/military programs were compared to community-based programs. Results: 115 OB-Gyn residency program directors responded (48.5% participation); 37.9% university/military and 43.2% community OB-Gyn Program Directors appraise the resident curriculum as “not well” preparing residents to manage sexual health therapies upon graduation. Topics not sufficiently covered include human sex trafficking, sexual health for women with disabilities, and cultural competency. Conclusions: This study identifies opportunities in OB-Gyn residency female sexual health education.     

A Strengths Perspective on Caregiving at the End-of-life

Abstract

The most recent version of the Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics includes substantial reference to social workers’ professional responsibilities for environmental awareness and advocacy. This article reports on a qualitative study of 20 Australian environmentally-conscious social workers from a variety of fields of practice. The study found that while there was a high level of awareness of the relevance of environmental issues for social work practice, participants reported professional and organisational constraints, which prevented them from aligning their environmental concerns with their professional practice. The findings from this study suggest that proenvironmental views and actions may not yet be accepted as a legitimate aspect of social work practice, despite strong recognition of the links between social justice, human rights, social work, and the environment in the Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.     

Rural-Urban Differences in Environmental Concern: A Closer Look*

In comparison with urbanites, rural residents live in environments that are less heavily modified by human activity. They also depend more directly on the extraction or use of natural resources and are more likely to suffer the kinds of economic weaknesses that could lead them to favor economic development even at the expense of environmental protection. Yet while some studies have found rural residents to express lower levels of environmental concern than do urbanites, other studies have found that low levels of rural environmental concern may actually reflect lower concerns among farmers in particular. These varied results may be affected by methodologies, including the degree of focus on local environmental concern and the need to separate livins in polluted areas from workins for polluting industries. Drawing on rural areas with significant employment both in agriculture and in mining, this paper presents data on more specific local concerns about the environment and technological development. The findings show persons in agriculture express higher levels of concern than do other rural persons in the same communities. The results suggest that widespread support for environmental protection may make it difficult to isolate groups having low levels of environmental concern unless greater attention is devoted to the specific environmental issues having the greatest local salience.     

Intergenerational Wellness Programming in Occupational Therapy

Abstract

An intergenerational Wellness program was implemented by occupational therapy students at Laboure House located in Chicago, Illinois, in the fall of 2001 as part of a grant funded by the National Service Corporation in conjunction with the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. Program goals include: (a) developing students' skills in evaluation and Wellness programming by participating in an intergenerational service learning project, (b) providing occupation-based Wellness programming for the residents, and (c) promoting Wellness for the residents by encouraging them to find meaning in their lives through a variety of wellness/health promotion activities. Outcome measures used to assess change in the residents included the COPM (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure) (Law, Baptiste, Carswell, McColl, Polatajko, & Pollock, 1998) and the SF-36 (Ware, 1992). Tools used to assess students' performance included internship assessment forms and qualitative data from students' reflective journals. Preliminary results indicate improvement in awareness of Wellness and health promotion activities by the residents as well as a positive learning experience for students.     

Therapeutic Effects of an Outdoor Activity Program on Nursing Home Residents with Dementia

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this one-year pilot study was to obtain preliminary information on the effects of an outdoor activity program, in comparison to an indoor activity program, on sleep and behavior in nursing home residents with dementia. Structured activity programs have been shown to improve dementia-related behavior problems, and there are some indications that improved behavior is associated with improved sleep. Previous research has shown that sleep disturbance is common in nursing home residents, and that limited exposure to light bright enough to entrain circadian rhythms contributes to their sleep problems. Thus, we expected to see improvements in behavior in both the outdoor and indoor activity groups, but improvements in sleep in the outdoor activity group only.

Methodology: A two-group (outdoor program, indoor program) two phase (baseline, intervention) design was used. Subjects were randomized to the outdoor or indoor program groups. Sleep and behavior disturbance were assessed over a 10-day period at baseline (usual activity conditions, which were expected to include little or no time spent outdoors) and at intervention (daily structured activity program offered outdoors or indoors). Sleep was assessed with wrist actigraphs with photocells, which also allowed for monitoring of light exposure. Behavior disturbance was assessed with the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory. Both activity programs were offered Monday-Friday over a 2 week period, included similar content and were offered by research project staff. The analytical approach emphasized primary changes between baseline and intervention measures of sleep and behavioral symptoms in the two activity groups. Because this was a pilot study, the significance level was set a priori at p< 0.10.

Findings: The outdoor activity group experienced significant improvements in maximum sleep duration. Both groups showed significant improvements in total sleep minutes. There also was a significant improvement in verbal agitation in the outdoor activity group.     

Older Adults' Perceptions of Well-Being after Intergenerational Experiences with Youth

Abstract

Drawing upon Ryff's (1995) positive dimensions of well-being in older adulthood, thisstudy investigated older adults' perceptions of well-being following participation in anintergenerational program. Specifically, we examined the relationship between age, years of volunteer service, and sense of well-being among older adults (n= 46; 55 to 100 years of age) participating in intergenerational programs at 10 sites in Midwestern, agriculturally based communities. Using a mixedmethods design, results revealed that olderadults perceive a heightened sense of well-being from intergenerational interactions wit youth. Older adults reported successful aging included staying active, not worrying aboutone's problems, feeling young, and keeping up with the children and community. Adults aged 74-85 experienced significantly greater satisfaction and enjoyment than their older counterparts, particularly in anticipating working with youth and positive self-perception. No relationship emerged between years of involvement in the program and well-being. Implications for research and program development are discussed.     

Surrounding Community Residents’ Expectations of HOPE VI for Their Community,Health and Physical Activity

ABSTRACT

Using a community-engaged participatory research approach, this study identified surrounding community residents’ expectations for how a HOPE VI (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere) housing initiative might affect their community and individual health and physical activity. Fifty-nine women and men engaged in concept mapping, which is a mixed-methods approach, where participants generate, sort, and rate ideas. Participants generated 197 unique statements. Thirteen thematic clusters related to expected changes for the community, health, and physical activity emerged. Residents’ rated increased pride in the neighborhood and increased safety as the most important factors related to HOPE VI, whereas drawbacks of HOPE VI was rated as least important. This research provides insight into the potential impacts of housing initiatives from the perspective of those most affected by such initiatives. The findings also highlight environmental changes as potential mechanisms that may improve residents’ perceptions of the community and encourage healthy lifestyles.     

Correlates of Participation in a Family-Based HIV Prevention Program

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between contextual factors and attendance in a family-based HIV prevention program for low-income, urban, African-American women and their children. Participants' motivations to become involved, their concerns about discussing sex-related issues with their children, recruiters' perceptions of respondents' understanding of the program, and environmental stressors were examined. Participants' level of motivation and recruiters' success in improving respondents' understanding of the program were significant correlates of attendance. Stressors experienced by the family and concerns around talking with children about sex were not significantly associated with participation. Recommendations to enhance involvement in family-based HIV prevention programs are made.     

MoveU? Assessing a Social Marketing Campaign to Promote Physical Activity

Abstract

Objective: MoveU is a social marketing initiative aimed at increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among undergraduate students. Using the Hierarchy of Effects model (HOEM), this study identified awareness of MoveU and examined associations between awareness, outcome expectations, self-efficacy, intentions, and MVPA. Participants: Students (N = 2,784) from a Canadian university in March 2013. Methods: A secondary analysis of the National College Health Assessment–II survey and measures specific to the MoveU campaign. The main associations were examined in a path analysis. Results: MoveU awareness (36.4%) was lower than other well-established university health campaigns. Younger students, females, and individuals living on campus were more likely to be aware of MoveU. The HOEM was supported, and improvements in model fit were evident, with additional direct relationships between outcome expectancy and intention, and between self-efficacy and MVPA. Conclusions: The intended population was aware of the campaign. The HOEM was useful in the development and evaluation of the MoveU campaign. Longitudinal studies are needed to further test the efficacy of the HOEM in the social marketing of physical activity.     

Prevention Efforts Underlying Decreases in Binge Drinking at Institutions of Higher Education

Abstract

Analyses of 94 Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education (FIPSE)-sponsored drug-prevention programs and their outcomes used the Core Survey to identify 34 institutions where college students' binge drinking increased (M = 5.44%) and 60 institutions where it decreased (M = -4.59%) during 2 years of program operation. The authors used an inductively derived taxonomy of prevention program elements, student variables, student substance use, use-related variables, and institutional variables to compare the 2 groups of institutions. Only prevention program elements discriminated between groups. Factor analysis of discriminating elements identified 8 prevention factors that improved base-rate prediction of institutional decrease in binge drinking by 28.1%. Factor synthesis yielded a 3-construct binge-drinking prevention model based on student participation and involvement strategies, educational and informational processes, and campus regulatory and physical change efforts. This model improved base-rate prediction of decreased binge drinking by 33.2%.     

Youths in coercive residential care: attitudes towards key staff members’ personal involvement,from a therapeutic alliance perspective

A strong therapeutic alliance between staff and juveniles (residents) in institutional settings is considered to be important for a positive treatment outcome. The article focuses on residents placed in coercive care in Swedish residential treatment centres (RTCs), and the aim is to explore obstacles and opportunities for establishing a therapeutic alliance between key staff members (KSMs) and residents in a one-year perspective. The key question is how residents view their KSMs’ personal involvement and active participation in their treatment process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-thre girls and twenty-three boys placed in ten different RTCs, and follow-up interviews were conducted after one year. In accordance with the theoretical approach, it is hypothesized that the residents’ view of KSM involvement will be more positive in the one-year follow-up. Results from the first data collection show that more than half of the adolescents perceived their KSMs’ personal involvement as mainly negative. Between the two interviews, several had developed a more positive view of the KSMs’ personal involvement, while a large group did not display any change in attitude. Positive and negative institutional conditions and processes affecting the prospects for the development of a therapeutic alliance between residents and KSMs are discussed.     

Engaging Intercollegiate Athletes in Preventing and Intervening in Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Objective: The object of this exploratory evaluation was to evaluate the “Bringing in the Bystander” sexual and intimate partner violence prevention program with a new sample of intercollegiate athletes. Participants and Methods: Fifty-three male and female athletes participated in the program (experimental group), and 86 were in the control group. All completed pretest, posttest, and 2-month follow-up surveys, including assessment of rape myth acceptance, intent to engage in bystander behaviors, bystander confidence, and bystander behaviors. Results: The program worked overall and for both women and men, improved bystander confidence and intent to engage in bystander behaviors, and did not create significant backlash effects (ie, worsening of attitudes as a result of program). Conclusions: The program fits with the intent of the National Collegiate Athletic Association CHAMPS/Life Skills program regarding its focus on the overall development of student-athletes and demonstrates the promising bystander approach compatible with the 2007 American College Health Association toolkit, Shifting the Paradigm: Primary Prevention of Sexual Violence.     

“Let’s talk about the real issue”: Localized perceptions of environment and implications for ecosocial work practice

ABSTRACT

This interpretive study investigated how residents from socioeconomically challenged communities in North St. Louis understand and make meaning of environmental change and its impact on their well-being. Based on these localized data, we argue that racial minorities facing socioeconomic challenges may experience some environmental issues as less of an immediate concern than violence and racism. However, race and racism shape both the realities of environmental threats as well as residents’ perceptions about environmental injustice in their communities. This study informs ecosocial work practices such as educating communities on local environmental issues and mobilizing community members toward environmental decision-making.     

Mechanisms of Adherence in a Harm Reduction Housing Program

Advances in clinical therapies for people living with HIV have greatly increased life expectancies, but the high levels of adherence that are necessary for clinical success are infrequently achieved, especially for chronically homeless substance users. The Open Door is a harm reduction housing program that seeks to improve clinical outcomes for this population. We present findings from qualitative interviews with residents of the program, conducted to explore facilitators of residents’ success in the program, which is ultimately defined as HIV clinical adherence. Two major themes developed. Positive changes captures processes or characteristics that residents reported as having changed as a result of living in the program. Mechanisms of success reflects aspects of the program to which residents attributed their improved adherence. Given that improving adherence in vulnerable populations has both clinical and public health implications, our study suggests future avenues for research and foundations on which to build future interventions.     

Dinner together: Using experiential learning to build human connections in a social service setting

ABSTRACT

Innovative pedagogical approaches are needed to teach community practice in this time of rapid community change and political polarization. Bridging the Gap Together is an ongoing experiential learning project with undergraduate social work students and a qualitative study designed to enhance “poverty awareness” and increase social connection among members of a rural, poor community. Students express an increased and deepened understanding of poverty post-experience. Their reflections also capture an awareness of the importance of human connection and the potential of compassionate professionalism to foster its development.     

College Student Smokers' Cognitive Appraisal of High-Risk Activities

Abstract

Objective: Students who smoke are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as binge drinking and unprotected sex (Schnieder and Morris, Environ Behav. 1999; 23:575–591). The goals of the present study were to determine whether smokers assess these behaviors as lower risk than nonsmokers, and if smoking rate influences risk perceptions. Methods: Participants were 303 college students. Cognitive Appraisal of Risky Activities (Fromme et al., Cognit Ther Res. 1997; 21:421–442) and smoking were assessed August–November, 2006. Results: Smokers reported significantly less risk, more benefit, and more involvement in risky behaviors than nonsmokers (p < .01). In hierarchical linear regression, risk perceptions moderated the association between smoking and (a) expected benefit from risky sexual behaviors (β = ?1.121, p < .05); and (b) expected involvement with illicit drugs (β = ?.313, p < .01). Conclusions: College smokers’ assessment of high-risk behaviors influenced their intended involvement. Risk perception change may therefore alter their involvement in high-risk behaviors.     

Employee involvement programs: Should unions get involved?

We test the mediated effects of participation in employee involvement (EI) programs on employee desires for union involvement in the future development and diffusion of EI and the perceived durability of an EI program as a possible moderator of these effects. Results indicate that participants developed more positive attitudes toward the EI program than nonparticipants and, in turn, these attitudes were related to higher desires for union involvement in EI. Additionally, volunteers developed more positive attitudes toward the EI program than nonvolunteers and, in turn, these attitudes were related to higher desires for union involvement in EI. However, the relationship between attitudes toward EI and desires for union involvement in EI was significantly less positive for participants who viewed the EI program as durable.     

Experiences of Urban Environmental Conditions in Socially and Economically Diverse Neighborhoods

Environmental conditions can vary widely in urban areas. Temperature, green space, air quality, and other parameters may have different patterns among and within cities. These conditions may also be experienced and perceived by residents in different ways, with implications for community development and social justice in the context of environmental change. This study examines in-depth interviews (N = 20) with residents from socially and economically diverse neighborhoods to understand this variability at a more meaningful scale than typically examined in the literature. Implications for social work, community development, and multidisciplinary efforts in the pressing area of environmental change are discussed.