Accidental exposures to blood and other body fluids in a large academic medical center

Healthcare workers' and students' exposures to blood-borne pathogens during a 1-year period (1997) at a large university academic medical center were analyzed. The university health manages the Blood-Borne Pathogen Post-Exposure Control Program at the university and treats all reported exposures of students, faculty, and staff. Comparative exposure rates for all categories of healthcare workers, the work site where injuries occurred, and the circumstances involved in 298 exposure incidents are outlined. A standardized postexposure prophylaxis protocol provides for definition of the health status of all known source patients and assessment of the potential need for treatment of the exposed clinician. Implications of the study for focusing on improvements in training healthcare workers in proper procedures and the use of personal protective equipment in dealing with blood-borne pathogens are discussed.     

Effectiveness of a screening tool to detect injuries during Army Health Care Specialist training

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of an initial screening and referral process in reducing the impact of musculosketetal injuries among soldiers attending Health Care Specialist training. Musculoskeletal injury among Army Health Care Specialist students have been reported to be approximately 24% for men and 24-30% for women. The highest student visit rate to the troop medical clinic for musculoskeletal injuries, for men and women, occurs during the first week of training. Anecdotal reports indicate that many students arrive for training with existing injuries or symptoms. This project was designed to assess whether formalized early screening, referral, and intervention could 1) identify arriving students who need musculoskeletal injury-related medical attention, 2) reduce the number of students receiving limited duty status during their 10-week training, 3) decrease the total number of limited duty days for students, and 4) decrease the number of students who cannot graduate due to musculoskeletal injury. Students (N=291) from one company were divided into three groups of 97 students. Three methods were used to screen and refer students for medical intervention: 1) traditional (T), 2) by health care providers (HCP), or 3) by Drill Sergeants (DS). Screening by HCP and DSs involved using a new screening tool to identify and consequently refer students with symptoms to a troop medical clinic (TMC) for early evaluation and intervention. Using the screening tool, HCPs identified 92% of students with injuries, while DSs accurately identified 80%. The screening did not reduce the number of students receiving limited duty status, total limited duty days, or the number of students that could not graduate due to musculoskeletal injury ("holdovers") (p>0.05). The screening tool demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity whether conducted by HCPs or DSs. It failed to demonstrate efficacy in reducing the impact of musculoskeletal injuries among Combat Medic soldiers, as measured by limited duty days and holdovers.     

EXPOSURE TO MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY IN MEDICAL SCHOOL: A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

Most marital and family therapists, both medically and nonmedically trained, regularly interact with physicians on a professional basis. Though some physicians receive specific training in marital and family therapy in their postgraduate residency programs, (notably those in psychiatry and family medicine), for many, the only academic exposure they receive to this field comes during a 6- to 10-week clinical clerkship in psychiatry during their third or fourth year of medical school. No study could be located which examined marital and family therapy training in undergraduate medical education. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the level of marital and family therapy training in medical school and to provide information concerning physicians who are not family therapists, and how much knowledge about the field they can be expected to have.     

Influences of mechanical exposure biographies on physical capabilities of workers from automotive industry - a study on possible dose-response relationships and consequences for short and long term job rotation

This paper describes a field study in production areas of a vehicle manufacturing plant, where 106 male workers (aged from 20 to 63 years) were examined and interviewed by the authors. Aim of study was to identify relationships between specific physical worker capabilities and doses of mechanical exposures using self-developed standardized questionnaires as well as a battery of work-specific tests. The dependent variables are different "physical capabilities", classified using a five-point rating scale with regard to the grade of limitation of the respective capability. Independent variables are "age" and specific "mechanical exposures". Several exposures were combined and multiplied with their respective durations in order to determine doses on three different body regions - back, shoulder-neck and upper limbs. There are significant positive correlations between "age" and "dose of mechanical exposure on back/shoulder-neck/upper limbs region". The analysis of the relationship between dose of exposure and different capabilities to lift or reposition loads (with variable weight) shows weak significant correlations for all three body regions. Data analysis shows no significant correlations between any dose of mechanical exposure and capabilities to work in awkward body postures.These results should be considered in age management programs when scheduling future employee assignments to workplaces, especially for production systems where manual handling tasks are dominant.     

Teaching intercultural awareness to first‐year medical students via experiential exercises

This study assessed the extent to which a one‐time experiential intervention improved intercultural awareness and sensitivity among first‐year medical students. The students participated in group activities in which they shared personal experiences, solved a hypothetical problem, and engaged in team building exercises. Post‐intervention, students reported less intercultural awareness, but a greater commitment to improving the intercultural climate of the medical school and an increased willingness to work in diverse groups during their medical training. The results of the study suggest that experiential interventions may provide an important complement to didactics around issues of intercultural awareness and sensitivity with medical students. Importantly, experiential interventions must provide students with sufficient time to reflect upon and discuss feelings, thoughts and attitudes that emerge during this kind of intercultural awareness training.     

Level of physical activity and anthropometric characteristics in old age—results from a national health survey

Advanced age is associated with degenerative changes in body composition. There is evidence suggesting that changes may vary upon differences in lifestyle, environment, or gender. Physical activity engagement is considered an important component of lifestyle definition. There are suggestions that engaging in physical activity might alleviate degenerative body compositional changes. The objective is to assess the relationship between adherence to recommended guidelines of physical activity and anthropometric parameters in Israeli older adults. Anthropometric measures, including height, weight, and waist circumference, were taken, and BMI was calculated, from a random sample of 1,663 elderly adults (799 men and 864 women), aged 74.31 (±6.05) years old. Participants reported their physical activity habits and, based on official guidelines recommendations, they were divided into sufficiently active, insufficiently active, and inactive groups. One-way ANOVA (level of physical activity) for both genders was conducted for each anthropometric variable. In both genders, an association between level of physical activity and weight, waist circumference, and BMI was found, with lower values among the sufficiently active. In addition, a relationship between level of physical activity and height was indicated among women, implying that the more active women were taller than the less active. In addition to the already known health benefits of physical activity in old age, it is possible that adherence to recommended guidelines of physical activity is associated with favorable anthropometric characteristics.     

Assessing overweight, obesity, diet, and physical activity in college students

The authors surveyed 738 college students aged 18 to 27 years to assess overweight, obesity, dietary habits, and physical activity. They used BMI (body mass index) > or = 25 kg/m2 or BMI > or = 85th percentile and BMI > or = 30 kg/m2 or BMI > or = 95th percentile to estimate overweight and obesity in those aged < or = 19 years. To define overweight and obesity in those > or = 20 years, they used BMI > or = 25 kg/m2 and > or = 30 kg/m2. They found overweight rates of 21.6% using BMI directly and 16.2% using BMI percentile and obesity rates of 4.9% using BMI directly and 4.2% using BMI percentile. More than 69% of the participants reported < 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day and more than 67% reported < 20 g of fiber per day; participants reported physical activity on fewer than 3 d/wk. Most college students are not meeting dietary and physical activity guidelines, suggesting the need for prevention interventions and increased understanding of overweight in college students.     

Alumni of a BSW-Level Specialized Title IV-E Program Voice Their Experiences in the Workplace

This study surveyed 289 alumni of a specialized Title IV-E program that prepares undergraduate social work students for careers in public child welfare, examining factors such as turnover rates, adherence to strengths-based practice principles, perceptions of work conditions, and intent to stay. Findings indicate that graduates of this program were less likely than other caseworkers to leave their positions. Most maintained adherence to strengths-based practice principles, reported satisfaction with the work, felt supported by colleagues, and intended to stay in the field of child welfare. Based on alumni comments, ways that agencies can retain such workers are suggested.     

Factors associated with undertreatment of medical student depression

The authors measured factors associated with under-treatment of medical students' depression. They administered a cross-sectional Beck Depression Inventory and sociodemographic questionnaire to students at 1 medical school, defining their outcome measure as the use of counseling services or antidepressant medication. Of an estimated 450 available student participants in the study, 322 (71.6%) completed the questionnaire. Forty-nine students (15.2%) were classified as depressed and 10 (20.4%) reported experiencing suicidal ideation during medical school, but only 13 (26.5%) of the depressed students reported treatment. The researchers observed no difference in treatment by year in school, completion of psychiatric requirement, race, or depression severity. Treatment for depression was significantly associated with older age and personal and family histories of depression. Despite the availability of effective medications and confidential mental health services, medical students with depression are undertreated. The authors' findings support the need for targeted messages to help medical students recognize their depression and refer themselves for appropriate treatment.     

Holistic wellness as a means to developing a lifestyle approach to health behavior among college students

OBJECTIVE: The authors examined the influence of a holistic model of wellness on activity level among obese and sedentary college students. PARTICIPANTS: They recruited 41 participants for an 11-week program. METHODS: Participants were required to record daily walking totals and complete 5 bimonthly classes where principles of holistic wellness were discussed. Pre- and posttest values of activity level (walking activity, cardiovascular training, general activity, and resistance training) and pre- and posttest knowledge and self-efficacy related to principles of holistic wellness. Participants also completed a 1-month followup. RESULTS: Participants who completed the program reported increases in general exercise activity, resistance training, and walking behavior, as well as self-efficacy and knowledge concerning principles of holistic wellness. The authors also observed decreases in participants' body fat and body mass. CONCLUSIONS: Relevance to adherence of exercise behavior and a lifestyle approach to health are discussed. Future directions and limitations are highlighted.     

US college and university student health screening requirements for tuberculosis and vaccine-preventable diseases, 2012

ABSTRACT

Objective: Colleges are at risk for communicable disease outbreaks because of the high degree of person-to-person interactions and relatively crowded dormitory settings. This report describes the US college student health screening requirements among US resident and international students for tuberculosis (TB) and vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) as they relate to the American College Health Association (ACHA) guidelines. Methods/Participants: In April 2012, US college health administrators (N = 2,858) were sent online surveys to assess their respective school's TB screening and immunization requirements. Results: Surveys were completed by 308 (11%) schools. Most schools were aware of the ACHA immunization (78%) and TB screening (76%) guidelines. Schools reported having policies related to immunization screening (80.4%), immunization compliance (93%), TB screening (55%), and TB compliance (87%). Conclusion: Most colleges were following ACHA guidelines. However, there are opportunities for improvement to fully utilize the recommendations and prevent outbreaks of communicable diseases among students in colleges.     

Ukrainian medical students' experiences, attitudes, and knowledge about reproductive health.

In a 1999 classroom survey of sexual behavior among 689 1st-year medical students at Donetsk State Medical University, Ukraine, 59% of the women and 83% of the men revealed they had "ever" had sexual intercourse. The mean age of first intercourse was 15.7 years for the men and 16.6 years for the women. Thirty-two percent of the students reported they did not use contraceptives at their first intercourse, and 19% said they used no contraceptives at their most recent coitus. Condoms were the most frequent means of contraception, followed by coitus interruptus. Less than 5% used oral contraceptives, and 73% of students reported being afraid to use them. About 6% of the students reported they had had sexually transmitted infections (STI) and 10% had had an abortion. Improving knowledge concerning unwanted pregnancies and STI among Ukraine's future health providers may contribute to improving reproductive health issues in general in Ukraine.     

高职院校学生顶岗实习安全问题探析

对高职院校学生顶岗实习期间主要面临的安全问题进行了探讨。为保障学生实习安全,还对政府部门、高职院校、实习学生、企业等方面确保高职学生顶岗实习安全的途径进行了探讨,以期为构建高职院校学生顶岗实习安全管理体系提供参考。     

Cigarette smoking and cessation among trade or technical school students in Texas

Although students enrolled in trade or technical colleges are at an elevated risk for tobacco use, virtually no information exists regarding their smoking behaviors. OBJECTIVE AND PARTICIPANTS: In the present study, the authors examined (1) the prevalence of smoking and quitting among 617 students in 2 trade or technical colleges in East Texas and (2) on-campus media exposure to antitobacco messages. METHODS: Students voluntary completed the 42-item Texas Trade and Technical School Tobacco Survey during a required introductory-level class. RESULTS: Of the participating students, 34% reported past-30-day smoking (current smoking). Of current smokers, 74% reported a previous quit attempt and 64% wanted to quit before graduation. Although most current smokers expressed a desire to quit smoking, the antitobacco message they were least likely to see on campus was that regarding how to quit. Current smokers cited their own health as the most likely reason to quit smoking, and most reported wanting to quit on their own, without the use of resources. However, of the 9 listed resources, students were most likely to report the possible use of medication. CONCLUSIONS: Given that most smoking students desire to quit smoking--and that they are enrolled in trade or technical schools for an extended period of time--additional research should examine how successful interventions can be delivered at the trade or technical school itself.     

From probation to prevention: protecting college students and workers from animal hazards

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to develop an organized system to assess individual and group exposure to animal hazards on a college campus. MAIN POINTS: The scope and complexity of college health services continue to expand as campuses confront unforeseen exposures and disease entities. Of great concern are students and faculty who are exposed to potentially life threatening and other serious conditions during their academic work. CONCLUSION: A college health service developed an effective animal-hazard surveillance questionnaire that could be scanned and analyzed for individual and group exposure to hazards and the presence or absence of protective measures. The college then provided appropriate preventive services.     

A preliminary investigation of the roles and backgrounds of school interpreters: Implications for training and recruiting

The backgrounds and roles of school interpreters who provide interpretation services for limited English proficient students were investigated through a survey study. The results are based on a total of 89 interpreters working in schools throughout New York State. A total of 29 languages were represented in the two samples of interpreters with Spanish being the most frequently used language. Most of the interpreters had Bachelors Degrees or higher but very few had any formal training in interpretation. The results suggest that most interpreters work on a part-time basis. The interpreters reported providing services for a number of different school personnel while fulfilling numerous roles that included interpreting during assessment sessions as well as during parent meetings. The implications of the findings are discussed from the perspectives of the training and recruiting of school interpreters. The limitations of the findings are also examined.     

Assessing Overweight,Obesity, Diet,and Physical Activity in College Students

Abstract

The authors surveyed 738 college students aged 18 to 27 years to assess overweight, obesity, dietary habits, and physical activity. They used BMI (body mass index) > 25 kg/m² or BMI > 85th percentile and BMI > 30 kg/m¹ or BMI > 95th percentile to estimate overweight and obesity in those aged < 19 years. To define overweight and obesity in those > 20 years, they used BMI > 25 kg/m² and > 30 kg/m². They found overweight rates of 21.6% using BMI directly and 16.2% using BMI percentile and obesity rates of 4.9% using BMI directly and 4.2% using BMI percentile. More than 69% of the participants reported < 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day and more than 67% reported < 20 g of fiber per day; participants reported physical activity on fewer than 3 d/wk. Most college students are not meeting dietary and physical activity guidelines, suggesting the need for prevention interventions and increased understanding of overweight in college students.     

Male Medical Students’ Gender-Role Conflict Is Associated With Their Discomfort With Dealing With Patients’ Sexual Health Issues

Recommendations suggest that more sexuality education be implemented in medical school curricula to increase students’ comfort with regard to dealing with sexual health issues. For male medical students the adherence to masculine gender-role norms may also contribute to discomfort regarding dealing with this intimate topic. The current study analyzed whether male medical students’ knowledge or masculine gender-role conflict (GRC) was associated with their comfort with regard to asking future patients about sexual health issues. A total of 164 male medical students (M_age = 24.4, SD = 2.4) participated. A questionnaire assessed students’ self-perceived knowledge of sexual health, how prepared they felt with regard to this topic, and their comfort with regard to asking future patients about sexual health issues. The Gender Role Conflict Scale—Short Form (GRCS-SF) was used to assess GRC. Knowledge was positively associated with comfort. Male students who indicated difficulty expressing affection toward men or expressing emotions were likely to report being uncomfortable asking patients about sexual health issues. Students should be made aware of gender-role norms. Alongside knowledge transfer, the discussion of strategies for overcoming the barriers set by gender-role norms should be part of sexuality education.     

Victimization in young urban adults and depressed mood: understanding the interplay of coping and gender

Violence exposure has a significant impact on victims' psychological well-being. This study examined the relationship between two types of violence exposures (threats and physical assaults), coping styles (emotion focused, avoidant, and problem focused), gender, and depression among 211 (147 females and 64 males) young urban adults (ages 18-24). Most participants (60%) endorsed being physically assaulted, whereas many (40%) endorsed being threatened. Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted. As hypothesized, women reported using more emotion-focused coping and reported greater depression than men. Avoidant coping was a predictor for increased depression for both men and women. However, women who employed problem-focused coping after their first physical assault reported lower rates of depression. These findings have implications for designing early interventions.     

Effects on students of teacher training in use of a drug education curriculum

The study reported here examines the effects of differential teacher training in use of a drug education curriculum on students' knowledge levels, problem-solving and coping skills, attitudes towards planned decision making, behavioral intentions and tobacco and alcohol use. An experimental design was used to compare the effects of exposure to teachers who had either intensive staff development, in-service training or no training. The findings indicate a statistically significant difference between groups of students on the intention to drink alcohol. Students whose teachers had intensive staff development were less likely to intend to take a drink if offered than students whose teachers had in-service or no training. Possible reasons for a lack of significant results on other variables are the confounding influences of school, classroom and teacher effects.