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Troy C, Brunson A, Goldsmith A, Noblet S, Steck SE, Hebert JR, Payne J, McCormick D, Friedman DB. Implementing Community-Based Prostate Cancer Education in Rural South Carolina: a Collaborative Approach Through a Statewide Cancer Alliance. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2022; 37:163-168. [PMID: 32564252 PMCID: PMC7749809 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01800-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing community-based prostate health education programs in rural communities. Prostate cancer (PrCA) remains one of the most common cancers among men, and a growing body of literature demonstrates that large interracial differences in PrCA incidence and mortality rates consistently disfavor African Americans in comparison to European Americans. It also is evident, despite the overall decrease in cancer death rates in the USA in recent decades, rural areas are experiencing a reduction in death rates much more slowly. In this study, education session content focused on PrCA risk factors, symptoms, screening, healthy diet and exercise, treatment options, and provider communication strategies. Forty individuals participated and completed pre/post-education program surveys to assess changes in PrCA knowledge and cancer decision-making. Participants showed improvements in education and awareness following the session, and overall impressions of the program were consistently positive as exhibited by participants' answers on a satisfaction survey. The findings demonstrate the real need both in terms of research to understand the underlying problem and to provide practical solutions that can be implemented to reverse the current situation. The results obtained support community-based education programs as an effective means of delivering PrCA prevention, screening, and treatment information to rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Troy
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, 1521 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- South Carolina Honors College, University of South Carolina, 1215 Blossom Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Ashley Brunson
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, 1521 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Andrew Goldsmith
- South Carolina Honors College, University of South Carolina, 1215 Blossom Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Samuel Noblet
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Susan E Steck
- Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - James R Hebert
- Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Johnny Payne
- Upstate Prostate Cancer Alliance, 412 Perry Hill Road, Easley, SC, 29640, USA
| | - Doug McCormick
- AID Upstate, 811 Pendleton Street, Suite 10, Greenville, SC, 29601, USA
| | - Daniela B Friedman
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
- Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
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2
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Yelton B, Lead JR, Adams SA, Brandt HM, Kulkarni S, Lewis KR, Fedrick D, Ureda JR, Friedman DB. How Do African-American Community Members' Perceptions About Environmental Risks of Breast Cancer Compare with the Current State of the Science? JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2021; 36:1193-1200. [PMID: 32314309 PMCID: PMC7572772 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01748-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
African-American (AA) women experience higher mortality from breast cancer than any other racial group. Understanding community-held perceptions of environmental contaminants as risk factors for breast cancer can inform the development of tailored prevention and education efforts for improve health outcomes. Six focus groups were conducted with AA participants in two counties in South Carolina, and themes were identified using open and axial coding. Perceived environmental risks for breast cancer most frequently discussed by participants were compared to findings from published systematic reviews. Frequently discussed environmental risk factors by participants were deodorants containing aluminum, plastics, pesticides, and air and water pollution. While perceptions of aluminum and air pollution as risk factors did not align with the state of the science, perceived risk factors of chemicals in plastics and pesticides were found to be in alignment. There is some congruence between perceived environmental risks for breast cancer within the AA community and the current state of the science; however, there is a need to communicate information that reflects current science regarding commonly held misconceptions. Development of evidence-based, clear, and culturally appropriate messaging that reflects the current state of the science is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooks Yelton
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Jamie R Lead
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, 921 Assembly St, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, 921 Assembly St, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Swann Arp Adams
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, 1601 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Heather M Brandt
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Shibani Kulkarni
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Kaleea R Lewis
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Delores Fedrick
- Chester County Literacy Council, 109 Ella Street, Chester, SC, 29706, USA
| | - John R Ureda
- , Insights Consulting, Inc., 2728 Wilmot Ave, Columbia, SC, 29205, USA
| | - Daniela B Friedman
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
- Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
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Wright KB, Cai X, Fisher C, Rising CJ, Burke-Garcia A, Afanaseva D. A Content Analysis of Social Support Messages about Environmental Breast Cancer Risk within Blogs for Mothers. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 36:1796-1804. [PMID: 32744079 PMCID: PMC7855537 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1800241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bloggers can help stimulate online conversations among their readers about a variety of health topics, including breast cancer. However, in previous studies, researchers have not specifically examined supportive messages within an online blogger community that stem from an intervention where bloggers were provided with evidence-based information about breast cancer risk that they could tailor and disseminate to their readers. In the current study, we content analyzed 282 supportive messages within online conversations from participants in blogger communities over a 2-month period immediately following an intervention where the authors provided 74 bloggers who write about motherhood issues with an infographic based on evidence-based information from the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program (BCERP) about environmental breast cancer risk/prevention. Bloggers who shared information about their personal breast cancer risk generated a significantly higher number of blog reader comments than bloggers who did not share information about their personal breast cancer risk. Bloggers who cited breast cancer statistics in posts were more likely to draw esteem and emotional support from their readers. Bloggers' repetition of information from blog intervention messages was more likely to elicit esteem, informational, and emotional support from readers. Disclosure of a personal breast cancer diagnosis was associated with mixed types of social support messages. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed along with key limitations of the study and future directions for research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin B Wright
- Department of Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Xiaomei Cai
- Department of Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Carla Fisher
- UF Health Cancer Center, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Camella J Rising
- Department of Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
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Yelton B, Brandt HM, Adams SA, Ureda JR, Lead JR, Fedrick D, Lewis K, Kulkarni S, Friedman DB. "Talk About Cancer and Build Healthy Communities": How Visuals Are Starting the Conversation About Breast Cancer Within African-American Communities. INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY OF COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION 2021; 41:267-274. [PMID: 32660340 PMCID: PMC7854839 DOI: 10.1177/0272684x20942076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
African-American (AA) women are at higher risk of breast cancer mortality than women of other races. Factors influencing breast cancer risk, including exogenous environmental exposures, and debate around timing of exposure and dose-response relationship, can cause misunderstanding. Collaboration with priority populations encourages culturally relevant health messaging that imparts source reliability, influences message adoption, and improves understanding. Through six focus groups with AA individuals in rural and urban counties in the southeastern United States, this study used a community-engaged participatory approach to design an innovative visual tool for disseminating breast cancer information. Results demonstrated that participants were generally aware of environmental breast cancer risks and were willing to share new knowledge with families and community members. Recommended communication channels included pastors, healthcare providers, social media, and the Internet. Participants agreed that a collaboratively designed visual tool serves as a tangible, focused "conversation starter" to promote community prevention and education efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooks Yelton
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina
- South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network, University of South Carolina
| | - Heather M. Brandt
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina
- Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina
- The Graduate School, University of South Carolina
| | - Swann Arp Adams
- Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina
| | | | - Jamie R. Lead
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk, University of South Carolina
| | | | - Kaleea Lewis
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Missouri
| | - Shibani Kulkarni
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina
| | - Daniela B. Friedman
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina
- Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina
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5
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Nong Q, Chen X, Hu L, Huang Y, Luan T, Liu H, Chen B. Identification and characterization of Gd-binding proteins in NIH-3T3 cells. Talanta 2020; 219:121281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Sandifer P, Knapp L, Lichtveld M, Manley R, Abramson D, Caffey R, Cochran D, Collier T, Ebi K, Engel L, Farrington J, Finucane M, Hale C, Halpern D, Harville E, Hart L, Hswen Y, Kirkpatrick B, McEwen B, Morris G, Orbach R, Palinkas L, Partyka M, Porter D, Prather AA, Rowles T, Scott G, Seeman T, Solo-Gabriele H, Svendsen E, Tincher T, Trtanj J, Walker AH, Yehuda R, Yip F, Yoskowitz D, Singer B. Framework for a Community Health Observing System for the Gulf of Mexico Region: Preparing for Future Disasters. Front Public Health 2020; 8:578463. [PMID: 33178663 PMCID: PMC7593336 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.578463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Gulf of Mexico (GoM) region is prone to disasters, including recurrent oil spills, hurricanes, floods, industrial accidents, harmful algal blooms, and the current COVID-19 pandemic. The GoM and other regions of the U.S. lack sufficient baseline health information to identify, attribute, mitigate, and facilitate prevention of major health effects of disasters. Developing capacity to assess adverse human health consequences of future disasters requires establishment of a comprehensive, sustained community health observing system, similar to the extensive and well-established environmental observing systems. We propose a system that combines six levels of health data domains, beginning with three existing, national surveys and studies plus three new nested, longitudinal cohort studies. The latter are the unique and most important parts of the system and are focused on the coastal regions of the five GoM States. A statistically representative sample of participants is proposed for the new cohort studies, stratified to ensure proportional inclusion of urban and rural populations and with additional recruitment as necessary to enroll participants from particularly vulnerable or under-represented groups. Secondary data sources such as syndromic surveillance systems, electronic health records, national community surveys, environmental exposure databases, social media, and remote sensing will inform and augment the collection of primary data. Primary data sources will include participant-provided information via questionnaires, clinical measures of mental and physical health, acquisition of biological specimens, and wearable health monitoring devices. A suite of biomarkers may be derived from biological specimens for use in health assessments, including calculation of allostatic load, a measure of cumulative stress. The framework also addresses data management and sharing, participant retention, and system governance. The observing system is designed to continue indefinitely to ensure that essential pre-, during-, and post-disaster health data are collected and maintained. It could also provide a model/vehicle for effective health observation related to infectious disease pandemics such as COVID-19. To our knowledge, there is no comprehensive, disaster-focused health observing system such as the one proposed here currently in existence or planned elsewhere. Significant strengths of the GoM Community Health Observing System (CHOS) are its longitudinal cohorts and ability to adapt rapidly as needs arise and new technologies develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Sandifer
- Center for Coastal Environmental and Human Health, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Landon Knapp
- Center for Coastal Environmental and Human Health, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Maureen Lichtveld
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Ruth Manley
- Master's Program in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - David Abramson
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rex Caffey
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - David Cochran
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Tracy Collier
- Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - Kristie Ebi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lawrence Engel
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - John Farrington
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States
| | | | - Christine Hale
- Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States
| | - David Halpern
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Emily Harville
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Leslie Hart
- Department of Health and Human Performance, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Yulin Hswen
- Computational Epidemiology Lab, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Barbara Kirkpatrick
- Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System, Texas A&M University, College Station TX, United States
| | - Bruce McEwen
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Glenn Morris
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Raymond Orbach
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Lawrence Palinkas
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Melissa Partyka
- Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, Mobile, AL, United States
| | - Dwayne Porter
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Aric A. Prather
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Teresa Rowles
- National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Geoffrey Scott
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Teresa Seeman
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Helena Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - Erik Svendsen
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Terry Tincher
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Juli Trtanj
- Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | | | - Rachel Yehuda
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Fuyuen Yip
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - David Yoskowitz
- Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States
| | - Burton Singer
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Nagisetty RM, Autenrieth DA, Storey SR, Macgregor WB, Brooks LC. Environmental health perceptions in a superfund community. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 261:110151. [PMID: 32148257 PMCID: PMC7195873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A disconnect between community perceptions and officially documented Superfund remedial actions and health outcomes may hinder the essential community engagement at Superfund sites. This study evaluates the extent of one such potential disconnect in Butte, Montana, which is part of the largest U.S. Superfund site in the U.S. Since the 1860s, when mining began in Butte, mine waste disposal practices in Butte and surrounding areas have left behind massive deposits that have contaminated the area's soil, sediment, groundwater and surface water with arsenic and heavy metals. Over the last four decades, a substantial amount of remediation work has been completed along with requisite community engagement and health studies at this Superfund site. The potential disconnect was evaluated using a new survey instrument that covered: (a) general environmental health perceptions, (b) mine-waste specific environmental health perceptions, (c) effectiveness of community engagement, (d) knowledge of health outcomes, and (e) demographics. The survey results demonstrated a disconnect in many instances where objective remedial improvements may not have resulted in improved environmental health perceptions in the community. The disconnect was most pronounced in the case of drinking water protection from mine waste and knowledge of health outcomes (cancer incidence rates and children's blood levels). The use of similar environmental health perception measurements may aid responsible agencies in monitoring for and addressing environmental health perception disconnects through better community engagement for the benefit of the impacted communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja M Nagisetty
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Montana Technological University, 1300 W. Park Street, Butte, MT, 59701, USA.
| | - Daniel A Autenrieth
- Department of Safety, Health and Industrial Hygiene, Montana Technological University, 1300 W. Park Street, Butte, MT, 59701, USA
| | - Sarah R Storey
- Department of Safety, Health and Industrial Hygiene, Montana Technological University, 1300 W. Park Street, Butte, MT, 59701, USA
| | - William B Macgregor
- Department of Professional and Technical Communications, Montana Technological University, 1300 W. Park Street, Butte, MT, 59701, USA
| | - Loran C Brooks
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Montana Technological University, 1300 W. Park Street, Butte, MT, 59701, USA
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8
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Using Q Methodology to Explore Risk Perception and Public Concern about Tree Pests and Diseases: The Case of Ash Dieback. FORESTS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/f10090761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This paper seeks to address the need for a more nuanced understanding of public perceptions of risk-related events by investigating the nature of and drivers for a ‘concerned public’ to an environmental issue, using the case study of the ash dieback outbreak in the UK. Q Methodology, an approach that combines both quantitative and qualitative data through factor analysis to identify different ways of thinking about a particular issue, was used to investigate the subjective response of local publics to ash dieback in East Kent, England, one of the early outbreak locations. Five narratives are identified, distinguishing perceptions of risk and management preferences: (1) call for better biosecurity; (2) resilient nature and techno-scientific solutions; (3) fatalistic; (4) disinterested; and (5) pro-active citizens. Four narratives demonstrated concern about the impacts of ash dieback on woodland ecosystems, but beliefs about whether the disease arrived in the UK on infected imported nursery stock or on windblown spores varied. The results of this study contribute to improving understanding of the drivers of differing public perceptions of tree health risks, an important consideration for designing socially acceptable strategies for managing tree pests and diseases, and other environmental risks, in the future.
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Wright K, Fisher C, Rising C, Burke-Garcia A, Afanaseva D, Cai X. Partnering With Mommy Bloggers to Disseminate Breast Cancer Risk Information: Social Media Intervention. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e12441. [PMID: 30843866 PMCID: PMC6427105 DOI: 10.2196/12441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are concerned about reducing their breast cancer risk, particularly if they have daughters. Social media platforms, such as blogs written by mothers, are increasingly being recognized as a channel that women use to make personal and family health-related decisions. Government initiatives (eg, Interagency Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Coordinating Committee) and researchers have called for scientists and the community to partner and disseminate scientifically and community-informed environmental risk information. OBJECTIVE We developed and evaluated a blog intervention to disseminate breast cancer and environmental risk information to mothers. We teamed with mommy bloggers to disseminate a message that we developed and tailored for mothers and daughters based on scientific evidence from the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program (BCERP). We posited that the intervention would influence women's exposure to, acceptance of, and beliefs about environmental risks while promoting their intention to adopt risk-reducing behaviors. METHODS Using a quasi-experimental design, we recruited 75 mommy bloggers to disseminate the breast cancer risk message on their respective blogs and examined the impact of the intervention on (1) readers exposed to the intervention (n=445) and (2) readers not exposed to the intervention (comparison group; n=353). RESULTS Following the intervention, blog reader scores indicating exposure to the breast cancer risk and prevention information were greater than scores of blog readers who were not exposed (or did not recall seeing the message; mean 3.92, SD 0.85 and mean 3.45, SD 0.92, respectively; P<.001). Readers who recalled the intervention messages also had higher breast cancer risk and prevention information satisfaction scores compared with readers who did not see (or recall) the messages (mean 3.97, SD 0.75 and mean 3.57, SD 0.94, respectively; P<.001). Blog readers who recalled seeing the intervention messages were significantly more likely to share the breast cancer risk and prevention information they read, with their daughters specifically, than readers who did not recall seeing them (χ21=8.1; P=.004). Those who recalled seeing the intervention messages reported significantly higher breast cancer risk and prevention information influence scores, indicative of behavioral intentions, than participants who did not recall seeing them (mean 11.22, SD 2.93 and mean 10.14, SD 3.24, respectively; P=.003). Most women ranked Facebook as their first choice for receiving breast cancer risk information. CONCLUSIONS Results indicated that blog readers who were exposed to (and specifically recalled) the BCERP-adapted intervention messages from mommy bloggers had higher breast cancer risk and prevention information exposure scores and higher breast cancer risk and prevention information satisfaction and influence scores than those who did not see (or recall) them. Mommy bloggers may be important opinion leaders for some women and key to enhancing the messaging, delivery, and impact of environmental breast cancer risk information on mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Wright
- George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Carla Fisher
- University of Florida, UF Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | | | | | | | - Xiaomei Cai
- George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
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10
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Bergeron CD, Tanner AH, Friedman DB, Zheng Y, Schrock CS, Bornstein DB, Segar M, Swift N. Physical Activity Communication: A Scoping Review of the Literature. Health Promot Pract 2019; 20:344-353. [PMID: 30832516 DOI: 10.1177/1524839919834272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Engaging in regular physical activity can help prevent chronic disease and enhance quality of life. Unfortunately, less than 20% of American adults meet the recommended physical activity guidelines, perhaps indicating ineffective communication efforts around physical activity. In preparation for the release of the second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, and using the physical activity guidelines as a cornerstone of our approach, we conducted a scoping review of physical activity communication research to understand the scholarly efforts related to communicating about physical activity. Using a social-ecological perspective, we identified studies using the keywords physical activity* OR exercise* AND health communication* in three public health and communication databases and retained studies conducted in the United States and published in English from 1995 through 2015. Sixty-seven articles included a mention of physical activity guidelines, a health communication focus, and media channels used in promoting physical activity. Half of the studies were published in health/science communication journals. One third of the studies mentioned physical activity guidelines. Only 19% of the studies featured mental health benefits of physical activity while more than 64% emphasized physical health benefits. Nearly all the studies (96%) mentioned the use of persuasion to encourage engagement in physical activity. More effort is needed to study the influence of communicating physical activity guidelines to the public. Best practices for future physical activity communication are discussed for both researchers and practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yue Zheng
- 3 California State University Northridge, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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11
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Kulkarni S, Lewis K, Adams SA, Brandt HM, Lead JR, Ureda JR, Fedrick D, Mathews C, Friedman DB. A Comprehensive Analysis of How Environmental Risks of Breast Cancer are Portrayed on the Internet. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH EDUCATION 2018; 49:222-233. [PMID: 30079123 PMCID: PMC6075842 DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2018.1473182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective online communication about the environmental risk factors of breast cancer is essential because of the multitude of environmental exposures and debate regarding the conclusiveness of scientific evidence. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess the content, readability, and cultural sensitivity of online resources focused on the environmental risks factors of breast cancer. METHODS A purposive sample of webpages focused on environmental risk factors of breast cancer was obtained through a Google search using 17 search terms. Using nonparametric statistics, we assessed the content, readability, and cultural appropriateness of 235 webpages. RESULTS Eighty-two percent of webpages referred to research studies in their content. For the majority of sites, readability was at a high-school reading grade level. Webpages were not explicitly intended for specific racial/ethnic groups. DISCUSSION Technical language and non-culturally specific messages may hinder users' attention to and comprehension of online breast cancer information. Additional research is needed to examine in-depth the accuracy of this online content. TRANSLATION TO HEALTH EDUCATION PRACTICE Findings suggest that collaborations between scientists, health educators, website designers/media professionals, and the community will be critical to the delivery of accurate, up-to-date, plain-language, and culturally sensitive information about breast cancer and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibani Kulkarni
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Room 529, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - Kaleea Lewis
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Room 529, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - Swann Arp Adams
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of South Carolina
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina
- Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, 915 Greene Street, Room 244, Columbia SC 29208
| | - Heather M Brandt
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina
- Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Discovery I Building, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - Jamie R Lead
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina
- Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, Public Health Research Center, Suite 511, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - John R Ureda
- Insights Consulting, Inc. 2728 Wilmot Ave., Columbia, SC 29205-254
| | - Delores Fedrick
- Chester County Literacy Council, 109 Ella Street, Chester, SC, 29706
| | - Chris Mathews
- Turning Pages Greater Columbia Literacy Council, 4711 Forest Drive, Suite 3, PMB 267, Columbia SC 29206
| | - Daniela B Friedman
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina
- Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Suite 557, Columbia SC, 29208
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Minichilli F, Gorini F, Ascari E, Bianchi F, Coi A, Fredianelli L, Licitra G, Manzoli F, Mezzasalma L, Cori L. Annoyance Judgment and Measurements of Environmental Noise: A Focus on Italian Secondary Schools. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15020208. [PMID: 29373506 PMCID: PMC5858277 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The effects of noise on students’ health, well-being, and learning are of growing concern among both the general public and policy-makers in Europe. Several studies have highlighted the consequences of noise on children’s learning and performance at school. This study investigates the relationship between noise judgment in school goers aged 11–18 and noise measurements aimed at evaluating their exposure at school. For this purpose, a questionnaire was administered to 521 individuals in 28 classrooms in eight schools of four cities in Italy, with different environmental characteristics. Using a Likert-type scale, a selected set of responses related to noise generated an Annoyance Index (AI) score for each student and a classroom median score (MAI). From the noise data acquired, a global noise score (GNS) was assigned to each classroom. A higher AI was found in industrialized areas and among younger students. No significant differences in noise judgment were found by gender. A significant inverse correlation was described between MAI and GNS, thus the better the acoustic quality of the classrooms, the less the perceived noise and annoyance. The results show that noise perception and consequent disturbance are highly correlated with classroom acoustics, and confirm that annoyance represents the most widespread subjective response to noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Minichilli
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Francesca Gorini
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Elena Ascari
- Environmental Protection Agency-Tuscany Region, 50144 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alessio Coi
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | | | - Gaetano Licitra
- Environmental Protection Agency-Tuscany Region, 50144 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Federica Manzoli
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Lorena Mezzasalma
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Liliana Cori
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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13
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Coi A, Minichilli F, Bustaffa E, Carone S, Santoro M, Bianchi F, Cori L. Risk perception and access to environmental information in four areas in Italy affected by natural or anthropogenic pollution. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 95:8-15. [PMID: 27475730 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A human biomonitoring (HBM) survey in four areas affected by natural or anthropogenic arsenic pollution was conducted in Italy within the framework of the SEpiAs project. A questionnaire, including the exploration of risk perception (RP) regarding environmental hazards and access to and trust in information, was administered to 282 subjects stratified by area, gender and age. The survey was designed to investigate how populations living in polluted areas could adopt prevention-oriented habits, fostered by the awareness of existing risks and, in addition, how increased knowledge of RP and information flows could support researchers in identifying recommendations, and presenting and disseminating HBM results. This study characterizes the four areas in terms of RP and access to and trust in environmental information, and provides insights into the influence of RP and environmental information on food consumption. For the data analysis, a combined random forest (RF) and logistic regression approach was carried out. RF was applied to the variables derived from the questionnaire in order to identify the most important in terms of the aims defined. Associations were then tested using Fisher's exact test and assessed with logistic regression in order to adjust for confounders. Results showed that the perception of and personal exposure to atmospheric and water pollution, hazardous industries and waste, hazardous material transportation and waste was higher in geographical areas characterized by anthropogenic pollution. Citizens living in industrial areas appeared to be aware of environmental risks and had more confidence in environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) than in public authorities. In addition, they reported an insufficient circulation of information. Concerning the influence of RP and environmental information on food consumption, a high perception of personal exposure to atmospheric pollution and hazardous industries was associated with a lower consumption of local fish. In conclusion, different RPs and information flow patterns were observed in areas with arsenic of natural origin or in industrial contexts. These findings may be useful for targeted risk communication plans in support of risk-management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Coi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.
| | - F Minichilli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Bustaffa
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Carone
- S.C. Epidemiologia e Statistica - Sez. Registro Tumori - ASL Taranto, Italy
| | - M Santoro
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Bianchi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Cori
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
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Henderson HC, Hong J, Friedman DB, Porter DE, Halfacre AC, Scott GI, Lead JR. A content analysis of Internet resources about the risks of seafood consumption. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2016; 26:433-447. [PMID: 26775549 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2015.1135313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Seafood consumption is a main source of human exposure to certain environmental contaminants. Therefore, it is valuable to assess the online health risk messages focused on this topic, as people in the US are increasingly accessing the Internet for health-related information. Previous research indicates that online health information tends to be written at a reading level that is more advanced than ability of the general population. The purpose of this research was to examine the content and readability of Internet resources targeted toward consumers in the US regarding the health risks from consumption of contaminated seafood. Sources for analysis were gathered through a targeted search of state and national government websites, as well as through a Google search. The overall mean readability level was Grade 9.21, which is slightly above the average reading level of US adults. Future research should evaluate the accuracy of the health risk messages, as well as consumer perceptions of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather C Henderson
- a Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Jie Hong
- b Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk, Arnold School of Public Health , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
- c Department of Environmental Health Sciences , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Daniela B Friedman
- a Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Dwayne E Porter
- c Department of Environmental Health Sciences , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Angela C Halfacre
- d Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Political Science and David E. Shi Center for Sustainability , Furman University , Greenville , SC , USA
| | - Geoffrey I Scott
- c Department of Environmental Health Sciences , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Jamie R Lead
- b Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk, Arnold School of Public Health , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
- c Department of Environmental Health Sciences , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
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Friedman DB, Kornegay V, Tanner A, Bergeron CD, Sisson DC, Weis MA, Patterson LL. Partnering with the Public Library for Health Care Education: An Evaluation of Affordable Care Act Messages. PUBLIC LIBRARY QUARTERLY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/01616846.2016.1163958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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McDermott-Levy R, Garcia V. Health Concerns of Northeastern Pennsylvania Residents Living in an Unconventional Oil and Gas Development County. Public Health Nurs 2016; 33:502-510. [PMID: 27079450 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to describe the health concerns of residents of an unconventional oil and natural gas development (UOGD) community and identify methods to best disseminate health information to the residents. DESIGN AND SAMPLE A qualitative descriptive study of 27 residents of Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, was conducted. RESULTS Residents described their health concerns in terms of their changing community as a result of UOGD, their feelings of stress and powerlessness related to these changes, and the limited response of their local policymakers and protective agencies. There were indications of misinformation related to routine environmental health and UOGD environmental risks. Web-based educational programs with downloadable printed materials to bridge the knowledge gaps of residents and health professionals are recommended. CONCLUSIONS Recommendations include public health nurses providing education to communities and other health professionals regarding environmental health risks, working with communities to advocate for health-protective regulations, and adopting a community-based participatory approach to meet the needs of community members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth McDermott-Levy
- Center of Global & Public Health, College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania
| | - Victoria Garcia
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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