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LeBeau K, Raponi JM, Walker D, Swygert A, Marchi E. Social support among chronically ill adolescent and young adult patients using a hospital-based online health community as part of a palliative care program: A qualitative study. Palliat Support Care 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38450450 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951524000208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronically ill adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients experience barriers to accessing psychosocial support/palliative care, increasing their risk for negative psychosocial outcomes. Online health communities (OHCs) have been recommended for AYAs as part of palliative care support programs; however, we lack research investigating palliative care programs targeting AYAs' psychosocial support needs that are delivered virtually and able to engage with patients both during and beyond inpatient admissions. Streetlight is a palliative care program designed for chronically ill AYAs. Developed as a complementary component that extends beyond the hospital setting, Streetlight Gaming and Online Team (SGOT) is an OHC aimed at facilitating social support to influence psychosocial outcomes. We investigated the existence and enactment of social support among chronically ill AYAs using SGOT and compared this to existing online social support categories to determine which support types are present within SGOT. METHODS This was a qualitative phenomenological study. We performed deductive thematic analysis based on existing online social support categories. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with SGOT participants. RESULTS Social companionship/belonging, esteem/emotional, and informational support were most prevalent within SGOT. Thirteen subthemes emerged representing how social support impacted AYAs' psychosocial wellbeing. Notably, coping with/managing illness, sense of community and normalcy, recommendations and advice, and shared interests unrelated to illnesses were subthemes that resonated with AYAs and added value to their experiences. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS SGOT is an impactful OHC used to meet AYAs' social support needs. What makes SGOT especially unique is its virtual delivery, wherein AYAs can conveniently maintain beneficial relationships with other chronically ill same-aged peers. AYAs need spaces where they can feel normal and access continuous support, both within and beyond inpatient admissions. This study enhances our understanding of online AYA psychosocial support programs. Findings can be used by healthcare professionals to implement similar palliative care and psychosocial support programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsea LeBeau
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jayne-Marie Raponi
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Drew Walker
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anna Swygert
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida Health, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Emily Marchi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida Health, Gainesville, FL, USA
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LeBeau K, King L, Vacca R. Interorganizational collaboration in a trauma-informed community: A network analysis of cohesion and change. J Community Psychol 2024; 52:89-104. [PMID: 37708082 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.23087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Strengthening interorganizational collaboration is critical to mitigate the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and improve community health. We examined change in interorganizational collaboration around ACEs within Peace4Tarpon's network and investigated factors influencing collaboration. We conducted a community-wide social network analysis among 32 trauma-informed organizations in 2016 and 2018, using network analysis methods to examine interorganizational cohesion (density, transitivity, triad census) over time, and multiple regression quadratic assignment procedure to investigate factors influencing collaboration. Network cohesion measures indicated small increases in collaboration level and greater network cohesion over time. Conducting ACEs screenings was a significant factor (b = 0.237; p < 0.01) predicting likelihood of interorganizational collaboration in 2016. No assessed ACEs practices predicted collaboration in 2018, suggesting variables assessed predicted a small proportion of variance in collaboration change. Results provide a foundation for understanding how ACEs/trauma-informed practices influence collaboration and highlight implications of interorganizational collaboration. Peace4Tarpon's 2-year progress provides insights for other trauma-informed communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsea LeBeau
- Department of Health Services Research, Management & Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Lindsey King
- Department of Health Services Research, Management & Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Raffaele Vacca
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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LeBeau K, Varma DS, Kreider CM, Castañeda G, Knecht C, Cowper Ripley D, Jia H, Hale-Gallardo J. Whole Health coaching to rural Veterans through telehealth: Advantages, gaps, and opportunities. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1057586. [PMID: 37050942 PMCID: PMC10083506 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1057586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is one of the largest providers of telehealth in the United States and continues to lead the way in transforming healthcare services. VHA has been implementing its Whole Health (WH) initiative since 2018, a proactive practice empowering patients to take charge of their health and well-being. A key facilitator of the WH initiative is the WH coach who partners with Veterans to achieve their health-related goals. A gap exists in the literature regarding the understanding of WH coaches’ use of telehealth to engage rural-residing Veterans. COVID-19 unexpectedly interrupted in-person VHA delivery of care, including WH coaching which primarily relied on in-person delivery and focused less on telehealth. During the pandemic, WH coaches had to adapt and integrate different modalities to engage their Veteran patients. We examined WH coaches’ approaches to extending coaching to rural Veterans via technology, emphasizing the advantages of telehealth, existing gaps in telehealth delivery, and opportunities for telehealth as a coaching modality.MethodsThis project was implemented as part of a larger mixed methods evaluation regarding WH coaching for rural Veterans; this manuscript presents the findings from the qualitative data from the larger study. The qualitative dataset is comprised of data collected using three different qualitative methods: four focus groups (n = 11; 3–4 participants per group), in-depth individual interviews (n = 9), and open-ended responses from a national web-based survey (n = 140). Focus group, in-depth interview, and open-ended survey data were collected sequentially and separately analyzed following each wave of data collection. Findings from the three analyses were then collaboratively merged, compared, reorganized, and refined by the evaluation team to create final themes.ResultsThree final themes that emerged from the merged data were: (1) Advantages of Telehealth; (2) Telehealth Gaps for Rural Veterans, and (3) Strategies for Bridging Telehealth Gaps. Themes explicate telehealth advantages, gaps, and opportunities for rural Veteran WH coaching.ConclusionFindings highlight that video telehealth alone is not sufficient for meeting the needs of rural Veterans. Digital technologies hold promise for equalizing health access gaps; however, both human factors and broadband infrastructure constraints continue to require WH coaches to use a mix of modalities in working with rural Veterans. To overcome challenges and bridge gaps, WH coaches should be ready to adopt a blended approach that integrates virtual, in-person, and lower-tech options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsea LeBeau
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Gainesville (VRHRC-GNV), Office of Rural Health, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Kelsea LeBeau,
| | - Deepthi S. Varma
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Gainesville (VRHRC-GNV), Office of Rural Health, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Consuelo M. Kreider
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Gail Castañeda
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Gainesville (VRHRC-GNV), Office of Rural Health, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Cheri Knecht
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Gainesville (VRHRC-GNV), Office of Rural Health, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Diane Cowper Ripley
- Director Emeritus, GeoSpatial Outcomes Division, Office of Rural Health, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Huanguang Jia
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - J. Hale-Gallardo
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Salt Lake City (VRHRC-SLC), Office of Rural Health, Veterans Health Administration, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Kang J, Lee MJ, Kreider C, LeBeau K, Mburu S, Findley K, Myers K, Romero S. The Use of 360° Immersive Technology For Conducting Remote Home Assessments: A Preliminary Feasibility Study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2022.12.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
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Kang J, Kreider C, LeBeau K, Lee MJ, Romero S. Occupational Therapists’ Experiences in Conducting Home Assessments and Modifications: Virtual Versus In-person Home Visits. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2022.12.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
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Kreider C, Kang J, LeBeau K, Mburu S, Lee MJ, Findley K, Myers K, Romero S. Home Assessments and Modifications Within the VHA: Preliminary Analysis of Providers’ Experiences – Rural Focus. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2022.12.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
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LeBeau K, Collins S, Zori G, Walker D, Marchi E, Pomeranz JL, Hart M. Evaluating a novel hospital-based online health community to address palliative and psychosocial care factors for chronically ill adolescent and young adult patients. Palliat Support Care 2023:1-12. [PMID: 36847132 PMCID: PMC11022154 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronically ill adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients experience barriers to accessing psychosocial care. AYAs who receive palliative and psychosocial care experience numerous benefits from these services. However, we still lack research investigating age-appropriate programs targeting AYAs' psychosocial needs that are delivered virtually and extend beyond the hospital setting. Streetlight is a palliative care program designed for chronically ill AYAs that offers the Streetlight Gaming League (SGL), an online health community (OHC) combining peer-based support, online gaming, and community events. We evaluated the usefulness, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of SGL through an assessment of chronically ill AYAs' lived experiences. METHODS We used a qualitative evaluation approach grounded in hermeneutic phenomenology. Questionnaires and interviews were conducted with 9 chronically ill AYAs to elicit in-depth accounts of their lived experiences of using SGL. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on questionnaire data. Phenomenological data analysis, informed by hermeneutic analysis, was used to analyze interviews. RESULTS AYAs reported positive experiences with SGL and valued the ability to engage in various content while having few participation expectations. They also described psychosocial benefits, including reprieve from illness, sense of community, and solidarity through mutual understandings and shared experiences. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESULTS Findings highlight the usefulness and acceptability of a virtual palliative psychosocial care program for chronically ill AYAs. Findings also suggest the effectiveness of SGL and support using an OHC to meet the psychosocial needs of AYAs. This study can guide future programming and implementation of online palliative psychosocial care programs in other hospital settings, resulting in similar beneficial and meaningful experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsea LeBeau
- Department of Health Services Research, Management & Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Rural Health Resource Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sarah Collins
- Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Gaia Zori
- Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Drew Walker
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emily Marchi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida Health, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jamie L. Pomeranz
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Public Health and Health Professions University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mark Hart
- Central Administration Office, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Stetten N, LeBeau K, King L, Pomeranz J. Integrating a Video Game Recording Into a Qualitative Research Methods Course to Overcome COVID-19 Barriers to Teaching: Qualitative Analysis. JMIR Serious Games 2022; 10:e38417. [PMID: 36322922 PMCID: PMC9762141 DOI: 10.2196/38417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a doctoral-level public health qualitative research methods course was moved to a web-based format. One module originally required students to conduct in-person observations within the community, but the curriculum was adapted using a web-based video game exercise. OBJECTIVE This study sought to evaluate students' perceptions of this adaptation and determine whether the new pilot format successfully met the module's original learning objectives. METHODS Recorded footage of a video game session was used for students to observe, take field notes, and compare the results. Qualitative methods were used to evaluate student feedback on the curriculum and determine whether the original learning objectives were met. Data were analyzed using a directed content analysis. RESULTS The findings demonstrate that all the learning objectives of this adapted qualitative observational research assignment using a web-based video game exercise were successfully met; namely, the students learned how to compare and contrast the observational notes of peers and to evaluate how personal bias and environmental factors can affect qualitative data collection. The assignment was also positively received by the students. CONCLUSIONS The results align with the constructivist learning theory and other successful COVID-19 implementations. Our study demonstrates that the learning objectives of a qualitative observational assignment can be addressed given that there are proper forethought and delivery when the assignment is adapted to a web-based context using a video game exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole Stetten
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Kelsea LeBeau
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Lindsey King
- Department of Health Services Research, Management & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jamie Pomeranz
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Hale-Gallardo J, Kreider CM, Castañeda G, LeBeau K, Varma DS, Knecht C, Cowper Ripley D, Jia H. Meeting the Needs of Rural Veterans: A Qualitative Evaluation of Whole Health Coaches' Expanded Services and Support during COVID-19. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:13447. [PMID: 36294023 PMCID: PMC9602744 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore perspectives of Whole Health (WH) coaches at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) on meeting the needs of rural Veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The evaluation design employed a qualitative description approach, employing focus groups and in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of WH coaches across the VHA system. Fourteen coaches who work with rural Veterans participated in either one of three focus groups, individual interviews, or both. The focus group data and in-depth interviews were analyzed separately using thematic analysis, and findings were then merged to compare themes across both datasets. Four primary themes were identified: bridging social risk factors for rural Veterans, leveraging technology to stay connected with Veterans at-a-distance, redirecting Veterans to alternate modes of self-care, and maintaining flexibility in coaching role during COVID-19. One overarching theme was also identified following a post-hoc analysis driven by interdisciplinary team discussion: increased concerns for Veteran mental health during COVID-19. Coaches reported using a variety of strategies to respond to the wide-ranging needs of rural Veterans during the pandemic. Implications of findings for future research and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hale-Gallardo
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Salt Lake City (VRHRC-SLC), Office of Rural Health, Veterans Health Administration, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
| | - Consuelo M Kreider
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Gainesville (VRHRC-GNV), Office of Rural Health, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Gail Castañeda
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Gainesville (VRHRC-GNV), Office of Rural Health, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Kelsea LeBeau
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Gainesville (VRHRC-GNV), Office of Rural Health, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Deepthi S Varma
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Gainesville (VRHRC-GNV), Office of Rural Health, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Cheri Knecht
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Gainesville (VRHRC-GNV), Office of Rural Health, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Diane Cowper Ripley
- Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Gainesville (VRHRC-GNV), Office of Rural Health, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Huanguang Jia
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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King LM, LeBeau K, Hart M, Vacca R. Organizational partnerships for a trauma-informed community: A community-wide social network study. J Community Psychol 2021; 49:2658-2678. [PMID: 34174091 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We investigated whether Peace4Tarpon's trauma-responsive community capacity activities led to greater collaboration among community partners. We conducted longitudinal social network analysis (SNA) among organizations within Peace4Tarpon's network in 2016 and 2018 to capture cooperation around adverse childhood experiences-related topics. We examined network structure, cohesion, organizational collaboration, and associations between centrality and organizational practices. Peace4Tarpon's network included diverse sectors, with a group of organizations forming the network core and collaborating over time. The network displayed a small increase in cohesion, more cross-sector collaboration, and less heterophily over time. We found a significant difference between the mean betweenness centralities of organizations who assessed resilience and those who did not in the 2018 average union network. This is one of the first studies using SNA to investigate a trauma-informed community network. Findings from this type of analysis may assist community organizations in strengthening outreach and strategically engaging organizations within a trauma-informed network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M King
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, College of Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Kelsea LeBeau
- Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Mark Hart
- Department of Central Administration Office, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Raffaele Vacca
- Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE Human trafficking is a public health social work issue. This review aimed to present the current state (nature and extent) of sex trafficking research, categorize best practices, and identify recommendations for professionals. METHODS Comprehensive literature searches of online databases were conducted to identify eligible articles from January 2000 to March 2019. RESULTS The search yielded 467 studies, 87 met the predetermined criteria for inclusion. Seven themes identified: awareness, identification, at-risk populations, health issues, implementation of trafficking legislation, service and program implementation, and exploiters. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Findings indicate the need for additional research to determine the most effective practices to increase awareness and identification, widespread TVPA implementation, reduce risk factors and resulting health disparities, offer services to survivors and prevention of potential victims. CONCLUSION There should be significant efforts to enhance all sex trafficking research in the United States to implement effective, sustainable and evidence-based interdisciplinary interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanathy Haney
- Health Sciences, Palm Beach State College , Lake Worth, Florida, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Kelsea LeBeau
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Samantha Bodner
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Annika Czizik
- Department of Medical Geography in Public Health, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Young
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Mark Hart
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
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LeBeau K, Carr C, Hart M. Examination of Gender Stereotypes and Norms in Health-Related Content Posted to Snapchat Discover Channels: Qualitative Content Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e15330. [PMID: 32196461 PMCID: PMC7125437 DOI: 10.2196/15330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Snapchat has seen one of the most rapid, and unprecedented, growths in the history of social networking sites and social media with 3 billion Snapchats sent daily. In 2015, Snapchat introduced a new feature, Snapchat Discover, providing a unique way for publishers, such as magazines, to connect their content to Snapchat users. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate qualitatively the health-related content distributed among male-focused and female-focused Discover channels and to determine whether differences exist between the content posted to these channels. METHODS Magazine Discover channels with male and female target audiences were identified based on the magazine's claimed audience and a search of Snapchat Discover's magazine publishers, resulting in the selection of two male-focused and two female-focused channels. Stories were collected daily from each of the selected channels during a 4-week period. Using the constant comparative method, 406 Discover stories were collected and analyzed. RESULTS Differences in health content coverage existed between male- and female-focused channels. General health stories from male channels comprised 7.5% (10/134) of total stories compared with 22.8% (62/272) for female channels. Sexual health stories from male channels comprised 3.0% (4/134) of total stories compared with 18.8% (51/272) for female channels. Moreover, female-focused channels' content was more comprehensive. Female audiences were portrayed as being health information seekers, concerned with sexual health and male satisfaction, primarily responsible for contraception and pregnancy prevention, and less informed about sex. Male audiences were portrayed as being less likely to seek health information, obsessed with and driven by sex, and less concerned with sexual health. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the content shared to social media is important, especially when considering the implications content may have for behavior. In terms of content, these findings suggest Discover channels appear to promote gender stereotypes and norms for health and sexual health through the information posted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsea LeBeau
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Cary Carr
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Mark Hart
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Stetten NE, LeBeau K, Aguirre MA, Vogt AB, Quintana JR, Jennings AR, Hart M. Analyzing the Communication Interchange of Individuals With Disabilities Utilizing Facebook, Discussion Forums, and Chat Rooms: Qualitative Content Analysis of Online Disabilities Support Groups. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2019; 6:e12667. [PMID: 31573937 PMCID: PMC6792025 DOI: 10.2196/12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States are currently living with a form of disability. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act has published guidelines to help make developing technology and social networking sites (SNS) more accessible and user-friendly to people with a range of disabilities, persons with disabilities, on average, have less access to the internet than the general population. The quality, content, and medium vary from site to site and have been greatly understudied. Due to this, it is still unclear how persons with disabilities utilize various platforms of online communication for support. Objective The objective of this study was to qualitatively explore and compare the interactions and connections among online support groups across Facebook, discussion forums, and chat rooms to better understand how persons with disabilities were utilizing different SNS to facilitate communication interchange, disseminate information, and foster community support. Methods Facebook groups, discussion forums, and chat rooms were chosen based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Data collected included content posted on Facebook groups, forums, and chat rooms as well as the interactions among group members. Data were analyzed qualitatively using the constant comparative method. Results A total of 133 Facebook posts, 116 forum posts, and 60 hours of chat room discussions were collected and analyzed. In addition, 4 themes were identified for Facebook posts, 3 for discussion forums, and 3 for chat rooms. Persons with disabilities utilized discussion forums and chat rooms in similar ways, but their interactions on Facebook differed in comparison. They seem to interact on a platform based on the specific functions it offers. Conclusions Interactions on each of the platforms displayed elements of the 4 types of social support, indicating the ability for social support to be facilitated among SNS; however, the type of social support varied by platform. Findings demonstrate that online support platforms serve specific purposes that may not be interchangeable. Through participation on different platforms, persons with disabilities are able to provide and receive social support in various ways, without the barriers and constraints often experienced by this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole E Stetten
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Kelsea LeBeau
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Maria A Aguirre
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Alexis B Vogt
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jazmine R Quintana
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alexis R Jennings
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Mark Hart
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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LeBeau K, Huey LG, Hart M. Assessing the Quality of Mobile Apps Used by Occupational Therapists: Evaluation Using the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2019; 7:e13019. [PMID: 31066712 PMCID: PMC6526689 DOI: 10.2196/13019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The continuous development of mobile apps has led to many health care professionals using them in clinical settings; however, little research is available to guide occupational therapists (OTs) in choosing quality apps for use in their respective clinical settings. Objective The purpose of this study was to use the user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) to evaluate the quality of the most frequently noted mobile health (mHealth) apps used by OTs and to demonstrate the utility of the uMARS to assess the quality of mHealth apps. Methods A previous study surveying OTs’ use of apps in therapy compiled a list of apps frequently noted. A total of 25 of these apps were evaluated individually by 2 trained researchers using the uMARS, a simple, multidimensional analysis tool that can be reliably used to evaluate the quality of mHealth apps. Results The top 10 apps had a total quality score of 4.3, or higher, out of 5 based on the mean scores of engagement, functionality, and aesthetics. Apps scored highest in functionality and lowest in engagement. Apps noted most frequently were not always high-quality apps; apps noted least frequently were not always low-quality apps. Conclusions Determining the effectiveness of using apps in clinical settings must be built upon a foundation of the implementation of high-quality apps. Mobile apps should not be incorporated into clinical settings solely based on frequency of use. The uMARS should be considered as a useful tool for OTs, and other professionals, to determine app quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsea LeBeau
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Lauren G Huey
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Mark Hart
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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