Beth A. Lanning

Childhood cancer and environmental toxins: the debate continues.

Despite its rarity and advances in treatment and supportive care, cancer remains the leading cause of death from disease in children under 15. While the field of pediatric oncology has seen some advances in diagnostic and treatment techniques, researchers continue to face numerous hurdles in determining causative factors associated with childhood cancer. One of the most hotly contested issues in this area is the possible link between childhood cancer and environmental toxins. This article presents an interview with three pediatric oncologists and an environmental research toxicologist to help provide insight into the relationship between environmental exposures and childhood cancer.

Relations of sex, age, perceived fitness, and aerobic activity with social physique anxiety in adults sixty years and older.

Self-reported physical activity, and perceived fitness were examined to assess their effects on social physique anxiety in a sample of older individuals (N = 249; M age = 70.4 yr., SD = 8.2). Participants reported their fitness as “average” to “above average.” There were no significant effects of perceived fitness or age on social physique anxiety scores. The women had significantly higher social physique anxiety scores than the men.

Using Therapeutic Riding as an Intervention for Combat Veterans: An International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Approach

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to examine the effects of therapeutic horseback riding on posttraumatic stress symptoms, quality of life, and functioning of combat veterans using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) as a framework. Fifty-one veterans and active duty service members participated in an 8-week therapeutic riding program. The study findings revealed clinically significant decrease in PTSD symptoms, improved social functioning, vitality, less interference of emotions on daily activities, and increased participation. Qualitative themes discovered included improved confidence, trust, acceptance of self and others, and gratitude. Qualitative and quantitative data linked to the ICF components.

A Systematic Review of Dating Violence Risk Factors Among Undergraduate College Students

College students are a vulnerable population for dating violence (DV) because of the social environment in which they live and interact with other students. Campus climate surveys are considered best practice for gathering information about the severity and cause of college DV; however, there are still unanswered questions as to why DV remains an alarming public health concern among college students. The aim of this systematic literature review was to examine DV risk factors specific to college students with a special focus on methodological factors and gaps in the literature. Databases EBSCO, Scopus, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, ERIC, and PubMed were searched for articles published between 2006 and 2016, resulting in 23 articles that met inclusion criteria for this review. Very few studies were conducted at private universities (n = 4). Most researchers used descriptive cross-sectional surveys (n = 22), while only one utilized a mixed-methods approach. Measurement scales used to collect DV rates were similar across studies, yet the definition of DV was inconsistent. Types and severity of DV varied across studies, but overall, females were more likely to perpetrate and/or experience DV than males. Individual risk factors (e.g., substance use, risky sexual behaviors) were identified more often than family risk factors (e.g., intergenerational violence) and peer and social risk factors (e.g., Greek-life or athletic team membership, relationship type). A better understanding of new college relationships is critical to identify modifiable risk factors for DV. Recommendations for future practice and research are also discussed.

Changes in Cardiorespiratory Responses and Kinematics With Hippotherapy in Youth With and Without Cerebral Palsy

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to characterize pelvic displacement and cardiorespiratory responses to simulated horseback riding and walking in youth with cerebral palsy and to compare responses to youth without cerebral palsy before and after 8 weeks of hippotherapy. Method: Eight youth with cerebral palsy (Mage = 10 ± 4 years; Mheight = 137 ± 24 cm; Mweight = 32 ± 16 kg) and 8 youth without cerebral palsy (Mage = 11 ± 2 years; Mheight = 149 ± 14 cm; Mweight = 48 ± 15 kg) underwent a hippotherapy intervention. Participants completed simulated horseback riding at an intensity approximating a fast walk (0.65 Hz) and walked on a treadmill (1 mph, 0% grade) before and after hippotherapy. Pelvic displacement along the anterior-posterior, vertical, and medial-lateral axes, heart rate, oxygen consumption, ventilation, and blood pressure were measured at rest and during steady-state exercise in both exercise modes. Results: Kinematics and cardiorespiratory responses were similar between the 2 groups during simulated horseback riding (p > .05 for all) before the intervention. Significantly greater cardiorespiratory responses were observed in the youth with cerebral palsy compared with the group without cerebral palsy while walking before and after the intervention (p < .05, effect sizes 26% to 237% greater). Eight weeks of hippotherapy did not alter responses, but anecdotal improvements in gait, balance, posture, and range of motion were observed in those with cerebral palsy. Conclusion: These results contribute to our understanding regarding the efficacy of hippotherapy as an intervention to improve functional abilities in those with cerebral palsy.

Improving Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Uptake in College Students: A Socioecological Perspective

ABSTRACT Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates remain relatively low, despite new recommendations found in Healthy People 2020. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine vaccination rates, identify factors that influenced initiation/continuance of HPV vaccine series, and identify levels of influence for HPV health behaviors in college students. Methods: Two hundred first- and second-year college students completed an online survey to determine HPV knowledge, vaccine perceptions/behaviors, and Health Education sources. The socioecological model provided a framework to examine students’ responses regarding sources of influence for current and future health behaviors and vaccine uptake. Results: Forty-eight percent reported receiving the HPV vaccine, yet only 7 out of 36 males had been vaccinated. Students indicated being most influenced by community/organizational factors such as physicians (79.5%), mother (75%), and father (36%). Discussion: Gender and ethnicity were found to be predictive of vaccine uptake, whereas HPV knowledge did not independently contribute to vaccination rates. Students reported primarily preferring to hear about sexual health issues from school classes or lectures, a health care provider, media sources, or family members. Translation to Health Education Practice: Results highlight the importance of moving beyond HPV intervention strategies that function only to improve knowledge and include components that address various levels of influence.