Jacquie Rainey

The Effects of Morphological Awareness Training on Reading, Spelling, and Vocabulary Skills

This study was designed to examine the effects of an intervention program aimed at improving reading, spelling, and vocabulary skills through linguistically explicit instruction in morphological awareness. Sixteen children, diagnosed with language impairment, participated in this study. Instruction for the experimental group focused on increasing their knowledge of the morphological structure of words and teaching them to apply this information to reading, spelling, and vocabulary tasks. The control group was exposed to the same treatment stimuli, but no attention was given to the semantic or orthographic changes associated with the use of the affixes. Participants in the experimental group made significantly greater gains in both spelling and vocabulary skills than did the control group with large effect sizes noted on the experimental measures. The participants also demonstrated the ability to generalize this information to untaught words as well. The results suggest that linguistically explicit instruction in morphological awareness is beneficial for improving the literacy and language skills of children with language impairment.

Health Literacy Instruction and Evaluation among Secondary School Students

Abstract Background: Tobacco use, poor eating habits, and physical inactivity are the modifiable risk behaviors most associated with the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Because these risk behaviors are established during adolescence, the nations schools are uniquely positioned to develop health literacy in students. Purpose: The purposes of this study were (1) to evaluate textbook-based health literacy instruction on the acquisition of health concepts and skills, and (2) to use the Health Education Assessment Project (HEAP) database items to assess changes in the concepts and skills associated with risk behaviors. Methods: The study participants consisted of 669 secondary students. Items were selected from the database to measure students’ achievement in concepts and skills related to tobacco, nutrition, and physical activity. Results: Results indicated significant improvements in concepts and skills scores from pretest to post-test in the treatment group when compared to the control group. Discussion: Exposure to health literacy instruction through a comprehensive, health education textbook has a positive influence on the development of concepts and skills that contribute to health literacy. Translation to Health Education Practice: Teachers should provide instruction from curricula that focus on health concepts and skills. Additionally, HEAP database items should be used for evaluative purposes.

Comparison of Two Exercise Programs Using the Falls Efficacy Scale, Berg Balance Scale and Ankle Dorsiflexor Strength in Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of two exercise programs with three different measurements (Falls Efficacy Scale–FES, Berg Balance Scale–BBS, and bilateral ankle dorsiflexor strength–ADFS) and to determine if these measurements correlate to each other. Thirteen pairs of subjects residing in a senior living community were recruited and matched for age, gender, and assistive device. The matched subjects were randomly divided into one of two exercise groups–resistance group (RG) provided with the exercise combination of resistance strengthening, balance and gait or seated group (SG) provided with seated range of motion exercise. Eleven pairs completed the 12-week exercise program. The results revealed that subjects in the RG made more improvement in fear of falling, balance, and ankle dorsiflexor strength than those in the SG. The decrease of FES score (fear of falling) is moderately correlated with the increase of BBS (balance) and ADFS scores. The improved BBS is also moderately correlated with the increased ADFS.

An Evaluation of a State Hepatitis Prevention and Control Program: Focus Group Interviews With Clients

This article presents the results of the qualitative component of a comprehensive evaluation of a state hepatitis prevention and control program. The qualitative component of the evaluation was designed to assess the motivational factors behind clients seeking hepatitis-related services and explore their experiences with the services provided by local health departments. The transtheoretical model was employed as a means of identifying the stage of change the client was in and what processes of change were useful in moving the client through the various stages of change. Focus groups were conducted with 44 participants in six different counties in Florida. Results of the focus group interviews support the use of the transtheoretical model in program evaluation using focus group methods. The findings of the focus groups suggest the need for education of the public and health care providers regarding hepatitis and the importance of supportive relationships to clients seeking and receiving hepatitis screening and vaccination.

An Application of the Social Development Model to Tobacco Use Prevention

Abstract This study was conducted to examine the risk and protective factors associated with tobacco use among an adolescent population. The social development model was used to collect data from a stratified random sample of students in a southern state. Students were compared based on their self-reported tobacco use in the past 30 days. The dependent variables of interest were the risk and protective factors within the arenas of family, school, community, and peer-individual. Overall the tobacco users reported significantly higher mean scores in the risk factors and lower in the protective factors than those who did not use tobacco.

The Use of Direct Spelling Instruction for Children With Language Impairment

Children with language impairment frequently struggle with written language skills such as spelling. With their expertise in language, speech-language pathologists are in the position to promote the development of such skills. One way to do this is through the use of direct spelling instruction which has been shown to facilitate growth in a number of literacy skills such as phonemic awareness, reading, and spelling. This article outlines a 10-week direct spelling intervention program that is aimed at improving the literacy skills of children with language impairment. This treatment protocol may be adapted as necessary to meet the needs of individual students.

Staff Recommendations Concerning the Delivery of Hepatitis-Related Services in County Health Departments.

Abstract Background: This paper describes a portion of a larger evaluation project of a state hepatitis prevention program. Purpose: The study explored the suggestions of key informants related to the delivery of hepatitis services in the state. Methods: Researchers conducted key informant interviews lasting 30 to 45 minutes. Results: Important findings included: (1) administrative support of the hepatitis program was critical to staff perception of its importance; (2) outreach and public education as well as marketing were seen as important components of the program; (3) continued resources and investments in staff training and development were important to creating a supportive environment for staff and clients and providing for program institutionalization. Discussion: Staff education concerning the programs mandate, expectations, and outcome measures would aid in the institutionalization process. The addition of interorganizational support from partner agencies that can provide access to high-risk populations and treatment will facilitate further institutionalization of the state hepatitis program within the individual counties. Translation to Health Education Practice: Specific findings that fit with health education practice are (1) outreach and public education should be expanded, and (2) senior administrative support for the hepatitis program is critical to its success.

A Survey of Epidemiology and Biostatistical Offerings in Health Education Professional Preparation Programs

Abstract This article reports on a survey of all current university and college health education degree granting programs to obtain information relevant to the current status of professional training in epidemiology and biostatistics for health education students. A questionnaire was mailed to all schools listed in an available national directory of programs. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the responses of 96 participants (response rate of 51%). The findings indicate that programs are offering training in epidemiology and biostatistics. The study provides additional information concerning the perceived importance of epidemiological topics to the faculty at the participating schools.