Judy C. Drolet

Connotative Meanings of Sexuality-Related Terms: Implications for Educators and Other Practitioners

The purpose of this study was to examine the attributes assigned by university students to selected terms representing sexuality-related events (e.g., intercourse), objects/people (e.g., breasts, lesbian), and abstractions (e.g., pornography). Subjects were 1,111 volunteers drawn from university general studies courses. A questionnaire consisting of 15 semantic differential scales, 50 sexuality-related terms, and selected demographic items was administered. Sex differences in the evaluation of terms were assessed by a series of t-tests. Males and females differed significantly on 9 of 25 events (p<.002), 5 of 14 objects (p<.004), and 2 of 11 abstractions (p<.005). These data imply that an emphasis on the psychological and emotional impact of sexuality-related terms is warranted in classroom discussions, and that a practitioners use of language may elicit connotatively different responses in clients.

State Conferences for School Worksite Wellness: Personal Health Practices of Conference Participants

Abstract Worksite health promotion for school faculty and staff has become a key element of comprehensive school health programs. For 15 years a conference inservice model adopted in 25 states has provided opportunities for participants to learn and promote positive health practices. The primary purpose of this study was to assess personal health practices of conference participants. The Personal Health Practices Survey, consisting of 49 health practice and assessment items, was correctly completed by 4,019 respondents. Measures of central tendency and variance were calculated for each item. Reported tobacco, alcohol, and other substance use patterns were very positive. Other positive health practices reported among participants related to safety, nutrition, and stress management. Lowest range of responses was for exercise and fitness. Almost three-quarters of participants reported having medical and dental examinations at recommended time intervals. Independent t-tests revealed statistically significant ...

Knowledge Level of HIV/AIDS among High School Drop-Outs

Abstract This study was conducted to assess knowledge of HIV/AIDS among high school dropouts enrolled at Lincolns Challenge Program (LCP), a military structured At-Risk Youth Program. The program was established to give high school drop-outs a second chance. LCP follows eight corps objectives, including education. By examining demographic characteristics, perceptions, and knowledge of drop-outs, educational programs can be designed to better meet needs of these youth. Involvement in this study was anonymous and voluntary for the 495 corpsmembers who participated. A quantitative research design using a survey for data collection was selected for this descriptive study. The survey consisted of two parts: (1) Demographics section, and (2) Reducing AIDS through Community Education (RACE) baseline knowledge instrument. Face and content validity were established. A Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient of .87 for the RACE indicated a reliable survey. Statistics Analysis System (SAS) was used for statistical a...

Socio—Ecological Factors Affecting Pregnant Women’s Anemia Status In Freetown, Sierra Leone

Abstract Background: Sierra Leone has high maternal mortality. Socio-ecological factors are considered contributing factors to this high mortality. Anemia is considered to be a direct cause of 4% of maternal deaths and an indirect cause of 20-40% of maternal deaths. Purpose: The current study explores socio-ecological contributing factors to the anemia status of 171 pregnant Sierra Leone women. Methods: A structured questionnaire framed around the Modified Ecological Model for Health Behavior and Health Promotion was distributed to women visiting five health care facilities in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Results: Participants were more likely to have anemia in the second and third trimester than the first trimester (x2 =6.12; x2 =6.33). Participants indicating economic difficulties were likely to have anemia. Seventy-seven percent of participants had anemia (hemoglobin <11.0g/dL). Discussion: Findings indicate that poverty, time of intervention, and socio-cultural factors have an impact on anemia. In addition, use of radio communication is beneficial to deliver health messages to the masses. Translation to Health Education Practice: Developing and implementing comprehensive programs that consider socio-cultural factors are necessary to raise awareness and address misconceptions about anemia causes, prevention, and treatment. These programs must be multi-sectored and include participants, health care workers, government, non-governmental agencies and community.

Blaming the Victim: Selected College Students' Health and Illness Causation Beliefs

Abstract The primary purpose of this study was to assess and analyze health victim-blaming beliefs of undergraduate health education majors, as compared with selected non-majors. The Health Status Causality Questionnaire (HSCQ), a 25-item self-report instrument, was developed specifically for the study. Data were collected from 295 students. Responses of 150 health education majors and 137 political science majors were analyzed with descriptive and inferential methods. The dependent variable was victim-blaming beliefs. Compared to political science majors, health education majors, as a group, believed that: (1) lifestyle is the major determinant of health, (2) health is a status over which most individuals have a high degree of control, and (3) many people have inflicted their health problems on themselves. The health education majors were significantly more likely to hold these beliefs than were the political science majors. Results of this explatoratory study corroborate several theoretical contentions ...