An application of the reasoned action approach to clinical students' intention toward a career in geriatrics.

Guided by the reasoned action approach, this study examined select individual, information, and social factors that influence intention toward pursuing a career in geriatrics among 314 clinical medical and nursing students in Ghana. A Poisson regression showed attitude toward older persons was a significant influencing factor of intention to choose a career in geriatrics for medical students (B = 0.015, SE = 0.0048, p = 0.002) but not nursing students (B = 0.009, SE = 0.0145, p = 0.512). Personal interest was, however, a significant influencing factor for both medical and nursing students (B = 0.462, SE = 0.0592, p = 0.000) and (B = 0.015, SE = 0.0048, p = 0.002), respectively. Nursing students with moderate to strong interest were 1.6 times more likely to express an intention to specialize in geriatrics, and medical students were 1.5 times more likely to express an intention to specialize in geriatrics. The results show that the most important factor influencing geriatric career intention is students' personal interest in the field. Evidence-based interventions such as early educational and practice exposure to the field and interactions with older adults are recommended.

Relationship Between Tick Activity, Tick-Borne Diseases, Cognitive and Affective Risk Assessment in Peri-domestic Areas.

Peri-domestic areas constitute an important source of tick exposure and tick-borne diseases (TBD). Nonetheless, the association between distal TBD risk factors (i.e. cognitive-/affective-risk perceptions, knowledge of the effectiveness of personal protective behaviors) and proximal TBD risk (i.e. tick activity and TBD diagnosis), among adult residents of private residential properties (PRP) is unknown. Data was collected from 299 PRP in south and central Indiana. We used Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric tests to identify differences in proximal and distal outcome measures. We found evidence of 'tick activity' at thirty-nine percent of PRP (n = 116). Thirteen-percent of respondents (n = 40) self-reported a TBD diagnosis within their household. We found no significant association between 'self-reported TBD diagnosis within a household' and 'tick activity in the peri-domestic area.' Mean scores on 'affective tick & TBD risk assessment' were significantly higher among respondents when 'tick activity' was present in the peri-domestic area (median = 2, M = 2.54, p < 0.001). Similarly, respondents who 'self-reported TBD diagnosis within their household' had significantly higher mean scores on 'affective tick & TBD risk assessment' (median = 3, M = 3.30) than those who did not (median = 1, M = 1.93), (U = 2750, p < 0.001). The proportion of peri-domestic areas with 'tick activity' was significantly higher if the primary respondent was male or an older adult respectively, compared to females and younger adults. Occupational/recreation-based settings may be more important pathways of tick exposure than peri-domestic settings in Indiana. Beyond education, it is important to consider the feelings and emotions that are elicited when at-risk populations consider their peri-domestic tick exposure and TBD risk, and where necessary design interventions to address those affective assessments.

Social Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life: A Recreation Setting Analysis.

Objective. To determine if significant differences between park users and non-park users are associated with scores on a composite health-related quality of life (HRQoL) index. Methods. Data for this study were collected based on random intercept of a cross section of eligible Monroe County, Indiana, residents at four selected public recreational parks, as well as nonpark locations from July to December 2017. Based on data collected using validated survey items, we created a composite HRQoL index. Statistical analysis included independent-samples t test, chi-square cross-tabulation, bivariate regression, and multivariate regression. Results. Frequent park users were significantly different from nonfrequent park users in various respects. The most leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) experiences of frequent park users occurred at a park location. Body mass index and park-based LTPA were significantly positively associated with HRQoL scores in a linear regression model. Conclusion. Frequent park use was shown to be positively associated with increased park-based LTPA and HRQoL. It is therefore possible that increasing park visitation will result in more members of a community who report experiencing their LTPA at a park location. Study outcomes lend support to the validity of a composite HRQoL index for population health assessments.