IPV survivors' and service providers' perspectives on brain injury screening/evaluation process and impact.

This study explores the perspectives of intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors and staff of brain injury (BI) screening, and the neuropsychological evaluation (NPE) process. We gathered qualitative data from 17 participants - 10 IPV survivors, at risk for a BI, who had received BI screening and a NPE and a total of 7 staff in IPV-serving organizations. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed for key themes using thematic analysis. Survivors were over 18 years of age; the majority were between 19 and 45 years old, unemployed, unmarried, and had children. Survivors were angry, scared, and embarrassed to learn that they might have an IPV-related BI. They were thankful to have an explanation for some of their cognitive symptoms, which disrupted their daily activities, social relationships, and overall quality of life. Staff were pleased to be able to provide valuable information to their clients that could have a positive impact on their wellbeing. Overall, screening for a BI and participation in the NPE were well tolerated by IPV survivors with a possible BI. Inclusion of the perspectives of IPV survivors and support staff is an essential first step to better understanding their needs so interventions can be developed to aid their recovery.

Evaluation of a Human Trafficking Educational Intervention for Nursing Professionals.

BACKGROUND: Human trafficking (HT) is a serious public health issue. Survivors of HT seek medical care. Health care professionals may be inadequately trained to identify and support survivors. This study evaluated improvements in nurses' knowledge after a professional development workshop on HT. METHOD: Pre- and postevaluation surveys assessed nurses' self-reported changes in perceived knowledge of HT and its vulnerability factors, the health impact of HT, strategies for identification and assessment of HT, and response to and follow-up of HT. RESULTS: After the workshop, participants showed significant improvement in perceived knowledge of all measures, regardless of hours of previous training and years of practice. CONCLUSION: Perceived knowledge of HT identification and response can be improved through training of nurses, regardless of hours of previous training and years of practice. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(1):26-32.].

Differences in Symptom Report by Survivors With and Without Probable Intimate Partner Violence-Related Brain Injury.

Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) are at heightened risk of sustaining a brain injury (BI). Problematically, a high overlap between BI and trauma symptoms leads to difficulties in identifying when an IPV-related BI has occurred. This paper investigated differences in symptom reports between survivors with (n = 95) and without (n = 42) probable IPV-related BI. Chi-squared analyses isolated a constellation of symptoms found to be specifically associated with BI status. These symptomatic markers may assist professionals in discerning BI from other comorbid conditions present in IPV, and thus help survivors access BI-specific treatments and resources.

Feasibility of Training/Education of Tattoo Artists in the Prevention of Sex Trafficking.

BACKGROUND: Women who are sex trafficked within the United States are often forced to get tattoos such as bar codes, dollar signs, or the name of the trafficker-the person who is selling them for sex. Tattoo artists may routinely encounter a sex trafficking survivor while she is being trafficked. As frontline professionals, they are in a unique position to assist in the secondary prevention of sex trafficking. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this community-based participatory research project was to hold a tattoo-summit to: a) disseminate information on sex trafficking and the tattoo industry, b) assess the feasibility of training/education of tattoo artists on sex trafficking, c) determine areas of foci and best method(s) for a training/educational intervention, and d) recruit volunteers for a community advisory board to assist in the training/education of tattoo artists on the secondary prevention of sex trafficking. METHODS: The tattoo-summit included a presentation by a nationally known tattoo artist, a free educational luncheon-presentation on sex trafficking by a public health researcher and a law-enforcement sex trafficking expert, and a mediated discussion. Post-summit evaluation data included improvement in knowledge of sex trafficking and ability to respond to trafficking in their work, and participants' perspectives on future training approaches. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that community-based participatory research is an effective way to partner with tattoo artists in raising awareness of sex trafficking. Hence, it is important that we reach out to non-traditional frontline partners such as tattoo artists to improve the health of all people.

Intimate Partner Violence and Brain Injury Screening.

The study examined rates of possible brain injury among survivors of intimate partner violence. Of the 171 women screened, 91% indicated they had been hit in the head or strangled, and 31% reported it happened more than six times in their life. Only 35% of women who were hit in the head or strangled received medical treatment, and 64% reported losing consciousness or experienced a period of being dazed and confused. Organizations serving intimate partner violence survivors should routinely screen survivors for brain injury so they can obtain timely referrals for neurorehabilitation services to improve their quality of life.

Understanding the Needs and Preferences of Domestic and Sexual Violence Education for Health Profession Students.

This study examined health profession students' comfort levels, perceived knowledge, attitudes, and preferences for domestic and sexual violence education at an academic medical center. Students indicated their perceived knowledge of community resources was poor, whereas comfort, attitudes, and perceived knowledge of the topic remained fair. A majority of students (83.2%) reported receiving less than 3 hr of training in their coursework, which remained consistent for students with more years of education. Students preferred content be incorporated into existing curricula or presented in lunch seminars. Study results reveal opportunities for improvement in domestic and sexual violence education.

Changes in Leisure Time Physical Activity Preferences and Hypertension Risk.

Objectives: In this study, we examined the association between changes in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) preference (the extent to which participants liked or disliked certain types of physical activity) and the incidence of hypertension; we also assessed whether the association differed between urban and rural China. Methods: Based on longitudinal data from 2687 Chinese adults between 2004 and 2011, we performed multivariate logistic regressions were to assess the aforementioned association. We conducted stratified analyses to examine the urban-rural differences in this association. Results: The mean age was 40.0 (Standard Deviation = 12.5), and the mean BMI was 23.7 (Standard Deviation = 3.3). Adjusted estimates show that relative to respondents with no changes in LTPA preference, respondents who reduced preference were more likely to develop hypertension (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.13-3.28). This association, however, was statistically significant among urban residents (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.04-4.60), but not rural participants. Conclusions: Changes in LTPA preference and development of hypertension were significantly correlated, especially among urban Chinese. Hypertension prevention programs may identify the groups at elevated risk by examining levels and changes of LTPA preferences.

Survivors' Voices-Complex Needs of Sex Trafficking Survivors in the Midwest.

Human trafficking is a serious public health issue and has long-term physical, mental, social, and economic consequences for survivors, their families, and communities. The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 defines sex trafficking as a commercial sex act that is induced by force, fraud or coercion, or when a commercial sex act involves a person below 18 years of age. There is inadequate research from the perspectives of survivors. The purpose of this study was to gather data from survivors on their complex needs. We gathered qualitative data from twenty-two women, sex-trafficking survivors in the Midwest who were over 18 years old. Through one-on-one interviews, we obtained rich and authentic descriptions from the perspective of survivors. Interviews were recorded, data were transcribed, and coded and analyzed for key themes. The majority of the sample lived in an urban area, were not married and lived in either foster care or a group home as children. Findings highlighted the lack of awareness among the general public about sex trafficking and the stigma, blame and lack of trust that survivors experience. Frontline professionals such as healthcare providers and law enforcement lacked a trauma informed approach. Survivors highlighted their complex support needs both in the initial aftermath, and in the long-term including mental health services, and job and life skills training to help them fully recover. Including perspectives of survivors helps to ensure that comprehensive strategies address the complex needs of survivors to help them on their road to full recovery.

Association between leisure time physical activity preference and behavior: evidence from the China Health & Nutrition Survey, 2004-2011.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that food preference is a good indicator of actual food intake and that sedentary activity preference is a significant predictor of lower physical activity level. But no studies have examined the direct relationship between leisure time physical activity (LTPA) preferences and actual LTPA behavior, especially studies using longitudinal data. This study seeks to determine the association between these two variables, and to assess whether the association differs between urban and rural areas in China. METHODS: A total of 2427 Chinese adults were included in the analysis. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to test the association between leisure time physical activity preference and behavior, followed by multiple logistic regressions to further examine the association after adjusting for possible confounding variables. Urban-rural differences in the association were investigated through stratified analysis. RESULTS: In the sample, 63.0% were from urban areas, 47.4% were men, and the mean age was 40. Adjusted estimates based on logistic regression show that LTPA preference was a significant predictor of actual LTPA behavior (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01-1.09). The correlation was found to be significant among urban residents (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.01-1.10), but not in rural residents. CONCLUSIONS: The study illustrates the predictive value of LTPA preference for actual LTPA behavior. Changing LTPA preference to promote LTPA may be helpful in preventing and controlling chronic disease in China.

The interrelationship between balance, Tai Chi and depression in Latino older adults.

Falls and associated injuries are the most serious medical problem affecting the functional independence among both White non-Hispanics and Latino older adults. Studies have shown the effectiveness of Tai Chi exercise in reducing falls but have primarily focused on White non-Hispanic older adults. There is limited research that examines the effectiveness of this exercise on balance among different racial/ethnic minority older adults. This study focused on the interrelationship between functional status (balance performance) and psychosocial status (depression) before and after a 12-week Tai Chi program among Latinos in a Midwestern metropolitan city. Results indicated that at baseline, prior to the start of the Tai Chi program, participants who were more depressed had poorer functional status. Participants who had higher depression at baseline, experienced greater improvement in functional status, following the 12-week Tai Chi exercise program, compared with those who had lower levels of depression.

Impact of psychosocial factors on functional improvement in Latino older adults after Tai Chi exercise.

Increasing evidence underscores the health benefits of Tai Chi (TC), although there is limited evidence of benefits among racial and ethnic minorities. This study investigated the impact of psychosocial status on balance among 23 Latino seniors after a twice-a-week, 12-week TC exercise program. Functional status was measured at baseline, immediately after, and three months following the TC exercise program, using the Timed Up and Go Test and Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale. Psychosocial status was measured at baseline by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire. Both measures of functional status improved and were sustained after three months of TC. Greater improvement was significantly related to a higher level of baseline social support. More depressed seniors reported less fear of falling after TC. Depression and social support are important moderators of functional improvement after TC among Latino seniors.

Partnering with American Indian communities in health using methods of strategic collaboration.

BACKGROUND: The Association for Prevention Teaching and Research (APTR) sponsored six regional workshops in 2010 on community engagement and community-engaged research. One of the six workshops was a collaborative effort between the Great Plains Tribal Chairman's Health Board (GPTCHB)-Northern Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center and the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC-COPH). OBJECTIVES: To create a meaningful and dynamic forum for the exchange of ideas and co-learning between researchers from urban, tribal and nontribal communities and to build the groundwork for development of sustainable partnerships between researchers and American Indian (AI) communities to eliminate health disparities. METHODS: To enhance meaningful community engagement, we utilized methods of Strategic Collaboration using the Appreciative Inquiry, 4D Change Process Model and designed several interactive group activities including Collaborative Learning and Understanding Exercises (CLUE) and the Research Café. RESULTS: The key themes that emerged from the interactive sessions stressed the importance of building relationships and trust; mutual use and sharing of data; and acquiring knowledge, skills, and abilities to enable sustainable research partnerships with AI communitiesConclusions: Innovative, dynamic, and strategic collaborative methods of Appreciative Inquiry and the World Café can served to engage people in a constructive dialogue to create a shared vision and plan for more meaningful research partnerships based on principles of equity and social justice, essential for the elimination of health disparities. These collaborative methods can be replicated and adapted in diverse communities, locally, nationally, and globally.

Mortality outcome among medically underserved women screened through a publicly funded breast cancer control program, 1997-2007.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess treatment and mortality differences between women diagnosed with breast cancer through Nebraska's Every Woman Matters (EWM) program and women diagnosed through other sources. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed using 10 years of Nebraska Cancer Registry and EWM program data on women aged 40-74 years. This study used chi-square and multivariate logistic regression with mortality as the outcome of interest. RESULTS: From 1997 to 2007, 4,739 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, 435 (9.1 %) of whom were diagnosed through EWM. The EWM and non-EWM groups differed significantly in age, race, marital status, location of residence at the time of diagnosis, neighborhood poverty level at the time of diagnosis, tumor stage at diagnosis, and chemotherapy. No significant differences were found between the two groups in radiation therapy, surgical resection, and hormone therapy. In both 1- and 5-year multivariate mortality models, the odds of dying for those in the EWM program were not statistically significantly different from the odds of dying for those not in the EWM program. In the 1-year mortality model, residents of urban metropolitan counties (OR 2.079; 95 % CI 1.663-2.598) had an increased odds of dying compared to residents of rural counties. In the 5-year mortality model, black women (OR 2.239; 95 % CI 1.453-3.450), residents of areas with a high (more than 20 %) neighborhood poverty level at the time of diagnosis (OR 1.589; 95 % CI 1.204-2.097), and unmarried women (OR 1.334; 95 % CI 1.164-1.528) had higher odds of death. Both groups have received similar treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted outreach to vulnerable groups for cancer screening may improve cancer outcomes and reduce disparities.

Building research capacity on the rez: an interinstitution collaborative effort.

BACKGROUND: The Little Priest Tribal College (LPTC) and the College of Public Health at University of Nebraska Medical Center (COPH-UNMC) partnered to develop a 3-credit hour course, "Indigenous Research METHODS." OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to increase LPTC students' understanding of research methods, awareness of urban and tribal health issues affecting American Indian communities, and create a pipeline program to increase diversity of the health-related workforce by expanding health career options for tribal college students. METHODS: The course was co-led by an LPTC and a COPHUNMC instructor with guest lectures by COPH-UNMC faculty using distance education and on-site presentations. RESULTS: Eight out of 10 students completed the course that was well received by both institutions. This mode information transfer and pedagogical exchange between minority serving institutions and an academic health center, geared toward enhancement of undergraduate curriculum, can be replicated in other contexts.

African-American Muslim women and health care.

Muslims constitute a growing proportion of the African-American population. This paper explores the health practices, health behaviors, and code of ethics as informed by the Islamic religion within the context of African-American Muslim women's lives. An overview of the history of Islam in the world, and in the U.S., the main Islamic tenets, and the socio-cultural context of African-American Muslim women provides the broad framework for this paper. This information will be helpful in meeting the health needs of African-American Islamic women, within an outreach/community health promotion setting, within a clinical/hospital setting, or within a home care setting.