Exploring first-generation student experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on their social isolation: a photovoice project.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to use photovoice to explore first-generation student experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on their social isolation, as well as what contributed to or alleviated their social isolation. PARTICIPANTS: Nine undergraduate students who identified as first-generation and who experienced feeling socially isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic were included in this study. METHODS: In this study, participants were recruited via purposive sampling. Moreover, semi-structured interviews that incorporated the SHOWed technique were conducted with participants. In addition, First & Second Cycle Coding was used to help analyze participant interviews. RESULTS: A total of 11 themes emerged from this study that depicted their experience of feeling isolated, as well as what contributed to and alleviated their isolation. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of capturing first-generation students' experiences to help lessen the influence of social isolation among this group and ensure their academic success.

Vulnerable Populations Exposed to Lead-Contaminated Drinking Water within Houston Ship Channel Communities.

Recent events have drawn increased attention to potential lead exposures from contaminated drinking water. Further, homes with older infrastructure are at greatest risk due to the presence of the disinfectant chemical chloramine, which can leach lead from older pipes. There is a growing need to determine the extent of lead leaching especially within vulnerable communities and homes with children. This pilot study collected survey data and performed lead analysis on drinking water in the small community of Manchester in Houston, TX. Manchester is characterized by industrial sites, flooding, and a low socioeconomic population. Surveys and water analyses were completed on randomly selected homes (N = 13) and documented perceptions of participants on their drinking water regarding presence and concentration of lead. Lead was discovered in 30.8% of homes ranging from 0.6 to 2.4 (µg/L), all below the US Environmental Protection Agency action level of 15 ppb, but above the water standard goals. These findings further suggest that contaminated water is a broad issue requiring concerted efforts to ensure the health of US residents.

Improving health services for residents through community-based participatory research: a public housing leadership perspective.

BACKGROUND: In response to feedback from a health forum, resident leaders of public housing in Washington, DC, were inspired to create a health survey for and by the residents. OBJECTIVE: The survey was designed to document residents' concerns about health, health care, and environmental threats. It also explored tobacco use and support for smoke-free housing. METHODS: A newly created Health Planning Committee of the Citywide Advisory Board, including residents, academics, and representatives of health and housing organizations, facilitated the creation of a health needs assessment. Questionnaires were initially mailed, then hand-delivered to every public housing household. More than 1,000 completed questionnaires have now been returned. LESSONS LEARNED: This project highlights a model that places resident leaders in charge of health issues, including leading advocacy efforts for policies to reduce health disparities in public housing. It identifies research challenges and ways to overcome them and empowers the community for continued research.