A Community-Based Educational Intervention: Increasing Medication Adherence in Rural Older Adults.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a community-based, interdisciplinary, medication education intervention for rural older adults. METHODS: The research design was a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design. Self-efficacy, adherence to refills and medication, and knowledge were examined. An educational intervention was conducted with each participant on their prescribed medications. FINDINGS: Mean scores for the adherence to refills and medication subscale decreased from 9.9 to 8.5 (p = .003) indicating improved adherence. Mean scores for the knowledge subscale increased from 21.8 to 22.4 (p = .192). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a community-based, interdisciplinary, individualized medication education intervention could increase medication adherence in rural older adults.

Interactive Poverty Simulation: Nursing Students' Perceptions of Poverty.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of a poverty simulation on the attitudes of baccalaureate nursing students toward those living in poverty. A single-group pretest-posttest design was used. Participants' attitudes were measured using the Attitude Toward Poverty Scale-Short Form. Results indicated significant improvement in 11 out of 21 items, along with the subscales for stigma and structural perspectives. However, four items, along with the overall personal deficiency domain score, indicated a significant worsening of attitudes. Results of this study are mixed and suggest that valid concerns exist regarding the administration of the simulation.

Lessons Learned: A Process Evaluation of the Rural Elder Awareness of Medication Safety (REAMS) Program.

This process evaluation of the Rural Elder Awareness of Medication Safety (REAMS) program provided identification of successful and unsuccessful elements along with barriers to and facilitators of this home-based pilot program. The REAMS program was developed to assist rural older adults aged >65 years and community health care organizations with strategies to improve health literacy related to medications. Recruitment of older adults, rurality of the program's setting, time constraints, and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic were the greatest barriers. The collaborative relationship developed with community health care partners was the greatest facilitator. This relationship promoted shared ideas and adjustments in program design to achieve the outcome goals. The lessons learned from process evaluation may benefit future researchers or community health promotion planners with designing community-based programs for older adults in rural areas. Future research should focus on expanding recruitment opportunities in acute care, primary care, and home health with the inclusion of all established health care providers in the community. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 47(4), 7-12.].

Beyond Biometrics: Including Mental Health Screenings in Annual Wellness Programs.

Mental health is an important component of overall wellness and is a growing concern in occupational settings. Approximately one half of Americans will experience a mental health disorder at some time in their life. The current descriptive correlational study used a convenience sample of manufacturing employees (N = 236) to examine the association of mental and physical health risks collected during an annual wellness program. A researcher-developed questionnaire was used to holistically screen for health risks. Pearson's r and chi-square tests were performed to determine the relationship among variables. Younger workers and individuals with higher body mass index had increased anxiety and depression scores (p = 0.005). Results suggest younger workers may have increased risk for mental health and biometabolic disorders. Due to the connections between mental and physical health, screening for anxiety and depression should be included in annual worker wellness programs to potentially improve overall health and wellness outcomes. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59(10), 19-25.].

Using a Poverty Simulation Exercise in Mental Health Nursing.

Simulation exercises can be used to provide poverty-related content that might be lacking in traditional clinical settings. A descriptive qualitative study design was used to examine the use of a poverty simulation in mental health nursing. Thematic analysis of reflective journals indicated students viewed the poverty simulation as a positive, realistic, and informative learning experience; had a better understanding of how poverty impacts health; and expressed changes in attitudes toward providing care. Results from this study suggest poverty simulations can be used to illustrate key concepts taught in mental health nursing, including empathy, advocacy, and refrainment from judging patients.

Occupational Skin Disease Prevention: An Educational Intervention for Hairdresser Cosmetology Students.

Cosmetologists frequently develop occupational skin disease related to workplace exposures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an educational intervention to increase cosmetology students' occupational skin disease knowledge and use of preventive practices. A quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate students' knowledge, behaviors, intentions, expectancies, and expectations. A 20-minute verbal presentation and printed two-page educational handout were provided for participants. Statistically significant increases in knowledge, frequency of glove use, and frequency of moisturizer use were found, but the frequency of handwashing did not increase. In addition, the Behavioral Strategies subscale, the Intention subscale, and the Expectancies subscale showed statistically significant improvements. The results of this study suggest an educational intervention can increase cosmetology students' knowledge of occupational skin diseases and their use of preventive strategies.