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Title: OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT WITHIN PROSTATE CANCER INTERVENTIONS FOR COUPLES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW.
Creator: Siguenza, Andrea M, Rovito, Michael J., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Current cancer research is beginning to address the psychosocial implications of a prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis from not just the perspective of quality of life of the patient, but of his partner as well. Such inquiries have created novel intervention programs aiming to alleviate the adverse side effects that a PCa diagnosis may inflict on the couple. Assessing efficacy of couple-based interventions, however, has been a difficult task due to the lack of homogeneity between studies...
Show moreCurrent cancer research is beginning to address the psychosocial implications of a prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis from not just the perspective of quality of life of the patient, but of his partner as well. Such inquiries have created novel intervention programs aiming to alleviate the adverse side effects that a PCa diagnosis may inflict on the couple. Assessing efficacy of couple-based interventions, however, has been a difficult task due to the lack of homogeneity between studies regarding the operationalization process of primary outcome variables, as well as the instruments being used to measure them. This thesis, in response, aims to provide a detailed assessment of how previous interventions operationalized their targeted variables, the reported psychometric analysis of the instruments of measurement, and which instruments yielded statistically significant results. A narrative review was conducted using a database search strategy to collect articles regarding couple-based interventions that focused on outcomes related to PCa diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Out of the ten articles that passed the screening method, forty-two outcomes were identified, ranging from physical, social, and mental well-being of the couple, to the impact PCa had on their relationship quality. The outcomes were grouped into eight categories: quality of life, appraisal of PCa outcomes, sexual/physical well-being, relationship assessment, coping, mental health, knowledge, and distress. Various scales were used to measure similar outcomes with some articles failing to report on the psychometric properties of their chosen instruments. This assessment aims to provide future researchers with an indication as to what outcomes have been previously targeted and their corresponding methods of operationalization, categorization, and analysis. The multitude of assessed outcomes, the lack of uniformity on best practices in PCa couple intervention research, and the general failure to report on reliability and validity of measures may serve as significant barriers to producing high-quality evidence that can inform the development of future research and practice. This review provides the research community an aid in the development of behavioral interventions, and potentially, practice, via offering recommendations on certain outcomes that remain underreported within interventions. It is the ultimate aim of this project to assist in fostering a true public health for all.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000118, ucf:45977
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000118

Title: CAUSAL FACTORS OF CRYPTORCHIDISM AND ENDOCRINE DISURPTING CHEMICALS SUCH AS PRENATAL MATERNAL CIGARETTE SMOKE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW.
Creator: Morrissey, Andrew R., Rovito, Michael J., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Cryptorchidism is a male congenital disorder with an unspecified, multifactorial etiology. This review evaluated the strength of select factors in the development of cryptorchidism to better understand its etiology. The strength of relationship between factors and their respective functions during testicular descent was evaluated. Factors evaluated in the causal pathway include the signaling mechanisms Desert Hedgehog (DHH), Insulin-like Hormone 3 (INSL3) and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor ...
Show moreCryptorchidism is a male congenital disorder with an unspecified, multifactorial etiology. This review evaluated the strength of select factors in the development of cryptorchidism to better understand its etiology. The strength of relationship between factors and their respective functions during testicular descent was evaluated. Factors evaluated in the causal pathway include the signaling mechanisms Desert Hedgehog (DHH), Insulin-like Hormone 3 (INSL3) and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), as well as sex hormone regulation (androgen: estrogen ratio, aromatase expression). Articles supporting a factor in testicular descent were evaluated and scored. These scores were summed to create the �Step Score� for each step in the causal pathway. An arrow system was developed which ranked the strength of each pathway step as either �weak�, �moderate� or �strong�. Thus, step scores and the strength of factors in the pathological pathway were determined: DHH (15-moderate), PDGF (10-weak), INSL3 (24-strong) and Androgen: Estrogen ratio, Aromatase (23-strong). The pathological pathway produced by this review represents a literature based perspective of the research regarding cryptorchidism etiology. Literature indicates that prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals in animals and humans may lead to abnormal genital development. Recently, prenatal maternal cigarette smoke was demonstrated to be a risk factor for cryptorchidism. This controversial finding was explored in the context of endocrine disrupting chemicals. However, literature has provided very little evidence in support of this hypothesis and more research is needed to better evaluate prenatal maternal smoking as a risk factor for undescended testis.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000008, ucf:45591
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000008

Title: PSYCHOSOCIAL INDICATORS OF INJURY CONCEALMENT AMONG YOUNG MALE ATHLETES.
Creator: Alfonso, Guillermo, Rovito, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The intent of this thesis is to explore the reasons why young athletes may conceal their sports injuries. In recent years, there has been much discussion about the long-term health implications that former athletes are dealing with as they live life after sports. Sports injuries including concussions, knee damage, and spinal injuries are all issues that could affect an athlete's quality of life far beyond their playing days. It is well known around the athletic and medical communities that...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to explore the reasons why young athletes may conceal their sports injuries. In recent years, there has been much discussion about the long-term health implications that former athletes are dealing with as they live life after sports. Sports injuries including concussions, knee damage, and spinal injuries are all issues that could affect an athlete's quality of life far beyond their playing days. It is well known around the athletic and medical communities that many athletes withhold information about their injury symptoms just to get back on to the field. Most worrisome about this fact, is the disregard of any long-term damage being done to their body. In this study, we explored the influence of social norms, perceived masculinity, and other external influences on athlete populations in an attempt to understand the reasons why injuries are so often under-reported and masked by athletes. Understanding the logic behind why athletes "play through" injuries and the external influences that may cause this behavior, is essential to athlete safety in the future. Results showed significant findings among highly masculine athletes and injury concealment as well as in athletes who feared losing a performance role and injury concealment. Those athletes who wish to appear tough and masculine as well as those athletes who may be fearful of losing a performance role were more likely to conceal their injuries. Athletes who are a part of a team were also likely to behave in the same way and understanding these reasons can help improve athlete safety in the years to come.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004761, ucf:45388
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004761

Title: KNOWLEDGE, CONFIDENCE, INTENTION, AND MOTIVATION: HEGEMONIC MASCULINITY'S INFLUENCE UPON NUTRITIONAL HABITS OF MALES.
Creator: Chizmar, Sara, Rovito, Michael J., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: With the increasing incidence of chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and cardiovascular disease and the growing obesity epidemic, the need to increase nutritional literacy amongst the general public is paramount. Men tend to lack a strong base of nutritional knowledge. Masculinity is one of the factors preventing many men from making good nutritional choices. The aim of this study was to investigate hegemonic masculinity in relation to current level of nutritional knowledge as...
Show moreWith the increasing incidence of chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and cardiovascular disease and the growing obesity epidemic, the need to increase nutritional literacy amongst the general public is paramount. Men tend to lack a strong base of nutritional knowledge. Masculinity is one of the factors preventing many men from making good nutritional choices. The aim of this study was to investigate hegemonic masculinity in relation to current level of nutritional knowledge as well as perceptions and attitudes regarding dietary behaviors and intention to eat a healthy diet among a sample of males. A convenience sample of males 18+ (n=87) was categorized according to hegemonic masculinity level by the Masculine Role Inventory. An amended survey gathered information regarding nutritional knowledge level. An original survey gathered information on confidence in one�s nutritional knowledge, intention to eat healthier, and motivation to expand nutritional knowledge. Analyses examined the association between hegemonic masculinity and nutritional knowledge, confidence in nutritional knowledge, intention to change dietary behavior and motivation to learn new nutritional knowledge. No significant association was found between hegemonic masculinity level and nutritional knowledge, confidence, intention, or motivation. The null results can be attributed to the low hegemonic status of the majority of participants. Analyses also examined the relationship between actual nutritional knowledge and confidence in nutritional knowledge. A positive association between higher confidence level and greater nutrition knowledge was found to be significant, p < 0.006. A positive association between higher confidence level and higher levels of motivation to learn new nutritional information was also found to be significant, p < 0.000. The results of this study suggest that an increased level of confidence in nutritional knowledge may be necessary to encourage accumulation of new nutritional knowledge.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000050, ucf:45533
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000050

Title: DIVORCE, SEPARATION, MENTAL HEALTH AND RISKY BEHAVIORS AMONG FATHERS: WHAT ARE THE CONNECTIONS AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT FAMILY HEALTH?.
Creator: Resciniti, Nicolas, Rovito, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Due to the fact that approximately 50% of US first marriages ending in divorce, there is a growing need to identify and understand the causal mechanisms behind these separations and what effects this event has upon the family unit. This study employed secondary data analyses on the Fragile Families and Child Well-Being Study to identify the differences in the frequency of adverse health behaviors among fathers that are coupled with their partner and those who are divorced/separated. Trends of...
Show moreDue to the fact that approximately 50% of US first marriages ending in divorce, there is a growing need to identify and understand the causal mechanisms behind these separations and what effects this event has upon the family unit. This study employed secondary data analyses on the Fragile Families and Child Well-Being Study to identify the differences in the frequency of adverse health behaviors among fathers that are coupled with their partner and those who are divorced/separated. Trends of the fathers from the baseline survey to the five-year follow-up allowed us to observe the following: Differences in adverse health behaviors, self-reported mental health status, and the potential impact relationship dynamics have upon the family unit. A bio-behavioral marker was created to assist in identifying possible future effects of adverse health behaviors upon the family. Results show the non-married fathers participate in alcohol consumption, illegal substances, cigarette consumption and show more symptoms of depression at higher rates and more frequently than the married fathers. The non-married fathers put their children at the greatest risk of developing adverse health behaviors later in life.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004825, ucf:45448
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004825

Title: AN EXAMINATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS, SOCIAL ANXIETY, AND PERFECTIONISM IN HIGH-ACHIEVING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS.
Creator: Elliott, Amy, Rovito, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: There is a long-standing debate on whether high-achieving students experience a better or worse psychological well-being than their peers. This retrospective cohort study adds to the current literature by examining the differences in rates of psychological disorders, social anxiety, and perfectionism between high-achieving and typical undergraduate students. A convenience sample of 357 students was gathered from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Participants were asked to fill out a...
Show moreThere is a long-standing debate on whether high-achieving students experience a better or worse psychological well-being than their peers. This retrospective cohort study adds to the current literature by examining the differences in rates of psychological disorders, social anxiety, and perfectionism between high-achieving and typical undergraduate students. A convenience sample of 357 students was gathered from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Participants were asked to fill out a brief survey which included questions about demographics, grade point average (GPA), social anxiety, perfectionism, enrollment in The Burnett Honors College, inclusion in any childhood gifted programs, and diagnosis of psychological disorders. Two groups (a High-Achieving group and a Comparison group) were formed based on GPA scores and enrollment in The Burnett Honors College at UCF. Relative risk and chi-squared analyses were conducted to see if there was a significant relationship between group classification and the incidence of psychological disorders, self-injury, and social anxiety. T-tests were used to compare group means of social anxiety and perfectionism. A statistically significant relationship was found between group classification and the incidence of psychological disorders, self-injury, and social anxiety (p = .033, p = .028, and p < .001). The High-Achieving group scored significantly higher on the SPAI-23 SP Subscale (p = .032), the SPAI-23 Difference Score (p < .001), and the APS-R Standards Subscale (p < 0.001). Altogether, the findings of this study indicate that High-Achieving undergraduate students experience a worse psychological well-being than their typical undergraduate student peers.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004408, ucf:45131
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004408

Title: THE EFFECT OF TEXT MESSAGING ALERTS UPON TESTICULAR SELF-EXAMINATION (TSE) ADHERENCE.
Creator: Soler, Lisa, Rovito, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Based on Kim Witte's proven Extended Parallel Process Model, a mobile communication system was developed in which men were sent reminders about their health. This study focused on reminding men about testicular self-examination (TSE), a proactive behavior used to detect testicular cancer, through the use of text messaging. A cohort of 75 men were recruited for this study and placed into one of four groups. All participants were provided with information concerning TSE and told to perform the...
Show moreBased on Kim Witte's proven Extended Parallel Process Model, a mobile communication system was developed in which men were sent reminders about their health. This study focused on reminding men about testicular self-examination (TSE), a proactive behavior used to detect testicular cancer, through the use of text messaging. A cohort of 75 men were recruited for this study and placed into one of four groups. All participants were provided with information concerning TSE and told to perform the exam monthly; two of the four groups were sent reminders via text message while the other two groups were told once about the behavior. An original 30-item survey was used to measure intention. Proper data analysis could not be performed due to an attrition rate of 71%. Nonetheless, a significant relationship was observed between pre- and post-test adherence as reported by the participants. In addition, the measurement tool was assessed and determined to be useful in measuring intention to perform TSE. Internal consistency measures were reported as 0.672 and 0.626, both of which would have been higher with a larger sample size. While further research and analysis is recommended, this study has laid a foundation for a way to communicate with young men about their health.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004320, ucf:45058
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004320

Title: AN EVALUATION OF HIV/AIDS INCIDENCE REDUCTION AND AWARENESS-RAISING INTERVENTIONS INSPIRED BY THE SONAGACHI PROJECT AND THE 100% CONDOM USE PROGRAM.
Creator: Fernandez, Nicole, Rovito, Michael, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In the past thirty years, HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) transformed from a mysteriously lethal disease affecting limited portions of the population to a true global pandemic. Although HIV/AIDS is responsible for the deaths of approximately 30 million people worldwide, prevalence rates are now increasing significantly due to increasing survival rates. However, overall increasing incidence rates now serve as a primary concern for researchers. Avert ...
Show moreIn the past thirty years, HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) transformed from a mysteriously lethal disease affecting limited portions of the population to a true global pandemic. Although HIV/AIDS is responsible for the deaths of approximately 30 million people worldwide, prevalence rates are now increasing significantly due to increasing survival rates. However, overall increasing incidence rates now serve as a primary concern for researchers. Avert (2011) suggests that there is a lack of behavioral interventions and prevention programs aimed at decreasing the number of newly affected individuals. This is problematic as it may create not only physical and mental stress upon patients but also a source of financial and resource stress upon service organizations. In Asia, HIV/AIDS is primarily apparent in three high-risk groups: sex workers, men who have sex with men, and intravenous drug users (Avert, 2011). Service organizations target these high-risk groups with prevention programs in order to decrease infection rates and raise general awareness of the disease. This study aims to evaluate two HIV/AIDS prevention program theories(the Sonagachi Project and the 100% Condom Use Program) and the studies that implement them. This proposed evaluation assesses the effectiveness of these HIV/AIDS prevention programs in reducing infection rates and raising awareness of the disease. Due to the widespread use and apparent effectiveness of the 100% Condom Use Program and The Sonagachi Project, this study aims to assess the interventions in lessening HIV infection rates and critique the methods outlined by both. This thesis also employs a systemic review of the literature by using the program theories of The 100% Condom Use Program and The Sonagachi Project.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004180, ucf:44839
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004180

Title: INVESTIGATING A POTENTIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SIBLING GENDER COMPOSITION AND HEALTH BEHAVIOR INDICATORS IN YOUNG ADULT AND ADOLESCENT MALES.
Creator: Goss, Taylor N, Rovito, Michael J., Jasinski, Jana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The presence of siblings during childhood and adolescence has a significant impact on the behaviors and perceptions of adults later in life. Effects of mixed-gendered sibling dyads on delinquent behavior, gender typing, and romantic and sexual relationships are of interest. These behaviors can lead to notable health disparities, making it imperative to gain insight into factors associated with such behaviors in young adult and adolescent males. This project explored possible correlations...
Show moreThe presence of siblings during childhood and adolescence has a significant impact on the behaviors and perceptions of adults later in life. Effects of mixed-gendered sibling dyads on delinquent behavior, gender typing, and romantic and sexual relationships are of interest. These behaviors can lead to notable health disparities, making it imperative to gain insight into factors associated with such behaviors in young adult and adolescent males. This project explored possible correlations between gender composition of siblings and health behavior indicators for violence, competition and risk, and sexual and romantic relationships. Analysis of these variables was performed using data from the Young Adult and Adolescent Male Health Behavior Indicator Scale [YAAMHBIS]. Descriptive analyses showed YAAM understanding of abuse and successful marriage and relationship qualities, as well as a conditional acceptance of violence, competition, and risk. Means testing between those with and without sisters indicated that those with sisters acknowledged abuse, marriage qualities, and the consequences of infidelity. Additionally, those with sisters had, on average, an earlier age of sexual debut than those without supporting previous research regarding the effects of female communication in childhood on adult interactions. The correlations found between sibling gender and YAAM perceptions later in life could lay the groundwork for future studies further investigating sibling gender or split households and an association with health behaviors.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000317, ucf:45807
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000317

AIDS (1)	+ -
Asia (1)	+ -
Confidence (1)	+ -
Divorce (1)	+ -
EDCs and DHH (1)	+ -

HIV Intervention (1)	+ -
Hegemonic Masculinity (1)	+ -
High-Achieving (1)	+ -
INSL3 and cryptorchidism (1)	+ -
Intention (1)	+ -
Mental Health (1)	+ -
Motivation (1)	+ -
Nutrition (1)	+ -
Nutritional Knowledge (1)	+ -
PDGF and cryptorchidism (1)	+ -
SPAI-23 (1)	+ -
Separation (1)	+ -
Social Anxiety (1)	+ -
TSE adherence (1)	+ -
The 100% Condom Use Program (1)	+ -
The Sonagachi Project (1)	+ -
Undergraduates (1)	+ -
adolescents (1)	+ -
adverse outcomes (1)	+ -
athlete (1)	+ -
children (1)	+ -
cigarette smoking and cryptorchidism (1)	+ -
competition and risk (1)	+ -
concealment (1)	+ -
couple-based intervention (1)	+ -

University of Central Florida (9)	+ -
Rovito, Michael (5)	+ -
Rovito, Michael J. (4)	+ -
Alfonso, Guillermo (1)	+ -
Chizmar, Sara (1)	+ -

Elliott, Amy (1)	+ -
Fernandez, Nicole (1)	+ -
Goss, Taylor N (1)	+ -
Jasinski, Jana (1)	+ -
Morrissey, Andrew R. (1)	+ -
Resciniti, Nicolas (1)	+ -
Siguenza, Andrea M (1)	+ -
Soler, Lisa (1)	+ -

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