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(1 - 18 of 18)
- Title
- THE USE OF PHYSICAL RESTRAINTS AMONG NURSING HOME RESIDENTS: DO DISPARITIES EXIST?.
- Creator
-
Fashaw, Shekinah, Chisholm, Latarsha, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Introduction: The purpose of this study is to examine how nursing home (NH) characteristics, specifically racial composition of nursing homes residents, influences the use of physical restraints. As the population ages and becomes more diverse, it is essential to mitigate/eliminate racial/ethnic disparities in quality care. Methods: This is cross-sectional study using a 2010 national data set from Brown University Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research. This study employs Donabedian's...
Show moreIntroduction: The purpose of this study is to examine how nursing home (NH) characteristics, specifically racial composition of nursing homes residents, influences the use of physical restraints. As the population ages and becomes more diverse, it is essential to mitigate/eliminate racial/ethnic disparities in quality care. Methods: This is cross-sectional study using a 2010 national data set from Brown University Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research. This study employs Donabedian's Structure-Process-Outcome (SPO) conceptual framework. Statistical analysis includes univariate, bivariate, and a logistic regression model. It is hypothesized that nursing homes with higher proportions of black residents, more Medicaid residents, and for-profit ownership status will be associated with higher prevalence of physical restraint use. Results: Findings show that nursing homes with high proportions of blacks have a lower likelihood of high physical restraint use. Nursing homes with a higher proportion of Medicaid-reliant residents have a higher likelihood of restraint use, as does for-profit nursing homes. Discussion: The findings indicate that there are no racial/ethnic disparities present in the use of physical restraints in nursing homes. There is indication of socio-economic disparities, since nursing homes with higher Medicaid-reliant residents are associated with greater restraint. There are policy implications associated with these findings, including raising Medicaid per diem or implementing a quality performance payment incentive. Further research will be needed to determine ways to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in nursing homes. This research, adds to the nursing home literature focused on socio-economic disparities.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004700, ucf:45401
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004700
- Title
- EXPLORING WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE AN UNDOCUMENTED ALIEN IN SEEK OF HEALTHCARE.
- Creator
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Torrez Pon, Eliany C, Loerzel, Victoria, Chase, Susan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Currently, there are about 11.8 million undocumented aliens in the United States who are not eligible for public insurance or any type of private coverage obtained through the American Health Care Act of 2017. This creates barriers to healthcare for this large population and has negative implications for the healthcare system. Despite the availability of clinics and low-cost healthcare, this group tends to underuse resources or seek healthcare for emergencies only which leads to increased...
Show moreCurrently, there are about 11.8 million undocumented aliens in the United States who are not eligible for public insurance or any type of private coverage obtained through the American Health Care Act of 2017. This creates barriers to healthcare for this large population and has negative implications for the healthcare system. Despite the availability of clinics and low-cost healthcare, this group tends to underuse resources or seek healthcare for emergencies only which leads to increased cost totaling approximately $1.1 billion a year. The goal of this qualitative study is to better understand what it is like to be an undocumented alien seeking healthcare. Eight semi-structured interviews with Latino undocumented aliens were conducted. Interviews were transcribed into WORD documents and reviewed for accuracy. Data was analyzed using content analysis to code and identify prominent themes. Analysis of data from participants indicate the following themes embody the experience of being an undocumented alien in seek of healthcare: living in the unsure, high costs, system barriers, language and communication incongruences, perceived discrimination, exploitation and deportation, and relief in finally getting care. Undocumented aliens put off getting healthcare as long as possible due to these factors, despite having many needs. Healthcare practitioners must become familiar with these experiences to address and correct these barriers. Advocacy and healthcare changes take on increasing urgency to ensure the well-being of these individuals.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000316, ucf:45886
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000316
- Title
- LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT) HEALTHCARE IN RURAL SETTINGS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.
- Creator
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Cox, Caitlin, Bushy, Angeline, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community is a unique population that has specific health issues and health care needs associated with lifestyle behaviors that increase risk for certain diseases. Health concerns include mental and behavioral health, issues associated with gender identity and relationships (i.e. intimate partner violence), sexually transmitted infections, and chronic illnesses. The research suggests poorer health outcomes for the LGBT population compared to...
Show moreThe lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community is a unique population that has specific health issues and health care needs associated with lifestyle behaviors that increase risk for certain diseases. Health concerns include mental and behavioral health, issues associated with gender identity and relationships (i.e. intimate partner violence), sexually transmitted infections, and chronic illnesses. The research suggests poorer health outcomes for the LGBT population compared to heterosexual and/or cisgender counterparts. Most research conducted with LGBT populations occurred in more populated urban settings with very few studies focusing on this population in the rural context. Consequently, there is a paucity of information on the health care concerns of the rural LGBT population. Considering the information gap, this integrative review of 14 research articles focused on health-related issues of the LGBT population in rural regions. The findings revealed rural LGBT persons experience disparities in accessing health care and support services; coupled with health care providers who often were not culturally competent; and, sometimes, unfamiliar with evidence-based health care protocols when caring for the LGBT patient. Implications for nursing research, education, practice, and policy and study limitations are highlighted.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000503, ucf:45685
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000503
- Title
- A Study of the Influence of the Restorative Justice Model on Out-of-School Suspensions in a Large Urban School District.
- Creator
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Agard, Brian, Johnson, Jerry, Doherty, Walter, Baldwin, Lee, Larsen, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate whether the Restorative Justice model influenced the number of days that students were suspended out-of-school or the number of out-of-school suspension incidents. In addition, the researcher analyzed whether the Restorative Justice model had different impacts for the subgroups of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch (FRL), English Learners (EL), students qualifying for exceptional student education services (ESE), and three...
Show moreThe purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate whether the Restorative Justice model influenced the number of days that students were suspended out-of-school or the number of out-of-school suspension incidents. In addition, the researcher analyzed whether the Restorative Justice model had different impacts for the subgroups of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch (FRL), English Learners (EL), students qualifying for exceptional student education services (ESE), and three ethnic subgroups (White, Black, and Hispanic) in an urban school district in Central Florida for the sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students for the seven school years from 2010-2011 to 2016-2017. Primary data analysis strategies were descriptive statistics and visual analyses utilizing an interrupted time series design. The findings can be helpful in informing decision makers if the Restorative Justice model is having a positive influence on decreasing out-of-school suspension incidents and/or out-of-school suspension days.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007144, ucf:52325
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007144
- Title
- The Disobedient Prisoner: A Racial Comparison of the Level of Punishment Prescribed to Inmates for Rule Violations.
- Creator
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King, Sarah, Corzine, Harold, Gay, David, Reckdenwald, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
With the various studies that point to racial disparities at different levels of the United States' criminal justice system, it is necessary to uncover all places within the system where racial disparities might exist. Understanding that Black inmates are disproportionately represented within the prison system led to the hypothesis that Black inmates receive harsher punishments than White inmates when they violate a rule while in prison. A cross-sectional study, (")Survey of Inmates in State...
Show moreWith the various studies that point to racial disparities at different levels of the United States' criminal justice system, it is necessary to uncover all places within the system where racial disparities might exist. Understanding that Black inmates are disproportionately represented within the prison system led to the hypothesis that Black inmates receive harsher punishments than White inmates when they violate a rule while in prison. A cross-sectional study, (")Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities, 2004,(") which was available through ICPSR, was used in order to test the hypothesis. The data were collected from October 2003 through May 2004. For the current study, only inmates who had committed armed robbery, aggravated assault, or murder were in the sample. After the modification of the variables comprised of race, rule violations, and punishment type, the sample size was 652. First, an OLS regression was used in three models, which showed that major rule violations had a significant effect on the type of punishment an inmate received, but race did not. Second, age groups were employed to run an OLS regression within each of the four age groups. This revealed that major rule violations had a significant effect on the type of punishment an inmate received in four of the age groups, but race was not significant in any of the models. Implications and possible explanations regarding these findings are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005819, ucf:50045
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005819
- Title
- THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR WORKPLACES: HOW GENDER HAS SHAPED WORKPLACE SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAW AND AWARD AMOUNTS.
- Creator
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Waldick, Ian, Cronon, Chad, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Equal Employment Opportunity laws are a relatively new construct within the framework of American legal history. This area of law, however, has experienced significant development within a relatively short span of time. Over the last half-century, the Supreme Court of the United States has handed down several landmark decisions, clarifying the law as to what constitutes sexual harassment, and in which circumstances employers can be held liable for the harassing actions of employees. The...
Show moreEqual Employment Opportunity laws are a relatively new construct within the framework of American legal history. This area of law, however, has experienced significant development within a relatively short span of time. Over the last half-century, the Supreme Court of the United States has handed down several landmark decisions, clarifying the law as to what constitutes sexual harassment, and in which circumstances employers can be held liable for the harassing actions of employees. The purpose of this thesis is to examine this development, and to assess the question of whether the awards given to male victims of workplace sexual harassment are comparable to the awards given to female victims.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004438, ucf:45086
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004438
- Title
- AN INVESTIGATION INTO UNITARY STATUS AND THE OVERREPRESENTATION OF BLACK STUDENTS IN SCHOOL DISCIPLINE AS MEASURED BY OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITHIN THE 67 FLORIDA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
- Creator
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Dehlinger, Robin, Murray, Barbara, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
While many school districts in the state of Florida have achieved unitary status and are no longer under court jurisdiction, evidence that school districts continue to practice discipline policies that result in the disproportionate suspension of Black students can be found. Despite decades of desegregation, Black students continue to experience the devastating consequences of suspension and expulsion from school. The overrepresentation of Black students in the administration of school...
Show moreWhile many school districts in the state of Florida have achieved unitary status and are no longer under court jurisdiction, evidence that school districts continue to practice discipline policies that result in the disproportionate suspension of Black students can be found. Despite decades of desegregation, Black students continue to experience the devastating consequences of suspension and expulsion from school. The overrepresentation of Black students in the administration of school discipline is a serious concern for school districts. This study investigated if the attainment of unitary status resulted in equity in school discipline for Black students. Additionally, the study investigated the overrepresentation of Black students in the administration of school discipline as measured by out-of-school suspensions in the secondary schools of the 67 Florida public school districts in 2005-2006. The study compared the representation of Hispanic and Multiracial students to Black students in the administration of school discipline. The study also examined the effects of grade level (6, 7, 8, and 9) on Black, Hispanic, and Multiracial students in the administration of school discipline. Analysis of the data derived from the Florida Department of Education database for school year 2005-2006 led to the following findings: (1) there was overrepresentation of Black students in secondary schools in the state of Florida and that 42 school districts were not in compliance with unitary status guidelines; (2) Black students were overrepresented in school discipline when compared to Hispanic and Multiracial students; (3) the effect of grade (6, 7, 8, and 9) was not significant in the representation of Black students in school discipline; (4) 18 Florida public school districts have attained unitary status, 16 public school districts remained under court jurisdiction, and 33 public school districts were never subject to desegregation litigation; and, (5) Black students were overrepresented in the administration of school discipline in school districts that have attained unitary status.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002042, ucf:47578
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002042
- Title
- The Push Out: A Disproportionality Study on Student Discipline in the State of Florida Public Schools.
- Creator
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Pierre, Manouchka, Johnson, Jerry, Doherty, Walter, Vitale, Thomas, Fine, Terri, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This mixed method sequential exploratory study was conducted to emphasize and investigate disproportionality in discipline, noting the prevalence of the issue of equity and the salience of FL as context. This study applied the extant model for investigating disproportionality in a setting where such an investigation is highly relevant due to Florida's statistical positioning in the area of student discipline. This study investigated for potential biases that guide differences in the rates...
Show moreThis mixed method sequential exploratory study was conducted to emphasize and investigate disproportionality in discipline, noting the prevalence of the issue of equity and the salience of FL as context. This study applied the extant model for investigating disproportionality in a setting where such an investigation is highly relevant due to Florida's statistical positioning in the area of student discipline. This study investigated for potential biases that guide differences in the rates that males and Blacks experience exclusionary discipline within the 67 regular school districts. The analysis from this study, which used relative rate ratio and policy analysis, presents results showing that a disproportionality exists at a rate of 2 to 2.3 times for the affected demographic groups. The findings suggest a need for policy language to address this disparity, as well as a change in practice.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007851, ucf:52766
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007851
- Title
- Factors Influencing unmet Medical Need among U.S. Adults: Disparities in Access to Health Services.
- Creator
-
Khanijahani, Ahmad, Wan, Thomas, Malvey, Donna, Liu, Albert Xinliang, Anderson, Kim, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Inequities in access to health services has negative consequences on individual well-being, and imposes financial and emotional burden on patients, families, health care systems, and the public. Inequities engendered from differences in socioeconomic status, health insurance coverage, race, and other characteristics can engender disparities. This study aimed to identify the potential predictors of unmet medical need among the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. adults. Inability to receive...
Show moreInequities in access to health services has negative consequences on individual well-being, and imposes financial and emotional burden on patients, families, health care systems, and the public. Inequities engendered from differences in socioeconomic status, health insurance coverage, race, and other characteristics can engender disparities. This study aimed to identify the potential predictors of unmet medical need among the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. adults. Inability to receive needed medical care or receiving medical care after a delay, due to the associated costs, constructed unmet medical need. This study used a four-year (2014-2017) National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data (sample size: 296,301 adults) and implemented a conceptual framework to study disparities in access to health services and estimate the relative importance of predisposing, enabling, and need factors as the predictors of unmet medical need. Findings from machine learning and logistics regression models highlight the importance of health insurance coverage as a key contributing factor of health disparities. About 60% of variation in unmet medical need was predictable, with over 90% accuracy, solely with health insurance coverage status. Self-rated health status, family structure, and family income to poverty ratio were other statistically significant predictors. Even after controlling for a wide variety of sociodemographic and health status variables such as age, gender, perceived health status, education, income, etc., health insurance remains significantly associated with unmet medical need (OR: 5.03, 95%CI: 4.67-5.42). To ensure precise national estimates, proper survey data analysis methods were incorporated to account for the complex sampling method used by NHIS. Furthermore, the enabling factors (health insurance and income) exert much more weight on unmet medical need than predisposing factors and need factors. The findings raise the concerns about the existence and magnitude of disparities in health care access and provide a comprehensive framework to a target population for understanding the sources of health inequities with data-driven evidence. Results can be utilized to address potential areas for designing public policy and program interventions by identifying the relative vulnerability of different population groups for lacking access to affordable health services. Future studies using longitudinal panel data are necessary to establish a causal relationship between the predictors and unmet medical need.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007477, ucf:52686
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007477
- Title
- An Investigation of the Biomechanical Implications of Lower Limb Fractures and Leg Length Disparity.
- Creator
-
Mills, Elizabeth, Dupras, Tosha, Williams, Lana, Starbuck, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
One of the primary goals of biological anthropology is to develop an accurate understanding of human anatomy, health, disease, and injury in both modern and archaeological populations. Paleopathological analyses are a fruitful means of identifying disease and injury in skeletal assemblages, but the individual long-term biomechanical effects associated with pathological conditions have not yet been adequately explored in the literature. Leg fractures are a common pathological condition in both...
Show moreOne of the primary goals of biological anthropology is to develop an accurate understanding of human anatomy, health, disease, and injury in both modern and archaeological populations. Paleopathological analyses are a fruitful means of identifying disease and injury in skeletal assemblages, but the individual long-term biomechanical effects associated with pathological conditions have not yet been adequately explored in the literature. Leg fractures are a common pathological condition in both modern and archaeological populations, the effects of which may alter the biomechanics of gait. A growing body of clinical literature demonstrates that abnormal ambulatory function may have far-reaching effects in the rest of the body.To assess the long-term consequences of pathological conditions of the lower extremities, the relationship between lower limb long bone fracture occurrence, incidence of leg length disparity (LLD), and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) was analyzed. A total of 56 adult individuals (29 fractured, 27 unfractured) from the Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection (HTOC) at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (curated between 1912 and 1938) were examined in this study. In total, the sample consisted of 37 males and 19 females (ages 25-76) of either black or white ancestry. LLD was assessed by taking standardized measurements of the lower limb long bones. TMD was analyzed by scoring the presence and severity of osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ OA), dental attrition, and antemortem tooth loss. Kendall's Tau correlation statistics were used to assess morphological integration between all unique pairwise combinations of lower limb and jaw measurements among unfractured and fractured groups. Results indicate that several measures of LLD and jaw dysfunction are correlated differently in the unfractured and fractured groups. Comparisons of the All Unfractured and All Fractured groups most often showed higher absolute correlation values in unfractured individuals. Samples were also subdivided and compared based on known sex. Significant differences in patterns of morphological integration were observed between male and female sub-samples. Significant correlation values were almost always higher in the unfractured sample than in the fractured sample. Females, however, demonstrated both significant increases and significant decreases in absolute correlation values when comparing fractured and unfractured samples. Thus, patterns of significant differences in morphological integration between the lower limbs and jaw differ for males and females, with fairly consistent decreases in integration strength in the former and a mixed pattern of integration strength increases and decreases in the latter, when a leg fracture is involved. It is argued that these differences are explained by fundamental sexually dimorphic morphological and kinematic differences between males and females, such that fractures resulting in LLD affect the two sexes differently. Gendered lifetime social experiences and activity patterns may also explain the different male and female patterns identified in the analysis. These insights are applied to larger anthropological questions of social identity and the long-term injury experience.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006694, ucf:51917
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006694
- Title
- The Role of Teacher Perceptions of Response to Intervention, Racial/Ethnic Attitudes, and Self-Efficacy in Special Education Referral Decisions.
- Creator
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Cash, Kristine, Gill, Michele, Edwards, Oliver, Clark, M. H., Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study is an exploration of the aspects related to the disproportionate representation of minority students in special education. The investigation specifically focused on the relationship between teacher perceptions of Response to Intervention (RTI), teacher racial attitudes, and teacher self-efficacy with respect to their special education referral decisions. Teachers assigned to grades K-5 (n=51), from three Florida public school districts, completed an online survey. The survey...
Show moreThis study is an exploration of the aspects related to the disproportionate representation of minority students in special education. The investigation specifically focused on the relationship between teacher perceptions of Response to Intervention (RTI), teacher racial attitudes, and teacher self-efficacy with respect to their special education referral decisions. Teachers assigned to grades K-5 (n=51), from three Florida public school districts, completed an online survey. The survey included reading four vignettes each describing a fictitious 3rd grade, male, Black/African American student and rating the severity of the academic concern, the severity of the behavior concern, and the likelihood that they would refer the student for a special education evaluation. Participants also completed a revised RTI Survey, the Color-Blind Racial Attitudes Scale (CoBRAS), and the Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES). Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated as well as an ordinal logistic regression. A statistically significant relationship was found between the Unawareness of Institutional Discrimination subscale score of the CoBRAS and the behavior concern for a student described as having mild behavior and academic concerns. A statistically significant relationship was found between the rating of the behavior concern and the Efficacy in Student Engagement and Efficacy in Classroom Management subscale scores on the TSES for the vignette describing a student with a severe reading concern and a mild behavior concern. The teachers' perceptions of RTI, racial attitudes, and sense of efficacy did not appear to have a statistically significant impact on their rating of the likelihood of referral for any of the students described in the vignettes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007608, ucf:52545
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007608
- Title
- An Ecological Analysis of Social and Economic Influences on Black and White Infant Mortality Risk In Orange County, FL.
- Creator
-
Lopez-Littleton, Vanessa, Liberman, Aaron, Wan, Thomas, Wright, James, Lieberman, Leslie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Black health disparities are a salient public health issue with blacks in every socioeconomic level at a greater health disadvantage than their white counterparts. In particular, disparity in infant mortality rates between blacks and whites have widened in recent decades to differentials never before experienced in the United States. Social ecologists investigating the myriad of individual and environmental risk factors have failed to fully account for the persistent differential. This study...
Show moreBlack health disparities are a salient public health issue with blacks in every socioeconomic level at a greater health disadvantage than their white counterparts. In particular, disparity in infant mortality rates between blacks and whites have widened in recent decades to differentials never before experienced in the United States. Social ecologists investigating the myriad of individual and environmental risk factors have failed to fully account for the persistent differential. This study examines the relationships between individual and environmental influences on the health risk experienced by blacks, whites, as well as the differential between the two populations. This multi-level analysis was conducted using five-year aggregate data centering on the 2000 decennial census (1998 - 2002) as the most recent census data available. During the study period, the 193 census tracts in Orange County, Florida, experienced 504 infant deaths which included 242 black and 241 white infant deaths. Using the infant mortality target rate developed for Healthy People 2000 as the (")normal(") infant mortality rate, risk was calculated as the percentage of deviation from the (")normal("). A rate was also calculated to demonstrate the difference between black and white percent deviations from the (")normal("). Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationship between socioeconomic influences (Socioeconomic Disadvantage), social risk factors (Social Disorganization), and behavioral risk factors (Poor Behavioral Choices) using a latent variable approach based on a conceptual model which integrated the social determinants of health framework and conflict theory. In this study, an inverse association was found between socioeconomic disadvantage and infant mortality risk for black infants. This finding is contradictory to the expected finding and may have been due to multicollinearity or the operationalization of the endogenous study variable for black infant mortality risk. Thus, this study highlights the complexity of unraveling the interrelationship between social and economic risk factors. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of the latent variable approach in public health research as well as the need to broaden the approach to selecting indicators. This study concludes with specific policy recommendations aimed at improving the health outcomes of vulnerable populations using the social determinants of health framework.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004129, ucf:49109
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004129
- Title
- HEALTH-CARE SEEKING BEHAVIORS OF PUERTO RICANS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS WHO LIVE IN SOUTH FLORIDA: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY.
- Creator
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Gonzalez, Laura, Bushy, Angeline, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT Latinos are the fastest growing minority population in the United States (U.S.) and have the worst access to health care of any ethnic group. The chronic disease of diabetes is twice as common in adult Latinos as in non-Latino whites, and the risk of death related to diabetes is twofold. Reasons for this disparity have yet to be clearly identified. This study had two purposes: 1) to explore cultural beliefs regarding health-care seeking behaviors in Puerto Ricans with diabetes who...
Show moreABSTRACT Latinos are the fastest growing minority population in the United States (U.S.) and have the worst access to health care of any ethnic group. The chronic disease of diabetes is twice as common in adult Latinos as in non-Latino whites, and the risk of death related to diabetes is twofold. Reasons for this disparity have yet to be clearly identified. This study had two purposes: 1) to explore cultural beliefs regarding health-care seeking behaviors in Puerto Ricans with diabetes who live in South Florida; and 2) to examine Puerto Ricans' perceptions about their health-care providers. The cultural phenomena of interest were familism, religiosity, spirituality, use of ethnomedicine, and perception of ethnic concordance of health-care provider. Numerous studies have examined these phenomena with other Latino groups, but none have specifically focused on Puerto Ricans. An overarching goal of the study was to contribute to the knowledge base on a particular health disparity--diabetes. Using a narrative inquiry approach, a purposive sample of self-identified Puerto Ricans with diabetes (N = 12) were recruited from six sites in a South Florida city. Data were obtained using a pencil-and-paper demographic instrument, the Short Acculturation Scale to determine language preference of Spanish or English, and a personal interview using a semi-structured, ten-item interview guide. Subjects gave written informed consent for participation, and all data were coded to ensure confidentiality. The personal interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interviews completed in Spanish were translated to English and transcribed. Using content analyses techniques, transcribed narratives were analyzed for content and thematic emergence. iii The findings revealed that familism was an important consideration in health-care seeking behaviors. Traditional gender role expectations, coupled with caregiver burdens, deterred some participants from seeking care even when care was needed. Religiosity and spirituality did not influence decision-making but did have a role in coping with the chronic disease. While participants were aware of culturally based ethnomedicine, they preferred Western medicine for the treatment of their diabetes. They also had a preference for a health-care provider who was ethnically concordant. Serendipitous findings that emerged in the analyses included the casual attitude of several participants about their diabetic status and reports of depressive-like symptoms among most of the women. Health-care providers need to take into consideration the cultural and linguistic preferences of Puerto Ricans to develop an appropriate and effective treatment plan. Discrepancies between the health-care providers and the clients' systems must be reconciled to improve adherence to evidence-based treatment.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002018, ucf:47631
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002018
- Title
- IS "GOOD" GOOD ENOUGH? A SMALL AREA VARIATION ANALYSIS OF DISPARITY IN EXPRESSED RATES OF ACCESS TO AND SATISFACTION WITH CHILD AND ADOLESCENT HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA.
- Creator
-
Schaefer, Jay, Holmes, Stephen T., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this dissertation research was to explore indications of disparities within the east Central Florida child and adolescent healthcare services market. Structured as a follow-up study to work completed in 2005 under the direction of the Health Council of East Central Florida assessing parental perceptions of community child and adolescent healthcare services, this research extended that evaluation by aggregating participant responses at the county and small area zip code group...
Show moreThe purpose of this dissertation research was to explore indications of disparities within the east Central Florida child and adolescent healthcare services market. Structured as a follow-up study to work completed in 2005 under the direction of the Health Council of East Central Florida assessing parental perceptions of community child and adolescent healthcare services, this research extended that evaluation by aggregating participant responses at the county and small area zip code group levels, contextually testing the uniformity of responses in understanding parent perceptions of access to, and satisfaction with, community healthcare service offerings available for children and adolescents. Under a variety of methodologies significance in the responses concerning access to healthcare services were demonstrated between the counties studied. Statistical modeling, however, could not demonstrate the core demographic differences among these data. Data representing perceptions of satisfaction with the services received by children and adolescents were demonstrated at the small area zip code group level within Orange county. Primary effect assessment of the demographic variables representing these respondents yielded findings generally consistent with theoretical expectations of disparity but, notably, the correlation effects between a number of key independent variables demonstrated a mediation of the primary effects on overall perception of satisfaction. Specifically, it was demonstrated that the interaction of white race with possession of private healthcare insurance, and the interaction of greater levels of educational attainment with black race, caused a proportional reduction in the predicted satisfaction score of these survey respondent cohorts. Further research specific to these phenomenon encompassing a clearer understanding of the type of care received and the individual's specific experiences with their healthcare providers was recommended, with ensuing research to better identify commonalities of interactions with specific area providers, local restrictions imposed by area insurance carriers, influences caused by language and/or cultural barriers, and the like as drivers in understanding the individual dynamics of satisfaction.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003505, ucf:48977
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003505
- Title
- An Examination of the Florida Linking Individuals Needing Care Coordination Program for Racial and Ethnic Minority Females.
- Creator
-
Vance, Michelle, Gryglewicz, Kimberley, Chapple, Reshawna, Lawrence, Shawn, Fisher, Kristina Childs, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Suicide accounts for close to 800,000 deaths each year, making it one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In the state of Florida, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. Currently, it is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 15-29, claiming more lives than homicide. Among Black and Hispanic youth (10 to 24), it is the 2nd and 3rd leading causes of death. This study aimed to examine the extent to which depression and suicidality outcomes change among...
Show moreSuicide accounts for close to 800,000 deaths each year, making it one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In the state of Florida, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. Currently, it is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 15-29, claiming more lives than homicide. Among Black and Hispanic youth (10 to 24), it is the 2nd and 3rd leading causes of death. This study aimed to examine the extent to which depression and suicidality outcomes change among racial and ethnic minority females (i.e., Black and African American, Hispanic) who participated in a care coordination intervention. These subpopulations were chosen due to limited suicide prevention research on at-risk racial and ethnic minority females and to address health disparities. To examine these outcomes, the study employed a one-group pretest-posttest design utilizing secondary data from 76 youth participants enrolled in the care coordination program from three crisis stabilization units (CSU) in Florida. Key findings included significant decreases in depression symptomology (54%) and suicidality (82%). Among participants enrolled in the program, 84% did not have a readmission to the CSU. Length of stay was a predictor or readmission in that a one unit (one day) increase lead to a 3% increase in odds of readmission to the CSU. Results of this study can help guide social work and mental health practitioners in designing and implementing community-based suicide prevention programs for racial and ethnic minority females.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007548, ucf:52594
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007548
- Title
- Emergency Room Utilization Disparities among Older Adults Treated by Rural Health Clinics.
- Creator
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Bagwell, Matt, Wan, Thomas, Zhang, Ning, Ortiz, Judith, Hofler, Richard, Bushy, Angeline, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Examining the persistence of disparities over time is an important obligation in terms of rectifying, maintaining, and improving community health and social well-being for all. This study analyzed the individual factors of (a) race/ ethnicity and (b) dual eligibility, as a proxy measure of socioeconomic status, as well as the environmental factor of (c) place of residence, and the organizational factor of (d) Rural Health Clinic (RHC) type on emergency room (ER) utilization of older adult...
Show moreExamining the persistence of disparities over time is an important obligation in terms of rectifying, maintaining, and improving community health and social well-being for all. This study analyzed the individual factors of (a) race/ ethnicity and (b) dual eligibility, as a proxy measure of socioeconomic status, as well as the environmental factor of (c) place of residence, and the organizational factor of (d) Rural Health Clinic (RHC) type on emergency room (ER) utilization of older adult Medicare patients treated by RHCs within the Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS) Region 4. A prospective, multi-level, longitudinal design was employed to analyze potential health disparities or gaps that may exist among RHC Medicare beneficiary patients (+65) using longitudinal, mixed multilevel modeling in SPSS. The years of investigation were 2010 through 2012. R4 has continually lagged behind other Regions in the Nation in having higher Health Disparities and ER Utilization rates related to Race, Poverty, and Rural Isolation. A key question is: Do these disparities persist? This study's findings support that dual eligible RHC patients utilized ER services at higher rates than non-dual eligible, Medicare only RHC patients at: 77%, 80%, and 66%, in 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively; and above the White reference group, Black RHC Medicare patients utilized ER services at higher rates of: 18%, 20%, and 34%, in 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively. These findings support that dual Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, as a proxy measure of socioeconomic status, and race continue to influence higher rates of ER utilization in Region 4. In terms of health and utilization disparities, strikingly and persistently, as recent as 2012, Black, dual eligible RHC Medicare beneficiary patients age 65 and over are twice as likely to utilize ER services for health care than their more advantaged counterparts. Health care leaders and policymakers are seeking evidence-based performance measures as tools for detecting gaps in health care and using those subsequent findings as leverage to implement policy change for the purpose of increasing health care delivery performance system-wide while lowering health disparities across various patient populations. Toward that goal, communicating and disseminating the findings of this study contributes to the body of knowledge and enables policy leaders to better make decisions based on empirical evidence in order to strengthen the health care delivery system for older adults in diverse rural contexts. From a health and public affairs policy perspective, crafting in tandem targeted, top-down, population health and bottom-up, community interventions to curb poor health outcomes and high health care utilization would be in the public interest at-large within this region of the Southeastern United States.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006259, ucf:51051
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006259
- Title
- Don't do the crime if you can't do a man's time: examining sentencing disparities using offender demographics.
- Creator
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Rinker, Vanessa, Corzine, Harold, Donley, Amy, Reckdenwald, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Looking back, America has seen its fair share of differences among its population, so it should not come as a shock that sentencing disparities are a serious criminal justice issue in the United States. Each year, thousands of people are sent to Federal prisons where they receive sentences for crimes they have been convicted of committing. The United States Sentencing Commission publishes these results annually. No matter the number of persons entering the prison system on the federal level,...
Show moreLooking back, America has seen its fair share of differences among its population, so it should not come as a shock that sentencing disparities are a serious criminal justice issue in the United States. Each year, thousands of people are sent to Federal prisons where they receive sentences for crimes they have been convicted of committing. The United States Sentencing Commission publishes these results annually. No matter the number of persons entering the prison system on the federal level, the number of female offenders often remains about the same (8555 in 2000; 9451 in 2007; and 9302 in 2008). While it is illegal to openly discriminate against a defendant and give them a sentence based on his or her demographics, the laws are written in ways where discrimination can still be allowed. The current research examines the relationship between not only gender, but also looks to education, race, age, and the crime committed to explain this gap in sentencing. Methodology: The data for the current research are from the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC), an annual report comprised of details for every person who entered federal prison in the given year. The current research used data from the year 2016 and includes 67,660 cases. Findings: Findings are supportive of previous research. Whether or not a defendant will receive a sentence is influenced by gender, age, race, education, and offense type. Sex, race, and education also affected the length of the sentence received. Unlike previous studies, age did not appear to be significant when determining the length of a sentence.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007087, ucf:51958
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007087
- Title
- EXPLORING THE VALUE OF THE BACHELOR'S DEGREE FOR TEACHERS IN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FIELD: A RESEARCH SYNTHESIS.
- Creator
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Hogan, Melissa A, Macy, Marisa, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The implementation of standardized testing has changed education in the United States resulting in a content ripple effect from the higher grades down to preschool aged children. To match that ripple effect early childhood education can be evaluated and reformed accordingly by exploring many factors that make up the early childhood education system. This manuscript addressed one factor, early childhood teacher preparation, through a synthesis of literature related to the potential benefits of...
Show moreThe implementation of standardized testing has changed education in the United States resulting in a content ripple effect from the higher grades down to preschool aged children. To match that ripple effect early childhood education can be evaluated and reformed accordingly by exploring many factors that make up the early childhood education system. This manuscript addressed one factor, early childhood teacher preparation, through a synthesis of literature related to the potential benefits of earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Development and Education, or a BS. The theories of early brain development were explored first and then studies of the social components affecting an Early Childhood Educator's, or ECE's, choice in teacher preparation were reviewed. The review then defined and compared the Child Development Associate or CDA, the Associate of Arts degree, or AA, and the BS. Professional recommendations and standards according to the National Association for Young Children, or NAEYC were included to understand how valuable the BS is to these trend setters of the field. The review then explored how the BS is currently being used nationally in a state-funded program known as VPK, utilizing the National Institute for Early Education Research, or NIEER. This data provided a snapshot of the national demand for the BS in the early childhood field. The pay disparities were then correlated with levels of education and compared with primary and upper grade compensation. The final value explored was research of how the BS directly affected results of the quality in the early childhood classroom and teacher-child interactions. These studies used two quality rating scales, the ECERS and CLASS, which were defined and compared. The findings of the synthesized literature review provided understanding of a young field that is growing and implies where further research and change could happen to match the effects of an evolving education system in the United States of America.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000420, ucf:45866
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000420
