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Sharma M, Johansen C, Fudolig M, Dai CL, Kapukotuwa S, Davalos L, Bonsu L. Theory-based antecedents of breastfeeding among pregnant women in the United States. Health Promot Perspect 2024; 14:70-79. [PMID: 38623350 PMCID: PMC11016141 DOI: 10.34172/hpp.42599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Breastfeeding provides several positive health benefits for the newborn child, yet breastfeeding rates remain low in the United States (US). Theory-based approaches have the potential to improve breastfeeding promotion interventions. Hence, the study examined the correlates of intention to breastfeed among US pregnant women based on the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, a 36-item online survey was administered to a nationally representative sample of 315 pregnant women in the US. The instrument was psychometrically validated for face, content, and construct validity by a panel of six experts over two rounds. Further, construct validation was done by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Hierarchical regression modeling was employed to explain the intention to start breastfeeding and sustain exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months and with complementary foods for up to 24 months. Results Internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha was found to be acceptable. It was found that behavioral confidence and changes in the physical environment positively affected the initiation of breastfeeding (P<0.01; adjusted R2=0.478). All three constructs of MTM namely practice for change, emotional transformation, and changes in the social environment were significant predictors for the sustenance of breastfeeding at six months (P<0.01; adjusted R2=0.591) and at 24 months (P<0.01; adjusted R2=0.347). Conclusion Based on the findings of this study it is essential for educators and healthcare providers to design MTM-based interventions to promote breastfeeding among pregnant women in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Sharma
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), NV 89119, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA
| | - Christopher Johansen
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), NV 89119, USA
| | - Miguel Fudolig
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), NV 89119, USA
| | - Chia-Liang Dai
- Department of Teaching and Learning, College of Education, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, (UNLV), NV 89119, USA
| | - Sidath Kapukotuwa
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), NV 89119, USA
| | - Liliana Davalos
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), NV 89119, USA
| | - Laurencia Bonsu
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), NV 89119, USA
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Kawi J, Fudolig M, Serafica R, Reyes AT, Sy F, Leyva EWA, Evangelista LS. Health information sources and health-seeking behaviours of Filipinos living in medically underserved communities: Empirical quantitative research. Nurs Open 2024; 11:e2140. [PMID: 38488390 PMCID: PMC10941603 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.2140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS To describe sources of health information and health-seeking behaviours of adults (aged ≥18) living in medically underserved communities in the Philippines. DESIGN This is a secondary, quantitative analysis from a cross-sectional parent study. Participants completed a 10-item, self-report survey on their sources of health information, healthcare providers sought for health and wellness and health-seeking behaviours when ill. Responses were evaluated across two age groups (<60 vs. ≥60 years) and genders using generalized linear mixed models. RESULTS Surveys were completed by 1202 participants in rural settings (64.6% female, mean age 49.5 ± 17.6). Friends and/or family were their key source of health information (59.6%), followed by traditional media (37%) and healthcare professionals (12.2%). For health promotion, participants went to healthcare professionals (60.9%), informal healthcare providers (17.2%) or others (7.2%). When ill, they visited a healthcare professional 69.1% of the time, self-medicated (43.9%), prayed (39.5%) or sought treatment from a rural health clinic (31.5%). We also found differences in health-seeking behaviours based on age and gender. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the need to organize programs that explicitly deliver accurate health information and adequate care for wellness and illness. Study findings emphasize the importance of integrating family, friends, media and healthcare professionals, including public health nurses, to deliver evidence-based health information, health promotion and sufficient treatment to medically underserved Filipinos. IMPLICATIONS New knowledge provides valuable information to healthcare providers, including public health nurses, in addressing health disparities among medically underserved Filipinos. IMPACT This study addresses the current knowledge gap in a medically vulnerable population. Healthcare professionals are not the primary sources of health information. Approximately one-third of participants do not seek them for health promotion or treatment even when ill, exacerbating health inequities. More work is necessary to support initiatives in low- and middle-income countries such as the Philippines to reduce health disparities. REPORTING METHOD We adhered to the reporting guidelines of STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) for cross-sectional studies. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION There was no patient or public contribution as our study design and methodology do not make this necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Kawi
- School of Nursing, University of Nevada Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Miguel Fudolig
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Reimund Serafica
- School of Nursing, University of Nevada Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Andrew T. Reyes
- School of Nursing, University of Nevada Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Francisco Sy
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
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Reyes AT, Serafica R, Kawi J, Fudolig M, Sy F, Leyva EWA, Evangelista LS. Using the Socioecological Model to Explore Barriers to Health Care Provision in Underserved Communities in the Philippines: Qualitative Study. Asian Pac Isl Nurs J 2023; 7:e45669. [PMID: 37606966 PMCID: PMC10481217 DOI: 10.2196/45669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Philippines' primary care is delivered via local health centers called barangay health centers (BHCs). Barangays are the most local government units in the Philippines. Designed to promote and prevent disease via basic health care, these BHCs are staffed mainly by barangay health workers (BHWs). However, there has been limited research on the social and environmental factors affecting underserved communities' access to health care in underserved areas of the Philippines. Given the importance of BHCs in disease prevention and health promotion, it is necessary to identify obstacles to providing their services and initiatives. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore multilevel barriers to accessing and providing basic health care in BHCs. METHODS We used a qualitative approach and the socioecological model as a framework to investigate the multilevel barriers affecting basic health care provision. A total of 18 BHWs from 6 BHCs nationwide participated in focus group interviews. Traditional thematic content analysis was used to analyze the focus group data. After that, we conducted individual semistructured interviews with 4 public health nurses who supervised the BHWs to confirm findings from focus groups as a data source triangulation. The final stage of thematic analysis was conducted using the socioecological model as the framework. RESULTS Findings revealed various barriers at the individual (lack of staff motivation and misperceptions of health care needs), interpersonal (lack of training, unprofessional behaviors, and lack of communication), institutional (lack of human resources for health, lack of accountability of staff, unrealistic expectations, and lack of physical space or supplies), community (lack of community support, lack of availability of appropriate resources, and belief in traditional healers), and policy (lack of uniformity in policies and resources and lack of a functional infrastructure) levels. CONCLUSIONS Examining individual-, interpersonal-, institutional-, community-, and policy-level determinants that affect BHCs can inform community-based health promotion interventions for the country's underserved communities. Given the multidimensional barriers identified, a comprehensive program must be developed and implemented in collaboration with health care providers, community leaders, local and regional health care department representatives, and policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Thomas Reyes
- School of Nursing, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Reimund Serafica
- School of Nursing, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Jennifer Kawi
- School of Nursing, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Miguel Fudolig
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Francisco Sy
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
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Kapukotuwa S, Bonsu L, Chatterjee A, Fudolig M, Sharma M. Examining the Gambling Behavior of University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey Applying the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change in a Single Institution. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2151. [PMID: 37570391 PMCID: PMC10419051 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11152151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Gambling among college students can start as a pastime activity. However, this pastime can lead to problem gambling and pathological gambling. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify and explain the initiation and sustenance of quitting gambling among university students who had participated in gambling during the past month and those who had not using a novel fourth-generation multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. Data were collected from a sample of 1474 university students at a large southwestern university in the U.S. between January 2023 and February 2023, utilizing a validated 39-item survey. The statistical analyses employed in this study encompassed descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and hierarchical regression modeling. Among students who had engaged in gambling in the past month, the constructs of participatory dialogue (β = 0.052; p < 0.05), behavioral confidence (β = 0.073; p < 0.0001), changes in the physical environment (β = 0.040; p = 0.0137), and demographic variables accounted for 27.7% of the variance in the likelihood of initiating the behavior change. Furthermore, the constructs of emotional transformation (β = 0.104; p = 0.0003) and practice for change (β = 0.060; p = 0.0368), and demographic variables accounted for 22.6% of the variance in the likelihood of sustaining quitting gambling behavior. The Multi-Theory Model (MTM) can be employed to design interventions aimed at reducing problem gambling among college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidath Kapukotuwa
- Department of Social & Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA; (L.B.); (A.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Laurencia Bonsu
- Department of Social & Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA; (L.B.); (A.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Anita Chatterjee
- Department of Social & Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA; (L.B.); (A.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Miguel Fudolig
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA;
| | - Manoj Sharma
- Department of Social & Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA; (L.B.); (A.C.); (M.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA
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Serafica R, Fudolig M, Kawi J, Thomas Reyes A, Leyva EWA, Sy FS, Evangelista LS. Correlates of Psychological Distress Among Filipino Americans and Filipinos Living in Urban Areas in the United States and the Philippines. J Transcult Nurs 2023; 34:256-262. [PMID: 36927196 PMCID: PMC10330160 DOI: 10.1177/10436596231159004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many Asian immigrants, including Filipino Americans (FilAms), experience psychological distress (PD) due to the challenges in adjusting to their new country and culture. This descriptive comparative study aimed to compare FilAms and Filipinos concerning their levels of PD, sources of stress, and use of health-promotion strategies. METHODS Data from 89 FilAms and 95 Filipinos living in urban cities, obtained from the I-HELP-FILIPINOS database, measuring cardiometabolic risks, mental health, and environmental stressors in 2017, including PD, were examined. RESULTS The mean age of all participants (N = 184) was 44.2 ± 22.8 years old. Both groups rated their health as good to excellent, although Filipinos were significantly more likely to be distressed (p < .001). Filipinos were also more likely to ascribe stress to employment (48.3% vs. 68.2%, p =.006) and finances (28.1% vs. 52.6%, p <.001) than FilAms. DISCUSSION While both groups shared comparative perspectives on health, FilAms reported lower PD than Filipinos. The most significant source of stress was the country of residence. We recommend tailoring interventions to each local context's unique social and environmental circumstances.
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Fudolig M. Effect of Transmission and Vaccination on Time to Dominance of Emerging Viral Strains: A Simulation-Based Study. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040860. [PMID: 37110282 PMCID: PMC10144238 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
We studied the effect of transmissibility and vaccination on the time required for an emerging strain of an existing virus to dominate in the infected population using a simulation-based experiment. The emergent strain is assumed to be completely resistant to the available vaccine. A stochastic version of a modified SIR model for emerging viral strains was developed to simulate surveillance data for infections. The proportion of emergent viral strain infections among the infected was modeled using a logistic curve and the time to dominance (TTD) was recorded for each simulation. A factorial experiment was implemented to compare the TTD values for different transmissibility coefficients, vaccination rates, and initial vaccination coverage. We discovered a non-linear relationship between TTD and the relative transmissibility of the emergent strain for populations with low vaccination coverage. Furthermore, higher vaccination coverage and high vaccination rates in the population yielded significantly lower TTD values. Vaccinating susceptible individuals against the current strain increases the susceptible pool of the emergent virus, which leads to the emergent strain spreading faster and requiring less time to dominate the infected population.
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Evangelista LS, Serafica R, T. Reyes A, Fudolig M, Kawi J, Sy F. Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Structural Racism and Health Disparities in the Philippines. Int Forum Nurs Healthc 2022; 5:14-16. [PMID: 37022315 PMCID: PMC10072864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Miguel Fudolig
- University of Nevada Las Vegas Department of Environmental and Occupational Health
| | | | - Francisco Sy
- University of Nevada Las Vegas Department of Environmental and Occupational Health
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Kozisek T, Hamann A, Samuelson L, Fudolig M, Pannier AK. Comparison of promoter, DNA vector, and cationic carrier for efficient transfection of hMSCs from multiple donors and tissue sources. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2021; 26:81-93. [PMID: 34513295 PMCID: PMC8413668 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are primary cells with high clinical relevance that could be enhanced through genetic modification. However, gene delivery, particularly through nonviral routes, is inefficient. To address the shortcomings of nonviral gene delivery to hMSCs, our lab has previously demonstrated that pharmacological "priming" of hMSCs with clinically approved drugs can increase transfection in hMSCs by modulating transfection-induced cytotoxicity. However, even with priming, hMSC transfection remains inefficient for clinical applications. This work takes a complementary approach to addressing the challenges of transfecting hMSCs by systematically investigating key transfection parameters for their effect on transgene expression. Specifically, we investigated two promoters (cytomegalovirus [CMV] and elongation factor 1 alpha), four DNA vectors (plasmid, plasmid with no F1 origin, minicircle, and mini-intronic plasmid), two cationic carriers (Lipofectamine 3000 and Turbofect), and four donors of hMSCs from two tissues (adipose and bone marrow) for efficient hMSC transfection. Following systematic comparison of each variable, we identified adipose-derived hMSCs transfected with mini-intronic plasmids containing the CMV promoter delivered using Lipofectamine 3000 as the parameters that produced the highest transfection levels. The data presented in this work can guide the development of other hMSC transfection systems with the goal of producing clinically relevant, genetically modified hMSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Kozisek
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Andrew Hamann
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Luke Samuelson
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Miguel Fudolig
- Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Angela K. Pannier
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
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Abstract
We study a novel multi-strain SIR epidemic model with selective immunity by vaccination. A newer strain is made to emerge in the population when a preexisting strain has reached equilbrium. We assume that this newer strain does not exhibit cross-immunity with the original strain, hence those who are vaccinated and recovered from the original strain become susceptible to the newer strain. Recent events involving the COVID-19 virus shows that it is possible for a viral strain to emerge from a population at a time when the influenza virus, a well-known virus with a vaccine readily available, is active in a population. We solved for four different equilibrium points and investigated the conditions for existence and local stability. The reproduction number was also determined for the epidemiological model and found to be consistent with the local stability condition for the disease-free equilibrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Fudolig
- Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States of America
| | - Reka Howard
- Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States of America
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