Tailored, interactive soap operas for breast cancer education of high-risk Hispanic women

BACKGROUND

While Hispanic women have lower rates of breast cancer than do women of other ethnic groups, they are the least likely to undergo screening examinations. This study evaluated a culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate, tailored, computer-based, educational program for early detection of breast cancer aimed at high-risk Hispanic women.

METHODS

Spanish-speaking Hispanic women from an inner-city community health clinic were recruited and randomly assigned either to a computer intervention with an interactive soap-opera format (n = 118) or to a comparison group (n = 60). Pre- and posttests were used to identify any change in breast-cancer-related knowledge and beliefs.

RESULTS

Both younger (18-40 years old) and older (41-65 years old) women in the intervention group demonstrated significant increases in their breast cancer screening knowledge and beliefs as compared with the younger and older women in the comparison group (n < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Computer-based tailored and interactive soap operas that are linguistically and culturally appropriate are effective in increasing breast cancer screening knowledge and beliefs among underserved Spanish-speaking Hispanic women.

In vivo imaging of fatty acid incorporation into brain to examine signal transduction and neuroplasticity involving phospholipids

An in vivo method is presented that allows quantification and imaging of fatty acid incorporation into different brain phospholipids in relation to membrane synthesis, neuroplasticity, and signal transduction. The method can be used with positron emission tomography, and may help to evaluate brain phospholipid metabolism in humans with brain tumors, neurodegenerative disease, cerebral ischemia or trauma, or neurotoxic effects of drugs or other agents.

Health behaviors and beliefs of four allied health professions regarding health promotion and disease prevention

Certified nurse midwives, certified physician assistants, registered dental hygienists, and registered dietitians were surveyed to determine to what extent important health promotion and disease prevention behaviors are a part of their lifestyle. Also assessed were beliefs about health promotion and disease prevention practices. The study found that the respondents perceive themselves as important providers of health promotion and preventive services. Although most of the respondents are good health role models, many should consider changes in their own behaviors. Additionally, continued learning by many of these professionals appears warranted, particularly in recognizing the significance of certain health behaviors as they relate to preventing disease and promoting health.