Racial Differences in Adolescents' Perceived Vulnerability to Disease and Injury

This study examined gender and racial differences in adolescents' risk perceptions of major diseases and motor vehicle injury and whether these perceptions agree with national mortality rates and parental health history. Adolescent (N = 135; 55% African-American) boys and girls reported on their chances compared to other adolescents of developing specific diseases or experiencing a motor vehicle injury and their knowledge of parental health history. Logistic regression models revealed that girls' risk perceptions were similar to boys' ratings even though females are at less risk than males per national figures. Caucasian adolescents inaccurately perceived that they were at significantly greater risk than African-American peers for motor vehicle injury, stroke, cancer, and heart attack. Adolescents' knowledge of a father's diabetes was predictive of greater perceived vulnerability to diabetes.     

Perceptions of Cancer Risk,Cause, and Needs in Participants from Low Socioeconomic Background at Risk for Hereditary Cancer

The purpose of this study was to describe perceptions of cancer risk, cause, and needs in participants from a low socioeconomic background at risk for hereditary cancer. We surveyed 307 individuals with the Cancer Awareness and Needs survey and received 128 responses (41.6% response rate). Family history, genetics, and tobacco use were selected most frequently as a cause of cancer; 36% (n = 46) selected fate and/or God's will. A total of 87.5% (n = 112) understood that having a close family member with breast cancer could increase personal risk; however responses were varied when asked if this was related to risk for other cancers. Most participants had undergone cancer screening, half reported undergoing breast magnetic resonance imaging, which was associated with personal (p < 0.01) and family cancer history (p = 0.03). An additional 76.6% (n = 98) felt informed about cancer screening and most received information from health care providers and family or friends. Ensuring that patients and clinicians are educated about hereditary cancer risk, detection, and prevention should be priorities for future research.     

Mothers' Supervision and Perception of Young Children's Risk of Unintentional Injury in the Home

Investigated whether control exerted through supervision isbelieved by mothers to reduce risk of unintentional injury totheir children. 150 mothers of 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old childrenrated the risk of their child having an injury and indicatedwhat injuries they anticipated in different rooms of the homeunder four conditions of supervision. A clear effect of supervisionwas observed in that rated risk and the number of anticipatedinjuries decreased depending on whether the mother was in thesame room or not. Furthermore, a decrease was found when themother was in the same room engaged in the same activity asthe child (either playing with or being assisted by the child).The observed effects of supervision were less strong for olderchildren and for rooms perceived as less dangerous.     

Application of Azjen's Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Sunbathing, Tanning Salon Use, and Sunscreen Use Intentions and Behaviors

Ajzen's (1988) theory of planned behavior (TOPB) was used to examine psychological determinants of high-risk UV radiation exposure-related behaviors (sunbathing, tanning salon use, and sunscreen use). Undergraduates at a midsized southeastern university were assessed on their psychological and behavioral tendencies toward high-risk UV radiation exposure-related behaviors. The results generally supported the utility of the TOPB as an explanatory model for high-risk behavior. Attitudes were strongly associated with high-risk intentions (e.g., not utilize sunscreen, use salons), whereas subjective norms were less so. Perceived behavioral control was found to moderate the relationship among attitudes, norms, and intentions to sunbathe and tan at a salon. Implications for intervention strategies and future model building in this area are discussed.     

Hypertension and Sickness Absence: The Role of Perceived Symptoms

The association between perceived symptoms and absenteeism was examined in five groups of employed adults: normotensives, unaware hypertensives, aware and untreated hypertensives, aware and treated hypertensives, and falsely aware normotensives. Aware hypertensives (untreated and treated) and falsely aware normotensives had a higher average of perceived symptoms than normotensives, whereas unaware hypertensives had lower. The absenteeism rate across the groups showed a similar pattern. A significant interaction of perceived symptoms by study group on absenteeism was uncovered. Hypertensives and falsely aware normotensives who reported a low level of symptoms were not absent more than their normotensive counterparts. However, aware hypertensives and falsely aware normotensives who perceived a high symptoms level showed higher absenteeism than unaware hypertensives and normotensives with a similar level. This suggests that aware hypertensives have a greater tendency than both normotensives and unaware hypertensives to equate their symptoms with ill health and to act accordingly. Special attention should be directed to aware hypertensives who perceive a threat to their health.     

Life Events,Perceived Control and Illness: The Role of Uncertainty

Abstract

The health implications of recognizing the difference between situations that are controllable and those that are not has been noted by a variety of sources. With this notion in mind, the present study examined the relationship between perceptions of control and desirability of life events and subsequent health in a college student sample. Subjects indicated which of a list of life events had occurred to them over a three-month span and also specified how desirable each was and to what extent they were in control of its occurrence. Illness was reported for the following month. The results indicated that both undesirable uncontrollable events and undesirable events of uncertain controllability were significantly related to the occurrence of illness. Of greatest interest was the finding that the occurrence of events of uncertain controllability was more strongly related to illness than events perceived as totally uncontrollable. The results are discussed in terms of research and theory stressing the adaptive significance of the ability to discriminate controllable situations from uncontrollable ones.     

A Model of Disease-Specific Worry in Heritable Disease: The Influence of Family History, Perceived Risk and Worry About Other Illnesses

Disease-related worry is associated with family history and perceived risk of that disease; however, the influences of general risk perceptions and tendencies to worry about diseases have been neglected in the literature. This study investigates a model of disease-specific worry which includes family history, disease-specific perceived risk, and perceived risk for and worry about other diseases. Participants completed a survey assessing these variables in relation to several heritable diseases. Structural equation modeling found that family history predicted disease-specific perceived risk but not perceived risk for other diseases. Disease-specific perceived risk predicted disease-specific worry and worry about other diseases. Perceived risk for other diseases predicted worry about other diseases and disease-specific perceived risk but not disease-specific worry. Disease-specific worry predicted worry about other diseases. This model was supported across several diseases and indicates that disease-specific and general considerations of risk influence worry about a disease and should be considered in interventions.     

Perceived risk, risk taking, estimation of ability and injury among adolescent sport participants

OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive validity of perceived risk, risk taking, estimation of ability, overefficacy, and previous injuries on actual injury among adolescents in sport; and to examine sex differences on these factors. METHODS: A cohort of 260 (148 male, 112 female) soccer players aged 11 to 14 years participated in a 3-month prospective injury study. Preseason written measures included self-reported perceived risk, previous injuries, risk taking and estimation of ability. RESULTS: Low levels of perceived risk and estimation of ability were associated with a significant increase in risk of injury, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 3.77-7.92. Positive relationships between injury and both estimation of ability and overestimation of ability were supported. Estimation of ability was also positively related to risk taking. In this study, however, risk taking was not directly related to injury, nor were previous injuries. Girls reported higher levels of perceived risk and lower levels of risk taking than boys. However, boys and girls reported similar estimation of ability and overestimation of ability and subsequently incurred similar numbers of injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived risk and estimation of ability represent significant psychological risk factors for injury in adolescent sports. Sex differences in perceived risk, risk taking, and previous injuries should be considered when developing environmental and behavioral injury-prevention programs.     

Adolescent smoking and perceived vulnerability to smoking-related causes of death.

Tested adolescent smokers' perceptions of risk for smoking-related causes of death in comparison to nonsmoking peers. 408 high school Ss (11% regular smokers, 15% occasional smokers) estimated the likelihood of personal death from cancer, emphysema, and stroke. Smokers did not differ from nonsmokers on perceived risks for smoking-related deaths. Smokers and nonsmokers perceived the odds of dying from cancer as high but, unrealistically, smokers did not view it as higher than nonsmokers. Regular smokers who report high exposure to news appear to minimize the risks for cancer and stroke deaths. High sensation-seeking tendencies led to lower perceived risks for males but not for females. The "invulnerability syndrome" is discussed in relationship to adolescents' risk perceptions.     

Use of a Text Message Program to Raise Type 2 Diabetes Risk Awareness and Promote Health Behavior Change (Part II): Assessment of Participants' Perceptions on Efficacy

Background

Although there is great enthusiasm in both the public and private sector for the further development and use of large-scale consumer-facing public health applications for mobile platforms, little is known about user experience and satisfaction with this type of approach. As a part of the Beacon Community Cooperative Agreement Program, txt4health, a public-facing, mobile phone-based health information service targeting type 2 diabetes, was launched in 3 Beacon Communities: the Southeast Michigan Beacon Community in Detroit, MI, the Greater Cincinnati Beacon Community in Cincinnati, OH, and the Crescent City Beacon Community in New Orleans, LA. This program was marketed via large public health campaigns and drew many users within the respective communities.

Objective

The purpose of this investigation was to use the RE-AIM framework to document txt4health efficacy by focusing on perceptions of satisfaction, usage, and behavior change among individuals who used txt4health in pilot studies in Southeast Michigan and Greater Cincinnati.

Methods

We conducted a multimodal user survey with txt4health users recruited via text message through the program to understand participant perceptions of program use and satisfaction, as well as self-reported perceptions of behavior change as a result of using txt4health.

Results

Txt4health users reported very high levels of program satisfaction, with 67.1% (108/161) reporting satisfaction scores of ≥8 on a 10-point scale, with 10 equivalent to most satisfied (mean 8.2, SD 1.6). All survey participants agreed/strongly agreed that the messages included in txt4health were clear and easy to understand (100.0%, 160/160), and most found txt4health made them knowledgeable about their risk for type 2 diabetes (88.1%, 140/159) and made them conscious of their diet and physical activity (88.8%, 142/160). Most participants reported that txt4health helped them to make behavior changes related to diet; after having completed txt4health, most agreed/strongly agreed that they are more likely to replace sugary drinks, such as juice or soda, with water (78.0%, 124/159), have a piece of fresh fruit instead of dessert (74.2%, 118/159), substitute a small salad for chips or fries when dining out (76.1%, 121/159), buy healthier foods when grocery shopping (79.7%, 126/158), and eat more grilled, baked, or broiled foods instead of fried (75.5%, 120/159).

Conclusions

Results from this study suggest that participants in txt4health, a large-scale, public health–focused text message program targeting type 2 diabetes, have positive perceptions of the program and that participation has led to positive behavior change.     

Effect of Sucrose in Breakfast Items on Pleasantness and Food Intake in The Elderly

This study was designed to determine the differences between young and elderly people on the perceived intensity and pleasantness of sucrose in foods, in relation to their food intake. First, a group of 35 young subjects (mean age: 22 ± 2 years) and 29 elderly subjects (mean age: 79 ± 6 years) judged the intensity and the pleasantness of 5 series of breakfast items: orange lemonade, strawberry jam, strawberry yoghurt, chocolate paste, and grain porridge, each with 5 geometrically spaced sucrose concentration levels. On average, the elderly people had a lower slope of the sucrose psychophysical function. Optimal preferred sucrose concentrations were higher for the elderly compared to the young. The second phase in the study concerned the effects of the different optimal sucrose concentrations in foods on food intake. The second experiment dealt with 2 different optimal preferred sucrose concentrations (elderly vs. young subjects) in the food items: orange lemonade, strawberry and blueberry jam, and strawberry and blueberry yoghurt, served during breakfast. A group of 33 young people (mean age: 23 ± 2 years) and 25 elderly subjects (mean age: 82 ± 5 years) participated in a crossover study of 2 5-day (breakfast) treatments. Subjects ate ad lib from these foods and other items such as bread, coffee, and tea. The results showed that the sucrose concentration had no effect on the absolute amount consumed, although total energy intake of the breakfast increased with the higher sucrose foods. No clear difference was found in pleasantness between the 2 breakfasts with the different sucrose concentrations. These findings indicate that a flavor concentration evaluated as being most pleasant by the elderly with the help of small amounts of stimuli (in a lab setting) does not necessarily predict the pleasantness and the food intake behaviour in realistic settings.     

Perceived tiredness among adolescents and its association with sleep habits and use of psychoactive substances

This study investigated the variation in perceived tiredness among 11, 13 and 15-year-old Finnish adolescents (n=4187). Additionally interrelationships between sleep habits, use of psychoactive substances (alcohol, tobacco and coffee) and perceived tiredness among 15-year-olds were examined. This study is part of an international, WHO-coordinated survey of school children's health and lifestyle (the HBSC Study). In Finland, research data represented the whole country. The data were collected in March–May 1994. Pupils responded anonymously to a standardized questionnaire during a class period. Subjective tiredness was very common and increased with age among adolescents. Perceived tiredness on at least four school mornings a week increased from 24 to 35% among boys and from 16 to 34% among girls. Feeling tired more often than once a week increased from 20 to 37% in girls and from 24 to 50% in boys. Structural equation models showed that interrelationships between three factors – sleep habits, use of psychoactive substances and perceived tiredness – were statistically significant. For these three factors the two remaining factors explained 24% of the variance of perceived tiredness among boys and 20% among girls, and the two remaining factors explained 42% (16%) of the variation in sleep habits. For the variance of the use of psychoactive substances sleep habits and perceived tiredness explained 26% (12%). Subjective tiredness is strongly age related; this together with the use of psychoactive substances and sleep habits regulate adolescents’ daily life and well-being.     

Risk communication in genetic counseling: Exploring uptake and perception of recurrence numbers,and their impact on patient outcomes

Providing recurrence numbers is often considered a fundamental component of genetic counseling. We sought to fill knowledge gaps regarding how often patients actively seek recurrence numbers, and how they impact patient outcomes. We conducted a retrospective chart review at a clinic where patients routinely complete the Genetic Counseling Outcomes Scale (GCOS, measuring empowerment) pre (T1)/post (T2) appointment. Using analysis of covariance, we evaluated the effect on T2 GCOS score of: (1) receiving recurrence numbers and (2) patient perception of recurrence numbers. Recurrence numbers were a primary indication for 134/300 patients (45%). After counseling about etiology and risk‐reducing strategies, 116 patients (39%) opted to receive recurrence numbers, with most (n = 64, 55%) perceiving the number to be lower than expected. There was no difference in T2 GCOS scores between those who: (1) received recurrence numbers vs those who did not, or (2) perceived the number to be lower than expected vs those with other perceptions. However, a subset of patients who did not receive recurrence numbers had larger increases in GCOS scores. Our data provide impetus to question the assumption that recurrence numbers should be routinely provided in genetic counseling, and show that in naturalistic practice, optimal patient outcomes are not contingent on receipt of recurrence numbers.     

Assessing Readiness to Change Substance Abuse: A Critical Review of Instruments

This literature review summarizes the psychometric properties of 12 measures used to assess readiness to change substance abuse. Assessment methods vary, and include algorithms, self-administered questionnaires, and clinical ratings. We describe each and summarize reliability and validity information. Some measures have poor psychometric properties, whereas limited psychometric data are available for others. No single measure emerges as best for use in clinical settings, and promising candidates differ regarding target population and assessment method. Although the Transtheoretical Model inspired much of the empirical work on readiness to change, the psychometric literature provides inconsistent support for the stages of change. Readiness to change may best be conceptualized as a multidimensional and continuous construct with complex relationships to behavior, cognition, and environmental context.     

Mental Health of Young Adults with Chronic Illness: The Mediating Effect of Perceived Impact

Examined psychological symptomatology in a community-based sampleof 286 young adults with chronic health conditions randomlydrawn from the rolls of two state programs for Children withSpecial Health Care Needs. The Psychiatric Symptom Index wasused to assess mental health. We investigated how selected conditioncharacteristics (e.g., indices of severity, symptom predictability,prognosis, age of onset, and visibility of condition) increasedrisk of psychological symptoms. Analyses indicate that (a) thispopulation is at high risk for psychological symptoms, (b) selectedrisk factors (i.e., prognosis, restricted activity days, presenceof hearing and speech problems, and perceived unpredictabilityof symptoms) have significant effects on mental health statuswhen other variables are taken into account, and (c) respondents'perceptions of the impact of the condition mediates associationsbetween selected risk factors and mental health. Results arediscussed in relation to preventive interventions for this populationof young adults     

领悟社会支持对大学生抑郁情绪的影响

目的通过对大学生社会支持与抑郁情绪之间的相关性调查,探讨社会支持对抑郁情绪的影响。方法用领悟社会支持量表(PSSS)和流调中心用抑郁量表对新乡市3所高校不同年级1039名大学生进行随机整班调查。结果①领悟社会支持在抑郁上的主效应非常显著(r=-0.219,P<0.001);领悟社会支持良好的大学生抑郁情绪(t=-4.290,P<0.001)比领悟社会支持不良大学生(t=-5.278,P<0.001)的抑郁情绪显著少;②新乡市大学生总的抑郁情绪检出率为83.8%;不同性别的大学生抑郁情绪(t=2.158,P<0.05),社会支持(t=-4.274,P<0.001)均有显著性差异;③不同生源地的大学生抑郁情绪无显著差异(t=-1.414,P>0.05),而社会支持状况有显著差异(t=-2.388,P<0.05);④家庭内的领悟社会支持较家庭外的领悟社会支持对抑郁情绪的影响更为重要。结论领悟社会支持及各维度作为影响抑郁的重要因素,能够在不同程度上减少抑郁者的不良情绪体验,提高个体心理健康水平。     

Children's Perceptions of Peers with AIDS: Assessing the Impact of Contagion Information, Perceived Similarity, and Illness Conceptualization

Assessed factors that affected acceptance of a hypotheticalpeer with AIDS. Children in Grades 4–6 read vignettescontaining one of four levels of contagion information and oneof two levels of perceived similarity. Illness conceptualizationwas measured as a continuous variable. Results indicated thatthe type of AIDS information given to children affected theirperception of the peer. Specifically, informing children aboutthe modes of HIV transmission was not sufficient to increaseacceptance, but clearing misconceptions by describing ways HIVis not transmitted positively affected children's reactionsto the peer. No other significant results were found. Resultsof the current study have clear and practical implications forAIDS education programs in schools.     

领悟社会支持对大学生抑郁情绪的影响

目的考查大学生领悟社会支持对大学生的抑郁情绪的影响,进一步探讨领悟社会支持的作用,为大学生心理健康教育提供依据和支持。方法用领悟社会支持量表(PSSS)和抑郁状态问卷(DSI)对277名大学生进行调查。结果1领悟社会支持在抑郁上的主效应非常显著,领悟社会支持良好的大学生比领悟社会支持不良大学生的抑郁显著少;2有抑郁现象的被试人数占所有被试人数的32.1%;3大学生感受到的家庭内的领悟社会支持比家庭外的领悟社会支持对他们抑郁情绪的影响更为重要。结论抑郁是大学生不良的情绪体验,而领悟社会支持能够在一定程度上减少抑郁者这种不良的情绪体验,提高个体心理健康水平。