Virginia McCoy - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Virginia McCoy

Journal of Drug Issues, 1997

Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 2020

OBJECTIVES To explore patterns of dental care utilization among adult Hispanic migrant farmworker... more OBJECTIVES To explore patterns of dental care utilization among adult Hispanic migrant farmworkers utilizing the Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services. METHODS In 2010, 278 Hispanic migrant workers participated in the oral health assessment. Hierarchical logistic regression modeling was used to assess the effects of multiple factors on having a past-year dental visit. Predisposing variables included age, education, and knowledge toward preventing tooth decay. Enabling factors included medical insurance, place for medical care, and social support. Need measures included oral health problems and treatment. RESULTS Only 20.5 percent of Hispanic migrant farmworkers reported a past-year dental visit. More than one-half (52.5 percent) needed oral health treatment and nearly two-thirds (61.2 percent) stated that they perceived their mouth to be in poor condition. The final model indicated that those who reported preventing tooth decay by brushing and flossing, brushed their teeth once a day, and stated a good condition of their mouth were more likely to have had a past-year dental visit. CONCLUSIONS Most Hispanic migrant farmworkers in south Florida have not had a past year dental visit. Similar to other ethnic minorities in the United States, migrant farmworkers experience poor oral health outcomes and have inadequate access to health-care services.

Journal of immigrant and minority health / Center for Minority Public Health, Jun 12, 2015

Migrant farmworkers are disproportionately affected by many adverse health conditions, but access... more Migrant farmworkers are disproportionately affected by many adverse health conditions, but access healthcare sparingly. This study of migrant farmworkers examined the distribution and general characteristics associated with having access to healthcare. Access to healthcare was measured by asking whether the participants (N = 413) had a primary care physician. Majority of participants did not have a primary care physician. Female migrant workers (AOR = 2.823 CI: 1.575-4.103) with insurance (AOR = 6.183 CI: 4.956-11.937) who lived at study site for more than 5 years (AOR = 2.728 CI: 1.936-7.837) and born in the United States (AOR = 2.648 CI: 1.373-3.338) had greater odds to have a primary care physician than recent male migrants without insurance who were born outside United States. There is a need to focus on Community Health Centers and Migrant Health Centers in tailoring their services and to widen the implementation and improve funding of Accountable Care Organizations to improve ...

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021

Single-visit “screen-and-treat” strategies using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and cry... more Single-visit “screen-and-treat” strategies using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and cryotherapy (liquid nitrous oxide ablation) in low-resource settings are commonly used to detect and treat precancerous lesions for cervical cancer prevention. This study compared VIA sensitivity and specificity in rural indigenous Guatemalan communities, to that of oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for detection of precancerous changes, using cytology as the reference standard. Between 3–8 September 2017, trained nurses examined 222 women aged 23–58 years with VIA. Specimens for liquid-based cytology and HPV testing were obtained prior to VIA with a cytobrush and transported in PreservCyt to a US clinical laboratory. VIA and HPV test sensitivities were assessed as proportions of women with abnormal cytology that had abnormal VIA or HPV results, respectively, and specificities, as proportions with normal cytology with normal VIA or negative HPV tests. Of 222 women, 18 (8.1%) had ...

Metabolic syndrome and related disorders, Jan 16, 2016

Metabolic syndrome is increasingly common in U.S. adolescents and has been linked to cognitive dy... more Metabolic syndrome is increasingly common in U.S. adolescents and has been linked to cognitive dysfunction. Purpose of this study is to explore associations between metabolic syndrome and cognitive impairment in U.S. adolescents using population-based data. Participants included adolescents aged 12-16 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III. The main outcome measures included assessments of cognitive function using Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised (WRAT-R) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) tools. The WRAT-R consisted of mathematics and reading tests. The WISC-R consisted of block design test, which measures spatial visualization and motor skills, and digit span test, which measures working memory and attention. Linear regression models were used to examine associations between metabolic syndrome and cognitive function. We used education levels of the family reference person, while controlling for educ...

ABSTRACT Background: The new trend in US immigration is an increase in the number of Hispanics, t... more ABSTRACT Background: The new trend in US immigration is an increase in the number of Hispanics, the largest minority population, into rural America. This growing trend in racial and ethnic diversity found in small and rural America is expected in our future growth.. This demographic change is highlighted by rural farming communities that are defined by migrant labor composed primarily of Hispanics. Most often this definition is one of supposed “decline in community.” This presentation proposes one strategy for integrating migrants into these communities in order to strengthen the community and to save them from putative decline. We focus on the differential HIV risks and access to HIV care and treatment of newcomers and long-timers. Migrants who have been in the community for 5 years or more (long-timers) have greater HIV risk behaviors (more risky sexual behavior and greater alcohol use) and have greater access to primary care. Newcomers (5 years or less) report lower HIV risk behaviors and have less access to primary care. Methods: This is an analysis of adapting an evidence-based health intervention utilizing a sociological theory. This discussion will show how community structures can be strengthened by incorporating the social networks of the growing Hispanic minority into the health care system. Fundamental Cause Theory predicts that access to health care resources will improve the health of disadvantaged migrant workers through strengthening social support within the networks, thereby reducing HIV sexual risk behaviors and excessive alcohol use. Results: Amigos Hacen Cambios, the proposed intervention, will assess migrant social networks for inclusion of newcomers and long-timers in order to take advantage of their strengths. The heterogeneity of the networks increases the probability of diffusion of the innovation or new ideas.

ABSTRACT Background: Drug use, high risk sexual behavior, and migration play a vital role in the ... more ABSTRACT Background: Drug use, high risk sexual behavior, and migration play a vital role in the transmission of HIV. Yet, associations between these factors are not well documented. Method: Using baseline data from an ongoing HIV/AIDS intervention among Migrant Workers (MWs) from Immokalee, Florida, the association between sexual risk behavior and drug use was analyzed. Based on positive urine tests for marijuana and crack/cocaine, drug use (N=326) was compared. Sexual risk behavior was assessed using the Vaginal Episode Equivalent (VEE), which weights various sexual acts based on a differential risk as the outcome variable. A simple linear regression analysis was conducted with both several demographic variables and drug use as independent variables. Results: More than half the participants (n=184, 56.4%) were positive for drugs. Most drug users were born in the U.S. (n=129, 70.1%), spoke English (n=105, 57.1%), and were single or lived as single (n=158, 85.9%). Drug users were significantly younger (M=39.1712.39) and had resided longer in Immokalee (M=21.0415.88). Regression analysis showed that drug use (Beta=1.998, p=0.033), marital status (Beta=3.078, p=0.010) and gender (Beta=2.417, p=0.042) significantly predicted VEE score. Conclusion: Drug use among MWs is associated with high-risk sexual behavior. Programs designed to prevent HIV should address drug use as well as sexual behavior.

Soc Work Health Care, 1992

Older adults tend to avoid mental health services and rely on hospital emergency departments for ... more Older adults tend to avoid mental health services and rely on hospital emergency departments for medicalization of these conditions. An intervention was designed for use in emergency departments to refer older adult patients with mental and social health problems to appropriate services within the hospital and community. Most of the patients in the study used the services to which they were referred; further, the intervention was found to decrease repeat utilization of the emergency department. Social work practice and policy implications of the findings are also discussed.

ABSTRACT Background: With increasing life expectancy and associated challenges, developing a comp... more ABSTRACT Background: With increasing life expectancy and associated challenges, developing a competent public health (PH) workforce is an important and enormous task. Methods: As a part of HRSA's PH Training Centers program, Florida Department of Health (DOH) Employee Training Needs Assessment was conducted online using Survey Monkey. The six part Spanish and English survey was sent to 17,837 DOH employees' office e-mail from May 3, 2011, until May 20, 2011. Of the total DOH employees, 5,698 employees began the survey and 3,685 (64.7%) finished it. Data was downloaded from the website in SPSS for analysis. Results: Of the 3,685 respondents, 546 (14.8%) self-identified as Hispanic and 123 (3.3%) chose the Spanish questionnaire. Most of the Hispanics were from Puerto Rico (188, 34%), followed by Cuba (97, 17.7%) and Mexico (56, 10.2%). Over 80% were women; half had an advanced degree (high school or more). Hispanic respondents were younger, had less experience in PH and at DOH (65.4% had less than 10 years of experience), and most were in entry-level positions (86.2%). Hispanic respondents reported less frequent training of any kind than other DOH employees and expressed a desire for training in Prevention and Health Promotion, Leadership, Teamwork, PH Needs and Health Status, and Emergency and Disaster Relief. Conclusion: In order to improve the PH skills of Hispanics, training courses will be developed and presented in a face-to-face classroom format, preferred by respondents. Training will focus on comprehension and application of basic concepts to real-life situations so that essential skills are acquired.

Http Dx Doi Org 10 1300 J013v27n01_10, Oct 21, 2008

ABSTRACT Background: Among migrant farmworkers who use alcohol and other drugs in the U.S., the p... more ABSTRACT Background: Among migrant farmworkers who use alcohol and other drugs in the U.S., the prevalence rate of HIV infection, possibly as high as 13.5%, is estimated to be 10 times the national rate. Migrant workers are disproportionately affected by HIV due to lack of access to health care services. The purpose of this report is to examine the distribution and characteristics of those having a primary physician in a sample of migrant farmworkers. Methods: Baseline data were utilized from an ongoing HIV risk reduction study in Immokalee, Florida. The sample for this study consisted of 431substance using migrant farmworkers, 29% of whom were newcomers. Eight percent were HIV-positive. Twenty-six percent reported having a primary doctor in Florida. Variables found to be significant at the bivariate level were entered into a logistic regression model with having a primary doctor as the dependent variable. Results: One-quarter (26%) of participants had a primary doctor, as did the majority (58%) of HIV-positive participants. However, 34% of participants stated that during the preceding three months, they had considered visiting a doctor but had not. In the logistic regression analysis, having a primary doctor was significantly (p < .05) and postively associated with being female (Wald statistic = 7.42), having medical insurance (Wald = 39.44), and having children (Wald = 3.96), and inversely associated with being a newcomer (Wald = 5.61). The model accounted for 29% of the variance in having a doctor. The model correctly classified 90% of participants who did not have a doctor, 53% of those who did, and 81% overall. Conclusions: This study found disparities in having a doctor among migrant farmworkers. Further study should identify the sources of care for those without a primary doctor and identify the barriers to and means to increase their access to primary care.

ABSTRACT Background: Migrant workers (MW) have been reported to consume high levels of illegal su... more ABSTRACT Background: Migrant workers (MW) have been reported to consume high levels of illegal substances as a coping measure for their unstable lifestyle. The consumption of such illegal substances have been associated with risky sexual behaviors which increase the likelihood of HIV and STI transmission. Methods: Baseline data (n=431) was used from an ongoing HIV/AIDS intervention study among MWs in Immokalee, Florida. The sample was composed of African American and Hispanics. The dependent variables examined were age of first use, the number of times of use for marijuana and crack, and number of unprotected vagina acts. Results: The MW sample was composed of only African American and Hispanic participants which were further divided into four groups: African American males (22.3%, n=96), African American females (15.1%, n=65), Hispanic males (50.3%, n=217), and Hispanic females (12.3%, n=53). Hispanic females were found to have tried marijuana at about 15 years (F = 5.538, p=0.001) and crack at the 26 years of age (F=2.727, p=0.044). Hispanic females reported consuming crack the most number of times in the last 30 days, reaching about 33 times (F=5.210, p=0.002). Hispanic females reported highest number of unprotected vaginal acts (F=7.210, p<0.01) out of the four groups assessed. Conclusion: The results categorize Hispanic females as one of the highest HIV risk groups among the groups examined due to use of illegal substances. Such findings demonstrate the need for vigorous intervention efforts to address a reduction in illegal substance among Hispanic females.

ABSTRACT Background: In the U.S., ethnic minorities are a population at increasing risk of HIV in... more ABSTRACT Background: In the U.S., ethnic minorities are a population at increasing risk of HIV infection. Many studies have shown positive association between spirituality and both number of sex partners and frequency of sex without condom (Burris et. al., 2009; Villarruel et. al., 2007). The aim of this study was to examine the association between religiosity and HIV preventive behaviors among Migrant Workers (MWs). Method: Using baseline data from an HIV/AIDS intervention study among MWs (N=431) from Immokalee, Florida, the association between sexual risk behavior and religiosity was analyzed. To evaluate religiosity, participants were asked the questions: Do you consider yourself to be religious? on a Likert scale from 1 (Very religious) to 4 (Not religious). Sexual risk behavior was assessed using the Vaginal Episode Equivalent (VEE), which weights various sexual acts based on a differential risk as the outcome variable. Simple linear regression analysis was conducted with both demographic variables and religiosity as independent variables. Results: Only 14.0% (n=60) of the participants were not religious. Thirty one percent (n=132) of subjects said they were a little religious while 38% (n=164) were somewhat religious and 17% (n=73) were very religious. Regression analysis showed that religiosity (Beta=-2.998, p=0.032), and gender (Beta=4.062, p=0.000) significantly predicted VEE score. Conclusion: The finding of the study indicates an inverse relationship between sexual risk behavior and the level of religiosity. From a disease prevention standpoint, the significance of this study is that, encouraging people to participate in religious activity might help them refrain from risky sexual behavior.

ABSTRACT Background: Research has found that self-efficacy (SE) is a crucial predictor of practic... more ABSTRACT Background: Research has found that self-efficacy (SE) is a crucial predictor of practicing safer sex behaviors. Self-efficacy measures an individual's belief in their ability to regulate their own behavior, which is crucial in undertaking safer behaviors. Methods: Data was used from an HIV/AIDS prevention project for MWs in Immokalee, Florida (n=270). The sample was predominantly males (64%). Baseline and 6 month follow-up period were used to assess the associations between short-term changes in ethnic identity belonging (EIb), social support, and self-efficacy. Self-efficacy assessed by an individual's perception of his or her ability to use condoms. Subjects were divided into two groups: positive self-efficacy change and negative or no change in self-efficacy score. A logistic regression was conducted to assess the predictors of self-efficacy change. Results: Fifty-seven percent of subjects' SE scores increased across time. Sixty percent of Hispanics' and 53% of African Americans' SE scores increased. The independent variables included in the model were EIb, social proficiency scale, gender, and ethnicity. The significant predictors were EIb (B=0.420, Wald *2 =4.079, p=0.043), and gender (B=0.549, Wald χ 2 = 4.078, p=0.043). The overall model was χ 2(4, n=270) =16.145, p=0.003. Conclusion: Positive changes in SE, possibly due to the ongoing HIV prevention project, were associated with positive changes in the EIb score, primarily among males. The association between EIb and condom use SE needs to be continually addressed. Behavioral intervention education and counseling should consider EI component while dealing with SE.

Journal of Drug Issues, 1997

We studied HIV seropositivity among a targeted sample of migrant workers who used drugs, primaril... more We studied HIV seropositivity among a targeted sample of migrant workers who used drugs, primarily crack cocaine, and their sexual partners in rural southern Florida from 1993 to 1995. We enrolled men and women who were born in the United States (n = 369) or in other countries (n = 174). Overall, 11.2% of the sample were HIV positive, including 18% of Blacks from the United States, and about 8% of non-Hispanic whites from the United States, Blacks from the Caribbean, and persons from Central or South America. No Hispanics from the United States or the Caribbean, but 3.4% of Hispanics from Mexico, were HIV positive. In logistic regression analyses, race/ethnicity, gender, and age were most highly associated with HIV seropositivity. Immigration status, current drug use, and current sexual activity were not related to HIV seropositivity. HIV prevention programs must help reduce heterosexual transmission of HIV associated with drug use both locally and where migrants travel and work.

Journal of Drug Issues, 1990

APA PsycNET Our Apologies! - The following features are not available with your current Browser c... more APA PsycNET Our Apologies! - The following features are not available with your current Browser configuration. - display, print, save, export, and email selected records - get My List count - save record to My List - get references ...

Asian Nursing Research, 2015

This study aimed to determine whether a blended Infant Massage-Parenting Enhancement Program (IMP... more This study aimed to determine whether a blended Infant Massage-Parenting Enhancement Program (IMPEP) improved maternal psychosocial health outcomes (parenting stress, depressive symptoms, self-esteem, maternal attachment) and maternal-infant interaction among substance-addicted mothers (SAMs) actively engaged in outpatient rehabilitation. Designed as a randomized, three-group controlled trial testing two levels of psychoeducational intervention (IMPEP vs. PEP) and a control group (standard care parenting resources), the study was conducted in two substance abuse centers in southeast Florida on a convenience sample of 138 recovering SAM-infant pairs. IMPEP or PEP classes were held weekly on Weeks 2-5, with data collected at baseline (Week 1), Week 6, and Week 12 via structured interviews, observation (Observation Checklist on Maternal-Infant Interaction), and self-administered questionnaires (Abidin Parenting Stress Index, Beck Depression Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Muller's Maternal Attachment Inventory), analyzed descriptively and inferentially using Kruskall-Wallis analysis of variance and post hoc Wilcoxon rank sum and Mann-Whitney U tests. Both IMPEP and PEP groups had significantly increased Parenting Stress Index scores (decreased parenting stress) and decreased Beck Depression Inventory scores (decreased depressive symptoms) compared to controls at Week 12, whereas there were no clinically meaningful differences among study groups in Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Muller's Maternal Attachment Inventory, or Observation Checklist on Maternal-Infant Interaction scores. Only the IMPEP group showed significant improvements in both psychological and physical (waist-hip ratio) measures of parenting stress over time. The findings suggest that infant massage blended into a structured parenting program has value-added effects in decreasing parenting stress and maternal depressive symptoms, but not on SAM's self-esteem, attachment, or maternal-infant interaction.

Journal of Drug Issues, 1997

Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 2020

OBJECTIVES To explore patterns of dental care utilization among adult Hispanic migrant farmworker... more OBJECTIVES To explore patterns of dental care utilization among adult Hispanic migrant farmworkers utilizing the Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services. METHODS In 2010, 278 Hispanic migrant workers participated in the oral health assessment. Hierarchical logistic regression modeling was used to assess the effects of multiple factors on having a past-year dental visit. Predisposing variables included age, education, and knowledge toward preventing tooth decay. Enabling factors included medical insurance, place for medical care, and social support. Need measures included oral health problems and treatment. RESULTS Only 20.5 percent of Hispanic migrant farmworkers reported a past-year dental visit. More than one-half (52.5 percent) needed oral health treatment and nearly two-thirds (61.2 percent) stated that they perceived their mouth to be in poor condition. The final model indicated that those who reported preventing tooth decay by brushing and flossing, brushed their teeth once a day, and stated a good condition of their mouth were more likely to have had a past-year dental visit. CONCLUSIONS Most Hispanic migrant farmworkers in south Florida have not had a past year dental visit. Similar to other ethnic minorities in the United States, migrant farmworkers experience poor oral health outcomes and have inadequate access to health-care services.

Journal of immigrant and minority health / Center for Minority Public Health, Jun 12, 2015

Migrant farmworkers are disproportionately affected by many adverse health conditions, but access... more Migrant farmworkers are disproportionately affected by many adverse health conditions, but access healthcare sparingly. This study of migrant farmworkers examined the distribution and general characteristics associated with having access to healthcare. Access to healthcare was measured by asking whether the participants (N = 413) had a primary care physician. Majority of participants did not have a primary care physician. Female migrant workers (AOR = 2.823 CI: 1.575-4.103) with insurance (AOR = 6.183 CI: 4.956-11.937) who lived at study site for more than 5 years (AOR = 2.728 CI: 1.936-7.837) and born in the United States (AOR = 2.648 CI: 1.373-3.338) had greater odds to have a primary care physician than recent male migrants without insurance who were born outside United States. There is a need to focus on Community Health Centers and Migrant Health Centers in tailoring their services and to widen the implementation and improve funding of Accountable Care Organizations to improve ...

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021

Single-visit “screen-and-treat” strategies using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and cry... more Single-visit “screen-and-treat” strategies using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and cryotherapy (liquid nitrous oxide ablation) in low-resource settings are commonly used to detect and treat precancerous lesions for cervical cancer prevention. This study compared VIA sensitivity and specificity in rural indigenous Guatemalan communities, to that of oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for detection of precancerous changes, using cytology as the reference standard. Between 3–8 September 2017, trained nurses examined 222 women aged 23–58 years with VIA. Specimens for liquid-based cytology and HPV testing were obtained prior to VIA with a cytobrush and transported in PreservCyt to a US clinical laboratory. VIA and HPV test sensitivities were assessed as proportions of women with abnormal cytology that had abnormal VIA or HPV results, respectively, and specificities, as proportions with normal cytology with normal VIA or negative HPV tests. Of 222 women, 18 (8.1%) had ...

Metabolic syndrome and related disorders, Jan 16, 2016

Metabolic syndrome is increasingly common in U.S. adolescents and has been linked to cognitive dy... more Metabolic syndrome is increasingly common in U.S. adolescents and has been linked to cognitive dysfunction. Purpose of this study is to explore associations between metabolic syndrome and cognitive impairment in U.S. adolescents using population-based data. Participants included adolescents aged 12-16 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III. The main outcome measures included assessments of cognitive function using Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised (WRAT-R) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) tools. The WRAT-R consisted of mathematics and reading tests. The WISC-R consisted of block design test, which measures spatial visualization and motor skills, and digit span test, which measures working memory and attention. Linear regression models were used to examine associations between metabolic syndrome and cognitive function. We used education levels of the family reference person, while controlling for educ...

ABSTRACT Background: The new trend in US immigration is an increase in the number of Hispanics, t... more ABSTRACT Background: The new trend in US immigration is an increase in the number of Hispanics, the largest minority population, into rural America. This growing trend in racial and ethnic diversity found in small and rural America is expected in our future growth.. This demographic change is highlighted by rural farming communities that are defined by migrant labor composed primarily of Hispanics. Most often this definition is one of supposed “decline in community.” This presentation proposes one strategy for integrating migrants into these communities in order to strengthen the community and to save them from putative decline. We focus on the differential HIV risks and access to HIV care and treatment of newcomers and long-timers. Migrants who have been in the community for 5 years or more (long-timers) have greater HIV risk behaviors (more risky sexual behavior and greater alcohol use) and have greater access to primary care. Newcomers (5 years or less) report lower HIV risk behaviors and have less access to primary care. Methods: This is an analysis of adapting an evidence-based health intervention utilizing a sociological theory. This discussion will show how community structures can be strengthened by incorporating the social networks of the growing Hispanic minority into the health care system. Fundamental Cause Theory predicts that access to health care resources will improve the health of disadvantaged migrant workers through strengthening social support within the networks, thereby reducing HIV sexual risk behaviors and excessive alcohol use. Results: Amigos Hacen Cambios, the proposed intervention, will assess migrant social networks for inclusion of newcomers and long-timers in order to take advantage of their strengths. The heterogeneity of the networks increases the probability of diffusion of the innovation or new ideas.

ABSTRACT Background: Drug use, high risk sexual behavior, and migration play a vital role in the ... more ABSTRACT Background: Drug use, high risk sexual behavior, and migration play a vital role in the transmission of HIV. Yet, associations between these factors are not well documented. Method: Using baseline data from an ongoing HIV/AIDS intervention among Migrant Workers (MWs) from Immokalee, Florida, the association between sexual risk behavior and drug use was analyzed. Based on positive urine tests for marijuana and crack/cocaine, drug use (N=326) was compared. Sexual risk behavior was assessed using the Vaginal Episode Equivalent (VEE), which weights various sexual acts based on a differential risk as the outcome variable. A simple linear regression analysis was conducted with both several demographic variables and drug use as independent variables. Results: More than half the participants (n=184, 56.4%) were positive for drugs. Most drug users were born in the U.S. (n=129, 70.1%), spoke English (n=105, 57.1%), and were single or lived as single (n=158, 85.9%). Drug users were significantly younger (M=39.1712.39) and had resided longer in Immokalee (M=21.0415.88). Regression analysis showed that drug use (Beta=1.998, p=0.033), marital status (Beta=3.078, p=0.010) and gender (Beta=2.417, p=0.042) significantly predicted VEE score. Conclusion: Drug use among MWs is associated with high-risk sexual behavior. Programs designed to prevent HIV should address drug use as well as sexual behavior.

Soc Work Health Care, 1992

Older adults tend to avoid mental health services and rely on hospital emergency departments for ... more Older adults tend to avoid mental health services and rely on hospital emergency departments for medicalization of these conditions. An intervention was designed for use in emergency departments to refer older adult patients with mental and social health problems to appropriate services within the hospital and community. Most of the patients in the study used the services to which they were referred; further, the intervention was found to decrease repeat utilization of the emergency department. Social work practice and policy implications of the findings are also discussed.

ABSTRACT Background: With increasing life expectancy and associated challenges, developing a comp... more ABSTRACT Background: With increasing life expectancy and associated challenges, developing a competent public health (PH) workforce is an important and enormous task. Methods: As a part of HRSA's PH Training Centers program, Florida Department of Health (DOH) Employee Training Needs Assessment was conducted online using Survey Monkey. The six part Spanish and English survey was sent to 17,837 DOH employees' office e-mail from May 3, 2011, until May 20, 2011. Of the total DOH employees, 5,698 employees began the survey and 3,685 (64.7%) finished it. Data was downloaded from the website in SPSS for analysis. Results: Of the 3,685 respondents, 546 (14.8%) self-identified as Hispanic and 123 (3.3%) chose the Spanish questionnaire. Most of the Hispanics were from Puerto Rico (188, 34%), followed by Cuba (97, 17.7%) and Mexico (56, 10.2%). Over 80% were women; half had an advanced degree (high school or more). Hispanic respondents were younger, had less experience in PH and at DOH (65.4% had less than 10 years of experience), and most were in entry-level positions (86.2%). Hispanic respondents reported less frequent training of any kind than other DOH employees and expressed a desire for training in Prevention and Health Promotion, Leadership, Teamwork, PH Needs and Health Status, and Emergency and Disaster Relief. Conclusion: In order to improve the PH skills of Hispanics, training courses will be developed and presented in a face-to-face classroom format, preferred by respondents. Training will focus on comprehension and application of basic concepts to real-life situations so that essential skills are acquired.

Http Dx Doi Org 10 1300 J013v27n01_10, Oct 21, 2008

ABSTRACT Background: Among migrant farmworkers who use alcohol and other drugs in the U.S., the p... more ABSTRACT Background: Among migrant farmworkers who use alcohol and other drugs in the U.S., the prevalence rate of HIV infection, possibly as high as 13.5%, is estimated to be 10 times the national rate. Migrant workers are disproportionately affected by HIV due to lack of access to health care services. The purpose of this report is to examine the distribution and characteristics of those having a primary physician in a sample of migrant farmworkers. Methods: Baseline data were utilized from an ongoing HIV risk reduction study in Immokalee, Florida. The sample for this study consisted of 431substance using migrant farmworkers, 29% of whom were newcomers. Eight percent were HIV-positive. Twenty-six percent reported having a primary doctor in Florida. Variables found to be significant at the bivariate level were entered into a logistic regression model with having a primary doctor as the dependent variable. Results: One-quarter (26%) of participants had a primary doctor, as did the majority (58%) of HIV-positive participants. However, 34% of participants stated that during the preceding three months, they had considered visiting a doctor but had not. In the logistic regression analysis, having a primary doctor was significantly (p < .05) and postively associated with being female (Wald statistic = 7.42), having medical insurance (Wald = 39.44), and having children (Wald = 3.96), and inversely associated with being a newcomer (Wald = 5.61). The model accounted for 29% of the variance in having a doctor. The model correctly classified 90% of participants who did not have a doctor, 53% of those who did, and 81% overall. Conclusions: This study found disparities in having a doctor among migrant farmworkers. Further study should identify the sources of care for those without a primary doctor and identify the barriers to and means to increase their access to primary care.

ABSTRACT Background: Migrant workers (MW) have been reported to consume high levels of illegal su... more ABSTRACT Background: Migrant workers (MW) have been reported to consume high levels of illegal substances as a coping measure for their unstable lifestyle. The consumption of such illegal substances have been associated with risky sexual behaviors which increase the likelihood of HIV and STI transmission. Methods: Baseline data (n=431) was used from an ongoing HIV/AIDS intervention study among MWs in Immokalee, Florida. The sample was composed of African American and Hispanics. The dependent variables examined were age of first use, the number of times of use for marijuana and crack, and number of unprotected vagina acts. Results: The MW sample was composed of only African American and Hispanic participants which were further divided into four groups: African American males (22.3%, n=96), African American females (15.1%, n=65), Hispanic males (50.3%, n=217), and Hispanic females (12.3%, n=53). Hispanic females were found to have tried marijuana at about 15 years (F = 5.538, p=0.001) and crack at the 26 years of age (F=2.727, p=0.044). Hispanic females reported consuming crack the most number of times in the last 30 days, reaching about 33 times (F=5.210, p=0.002). Hispanic females reported highest number of unprotected vaginal acts (F=7.210, p<0.01) out of the four groups assessed. Conclusion: The results categorize Hispanic females as one of the highest HIV risk groups among the groups examined due to use of illegal substances. Such findings demonstrate the need for vigorous intervention efforts to address a reduction in illegal substance among Hispanic females.

ABSTRACT Background: In the U.S., ethnic minorities are a population at increasing risk of HIV in... more ABSTRACT Background: In the U.S., ethnic minorities are a population at increasing risk of HIV infection. Many studies have shown positive association between spirituality and both number of sex partners and frequency of sex without condom (Burris et. al., 2009; Villarruel et. al., 2007). The aim of this study was to examine the association between religiosity and HIV preventive behaviors among Migrant Workers (MWs). Method: Using baseline data from an HIV/AIDS intervention study among MWs (N=431) from Immokalee, Florida, the association between sexual risk behavior and religiosity was analyzed. To evaluate religiosity, participants were asked the questions: Do you consider yourself to be religious? on a Likert scale from 1 (Very religious) to 4 (Not religious). Sexual risk behavior was assessed using the Vaginal Episode Equivalent (VEE), which weights various sexual acts based on a differential risk as the outcome variable. Simple linear regression analysis was conducted with both demographic variables and religiosity as independent variables. Results: Only 14.0% (n=60) of the participants were not religious. Thirty one percent (n=132) of subjects said they were a little religious while 38% (n=164) were somewhat religious and 17% (n=73) were very religious. Regression analysis showed that religiosity (Beta=-2.998, p=0.032), and gender (Beta=4.062, p=0.000) significantly predicted VEE score. Conclusion: The finding of the study indicates an inverse relationship between sexual risk behavior and the level of religiosity. From a disease prevention standpoint, the significance of this study is that, encouraging people to participate in religious activity might help them refrain from risky sexual behavior.

ABSTRACT Background: Research has found that self-efficacy (SE) is a crucial predictor of practic... more ABSTRACT Background: Research has found that self-efficacy (SE) is a crucial predictor of practicing safer sex behaviors. Self-efficacy measures an individual's belief in their ability to regulate their own behavior, which is crucial in undertaking safer behaviors. Methods: Data was used from an HIV/AIDS prevention project for MWs in Immokalee, Florida (n=270). The sample was predominantly males (64%). Baseline and 6 month follow-up period were used to assess the associations between short-term changes in ethnic identity belonging (EIb), social support, and self-efficacy. Self-efficacy assessed by an individual's perception of his or her ability to use condoms. Subjects were divided into two groups: positive self-efficacy change and negative or no change in self-efficacy score. A logistic regression was conducted to assess the predictors of self-efficacy change. Results: Fifty-seven percent of subjects' SE scores increased across time. Sixty percent of Hispanics' and 53% of African Americans' SE scores increased. The independent variables included in the model were EIb, social proficiency scale, gender, and ethnicity. The significant predictors were EIb (B=0.420, Wald *2 =4.079, p=0.043), and gender (B=0.549, Wald χ 2 = 4.078, p=0.043). The overall model was χ 2(4, n=270) =16.145, p=0.003. Conclusion: Positive changes in SE, possibly due to the ongoing HIV prevention project, were associated with positive changes in the EIb score, primarily among males. The association between EIb and condom use SE needs to be continually addressed. Behavioral intervention education and counseling should consider EI component while dealing with SE.

Journal of Drug Issues, 1997

We studied HIV seropositivity among a targeted sample of migrant workers who used drugs, primaril... more We studied HIV seropositivity among a targeted sample of migrant workers who used drugs, primarily crack cocaine, and their sexual partners in rural southern Florida from 1993 to 1995. We enrolled men and women who were born in the United States (n = 369) or in other countries (n = 174). Overall, 11.2% of the sample were HIV positive, including 18% of Blacks from the United States, and about 8% of non-Hispanic whites from the United States, Blacks from the Caribbean, and persons from Central or South America. No Hispanics from the United States or the Caribbean, but 3.4% of Hispanics from Mexico, were HIV positive. In logistic regression analyses, race/ethnicity, gender, and age were most highly associated with HIV seropositivity. Immigration status, current drug use, and current sexual activity were not related to HIV seropositivity. HIV prevention programs must help reduce heterosexual transmission of HIV associated with drug use both locally and where migrants travel and work.

Journal of Drug Issues, 1990

APA PsycNET Our Apologies! - The following features are not available with your current Browser c... more APA PsycNET Our Apologies! - The following features are not available with your current Browser configuration. - display, print, save, export, and email selected records - get My List count - save record to My List - get references ...

Asian Nursing Research, 2015

This study aimed to determine whether a blended Infant Massage-Parenting Enhancement Program (IMP... more This study aimed to determine whether a blended Infant Massage-Parenting Enhancement Program (IMPEP) improved maternal psychosocial health outcomes (parenting stress, depressive symptoms, self-esteem, maternal attachment) and maternal-infant interaction among substance-addicted mothers (SAMs) actively engaged in outpatient rehabilitation. Designed as a randomized, three-group controlled trial testing two levels of psychoeducational intervention (IMPEP vs. PEP) and a control group (standard care parenting resources), the study was conducted in two substance abuse centers in southeast Florida on a convenience sample of 138 recovering SAM-infant pairs. IMPEP or PEP classes were held weekly on Weeks 2-5, with data collected at baseline (Week 1), Week 6, and Week 12 via structured interviews, observation (Observation Checklist on Maternal-Infant Interaction), and self-administered questionnaires (Abidin Parenting Stress Index, Beck Depression Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Muller's Maternal Attachment Inventory), analyzed descriptively and inferentially using Kruskall-Wallis analysis of variance and post hoc Wilcoxon rank sum and Mann-Whitney U tests. Both IMPEP and PEP groups had significantly increased Parenting Stress Index scores (decreased parenting stress) and decreased Beck Depression Inventory scores (decreased depressive symptoms) compared to controls at Week 12, whereas there were no clinically meaningful differences among study groups in Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Muller's Maternal Attachment Inventory, or Observation Checklist on Maternal-Infant Interaction scores. Only the IMPEP group showed significant improvements in both psychological and physical (waist-hip ratio) measures of parenting stress over time. The findings suggest that infant massage blended into a structured parenting program has value-added effects in decreasing parenting stress and maternal depressive symptoms, but not on SAM's self-esteem, attachment, or maternal-infant interaction.