May Dobal | Medgar Evers College, City University of New York (original) (raw)
Papers by May Dobal
Journal of Nursing Measurement, Dec 25, 2023
The journal of the Association of Black Nursing Faculty in Higher Education, 2019
Diversity & Equality in Health and Care
Using Orem's theory as the framework, two purposes guided... more Using Orem's theory as the framework, two purposes guided the study: (a) to test the effectiveness of an audio-visual education program and behavioral contracting to promote self-care behaviors in managing radiation side effects and (b) to determine the extent to which low literacy affects self-care abilities. Seventy men diagnosed with prostate cancer participated in this experimental study. The nursing interventions of education and behavioral contracting significantly increased the self-care behaviors of men in managing radiation side effects. An increase in self-care behaviors was especially shown in men with low-literacy skills.
Advances in Wound Care the Journal For Prevention and Healing, Mar 31, 1999
Objective: To ascertain the number of home care patients with wounds, determine the types of woun... more Objective: To ascertain the number of home care patients with wounds, determine the types of wounds being treated in the community, and identify wound care treatments used at home. Design: Descriptive, multisite, collaborative project. Setting: 13 home care agencies located throughout lower Michigan that had voluntarily formed a research consortium. The location of patients visited was 43% urban, 39% suburban, 16% rural, and 2% unaccounted. Patients: Systematic sampling was used to select nurses in each agency to collect data. Nurses (n = 281) recorded information about adult patients visited during the 1 week of the study. Data were recorded about 2847 patients, M age = 72.5 years. They included 1793 women and 1040 men (gender was not recorded for 14 patients); most patients in the sample (72%) were white. MAIN PLANNED OUTCOMES: A significant number of home visits would include wound care and that wound care would be primarily done with tap water and gauze. Results: Wounds were present in 36.3% of patients. Of the patients with wounds, 58.3% had 1 wound and 41.7% had multiple wounds. Wound types included surgical (62.4%), pressure ulcers (24.9%), and vascular leg ulcers (22.2%). Tap water and gauze were the most-used wound care treatments. Patients with wounds had significantly longer home care visits than patients without wounds. Conclusions: Patients with wounds are commonly found in home care. There is a low utilization of specialty dressings and commercial irrigation solutions across all wound types. Nurses who follow patients with wounds may need additional time to provide the care.
ABSTRACT More than 2 million adults are self-managing Oral Anticoagulation Therapy (OAT) which re... more ABSTRACT More than 2 million adults are self-managing Oral Anticoagulation Therapy (OAT) which require that patient be actively involved in maintaining the balance between clotting and bleeding. Yet, few instruments are available to measure OAT knowledge. The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine the psychometric properties of the Knowledge Information Profile about Coumadin (KIP-C), 2) measure the literacy levels of patients receiving Coumadin in the urban clinic and, 3) determine how literacy, sociodemographic, and health characteristics relate to knowledge about Coumadin. An exploratory factor analysis of the tetrachoric correlation matrix was performed. A sample of 192 patients participated in the study. Patients taking Coumadin for an average of 4.8 years demonstrated a surprising gap in fundamental health literacy knowledge essential to the safe self management of oral anticoagulation therapy. In terms of the KIP-C, the final model with three factors, 14 items, and one error covariance, had a good fit to the data (chi-square = 90.93, df = 74, p = .09, comparative fit index = .94, and root mean square error of approximation = .035) and all factor loadings were significant (p
Ostomy Wound Management, May 1, 2000
The purpose of this study was to determine the number of children with wounds receiving home care... more The purpose of this study was to determine the number of children with wounds receiving home care, determine the types of wounds among these children, and identify wound care products used in the treatment of children. This study was a multi-site, descriptive, cross-sectional, collaborative, study involving 13 home healthcare agencies and a university. Nurses (n = 281) were systematically selected to collect data for patients receiving home care visits during a 1-week period. The nurses recorded data on 77 children who ranged in age from less than 1 year to 18 years (mean = 3.1 years, SD = 4.72). The children included 47 males and 30 females, most of whom were African-American (n = 59). Among the 77 children, 16.9% had wounds. Children with wounds were significantly older and had more reasons for the home healthcare visit than children without wounds. The presence of a wound was not significantly related to the length of the visit, gender, or race. The most common wound was a surgical incision. The wound care treatments used most were tap water and gauze. In conclusion, wound care is frequently part of the care for a child in the home. Therefore, nurses need to be aware of wound assessment and wound care protocols that match a child's growth and development and family needs.
Computers in nursing
The authors describe a theory-based approach to computer skill development in nursing administrat... more The authors describe a theory-based approach to computer skill development in nursing administration that is a strategy for preparing nurse administrators to meet the challenge for effective decision making in the rapidly changing health care environment. A framework is presented using theories of decision making and information processing to integrate the development of knowledge and skills for decision making with knowledge and skills associated with computer decision support. Computerized support is available to help managers be effective at each stage of the decision-making process. Focusing on five stages of the decision-making process, the authors discuss how computers can facilitate decision-making. Computer applications introduced throughout a three-semester program in nursing administration include bibliographic databases, thought and word processing, database programs, decision analysis programs, spreadsheets, and project management programs. The curriculum and course acti...
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1995. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (... more Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1995. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 261-276).
NursingConnections
This article describes a strategic planning process for the redesign of patient care delivery bas... more This article describes a strategic planning process for the redesign of patient care delivery based on a systems approach. The process included an assessment of internal hospital strengths and weaknesses matched with external opportunities and threats in the community that the hospital serves. An essential component of the strategic planning process was collaboration. Two types of collaboration emerged, interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary. The outcome of involving all disciplines in the hospital as well as multiple levels and roles within nursing was a comprehensive implementation plan based on the empowerment of the health care provider, health care recipient, and the health care system.
The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships among the psycho-social factors of lite... more The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships among the psycho-social factors of literacy, knowledge about obesity, health beliefs about obesity, and self-efficacy among urban low-income obese African American women. Five instruments were used in the study: Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine, Knowledge about Obesity and Exercise scale, Health Beliefs about Obesity questionnaire, a Self-efficacy scale for coping with difficulties in life, and a demographic profile questionnaire. The sample consisted of a total of 89 urban low-income African American women between the ages of 21 and 60 years with a BMI of 41 (SD=5.3). The women in this sample had literacy skills equivalent to high school grade level. Literacy was significantly correlated with knowledge about exercise (r=.28, p=.01), however, health beliefs and knowledge about obesity were unrelated to literacy. Women with higher self-efficacy had greater knowledge about obesity and stronger health beliefs than wo...
This initiative addresses the goal of achieving health equity for underrepresented populations by... more This initiative addresses the goal of achieving health equity for underrepresented populations by addressing the link associated with health disparities and workforce diversity by recruiting, mentoring, supporting and graduating a more diverse workforce. In addition, when diverse nursing students are recruited from external geographical areas, there is a greater possibility upon graduation they will return to their respective communities to work. The Achieving Diversity Initiative believes that by creating opportunities and providing support for area students, they will be more inclined to choose a career in nursing and remain in their home community. The work of the ADI is based upon reflective practice and the SAFER Model (Swinney & Dobal, 2004) that supports participants socially, academically, financially and economically to promote retention, graduation and entry into the workforce among minority and disadvantaged students. We nurture, support, and monitor progress of participa...
Hispanic Health Care International, 2008
ABSTRACT The Embracing the Challenge (ETC) project was designed to increase the number of ethnic ... more ABSTRACT The Embracing the Challenge (ETC) project was designed to increase the number of ethnic minority and disadvantaged nurses by targeting areas in southwestern Massachusetts, including two predominately Hispanic and African American communities. ETC includes a pipeline project with three goals: to recruit students to nursing, support and retain students in nursing, and provide stipends and scholarships. These goals are facilitated by developing partnerships with public schools and health providers and by providing cultural competency training for school of nursing staff, faculty, and students. The number of ethnic minority and disadvantaged students served by ETC increased from 300 in 2004 to 450 in 2007, with 22 participants graduating from nursing schools in 2006-2007. Moreover, the program's framework, the SAFER model of student support, is used at another university to increase the number of minority students pursuing nursing. Spanish El Proyecto Acepta el Reto (Embracing the Challenge, ETC) fue diseñado para aumentar la cantidad de enfermeras de grupos étnicos de minoría y en desventaja, enfocándose en áreas del suroeste de Massachussetts incluyendo dos comunidades predominantemente hispanos y afroamericanos. El ETC (según sus siglas en inglés) incluye un proyecto de reclutamiento con tres objetivos: reclutar estudiantes para la carrera de enfermería, apoyar y retener a los estudiantes durante la carrera y proveerles estipendios y becas. Estos objetivos se logran a través del desarrollo de alianzas con las escuelas públicas y los proveedores de salud y al brindar capacitación en competencias culturales al personal, los facultativos y estudiantes de la escuela de enfermería. La cantidad de estudiantes de minorías étnicas y en desventaja que participaron del ETC aumentó de 300 estudiantes en 2004 a 450 en 2007. De estos 22 participantes se graduaron de la escuela de enfermería en el 2006-2007. Más aún el marco teórico del programa, el modelo SAFER (según sus siglas en inglés) de apoyo estudiantil, se usa en otra universidad para aumentar el número de estudiantes de minoría que estudian enfermería.
Ostomy/wound management, 2000
The purpose of this study was to determine the number of children with wounds receiving home care... more The purpose of this study was to determine the number of children with wounds receiving home care, determine the types of wounds among these children, and identify wound care products used in the treatment of children. This study was a multi-site, descriptive, cross-sectional, collaborative, study involving 13 home healthcare agencies and a university. Nurses (n = 281) were systematically selected to collect data for patients receiving home care visits during a 1-week period. The nurses recorded data on 77 children who ranged in age from less than 1 year to 18 years (mean = 3.1 years, SD = 4.72). The children included 47 males and 30 females, most of whom were African-American (n = 59). Among the 77 children, 16.9% had wounds. Children with wounds were significantly older and had more reasons for the home healthcare visit than children without wounds. The presence of a wound was not significantly related to the length of the visit, gender, or race. The most common wound was a surgic...
Research in Nursing & Health, 1995
Research in Gerontological Nursing, 2011
Breast cancer poses a greater risk for African American than Caucasian women due to persistent he... more Breast cancer poses a greater risk for African American than Caucasian women due to persistent health disparities. To reduce mortality risk, culturally specific knowledge is needed to support and encourage regular breast cancer screening and risk-reduction behaviors in older African American women. The specific aims of this study were to identify social, cultural, and behavioral factors associated with regular participation in breast cancer screening and risk-reduction behaviors; examine health beliefs that may influence regular participation in breast cancer screening and risk-reduction behaviors; and identify perceived facilitators and barriers to regular breast cancer screening and risk-reduction behaviors. African American women older than 65 (N = 57) participated in six focus groups. Analysis of focus group data revealed six major themes: Being Blessed, Cancer as a Death Sentence, Fear/Fear of Disfigurement, Avoiding Finding Out, Beliefs About Breast Cancer, and Tending to One's Family. These themes could be used by health care providers to develop culturally relevant educational initiatives to promote breast health practices and risk-reduction behaviors in this vulnerable population, thus helping reduce breast cancer disparities.
Nursing Science Quarterly, 2010
Using Orem's theory as the framework, two purposes guided... more Using Orem's theory as the framework, two purposes guided the study: (a) to test the effectiveness of an audio-visual education program and behavioral contracting to promote self-care behaviors in managing radiation side effects and (b) to determine the extent to which low literacy affects self-care abilities. Seventy men diagnosed with prostate cancer participated in this experimental study. The nursing interventions of education and behavioral contracting significantly increased the self-care behaviors of men in managing radiation side effects. An increase in self-care behaviors was especially shown in men with low-literacy skills.
Journal of Nursing Measurement, Dec 25, 2023
The journal of the Association of Black Nursing Faculty in Higher Education, 2019
Diversity & Equality in Health and Care
Using Orem's theory as the framework, two purposes guided... more Using Orem's theory as the framework, two purposes guided the study: (a) to test the effectiveness of an audio-visual education program and behavioral contracting to promote self-care behaviors in managing radiation side effects and (b) to determine the extent to which low literacy affects self-care abilities. Seventy men diagnosed with prostate cancer participated in this experimental study. The nursing interventions of education and behavioral contracting significantly increased the self-care behaviors of men in managing radiation side effects. An increase in self-care behaviors was especially shown in men with low-literacy skills.
Advances in Wound Care the Journal For Prevention and Healing, Mar 31, 1999
Objective: To ascertain the number of home care patients with wounds, determine the types of woun... more Objective: To ascertain the number of home care patients with wounds, determine the types of wounds being treated in the community, and identify wound care treatments used at home. Design: Descriptive, multisite, collaborative project. Setting: 13 home care agencies located throughout lower Michigan that had voluntarily formed a research consortium. The location of patients visited was 43% urban, 39% suburban, 16% rural, and 2% unaccounted. Patients: Systematic sampling was used to select nurses in each agency to collect data. Nurses (n = 281) recorded information about adult patients visited during the 1 week of the study. Data were recorded about 2847 patients, M age = 72.5 years. They included 1793 women and 1040 men (gender was not recorded for 14 patients); most patients in the sample (72%) were white. MAIN PLANNED OUTCOMES: A significant number of home visits would include wound care and that wound care would be primarily done with tap water and gauze. Results: Wounds were present in 36.3% of patients. Of the patients with wounds, 58.3% had 1 wound and 41.7% had multiple wounds. Wound types included surgical (62.4%), pressure ulcers (24.9%), and vascular leg ulcers (22.2%). Tap water and gauze were the most-used wound care treatments. Patients with wounds had significantly longer home care visits than patients without wounds. Conclusions: Patients with wounds are commonly found in home care. There is a low utilization of specialty dressings and commercial irrigation solutions across all wound types. Nurses who follow patients with wounds may need additional time to provide the care.
ABSTRACT More than 2 million adults are self-managing Oral Anticoagulation Therapy (OAT) which re... more ABSTRACT More than 2 million adults are self-managing Oral Anticoagulation Therapy (OAT) which require that patient be actively involved in maintaining the balance between clotting and bleeding. Yet, few instruments are available to measure OAT knowledge. The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine the psychometric properties of the Knowledge Information Profile about Coumadin (KIP-C), 2) measure the literacy levels of patients receiving Coumadin in the urban clinic and, 3) determine how literacy, sociodemographic, and health characteristics relate to knowledge about Coumadin. An exploratory factor analysis of the tetrachoric correlation matrix was performed. A sample of 192 patients participated in the study. Patients taking Coumadin for an average of 4.8 years demonstrated a surprising gap in fundamental health literacy knowledge essential to the safe self management of oral anticoagulation therapy. In terms of the KIP-C, the final model with three factors, 14 items, and one error covariance, had a good fit to the data (chi-square = 90.93, df = 74, p = .09, comparative fit index = .94, and root mean square error of approximation = .035) and all factor loadings were significant (p
Ostomy Wound Management, May 1, 2000
The purpose of this study was to determine the number of children with wounds receiving home care... more The purpose of this study was to determine the number of children with wounds receiving home care, determine the types of wounds among these children, and identify wound care products used in the treatment of children. This study was a multi-site, descriptive, cross-sectional, collaborative, study involving 13 home healthcare agencies and a university. Nurses (n = 281) were systematically selected to collect data for patients receiving home care visits during a 1-week period. The nurses recorded data on 77 children who ranged in age from less than 1 year to 18 years (mean = 3.1 years, SD = 4.72). The children included 47 males and 30 females, most of whom were African-American (n = 59). Among the 77 children, 16.9% had wounds. Children with wounds were significantly older and had more reasons for the home healthcare visit than children without wounds. The presence of a wound was not significantly related to the length of the visit, gender, or race. The most common wound was a surgical incision. The wound care treatments used most were tap water and gauze. In conclusion, wound care is frequently part of the care for a child in the home. Therefore, nurses need to be aware of wound assessment and wound care protocols that match a child's growth and development and family needs.
Computers in nursing
The authors describe a theory-based approach to computer skill development in nursing administrat... more The authors describe a theory-based approach to computer skill development in nursing administration that is a strategy for preparing nurse administrators to meet the challenge for effective decision making in the rapidly changing health care environment. A framework is presented using theories of decision making and information processing to integrate the development of knowledge and skills for decision making with knowledge and skills associated with computer decision support. Computerized support is available to help managers be effective at each stage of the decision-making process. Focusing on five stages of the decision-making process, the authors discuss how computers can facilitate decision-making. Computer applications introduced throughout a three-semester program in nursing administration include bibliographic databases, thought and word processing, database programs, decision analysis programs, spreadsheets, and project management programs. The curriculum and course acti...
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1995. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (... more Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1995. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 261-276).
NursingConnections
This article describes a strategic planning process for the redesign of patient care delivery bas... more This article describes a strategic planning process for the redesign of patient care delivery based on a systems approach. The process included an assessment of internal hospital strengths and weaknesses matched with external opportunities and threats in the community that the hospital serves. An essential component of the strategic planning process was collaboration. Two types of collaboration emerged, interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary. The outcome of involving all disciplines in the hospital as well as multiple levels and roles within nursing was a comprehensive implementation plan based on the empowerment of the health care provider, health care recipient, and the health care system.
The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships among the psycho-social factors of lite... more The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships among the psycho-social factors of literacy, knowledge about obesity, health beliefs about obesity, and self-efficacy among urban low-income obese African American women. Five instruments were used in the study: Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine, Knowledge about Obesity and Exercise scale, Health Beliefs about Obesity questionnaire, a Self-efficacy scale for coping with difficulties in life, and a demographic profile questionnaire. The sample consisted of a total of 89 urban low-income African American women between the ages of 21 and 60 years with a BMI of 41 (SD=5.3). The women in this sample had literacy skills equivalent to high school grade level. Literacy was significantly correlated with knowledge about exercise (r=.28, p=.01), however, health beliefs and knowledge about obesity were unrelated to literacy. Women with higher self-efficacy had greater knowledge about obesity and stronger health beliefs than wo...
This initiative addresses the goal of achieving health equity for underrepresented populations by... more This initiative addresses the goal of achieving health equity for underrepresented populations by addressing the link associated with health disparities and workforce diversity by recruiting, mentoring, supporting and graduating a more diverse workforce. In addition, when diverse nursing students are recruited from external geographical areas, there is a greater possibility upon graduation they will return to their respective communities to work. The Achieving Diversity Initiative believes that by creating opportunities and providing support for area students, they will be more inclined to choose a career in nursing and remain in their home community. The work of the ADI is based upon reflective practice and the SAFER Model (Swinney & Dobal, 2004) that supports participants socially, academically, financially and economically to promote retention, graduation and entry into the workforce among minority and disadvantaged students. We nurture, support, and monitor progress of participa...
Hispanic Health Care International, 2008
ABSTRACT The Embracing the Challenge (ETC) project was designed to increase the number of ethnic ... more ABSTRACT The Embracing the Challenge (ETC) project was designed to increase the number of ethnic minority and disadvantaged nurses by targeting areas in southwestern Massachusetts, including two predominately Hispanic and African American communities. ETC includes a pipeline project with three goals: to recruit students to nursing, support and retain students in nursing, and provide stipends and scholarships. These goals are facilitated by developing partnerships with public schools and health providers and by providing cultural competency training for school of nursing staff, faculty, and students. The number of ethnic minority and disadvantaged students served by ETC increased from 300 in 2004 to 450 in 2007, with 22 participants graduating from nursing schools in 2006-2007. Moreover, the program's framework, the SAFER model of student support, is used at another university to increase the number of minority students pursuing nursing. Spanish El Proyecto Acepta el Reto (Embracing the Challenge, ETC) fue diseñado para aumentar la cantidad de enfermeras de grupos étnicos de minoría y en desventaja, enfocándose en áreas del suroeste de Massachussetts incluyendo dos comunidades predominantemente hispanos y afroamericanos. El ETC (según sus siglas en inglés) incluye un proyecto de reclutamiento con tres objetivos: reclutar estudiantes para la carrera de enfermería, apoyar y retener a los estudiantes durante la carrera y proveerles estipendios y becas. Estos objetivos se logran a través del desarrollo de alianzas con las escuelas públicas y los proveedores de salud y al brindar capacitación en competencias culturales al personal, los facultativos y estudiantes de la escuela de enfermería. La cantidad de estudiantes de minorías étnicas y en desventaja que participaron del ETC aumentó de 300 estudiantes en 2004 a 450 en 2007. De estos 22 participantes se graduaron de la escuela de enfermería en el 2006-2007. Más aún el marco teórico del programa, el modelo SAFER (según sus siglas en inglés) de apoyo estudiantil, se usa en otra universidad para aumentar el número de estudiantes de minoría que estudian enfermería.
Ostomy/wound management, 2000
The purpose of this study was to determine the number of children with wounds receiving home care... more The purpose of this study was to determine the number of children with wounds receiving home care, determine the types of wounds among these children, and identify wound care products used in the treatment of children. This study was a multi-site, descriptive, cross-sectional, collaborative, study involving 13 home healthcare agencies and a university. Nurses (n = 281) were systematically selected to collect data for patients receiving home care visits during a 1-week period. The nurses recorded data on 77 children who ranged in age from less than 1 year to 18 years (mean = 3.1 years, SD = 4.72). The children included 47 males and 30 females, most of whom were African-American (n = 59). Among the 77 children, 16.9% had wounds. Children with wounds were significantly older and had more reasons for the home healthcare visit than children without wounds. The presence of a wound was not significantly related to the length of the visit, gender, or race. The most common wound was a surgic...
Research in Nursing & Health, 1995
Research in Gerontological Nursing, 2011
Breast cancer poses a greater risk for African American than Caucasian women due to persistent he... more Breast cancer poses a greater risk for African American than Caucasian women due to persistent health disparities. To reduce mortality risk, culturally specific knowledge is needed to support and encourage regular breast cancer screening and risk-reduction behaviors in older African American women. The specific aims of this study were to identify social, cultural, and behavioral factors associated with regular participation in breast cancer screening and risk-reduction behaviors; examine health beliefs that may influence regular participation in breast cancer screening and risk-reduction behaviors; and identify perceived facilitators and barriers to regular breast cancer screening and risk-reduction behaviors. African American women older than 65 (N = 57) participated in six focus groups. Analysis of focus group data revealed six major themes: Being Blessed, Cancer as a Death Sentence, Fear/Fear of Disfigurement, Avoiding Finding Out, Beliefs About Breast Cancer, and Tending to One's Family. These themes could be used by health care providers to develop culturally relevant educational initiatives to promote breast health practices and risk-reduction behaviors in this vulnerable population, thus helping reduce breast cancer disparities.
Nursing Science Quarterly, 2010
Using Orem's theory as the framework, two purposes guided... more Using Orem's theory as the framework, two purposes guided the study: (a) to test the effectiveness of an audio-visual education program and behavioral contracting to promote self-care behaviors in managing radiation side effects and (b) to determine the extent to which low literacy affects self-care abilities. Seventy men diagnosed with prostate cancer participated in this experimental study. The nursing interventions of education and behavioral contracting significantly increased the self-care behaviors of men in managing radiation side effects. An increase in self-care behaviors was especially shown in men with low-literacy skills.