Caroline Bergeron | University of South Carolina (original) (raw)

Papers by Caroline Bergeron

The journal of nutrition, health & aging, 2021

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify older adult malnutrition in Texas, examine county-level c... more OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify older adult malnutrition in Texas, examine county-level characteristics associated with crude malnutrition death rates, and describe assets and opportunities available to address and improve malnutrition among the older population.

American Journal of Public Health, Mar 1, 2015

The word "education" was added to the mission statement by the current editor-inchief (M. E. N.),... more The word "education" was added to the mission statement by the current editor-inchief (M. E. N.), so that it now begins, "Promoting public health research, policy, practice, and education [emphasis ours] is the foremost mission of the AJPH." Regardless of whether we interact with students and early career professionals in academic institutions (M. E. N., R. E. Z., and M. R. G.) or public health agencies (D. H.), we are convinced of the need for mentoring in public health 1 as one vital element of educating. Indeed, in April 2009, AJPH published an entire supplement devoted to mentoring entitled, Mentoring for Diversity in the Mental Health of HIV/AIDS. Among the outstanding papers in that collection was an essay by Manson that advanced a conceptual model of factors that influence the development of a research career. 2 And among the long-term outcomes of persistence in navigating the crossroads of a research career that he identified were first-authored, peer-reviewed journal articles. Our focus here on first-authored, peerreviewed journal articles is thus deliberate. The intellectual reach and attendant credit for the published ideas accorded to first authors is paramount in the pursuit of a more intellectually diverse and equitable research community. During her tenure on the AJPH editorial board, our student

Health Promotion Practice, 2019

Engaging in regular physical activity can help prevent chronic disease and enhance quality of lif... more Engaging in regular physical activity can help prevent chronic disease and enhance quality of life. Unfortunately, less than 20% of American adults meet the recommended physical activity guidelines, perhaps indicating ineffective communication efforts around physical activity. In preparation for the release of the second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, and using the physical activity guidelines as a cornerstone of our approach, we conducted a scoping review of physical activity communication research to understand the scholarly efforts related to communicating about physical activity. Using a social-ecological perspective, we identified studies using the keywords physical activity* OR exercise* AND health communication* in three public health and communication databases and retained studies conducted in the United States and published in English from 1995 through 2015. Sixty-seven articles included a mention of physical activity guidelines, a health commun...

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022

Middle-aged and older men of color with chronic conditions have low utilization of preventive hea... more Middle-aged and older men of color with chronic conditions have low utilization of preventive health services. In the context of the Chronic Care Model (CCM), the objective of this study was to identify perceptions about being informed, activated patients and having productive interactions in healthcare settings among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic middle-aged and older men with chronic health conditions in the United States. Using an internet-based survey deployed nationally using a Qualtrics panel, data were collected from a sample of non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men aged 40 years and older with one or more self-reported chronic conditions (n = 2028). Chi-square tests and one-way ANOVAs were used to describe this national sample by race/ethnicity and age group (40–64 years and ≥65 years). Results suggest that most health-related factors differed more on age than by race/ethnicity. Younger age groups reported less preventive care, greater barriers to self-care, mental health is...

Brain Sciences, 2021

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is prevalent in the general population, particularly among His... more Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is prevalent in the general population, particularly among Hispanic adults. SCD increases the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. While non-pharmacologic interventions are recommended to mitigate cognitive decline and preserve daily function in SCD and MCI, such interventions are not readily available for Spanish-speaking Hispanic adults with SCD. This pilot study, preregistered at clinicialtrials.gov, aimed to develop a linguistically and culturally appropriate adaptation of an existing memory compensation intervention, the Memory Support System (MSS), from English to Spanish, and to gather data to assess its impact in this population. Twenty Spanish-speaking Hispanic adults with SCD and 16 support partners were recruited. Measures of treatment adherence, daily function, self-efficacy for memory, quality of life, mood, anxiety, and caregiver burden were assessed at baseline, treatment end, and 8-week follow-up. By treatment end, ...

Sexes, 2021

Women ages 60 and older vary in sexual behaviors. This study examined the prevalence of vaginal i... more Women ages 60 and older vary in sexual behaviors. This study examined the prevalence of vaginal intercourse, outercourse, and receipt and performance of oral sex reported among 461 married/partnered women age ≥ 60 years in the United States and factors associated with these four sexual behaviors. Using data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, associations between participants’ socio-demographics, health indicators, sexual perceptions, communication, and sexual behaviors were examined. In the past year, 53.6% reported having vaginal intercourse, 56.0% outercourse, and 21.7% receiving and 20.6% performing oral sex. Women with depressive symptomology were less likely to report intercourse and outercourse (p < 0.05). Women endorsing pleasurable sex as necessary to maintain relationships were more likely to report all four behaviors (p < 0.01). Women who communicated openly with partners were more likely to report intercourse (p = 0.002), outercourse (p = 0.00...

Frontiers in Public Health, 2021

Low-income older adults are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this perspec... more Low-income older adults are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this perspective article, we review the context in which low-income older people experience the pandemic and the mental and physical health consequences they have faced to date. Then, we offer practical solutions to help improve low-income older adults' sleep, physical activity, nutrition, and stress that require no or low financial commitment. We argue that governments, communities, and organizations should make greater efforts to promote healthy living for low-income older adults in times of health emergencies to ensure their ability to be universally adopted, regardless of income and resources.

Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2021

Background Previous research has identified disparities in seeking and using web-based health inf... more Background Previous research has identified disparities in seeking and using web-based health information to inform health-related behaviors. Relatively few studies however have examined the correlations between web-based health information seeking and use based on race, gender, age, and the presence of chronic health conditions. Objective In this study, we identify factors associated with seeking and using web-based health information among a uniquely vulnerable and intersectional population—middle-aged and older (40 years and older) African American and Hispanic men living with one or more chronic conditions. Methods Survey responses were collected from a purposive sample of African American and Hispanic men using Qualtrics web-based survey management software. To qualify for inclusion in the study, respondents had to identify as African American or Hispanic men, report having at least one chronic condition, and be aged 40 years and older. A series of binary logistic regression mo...

Rural and Remote Health, 2013

Age and Ageing, 2020

The goal of this commentary is to highlight the ageism that has emerged during the COVID-19 pande... more The goal of this commentary is to highlight the ageism that has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 20 international researchers in the field of ageing have contributed to this document. This commentary discusses how older people are misrepresented and undervalued in the current public discourse surrounding the pandemic. It points to issues in documenting the deaths of older adults, the lack of preparation for such a crisis in long-term care homes, how some ‘protective’ policies can be considered patronising and how the initial perception of the public was that the virus was really an older adult problem. This commentary also calls attention to important intergenerational solidarity that has occurred during this crisis to ensure support and social-inclusion of older adults, even at a distance. Our hope is that with this commentary we can contribute to the discourse on older adults during this pandemic and diminish the ageist attitudes that have circulated.

Maturitas, 2017

Objectives: Chronic conditions are pervasive among middle-aged and older adults. This study ident... more Objectives: Chronic conditions are pervasive among middle-aged and older adults. This study identified: (1) factors associated with participants reporting difficulties self-managing their chronic condition(s); and (2) factors associated with participants' reliance on external sources for ongoing help and support to improve their health and manage their health conditions. Study design: Cross-sectional data were collected using the National Council on Aging Chronic Care Survey, a nationally representative telephone survey of adults aged 45 years and older with at least one chronic condition. Main outcome measures: Self-care difficulties among middle-aged and older adults with one or more chronic conditions and factors associated with reliance on ongoing help and support were examined. Results: Among 731 middle-aged and older adults with one or more chronic conditions, 31% of participants reported their health condition(s) made it difficult for them to care for themselves. Participants who were Hispanic (OR = 3.08, P = 0.009), had three or more chronic conditions (OR = 3.05, P < 0.001), took more medications daily (OR = 1.07, P = 0.046), and experienced certain healthcare-related frustrations (P ≤ 0.023) were more likely to report difficulties self-managing their chronic condition(s). Participants relied on healthcare providers (40%), friends/relatives (20%), internet (9%), people with similar problems (6%), and community groups (3%) for help and support. Reliance on sources of support varied with participants' sociodemographic factors as well as healthcare and medication use. Conclusions: Simultaneously considering patients' disease profiles, patient characteristics, difficulties managing their chronic conditions at home, and interactions with the healthcare system can inform tailored approaches and strategies to enhance patient education and resource identification, and can support service linkages.

Maturitas, 2016

This study aims to identify socio-demographic and health behavior factors associated with cardiov... more This study aims to identify socio-demographic and health behavior factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) diagnosis and patient-physician communication concerning sexual issues among older Veterans. Cross-sectional data were collected from 635 male Veterans over age 55 years as part of the 2010 National Social Life, Health and Aging Project, a nationally-representative, population-based study of community-dwelling older Americans. Two independent logistic regression analyses were performed. Over 33% of Veterans were aged 75 years or older. Over one-half of participants reported having a CVD diagnosis (58%) and sexual intercourse within the previous year (58%); over one-third (37%) reported having one or more sexual dysfunctions and discussing sexual issues with their physician (42%). Veterans diagnosed with CVD were significantly more likely to self-identify as racial/ethnic minorities (OR=1.89, P=0.021), have more chronic disease comorbidities (OR=1.23, P=0.041), and have more sexual dysfunctions (OR=1.19, P=0.028). Veterans diagnosed with CVD were significantly less likely to report having sex within the previous year (OR=0.53, P=0.005). Veterans who reported discussing sexual issues with a physician were significantly more likely to be ≥75 years (OR=1.79, P=0.010), and report more than a high school education (OR=1.62, P=0.016), CVD diagnosis (OR=1.59, P=0.015), sex within the previous year (OR=1.69, P=0.033), and trouble achieving/maintaining an erection (OR=3.39, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001). These findings suggest older male Veterans, particularly racial/ethnic minorities and those less-educated, may benefit from VA and community-based aging and sexual health/counseling services. These services should promote increased patient-physician communication as well as referrals between physicians and sex health/counseling specialists.

Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, 2012

Crises are omnipresent in the organizational world. To face these situations, organizations rely ... more Crises are omnipresent in the organizational world. To face these situations, organizations rely on their crisis management teams to better manage these situations. How do members of these teams succeed or fail to succeed in understanding each other and in collectively framing the crisis situation, when everyone&#x27;s background differs? Based on an interactional perspective, the current study proposes to respond to this question by analysing a selection of audiovisual excerpts taken from three crisis management exercises conducted in ...

Journal of Community Health, 2013

Analyzing data from a telephone survey of rural and urban residents in South Carolina, this study... more Analyzing data from a telephone survey of rural and urban residents in South Carolina, this study attempts to understand how to better promote clinical trials (CTs) in rural areas. To explore why participation is lower among the rural population, we examine two groups of potential barriers: structural and procedural barriers (limited accessibility, lack of awareness, lack of health insurance) and cognitive and psychological barriers (lack of knowledge, misperceptions, distrust, fear). We then make a series of comparisons between rural and urban residents to see whether rural residents are significantly different from urban residents in terms of structural/procedural and cognitive/psychological barriers they are facing. Findings indicate that there are no significant differences between rural and urban residents in their willingness to participate in a CT. However, rural residents were more likely to perceive limited access to CT sites and lack of awareness of available trials. Rural residents also indicated greater lack of knowledge about CTs. Finally, we found that distrust and fear were important barriers in shaping one&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s willingness to participate in a CT. Implications of the findings are discussed in detail.

American Journal of Health Promotion, 2015

Purpose. Participation in clinical trials (CTs) is low among rural communities. Investigators rep... more Purpose. Participation in clinical trials (CTs) is low among rural communities. Investigators report difficulty recruiting rural individuals for CTs. The study purpose was to identify recruitment barriers, motivators, and strategies to help increase access to and participation in CTs in rural and urban communities. Approach. Qualitative focus groups/interviews. Setting. Rural and urban counties in one southeastern state. Participants. Two hundred twelve African-American and white men and women ages 21+. Method. Nineteen focus groups and nine interviews were conducted. Audio files were transcribed and organized into NVivo10. Recurring themes were examined by geographic location. Results. Although similar barriers, motivators, and strategies were reported by urban and rural groups, perceptions regarding their importance varied. Recruitment barriers mentioned in both rural and urban groups included fear, side effects, limited understanding, limited time, and mistrust. Rural groups were...

Health promotion practice, Jan 28, 2015

Clinical trial (CT) participation is low among African Americans (AAs). To better communicate wit... more Clinical trial (CT) participation is low among African Americans (AAs). To better communicate with AAs about the importance of CTs, the purpose of this study was to explore the communication sources and perceived effective communication channels and strategies through which the general public, AAs, and White individuals receive CT information. A quantitative telephone survey was conducted with AAs and Whites in one Southern state (N = 511). The measures assessed CT sources of information, perceived effectiveness of communication channels and strategies, CT understanding, and CT participation. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were used to compare responses overall and by race. AAs reported being exposed to more CT information than Whites. AAs received CT information most often through television, social media, and doctors compared to Whites. Perceived effectiveness of communication strategies and channels varied by race. AAs preferred simple and easy-to-understand CT information di...

Introduction: One in every three adults over the age of 65 experiences a fall every year, with wo... more Introduction: One in every three adults over the age of 65 experiences a fall every year, with women experiencing more falls than men. Falls can affect how older women perceive themselves and their independence. The purpose of this study was to examine older women's health decision making after experiencing a fall. Methods: I conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 older women living independently in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) who had experienced a fall within the previous six months and 11 individuals the women identified as being involved in their post-fall decision making. I also conducted an exploratory survey on post-fall decision making with 130 older women (65 from CCRCs; 65 from non-institutional homes) who had experienced a fall within the previous 12 months. I analyzed the qualitative data using open and axial coding. I analyzed the quantitative data using bivariate associations and ordinary least square regression. Results: Women used differen...

Drogues, santé et société