Rhonda Lewis | Wichita State University (original) (raw)
Papers by Rhonda Lewis
The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 2021
The purpose of this study was to examine patient and provider experiences of integrated behaviora... more The purpose of this study was to examine patient and provider experiences of integrated behavioral health care at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Using a mixed methodology design, both patients (n = 186) and providers (n = 17) completed a survey regarding satisfaction with care and the extent of integration at the clinic, as well as attended a focus group or interview (n = 11 patients; n = 12 providers) regarding their satisfaction and experiences. Both patients and providers found integration to be acceptable and satisfactory and the integration of services among different health care providers occurred fairly regularly. Themes from the provider and patient interviews/ focus groups highlighted both positive aspects of the integration and specific challenges within the clinic. This more nuanced perspective of integration both replicates and extends upon previous research regarding satisfaction with integrated care and emphasizes the complexities and challenges of integration within community health clinics.
Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 2015
Are there gender differences in perceived sexual self-efficacy among African-Are there gender dif... more Are there gender differences in perceived sexual self-efficacy among African-Are there gender differences in perceived sexual self-efficacy among African-American adolescents? American adolescents?
Journal of Community …, 2004
This study assessed the extent to which a belief in fate or destiny might explain certain health ... more This study assessed the extent to which a belief in fate or destiny might explain certain health behaviors among African Americans. A survey of 1,253 African Americans in Alabama churches was conducted. Fifty-nine percent of the total sample indicated that ...
Journal of the National Medical Association
Although hypertension affects all racial and ethnic groups, its prevalence is highest in the Afri... more Although hypertension affects all racial and ethnic groups, its prevalence is highest in the African-American community. The goal of Healthy People 2010 is to reduce hypertension among African Americans from 40% to 16%. Although current levels remain high, culturally sensitive, community-based clinical projects might be helpful in addressing this problem. The goal of this study was to assess whether a community-based clinic's program was effective in improving blood pressure control among a sample of 134 African-American adults. The program design involved health education and physical fitness classes offered over a nine-month period, with blood pressure checks being conducted pre- and postphases to determine whether the program was effective in controlling high blood pressure. Health questionnaires were also administered pre- and posttest to assess whether health behaviors and perceived health status were influenced by the project. Two-thirds (70%) of the sample had high blood pressure at baseline and 43% at program conclusion. This was a statistically significant difference (p=0.003). Overall self-reported health survey results indicated improved health behaviors and health status changes. Findings suggest that culturally sensitive, community-based clinic programs that incorporate both health education and physical fitness might be effective in reducing hypertension among African Americans.
Youth & Society, 2015
ABSTRACT In an education system marred by inequity, urban schools in the United States are faced ... more ABSTRACT In an education system marred by inequity, urban schools in the United States are faced with the challenge of helping students from marginalized groups succeed. While many strategies have been tried, most are built on deficitbased models that blame students and teachers for a lack of achievement and ignore the role of power within the school setting. Building on the body of research on school climate, critical pedagogy, and empowering settings, the present study developed a model of student empowerment using a case study of an ethnically diverse urban high school in the midwestern United States. Participant observation, focus groups, and interviews were utilized to identify classroom and school characteristics related to student empowerment. Students reported equitable teacher–student relationships, integrated student leadership, and shared decision making. Similarly, school staff reported high staff empowerment and sense of community. The Student Empowerment Model is a useful framework for school improvement, adding "power" to the broader literature on school climate and extending the work on empowering settings to schools.
American journal of community psychology, Jan 10, 2015
Risk reduction interventions that promote condom use, a vital component of most HIV prevention in... more Risk reduction interventions that promote condom use, a vital component of most HIV prevention interventions, have been successful in increasing condom use among African American adolescents. Understanding theoretical components that lead to behavior change and selecting relevant risk reduction messages remain important considerations for targeting new interventions and tailoring existing interventions. The present study sought to (1) identify the most important theoretical determinants of condom use intention in African American adolescent males and females, separately, using the integrative model of behavior prediction, and (2) identify underlying beliefs within the determinants that were good candidates for message development in similar interventions. Using 446 African American adolescents, multi-group SEM indicated that the gender-specific IM exhibited a better fit than the overall model. Specifically, the IM had a stronger capacity for predicting condom use intention and condo...
Journal of community health, 2000
Public health officials and researchers continue to be increasingly concerned about the health of... more Public health officials and researchers continue to be increasingly concerned about the health of populations of color, especially African Americans. A survey was administered in African American churches in two communities (Wichita, KS and Tuscaloosa, AL) to gather information concerning health behaviors and beliefs and to design interventions that might improve their health status. The study examined the homogeneity of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors across these samples and to determine the readiness to change using the Transtheoritical Model. Individuals completed a 33-item survey: 6 demographic questions, 12 health behavior questions, 8 health belief questions, 3 church attendance questions, and 4 church-based health promotion program questions. The total sample consisted of 429 respondents. The results showed that 93% of respondents have had their blood pressure checked in the past 2 years. While only 44% indicated eating a high fiber diet during the week. Thirty percent of ...
Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health Education, 1997
In the United States alone, there are more than 2,000 community coalitions to address local conce... more In the United States alone, there are more than 2,000 community coalitions to address local concerns about abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. This article describes an evaluation system used to examine the process, outcome, and impact of coalitions for the prevention of substance abuse. The evaluation addresses five key questions: (a) Was the community mobilized to address substance abuse (Process)? (b) What changes in the community resulted from the coalition (Outcome)? (c) Is there a change in reported use of alcohol and other substances by youths (Outcome)? (d) Does the coalition have a community-level impact on substance abuse (Impact)? and (e) Is community-level impact related to changes facilitated by the coalition (Impact)? To address these and other questions, using eight core measurement instruments, the evaluation system collects 15 distinct measures. This evaluation system is illustrated with a multiyear study of Project Freedom, a substance abuse coalition in a ...
Journal of community health, 1997
We describe a case study evaluation of Kansas LEAN, a statewide partnership with the mission of r... more We describe a case study evaluation of Kansas LEAN, a statewide partnership with the mission of reducing risks for chronic diseases through dietary and exercise modification. We used a case study design to examine five primary questions related to process and outcome: (a) were the goals of the partnership important to constituents? (process), (b) were constituents satisfied with the partnership (process), (c) were community or systems changes (new or modified programs, policies, or practices) facilitated by partnership efforts (outcome)?, (d) were these changes important to the partnership's mission (outcome)?, and (e) what critical events helped facilitate community changes (outcome)? several measurement instruments--a monitoring and feedback system, constituent surveys, and semistructured interviews--were used to address key evaluation questions. Kansas LEAN is a strong statewide partnership with involvement from key representatives throughout Kansas. It is an ongoing, compreh...
Journal of the National Medical Association, 2005
Health disparities have dominated recent discourse among public health and medical researchers. E... more Health disparities have dominated recent discourse among public health and medical researchers. Ever since the United States began to compile health statistics, differences in health status have been noted between majority and non-majority populations. Myriad approaches have been undertaken in an attempt to reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health. However, the disparities continue to persist. We are at a point in our history where innovative strategies must be explored that will be more effective in addressing racial and ethnic disparities in health. In large part, health disparities exist as a result of inequitable distribution of goods, resources, services and power in America. We have learned that improvements in health cannot come about solely through primary and secondary interventions but rather through an examination of the availability of resources that would allow individuals to improve their health. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of th...
Empowerment Evaluation: Knowledge and Tools for Self-Assessment & Accountability Empowerment evaluation: Knowledge and tools for self-assessment & accountability, 1996
Family Planning Perspectives, 1999
Context: A significant amount of attention has been devoted to the complex issue of teenage pregn... more Context: A significant amount of attention has been devoted to the complex issue of teenage pregnancy and to programs for reducing pregnancy among adolescents. Careful evaluations of such programs are needed to ascertain what strategies will be most effective at reducing teenage pregnancy.
Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 2013
ABSTRACT
The Journal of Primary Prevention, 2009
Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 2011
The purpose of this article was to assess the overall health behaviors of African American emergi... more The purpose of this article was to assess the overall health behaviors of African American emerging adults who live in a Midwestern city. Two hundred participants, ages 18-25, completed a 129-item survey. Results indicate that African American emerging adults are engaged in relatively healthy behaviors (i.e., physical activity, low substance use). The results also showed that within the emerging adult developmental period, there are differences in behavior for those who are in the younger (18-20) versus those that are older (21-25) in the developmental period. Limitations, future research, and implications for practice will also be discussed.
Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 2011
Numerous studies and interventions have been designed to either reduce the prevalence of risky be... more Numerous studies and interventions have been designed to either reduce the prevalence of risky behaviors (substance use, sexual activity, etc.) or increase the level of educational activity for adolescents. Research suggests that these two constructs may be related yet little is known about this relationship among African American youth. Archival data from the Risk Reduction Project was used to explore the connection between the protective factors of educational aspirations/expectations and recent participation in risky behavior. Results suggest that recent use of marijuana, alcohol to the point of intoxication, and sexual activity predicted lower aspirations and expectations among African American youth. From a positive youth development perspective, this study suggests the development of holistic interventions that build educational assets in youth, in addition to working to minimize risk behaviors. Limitations and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 2011
Over the past few decades researchers have begun to examine the importance of understanding posit... more Over the past few decades researchers have begun to examine the importance of understanding positive youth development and the many contexts in which youth find themselves. The social contexts in which adolescent development occurs are varied and complex, particularly the development among African American youth. African American youth are faced with a number of challenges including living in single-parent homes, high teen pregnancy rates, and poor neighborhoods, yet many of these youth continue to thrive. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between family structure (single-parenting) and adolescent outcomes such as educational aspirations and sexual activity among African American adolescent youth aged 12-17. Approximately 462 African American youth were surveyed. A number of positive results emerged; for instance, there was a negative correlation between family structure and educational aspirations. The number of parents in the home did not interfere with youth wanting to complete high school and go on to college (r = - .218, r² = .04, p < .05). The results also showed that as educational aspirations increased, the number of sexual partners decreased (r = - .141, meaning that the more adolescents reported a desire to complete high school, they were less likely to report having sexual intercourse. These positive results should be promoted among African American youth so that those faced with these challenges will note that others have overcome and accomplished their goals. In this population educational aspirations were important. Limitations and future research are discussed.
Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 2011
The purpose of this article is to examine the attitudes and substance use behaviors of African Am... more The purpose of this article is to examine the attitudes and substance use behaviors of African American adolescents living in the Midwest. A baseline survey was administered to 463 African American teens between the ages of 11-19. The article examines the relationship between attitudes toward drugs and drug-using behavior in this African American sample. Drug use will be compared to national drug use norms established by the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey. Overall participants had fairly negative attitudes toward drugs. Sixty percent of the sample reported that they were committed to a drug-free life, 74% had made a decision to stay away from marijuana, 79% reported making a decision not to smoke cigarettes, and 71% reported they would not get drunk in the next year. Females were more likely to stay away from marijuana than males. In this current study there is cause for alarm; participants reported higher percentages of ever smoking cigarettes and marijuana than the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey. This study shows there is a need to provide substance abuse prevention programs for African American adolescents. Limitations and future directions are also discussed.
Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 2011
The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 2021
The purpose of this study was to examine patient and provider experiences of integrated behaviora... more The purpose of this study was to examine patient and provider experiences of integrated behavioral health care at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Using a mixed methodology design, both patients (n = 186) and providers (n = 17) completed a survey regarding satisfaction with care and the extent of integration at the clinic, as well as attended a focus group or interview (n = 11 patients; n = 12 providers) regarding their satisfaction and experiences. Both patients and providers found integration to be acceptable and satisfactory and the integration of services among different health care providers occurred fairly regularly. Themes from the provider and patient interviews/ focus groups highlighted both positive aspects of the integration and specific challenges within the clinic. This more nuanced perspective of integration both replicates and extends upon previous research regarding satisfaction with integrated care and emphasizes the complexities and challenges of integration within community health clinics.
Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 2015
Are there gender differences in perceived sexual self-efficacy among African-Are there gender dif... more Are there gender differences in perceived sexual self-efficacy among African-Are there gender differences in perceived sexual self-efficacy among African-American adolescents? American adolescents?
Journal of Community …, 2004
This study assessed the extent to which a belief in fate or destiny might explain certain health ... more This study assessed the extent to which a belief in fate or destiny might explain certain health behaviors among African Americans. A survey of 1,253 African Americans in Alabama churches was conducted. Fifty-nine percent of the total sample indicated that ...
Journal of the National Medical Association
Although hypertension affects all racial and ethnic groups, its prevalence is highest in the Afri... more Although hypertension affects all racial and ethnic groups, its prevalence is highest in the African-American community. The goal of Healthy People 2010 is to reduce hypertension among African Americans from 40% to 16%. Although current levels remain high, culturally sensitive, community-based clinical projects might be helpful in addressing this problem. The goal of this study was to assess whether a community-based clinic's program was effective in improving blood pressure control among a sample of 134 African-American adults. The program design involved health education and physical fitness classes offered over a nine-month period, with blood pressure checks being conducted pre- and postphases to determine whether the program was effective in controlling high blood pressure. Health questionnaires were also administered pre- and posttest to assess whether health behaviors and perceived health status were influenced by the project. Two-thirds (70%) of the sample had high blood pressure at baseline and 43% at program conclusion. This was a statistically significant difference (p=0.003). Overall self-reported health survey results indicated improved health behaviors and health status changes. Findings suggest that culturally sensitive, community-based clinic programs that incorporate both health education and physical fitness might be effective in reducing hypertension among African Americans.
Youth & Society, 2015
ABSTRACT In an education system marred by inequity, urban schools in the United States are faced ... more ABSTRACT In an education system marred by inequity, urban schools in the United States are faced with the challenge of helping students from marginalized groups succeed. While many strategies have been tried, most are built on deficitbased models that blame students and teachers for a lack of achievement and ignore the role of power within the school setting. Building on the body of research on school climate, critical pedagogy, and empowering settings, the present study developed a model of student empowerment using a case study of an ethnically diverse urban high school in the midwestern United States. Participant observation, focus groups, and interviews were utilized to identify classroom and school characteristics related to student empowerment. Students reported equitable teacher–student relationships, integrated student leadership, and shared decision making. Similarly, school staff reported high staff empowerment and sense of community. The Student Empowerment Model is a useful framework for school improvement, adding "power" to the broader literature on school climate and extending the work on empowering settings to schools.
American journal of community psychology, Jan 10, 2015
Risk reduction interventions that promote condom use, a vital component of most HIV prevention in... more Risk reduction interventions that promote condom use, a vital component of most HIV prevention interventions, have been successful in increasing condom use among African American adolescents. Understanding theoretical components that lead to behavior change and selecting relevant risk reduction messages remain important considerations for targeting new interventions and tailoring existing interventions. The present study sought to (1) identify the most important theoretical determinants of condom use intention in African American adolescent males and females, separately, using the integrative model of behavior prediction, and (2) identify underlying beliefs within the determinants that were good candidates for message development in similar interventions. Using 446 African American adolescents, multi-group SEM indicated that the gender-specific IM exhibited a better fit than the overall model. Specifically, the IM had a stronger capacity for predicting condom use intention and condo...
Journal of community health, 2000
Public health officials and researchers continue to be increasingly concerned about the health of... more Public health officials and researchers continue to be increasingly concerned about the health of populations of color, especially African Americans. A survey was administered in African American churches in two communities (Wichita, KS and Tuscaloosa, AL) to gather information concerning health behaviors and beliefs and to design interventions that might improve their health status. The study examined the homogeneity of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors across these samples and to determine the readiness to change using the Transtheoritical Model. Individuals completed a 33-item survey: 6 demographic questions, 12 health behavior questions, 8 health belief questions, 3 church attendance questions, and 4 church-based health promotion program questions. The total sample consisted of 429 respondents. The results showed that 93% of respondents have had their blood pressure checked in the past 2 years. While only 44% indicated eating a high fiber diet during the week. Thirty percent of ...
Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health Education, 1997
In the United States alone, there are more than 2,000 community coalitions to address local conce... more In the United States alone, there are more than 2,000 community coalitions to address local concerns about abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. This article describes an evaluation system used to examine the process, outcome, and impact of coalitions for the prevention of substance abuse. The evaluation addresses five key questions: (a) Was the community mobilized to address substance abuse (Process)? (b) What changes in the community resulted from the coalition (Outcome)? (c) Is there a change in reported use of alcohol and other substances by youths (Outcome)? (d) Does the coalition have a community-level impact on substance abuse (Impact)? and (e) Is community-level impact related to changes facilitated by the coalition (Impact)? To address these and other questions, using eight core measurement instruments, the evaluation system collects 15 distinct measures. This evaluation system is illustrated with a multiyear study of Project Freedom, a substance abuse coalition in a ...
Journal of community health, 1997
We describe a case study evaluation of Kansas LEAN, a statewide partnership with the mission of r... more We describe a case study evaluation of Kansas LEAN, a statewide partnership with the mission of reducing risks for chronic diseases through dietary and exercise modification. We used a case study design to examine five primary questions related to process and outcome: (a) were the goals of the partnership important to constituents? (process), (b) were constituents satisfied with the partnership (process), (c) were community or systems changes (new or modified programs, policies, or practices) facilitated by partnership efforts (outcome)?, (d) were these changes important to the partnership's mission (outcome)?, and (e) what critical events helped facilitate community changes (outcome)? several measurement instruments--a monitoring and feedback system, constituent surveys, and semistructured interviews--were used to address key evaluation questions. Kansas LEAN is a strong statewide partnership with involvement from key representatives throughout Kansas. It is an ongoing, compreh...
Journal of the National Medical Association, 2005
Health disparities have dominated recent discourse among public health and medical researchers. E... more Health disparities have dominated recent discourse among public health and medical researchers. Ever since the United States began to compile health statistics, differences in health status have been noted between majority and non-majority populations. Myriad approaches have been undertaken in an attempt to reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health. However, the disparities continue to persist. We are at a point in our history where innovative strategies must be explored that will be more effective in addressing racial and ethnic disparities in health. In large part, health disparities exist as a result of inequitable distribution of goods, resources, services and power in America. We have learned that improvements in health cannot come about solely through primary and secondary interventions but rather through an examination of the availability of resources that would allow individuals to improve their health. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of th...
Empowerment Evaluation: Knowledge and Tools for Self-Assessment & Accountability Empowerment evaluation: Knowledge and tools for self-assessment & accountability, 1996
Family Planning Perspectives, 1999
Context: A significant amount of attention has been devoted to the complex issue of teenage pregn... more Context: A significant amount of attention has been devoted to the complex issue of teenage pregnancy and to programs for reducing pregnancy among adolescents. Careful evaluations of such programs are needed to ascertain what strategies will be most effective at reducing teenage pregnancy.
Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 2013
ABSTRACT
The Journal of Primary Prevention, 2009
Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 2011
The purpose of this article was to assess the overall health behaviors of African American emergi... more The purpose of this article was to assess the overall health behaviors of African American emerging adults who live in a Midwestern city. Two hundred participants, ages 18-25, completed a 129-item survey. Results indicate that African American emerging adults are engaged in relatively healthy behaviors (i.e., physical activity, low substance use). The results also showed that within the emerging adult developmental period, there are differences in behavior for those who are in the younger (18-20) versus those that are older (21-25) in the developmental period. Limitations, future research, and implications for practice will also be discussed.
Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 2011
Numerous studies and interventions have been designed to either reduce the prevalence of risky be... more Numerous studies and interventions have been designed to either reduce the prevalence of risky behaviors (substance use, sexual activity, etc.) or increase the level of educational activity for adolescents. Research suggests that these two constructs may be related yet little is known about this relationship among African American youth. Archival data from the Risk Reduction Project was used to explore the connection between the protective factors of educational aspirations/expectations and recent participation in risky behavior. Results suggest that recent use of marijuana, alcohol to the point of intoxication, and sexual activity predicted lower aspirations and expectations among African American youth. From a positive youth development perspective, this study suggests the development of holistic interventions that build educational assets in youth, in addition to working to minimize risk behaviors. Limitations and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 2011
Over the past few decades researchers have begun to examine the importance of understanding posit... more Over the past few decades researchers have begun to examine the importance of understanding positive youth development and the many contexts in which youth find themselves. The social contexts in which adolescent development occurs are varied and complex, particularly the development among African American youth. African American youth are faced with a number of challenges including living in single-parent homes, high teen pregnancy rates, and poor neighborhoods, yet many of these youth continue to thrive. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between family structure (single-parenting) and adolescent outcomes such as educational aspirations and sexual activity among African American adolescent youth aged 12-17. Approximately 462 African American youth were surveyed. A number of positive results emerged; for instance, there was a negative correlation between family structure and educational aspirations. The number of parents in the home did not interfere with youth wanting to complete high school and go on to college (r = - .218, r² = .04, p < .05). The results also showed that as educational aspirations increased, the number of sexual partners decreased (r = - .141, meaning that the more adolescents reported a desire to complete high school, they were less likely to report having sexual intercourse. These positive results should be promoted among African American youth so that those faced with these challenges will note that others have overcome and accomplished their goals. In this population educational aspirations were important. Limitations and future research are discussed.
Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 2011
The purpose of this article is to examine the attitudes and substance use behaviors of African Am... more The purpose of this article is to examine the attitudes and substance use behaviors of African American adolescents living in the Midwest. A baseline survey was administered to 463 African American teens between the ages of 11-19. The article examines the relationship between attitudes toward drugs and drug-using behavior in this African American sample. Drug use will be compared to national drug use norms established by the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey. Overall participants had fairly negative attitudes toward drugs. Sixty percent of the sample reported that they were committed to a drug-free life, 74% had made a decision to stay away from marijuana, 79% reported making a decision not to smoke cigarettes, and 71% reported they would not get drunk in the next year. Females were more likely to stay away from marijuana than males. In this current study there is cause for alarm; participants reported higher percentages of ever smoking cigarettes and marijuana than the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey. This study shows there is a need to provide substance abuse prevention programs for African American adolescents. Limitations and future directions are also discussed.
Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 2011