Impact of the promotora model on the improvement of oral health knowledge of caregivers.

Objective: The objective of this quasi-experimental study was to determine the impact of the Promotora Model (PM) as an educational strategy to increase oral health knowledge in parents/caregivers of children aged 2-5 years at high risk for dental caries.

Materials And Methods: Sixty-three caregivers who provided informed consent were included in the study. A structured 37-item survey was administered prior to conducting the Promotora educational intervention (PEI) that covered oral health topics and behaviors.

Classification Tree Analysis of Factors Associated with Oral Cancer Exam.

In this study, we performed a classification tree analysis (CTA) to identify population subgroups that are less likely to have an oral cancer examination (OCE). We conducted telephone surveys (N = 2401) of adults residing in north Florida to collect data on OCE status and potential OCE predictors including demographics, medical and dental experience, and psychosocial factors. The CTA algorithm exhaustive chi-square automatic interaction detector (E- CHAID) was employed to determine the relationships between OCE status and the predictors.

Dental Visits Mediate the Impact of Smoking on Oral Health.

Objectives: We explored the mediational relationships among smoking, dental visits, and oral health in a longitudinal study.

Methods: We selected a sample of adult residents of rural communities of North Central Florida and followed them for 3 years (final N = 1170). We examined the impact of smoking on oral health across time and conducted mediation analysis to quantify the effect of dental visits on the relationship between smoking and poor oral health.

Addressing Oral Health Disparities Via Educational Foci on Cultural Competence.

An ever-present challenge for the oral health profession is to reduce the extent of oral disease among racial and ethnic minority populations. Adding to this complex dilemma is the linkage between oral health and systemic health. We describe enhanced cultural competency, in the context of individual cultural beliefs, values, language, practice, and health behaviors, among dental professionals, as one approach to meeting the dental care needs of the underserved.

The reliability of psychological instruments in community samples: A cautionary note.

Although researchers norm and validate measures of psychological constructs largely on educated samples, they often use these instruments more broadly, assuming generalizability. We examined whether the assumption of generalizability is warranted. We administered three commonly used psychological measures-the Behavioral Activation/Behavioral Inhibition Scale, the Regulatory Focus Questionnaire, and the Need for Cognition Scale-to a community sample (N = 332) with limited education.

Trends in dental-related use of hospital emergency departments in Florida.

Objectives: The inability to access regular dental care may lead to care seeking at hospital emergency departments (EDs). However, EDs generally are not equipped or staffed to provide definitive dental services. This study examined trends and patterns of hospital ED use for dental-related reasons in Florida, a large, diverse state with serious barriers to accessing dental care.

Types and Factors Associated With Online Health Information Seeking Among College Men in Latino Fraternities: A Qualitative Study.

Despite the fact that a large percentage of Americans go online to seek health information, literature pertaining to online health information (OHI) seeking among college men in Latino fraternities (CMLF) has been nonexistent. Thus, the purpose of this study was to (a) identify the types of OHI that CMLF seek and (b) to determine the factors motivating OHI seeking among CMLF. Four 1- to 1.

Assessing Oral Cancer Awareness Among Rural Latino Migrant Workers.

Latino migrant farm workers suffer significant health disparities, including poor oral health. The purpose of this research was to assess Latino migrant farm workers' OC awareness, including knowledge and care-seeking behaviors. A 42-item survey was developed.

Determinants of First-Time Cancer Examinations in a Rural Community: A Mechanism for Behavior Change.

Objectives: After conducting a media campaign focusing on the importance of oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) examinations, we assessed mechanisms of behavior change among individuals receiving an OPC examination for the first time.

Methods: We used data from 2 waves of telephone surveys of individuals residing in 36 rural census tracts in northern Florida (n = 806). The second survey occurred after our media intervention.

Perceptions of oral health, preventive care, and care-seeking behaviors among rural adolescents.

Background: An asymmetrical oral disease burden is endured by certain population subgroups, particularly children and adolescents. Reducing oral health disparities requires understanding multiple oral health perspectives, including those of adolescents. This qualitative study explores oral health perceptions and dental care behaviors among rural adolescents.

Sexual behaviors and other risk factors for oral human papillomavirus infections in young women.

Background: Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with a rising incidence of certain head and neck cancers, and oral sex has been associated with oral HPV. This study sought to identify more specific patterns of oral sexual activity, including self-inoculation, that are associated with oral HPV infections in young women.

Methods: A total of 1010 women attending a large university completed a computer-based questionnaire and provided oral specimens that were tested for any oral HPV using a Linear Array assay that detects any HPV as well as 37 HPV genotypes.

Health literacy: a pathway to better oral health.

Objectives: We examined whether health literacy was associated with self-rated oral health status and whether the relationship was mediated by patient-dentist communication and dental care patterns.

Methods: We tested a path model with data collected from 2 waves of telephone surveys (baseline, 2009-2010; follow-up, 2011) of individuals residing in 36 rural census tracts in northern Florida (final sample size n = 1799).

Results: Higher levels of health literacy were associated with better self-rated oral health status (B = 0.

Utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) among sexually transmitted disease clinics attendees with coexisting drinking problems.

Background: Alcohol misuse remains a major risk factor for contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) not typically addressed in STD clinic settings. Information and communication technology (ICT) can offer new avenues to deliver evidence-based screening and treatment for problematic drinking, however, few data exists regarding the utilization of ICT among STD clinic attendees with coexisting drinking problems. The objectives of this study are to identify STD clinics attendees with hazardous drinking, to examine socio-demographic factors associated with ICT use, and to explore individuals' interests in engaging in ICT-based health interventions.

Demographic and practice characteristics of Medicaid-participating dentists.

Objectives: The challenges entailed in dental Medicaid programs are well documented. To increase our understanding of Medicaid participation, we surveyed Florida dentists to determine the demographic and practice characteristics of Medicaid-participating dentists.

Methods: Our target population was practicing Florida dentists who treat children, including those who do not currently accept Medicaid as well as those who do.

The burden of chronic diseases in a rural North Florida sample.

Background: The degree of health disparities present in rural communities is of growing concern and is considered "urgent" since rural residents lag behind their urban counterparts in health status. Understanding the prevalence and type of chronic diseases in rural communities is often difficult since Americans living in rural areas are reportedly less likely to have access to quality health care, although there are some exceptions. Data suggest that rural residents are more likely to engage in higher levels of behavioral and health risk-taking than urban residents, and newer evidence suggests that there are differences in health risk behavior within rural subgroups.

The decision to counsel adolescents about HPV.

Objectives: To examine factors influencing dentists' intentions to counsel adolescents.

Methods: Florida dentists (N = 929) responded to 3 descriptions of an office visit by an adolescent patient. In the standard-of-care condition the patient consumed excessive sugar.

Disparities in knowledge of mouth or throat cancer among rural Floridians.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine risk factors for reduced mouth or throat cancer (MTC) knowledge using a sample of rural North Floridian adults.

Methods: Telephone interviews were conducted across rural census tracts throughout North Florida in 2009-2010, using a survey adapted for cultural appropriateness. The sample consisted of 2,393 individuals (1,059 males and 1,334 females; 1,681 whites and 712 blacks).

Perceptions of wellness and burnout among certified athletic trainers: sex differences.

Context: Athletic trainers are exposed to various stressors, increasing the potential for burnout and decreasing perceived wellness. Burnout and decreased perceived wellness can result from many factors: years of experience, hours per week worked, or decreased levels of physical activity. Another factor that accounts for a portion of the variance is sex differences.

Increasing screening intentions for oral and pharyngeal cancer.

Background: Oral and pharyngeal cancer is a serious health threat that goes unnoticed by most people. Increasing screenings for oral and pharyngeal cancer is essential to achieving early detection when the disease is most treatable.

Purpose: We tested the effectiveness of a media campaign designed to increase intentions to seek an oral and pharyngeal cancer screening.

Developing an oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) knowledge and behaviors survey.

Objectives: To use the community participation research model to (1) develop a survey assessing knowledge about mouth and throat cancer and (2) field test and establish test-retest reliability with newly developed instrument.

Methods: Cognitive interviews with primarily rural African American adults to assess their perception and interpretation of survey items. Test-retest reliability was established with a racially diverse rural population.

Psychosocial factors associated with mouth and throat cancer examinations in rural Florida.

Objectives: We examined the knowledge and prevalence of mouth and throat cancer examinations in a sample drawn from rural populations in north Florida.

Methods: Telephone interviews were conducted across rural census tracts throughout north Florida in 2009 and 2010, in a survey that had been adapted for cultural appropriateness using cognitive interviews. The sample consisted of 2526 respondents (1132 men and 1394 women; 1797 Whites and 729 African Americans).