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    Who Should Decide? Decision-Making Preferences for Primary HPV Testing for Cervical Cancer Screening Among U.S. Women
    (American Academy of Health Behavior, 2021) Thompson, Erika L.; Garg, Ashvita; Head, Katharine J.; Griner, Stacey B.; Galvin, Annalynn M.; Barnett, Tracey E.; Communication Studies, School of Liberal Arts
    Revised U.S. guidelines for cervical cancer screening provide the option of primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, Pap testing, or co-testing. Primary HPV testing has not yet been an option for American women, and women may be reluctant to change screening methods. The purpose of this study was to assess correlates of women’s preferences for primary HPV testing decision-making (self, provider, or shared) for cervical cancer screening. Women, aged 30-65, completed an online survey in June of 2018 (n = 812). The outcome variable was preference for decision-making for an HPV test instead of a Pap test on a scale of, healthcare provider, me, or shared. Predictor variables included testing attitudes, social norms, information seeking, previous screening, and socio-demographics. Women who disagreed that people important to them think that they should get the HPV test instead of a Pap test, who were not willing to receive an HPV test instead of a Pap test, and who did not receive HPV vaccinations were less likely to include a provider in their decision-making. In contrast, women who were not up-to-date with their cervical cancer screenings, who had some college or technical level education, or who were over 50 years of age were more likely to prefer to have a healthcare provider included in their decision-making process. While some variation was discovered, women mostly preferred a shared decision or personal decision for HPV testing. Resources to facilitate the decision-making process about this new option for cervical cancer screening are needed.
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    A case for a quantum informed approach to health communication research
    (Frontiers, 2023-08) Parrish-Sprowl, John; Parrish-Sprowl, Susan; Communication Studies, School of Liberal Arts
    Foundational social science has dominated health communication research, especially in the mainstream of Western scholarship. Alternative ways of conceptualizing, including most if not all indigenous ways of thinking, have often been relegated to second class status, if regarded at all. For those who questioned prevailing wisdom in the past, the choice regarding theory and research seemed to be one of going in a more interpretive or critical direction and leaving “science” behind or staying within a framework they found wanting in many ways. Ironically, the work of such Communication scholars as Pearce, Dutta, and others, often born from interpretative and critical perspectives, is much more consonant with quantum framed science than social science as practiced. Indeed, much of the body of indigenous perspectives align with quantum theory informed science better than social science as practiced. As we move through the 21st century, it is time that communication theory and research, especially in health communication, moves to reclaim science in ways that shift us from a Newtonian understanding of the world to more a quantum paradigm. As we do so, we will likely find that many who have been on the margins can and should move their work to the mainstream, albeit with a process that synthesizes their work with quantum science. This would help us move forward in ways that not only invite more inclusion, but also create more meaningful ways of conceptualizing communication and its relationship to health.
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    A multi-site pilot study of a parent-centered tool to promote shared decision-making in hypospadias care
    (Elsevier, 2023) Binion, Kelsey E.; Rode, Akash Uday; Nortey, Gabrielle; Miller, Andrew D.; Misseri, Rosalia; Kaefer, Martin; Ross, Sherry; Preisser, John S.; Hu, Di; Chan, Katherine H.; Communication Studies, School of Liberal Arts
    Background: Using a user-centered design approach, we conducted a two-site pilot study to evaluate a decision aid (DA) website, the Hypospadias Hub, for parents of hypospadias patients. Objectives: The objectives were to assess the Hub's acceptability, remote usability, and feasibility of study procedures, and to evaluate its preliminary efficacy. Methods: From June 2021-February 2022, we recruited English-speaking parents (≥18 years old) of hypospadias patients (≤5 years) and delivered the Hub electronically ≤2 months before their hypospadias consultation. We collected website analytic data using an ad tracker plug-in. We inquired about treatment preference, hypospadias knowledge, and decisional conflict (Decisional Conflict Scale) at baseline, after viewing the Hub (pre-consultation), and post-consultation. We administered the Decision Aid Acceptability Questionnaire (DAAQ) and the Preparation for Decision-Making Scale (PrepDM) which assessed how well the Hub prepared parents for decision-making with the urologist. Post-consultation, we assessed participants' perception of involvement in decision-making with the Shared Decision-making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) and the Decision Regret Scale (DRS). A bivariate analysis compared participants' baseline and pre/post-consultation hypospadias knowledge, decisional conflict, and treatment preference. Using a thematic analysis, we analyzed our semi-structured interviews to uncover how the Hub impacted the consultation and what influenced participants' decisions. Results: Of 148 parents contacted, 134 were eligible and 65/134 (48.5%) enrolled: mean age 29.2, 96.9% female, 76.6% White (Extended Summary Figure). Pre/post-viewing the Hub, there was a statistically significant increase in hypospadias knowledge (54.3 vs. 75.6, p < 0.001) and decrease in decisional conflict (36.0 vs. 21.9, p < 0.001). Most participants (83.3%) thought Hub's length and amount of information (70.4%) was "about right", and 93.0% found most or everything was clear. Pre/post-consultation, there was a statistically significant decrease in decisional conflict (21.9 vs. 8.8, p < 0.001). PrepDM's mean score was 82.6/100 (SD = 14.1); SDM-Q-9's mean score was 82.5/100 (SD = 16.7). DCS's mean score was 25.0/100 (SD = 47.03). Each participant spent an average of 25.75 min reviewing the Hub. Based on thematic analysis, the Hub helped participants feel prepared for the consultation. Discussion: Participants engaged extensively with the Hub and demonstrated improved hypospadias knowledge and decision quality. They felt prepared for the consultation and perceived a high degree of involvement in decision-making. Conclusion: As the first pilot test of a pediatric urology DA, the Hub was acceptable and study procedures were feasible. We plan to conduct a randomized controlled trial of the Hub versus usual care to test its efficacy to improve the quality of shared decision-making and reduce long-term decisional regret.
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    Fieldwork to framework: exploring intergroup dialogue interculturally
    (Indiana University, 2024-07-25) Holton, Lauren; Longtin, Krista
    This research project explores the benefits of intergroup dialogue (IGD) for intercultural communication with students from the University of Wroclaw and IUI. Through facilitated discussions, I (LH) observed how participants interact with one another in exploring their own identities, beliefs, and biases in contrast to learning about other peers’ experiences and points of view. Students from both institutions had the opportunity to have open dialogue in groups. I explored how the respectful conversation approach of IGD can build intercultural bridges, foster empathy, and reduce prejudices. Overall, the study used IGD to address challenges shaping how we work together interculturally now and in the future.
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    “There's no time limit on grief:” Women's perspectives on a novel reproductive grief screening tool
    (Elsevier, 2023-12-04) Bute, Jennifer J.; Brann, Maria; Buskmiller, Cara; Fredenburg, Michaelene; Communication Studies, School of Liberal Arts
    Objective: Women who have experienced reproductive loss (i.e., miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion) evaluated the usefulness of a novel screening tool, Reproductive Grief Screen (RGS), to identify patients struggling with ongoing, complicated grief. Methods: This mixed-methods study involved U.S. women who had experienced reproductive loss. Online data collection resulted in 27 interviews and 282 surveys completed. Perceptions of and preferences about RGS were thematically analyzed. Chi square analyses assessed relationships between demographics and tool preferences. Results: RGS validated women's experiences with grief after reproductive loss. Women noted their providers may be unaware of their loss(es). Participants requested periodic screening using RGS beginning shortly after a loss (or during new patient intake) and occurring regularly (e.g., annually). Overall, women preferred completing RGS online before an appointment, though preferences varied by demographics (i.e., age, time since loss). Participants want providers to compassionately discuss RGS results with them and offer appropriate resources. Conclusion: The RGS can help identify largely ignored grief after reproductive loss. Innovation: Findings from group and individual interviews and a survey of women who have coped with reproductive loss suggest that use of a brief RGS tool could reshape clinical practice to aid women who might be facing complicated grief. Moreover, women expressed clear preferences for how to implement use of the RGS in clinical contexts.
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    COVID-19 vaccine behaviors and intentions among a national sample of United States adults ages 18–45
    (Elsevier, 2022) Brownstein, Naomi C.; Reddy, Harika; Whiting, Junmin; Kasting, Monica L.; Head, Katharine J.; Vadaparampil, Susan T.; Giuliano, Anna R.; Gwede, Clement K.; Meade, Cathy D.; Christy, Shannon M.; Communication Studies, School of Liberal Arts
    Background: Vaccination for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 illness, is an important public health tool to reduce hospitalizations and deaths. Purpose: This report focuses on intentions and behaviors related to COVID-19 vaccination among United States (U.S.) adults ages 18-45. Methods: From February 25-March 24, 2021, we conducted an online survey assessing COVID-19 vaccine intentions and behaviors, health beliefs, vaccine attitudes, and sociodemographic characteristics. Participants were adults aged 18-45, living throughout the U.S. with oversampling in Florida, panelists of a research panel company directly or via verified partners, and able to read, write, and understand English. Associations between COVID-19 vaccination uptake, intentions, and other study variables were examined through multivariable logistic and proportional odds regression analyses. Results: Among participants in the final analytic sample (n = 2722), 18% reported having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Approximately 31% of unvaccinated participants reported strong intentions to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the next year, whereas 35% reported strong intentions to receive a COVID-19 vaccine if it were strongly recommended by a healthcare provider. All COVID-19 vaccination outcomes were associated with male gender, sexual minority status, higher levels of education, and previous influenza vaccination. All vaccination intention outcomes were associated with vaccine attitudes and geographic region. Vaccination status and intentions were differentially associated with multiple additional sociodemographic, attitudinal, and/or healthcare experience variables. Conclusions: Several demographic variables, vaccine attitudes, and healthcare experiences were found to contribute to COVID-19 vaccine receipt and intentions. Targeted efforts are necessary to increase uptake of the vaccine in the U.S.
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    Evaluation methods for vaccination campaigns on college campuses: A scoping review
    (Elsevier, 2022-12) Carr, Alexcia; Pittman , Eric; Imeri , Hyllore; Nasruddin , Saara; Sparkmon, Wesley; Head, Katharine J.; Vivo, Sarah; Barnard , Marie; Communication Studies, School of Liberal Arts
    Background Vaccinations are successful, cost-effective tools to prevent the spread of certain infectious diseases. Many colleges conduct vaccination campaigns on their campuses for various vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, mumps, influenza, HPV, and most recently, for SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Implementing these campaigns requires substantial effort and understanding their effectiveness is an important factor in justifying these programs. Aim This scoping review aims to identify, review, and summarize existing evaluation methods for vaccination campaigns on college campuses in order to provide evaluation guidance for institutions planning future vaccination campaigns. Methods Publications that focused on vaccination campaigns on college campuses for students and/or faculty and staff and described their evaluation methods were included in our analysis. A systematic search of the literature identified 2,101 articles. After duplicates were removed, titles and abstracts were screened, and references searched, 43 articles were identified for full-text review. Sixteen articles provided evaluation information and were systematically reviewed. Results Interventions targeted a variety of vaccine-preventable diseases, with the majority either aiming to increase HPV vaccine uptake or vaccinate against meningococcal serogroups. Most studies reported on campaigns that included both educational activities and provided vaccinations. Evaluation methods varied widely. Some studies measured vaccine-related knowledge and attitudes. Vaccine uptake was most commonly measured as a simple count of doses administered. Conclusions College campus vaccination campaigns are evaluated in multiple ways, with little consistency in how the effectiveness of campaigns are measured. There is a need to develop clear evaluation methods for college vaccination programs, especially how to calculate vaccination rates associated with these efforts.
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    Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women's Health Care Access: A Cross-Sectional Study
    (Mary Ann Liebert, 2022-12-13) Turner, Kea; Brownstein, Naomi C.; Whiting, Junmin; Arevalo, Mariana; Islam, Jessica Y.; Vadaparampil, Susan T.; Meade, Cathy D.; Gwede, Clement K.; Kasting, Monica L.; Head, Katharine J.; Christy, Shannon M.; Communication Studies, School of Liberal Arts
    Background: There has been limited study of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected women's health care access. Our study aims to examine the prevalence and correlates of COVID-19-related disruptions to (1) primary care; (2) gynecologic care; and (3) preventive health care among women. Materials and Methods: We recruited 4,000 participants from a probability-based online panel. We conducted four multinomial logistic regression models, one for each of the study outcomes: (1) primary care access; (2) gynecologic care access; (3) patient-initiated disruptions to preventive visits; and (4) provider-initiated disruptions to preventive visits. Results: The sample included 1,285 women. One in four women (28.5%) reported that the pandemic affected their primary care access. Sexual minority women (SMW) (odds ratios [OR]: 1.67; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.19–2.33) had higher odds of reporting pandemic-related effects on primary care access compared to women identifying as heterosexual. Cancer survivors (OR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.25–3.42) had higher odds of reporting pandemic-related effects on primary care access compared to women without a cancer history. About 16% of women reported that the pandemic affected their gynecologic care access. Women with a cancer history (OR: 2.34; 95% CI: 1.35–4.08) had higher odds of reporting pandemic-related effects on gynecologic care compared to women without a cancer history. SMW were more likely to report patient- and provider-initiated delays in preventive health care. Other factors that affected health care access included income, insurance status, and having a usual source of care. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted women's health care access and disproportionately affected access among SMW and women with a cancer history, suggesting that targeted interventions may be needed to ensure adequate health care access during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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    Nursing Student Evaluation of NIOSH Workplace Violence Prevention for Nurses Online Course
    (Elsevier, 2017) Brann, Maria; Hartley, Dan; Communication Studies, School of Liberal Arts
    Introduction: As primary targets of workplace violence in health care settings, nurses may suffer negative physical and psychological consequences. NIOSH created an online course to educate nurses about violence prevention techniques. Method: A mixed-methods approach assessed workplace violence awareness and knowledge among nursing students. A pre/post/post-test survey and focus group discussions evaluated participant awareness and knowledge, assessed course design, and solicited recommendations for increasing participation and strategies for improving message retention. Results: The mean awareness scores differed significantly between pre-course and both post-course time points (Wilk's λ=0.319, F(2, 46)=49.01, p<0.001). Post hoc tests using the Bonferroni correction revealed that course participation increased awareness of workplace violence from pre-course scores (M=0.75, SD=0.438) to immediate post-course (M=2.13, SD=0.789) and four-week post-course (M=1.96, SD=0.771) scores on a 3-item measure. Similarly, mean knowledge scores increased between pre-course and both post-course time points (Wilk's λ=0.495, F(1.57, 73.66)=37.26, p<0.001). Post hoc tests using the Bonferroni correction revealed that course participation increased knowledge of workplace violence from pre-course scores (M=6.65, SD=1.45) to immediate post-course (M=8.56, SD=1.32) and four-week post-course (M=8.19, SD=1.42) scores on a 10-item measure. Qualitative data from the focus groups reinforced the quantitative findings. Participants citing benefits from the content strongly recommended including the course in nursing curriculums. Incorporating the course early in the nursing educational experience will better prepare students to deal with workplace violence when they enter health care professions. Conclusions: The results indicate that NIOSH and its partners created an effective online workplace violence awareness and prevention course. Practical applications: Nursing students and professionals can be effectively educated about workplace violence using an online format.