Optimism bias is common across health risk assessments, including firearm injury risk, and can have behavioral consequences. Using data from the 2018 California Safety and Wellbeing Survey, we examine whether optimism bias influences firearm injury prevention practices and policy support by comparing the characteristics, behaviors, and opinions of…

While it is commonly believed that teachers take more absences than other professionals, few empirical studies have systematically investigated the prevalence of teacher absences in the U.S. This study documents the level of teacher absences and compares it with other college-educated workers. Using the Monthly Current Population Survey between…

Objective: To identify the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation that would place university students at risk for mental health disorders. To explore the source of stressors and possible interventions that may benefit student mental health in a university setting. Participants: University students (n = 483) who had been learning…

Objective: Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is characterized by vivid, excessive fantasy activity that becomes prioritized over other activities and may result in avoidant coping strategies. Little is known about the relationship between MD and internalized stigma in the neurodivergent sample. The current study aimed to examine emotional…

Objective: To examine food insecurity (FI) prevalence among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2021) using cross-sectional design, and the moderating role of the first-generation student status in the relationship between FI and grade point average (GPA). Participants: Three-hundred sixty students recruited mostly from…

Although few studies have established significant associations between cancer risk perception and smoking status, the evidence remains inconclusive. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the association between risk perception for developing cancer and smoking status, controlling for sociodemographic factors. Data from the National Cancer…

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the impact of an undergraduate short-term experiential learning nutrition course on influencing students' perceptions toward individuals experiencing poverty and food insecurity (FI). The Undergraduate Perception of Poverty Tracking Survey (UPPTS) was the tool used to measure perception. Student…

The purpose of the present study was to compare body composition and physical activity level between children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). A sample of 78 children, adolescents and adults participated in the study. Anthropometrics and physical activity, using GT1M accelerometer, were assessed. Overweight and obesity prevalence…

Feeding problems are known to be an important clinical issue for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the majority of studies on this topic have been carried out on children preschool age and older. It is important to understand whether these difficulties begin prior to age 3 years, as well as what parameters are important to study…

A total of 295 first-year students were recruited from multiple campuses of a state-wide university system. Multiple-group path analysis compared parental and peer influences between two student subgroups. First-year students attending 4-year institutions reported higher rates of alcohol use and were more likely to experience alcohol-related…

Background: Evidence suggests a rise in childhood disability rates across the United States with males and those with lower socioeconomic status bearing greater burden. We investigated childhood disability rates in the Mississippi Delta (MDR) and Appalachian regions (AR) in comparison to other parts of the country. Methods: Using data from the US…

Background: This study compared levels of physical activity completed by adults with and without Down syndrome. Method: Fifteen adults with and 15 adults without Down syndrome matched for age and gender, took part. The intensity and duration of physical activity were measured using RT3 accelerometers worn for seven days. Results: Only, 12…

Background: Overweight and obesity is a growing concern among individuals with intellectual disabilities; however, little is known about the prevalence among children and youth with Down syndrome (CYDS). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight/obesity among CYDS in South West Ireland. Methods: This cross-sectional…

Aims: This study compares the incidence and risk-markers of student alcohol intoxication-related emergency department (ED) visits and alcohol-related incidents reported to student affairs. Methods: Enrollment data were linked to ED visits with alcohol intoxication and to alcohol-related incidents reported to campus authorities within one year…

The prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses is well documented with findings revealing both men and women experience victimization. Sexual assault often results in physical and mental issues, poor academic performance, and financial burdens for victims, families, and society. Traditional prevention efforts to reduce sexual violence…