Political polarization in the United States is not a recent phenomenon. States are now often described as "red" or "blue" based on how voters predominately voted in the Presidential and other statewide elections. These differences now seem to have generated into values considerations oriented around social characteristics and…

Background: Personal Health literacy (PHL) is essential in cardiovascular risk management. Hindrances in PHL can lead to poor cardiovascular outcomes. Purpose: To investigate whether limited PHL is associated with lower likelihoods of i) overall cardiovascular health and ii) individual cardiovascular health components as defined by the American…

Background: Medicaid enrollment and retention among eligible populations remains a challenge. Purpose: We assessed health literacy-related features and content of Internet-based state Medicaid enrollment materials and resources. Methods: In February 2021, using established tools, we evaluated paper Medicaid enrollment applications and scope of…

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected health and well-being worldwide, but little is known about how the pandemic specifically impacted families with young children. Evidence suggests a relationship between well-being and health behaviors (diet, physical activity) and that preexisting health disparities were exacerbated during the pandemic.…

Background: Shorter validated health assessment tools are needed. The validated 25-item Salutogenic Wellness Promotion Scale (SWPS) measures health status through assessment of engagement in multidimensional health behaviors. Purpose: To do an initial assessment of the Short Form Salutogenic Wellness Promotion Scale (SWPS-SF). Methods: A…

Background: Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) refugees and immigrants in the United States (U.S.) face barriers to accessing health care, and are more likely to have worse health outcomes as it relates to chronic disease. Better understanding health literacy for this population can identify gaps in knowledge, facilitate health…

Background: College wellness interventions have potential to reduce the growing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by guiding students to establish behaviors for lifetime CVD risk reduction. Yet, some students may not see CVD prevention as a relevant issue during young adulthood. Purpose: We examined perceived risk of CVD amongst 148 college…

Misleading health news and product advertising has plagued the United States since the 19th century. Companies and individuals spent large sums of money to advertise in a variety of media, including newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, and, more recently, the Internet. Preying on the fears and insecurities of consumers, these entities used…

Background: To respond to the Surgeon General's call to develop, disseminate, and evaluate messages to reduce indoor tanning (IT) in the 2014 Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer, an understanding of the IT communication environment is necessary. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the most prevalent false or misleading IT claims.…

Background: Food insecurity is an ongoing national problem and is linked to chronic diseases and other poor health outcomes. Concerning are the rates in racial and ethnic minorities. Food insecurity is significantly high in African Americans older adults. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use a Community-Based Participatory Research…

Background: Research on health behavior within the context of leisure and stress coping in university students is limited. Purpose: This study investigated the associations between leisure, health behavior, and perceived stress in university students. Other impacts, such as gender, grade point average (GPA), body mass index (BMI), and parents'…

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of theory-based osteoporosis prevention programs on calcium and vitamin D intakes and osteoporosis health beliefs in young women. Methods: Women (N = 152) aged 19 to 25 years were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: a brochure group (n = 51), a computer-tailored program group…

Background: The prevalence of food insecurity among college students ranges from 14% to 59%. Most of the research to date has examined the determinants of food insecurity. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between food insecurity and self-rated health and obesity among college students living off campus. Methods:…

Background: College students actively seek online health information and use Instagram, an image- and video-based social networking website, to build social networks grounded in trust and behavioral norms (social capital), which have the potential to prevent chronic disease. Purpose: This study aimed to (1) examine how intensity of Instagram use…

Background: The Internet is an important tool for empowering patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to learn about and self-manage their condition. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand which aspects of the online experience facilitates or hinders the perceived ability of patients with COPD to achieve their…