Objective: This qualitative phenomenological study explored alcohol habits, behaviors, and motivations of Gen Z students (born 1996-2010). Participants: Thirteen participants met selection criteria: aged 18-24 years (thus, part of Gen Z), enrolled as at either the University or community college, and able to share experiences. Maximum variation…

Background: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States, with approximately 24 million Americans currently infected. In 2018, men, ages 15-59, had higher HPV infection rates and HPV high-risk type infections compared to…

Rural adolescents with asthma are a disparate group. Self-management is essential to asthma control. We describe asthma knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-management behaviors among 198 rural adolescents with poorly controlled asthma, exploring demographic differences; we also test the application of Social Cognitive Theory to asthma…

Objective: To explore health literacy (HL) experiences, needs, and future training directions among college students enrolled in health-related degree programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants Students (n = 169) enrolled in a health-related degree program at a state university in the mid-western U.S. completed an online survey. Methods:…

Objective: To identify facilitators and barriers to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among college students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with college students (N = 306) between the ages of 18 and 26 was conducted using a computer-delivered survey "via" iPad. A survey was designed to assess HPV/HPV vaccine-related knowledge,…

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevents the immune system from fighting infections effectively. One in 48 Black women will acquire HIV throughout their life if current trends continue. Black women have the highest HIV infection rates compared to White and Hispanic women. In 2019, 55% of women with HIV in the United States were Black. There…

Health literacy is an amenable factor that can improve screening uptake. However, associations between the multidimensional health literacy domains and cervical cancer screening nonadherence are not known and should be considered to improve screening rates. The current quantitative study assessed the associations of multiple health literacy…

It is essential that college students are knowledgeable about their family health history to make informed decisions about health behaviors and cancer screening. In the transitional phase from adolescence to adulthood, engaging in healthy behaviors and communication between family members can be challenging for college students. In this study, the…

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the potential racial disparities in education for active living (i.e., regular participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity with mitigated and interrupted levels of sedentary behavior) between Black/African American and White students. Methods: The study took place in one public middle…

Objective: This study examines the prevalence and risk factors associated with risky sexual behaviors in community college students. Participants: A diverse sample of 18--19-year-old community college students (N = 264). Methods: Baseline data from an online prevention program administered in 2015. Results: Community college students in this…

Since the spring of 2020, the pandemic has dominated public discourse. Using a public health critical race praxis research approach, our team interviewed a diverse group of individuals to elicit stories about their knowledge, attitudes, and responses to COVID-19. We used health belief model constructs and critical race theory tenets to evaluate…

Objective: Healthy equity (HE) implies the highest possible standard of health for all people while giving special attention to the needs of those at greatest risk of poor health, based on social conditions. The social determinants of health (SDH) are conditions within the environment in which people live that shape their opportunity to attain…

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in older adults has increased with sexual intercourse being the most common mode of transmission. This demonstrates their participation in risky sexual behaviors. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the individual, psychological, and sociocultural factors associated with…

Background: Many misconceptions about breast cancer exist. College students have the opportunity to perform breast cancer risk-reducing behaviors. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess breast cancer knowledge among university students and examine the influence of breast cancer knowledge on health behaviors for breast cancer prevention.…

Personal health & wellbeing are rated more highly in those with higher educational qualifications than those without, and good health & wellbeing are likely to impact upon student attendance and hence attainment at university. It is important to understand factors which may affect perceived health and wellbeing from a student perspective…