Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2021, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

The health care field continues to expand with an increasing need for health care professionals, however for allied health fields, this need is not being met, resulting in a shortage of professionals. This shortage is amplified in the underrepresented minority population. This issue partially stems from low enrollment into academic majors in the health sciences. To address these needs and investigate low enrollment rates, motivations of students choosing majors in the health sciences need to be understood. Motivation can be categorized as intrinsic (for the enjoyment of a decision) or extrinsic (for an outside goal). Studies have shown that students who are intrinsically motivated are more likely to choose a career in health care and have improved retention and rates of satisfaction. 188 first year students in academic majors in the health sciences were surveyed to determine their dominant motivation mechanism and their self-perceived cognitive competence. These students were, on average, more intrinsically motivated and no significant difference was found between the motivation mechanisms of underrepresented minority and non-underrepresented minority students. It was found most of the participants were influenced by a current health care professional and their major deterrent from a career in health care was the education involved. These findings provide guidance to universities to improve their recruitment methods into the health sciences. Improved recruitment can lead to improved diversity and lessened health disparities.

Committee: Jill Clutter PhD (Advisor); Stefan Czerwinski PhD (Committee Member); Marcia Nahikian-Nelms PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Education; Health Sciences; Rehabilitation

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2021, Psychology

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive, restricted behaviors, with a current estimated prevalence of 1:54. Individuals with ASD typically benefit from a range of medical, psychological, and other services due to impairments caused by ASD as well as high rates of comorbid conditions. Despite this increased need, individuals with ASD and their families often report significant difficulty accessing services, an issue which is compounded for some groups including minoritized racial groups and people living in rural areas. The current study sought to identify challenges faced by clients with ASD and their families when attempting to access behavioral health services via telehealth within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific research questions were: (1) What are the most common challenges faced by clients with ASD and their families when attempting to access telehealth services? (2) What are the most problematic barriers (i.e., barriers most associated with being unable to access telehealth) faced by clients with ASD and their families when attempting access telehealth services? and (3) Which demographic groups (e.g., race, age, comorbidities) are least likely to be able to access telehealth? Data were extracted from client records of a multi-site provider of developmental disability (DD) services in Ohio following Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Results of our analyses suggest that the most common challenges faced by clients with ASD and their families were issues related to client behavior, including client inattention, client noncompliance, and need for in-person support. In regard to ability versus inability to access telehealth services, need for in-person support was found to be related to decreased likelihood of receiving telehealth services, and client inattention was found to be related to increased likelihood of receiving telehealth services. Demogra (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Marc Tasse' (Advisor); Andrea Witwer (Committee Member); Susan Havercamp (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2021, Translational Biomedical Sciences

Consequences of obesity can be both physiological and psychological. Persons with obesity are more likely suffer from increased psychosocial burden due to their weight, and obesity has documented associations with depression, anxiety, quality of life, and suicidality. As a result of experienced weight discrimination, individuals with overweight or obesity may apply negative weight-based stereotypes to themselves, leading to the development of internalized weight stigma. Internalization of weight stigma, also called weight self-stigma or internalized weight bias, has been implicated in affecting physiological and behavioral aspects linked to poor metabolic health and excess weight gain. Weight stigma has been identified as a novel contributor to the perpetuation of obesity, with some calling weight-related stigma a driving force behind the obesity epidemic. While weight status is a primary indicator for weight stigma internalization, self-perception of elevated weight is also a risk factor. Sexual and gender minority populations, specifically those who are emerging adults, may be at particular risk for health detriments associated with weight-related behaviors, including risk for internalized weight stigma. The current dissertation explored three topics of health related to sexual and gender minority populations: sexual and gender minority identification as a risk factor for weight stigma development, the role of weight-related behaviors and stigma in the achievement of physical activity recommendations, and the relationship between sleep quality, weight stigma, and outcomes of mental health. Findings from this work consistently demonstrated health disparities are present within sexual and gender minority student communities: identification as a sexual or gender minority predicted higher overall weight stigma, with LGBTQ+ showing higher rates of disordered eating across all studies. Students have alarmingly low levels of physical activity and sleep quality, with exer (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Emily Guseman Dr. (Advisor); Janet Simon Dr. (Committee Co-Chair); Frances Wymbs Dr. (Committee Member); Puri Vishwajeet Dr. (Committee Member); Craig Nunemaker Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Sciences; Glbt Studies; Mental Health; Public Health

Master of Humanities (MHum), Wright State University, 2014, Humanities

The purpose of this thesis is to explore healthcare for undocumented immigrants in France and the US in light of immigration policy, labor needs, and social values. While both countries have historically relied and continue to rely on undocumented labor, they treat irregular migrants differently when it comes to healthcare. While many hospitals in the US deport undocumented patients in a practice termed medical repatriation, the French government has legislated an illness clause that gives residency permits to severely sick sans-papiers who need medical care. To explore the reasoning behind these extremely contrasting treatments, the thesis studies the social values that underlie the healthcare systems in both countries. It concludes that in recognition of healthcare as a human right, France has concrete legislation for sans-papiers; in contrast, rights language is largely missing from the US healthcare system, resulting in a void of legislation that leads to practices like medical repatriation.

Committee: December Green Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Kirsten Halling Ph.D. (Committee Member); Lafleur Small Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: American Studies; Comparative; European Studies; Health; Health Care; Health Care Management; History; Minority and Ethnic Groups; Political Science; Public Health

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2014, Experimental Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

Health disparities between sexual minorities and their heterosexual counterparts in regards to morbidity and mortality are well documented and persist in the present. Researchers have suggested that these health disparities may be due to stressful social situations and environments that are created by stigma, prejudice, and discrimination (i.e., minority stress). Minority stress is categorized into distal social stressors (i.e., events that occur outside of the individual) such as overt discriminatory acts and proximal social stressors (i.e., process that occur within the individual) such as stigma consciousness (e.g., the internalization of prejudice). The current study recruited 277 LGB individuals to complete an online survey at one time point. Using structural equation modeling, the direct and indirect effects of minority stress (i.e., discrimination and stigma consciousness) on poor mental and physical health were examined. Discrimination from family and friends was found to be directly and indirectly, via perceived stress reactivity, associated with poorer mental and physical health. Two moderators, social identity and hardiness, were also examined. Hardiness moderated the direct association between stigma consciousness and poor mental and physical health. Discussion, implications, and future directions are provided.

Committee: Peggy Zoccola PhD (Committee Chair); Matthew Vess PhD (Committee Member); Francis Bellezza PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology; Public Health

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2003, Public Health

Racial and ethnic disparities in health care utilization in the United States have been broadly documented. While some of these disparities can be attributed to socioeconomic factors, many studies have found that significant racial disparities remain even after control for variables including income, education, and insurance status. How race and ethnicity impact health utilization beyond socioeconomic factors is an expanding area of research. This study considers the role of two previously unexplored constructs, perceived discrimination and perceived cultural competence, in explaining use of ambulatory and preventive health care services. The data for this study are derived from the Commonwealth Fund 2001 Disparities in Health Care Quality Survey, a national survey including 6,722 people aged 18 and older. Blacks and Hispanics were over sampled to allow for meaningful subgroup analysis. This study employs logistic regression modeling to explain the use of nine ambulatory and preventive services: ambulatory care, physical examination, blood pressure screening, cholesterol screening, Pap testing, mammography, colon cancer screening, prostate cancer screening, and dental care. Independent variables for the model are be derived from the Anderson Behavioral Model for health care utilization using the categories of predisposing, enabling, and need variables. The analysis tests whether the addition of perceived discrimination and perceived cultural competence constructs to Andersen's traditional predisposing variables decreases the significance of race and whether it improves of models. Analysis also explores whether access to a regular source of care mediates the association between health services use and racial perceptions. Findings support the hypothesis that the addition of perceived discrimination and perceived cultural competence measures to a behavioral model predicting service use significantly improves the fit of the model in four of the nine services studied and (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Dev Pathak (Advisor) Subjects:

Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education, Cleveland State University, 2024, Levin College of Public Affairs and Education

This study examined the applicability of the minority strengths model (Perrin et al., 2020) with the addition of the variable of family acceptance. It was hypothesized that the direct and indirect relationships established in the minority strengths model would also be found in the current study. The established relationships included that community consciousness and social support were correlated with one another and directly and indirectly predictive of positive mental and physical health through identity pride, self-esteem, and resilience (Perrin et al., 2020). Additionally, it was hypothesized that family acceptance would be correlated with community consciousness and social support. It was also hypothesized that family acceptance would be directly and indirectly predictive of positive mental and physical health through identity pride, self-esteem, and resilience. Data was collected in Qualtrics from 603 sexual minority individuals via Facebook and Instagram. I encountered problems with data analysis because the Cronbach's alphas were inadequate for five out of the eight measured variables. I was able to examine the variables of social support, family acceptance, and mental health outcomes. Results indicated that social support and family acceptance were predictive of better mental health outcomes. Results also indicated that older participants reported better mental health outcomes. Future research should examine the applicability of the minority strengths model (Perrin et al., 2020) to sexual minority populations of various age groups and other identities.

Committee: Julia Phillips (Committee Chair); Julia Phillips (Advisor); Kimberly Fuller (Committee Member); Kelly Yu-Hsin Liao (Committee Member) Subjects: Counseling Psychology; Psychology

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Ohio University, 2024, Sociology

In the past decade, the number of studies of transgender individuals has grown exponentially, but specific research into subcommunities under the broader transgender label is lacking. Most studies focus on either binary transgender individuals (transgender women and transgender men) alone, or combine all persons identifying as any gender other than their gender assigned at birth into one large group of “transgender people.” However, the limited intragroup research that has been done suggests that experiences vary drastically depending on one's gender identity, and we can imagine that the experience of binary transgender individuals would be very different than the experiences of nonbinary transgender individuals. This study reports on the lived experiences of nonbinary people – individuals identifying as neither men nor women, but rather existing outside of the gender binary. Qualitative interview methods were used to gather information from nonbinary individuals about their personal experiences with identity development, external experiences of stress from other people, and the internalized impacts of minority stress. Based in grounded theory, the subsequent report on these interviews includes discussion and analyses of the data collected. This discussion utilized a newly suggested framework – the Respect, Support, and Perception Theory – for analyzing interpersonal relationships with genderqueer individuals and the potential internalized effects that these relationships have on nonbinary individuals.

Committee: Charlie Morgan (Advisor); Patricia Stokes (Advisor) Subjects: Gender; Gender Studies; Glbt Studies; Sociology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2023, Public Health

Background: Social belonging is critical for health and well-being. Threatened belonging or feeling “othered” can impair coping, reduce academic achievement, and increase anxiety. Structurally-disadvantaged students are at greater risk for experiencing chronic threats to their belonging, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Current interventions to promote belonging tend to be burdensome for participants. Games may be an effective and less burdensome alternative to promote belonging, but little is known about the application of games as a viable public health intervention strategy. Objectives: Study objectives are twofold. First, to assess the feasibility and acceptability of developing a game-based intervention to promote belonging among structurally-disadvantaged students. Second, to test whether obfuscating, or embedding, pro-social messages in the game will improve uptake of the messages by reducing message reactance. Methods: In focus groups, 16 structurally-disadvantaged students shared their experiences of social belonging in college. Participants were also shown a prototype of the game-based intervention. Comments and suggestions for improving the game were collected. These experiences and suggestions were then analyzed for themes and translated into updated content for the game. The updated game was then tested with a second sample of 113 students who were randomized to receive one of two versions of the game; one of which had the embedded messages, and the other version with more overt messages. Social belonging was measured pre- and post-activity. Satisfaction and message reactance were also measured. Results: Participants reported experiencing threats to their belonging in the classroom, in the dorm, and around campus, perpetrated most frequently by faculty members and peers. Access to mentors from shared demographic backgrounds and membership in residential learning communities appeared to mitigate negative belonging experiences. When fe (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Elizabeth Klein (Advisor); Darren Mays (Committee Member); Megan Roberts (Committee Member); Julianna Nemeth (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology; Public Health

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2016, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

In today's society, an accurate representation of female minority leadership is needed. This study explored the (a) leadership development of African American women, (b) means and hindrances that African American women leaders met on their pathway to success, and (c) role of resilience among African American women. The current research was guided by the Smith (2010) study; Smith completed research on this subject matter using African American males. The current research used women rather than men but maintained the same methodology. The Consensual Qualitative Research Method (CQR; Hill, Thompson, & Williams, 1997; Hill et al., 2005) was used to analyze archived interviews of two past African American female presidents of a national diversity mental health association to identify themes and constructs that emerged from the interviews. The themes and constructs were used to identify the leadership development, the means and hindrances, and the role of resilience among African American women. The results of the current study also indicated that (a) positive feedback/success experience, (b) mentorship, (c) good educational experiences (d) early leadership involvement, and (e) attendance at conventions were instrumental for the participants' leadership development. The results of the current research are consistent with the Smith (2010) findings.

Committee: Susan Hawes PhD (Committee Chair); Barbara Belcher-Timme PsyD (Committee Member); Lorraine Mangione PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology; Education

Master of Arts, Case Western Reserve University, 2022, Psychology

Countless studies have demonstrated that minority stress increases risk for adverse mental health (MH) outcomes in Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) individuals. Despite this, many SGM youth who wish to seek MH treatment cannot. The present study examined retrospective factors associated with whether SGM individuals received MH treatment as adolescents, and if they did not, whether they wish that they had. Factors included retrospectively-reported internalizing symptoms, minority stressors, peer and familial support, LGBTQ community connectedness, identity affirmation, coping, and treatment barriers. Only higher retrospective internalizing symptoms were significantly associated with adolescent treatment receipt. Individuals who did not receive therapy but wish that they had endorsed lower familial support and community connectedness, and increased minority stress experiences during adolescence. Results indicate a need to increase access to affirming interventions for SGM youth, particularly those who lack support, as many SGM young adults who did not receive therapy wish that they had.

Committee: Amy Przeworski (Committee Chair); Julie Exline (Committee Member); Arin Connell (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2020, Psychology

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals experience disproportionately high rates of mental illness relative to heterosexuals (Gilman et al., 2001). Minority stress theory has linked this phenomenon with the numerous sexual orientation-specific stressors that LGB individuals experience (e.g., sexual orientation disclosure; Meyer, 2003). However, no studies to date have examined how these factors may contribute to psychopathology development in a sample of high-risk individuals. Moreover, few studies have investigated how trajectories of illness differ between sexual minority and heterosexual youth, and whether emotional processes affect symptom progression differently in each group. Thus, the objective of this investigation was to understand minority stress and affective processes in a high-risk sample of youth. I used data from a longitudinal study of 685 youth (aged 6-12 years at baseline) who presented to an outpatient psychiatric clinic for mood symptoms. Participants and their parents completed psychopathology assessments over eight years, and a subset of the broader sample were re-contacted to complete another assessment for the purposes of this dissertation (n = 34). Across two studies, I examined the relationship between sexual orientation, psychopathology (diagnoses, symptoms), and affective processes (emotion regulation, emotional context sensitivity). I found support for my prediction that sexual minorities would exhibit more psychopathology than heterosexuals, especially on measures of internalizing psychopathology (e.g., anxiety, depression). Moreover, this study showed for the first time that sexual minority youth diverge from their heterosexual peers with regard to anxiety and mood symptoms as early as 8.8 years of age, and that these divergence points differ depending on the type of psychopathology (i.e., mood earlier than anxiety) and informant (i.e., parent reports show divergence later than child reports). With regard to minority stress, I fou (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Mary Fristad Ph.D. (Advisor); Michael Vasey Ph.D. (Committee Member); Daniel Strunk Ph.D. (Committee Member); John Pachankis Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Sciences; Clinical Psychology; Mental Health; Psychology

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2019, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

Meyer's (2003) minority stress model explores the relationship between the social stress of sexual minorities and mental health. Internalized homophobia is linked to feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness, and contributes to the development of mental health problems (Ramirez-Valles, Molina, & Dirkes, 2013). The present study examined the relationship between internalized homophobia and mental health in young adults who identify as LGB. Participants (N =130) were recruited from universities in Connecticut and Georgia, as well as from the Amazon Mechanical Turk website. It was hypothesized that higher levels of internalized homophobia would be related to higher levels of self-reported anxiety, depression, and substance use. Pearson correlation analyses revealed significant moderate positive correlations between internalized homophobia and depression, r = .565, p < .001, anxiety, r = .493, p < .001, and substance use, r = .360, p < .001. Three one-way ANOVAs were performed to examine differences on depression, anxiety, and substance use, respectively, for levels of internalized homophobia. No significant differences were observed, although significance levels were narrowly missed for depression and substance use. The study revealed important multiple regression findings for sociodemographics with (a) depression scores decreasing for higher social class and increasing for international students, (b) anxiety scores increasing for lack of family support and international students' status, and (c) substance use scores decreasing for international students status and higher social class. The implications of LGB issues for social class and international student status are discussed with regard to recommendations for multicultural psychology. The complexities of internalized homophobia, its process, and its clinical assessment with LGB clients are also discussed.

Committee: Gargi Roysircar EdD (Committee Chair); Jill Lee-Barber PhD (Committee Member); Shannon Jackson PsyD (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology

MA, Kent State University, 2017, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Sociology and Criminology

This study examines the association between symptoms of mental health issues and self-reported recidivism in a sample of 642 male, system-involved youth over a period of 18 months. The sample comes from the `Research on Pathways to Desistance' study, designed by Edward P. Mulvey. Drawing on theories of systemic racism and disproportionate minority contact, as well as policies created during the `War on Drugs', I compare the experiences of African-American and White juvenile offenders. Findings from negative binomial regression analyses indicate that symptoms of mental health issues among juveniles are associated with all types of recidivism— namely, property crimes, violent crimes, and drug crimes—at some point during the 18 month follow up period, while controlling for: race; age; parental socioeconomic status; alcohol and drug use; perception of justice; exposure to violence; neighborhood conditions; and the proportion of time in the community and not secure-placement. This study highlights the need for more research examining racial disparities in recidivism and mental health, and the importance of considering symptomatology. By confirming the prevalence of symptoms of mental health issues among juveniles, the study also underscores the need to identify and treat mental health issues in order to prevent recidivism.

Committee: Tiffany Bergin Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Allyson Drinkard Ph.D. (Committee Member); Pamela Tontodonato Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Criminology; Mental Health; Sociology

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2017, Antioch Santa Barbara: Clinical Psychology

Abstract This qualitative study utilized ethnographic techniques to explore the potential for change in mental health trainees resulting from the participation in an in vivo Immersive Cultural Plunge (ICP) within the African American Descendant of Chattel Slave community. The ICP combined Multicultural Immersions Experiences (MIE) of Cultural Immersion (CI) and Cultural Plunge (CP) to contribute to the developing body of research utilizing MIEs that incorporate contextual, experiential, and historical knowledge to teach the skill of cultural sensitivity. During the 12- hour ICP the participants experienced an orientation, a lecture, a tour/community interaction, a multimedia presentation within an African American community. In this study, the data collection included participants utilizing email on their personal computers to forward consent forms, five observational protocol forms, and a demographic questionnaire to the researcher. Data from the focus group session were transcribed and combined with emailed Observational Protocols for the thematic analysis. The findings for the study are from two themed areas. The first theme is the under utilization of psychotherapy services for African Americans. The second theme is the effectiveness of the Immersive Cultural Plunge as an MIE. The responses of the mental health trainees to the ICP demonstrated that the cultural competency of the students was altered. Recommendations include using ICP experience for curriculum development for mental health trainees in cultural competency specifically for African Americans and treatment development for the African American Descendant of Chattel Slave client. The electronic version of this dissertation is available free at Ohiolink ETD Center, www.ohiolink.edu/etd

Committee: Ronald Pilato PsyD (Committee Chair); Munoz-Flores Albert PsyD (Committee Member); Jenkens Damien PhD (Other) Subjects: African American Studies; African Americans; Black History; Clinical Psychology; Therapy

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2016, Antioch Seattle: Clinical Psychology

Rates of overweight and obesity have reached epidemic status in the United States and better understanding and treatment of obesity is vital to our success in ending this national trend. Current understanding of special populations informs us sexual minority women are at a higher risk of overweight and obesity. This study sets out to verify this using a nationally representative sample population in a fixed factor blocked ANOVA, controlling for common confounding variables shown to be strong influences of overweight and obesity. Next, the relationship between self-perceived body size and medically classified body size will be compared across sexual orientation to see if sexual minority women tend to under-assess their body size when compared with medical classification using a Chi-Square analysis. Some results were unexpected; sexual minority women are not significantly more overweight or obese than their heterosexual peers, but they do have a greater tendency to under-assess their body size according to medical standards. Furthering our understanding of the complexities of overweight and obesity will aide in the approaches taken by interdisciplinary healthcare providers in addressing this epidemic for sexual minority women and all other special population groups. This study serves to begin a thoughtful conversation about sexual minority women's health but more research is needed to further this conversation.

Committee: Alejandra Suarez Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Elizabeth Kunchandy Ph.D. (Committee Member); Michael Archer Psy.D. (Committee Member); Jude Bergkamp Psy.D. (Other) Subjects: Gender Studies; Health; Health Care; Psychology; Womens Studies

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2013, Clinical Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

Transgender individuals experience high rates of violence and minority stress. However, research examining violence, the psychological functioning associated with experiences of violence, and minority stress in the transgender community has been minimal. The objectives of this study were to provide a more nuanced characterization of transgender individuals' experiences of violence and psychological functioning in relation to those of cisgender individuals, and to understand transgender psychological functioning in the context of distal minority stress (violence) and proximal minority stress (stigma, identity concealment, and internalized transphobia). Participants included 342 (46%) transgender and 401 (54%) cisgender individuals who were 18 years of age or older. Participants completed self-report measures assessing demographic characteristics, violence (verbal, physical, and sexual), perceived gender identity-related stigma, identity concealment, and internalized transphobia, as well as depression, anxiety, PTSD symptomology, stress, self-harming thoughts and behaviors, alcohol use, and drug use. Results revealed that transgender and cisgender participants experienced similar prevalence rates and chronicity of violence across verbal, physical, and sexual violence. Transgender participants had higher scores across all symptom and self-harm measures. However, after controlling for significant covariates, gender did not have a significant effect on these outcome measures. Rather, sexual orientation and income emerged as 4 robust correlates of psychological functioning. Cisgender participants reported higher levels of alcohol use and there were no differences in drug use between the two groups. When examining only transgender victims of violence, transgender participants with poorer psychological functioning more often identified as a sexual minority, had more chronic experiences of verbal and physical violence, and had more internalized identity negativity. Implicati (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Christine Gidycz (Committee Chair) Subjects: Psychology

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2006, Allied Health Sciences : Genetic Counseling

Approximately 2% of respondents to the 2004 National Society of Genetic Counselors Professional Status Survey self-identified as Black/African-American, Native-American, and/or Hispanic. This is severely discordant as compared to their 25% composition of the United States population. Diversifying healthcare results in increased patient satisfaction. Previous researchers identified barriers to genetic counseling (GC) faced by minority students and proposed solutions to overcome these barriers. Despite this, the GC minority proportion has failed to increase. Undergraduate student surveys found underrepresented minorities (URM) just as likely to pursue GC once informed of the profession. This survey of 14 URM genetic counselors found them overwhelmingly satisfied with the profession, specifically with the earning potential and opportunity for advancement. Funding and proximity to home were important in training program selection. Recommendations for minority recruitment include establishing minority networking opportunities, increasing minority counselor visibility and increasing community education.

Committee: Dr. Nancy Steinberg Warren (Advisor) Subjects: Health Sciences, General

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2005, Allied Health Sciences : Genetic Counseling

African Americans (AA) account for about 12.7% of the US population, but only 1% of the National Society of Genetic Counselors' membership. Since patients often seek health care from providers sharing similar cultural and community values, training genetic counselors from diverse backgrounds is critical. Psychology and biology students (N = 727) at 4 universities completed a self-administered online survey which assessed barriers, including awareness of genetic counseling (GC), demographics, and career goals, values, and interests, keeping AA students from pursuing GC as a career. More AAs (83.5%, 213/255) than Caucasians (61.6%, 189/307) had chosen a career (p < .001). Of students who indicated interest in the career description (64.7%, 364/562), fewer AAs (50.8%, 92/181) than Caucasians (74.3% 136/183) had heard of GC (p < .001). Early career selection and lack of awareness of the GC career among AAs are potential barriers to recruiting AAs into GC.

Committee: Dr. Nancy Warren (Advisor) Subjects: Education, Higher

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2011, Allied Medical Professions

Lack of nutritional knowledge can lead to behaviors that increase the risk for chronic disease. Innovative nutritional programs are needed to help increase awareness and knowledge of nutrition, especially in low-income, minority populations who suffer from health disparities. The use of video and other forms of multimedia provide an easy, convenient, and cost effective means of delivering nutrition education to populations in community outreach settings. The purpose of this study was to determine if viewing a Nutrition Short Educational Clip (N-SEC) video will be associated with a change in knowledge and on the intention to change behavior in a population of low-income individuals in a community outreach setting. Fifty-two individuals in two free community outreach settings volunteered to participate in this study. The participants were given a nutrition knowledge pretest, followed by a 3 minute Nutrition Short Educational Clip (N-SEC) of their choice - fiber or diabetes- presented on an iPad.® The participants were then given a posttest, designed to measure a change in knowledge, behavioral intention, and satisfaction for the N-SEC presentation. The results of this study demonstrated an improvement in knowledge scores from pretest to posttest for both the fiber and diabetes Nutrition Short Educational Clips (N-SECs). Post-viewing, the vast majority of the participants reported an intention to iii change behavior and were very satisfied with the N-SECs. This study demonstrates that Short Nutrition Education Clips shown in community outreach settings may be a convenient, cost effective means for nutrition information, and lead to an increase in nutritional knowledge, and in the intention to change behavior toward a healthier lifestyle.

Committee: Kay Wolf PhD (Advisor); Jill Clutter PhD (Committee Member); Diane Habash PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Behaviorial Sciences; Health Education; Health Sciences; Nutrition; Public Health Education