Competency in forms of scientific communication, both written and spoken, is essential for success in academic science. This study examined the psychometric properties of three new measures, based on social cognitive career theory, that are relevant to assessment of skill and perseverance in scientific communication. Pre- and postdoctoral trainees in biomedical science (N = 411) completed online questionnaires assessing self-efficacy in scientific communication, career outcome expectations, and interest in performing tasks in scientific writing, oral presentation, and impromptu scientific discourse. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate factor structures and model relations. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a 22-item, 3-factor measure of self-efficacy, an 11-item, 2-factor measure of outcome expectations, and a 12-item, 3-factor measure of interest in scientific communication activities. Construct validity was further demonstrated by theory-consistent inter-factor relations and relations with typical communications performance behaviors (e.g., writing manuscripts, abstracts, presenting at national meetings).
Scientific communication skills are indispensable for success in academic biomedical research careers, but the effort to acquire them can be formidable for trainees and their mentors. The authors investigated whether and how development of these skills affects the academic career intentions of trainees.
BACKGROUND
The National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B35 and International Breast Cancer Intervention Studies II Ductal carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) trials showed similar treatment effects of anastrozole and tamoxifen in reducing cancer recurrence risk among DCIS patients, but the current body of literature lacks information on the five year adherence rates for these drugs from population-based studies.
METHODS
This study evaluated the initiation and 5-year adherence for women aged 66 to 85 years who had been diagnosed with estrogen receptor(ER)-positive DCIS between 2007 to 2011 according to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) and Texas Cancer Registry databases linked to Medicare claims. Chi-square test, trend test and logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with treatment initiation.
RESULTS
There were 2,871 women with ER-positive DCIS, and approximately 45% began treatment with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors (AIs) within 1 year of their DCIS diagnosis. The median age was 73 years for the users and 75 years for the non-users. Women aged 66 to 70 years who underwent lumpectomy and radiation therapy were significantly more likely to initiate hormone therapy. The initiation of therapy was also significantly associated with patients’ geographic location, education, marital status, diagnosis year, and race/ethnicity. Among users, adherence decreased from 67% in the first year to 30% in the fifth year.
CONCLUSIONS
Initiation and adherence levels for tamoxifen or AIs among older women with ER-positive DCIS are low. Future studies should develop methods to ensure that informed discussions take place between health care providers and patients regarding hormonal therapy for cancer prevention.
Recognizing the heterogeneity of the Asian population with regards to acculturation, education, health awareness, and cultural values is vital for tailoring culturally sensitive and appropriate care. Prior studies show that cultural values influence perceptions of genetics within Asian populations. The reputation of the family unit factors into decisions such as pregnancy termination and disclosure of family medical history, and the nondirective model of American genetic counseling may conflict with the historical Asian model of paternalistic health care. Previous studies also provide conflicting evidence regarding correlations between education, acculturation, age, and awareness and perceptions of genetic testing. The aims of this study were to describe attitudes towards prenatal genetics among Southeast and East Asian women living in the United States for varying amounts of time and to explore sociocultural factors influencing those attitudes. Twenty-three Asian women who were members of Asian cultural organizations in the United States were interviewed via telephone about their attitudes towards prenatal genetic counseling, prenatal genetic testing, and termination of pregnancy. Responses were transcribed and coded for common themes using a thematic analysis approach. Four major themes emerged. In general, participants: (1) had diverse expectations for genetic counselors; (2) tended to weigh risks and benefits with regards to genetic testing decisions; (3) had mixed views on termination for lethal and non-lethal genetic conditions; and (4) identified cultural factors which influenced testing and termination such as lack of available resources, societal shame and stigma, and family pressure. These findings may allow prenatal genetic counselors to gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of their Asian patients and to offer culturally tailored prenatal genetic counseling.
Scientific publication has long been dominated by the English language and is rapidly moving towards near complete hegemony of English, while the majority of the world’s publishing scientists are not native English speakers. This imbalance has important implications for training in and enforcement of publication ethics, particularly with respect to plagiarism. A lack of understanding of what constitutes plagiarism and the use of a linguistic support strategy known as patchwriting can lead to inadvertent misuse of source material by non-native speakers writing in English as well as to unfounded accusations of intentional scientific misconduct on the part of these authors. A rational and well-informed dialogue about this issue is needed among both native English speaking and non-native English speaking writers, editors, educators, and administrators. Recommendations for educating and training are provided.
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