The purpose was to determine the effects of a 12-week, 3-days/week low-impact aerobic dance program on the cardiovascular endurance (CVE) of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). The experimental group (8 males, 7 females) were adults (M age = 39) receiving employment training at a sheltered workshop. The control group (7 males, 5 females) were adults (M age = 37) affiliated with the same facility but employed offsite. Rockport Fitness Walking Test (RFWT) data were collected five times (pretest, and at 4, 8, 12, and 18 weeks). Repeated measures ANOVAs indicated that the experimental group performed significantly better than the control group on RFWT heart rates on the 8- and 12- week trials and on RFWT walk times at the posttest. Once the 12-week program was over, participants did not exercise. Follow-up measurements at 18 weeks revealed no significant differences between groups.
It has been well documented that today’s adolescents are at great risk for health-compromising behaviors. Researchers have identified values orientation and values education as important change agents in reducing these “risky” behaviors. It has also been suggested that an individual’s values orientation that is focused on the future and in a societal view of life is associated with protective and resilience factors with fewer health-compromising behaviors. This study examined adolescents’ values orientation and the occurrence of health-compromising behaviors. Health-compromising behaviors for this study included substance abuse, unsafe sexual practices, violence, and sensation-seeking activities. Results indicated that participants were not at risk for health-compromising behaviors related to a present, self-interest value orientation. Contrary to conventional wisdom about the health-compromising behaviors of students determined to be at “higher risk,” the students in this sample did not exhibit the traditional high-risk behaviors or the value orientations. Health-compromising behaviors of adolescents continue to be a priority for health educators, school administrators, as well as parents and other community members. It is imperative that further research explore the relationship between adolescent participation in “risky” behavior as well as the protective factors related to healthier choices.
This study explored Bosnian refugees' attitudes and beliefs about how to cope with a potential natural disaster. A total of thirty-three Bosnian adult refugees participated in the study. Face-to-face, in-depth individual interviews were conducted. The findings indicated that Bosnian refugees developed a number of coping skills for survival and sustainability through their previous disaster experiences and emergency trainings. Their preparedness for a natural disaster can be characterized by strong leadership qualities, with more economic and social resources to draw on for coping, and close ties to local community. In case of an emergency, they would likely be calm, optimistic, and emotionally independent. Given the development of this group's coping skills, Bosnian refugees have a strong potential for serving as volunteers in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Particular attention should be paid, nevertheless, to these refugees' emotional and mental health needs in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
The purpose of this paper is to explore and understand how a Bosnian refugee community perceives and responds to the potential risk of a natural disaster in order to identify tailored approaches to improve risk communication. This is a qualitative study. Participants resettled in St Louis, Missouri were identified through criterion and snowball sampling. Thirty-three face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed using both content and thematic analysis. Findings indicate that due to their war experiences, cultural and religious understanding of natural disaster, and social influence on their risk interpretation, participants tended to underestimate the potential threat of natural disaster. Media was the main communication methods in times of potential natural disaster. Lack of organizational support during risk communication was a major concern. Ethnic radio stations and word of mouth were rated as the most popular communication channels for disseminating messages in preparation of a natural disaster. Using a community-based participatory approach to identify community needs and involve Bosnian community partners in risk communication planning, implementation, and evaluation, is vital for a Bosnian community.
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