Correlates of voluntary HIV testing and counseling among middle aged and older Latinas

This study identifies and describes HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) of middle aged and older Latinas. The rate of new cases of HIV in people age 45 and older is rapidly increasing, with a 40.6% increase in the numbers of older Latinas infected with HIV between 1998 and 2002. Despite this increase, there is paucity of research on this population. This research seeks to address the gap through a secondary data analysis of Latina women. The aim of this study is twofold: (1) Develop and empirically test a multivariate model of VCT utilization for middle aged and older Latinas; (2) To test how the three individual components of the Andersen Behavioral Model impact VCT for middle aged and older Latinas. The study is organized around the three major domains of the Andersen Behavioral Model of service use that include: (a) predisposing factors; (b) enabling characteristics and (c) need. Logistic regression using structural equation modeling techniques were used to test multivariate relationships of variables on VCT for a sample of 135 middle age and older Latinas residing in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Over 60% of participants had been tested for HIV. Provider endorsement was found to he the strongest predictor of VCT (odds ration [OR] 6.38), followed by having a clinic as a regular source of healthcare (OR=3.88). Significant negative associations with VCT included self rated health status (OR=.592); Age (OR=.927); Spanish proficiency (OR=.927); number of sexual partners (OR=.613) and consumption of alcohol during sexual activity (.549). As this line of inquiry provides a critical glimpse into the VCT of older Latinas, recommendations for enhanced service provision and research will he offered.

Voluntary, Chronic Dehydration in Adolescent American Football Players

The purpose of the study was to determine whether voluntary acute or chronic dehydration occurs in a male adolescent athletic population during twicea- day American football practice sessions. We conclude that participants will voluntarily rehydrate themselves between practice sessions and will begin to acclimate within three to four days.

Voluntary Termination In Restaurants: An Exploratory Determination of Causes

Each year high numbers of employees voluntarily terminate their employment with restaurant organizations. The author reports the results of an exploratory determination of the reasons why a group of employees who left during a three-month period did terminate with the organizations. The subjects were examined as a total group and as subgroups identified by position. It was found that 47.8 percent of the time the manager is able to influence the factors which may lead to voluntary separation from the organization.

Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program's Influence on Preschool Teachers' Beliefs and Practices

Three veteran preschool teachers told their stories about navigating the implementation of VPK. Even with parents' misconceptions about VPK's goals, teachers were able to meet its standards by continuing to embrace a play-based, hands-on philosophy that also emphasized children's social and emotional needs.