ABSTRACT
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic infection that is spread by mosquitos infected with worm larvae. Several factors will affect the global prevalence of LF in the future. A growing body of evidence suggests that climate change will influence the spread of parasitic diseases and their vectors. Lymphatic filariasis is the leading cause of permanent disfigurement and the second most common cause of long-term disability in the world.
Subject(s)
Climate Change , Disease Transmission, Infectious/prevention & control , Disease Vectors , Elephantiasis, Filarial/therapy , Elephantiasis, Filarial/transmission , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Animals , Elephantiasis, Filarial/diagnosis , Elephantiasis, Filarial/epidemiology , Humans , PrevalenceABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Success of minority students in higher education is an issue of great relevance today, as the changing United States demographic necessitates that programs in higher education afford success across cultural groups. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine thematic concepts of academic success as perceived by current nursing students in 2 entry-level nursing programs, and to propose a theoretical model to maximize the success of minority students. METHOD: Data were collected from 31 students enrolled in two registered nursing (RN) programs (baccalaureate and associate) at separate urban academic institutions in the Midwestern region of the United States. Two opened-ended questions were asked from the students. Question 1 asked, "What has helped you be most successful in pursuing your nursing degree at your school?" Question 2 asked, "What could be done to help make your college education more meaningful and/or less stressful?" RESULTS: Key factors of institutional commitment, communication of expectations, academic, social and financial support,feedback and involvement were identified as factors to students' optimal success. CONCLUSION: This data resulted in development of a theoretical model that can serve a framework for the success of minority nursing students.
Subject(s)
Cultural Diversity , Education, Nursing, Diploma Programs/organization & administration , Ethnicity/statistics & numerical data , Minority Groups/statistics & numerical data , Models, Educational , Students, Nursing/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Educational Status , Ethnicity/education , Female , Humans , Male , Minority Groups/education , Nursing Education Research , Social Support , United States , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Minority providers are more likely to practice in underserved areas with minority populations. Currently the representation of minorities in healthcare professions is less than that of the United States population. More research is needed to examine specific variables associated with educational success of minority students. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine, and increase the understanding of, current factors that influence success among ethnic and minority nursing students. METHODS: The revised Minority Student Nurse Questionnaire (MSNQ) was utilized for this study with a sample of 31 students from 2 entry-level nursing programs in the Midwest. RESULTS: Minority students were slightly older than traditional college students and consisted of African-American Black, Native (American) Indian, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, and Hawaiian. Students reported multiple factors that influenced their higher education experience. Academic services and cultural organizations were available, free, but were used by less than half of the students. Several sources of financial assistance are important, including scholarships, federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and grants. Students most strongly disagreed with the statement that 'the number of minorities in this program is representative of the number of minorities overall.' Students felt that several services were supportive and helpful strategies for success. CONCLUSION: Although progress has been made to improve success of minority students, numbers continue to lag between demographic population overall.
