Ohio State University Extension Research Articles

Generation Rx: evaluation of medication misuse prevention education for older adults.

Increased medication misuse over the last two decades has prompted extensive discussion about the lack of evidence-based and evidence-informed prevention education programs targeting the topic. As older adults are high utilizers of medications, this is an important population to reach with such educational programming. This study was designed to assess the change in knowledge and behavioral intentions of older adult participants after attending an educational session focused on safe medication use utilizing the Generation Rx Older Adult Toolkit (GROAT) resources. The Generation Rx team at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy (OSU COP) partnered with The Ohio State University Extension offices (OSU Extension) across the state of Ohio to provide GROAT educational programming in their communities. OSU Extension Educators were trained via the standardized virtual training program, Generation Rx Ambassadors. Program participants were surveyed immediately before and after the educational events. Pre- and post-survey data was then analyzed to assess knowledge gain and behavioral intentions about safe medication practices, as well as program perception and program satisfaction. Programming occurred between May 2022 and September 2022. In total, OSU Extension Educators collectively engaged 843 individuals in a prevention education program utilizing the GROAT materials. After excluding participants under 50 years of age, there were 297 pre surveys and 245 post surveys included in the data analysis. Knowledge gains from pre- to post-survey showed a significant increase in correct responses in seven of the eight questions asked regarding safe medication practices. All five questions evaluating behavioral intentions demonstrated positive results after the programming (p < 0.001). Participants' perceptions and program satisfaction were also favorable. This study found through pre- and post-survey results that the Generation Rx Older Adult Toolkit programming delivered by Generation Rx trained OSU Extension Educators significantly increased older adult participants' knowledge and favorably impacted behavioral intentions around safe medication use practices.

OSU Extension in Urban Communities: A Case Study

With a presence in all 88 Ohio counties, Ohio State University Extension strives to engage citizens within urban, rural, and suburban communities. As populations have shifted, so has the need of Ohio’s urban counties. Thus, to help ensure Extension remains vibrant, relevant, and accessible in all communities, a team of faculty, staff, and students conducted a case study, focusing on the National Urban Extension Leaders four themes of position- ing, programs, personnel, and partnerships. The data provided insight into what Extension can do to address the urban context of scale, diversity, complexity, and urban-rural interface.

Development and Evaluation of a Research-Driven Health Communication Campaign to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among SNAP-Eligible Ohio Adults

Background: Despite evidence of the protective effects of a diet high in fruits and vegetables, intake among Ohio adults remains low. A health communication campaign is an attractive behavior change intervention due to its potential to reach a large audience. Focus of the Article: This study aims to examine the development of a state-level health communication campaign and to assess outcome measures relative to fruit and vegetable intake. Research Question: Two research questions were evaluated: (1) How did Ohio State University Extension use formative research to inform the campaign’s development? and (2) Was campaign exposure associated with increased fruit and vegetable consumption or readiness to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among the target audience comprising Ohio adults eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)? Program Design/Approach: Ohio State University Extension conducted extensive formative evaluation prior to developing the Celebrate Your Plate health communication campaign. The campaign was designed to increase the target audiences’ fruit and vegetable consumption, reinforce messages taught in nutrition education classes, and reach a larger segment of the population with messages promoting healthy behaviors. The campaign was implemented statewide through a multi-year phased rollout and comprised a mix of printed and digital communication channels and an accompanying website. Supportive individual- and community-level programming was also implemented by Ohio State University Extension as part of a multilevel approach to increasing fruit and vegetable intake. Importance to the Social Marketing Field: The limited existing research on the effectiveness of health communication campaigns to increase consumption of healthy foods largely focuses on national campaigns and this study examines effectiveness of a locally tailored campaign. Methods: This study comprised a mixed-methods multi-stage evaluation: qualitative data were collected in four pilot counties to assess the target audience’s awareness and reception of the campaign and recommendations for future efforts. Cross-sectional post-implementation outcome evaluation data were collected and analyzed to assess campaign exposure and behaviors of the target audience. Results: During the pilot evaluation, the target audience responded positively to campaign materials and identified the perceived cost of healthy recipes as a main barrier to changing eating patterns. After the campaign was rolled out statewide, approximately 18% of the target audience indicated exposure to Celebrate Your Plate in aided recall. Campaign exposure was significantly associated with higher fruit ( p &lt; .001) and vegetable ( p &lt; .001) consumption. The Stages of Change model was used to conceptualize readiness to increase fruit and vegetable consumption; campaign exposure was significantly associated with readiness to increase fruit ( p = .001) and vegetable ( p = .027) consumption. Recommendations for Research or Practice: Results of this study show that campaign exposure is significantly associated with higher fruit and vegetable consumption and readiness to consume more fruits and vegetables among the target audience, though more rigorous evaluation is needed to determine causality. Limitations: This study included cross-sectional data and lacked a control group and consequently cannot be used to determine if behavioral observations resulted from campaign exposure. Additionally, this study relied on self-reported data and is susceptible to response biases.

Health Behavior Resources Available to Farmers in Rural Ohio

ABSTRACT Poor health habits correlate with morbidity and mortality. Rural communities often have decreased access to prevention programs and health care. As a state highly dependent on agriculture, this study identifies rural health services for Ohio farmers. This cross-sectional, descriptive study surveys key informants in Ohio at rural health clinics, critical access hospitals, health departments, Ohio State University (OSU) Extension offices, migrant clinics, and Federally Qualified Health Centers about the types of services available to address eight health behaviors. Key informants were invited via email and U.S. Postal Service to complete an electronic survey. After service types were identified, additional information to describe format, barriers to delivery and perceived importance of the service was asked. Of Ohio’s 75 rural counties, 51 counties are represented in the data by at least one participating organization. Nutrition/healthy eating-related health services are provided most often by organizations (95.8%) and sleep services were least often reported (49.5%). The other health behaviors services (sun/UV exposure, physical activity, mental health, tobacco cessation, alcohol/substance abuse, and opioid abuse) fell in-between. Organizations are most likely to offer health education resources in print or web-based format across all health behaviors except for sleep, where social media promotion are the most common. The largest barrier to providing any type of health service is a lack of personnel. Providing health behavior services to farmers and farm families is important for improving their overall health. Documenting available services will assist the rural health community in future collaborative wellness projects.

69 Connecting with the next generation of shepherds – an online sheep-based webpage serves as an additional tool in Extension education

Abstract Cooperative Extension education continues to maintain a strong foothold in educating people in the agricultural industry. To connect with the next generation of agriculturalists, Extension needs to investigate alternative methods to disseminate educational material. Developing and maintaining a webpage that provides relevant and scientific based sheep production information is critical as interest in the small ruminant industry continues to rise. The Ohio State University Extension Sheep Team webpage provides shepherds across the nation with the latest information regarding sheep production from daily management to industry outreach. In addition, a unique highlight of the webpage includes research summaries of sheep research conducted at Ohio State that are simplified to illustrate real-world application to improve on-farm production efficiencies. Over the past year alone, the OSU Extension Sheep Team webpage has recorded over 90,000 page views with an average visit duration time of approximately two minutes. Of these page views, approximately 9,000 originate from locations beyond the United States including Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. According to the web servers’ descriptive statistic analysis, the top referral search engine is Google, representing 58% of all page visits. Interestingly, due the OSU Extension Sheep Team’s presence on social media, Facebook accounts for approximately 18% of all page visits whereas direct subscription of the weekly newsletter only accounts for 15% of all page visits. Furthermore, top article topics include those that relate to basic sheep management practices, health and disease, parasite control methods, and common poisonous plants. Due to the unusual weather patterns of 2019, an article related to poisonous plants accounted for 16% of the webpage’s total visits, which surpassed the number of homepage visits. In order to continue providing relevant Extension information, universities should consider utilizing web-based articles to efficiently reach a larger audience and provide timely articles based upon viewer interest.

The Relationship between Satisfaction with Supervisor and Demographic Variables among Extension Program Assistants

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between satisfaction with supervisor and demographic variables among Ohio State University Extension program assistants. Participants were 149 Extension program assistants who completed the Satisfaction with My Supervisor survey (Scarpello &amp; Vandenberg, 1987) and a demographics survey. Results, based on a five-point Likert scale, showed that participants rated themselves as slightly satisfied with their supervisors (M = 3.88, SD = .94). Participants reported their highest satisfaction with the way their supervisors listen to them, support them in dealing with other managers, and their fairness in appraising job performance. Overall, respondents were dissatisfied with the way their supervisors inform them about work changes, show concern for their career progress, and the frequency with which they were recognized for doing a good job. Satisfaction with supervisor was not related to level of education, marital status, having children under 18 living at home, program area, years of service, gender, or age. Findings suggest that the Ohio State University Extension organization should assess program assistants’ satisfaction with their supervisors and offer leadership professional development for the middle-level managers who serve in supervisory roles.

P105 Outcome Evaluation of Ohio State University Extension SNAP-Ed Social Marketing Campaign

Background USDA's Food and Nutrition Service encourages social marketing to enhance nutrition education in SNAP-Ed. In 2018, Ohio State University (OSU) Extension implemented Celebrate Your Plate (CYP), a social marketing campaign intended to increase awareness of the importance of eating fruits and vegetables across two quadrants of Ohio comprising 45 counties. Objective To measure awareness of CYP and assess healthy behaviors of low-income Ohioans in areas with the campaign. Study Design, Settings, Participants Low-income Ohioans residing in the two quadrants were randomly selected for a telephone survey. Data were collected at three time points between May and September 2018; post-implementation in one quadrant, and pre- and post-implementation in the other. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Indicators from the SNAP-Ed Evaluation Framework related to healthy eating and food resource management were measured along with demographic characteristics. Data were weighted to represent SNAP recipients in the quadrants. Comparisons between quadrants, demographics and campaign exposure were made using 95% confidence intervals to determine significant differences. Results Post-implementation, 18% of low-income Ohioans were exposed to CYP. Exposure was highest among women (23%), households with children (27%), and participants in food assistance programs (26%). Ohioans exposed to the campaign ate more fruits and vegetables daily than those unexposed, although this was not significant. Among assistance programs participants, campaign exposure was significantly associated with higher readiness to increase vegetable consumption. Reported barriers to eating healthier were cost, health reasons, dislike, and being too busy to shop for, cook or prepare healthy foods. Actions taken after campaign exposure included thinking about making healthier food choices, buying and eating more fruits and vegetables, and planning healthy meals for their family. Conclusion OSU Extension successfully launched a multi-modal social marketing campaign in 2018 recognized by nearly one-fifth of low-income Ohioans. CYP was particularly effective in reaching Ohioans participating in assistance programs and may increase their readiness to increase fruit and vegetable consumption.

Food Deserts, Libraries, and Urban Communities: What Is the Connection?

ABSTRACTWhat do public libraries and communities classified as food deserts have in common? This paper will share how the Cleveland Public Library addressed food security issues in Cleveland, Ohio, through collaboration with local organizations such as The Ohio State University (OSU) Extension in Cuyahoga County and the Cuyahoga County Land Bank (CCLB). Public Libraries are changing the way they serve patrons in disadvantaged communities. Librarians are beginning to share concerns about health issues of their communities. The author provides a step-by-step approach to beginning a community garden at your local public library or community property. The program will benefit groups of all ages.

Factors Affecting Turnover Intention of Ohio State University Extension Program Assistants

Extension program assistants’ turnover intention is a key indicator of human resource development practice and overall effectiveness of organizational leadership. We used a survey design with four instruments to investigate the factors that influenced 149 Ohio State University Extension program assistants’ turnover intention. The data showed significant associations between employees’ age, years of service, job satisfaction, supervisor satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intention. Organizational commitment mediated the relationship between job satisfaction and turnover intention. The research concludes with recommendations that may help to decrease extension program assistants’ turnover intention.

Predictors of Job Satisfaction Among Extension Program Assistants

Social scientists viewed job satisfaction as a worker’s emotions and experience at workplace and his or her responses to that experience. The program assistants are essential extension employees who help extension educators recruit clientele and deliver educational programs. This study was conducted to determine the factors affecting program assistants’ job satisfaction. An online questionnaire was utilized to collect data from 149 Ohio State University Extension program assistants. Findings showed that employees job satisfaction does not relate to age, years of service, gender, children living at home under 18, education, program areas, and marital status. Approximately 98% of the variation in overall job satisfaction can be explained by program assistants’ satisfaction with pay, promotions, fringe benefits, rewards, organizational procedures, co-workers, the work itself, and communication. The employees showed less satisfaction with pay and promotions. Organization leaders and human resource development professionals should explore all possible alternative ways to enhance the job satisfaction levels of extension program assistants. Moreover, they need to consider addressing issues related to extension program assistants pay and promotion opportunities.

Rich Opportunities from Collaboration with a State Housing Finance Agency

A partnership between Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Housing Finance Agency blends effective community outreach with rigorous research. Community outreach of the partners ranges from home buyer education to foreclosure prevention in Ohio. Research projects of the partnership target program design, pilot testing, and evaluation. The partnership thrives through the common goal of advancing the financial health and welfare of low-income individuals and families in Ohio. The Ohio example provides encouragement for other state Extension services to collaborate on statewide housing and community development opportunities with state housing finance agencies.

Innovate Extension Events: Creating Space for Innovation in Extension

Extension professionals are being challenged to innovate their work, yet day-to-day responsibilities do not always allow time or space for creativity and innovation. In early 2016, Ohio State University Extension held its inaugural Innovate Extension event, a hackathon-style gathering focused on creative collaboration during which teams competed for grant funds by developing an idea, plan, and pitch over the course of a day. Turnout exceeded expectations, and participants gave high marks to the experience. Due to the event's success, additional Innovate Extension events have been hosted at North Dakota State University, Utah State University, and Oregon State University. This article provides highlights and outcomes.

Show Me the Money: Impact of County Funding on Retention Rates for Extension Educators

Extension administrators contemplating the challenge of employee turnover should consider potential motivation factors. Through the lens of Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory, we explored the relationship between financial uncertainty and employee turnover in Ohio State University Extension. The Human Resources department and Business Office of the university's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences provided raw data sets for the 2005–2014 study period. Through regression analyses and the use of descriptive statistics, we clarified aspects of the relationship between county funding challenges and employee turnover. Extension administration needs to proactively strengthen county funding streams and reduce the impact of funding disruptions to lessen the potential of employee turnover.

What’s Ketso? A Tool for Researchers, Educators, and Practitioners

Researchers, educators, and practitioners utilize a range of tools and techniques to obtain data, input, feedback, and information from research participants, program learners, and stakeholders. Ketso is both an array of information gathering techniques and a toolkit (see www.ketso.com). It “can be used in any situation when people come together to share information, learn from each other, make decisions and plan actions” (Tippett &amp; How, 2011, p. 4). The word ketso means “action” in the Sesotho language, spoken in the African nation of Lesotho where the concept for this instrument was conceived. Ketso techniques fall into the participatory action research family of social science research methods (Tippett, Handley, &amp; Ravetz, 2007). Ohio State University Extension professionals have used the Ketso toolkit and its techniques in numerous settings, including for professional development, conducting community needs/interests assessments, brainstorming, and data collection. As a toolkit, Ketso uses tactile and colorful leaves, branches, and icons to organize and display participants’ contributions on felt mats. As an array of techniques, Ketso is effective in engaging audiences because it is inclusive and provides each participant a platform for their perspective to be shared.

Implementing an Innovative Educational Program Delivery Strategy to Teach 2014 Farm Bill Changes to Ohio Farmers and Landowners

The timing and complexity of the 2014 Farm Bill required quick dissemination of technical information to allow participants to make decisions affecting risk management strategies for their farms. Using existing organizational structures and incorporating a team approach allowed Ohio State University Extension educators to successfully meet the educational needs of Ohio's farmers and landowners. Program success followed due to Extension's commitments to providing proper training, support, and reward to educators and to working cooperatively with external agencies to achieve the identified outcomes.

Curative Control of White Grubs in Turf, 2010: Table 1

This study evaluated new bio-based insecticides for curative control of white grubs in turf. The test was conducted at the Ohio State University Extension Facility in Lancaster, OH. Treatments were assigned to 5 ft × 5 ft turf plots arranged in a RCB design with four replicates. Application of granular products was made16 Aug using a shaker jar. Plots received approximately 1/4 in …

Organizational Values in Ohio State University Extension: Employee Perceptions of Value and Evidence in Practice

Organizational Values in Ohio State University Extension: Employee Perceptions of Value and Evidence in Practice

Developing an On-Farm Research Network: Published Work for Peers and Producers

The Ohio State University Extension Agronomic Crops Team has a committee providing leadership to coordinate an on-farm research network. The network has been developed to provide needs assessment, peer review, and reporting of on-farm research. The research protocols originate from locally driven needs and stakeholder focus groups. The network includes county-based Extension professionals working with cooperating farms, county-owned farms operated by Extension professionals, and university-owned research facilities. The network uses team members for their strengths and specializations to fortify the research effort. The research results are online and searchable by Extension professionals and farmers. The team website is: http://agcrops.osu.edu

Effective Regional Community Development

Times are changing, and so are Extension programs. These changes affect every aspect of the educational effort, including program development, project funding, educational delivery, partnership building, marketing, sharing impacts, and revenue generation. This article is not about how Extension is restructuring to adapt to changes; instead, it highlights the advantages and disadvantages and will focus on practical, real-world strategies that two Ohio State University (OSU) Extension educators have employed to successfully implement regional community development programs.

Maps &amp; Apps: Mobile Media Marketing Education for Food and Farm Entrepreneurs

With an increasing number of consumers using smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices to find and interact with local businesses, Ohio State University Extension developed a new curriculum aimed at improving market access for food and farm entrepreneurs. The literature review, curriculum framework, and lessons learned shared in this article can be used by Extension professionals to improve their own online presence, as well as by educators working with entrepreneurs and community leaders.