Interest Groups Research Articles

Introduction to the Forum: With Liberty and Social Justice for All: Part 1

Purpose: The introduction provides background information about the Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups (SIG 1: Language Learning and Education) Forum: With Liberty and Social Justice for All: Part 1, and a preview of the articles published.

Engaging Students in a Dialysis Unit: A Pilot Study.

Seeking to provide early paediatric nephrology exposure to medical students in the United States, we implemented the Kids In Dialysis, Nephrology Exposure and Education (KIDNEE) club. This club served as an educational intervention in which preclinical medical students were paired with paediatric dialysis patients, as patient buddies. Students were recruited for involvement in the club through the medical school Paediatric Interest Group. For the 2022-2023 academic year, seven first-year students were paired with seven paediatric dialysis patients. Students met with their patient match weekly to play games, watch movies and to act as a friend. The evaluation aimed at assessing the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention as well as influence on student interest in paediatric chronic disease and paediatric nephrology. We developed and distributed surveys to patients, unit staff, and students after programme implementation. From October 2022 to April 2023, medical students collectively spent ~173 h in the dialysis unit. Staff and patients/families unanimously reported that they would recommend the KIDNEE club to other families. Students objectively reported an increased interest in paediatric nephrology and chronic disease and subjectively reported an increased understanding of the patient experience. The KIDNEE club pilot was both feasible and acceptable for patients/families, staff and students. It holds the potential to increase student interest in the field of paediatric nephrology. As our results are limited by small sample size given the pilot nature of the programme, future studies are needed to assess programme expansion and longitudinal influence on students' career paths.

How Capital Intervention Impacts Rural Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Two Suburban Villages near Wuhan

Capital plays a crucial role in driving rural sustainable development. Some rural areas have achieved revitalization through capital intervention, while others have experienced failure. It is possible that the purposes of capital intervention initiated by different parties (such as government, enterprises, and individual investors) in rural areas differ, which leads to the divergence of development routes and effectiveness. Yet, the questions of why and how this phenomenon occurs have not been well studied. Based on observation and an in-depth interview conducted in two suburban villages near Wuhan, we have established an analytical framework with which to compare the route and effectiveness of rural developments driven by capital intervention. The results are as follows: (1) The sources of capital and the embedded purposes determine the modes of rural resource reconfiguration and the arrangement of the relevant industrial sectors. The answer to the question of how to allocate capital gains among different interest groups engaged in rural development determines whether a community of shared interests with respect to sustainable rural development can be established and operate effectively. (2) As the profit-making process differs among capital originating from different sources, it is necessary to evaluate this process such that the pursuit of capital gains and its influence upon rural sustainable development can be clarified and coordinated. (3) Throughout the capital intervention process, villagers’ participation is crucial as it is the prerequisite for the establishment of a mutually beneficial win–win relationship between external capital investors and local villagers. This comparative study of the two villages can provide insights into policy formulation for the purpose of rural revitalization in China and other countries in the Global South undergoing rapid urbanization.

Affective polarization in a word: Open-ended and self-coded evaluations of partisan affect.

The literature finds that partisanship drives negative emotional evaluations of out-partisans. Yet, scholars base these insights on measures-like thermometers, candidate evaluations, and social-distance measures-that discount the sentiment attached to individuals' negative attitudes. We introduce a unique measure of affect capturing the motivation underpinning partisans' attitudes. Our measure asks respondents for one-word to describe voters in their party and the opposing party. Then respondents code the sentiment behind their word choice themselves. Together, our measure produces qualitative and quantitative measures of respondents' affect. We find that our self-coded open-ended measure has strong face validity and correlates strongly with existing affect measures. This measure advances our understating of partisan affect by allowing scholars a window into respondents' state of mind. Scholars can easily apply our measure's procedure beyond partisanship to other groups of interest.

Ethnicity and breast cancer incidence in over 329500 women in England in 2011-2019.

Previous studies have reported an overall lower breast cancer incidence in women from Asian and Black backgrounds compared with white women. Age standardised and age specific incidence rates in the largest specific ethnicities within Asian and Black groups are not reported. Data on population size and the age distribution of women in five ethnic groups of interest (white British, Black African, Black Caribbean, Indian and Pakistani) were extracted from the Office for National Statistics 2001, 2011 and 2021 census data for England. Cancer registrations for invasive breast cancer (ICD-10 C50) in women in England aged ≥25 years during 2011-2019 with a recorded ethnicity were extracted from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service. Age standardised (ASIRs) and age specific (ASRs) incidence rates in five ethnic groups of interest were calculated. 329655 women who were aged ≥25 years and in one of the five ethnic groups of interest had a record of an incident C50 cancer registration during 2011-2019. The ASIR was highest for white women (199.6 (95% CI 198.9-200.3)), and lowest for Black African women (118.2 (95% CI 111.6-125.1)). The ASRs for invasive breast cancer were generally lower in women from minority ethnic groups compared to white women in all age groups examined except for younger Black Caribbean women. There are significant differences in breast cancer incidence rates between women from specific ethnicities. This requires further investigation in large scale prospective studies considering potential differences by ethnicity in known risk factors for breast cancer.

Defining the typical characteristics of orthostatic headache in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

Orthostatic headache (OH) is a common feature of various conditions, including spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), but no precise definition currently exists outlining the typical OH characteristics. This ambiguity risks misdiagnosis with unnecessary investigations and delay in institution of treatment. The present study aimed to carry out structured phenotyping of OH in patients with SIH with the aim of outlining its typical characteristics. Eligible patients with clinico-radiological confirmed SIH underwent a structured interview, after which a specialist interest group utilised the modified Delphi process to analyse the data and achieve consensus on defining the typical characteristics of OH in SIH. In total, 137 patients were recruited. OH was present in 75.9%. Typical OH characteristics in SIH were defined as having a baseline severity (lying flat) on waking up of ≤3 (0-10, verbal response scale), headache onset-time of ≤4.5 h on becoming upright, time to peak severity of ≤7.5 h and an offset to baseline severity within 1.5 h of recumbency. Intra-individual consistency in the onset and offset-time was deemed a necessary characteristic. Defining typical OH characteristics has the potential of enhancing SIH diagnostics and management, at the same time as minimising unwarranted invasive procedures.

Radiographer chest x-ray reporting in Scotland in 2023: An exploratory study into the attitudes and challenges concerning the development of a standardised, countrywide reporting service

BackgroundThe increasing backlog of chest x-ray (CXR) reports in Scotland is well documented, as is reporting radiographer's (RR) ability to provide a cost effective solution to this. Despite this, only 8 CXR RRs currently work in Scotland. This qualitative descriptive study will explore the perceived reasons for this lack of role development by investigating the relevant enablers and challenges. MethodAn 18 question survey was emailed to the members of the Reporting Radiographer Interest Group Scotland regarding the enablers and challenges surrounding CXR RR training and employment in Scotland. All Scotland based RRs were invited to contribute. The survey was live for approximately 6 weeks. Results were then thematically analysed. ResultsThe survey returned 14 respondents from 9 different health boards, 3 of which were CXR RRs. Currently no CXR RR training is currently ongoing in Scotland with only 1 of the responding health boards claiming they had a sufficient quota of CXR RRs. Five main themes have been uncovered: service development, monetary factors, a lack of support from management, workforce issues and Scottish geopolitical challenges. ConclusionThis survey highlighted a desire for further CXR RR training from the current Scottish RR cohort however there was a lack of confidence that this would be facilitated. Resistance from MSK RRs to expand their scope of practice was also noted. Implications for practiceIt is recommended that the Scottish government increases engagement with the CXR RR service to better tackle historical biases, address infrastructural issues and provide further funding for future training and posts. Further research is also required into the evolving attitudes of managers and radiologists towards CXR RRs as is concerns RRs have over up-skilling to better facilitate workforce development.

Experimental and theoretical correlations in (Z)-C-aryl-N-methylnitrones

Nitrones are an interesting group of organic compounds due to their spin-trapping properties. These chemical compounds are also useful building blocks via cycloaddition reactions. In this work, a comprehensive study about correlation of selected parameters come from quantum chemical and experimental studies, namely 1H chemical shifts, IR absorption bands and UV-Vis maximum absorptions as well as reactivity descriptors such as global electrophilicity and nucleophilicity with substituent constants of Hammett, Taft, Brown and Okamoto's as well as Exner for para substituent analogues of (Z)-C-phenyl-N-methylnitrones have been study. Based on presented results it should be noted that tested models of substituent constants correlate in a satisfactory way with computational data. The opposite conclusion is observed for spectral data derived from analysis performed for synthesized nitrones. The obtained results constitute a useful element for future research on reaction mechanisms involving the tested nitrones.

Primer on Health Equity Research in Health Economics and Outcomes Research: An ISPOR Special Interest Group Report.

Disparities in health and healthcare between more and less socially advantaged groups are pervasive, multidimensional, and far-reaching. The material and social conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age are systematically associated with their health and with the volume, quality, and outcomes of care received by the vast majority of the general population, as well as by specific marginalized populations. The field of health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) has an important role in supporting health equity goals. This publication aimed to act as a "primer" for conducting health equity research within the field of HEOR, establishing foundational understanding of key concepts. The ISPOR Special Interest Group on Health Equity Research was established in 2021 to advance equity-informative methods and data to better enable researchers to empirically investigate-and ultimately reduce-unfair social differences in health. This publication was developed by the ISPOR Special Interest Group leadership team with input from the group membership. The resultant publication provides an overview of health equity research methods and data considerations as they relate to HEOR-relevant topics including clinical trials, real-world evidence and economic evaluation. Reflecting the current body of research on health equity in HEOR, particular focus is given to the latter. It also brings together a list of core reference material to support future learning. This report provides the HEOR community with a tailored "state of play" overview of health equity, to support development of foundational understanding and inspire increased engagement.

Health Literacy Curricula in Pediatric Residency Programs: A National Survey.

Using health literacy informed communication strategies can mitigate health inequities. Despite the high prevalence of limited health literacy among parents and children, pediatricians infrequently use clear communication techniques and further education is imperative. There is minimal literature exploring health literacy curricula in pediatric residencies. We sought to evaluate health literacy education across pediatric residency programs. The Academic Pediatric Association's Health Literacy Special Interest Group performed a national, cross-sectional survey of pediatric associate program directors from July 2022 to September 2022. We asked about the presence of health literacy curricula, teaching strategies used, content highlighted, outcomes assessed, and barriers encountered. Among 55 associate program directors from programs diverse in setting, size, and geographic region who participated, most (84%) reported their residents would benefit from more health literacy training. Only 44% reported the presence of health literacy education, with minimal teaching of evidence-based principles, such as the universal precautions approach to clear communication. Health literacy is infrequently taught in pediatric residency programs and there is appreciable variability among existing curricula. There is need for greater dissemination of existing resources, as well as standardization of curricula and assessment tools to ensure pediatricians are well-versed in use of health literacy-informed communication techniques. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2025;9(1):e3-e7.].

The DETECTION project part 1: An international Delphi survey about diagnostics and treatment of anterior mediastinal cystic lesions.

Differentiating benign anterior mediastinal cysts from malignancies is challenging in clinical practice. International guidelines on optimal diagnostics and treatment for anterior mediastinal cystic lesions are lacking. The first part of the DETECTION project focuses on possible heterogeneity in diagnostics and treatment of anterior mediastinal cystic lesions among international thoracic medical experts. A Delphi-survey was created by 14 multidisciplinary panel members, affiliated with three Dutch tertiary referral hospitals for thymic tumours. The survey contained 55 questions and was reviewed by international experts of the International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group (ITMIG) and Réseau tumeurs THYMiques et Cancer (RYTHMIC). The survey was launched online for members of the ITMIG and RYTHMIC from May 26th, 2023 till July 18th, 2023. The survey was completed by 21 thoracic surgeons, 15 radiologists, 15 medical oncologists, 11 pathologists, 9 pulmonologists, and 4 radiation oncologists from 24 countries. Heterogeneity was observed in performed diagnostic radiological imaging, laboratory tests, indications for surgery and follow-up of anterior mediastinal cysts. Cystic wall thickness of anterior mediastinal cysts was reported as clinical relevant in decision making more frequently by thoracic surgeons (76.2%) than pulmonologists (44.4%) and medical oncologists (15.4%) (p=0.015). The survey outcomes showed heterogeneity in the diagnostics and indication for resection of anterior mediastinal cysts among thoracic medical experts. A large variation in radiological imaging, laboratory tests, surgery, pathological analyses, and follow-up of anterior mediastinal cysts was observed. The development of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines may guide clinicians.

Studying the influence of interest groups on non-decisionmaking: challenges and tools in research design

ABSTRACT The political science literature has extensively analyzed the political influence of interest groups in recent years. Despite growing scholarly interest into their role in agenda-setting, a significant blind spot remains in understanding their control over non-decisionmaking. This lack of insight into interest groups’ negative agenda-setting influence is primarily due to three fundamental challenges in research design: conceptualization, sampling, and measurement. This paper addresses these hurdles and proposes potential solutions to overcome them. It subsequently demonstrates the applicability of these recommendations within the empirical setting of the European Union. Overall, this paper shows that, despite the inherent difficulties in studying interest groups’ ability to keep their ‘nightmare’ issues off the agenda, these challenges can be overcome, providing valuable insights into this crucial aspect of political behavior.

POLICY SERIES: TRENDS IN ELDER ABUSE AND INITIATIVES TO PREVENT ELDER ABUSE IN JAPAN DURING THE PAST 20 YEARS

Abstract This symposium begins by briefly introducing activities of Japan Academy for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, cerebrating 20 years, and features the Japanese Act on the Prevention of Elder Abuse. First, using data collected by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW), research analyses present trends in elder abuse case reports substantiated as “elder abuse”, trends in reporters in both institutional and domestic settings, and introduce recent amendments of operational standards made by ministerial ordinance. Second, using data (N=171) on elder abuse from Matsudo-City collected in 2019, analysis examines relationships between trends in the increasing number of elder abuse reports made by the police (about 43% of all cases) and trends in the number of cases regally considered to be “elder abuse” (only 17.8% of those reported to the police were legally considered to be “elder abuse”). It examines possible reasons and propose necessary policy changes in definitions of elder abuse. Third, using longitudinal data collected by Matsudo-city and by the MHLW from 2006 through 2022, this analysis examines the impacts of COVID-19 on the occurrence of elder abuse. Analyses revealed that neither data set showed significant increase in frequencies of occurrence of elder abuse due to COVID-19. Rather, it showed a decrease for the MHLW data. This study examines possible reasons and make recommendations to further decrease frequencies of occurrence of elder abuse cases. Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of Older Persons Interest Group Sponsored Symposium

CULTIVATING TRUST IN RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS WITH OLDER ADULTS ACROSS THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CONTINUUM

Abstract Community-engaged research is essential for identifying and supporting the needs of an aging society and ensuring effective translation of research findings. While not a new idea to the field of gerontology, engaged research models and frameworks are expanding, and researchers are seeing increased access to initiatives for building and sustaining community-engaged research programs. This symposium will feature emerging and established projects across multiple levels of the continuum of engagement, from informing, consulting, involving, collaborating, and ultimately to co-creating. Kim et al. will describe efforts to co-create programming and educational materials with and for Alaska Native caregivers, focusing on decolonizing methodologies. Halvorsen will showcase an ongoing academic-organizational partnership created to increase the research and evaluation capacity of a national nonprofit organization and its grantees. Gan will describe how diverse community members were engaged to understand and meet gaps in cognitive health promotion, resulting in the pilot of a mindful discussion program. Guest et al. will present on the formation and fruitful efforts of a resident advisory board at the University Based Retirement Community, sharing best practices for sustaining engagement. Mahmood et al. will report on a community-based participatory effort evaluating the role of built environment on mobility access across five cities in the Vancouver area. These exemplars will launch the symposium into a discussion about the utility of engaging older adults across the continuum, illustrating effective strategies for establishing trusted academic-community partnerships. We invite attendees to consider the value of this heuristic framework to plan and design fit-for-purpose community-engaged research projects. Community Engaged Research Interest Group Sponsored Symposium

CLIMATE CHANGE AND OLDER PEOPLE

Abstract The symposium focuses on the intersection of climate change impacts and the aging population. It includes presentations on the unique vulnerabilities of older adults to climate-induced disasters, the effect of heat exposure on their immune functions, the implications of extreme temperatures on healthcare utilization among the elderly in Europe, insights from older adults on climate change through a photovoice study, and strategies for building resilient communities for older adults. Each presentation would draw from comprehensive research and findings to highlight the need for targeted interventions and policies that address the specific challenges faced by older populations in the context of a changing climate. Climate Change and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium

THE AGING RESEARCH IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE HEALTH (ARCH) NETWORK: WHERE WE’VE BEEN AND WHERE WE ARE GOING

Abstract Established in 2019, the NIA-funded “Aging Research in Criminal Justice and Health (ARCH) Network” brings together a multi-disciplinary, international group of researchers and community leaders dedicated to evaluating the life course experiences of justice-involved older adults and translating that research into policy and practice. In this symposium, we will celebrate the ARCH Network’s accomplishments over the past five years by highlighting inspirational investigators, community leaders, and pilot projects that have helped to advance science in this emerging research area. The first presentation will provide a brief overview of the ARCH Network and its mission, highlighting the journey from development to inception to continual growth. The second presentation will focus on the impact of the ARCH Network on the career trajectory of early-stage investigators. From the perspective of a doctoral student, we will learn about how the ARCH network is a pipeline model for advancing the careers of scholars interested in health equity and policy research focused on justice-involved older adults. The third presentation will highlight the practice interventions and community resources that have emerged from health-equity focused, collaborative, aging research on incarceration. The fourth presentation will discuss policy-related impacts and solutions for justice-involved older adults. The final presentation will focus on the impact of the ARCH Network from the perspective of an individual with lived experience and will highlight the vision for the ARCH Network moving forward. Following the presentations, we look forward to an interactive discussion led by the NIA Program Officer for the ARCH Network. Incarceration and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium

INTEGRATING ORAL HYGIENE AND COGNITIVE HEALTH: GLOBAL INSIGHTS AND INTERGENERATIONAL APPROACHES

Abstract The symposium presents four studies investigating the intersection of oral health, cognitive functions, and healthcare accessibility among older adults in China and India. The first study employs a co-design approach to develop a school-based oral hygiene intervention that leverages intergenerational ties between youths and older adults to enhance oral health education. This initiative demonstrates a promising avenue for promoting healthy behaviors across generations, emphasizing family dynamics and resource allocation in the design of oral health interventions. The second review underscores the potential of regular toothbrushing as a simple yet effective strategy to mitigate cognitive decline and dementia risk. This meta-analysis illuminates the direct benefits of oral hygiene on cognitive functions, advocating for the inclusion of oral hygiene practices in daily routines to promote cognitive health. The third study finds significant correlations between cognitive decline and poor oral health using data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India, highlighting the urgent need for improved dental care accessibility and oral health education as preventive measures against cognitive impairment. Finally, the fourth study investigates into the dental care utilization patterns among older adults in Shanghai reveals a troublingly low engagement with dental services, exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities and insurance coverage limitations. The study calls for comprehensive reforms to extend dental care access and integrate it within broader health insurance schemes. Together, these studies shed light on the critical link between oral health and cognitive health and propose actionable strategies to improve public health outcomes through enhanced education, policy reform, and community-based interventions. Oral Health Interest Group Sponsored Symposium

INTEGRATING AND IMPROVING MULTIPLE-METHOD RESEARCH IN AGING

Abstract One of the basic tenets of mixed-method and mixed-methods research methodologies is that they integrate qualitative and quantitative data to provide a more holistic understanding of a research question. This interdisciplinary symposium examines several aging research projects to illustrate best practices for integrating and improving multiple methods research projects. We draw on fields including cultural anthropology, discourse analysis, and sociocultural gerontology to examine questions of language, identity, transcription, and homelessness. In a mixed-methods study, Saunders examines the integration of data and analysis from staff interviews, residents’ conversations, and staff ratings of friendship among persons living with dementia in a long-term care setting unit. Crampton examines the value of outliers in a study of how “ old” is defined by people aging into 80+ decades. Dobbs’ paper will discuss the role of AI transcription using smartphone and web-based platform technologies to collect data from older adults and their caregivers. Perone uses a novel multi-method approach to learn about housing models that aim to prevent or intervene in homelessness among LGBTQIA+ older adults. Directors of Aging Centers Interest Group Sponsored Symposium

NEIGHBORHOOD ENVIRONMENTS AND COGNITIVE HEALTH: ADVANCEMENTS IN CONCEPTS AND METHODS

Abstract Evidence for the importance of residential neighborhood environments for cognitive health in older adults has grown substantially in the past decade. It is important to understand details of these relations, including timing and mechanisms, as interventions at the neighborhood level could have broad public health importance. Here, we present a series of five talks from four studies that aim to advance the field of environmental influences on cognitive health through several conceptual and methodological advancements: inclusion of lifecourse exposures (Cheng, Finlay), consideration of the role of race as a social construct and a modifier of neighborhood exposures (Cheng), incorporation of blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease as an outcome (Fan), consideration of spatial and historical context in interpreting results (Moored, Desjardins), use of qualitative interviews to gain insight from people’s lived experiences (Finlay), and use of novel exposures such as cognability (Finlay) and blue space (Moored, Desjardins) as well as upstream factors indicative of structural disadvantage (Cheng, Fan, Desjardin). Together, these talks will challenge the audience to consider the complex ways in which neighborhoods could influence cognitive outcomes and how to best approach analysis and interpretation of such data. Advancing our conceptual understanding of the influence of neighborhoods on cognitive aging over the lifecourse will allow for informed public health interventions. A discussion of next steps will be led by Jana Hirsch. Environmental Gerontology Interest Group Sponsored Symposium

ADVANCING OLDER ADULTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE AND INDEPENDENCE WITH FITNESS: INNOVATIVE APPROACHES AND STRATEGIES

Abstract This symposium by the Fitness, Exercise, and Wellness (FEW) Interest Group showcases diverse approaches to enhancing well-being and quality of life for older adults through innovative exercise interventions and research methodologies. Dr. Sara Pappa’s work outlines the success of the Northern Virginia Falls Prevention Alliance in deploying community-based evidence-based fall prevention programs, highlighting the effectiveness of academic-community partnerships in implementing and scaling such initiatives. Dr. James Dowd delves into the motivations of older runners, revealing that while health benefits play a role, the habit and joy of running are fundamental factors in their persistence, shedding light on the fortitude of this demographic and the new insights that this research is contributing to the field. Dr. Julie Ries and colleagues address research redundancy in meta-analyses evaluating exercise interventions for older adults with cognitive impairments, advocating for more strategic and ethical research practices to optimize resources and knowledge accumulation. Finally, Dr. Patricia C. Heyn and colleagues present a case study of implementing the 4Ms framework in dementia care in Brazil, emphasizing personalized approaches and the role of technology in maintaining family engagement and improving caregiving quality and connectivity from afar. Together, these innovative presentations highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations, personalized care approaches, and technological innovations in promoting older adults’ functional well-being and autonomy, particularly in the realms of fall prevention, physical activity performance, cognitive health, and dementia care.