Statewide Survey Research Articles

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)† Habitat Suitability, Nest Box Occupancy, and Management Implications Based on Kentucky Surveys 2010–2022

ABSTRACT Barn Owls (Tyto alba) are a species of conservation interest, but management of nesting populations can require significant effort. To focus management activities, we conducted analyses of statewide survey data collected for Barn Owl nests (n = 515) and roosts (n = 145) in Kentucky, USA, from 2010–2022. Nest and roost sites included natural (e.g., trees, rock shelters) and human-made (e.g., barns, attics, hunting blinds, silos, etc.) structures and nest boxes (n = 270) installed on various substrates. Using data related to land cover, agricultural features, and other habitat-related variables, we examined factors influencing Barn Owl site occupancy by creating habitat suitability models. Additionally, we assessed changes in nest box occupancy over time and the factors that influenced nest box occupancy. The Shannon habitat diversity index and number of buildings within 75 m were the most important variables for habitat suitability throughout the study area, though the proportion of hay/pasture/grassland within 625 m and distance to an area intensively managed for Barn Owls were important regionally. Barn Owl nest box occupancy increased over the course of our study, likely due to management efforts. Owls were more likely to occupy nest boxes if they were installed on tall feed silos, retired utility poles, or barns. Moreover, nest boxes installed at sites where we observed owl pairs (prior to installation) were more likely to become occupied and used sooner than nest boxes installed opportunistically. Future management should focus on installing nest boxes for known pairs, on unused feed silos, on retired utility poles on reclaimed surface mines, and near areas intensively managed for the species.

Examining the Relation Between Telehealth Experiences in Early Intervention and Rurality Among Families of Young Children With Developmental Disabilities

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) governs the Early Intervention (EI) system for families of children aged zero to three with developmental delays and disabilities. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many states offer telehealth as a way for families to receive their EI services. Given the limited EI providers in rural areas, it seems that telehealth may especially help rural families to access EI services. However, little research has been done in relation to family use and satisfaction with telehealth in relation to rurality. To this end, we conducted a statewide survey of 256 families of children in EI about their use of EI services via telehealth. There was a negative correlation between family satisfaction with telehealth and rurality, with rural families being more dissatisfied with telehealth. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

Dysphonia in School Teachers: An Occupational Risk Concern?

BackgroundSchool teachers are known to be at risk for dysphonia. However, they do not always get the benefits that are guaranteed to people with occupational diseases. Objective parameters attempting to quantify the condition are a requirement. Based on an earlier smaller study done in a single district of Kerala, a highly literate State in south India, the present study was envisaged as a Statewide survey of the problem. ObjectivesThe aim was to check the possibility of designating voice problem (dysphonia) in school teachers as a distinct occupational health issue. The primary objective was to document the prevalence of subjective dysphonia. Secondarily, the study sought to look for possible associations between known risk factors and dysphonia. MethodsA cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted. The tool was developed from an earlier version, with the addition of risk factor questions and subjective handicap scoring. Three categories of dysphonia were obtained. Statistical analyses were done for all variables, with p value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence limits were calculated for four of the risk factors. ResultsCompleted responses were obtained from 4014 school teachers. Of these, 1885 (46.96%) had dysphonia at the time of responding, 1922 (47.88%), in the last one year, and 2650 (66.02%), at some point during their career. Most risk factors had statistically significant association with dysphonia. OR calculation showed greater risk for teachers in government managed or aided schools, those teaching in secondary (5th to 12th grade) schools, those in the job for more than 20 years, and teaching social sciences subject. ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of dysphonia in school teachers in a Statewide survey of Kerala. Several risk factors have been identified; some peculiar to the region. There is enough numerical evidence to designate dysphonia in school teachers as an occupational health issue.

Attitudes and Experiences of Community Palliative Care Nurses Regarding Pediatric Home-Based End-of-Life Care: A Statewide Survey.

Objectives: Pediatric end-of-life (EOL) care at home is often provided by community palliative care (CPC) nurses who do not specialize in pediatrics. This study aimed to better understand the challenges CPC nurses face when providing EOL care to children at home. Methods: A total of 52 CPC nurses across New South Wales (NSW), Australia, participated in an online survey about their training, attitudes, and experiences regarding the provision of home-based pediatric EOL care. Participants were asked to reflect back over a "negative" experience of caring for a child at EOL, where things did not go as well as hoped, and a "positive" EOL care experience, where nurses perceived that care of the child and family went well, and respond to questions about these experiences. Results: Confidence of CPC nurses when providing EOL care to pediatric patients was significantly lower than when caring for adults (p's < .05). Most respondents expressed the desire for more training in pediatric EOL care. Cases identified as negative by CPC nurses did not significantly differ from positive cases in terms of the timing of the referral to CPC, clinical symptoms at EOL, or how well informed the nurses felt. Siblings were present at EOL in 74% of the negative experiences and 86% of the positive experiences, reportedly receiving significantly poorer support in the negative experiences (p = .002). Conclusion: This research contributes to an improved understanding of the challenges associated with home-based pediatric EOL care and highlights potential areas for improvement in CPC service delivery and training.

Tangible to Non-Tangible Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Life Satisfaction of Farmers in Kerala, India

While Kerala’s transition from an agrarian to a service-oriented economy is widely acknowledged, discussions are most often confined to material domains, overlooking overall life satisfaction, which is critical to pursue any profession. This state-wide community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted to gather data from farmers residing in three geographical zones of Kerala, India, North, South and Central, to understand their life satisfaction and how it correlates to their access to resources and social support. From each zone, we randomly chose two districts, and from each district, two panchayats. From each panchayat, we chose one ward to identify a total of 580 eligible farmers. Structured interviews were conducted using door-knock surveys to elicit information from the respondents using a set of standardized questionnaires. The results suggest that the respondents had a mean age of 54.5, with 19.8% being over 65, indicating demographic ageing in the farming sector. Only 46% chose farming as their full-time occupation. Farmers with higher levels of education who owned large plots of land experienced life satisfaction. Interpersonal relationships and social support were significant determinants of life satisfaction, as these factors were pivotal in their access to formal and informal services. With social support being pivotal in life satisfaction, it is imperative to change the social mindset towards farming. Additionally, the government should promote advanced technologies and high-yielding agricultural practises to transform the economic landscape of Kerala in favour of agriculture, which is imperative for the food security of the state.

The potential of silvopasture in California: producer perspectives

ABSTRACT Silvopasture is a form of agroforestry that has been practiced around the globe for millennia and involves integrating trees, livestock, and forage within the same area. Recent increased attention and research on this practice has provided greater evidence that it can deliver both economic and environmental benefits, including climate mitigation and adaptation. However, it is not widely used in the United States. The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the current state of silvopasture and opportunities for expansion of this practice in California, one of the primary agricultural regions in the United States. California is geographically suited to silvopasture and already has large land areas dedicated to both orchards and grazing though these two types of agriculture are typically managed and documented separately. We report the results of our statewide survey of silvopasture producers, including benefits, motivations, and challenges associated with this practice. Finally, we recommend ways in which the barriers to silvopasture adoption could be reduced.

Principal Leadership of Pre-K Programs in Elementary Schools: Evidence from North Carolina

Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) programs are becoming increasingly common in elementary schools across the United States—in fact, a recent analysis of federal data revealed that 57% of public schools have a Pre-K grade. Despite the prevalence of Pre-K programs in schools, principals—known to be among the most important factors in school success—often lack the knowledge and professional supports to effectively lead Pre-K programs. In this study, guided by sensemaking theory, we work to advance knowledge on Pre-K principal leadership through a sequential mixed-methods analysis of elementary school principals in the state of North Carolina. Our study includes a statewide survey of all lead and assistant principals in the state ( N = 520) as well as follow-up interviews with 27 of the surveyed principals. Our findings reveal that while they report strong conceptual support for the Pre-K programs in their schools, principals demonstrate limited engagement with them. We also find that principal background and preparation in early education and the proportion of students from a Pre-K program that ultimately enroll in the school for kindergarten are important factors that help explain variation in principal orientations to Pre-K leadership.

Perceived Discrimination Among Food Pantry Clients in Massachusetts.

Food insecurity is defined as inconsistent access to enough food to meet nutritional needs. Discrimination is associated with food insecurity and poor health, especially among racial and ethnic minoritized and sexual or gender minoritized groups. We examined the demographic associations of perceived everyday discrimination and food pantry discrimination in Massachusetts. From December 2021 through February 2022, The Greater Boston Food Bank conducted a cross-sectional, statewide survey of Massachusetts adults. Of the 3,085 respondents, 702 were food pantry clients for whom complete data on food security were available; we analyzed data from this subset of respondents. We used the validated 10-item Everyday Discrimination Scale to measure perceived everyday discrimination and a 10-item modified version of the Everyday Discrimination Scale to measure perceived discrimination at food pantries. Logistic regression adjusted for race and ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, having children in the household, annual household income, and household size assessed demographic associations of perceived everyday discrimination and discrimination at food pantries. Food pantry clients identifying as LGBTQ+ were more likely than those identifying as non-LGBTQ+ to report perceived everyday discrimination (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.44; 95% CI, 1.24-4.79). Clients identifying as Hispanic (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI, 1.13-2.96) were more likely than clients identifying as non-Hispanic White to report perceived discrimination at food pantries. To equitably reach and serve households with food insecurity, food banks and pantries need to understand experiences of discrimination and unconscious bias to develop programs, policies, and practices to address discrimination and create more inclusive interventions for food assistance.

Burnout among behavioral healthcare workers during the pandemic

ABSTRACT We present the findings of a statewide survey of behavioral healthcare providers based in New England conducted in November 2021. The study included a measure of COVID-19 stress and the Copenhagen Burnout Scale. The sample was mostly white, female and 45 years of age or older. Overall, the stresses causing the most concern were related to financial issues, the infection of loved ones, and concerns about social distancing and quarantining. We found elevated rates of stress appraisal among people of color. With respect to burnout, women had higher levels of burnout as did those in the youngest age groups in the sample. We found a strong association between COVID-19 stress appraisal and burnout, both at the zero-order level and in the OLS multiple regression model. Implications for the behavioral healthcare workplace are discussed.

Nurse-reported workplace violent events: Results from a repeated statewide survey

BackgroundWorkplace violence significantly affects registered nurses, contributing to burnout and intention to leave. MethodsThe Michigan Nurses Study conducted surveys in 2022 and 2023, examining the prevalence of verbal, physical, and sexual violence, and coworker bullying. Personal and workplace factors associated with reporting any violent event were examined using multivariable logistic regression. ResultsThere was a decline in overall workplace violence from 50.2% to 43.4%, despite a rise in sexual harassment from 9.9% to 11.8%. Over half of the events were patient sourced. Underreporting remained a problem. Factors associated with increased likelihood of reporting any violent event included younger age, employment in acute care and long-term care settings, unfavorable practice environments, less confidence in management, inadequate support for workplace stress, and understaffing on the past shift. ConclusionsDespite a decrease in reported violent events, incidents remain common. Improvements in working conditions, management of understaffing, and support systems are crucial to mitigate workplace violence against nurses.

Experiences participating in federal nutrition assistance programs during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic: an investigation in Vermont

BackgroundFederal nutrition assistance programs serve as safety nets for many American households, and participation has been linked to increased food security and, in some instances, improved diet quality and mental health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic brought new and increased economic, social, and psychological challenges, necessitating inquiry into how nutrition assistance programs are functioning and associated with public health outcomes.MethodsUsing data from a representative statewide survey administered in Vermont (n = 600) between July and September 2020, we examined participant experiences with major federal nutrition assistance programs: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and school meal programs. We explored quantitative and qualitative responses regarding perceptions of program utility, and used nearest neighbors matching analyses in combination with bivariate statistical tests to assess associations between program participation and food insecurity, perceived stress, and fruit and vegetable intake as indicators of dietary quality.ResultsOne in four respondents (27.3%) used at least one federal nutrition assistance program. As compared to non-participants, we found higher rates of food insecurity among program participants (57.5% vs. 18.1%; p < 0.001), an association that persisted even when we compared similar households using matching techniques (p ≤ 0.001). From matched analyses, we found that, compared to low-income non-participants, low-income program participants were less likely to meet fruit intake recommendations (p = 0.048) and that low-income SNAP and WIC participants were less likely to meet vegetable intake recommendations (p = 0.035). We also found lower rates of perceived stress among low-income school meal participant households compared to low-income non-participants (p = 0.039). Despite these mixed outcomes, participants broadly valued federal nutrition assistance programs, characterizing them as helpful or easy to use.ConclusionsWe found that federal nutrition assistance programs as a group were not sufficient to address food insecurity and stress or increase fruit and vegetable intake in the state of Vermont during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, participants perceived benefits from participation in these programs. Optimizing the utility of nutrition assistance programs depends on critical examination of their functioning under conditions of great stress.

S28 - Modes of Marijuana Use by Secondary School Students in 2019–20, Findings From a California Statewide Survey

S28 - Modes of Marijuana Use by Secondary School Students in 2019–20, Findings From a California Statewide Survey

Exploring the Nexus: Homeschooling and Library Engagement in Connecticut

ABSTRACT In the dynamic landscape of education, homeschooling continues to offer a compelling alternative to traditional schooling. Homeschool numbers surged through the pandemic and have not decreased to pre-pandemic levels. This study examines the shared connections between homeschooled families in Connecticut and local public libraries by looking at how home educators use library resources and participate in library programming; and examining how Connecticut libraries perceive and respond to the diverse needs of homeschooling communities. Based on 2 Connecticut statewide surveys, one sent to public librarians and another to homeschoolers, the study sought to identify areas of strengths, weaknesses and disconnects in the homeschool community and public library relationships in Connecticut. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected and reviewed to identify potential improvements to the evolving role of libraries in supporting alternative education pathways, and the potential for an infusion of public library support from the homeschool community.

How Do Nonprofits’ Organizational Characteristics Shape Environmental Philanthropy in Texas? A Network Science Approach

Abstract In efforts to address the far-reaching effects of climate change and associated impacts in communities, research on environmental philanthropy suggests that more resources are being allocated to environmental societal challenges. However, understandings about which environmental nonprofits benefit from these funding flows is limited. This study integrates resource dependency theory with elitism and pluralism perspectives to analyze a network of environmental nonprofits and their funders in Texas. Resource dependency and a network-analytic approaches share underlying relationality principles, and we connect those dots by conceptualizing the funding dynamics in Texas as a network of funder-grantee relations. Drawing on statewide survey data (n = 114), we use a network analysis technique – exponential random graph modeling (ERGM) – to analyze funding allocations in Texas through the organizational attributes of environmental nonprofits, their funder-grantee relations, and their community context. We specifically observe elitism in funding allocations in Texas, which is evident in network effects (preferential attachment) and the focal areas of environmental work. However, we find limited evidence that age or resources of the nonprofit are predictive of funding and the most influential factor determining a funder-grantee relationship is the natural hazard risk of the community served by the nonprofit. Our findings suggest interconnected funding dynamics of pluralism and elitism in the Texas environmental philanthropy landscape, prompting further discussion about the potential synergies of these patterns and the implications for environmental funding practices.

Investigating the Interrelationships Among Mental Health, Substance Use Disorders, and Suicidal Ideation Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults in the United States: Population-Based Statewide Survey Study.

Mental health disparities have been documented among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults in the United States. Substance use disorders and suicidal ideation have been identified as important health concerns for this population. However, the interrelationships among these factors are not well understood. This study aims to investigate the interrelationships among mental health, substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation among LGB adults in the United States using a population-based statewide survey. Our study was an observational cross-sectional analysis, and the data for this study were collected from a sample of LGB adults who participated in the statewide survey. The survey collected information on mental health, substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation using validated measures. Descriptive statistics and inferential data analysis were conducted to explore the interrelationships among these factors. The results showed that LGB adults who reported higher levels of depression and drug abuse and dependence also reported higher levels of suicidal tendency and mental illness. Inferential data analysis using χ2 tests revealed significant differences in depression score (χ22=458.241; P<.001), drug abuse and dependence score (χ22=226.946; P<.001), suicidal tendency score (χ22=67.795; P<.001), and mental illness score (χ22=363.722; P<.001) among the 3 sexual identity groups. Inferential data analysis showed significant associations between sexual identity and mental health outcomes, with bisexual individuals reporting the highest levels of depression, drug abuse and dependence, suicidal tendency, and mental illness. This study provides important insights into the interrelationships among mental health, substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation among LGB adults in the United States. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and research aimed at addressing the mental health needs of sexual minority populations. Future research should aim to better understand the underlying mechanisms driving these disparities and develop culturally sensitive and tailored interventions that meet the unique needs of LGB individuals. Reducing stigma and discrimination against sexual minority populations is also crucial to improving their mental health outcomes.

Climate smart agriculture: assessing needs and perceptions of California's farmers

California is the largest agricultural economy in the United States; however, its current and projected climate risks pose significant challenges. Farmers will need to adapt to climate change in their farming practices. The goal of this needs assessment was to understand farmers' perceptions and experiences with climate change exposures; the risk management practices they currently use; and what tools and resources would assist them in making strategic decisions. A statewide survey was conducted through Qualtrics with farmers (n = 341). Results showed that 67% of the farmers agree (agree + strongly agree) that climate change is happening, and 53.1% agreed that actions are required. Moreover, historically underrepresented farmers were very concerned about climate change-related impacts related to water, temperatures, and natural disasters. Farmers are currently implementing adaptation practices related to water management, soil health, and renewable energy and are also seeking insurance and government assistance programs to increase agricultural resilience. They also expressed interest and a high need for information on those adaptation practices to acquire skills and knowledge to manage various challenges of farming in variable climates. Also, the assessment established that farmers (47.5%) use decision-support tools, mostly weather stations (22.4%); and 51.9% indicated their interest in using online tools designed to translate climate information into forms that support production decision-making. Farmers (60.8%) responded that they would or may attend workshops to learn about adaptation practices. The findings of this needs assessment will inform the development of extension education programs on climate-smart agriculture for farmers in California and elsewhere.

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy in U.S. Prisons: Perspectives from a Statewide Survey of Incarcerated People.

Much of the American response to the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by a divergence between general public opinion and public health policy. With little attention paid to individuals incarcerated during this time, there is limited direct evidence regarding how incarcerated people perceived efforts to mediate the harms of COVID-19. Prisons operate as a microcosm of society in many ways but they also face unique public health challenges. This study examines vaccine hesitancy-and acceptance-among a sample of individuals incarcerated within adult prisons in Pennsylvania. Using administrative records as well as rich attitudinal data from a survey of the incarcerated population, this study identifies a variety of social and historical factors that are-and are not-associated with an incarcerated person's willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Our findings highlight vaccination challenges unique to the carceral context and offer policy recommendations to improve trust in credible health messengers and health service provision for this often overlooked but vulnerable population.

Language and LGBTQ Politics: The Effect of Changing Group Labels on Public Attitudes

The labels used to describe sexual and gender minorities in the U.S. have shifted over time and become increasingly inclusive. Movement organizations have changed from describing the “lesbian, gay, and bisexual” (“LGB”) community to adding transgender (“LGBT”) and then also queer (“LGBTQ”) identities. Do these different labels affect public views of the group and support for their rights? I embedded a question wording experiment in a statewide survey, asking respondents about either LGB, LGBT, or LGBTQ people. The labels had no discernible effect on (1) support for requiring businesses to serve the group; nor (2) views of the group’s political leanings. There is no evidence that ideology and partisanship moderated these null effects: liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, were unaffected by the changing designations. This suggests public attitudes are not contingent on how the LGBTQ community is labelled, a finding with implications both for movement organizations and survey researchers.

Incorporating a Postpartum Hemorrhage Bundle on the Labor and Delivery Unit: A State-Wide Survey of Anesthesiologists in Massachusetts

(Int J Obstet Anesth. 2023;55:103893/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijoa.2023.103893/) Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a significant contributor to preventable maternal morbidity and mortality, necessitating a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach. Recognizing the urgency, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advocates adopting PPH bundles to ensure prompt identification and intervention. Obstetric anesthesiologists, possessing expertise in critical care and transfusion, are integral to the resuscitation efforts in PPH. Nevertheless, their involvement in implementing PPH bundles is inconsistent, prompting the need for a more dedicated focus on predelivery risk assessment, early recognition, and institutional protocol development.

Unionid Mussel Distributions in South Dakota, USA Observed during a Statewide Survey in 2014–15

Unionid Mussel Distributions in South Dakota, USA Observed during a Statewide Survey in 2014–15