Prolonged sitting time (ST) is a risk factor for all-cause mortality, independent of physical activity. Nurse educators are particularly at risk due to limited physical activity, older age, and the increasing use of computers. This descriptive correlational study was designed to explore the ST of nurse educators in relation to their self-reported health status and general health indicators. A convenience sample of 56 nurse educators was recruited, and participants completed demographic items, general health questions, and the Workforce Sitting Questionnaire (WSQ; Chau, van der Ploeg, Dunn, Kurko, & Bauman, 2011). More than one half of the participants were either overweight or obese based on their body mass index (BMI). Sitting time domains for "watching TV" on a non-working day ( r = 1.00) and during "other leisure activities" on a non-working day ( r = 1.00) were associated with a current diagnosis of diabetes. These findings add to an understanding of the effects of ST on health risks for nurse educators.

Cosmetologists frequently develop occupational skin disease related to workplace exposures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an educational intervention to increase cosmetology students' occupational skin disease knowledge and use of preventive practices. A quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate students' knowledge, behaviors, intentions, expectancies, and expectations. A 20-minute verbal presentation and printed two-page educational handout were provided for participants. Statistically significant increases in knowledge, frequency of glove use, and frequency of moisturizer use were found, but the frequency of handwashing did not increase. In addition, the Behavioral Strategies subscale, the Intention subscale, and the Expectancies subscale showed statistically significant improvements. The results of this study suggest an educational intervention can increase cosmetology students' knowledge of occupational skin diseases and their use of preventive strategies.

Manufacturing workers comprise 8.8% of the total U.S. workforce representing a sizable population for disease prevention and health promotion by occupational health nurses within worksite wellness programs. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived health status and objective health status including existing chronic disease among rural manufacturing workers. Rural manufacturing workers ( n = 114) completed a general health survey and consented to a retrospective chart review. All were participants in a direct incentive wellness program with biometric data available. The majority of participants were males between the ages of 46 and 60 years, and nearly half of the sample had a college degree. A statistically significant difference was observed between number of chronic diseases and lower perceived health status. These findings have implications for occupational health nurses and other health care providers to identify workers at risk for chronic illness through self-perceived health status assessment.

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Compared to urban populations, rural residents have a higher incidence of chronic diseases and poorer health outcomes. Most medications in the United States are consumed by older adults who are more susceptible to adverse drug events due to the presence of multiple chronic conditions and physiologic changes in the body. This community-based project evaluated the impact of an interdisciplinary medication education intervention on medication knowledge and adherence to medications and refills. The study was a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design with a convenience sample. The project was marketed via a multi-media approach. Most participants reported learning of the event at a senior center. Each participant received a private educational session for their specific medications with a nurse practitioner, pharmacist, or pharmacy resident. Forty-nine older adults participated in the study with 48 (97.9%) completing both the pretest and posttest. The average age of participants was 71.4 years and the average number of medications per participant was 5.4. There was a statistically significant difference in the adherence to medication and refills subscale score (p = .003). There was no statistically significant difference in the medication knowledge subscale (p = .192), however, the scores did trend upward indicating an increase in medication knowledge. Forty-four (89.8%) participants reported they were more comfortable understanding their medication since participating in the program and 48 (98%) reported they would recommend the program to others. The results of this study suggest community-based outreach medication educational programs can increase adherence to medication and refills for older adults residing in rural areas.