ONGOING RESEARCH

1. Functional Abilities of Grandparent Caregivers
Katherine Dimitropoulou, Ann Burkhardt and Anne Scott

The purpose of this study was to understand the functional abilities of grandparent caregivers and to depict their concerns and difficulties in their care-giving roles. Currently we have collected data from 20 grandparents and we are in the process of analysis. Preliminary findings suggest that grandparents have a high level of functionality and are in good health. The only concern grandparents expressed was the ability to carry out activities related to play. Specifically, grandparents often reported that they need help to be able to take their grandchildren to the playground. They often utilize the support of other family members to carry out these tasks. Data is still processed and we expect to send the manuscript for publication by the end of August 2009.

2. The HPV and Cervical Cancer Connection: Exploring the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs among African American and Caribbean American Women
Elizabeth Kudadjie-Gyamfi, Ph.D. and Jessy Pierre-Louis, B.A.

This project is an exploratory work to examine and gather information regarding the differences in HPV and cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among African American subpopulations, including African Caribbeans.  The study focuses on issues such as reproductive and gynecological health, knowledge of risk factors for HPV and cervical cancer, usage of pap smears, coping styles and cancer concern among African American and Caribbean women.  Hence, the project will advance knowledge in health prevention and wellness techniques that will help to identify ways for effective outreach efforts to ethnically diverse women who are at risk for cervical cancer. The study will be conducted among African American and Caribbean women at Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus. A total of 150 women will be recruited starting February 2009. We expect to have data collection and entry completed by August 2009.   

3. Measurement of Physical Activity using Accelerometers
Marshall Hagins, Evangelos Pappas, David Spierer and Andrew Rundle

Accurate measurement of the amount of physical activity is of primary importance when determining the relationships between physical activity and health.  New technologies which measure physical activity are being introduced in the marketplace continuously and have to be independently evaluated for reliability and validity.  Marshall Hagins, PhD, PT, and Evangelos Pappas, PhD, PT from the Division of Physical Therapy, David Spierer, Ed.D from the Division of Sports Sciences at Long Island University, and Andrew Rundle, PhD from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University are currently investigating the reliability and validity of two new devices in the marketplace—the Actiheart™ and Actical® using the resources of the LIU Health & Wellness Institute.   These are small watch-sized devices worn on the waist or on the chest and both measure acceleration of the body while the Actiheart™ also measures heart rate.  The ability of the devices to accurately measure energy expenditure is being examined using the K4b2, pictured below,  a gold standard measurement in the industry which uses measures of oxygen and carbon dioxide to determine how much energy is being expended.  Drs. Hagins, Pappas, Spierer, and Rundle expect to publish their results during 2009.