Pediatric dysphagia, a deficit inhibiting the ingestion of substances, is burgeoning. One dysphagia treatment is the provision of thickened liquids using anti-reflux formulas such as Enfamil A.R. powder and Ready-To-Feed. While research regarding the thickness of these formulas at room temperature exists, there is a paucity of research on the thickness of these formulas when warmed. Understanding the effect of warming is critical in ensuring clinicians are gaining the desired treatment effect. Enfamil A.R. formula in powder and ready-to-feed formulations were tested for thickness level using International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) thickness testing. A 10mL syringe was filled with formula and allowed to free flow for 10 seconds. The amount remaining was used to classify liquid thickness as thin (0-1mL), slightly thin (1-4mL), mildly thick (4-8mL), moderately thick (>-8mL), and extremely thick (fork & spoon test). Powder formulations were prepared and tested at graduated caloric densities (20-30 kcal/oz), while ready-to-feed were tested at 20 kcal/oz. Each condition underwent 3 testing trials, in which the formula was warmed up until 111-119 degrees Fahrenheit. IDDSI measures were collected every 5 minutes. Warmed ready-to-feed formulas were thinner than their room temperature counterparts. These were slightly thick liquid (1.27mL) at room temperature, whereas they remained thin (0mL) when warmed. Powder formulas were similar thickness under warm and room temperature conditions at 30 minutes; they differed immediately after mixing. Anti-reflux formulas' viscosity is impacted based on formula temperature. Therefore, elucidating these characteristics is critical to guide infant dysphagia management regimens.

Previous research suggests that successful augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention outcomes are linked to family support. Family involvement may also prevent AAC abandonment. A four day overnight camp, for children (ages 5-15) who use AAC and their immediate family members, was designed to support family bonding, communication, and networking. AAC users, caregivers, and siblings engaged in activities such as crafts, adaptive sports/games, and social events. Fourteen out of fifteen families that attended camp had an adult caregiver complete a fourteen-question exit survey assessing the camp experience, satisfaction, and AAC use. Caregivers indicated high levels of satisfaction (8.5 mean, 2.5 SD). Of the eight camp activities, the dance/ice cream social and bowling resulted in the highest level of participation. Bowling (4 responses) and cooking (3 responses) were the activities most often reported to result in high levels of AAC use at camp. According to six of the fourteen caregivers predicted that bowling and AAC programming instruction would most support family AAC use at home. A second survey will be sent to caregivers one month after camp to determine transference of camp activities to the home environment. It is expected that activities that generated the most communication opportunities with families at camp will be most likely to transfer to the home environment. Results are expected to support best practices in future family-centered AAC camp programming. The project supports families as they reflect on their camp experience and provide feedback to advocate for family gains and needs.

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused mental health stress for many Americans (Ye, B. et al. 2020).2020). Based on prior research, we know that mental health stressors do not impact all social groups equally. As we know, underrepresented women, particularly African American women face higher rates of stressors.This study considers how Covid-19 impacts the mental health of pregnant African American women. In depth interviews with 7-10 pregnant African American women living in Northeast Ohio were conducted in March and April of 2021 via Zoom. Interviews explored the kinds of stressors impacting pregnant African-American women during COVID and the social support they receive from family,friends, and employers to cope with these stressors. The study uses a stress process model approach to interpret findings (Pearlin 1981). These findings help us to understand how African American women are coping with the pandemic.

Hispanic/Latino individuals experience one of the lowest health literacy rates and have the highest diabetic rates in the U.S. compared to non-Hispanic Whites, African Americans, and Asian Americans. The public health significance of these rates is considerable given that this population is increasing in the U.S. There are conflicting findings on the association of health literacy and glycemic control, and the mechanisms underlying this association remains less clear. Our research tests aspects of the Pasache-Orlow & Wolf model, which proposes that three factors, (1) the use and access of health care, 2) the relationship between a patient and a doctor, and 3) self-care, mediate the association of health literacy with predicted health outcomes. Using a cross-sectional study design, 30 patients (18-25 years) were recruited from the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Participants will use Qualtrics to complete Spanish or English versions of health literacy and proposed domain questionnaires. HbA1c levels will be collected from participants’ medical records as our health outcome. Bivariate correlations and statistical analyses of mediation will be examined. We hypothesize 1) participants’ self-reports and data from their medical records will show low health literacy is associated with higher HbA1c levels, and 2) the proposed mechanisms will explain the association between low health literacy and elevated HbA1c levels among Hispanic/Latino young adults with Type 1 diabetes. Our study serves to future interventions for this growing population, as well as guides providers and the health care system of the role of routinely assessing health literacy.