Bertha E. Flores

Dr. Bertha E. Flores

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

16Years (2011-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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16 November 2021 in JMIR Cancer
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
Zhaohui SuZhaohui Su
Zhaohui Su
XLXiaoshan Austin Li
Xiaoshan Austin Li
DMDean McDonnell
Dean McDonnell
AFAndrea A Fernandez
Andrea A Fernandez
BFBertha E. Flores
Bertha E. Flores
JWJing Wang
Jing Wang
Background: Cancer is a taxing chronic disease that demands substantial care, most of which is shouldered by informal caregivers. As a result, cancer caregivers often have to manage considerable challenges that could result in severe physical and psychological health consequences. Technology-based interventions have the potential to address many, if not all, of the obstacles caregivers encounter while caring for patients with cancer. However, although the application of technology-based interventions is on the rise, the term is seldom defined in research or practice. Considering that the lack of conceptual clarity of the term could compromise the effectiveness of technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers, timely research is needed to bridge this gap. Objective: This study aims to clarify the meaning of technology-based interventions in the context of cancer caregiving and provide a definition that can be used by cancer caregivers, patients, clinicians, and researchers to facilitate evidence-based research and practice. Methods: The 8-step concept analysis method by Walker and Avant was used to analyze the concept of technology-based interventions in the context of cancer caregiving. PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched for studies that examined technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers. Results: The defining attributes of technology-based interventions were recognized as being accessible, affordable, convenient, and user-friendly. On the basis of insights gained on the defining attributes, antecedents to, and consequences of technology-based interventions through the concept analysis process, technology-based interventions were defined as the use of technology to design, develop, and deliver health promotion contents and strategies aimed at inducing or improving positive physical or psychological health outcomes in cancer caregivers. Conclusions: This study clarified the meaning of technology-based interventions in the context of cancer caregiving and provided a clear definition that can be used by caregivers, patients, clinicians, and researchers to facilitate evidence-based oncology practice. A clear conceptualization of technology-based interventions lays foundations for better intervention design and research outcomes, which in turn have the potential to help health care professionals address the needs and preferences of cancer caregivers more cost-effectively.

1 February 2021 in Systematic Reviews
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Zhaohui SuZhaohui Su
Zhaohui Su
DMDean McDonnell
Dean McDonnell
BLBin Liang
Bin Liang
JKJennifer Kue
Jennifer Kue
XLXiaoshan Austin Li
Xiaoshan Austin Li
JWJing Wang
Jing Wang
Background: Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, partially owing to their compromised immune systems and curbed or cut cancer healthcare services caused by the pandemic. As a result, cancer caregivers may have to shoulder triple crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, pronounced healthcare needs from the patient, and elevated need for care from within. While technology-based health interventions have the potential to address unique challenges cancer caregivers face amid COVID-19, limited insights are available. Thus, to bridge this gap, we aim to identify technology-based interventions designed for cancer caregivers and report the characteristics and effects of these interventions concerning cancer caregivers' distinctive challenges amid COVID-19.Methods: A systematic search of the literature will be conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus from the database inception to the end of March 2021. Articles that center on technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers will be included in the review. The search strategy will be developed in consultation with an academic librarian who is experienced in systematic review studies. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles will be screened against eligibility criteria developed a priori. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses procedures will be followed for the reporting process.Conclusions: COVID-19 has upended cancer care as we know it. Findings of this study can shed light on evidence-based and practical solutions cancer caregivers can utilize to mitigate the unique challenges they face amid COVID-19. Furthermore, results of this study will also offer valuable insights for researchers who aim to develop interventions for cancer caregivers in the context of COVID-19. In addition, we also expect to be able to identify areas for improvement that need to be addressed in order for health experts to more adequately help cancer caregivers weather the storm of global health crises like COVID-19 and beyond.Systematic review registration: PROSPEROCRD42020196301

30 May 2013 in Clinical Nursing Research
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
BFBertha E. Flores
Bertha E. Flores
GAGayle J. Acton
Gayle J. Acton
Approximately 90 million people in the United States lack basic literacy skills, which affect health behaviors. Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable, yet few older Hispanic women seek screening and continue to be a high-risk group for cervical cancer. A literature review was conducted to address the relationship between cervical cancer screening, health literacy, and older Hispanic women. Eighty studies were reviewed, and nine addressed health literacy and Hispanic women. One study addressed the association between functional health literacy and Pap smear screening among older Hispanic women. Few studies have explored the association between preventive cervical cancer screening and health literacy among older Hispanic women. Nurses must assess health literacy and be prepared to provide care, which is culturally, and linguistically appropriate to improve health outcomes. Further research is needed to be inclusive of all populations including older Hispanic women.

1 January 2019 in HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BFBertha E. Flores
Bertha E. Flores
GAGayle Acton
Gayle Acton
LALyda Arevalo-Flechas
Lyda Arevalo-Flechas
SGSara Gill
Sara Gill
MMMichael Mackert
Michael Mackert
Background: Health literacy is a requisite skill for making personal health and health care decisions. Low health literacy may contribute to lower cervical cancer screening rates and cervical cancer health disparities among Mexican-American women in South Texas.Objective: To explore older Mexican-American women's health literacy related to cervical cancer from the perspective of Zarcadoolas, Pleaseant, and Greer's health literacy model.Methods: We conducted five focus groups and seven individual interviews with 30 Mexican and Mexican-American women in South Texas. We analyzed demographic data using descriptive statistics and conducted thematic analysis of focus group and individual interview data.Key Results: Several themes reflected the domains of health literacy, including fundamental literacy (“speaking of language”), science literacy (cancer prevention), cultural literacy (“we are different”), civic literacy (the availability of “consejos” [advice]), and media literacy (e.g., “telenovelas” [soap-operas] teach a lot). In this article, we present findings related to culture and language under the domains of fundamental and cultural literacy.Conclusions: Mexican-American women's cultural values and language use may serve as both deterrents and incentives to cervical cancer screening. The meaning of words can be lost in translations. Health care providers can use this information to provide cervical cancer screening education congruent with Mexican-American's culture, language, and code switching.[HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2019;3(1):e1–e8.]Plain Language Summary: The understanding of culture and language can help health care providers improve cervical cancer screening practices among Mexican-American women. The results from this study can be used to individualize patient care and to develop education and communication strategies that are similar to the population we serve, including Mexican-American women.

16 February 2022 in Research in Nursing & Health
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
LALyda C. Arévalo‐Flechas
Lyda C. Arévalo‐Flechas
BFBertha E. Flores
Bertha E. Flores
HWHanzhou Wang
Hanzhou Wang
HLHanyu Liang
Hanyu Liang
YLYan Li
Yan Li
CYChih‐Ko Yeh
Chih‐Ko Yeh

15 March 2017 in Journal of Clinical Nursing
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
BTBarbara J Turner
Barbara J Turner
KCKathryn Craig
Kathryn Craig
VMVidhi S Makanji
Vidhi S Makanji
BFBertha E. Flores
Bertha E. Flores
LHLudivina Hernandez
Ludivina Hernandez