The Science Motivation Questionnaire II (SMQ II) was developed to measure aspects of student motivation in college-level science courses. Items on the SMQ II are structured such that the word ‘science’ can be replaced with any discipline title (e.g., chemistry) to produce a discipline-specific measure of student motivation. Since its original development as the Science Motivation Questionnaire and subsequent refinement, the SMQ II and its discipline-specific variants have been used in a number of science education studies. However, many studies have failed to produce acceptable validity evidence for their data based on the proposed internal structure of the instrument. This study investigated if modifications could be made to the SMQ II such that it produces consistent structural evidence across its use in various forms. A modified SMQ II (mSMQ II) was tested with wording variants (‘science’ and ‘biology’ or ‘chemistry’) in general biology and in preparatory and general chemistry courses at several institutions. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used to cull problematic items and evaluate the structure of the data based on the relations posited by the SMQ II developers. While extensive revisions resulted in acceptable data model fit for the five-factor structural models in most course and wording conditions, significant issues arose for the single-factor scales. Therefore, potential users are cautioned about the utility of the SMQ II or its variants to support the evaluation of classroom practices. A reflective review of the theoretical underpinnings of the SMQ II scales call into question the original framing of the scales and suggests potential alternatives for consideration.

Transformative experience represents a deep-engagement construct and refers to experiences in which students use science content to see and experience the world in meaningful new ways outside the classroom. Such experiences are associated with deep learning (e.g., transfer) and engagement (e.g., academic and career choice) outcomes. However, research on individual factors predictive of transformative experience is limited. The current study investigated university geoscience students’ perceptions of a connection to their instructor(s) and perceptions of their instructors’ passion for the content as predictors of transformative experience. Controlling for students’ initial interest and self-efficacy in the domain, we found both these factors to be predictive of transformative experience. These results suggest science teachers may be able to support engagement in transformative experiences by connecting with students and expressing a passion for the content.

Limited information exists about social network variation and health information sharing during COVID-19, especially for Native Hawaiians (NH), Other Pacific Islanders (OPI), and Filipinos, who experienced COVID-19 inequities. Hawai’i residents aged 18–35 completed an online survey regarding social media sources of COVID-19 information and social network health information measured by how many people participants: (1) talked to and (2) listened to about health. Regression models were fit with age, gender, race/ethnicity, chronic disease status, pandemic perceptions, and health literacy as predictors of information sources (logistic) and social network size (Poisson). Respondents were 68% female; 41% NH, OPI, or Filipino; and 73% conducted a recent COVID-19 digital search for themselves or others. Respondents listened to others or discussed their own health with ~2–3 people. Respondents who talked with more people about their health were more likely to have larger networks for listening to others. In regression models, those who perceived greater risk of acquiring COVID-19 discussed their health with more people; in discussing others’ health, women and those with chronic diseases listened to a greater number. Understanding young adults’ social networks and information sources is important for health literacy and designing effective health communications, especially to reach populations experiencing health inequities.

Background : Culturally and regionally relevant physical activities (CRRPA) show promise for disease prevention and strengths-based public health promotion. Understanding engagement across the lifecourse can support effective public health policy, research, and practice. This study examined: (1) factors associated with lifetime CRRPA participation; (2) contexts of practice and the frequency and duration of engagement; and (3) lifetime participation in 4 CRRPA in Hawai‘i (Hula, outrigger canoe paddling, spearfishing, and surfing). Methods : A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 1044 English-speaking adults in Hawai‘i. Native Hawaiians (NH) and residents of primarily rural islands (not O‘ahu) were oversampled for representation. Lifetime participation in each CRRPA was self-reported and dichotomized. Engagement was characterized by sociodemographic and health-related variables. Frequency, context, and duration were summarized for the total sample and for NH (n = 425). Engagement patterns over the lifecourse are also presented. Results : 69.3% of respondents reported lifetime engagement in at least one CRRPA: 44.9% engaged in Hula, 41.4% in surfing, 34.9% in spearfishing, and 33.9% in outrigger canoe paddling. Most respondents participated in multiple CRRPA; 12.4% engaged in all 4 at some point in their lives. Among NH, family-based participation was common, especially for spearfishing and surfing. The mean session duration for all activities was 2 hours or more, with more frequent engagement reported among NH. Engagement was highest during earlier life stages and declined with age. Trends varied notably by generation. Conclusions : Engagement in CRRPA is widespread across Hawai‘i, underscoring opportunities to advance strengths-based public health promotion, planning, and policy for health equity.

To explore the association between single-, co-, and poly-substance use of nicotine, alcohol, and/or cannabis among older adults with disabilities. Using data across 33 states from 2020-2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we investigated substance use for adults aged 50+ years (n = 222,650). We conducted multinomial regression analyses to examine substance use by individual disabilities, any disability, and multiple disabilities. 35.10% of respondents reported at least one disability, while 1.61% reported recent poly-substance use of nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis. All individual disabilities were associated with higher odds of nicotine-cannabis co-use. Having any disability was associated with 149% higher odds of nicotine-cannabis co-use (OR: 2.49, 95%CI: 2.27-2.73) and 33% higher odds of poly-substance use of all three (OR: 1.33, 95%CI: 1.24-1.43) compared to no disability. Disabilities tended to be associated with lower odds of alcohol use, either when used alone (ORs ranged from 0.36 to 0.96) or co-used (ORs from 0.63 to 1.15), except for disabilities of self-care and cognition only. Understanding of poly-substance use trends among older adults with disabilities, a group often overlooked in substance use research, can inform targeted interventions and evidence-based policies that address their distinct health and social needs.