among tools or focuses on detecting and sanctioning AI-assisted writing. Such framing obscures a more productive question for scientific fields, i.e., How AI can be used responsibly to strengthen scholarship? Health behavior research is well positioned to lead this conversation because the field already emphasizes contextual analysis, methodological rigor, and researcher accountability for evidence. Methods: This paper reframes debates about AI by examining three common misconceptions: (1) that intelligent systems should not require context; (2) that AI assistance diminishes scholarly value; and (3) that AI use should primarily be detected and penalized. Results: Drawing on the authors’ experience using large language models as editorial and analytic assistants, and emerging publication-ethics guidance, we argue that responsible use depends on transparency, human oversight, and adherence to established scientific standards. Conclusions: Potential benefits include improving clarity, strengthening theory-measurement alignment, supporting methodological planning, and expanding capacity for researchers with limited resources. Generative AI cannot replace theory, domain expertise, or ethical judgment, but it can reduce barriers to producing high-quality work. Therefore, the central issue is not whether AI is used, but whether it is used well, and in ways that enhance rigor, credibility, equity, and policy impact.
Objective: We conducted a prospective cohort study to examine the effects of a leadership development program on psychological grit and job readiness among college students, primarily as a means to strengthen the public health workforce. Methods: College students opted in to a two-year leadership development program (LDP; N = 31), and college major-matched controls were recruited to complete similarly administered measures (N = 93). Directed by the Social Interdependence Model, LDP participants engaged in group physical activity sessions, university student leadership opportunities, mentoring, and team-ship training. Job readiness scores and Grit-S questionnaire scores were collected at follow-up. Adjusted regression models were estimated to compare outcomes by group. Results: Grit-S scores were 12% higher among LDP participants, and job readiness scores were 19% higher. Additionally, regression results showed that participation in the LDP was associated with higher scores on the Grit-S scale (b = 1.39, p = .004) and job readiness scale (b = .81, p = .03). Conclusions: Our findings show that graduating from a Social Interdependence-based LDP was associated with significantly higher job-readiness and grit scores compared with matched peers.
Objective:Our community-based participatory research partnership sought to explore the impacts of Hurricane Helene on Appalachian queer communities. Methods:In December 2024, our partnership conducted interviews with community-based peer navigators (N = 9) who were part of the trial of the Appalachian Access Project intervention designed to support use of prevention and care services among queer persons in Appalachia. Interviews examined effects of Helene on peer navigators and their communities and were analyzed by partnership members using constant comparison, an approach to developing grounded theory. Results:Four meta-themes and ten subthemes emerged: 1) queer community resilience (mutual aid and grassroots organizing, unity across identities, and renewed commitments to community support and advocacy); 2) increased challenges accessing resources for queer communities (infrastructure damage, communication barriers and misinformation, and disruption of essential and affirming health services); 3) mental health impacts for queer communities (trauma, anxiety, and uncertainty and the role of social networks); and 4) vulnerabilities for queer communities in hurricane recovery (economic hardship and systemic inequities in recovery resource access). Conclusions:Findings can inform policy and practice to address the effects of Helene and future disasters on marginalized communities. Integrating Appalachian queer community needs and assets into emergency preparedness and response is critical.
Objectives:Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. Addressing these disparities requires a workforce skilled in tobacco addiction research and intervention. The STRONGER Scholar Program trains medical students in tobacco dependence research and treatment and its intersection with health equity to meet workforce needs. Methods:Medical students (n = 7; national catchment) participated in the 10-week program. Scholars developed tobacco-related research projects with a faculty mentor and participated in interdisciplinary programming, including tobacco treatment specialist training, sessions on linking research knowledge to clinical practice, and a health promotion campaign masterclass. Mixed methods were used for program evaluation of this first scholar cohort. Results:Scholars showed gains in all targeted constructs and reported high satisfaction with programming, strongly agreeing that it advanced understanding of how their research connected with clinical practice. The health promotion campaign masterclass was lauded, among other innovative program components. Qualitative findings supported quantitative results. Conclusions:This pilot study of the STRONGER Scholar Program showed promise in preparing the future physician-scientist workforce to address patients' tobacco use through research-informed practice and yielded information for future improvement. Results and lessons learned can inform the design of other research education programs.
Objective: This study examined the relationship between family, social, and healthcare provider support and the caregiving ability of parents of children with cancer in Indonesia. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 126 parents of pediatric cancer patients at the Islamic Hospital of Surabaya. Data were collected using validated Likert-scale instruments: the Family Support Scale, Peer Support Questionnaire, and Nursing Support Scale. Parental caregiving ability was assessed across three domains: emotional regulation, provision of nutrition and medication, and cooperation with medical procedures. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied. Results: Family, social, and healthcare provider support were all statistically significant predictors of caregiving ability (Adjusted R2 = 0.43; p < .001). Family support showed the strongest influence ((3 = 0.39), followed by healthcare provider support ((3 = 0.28) and social support ((3 = 0.19). Conclusions: Family cohesion, healthcare partnership, and social connectedness are critical to strengthening parental caregiving. Integrating psychosocial and family-centered care into Indonesia's National Cancer Control Program and National Action Plan for Childhood Cancer may enhance holistic pediatric oncology services nationwide.
