Public Health Policy: Influences on Texas Legislators' Understanding of Public Health Issues
Date
2006-05
Authors
McDonald, Jacquelyn Dosch
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Abstract
From the perspective of critical thinking and critical health literacy, this study sought, through the use of a legislative survey, to identify the extent that various resources are utilized by Texas legislators and their staff as a means of gaining an understanding of specific health-related issues. Structural equation modeling (SEM) utilizing partial least squares (PLS) was used to estimate the parameters of hypothesized models that identify the relative influence of these resources on legislators' understanding of health issues. Results showed that legislative aides play a significant role in legislative understanding, both as a direct influence and as a mediator of other influences. Therefore, public health officials and advocates should consider focusing education regarding public
health information through legislative staff.
Description
Keywords
public health laws, medical policies, legislators, Texas
Citation
McDonald, J.D. (2006). Public health policy: Influences on Texas legislators' understanding of public health issues (Unpublished dissertation). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.