APHA 2023: Defending my honors thesis at the Sexual and Reproductive Health poster presentation

Author: Caroline Meche | Major: Public Health | Semester: Fall 2023

Sexual harassment is defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as unwelcomed sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Bystander intervention is a prosocial behavior in which those witnessing a harmful situation choose to intervene in order to keep those around them safe. Bystander intervention has been recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to address the problem of sexual assault on college campuses.

Using preliminary data collected by PI during the Spring 2023 semester, I was responsible for coding qualitative interviews and analyzing them for themes relating to bystander intervention, the effects of sexual harassment on individuals, and the prevalence of sexual harassment in gyms and fitness centers. I also reviewed literature relating to bystander intervention, the Reasoned Action Approach, and sexual harassment on college campuses, in the military, and in workplace settings. The aim of this qualitative application of the Reasoned Action Approach was to better understand the influences on the behavioral intention of being an active bystander and bring attention to the need for research and resources to be allocated to decreasing the occurrence of sexual harassment in gyms and fitness centers.

During the Fall 2023 semester, we continued analyzing the qualitive data and extracted themes relating to both sexual harassment avoidance techniques and bystander intervention in gyms and fitness centers. We pulled significant quotes and acquired quantitative data by counting the number of responses per theme identified. From this data, we developed two abstracts to be submitted to the American Public Health Association annual meeting. These were both accepted for presentation, and we created two separate posters titled Sexual Harassment Avoidance Techniques in Gyms and Fitness Centers: a Qualitative Inquiry and Fitness Center

Bystander Intervention: An exploratory qualitive study utilizing the Reasoned Action Approach.

Through this research, I learned about individuals’ personal experiences with sexual harassment and its tragic prevalence in gyms and fitness centers. I was reminded of the many ways that public health can be used to improve lives outside of the clinical setting. The most significant challenge that I faced was balancing research, class, work, and internship responsibilities. I overcame this by

I had the privilege of being mentored by Dr. Page Dobbs who is an associate professor in the department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation at the university. She guided me through the process of working alongside PhD candidate Eric Schisler, who I met while enrolled in the course he was teaching, Introduction to Human Sexuality. Dr. Dobbs was highly involved in my research experience while still encouraging me to think independently and pursue my personal interests. She was receptive and accessible throughout the entire process, from our first conversation about my desire to work with Eric on his research to discussions over my aspirations to attend medical school. In addition to Dr. Dobbs’ wonderful mentorship, Eric Schisler acted as a second mentor to me throughout the entire research process. He went above and beyond to ensure that I was getting as much out of the process as possible and developing skills that I will take with me in both my academic and professional career.

In November, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the prestigious American Public Health Association (APHA) conference held in Atlanta, Georgia. This annual gathering is a cornerstone event in the field of public health, drawing professionals, researchers, and students from across the country. One of the highlights of my experience was the chance to present and defend my honors thesis alongside Eric Schisler. Our poster presentation garnered significant positive feedback, culminating in Eric’s well-deserved recognition with the Outstanding Student Poster award in the Sexual and Reproductive Health section. This validation of our work was immensely gratifying and inspiring.

My next steps involve taking a gap year before pursuing medical school. I’m thrilled to embark on a full-time role as a medical assistant in an Ear, Nose, and Throat clinic in Springdale. This position not only allows me to immerse myself in practical healthcare settings but also provides fertile ground for personal development and refinement of skills crucial for my future endeavors in medicine. During this gap year, alongside my work, I’ll be dedicating time to fortify my medical school applications. This time presents an exciting phase for learning, growth, and consolidating my passion for healthcare. I will always be grateful for this opportunity and the support that I received from the University of Arkansas through funding and mentorship. I know that research within the field of public health will continue to serve as an enriching experience for undergraduates like myself.