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Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring In Hypertension Control: The Role Of Social Determinants Of Health, Current State In The United States, And Future Directions, Adekunle Oke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hypertension, a medical condition, predisposes to other cardiovascular diseases, and can be impacted by the social determinants of health (SDOH). Self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) is an evidence-based approach to hypertension control, but not much is known about the influence of SDOH on SMBP. This dissertation aims to: 1) highlight the SDOH factors whose relationship with SMBP have been explored in research studies; 2) examine the relationship between SDOH and SMBP among United States (U.S.) adults with high blood pressure; and 3) examine the current state of SMBP in the U.S., highlight policy implications from the empirical study and provide …

The Association Of Demographic Characteristics And Social Vulnerability With Covid-19 Outcomes, Gloria D. Boone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Association of Demographic Characteristics and Social Vulnerability With COVID-19 Outcomes

by

Gloria Boone

(Under the Direction of Gulzar Shah)

ABSTRACT

This research explored 102 Illinois counties' COVID-19 data to determine whether demographic characteristics and social vulnerability are associated with increased vulnerability to COVID-19 infections and deaths. COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups and has been deadlier for African American and Hispanic people. The findings of this research will contribute to the knowledge base regarding social vulnerability and assist public health officials in targeting resources and designing interventions. This study used a retrospective cross-sectional design to assess demographic characteristics of …