Digital Commons Network^™

Asthma Prevalence: Focus On Prevention Management In Community Settings, Augustine M. Amenyah

Public Health Theses

Asthma prevalence continues to increase across the United States of America, affecting more than 43.1 million people and projected to affect over 50 million people by 2025. Asthma prevalence differs by demographic characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, education, age and gender. Poor quality of life is common among people who suffer from asthma, in addition to school and work absenteeism. In 2008, children 5-17 years old with at least one reported asthma attack missed 10.5 million school days in the past year (CDC, 2010). Healthcare use for asthma is high and disparities remain in asthma healthcare use and …

Risk Factor Clustering Among Adolescents Infected With Or At-Risk For Chlamydia: A Descriptive Study, Elizabeth R. Wilson

Public Health Theses

STDs are a major public health epidemic in the United States with an estimated 19 million new cases occurring annually. Associated direct medical costs are estimated at $17 billion annually (CDC, 2010). Chlamydia is the most prevalent of all STDs and is also the most reported notifiable disease in the United States. While adolescents only account for an estimated 25% of the sexually active population, they account for nearly half of the 19 million cases. The higher prevalence of STDs among adolescents is most likely a reflection of multiple issues within a national socio-economic context. Additionally, the burden is even …

Sleep Loss And Its Health Impact Among Family Caregivers Of Persons With A Primary Malignant Brain Tumor, Jean Pawl

Nursing Dissertations (PhD)

Sleep impairments for caregivers are multifactorial. Assumptions are that caregivers of those with primary malignant brain tumors (PMBT) are similar to caregivers of persons with dementia as cognitive impairments are present at diagnosis. The shorter trajectory of PMBTs and rapid deterioration of recipients’ health may influence sleep in caregivers of persons with a PMBT. The purposes of this study were to use a sleep impairment model to characterize caregiver sleep using objective and subjective measures, and to examine sleep loss effects on psychosocial and physiologic health outcomes.

A secondary data analysis using baseline data from a larger study of mind-body …

Demographic Associations Of Tobacco Use Among Georgia Secondary Students, Michael G. Cowart

Public Health Theses

As in years past, use of tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in this country. Smoking has been associated with elevated risks of 15 other forms of and has also been identified as a major cause of such chronic conditions as cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, bronchitis and emphysema. In 2008, an estimated 8.6 million Americans suffered from smoking-related chronic conditions (American Cancer Society, 2010).

As 80% of tobacco use begins in adolescence (Villanti, Boulay & Juon, 2010), this age group has long been the focus of intervention efforts. Furthermore, animal studies suggest that the adolescent brain is at …

Maternal Mortality In Cambodia: Efforts To Meet The Millennium Development Goal For Maternal Health, Sarah Elizabeth Connell

Public Health Theses

Recent estimates of global maternal mortality indicate that for the first time since the Safe Motherhood Initiative of 1987, deaths due to pregnancy-related causes are on the decline. Defined as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, maternal mortality is one of the strongest health statistics showing the disparity between poor and rich countries. Although a global decline is documented, challenges to reducing maternal mortality, and meeting Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for maternal health remain, particularly in many Sub-Saharan African and Southeast Asian countries.

This study presents an assessment of Cambodia’s progress …

Awareness Of Diabetes Risk And Adoption Of Diabetes Risk Reduction Behaviors In The Presence Of Other Risk Factors In U.S Adults: An Examination Of Nhanes Data 2007-2008, Payal S. Shah

Public Health Theses

ABSTRACT

Background: Prediabetes is a precursor condition to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Previous research and clinical trials have shown that the onset of type 2 diabetes could be delayed or prevented through structured life style modifications such as dietary changes, modest weight loss and moderate-intensity exercise. This study examines U.S adults of different ethnicities that include non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black and Mexican Americans and whether their awareness of diabetes risk is associated with their participation in diabetes risk reduction behavior, a combination of physical activity, weight control and fat/calories intake.

Methods: The 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, NHANES, …

Social Ecology Of Adherence To Hypertension Treatment In Latino Migrant And Seasonal Farmworkers, Eleanor M. Hall

Nursing Dissertations (PhD)

The prevalence of hypertension (HTN) is high in Latinos (Latino/Latina) Americans due to social and ecological factors. Increased migration of Latino migrant/seasonal farmworkers (MSFW) to the U.S. augments the social, economic, environmental, and psychosocial factors associated with health and illness. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory was used to guide this study. The purposes of this cross-sectional, correlational study were to explore Latino MSFWs’ adherence to HTN treatment (medication adherence, blood pressure [BP] self-care, and BP control) and to examine the influence of BP knowledge, perceived stress, acculturation, health literacy, and health care access (HCA) on adherence to HTN treatment.

A total …

Early Alcohol Use And Problem Drinking Among Students In Zambia And Uganda, Monica H. Swahn, Bina Ali, Jane Palmier, Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye, George Sikazwe, Jeremiahs Twa-Twa, Kasirye Rogers

Public Health Faculty Publications

Excessive alcohol use is a serious public health concern worldwide, but less attention has been given to the prevalence, risk and protective factors, and consequences of early alcohol use in low-income, developing countries.The purpose of this study was to determine the associations between early alcohol use, before age 13, and problem drinking among adolescents in Uganda and Zambia. Data from students in Zambia (n=2257; 2004) and Uganda (n=3215; 2003) were obtained from the cross sectional Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS). The self-administered questionnaires were completed by students primarily 13 to 16 years of age. Multiple statistical models were computed …

Parental, Peer, And Tobacco Marketing Influences On Adolescent Smoking In South Africa, Reynolds A. Morrison

Public Health Theses

Tobacco use is a major preventable cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most smokers initiate smoking in childhood, become addicted, and continue the habit into adulthood. Various factors have been shown to impact smoking behavior. It is important to determine how these factors impact smoking behavior in developing regions of the world, such as in South Africa. This study examines the association between parental smoking status; peer smoking status; exposure to pro-tobacco marketing; and current smoking status among adolescents in South Africa. It also determines which factor is the most significant predictor of current smoking status among the study population …

A Comparison Of Indicators Of Female Empowerment And Selected Socioeconomic Indicators In India From The 1998-1999 And The 2005-2006 Demographic And Health Surveys, Katherine E. Kroell Ms.

Public Health Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare indicators of female empowerment gathered in the Demographic Health Survey, conducted in India as the National Family Health Survey. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a country-wide, nationally representative survey that collects important information on household characteristics, health information, and other topics, such as family planning. Two different years, NFHS-2 in 1999 and NFHS-3 in 2006, of the NFHS were compared to examine areas of progress, change, or lack of change in the selected indicators of female empowerment. Specifically, the level of decision-making and autonomy was assessed through the questions located …

An Evaluation Of The Client Navigator Program For Enhanced Breast And Cervical Cancer Screening Among Underserved Women In The State Of Georgia, Danielle M. Pendrick

Public Health Theses

Screening for breast and cervical cancers can reduce morbidity and mortality through early detection, yet many women are not getting regular lifesaving screenings as recommended. ² The National Breast and Cervical Detection Program (NBCCEDP) was established in 1990 in order to provide low-income, uninsured, and underserved women access to breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Georgia’s participation in the NBCCEDP led to the development of The Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP), which provides cancer screening to women 40 to 64 years of age who are uninsured and/or underinsured and at or below 200% poverty level.

Deaths from …

Nutrition Environment And Practices In Twenty-Four Child-Care Centers In Georgia, Joyce Maalouf

Public Health Theses

Background: The amount of time children spend in child care (CC) each week has increased in recent years. As a result children consume a large proportion of their daily energy intake at CC facilities. The purpose of this study is to describe the baseline dietary practices and environment in preschool-aged children attending CC centers in Southwest Georgia before the implementation of a one-year policy implementation program.

Methods: The data is the baseline data of a pilot study evaluating nutrition and physical activity wellness policy implementation in twenty four licensed CC in Georgia. Each CC provided a sample one week menu …

A Feasibility Study Of Ipv Among Gay Men In Metro Atlanta Using Social Media, Chung Han Chen

Public Health Theses

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a major public health issue occuring in the United States and globally. While little is known in general about IPV, understanding about the prevalence of physical IPV among gay men is even more obscure. Scientific literature indicates that harmful lifestyle health behaviors (alcohol and drug abuse, smoking, and risky sexual behaviors) are associated with the increased occurenece of IPV. Intimate Partner Violence in same-sex relationships is often unreported due to society's emphasis on "moral closets" or the fear of potential repercussions. As a result, very few empiracal researches have been conducted on the phenomenon of …

Prevalence And Correlates Of Suicidal Ideation Among Students In Sub-Saharan Africa, Jane B. Palmier

Public Health Theses

OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation among youth in sub-Saharan Africa and to evaluate differences in such prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation to identify how risk behaviors vary by gender across country settings.

METHODS: Analyses are based on the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) conducted in Botswana (N=2197; 2005), Kenya (N=3691; 2003), Tanzania (N=2176; 2006), Uganda (N=3215; 2003) and Zambia (N=2257; 2004) of students primarily 13 to 16 years of age. Logistic regression analyses were computed to determine the associations between correlates (i.e., hunger, current alcohol use, problem drinking, bullying victimization, sadness, loneliness, worrying, …

Validity Of Waist-To-Height Ratio As A Screening Tool For Type 2 Diabetes Risk In Non-Hispanic Whites, Non-Hispanic Blacks, And Mexican American Adult Women, Lindsey Cochran Ms.

Public Health Theses

Abstract

Validity of waist-to-height ratio as a screening tool for type 2 diabetes risk in non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, and Mexican American Adult Women, from the ages 20-65 years of age.

Background:

A prominent screening measure for type 2 diabetes is a simple measure of waist circumference. Waist circumference is an aggregate measurement of the actual amount of total and abdominal fat accumulation and is a crucial correlate of the complexities found among obese and overweight patients. However, waist circumference does not take into consideration the frame of an individual. Hence, recent epidemiologic data have suggested the use of height …

Assessing Haitian Women's Vulnerability To Cervical Cancer Because Of Socio-Demographic Predictors Of Care Access, Marie Isabelle Caroline Hilaire

Public Health Theses

This study assesses the vulnerability of Haitian women to cervical cancer by looking at the distribution of socio-demographic factors that might prevent their access to health services. Predictor variables of access to health services and variables known to be directly associated to an increased risk for cervical cancer were derived from the Haitian Demographic Health Survey (2005-2006). Five socio demographic predictors of access to health services were considered: Education, wealth index, distance to health services, type of place of residence and whether or not money was a problem to get medical help. The dependent variable used to categorize women into …

Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Frequency Vs. Bmi: National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004, Tol Chan

Public Health Theses

Objective: Over the past several decades, increase in SSB consumption has coincided with increasing rates of obesity. This study evaluated the association between SSB consumption and BMI. Methods: FFQ data from NHANES 2003-2004 was used to examine 100% orange juice, sugar-sweetened fruit drinks, soft drinks, and other beverage consumption frequency vs. mean BMI. ANOVA, relative risk, and linear regression analyses were done. Results: ANOVA found significant differences in mean BMI across consumption frequencies for orange juice (p=.001), sugar-sweetened fruit drinks (p<.001), and soft drinks (p<.001). Increased risk of being obese was associated with increasing consumption frequency for orange juice (RR=1.282), sugar-sweetened fruit drinks (RR=1.417), and soft drinks (RR=1.749). Multiple linear regression found significant positive associations between mean BMI and sugar-sweetened fruit drinks (b=.056, p=.004) and soft drinks (b=.134, p=.001). Conclusion: This study found that mean BMI was positively associated with certain beverage consumption frequency (sugar-sweetened fruit drinks, soft …

Technology Adaptations To The Parent-Infant Interactions Module For Parents With Intellectual Disabilities, Emily H. Gaskin

Public Health Theses

Parents with intellectual disabilities (ID) are disproportionately represented in child maltreatment (CM) statistics due to a confluence of factors. Prevention efforts should address this population by developing curricula that support various modes of learning. Technology offers a potentially effective tool because it is visual, free from extraneous factors, engaging, and self-instructional. SafeCare is an evidence-based parenting program with flexibility to adapt curricula while maintaining fidelity. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of an adaptation to the SafeCare parent-infant (PII) module for parents with ID by using digital picture frames with pictures of their own PII to effect performance. A …

Teaching Young Mothers To Identify Developmental Milestones, Katelyn M. Guastaferro

Public Health Theses

Inappropriate parental expectations of age-appropriate behaviors and unawareness of developmental milestones can increase instances of child maltreatment. Additionally, experiences of child maltreatment can have a negative impact on the developmental trajectory of a child. The present research describes a parental aide, the tDevelop, delivered to parents at risk for child maltreatment through SafeCare Parent-Child Interaction (PCI) training with the aim of increasing identification of developmental milestones and age-appropriate activities. Two high-risk families with children close to 24-months of age were recruited from a residential program for young mothers working to develop self-sufficiency skills. The families were presented with the tDevelop …

Pre-Teen Alcohol Use As A Risk Factor For Victimization And Perpetration Of Bullying Among Middle And High School Students In Georgia, Monica H. Swahn, Volkan Topalli, Bina Ali, Sheryl M. Strasser, Jeffrey S. Ashby, Joel Meyers

Public Health Faculty Publications

Objective: We examined the association between pre-teen alcohol use initiation and the victimization and perpetration of bullying among middle and high school students in Georgia.

Methods: We computed analyses using data from the 2006 Georgia Student Health Survey (N=175,311) of students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The current analyses were limited to students in grades 8, 10 and 12 (n=122,434). We used multilogistic regression analyses to determine the associations between early alcohol use and reports of both victimization and perpetration of bullying, perpetration only, victimization only, and neither victimization or perpetration, while controlling for demographic characteristics, other substance …

Associations Between Electronic Media Use And Involvement In Violence, Alcohol And Drug Use Among United States High School Students, Maxine M. Denniston, Monica H. Swahn, Marci Feldman Hertz, Lisa M. Romero

Public Health Faculty Publications

Objective: We identified associations between time spent watching television and time spent playing video or computer games or using computers and involvement in interpersonal violence, alcohol and drug use in a nationally representative sample of United States high school students.

Methods: We analyzed data from the 2007 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Exposure variables were time spent watching television and time spent playing computer or video games or using computers (hereafter denoted as "computer/video game use") on an average school day; outcome variables included multiple measures assessing involvement in violence and alcohol or drug use. Chi-square tests were used to …

A Survey Of Georgia Adult Protective Service Staff: Implications For Older Adult Injury Prevention And Policy, Sheryl M. Strasser, Judith Kerr, Patricia S. King, Brian Payne, Sarah Beddington, Danielle Pendrick, Elizabeth Leyda, Frances Mccarty

Public Health Faculty Publications

Background: The aging population is a rapidly growing demographic. Isolation and limited autonomy render many of the elderly vulnerable to abuse, neglect and exploitation. As the population grows, so does the need for Adult Protective Services (APS). This study was conducted to examine current knowledge of older adult protection laws in Georgia among APS staff and to identify training opportunities to better prepare the APS workforce in case detection and intervention.

Methods: The Georgia State University Institute of Public Health faculty developed a primary survey in partnership with the Georgia Division of Aging Services' leadership to identify key training priority …

The Experiences Of Obese African American Women And Their Utilization Of Preventive Healthcare Services, Winsome Beverly Stephenson

Nursing Dissertations (PhD)

Obesity is associated with higher death rates from breast and gynecological cancers. African American women(AAW) are more likely to be diagnosed with these cancers at later stages and have lower survival rates than Caucasian women. African American women are also disproportionately affected by obesity. Studies suggest that the healthcare experiences of obese women (primarily stigmatization), may contribute to their decisions to utilize healthcare services. However, these studies have largely comprised Caucasian women; there remains a paucity of studies addressing this issue in AAW. The purpose of this study was to explore the healthcare experiences of obese AAW and their utilization …

Perceived Susceptibility Of Cardiovascular Disease As A Moderator Of Relationships Between Perceived Severity And Cardiovascular Health Promoting Behaviors Among Female Registered Nurses, Deborah Mcclendon

Nursing Dissertations (PhD)

Significance: Morbidity and mortality related to CVD among women in the U.S. and most developed countries surpasses that of all cancers combined (AHA, 2008). Yet, CVD in women remains understudied, yielding low awareness among women and healthcare providers. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the relationship between health beliefs related to perceived cardiovascular disease (CVD) severity and health promoting behaviors were different in women with high self perception of CVD susceptibility versus women with low self perception of CVD susceptibility.

Methods: This study used a descriptive, correlational design. A convenience sample (N = 220) included female registered …

A Multi-Vitamin For The Built Environment: Exploring How A Multi-Sectoral And Multi-Institutional Partnership Links Health And The Beltline, Brooke Barnes

Public Health Theses

The Atlanta BeltLine is an innovative redevelopment project re-shaping Atlanta residents’ access to, multi-use trails, parks, public transportation, housing and employment opportunities. The primary purpose of this project was to develop a research proposal to study and analyze the health benefits associated with multi-use trails within BeltLine communities. A secondary purpose of this project was to evaluate the multi-sectoral and multi-institutional partnership that was formed to develop the research proposal and study the influence of the BeltLine on health outcomes. In August 2010 representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State …

Public Health Implications Of Mass Rape As A Weapon Of War, Missale Ayele

Public Health Theses

Although rape and other forms of sexual violence have historically been present during wartime, it has recently become a strategic weapon of war in many settings. The term mass rape as a weapon of war is defined as a systematic pattern of rape perpetrated by fighters usually against civilian women and children at a rate much higher than the rate of rape prevailing during peacetime. This study will examine issues surrounding mass rape as a weapon of war including: emerging theories, effectiveness of current international law, public health consequences, and relevant indicators of likelihood of occurrence. Grave physical and mental …

Recalled Fruit And Vegetable Intake While Growing Up And Its Association With Adult Fruit And Vegetable Intake Among U.S. Adults - Analysis Of The Food Attitudes And Behaviors Survey, Mary D. Hill

Public Health Theses

ABSTRACT

MARY D. HILL

Recalled fruit and vegetable intake while growing up and its association with adult fruit and vegetable intake among U.S. adults – analysis of the food attitudes and behaviors survey

(Under the direction of DR. KYMBERLE STERLING)

High dietary intake of fruits and vegetables (FVs) is associated with a lower risk for chronic disease including certain cancers, optimal child growth, and weight management. More than 72 million U.S. adults are obese; therefore, fruit and vegetable intake is important in weight management. Using data from the Food Attitude and Behavior survey, this study will address the following questions: …

Comparison Of Post-Licensure Safety Surveillance Of 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine And 7-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine: Data From The Vaccine Advere Event Reporting System (Vaers), Jorge E. Arana

Public Health Theses

Comparison of Post-licensure safety surveillance of 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine and 7-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine: Data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

Background: On February 24, 2010, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar 13^®, [PCV13]) for use among children aged 6 weeks--71 months. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended PCV13 routine vaccination of all children aged 2--59 months, children aged 60--71 months with underlying medical conditions, with PCV13 replacing PCV7 for all doses.

Methods: We searched case reports to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a US …

A Descriptive Review Of Balamuthia And Non-Keratitis Acanthamoeba Cases In The United States, 1955-2009, Melanie A. Moser

Public Health Theses

Free-living amebae are ubiquitous in the environment and occasionally invade and parasitize host tissues causing illness in humans. Despite possibly frequent exposure to these organisms, infection is rare and why some people, healthy or not, end up with illness and others do not is still unclear. Human infections are rare; when illness does occur, it is often fatal. Only two papers have examined data from the literature and cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and both were published over twenty years ago. The purpose of this study is to better document the epidemiology of Balamuthia and …

Bullying In Georgia Schools: Demographic Profiles And Psychosocial Correlates Of Students Who Would Intervene In A Bullying Situation, Lori Goldammer

Public Health Theses

While researchers have assessed the prevalence and health impact of bullying, there are still relatively few successful interventions and strategies implemented to reduce and prevent bullying. A particular promising area is to know more about students who may be willing to intervene in a bullying situation, which is the focus of this thesis. Using the data from the Georgia Student Health Survey II (GSHS 2006) (n=175,311) an empirical analyses of students who state that they are willing to intervene in a bullying situation, their demographic characteristics and psychosocial attributes will be examined. The survey administered to students across Georgia in …