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The Burden Of Chronic Conditions On Self Reported Health Status In A Medicare Advantage Plan Population, Barbara Ann Guerard
The Burden Of Chronic Conditions On Self Reported Health Status In A Medicare Advantage Plan Population, Barbara Ann Guerard
All ETDs from UAB
THE BURDEN OF CHRONIC CONDITIONS ON SELF REPORTED HEALTH STATUS IN A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN POPULATION BARBARA GUERARD ADMINISTRATION-HEALTH SERVICES ABSTRACT This dissertation was a multi-staged research study with two goals. The first goal was to assess survey respondents' characteristics to better understand the influence of the characteristics on the validity of self-reported survey responses. Second, the study analyzed the relationship between certain chronic conditions and survey participants' responses to questions related to their overall physical health and mental health to further understand the burden of chronic conditions on self- reported survey responses. Secondary data derived from a patient satisfaction …
Obesity, Prediabetes, And Perceived Stress In Municipal Workers, Louise Camilleri O'Keefe
Obesity, Prediabetes, And Perceived Stress In Municipal Workers, Louise Camilleri O'Keefe
All ETDs from UAB
Obesity and diabetes are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in the United States. According to the American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention, obesity is growing faster than any other public health problem in the United States. The prevalence of diabetes has also increased significantly with an estimated 79 million Americans aged 20 years or older suffering from prediabetes. Few studies have examined the influence of perceived stress on obesity and prediabetes among working adults. Investigations are needed to examine factors that can contribute to higher health care costs for both employees and employers. The aims of this …
Effects Of Nicotine On The Human Visual System: 1) Color Perception; 2) Processing At The Cortical Level, Naser T. Naser
Effects Of Nicotine On The Human Visual System: 1) Color Perception; 2) Processing At The Cortical Level, Naser T. Naser
All ETDs from UAB
The visual system is sensitive to various types of chemical substances, including nicotine. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are found in the nervous system, including the retina. These receptors play a role in modulating signals within the visual system. It has been shown that smoking affects color vision, and visual evoked potentials (VEPs). But few studies have been devoted to understanding the effects of nicotine alone. The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of oral administration of nicotine in human adults, who are non-smokers, on color vision, and visual cortical processing. Previous studies on adult smokers revealed that …
Understanding The Predictors Of Patient Trust And Its Role In Utilization And Outcomes, Sheikilya Lewis Thomas
Understanding The Predictors Of Patient Trust And Its Role In Utilization And Outcomes, Sheikilya Lewis Thomas
All ETDs from UAB
The purpose of this dissertation is to examine patient-related factors that predict trust in one's physician, and subsequently identify the role of patient trust in health care utilization and clinical outcomes among African Americans with hypertension. Three separate studies are conducted using an adapted version of the Interaction Model for Client Health Behavior (IMCHB). The first paper is a three-step review of quantitative studies investigating the (a) patient characteristics that influence trust; (b) impact of trust on health care utilization; and (c) impact of trust on outcomes. Based on the predictors identified, the second study examines the significance of these …
Three-Dimensional Photography Of Facial Morphology Of Adult African-Americans Compared To Various Population Sets, Leslie Talbert
Three-Dimensional Photography Of Facial Morphology Of Adult African-Americans Compared To Various Population Sets, Leslie Talbert
All ETDs from UAB
The purpose of this study is to compare the facial morphologies of an adult African-American population to an adult Caucasian-American population using three-dimensional surface imaging. Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional facial images were captured via a stereo-photogrammetric camera system (3dMDfaceTM system). One hundred images of each population (African-American and Caucasian-American) were taken. Subjects were between 19-30 years of age, normal BMI, and no gross craniofacial anomalies. All facial images were aligned and combined using Rapidform 2006 Plus Pack 2 software to produce a male and female facial average for each population. The facial averages were then superimposed for comparison and the …
Perception Of Attractiveness: A Comparison Of Two-Dimensional Versus Three-Dimensional Images, Aksana Marshall
Perception Of Attractiveness: A Comparison Of Two-Dimensional Versus Three-Dimensional Images, Aksana Marshall
All ETDs from UAB
Introduction: The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate whether there is a difference in perception of facial attractiveness when viewing two-dimensional (2D) versus three-dimensional images (3D) within each population studied (Caucasian, African American, and Chinese), (2) to evaluate whether panels of raters with different levels of orthodontic education would give similar facial attractiveness scores, and (3) to identify the soft tissue features that influence facial attractiveness when viewing 2D and 3D images. Materials and methods: A total of 60 3D images from three populations selected for this study were acquired using a 3dMDfaceTM system (Atlanta, GA) and were …
A Prospective Study Of Bone Augmentation With Growth Factors In Extraction Sockets, Athanasios Ntounis
A Prospective Study Of Bone Augmentation With Growth Factors In Extraction Sockets, Athanasios Ntounis
All ETDs from UAB
Ridge preservation protocols reduce crestal remodeling after tooth extraction. Limited evidence supports the potential of different grafting materials to preserve the alveolar ridge. There is limited evidence to indicate advantage of bone replacement grafting in combination with platelet rich plasma (PRP), compared to grafting alone. A combination of recombinant human platelet derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB) with beta tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) has recently been approved to aid wound healing. Aim: To evaluate early healing of grafted and non-grafted extraction sockets in the es-thetic zone, with or without PRP and rhPDGF-BB. Materials and Methods: Population consisted of 41 healthy adult patients whose …
Epigenetic Regulation Of Kir4.1 In Normal And Pathological States: A Focus On Spinal Cord Injury, Sinifunanya Elvee Nwaobi
Epigenetic Regulation Of Kir4.1 In Normal And Pathological States: A Focus On Spinal Cord Injury, Sinifunanya Elvee Nwaobi
All ETDs from UAB
Astrocytes are the most numerous cells in the brain and play a critical role in maintaining homeostatic extracellular potassium ([K+]e). This process is mediated, in part, by a glial-specific, inwardly rectifying potassium channel, Kir4.1. Pharmacological inhibition, knock down, or complete knock out of this channel results in astrocytes with increased membrane resistance, depolarized resting membrane potential, and altered extracellular potassium dynamics. Subsequent to the dysregulation of [K+]e, Kir4.1 knockout (KO) animals suffer from ataxia, seizures, and early postnatal death. Interestingly, Kir4.1 has long been characterized as a seizure susceptibility gene. The importance of Kir4.1 is further underscored by recent studies …
The Comparison Of Dental Arch Forms Obtained From Teeth, Alveolar Bone, And The Overlying Soft Tissue, Patrick O'Neil
The Comparison Of Dental Arch Forms Obtained From Teeth, Alveolar Bone, And The Overlying Soft Tissue, Patrick O'Neil
All ETDs from UAB
THE COMPARISON OF DENTAL ARCH FORMS OBTAINED FROM TEETH, ALVEOLAR BONE, AND THE OVERLYING SOFT TISSUE Patrick D. O'Neil, DMD UAB DEPARTMENT OF ORTHODONTICS: DENTISTRY ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if a difference existed between arch forms created from tooth surfaces, alveolar bone, and overlying soft tissue. Materials and Methods: The sampling population for this study was 18 individuals with a Class I malocclusion, mild crowding, and a CBCT image of good diagnostic quality. The Facial-axis point was chosen to create the arch form from teeth, the Bowman-Kau point was used to establish the arch …
Adolescent Mothers: Factors Affecting Social And Sexual Decision-Making, Donna M. Campbell
Adolescent Mothers: Factors Affecting Social And Sexual Decision-Making, Donna M. Campbell
All ETDs from UAB
Adolescent pregnancy remains a public health concern despite decades of attempts to prevent it. The United States continues to have the highest adolescent pregnancy rates of any industrialized country (Kost, Henshaw, & Carlin, 2010). While adolescents of all ages (10-21 years) can become pregnant, pregnancy rates are highest among adolescents who are 15 to 19 years of age. Multiple factors have been identified that increase the likelihood of adolescent pregnancy and repeat pregnancy. Often times, adolescent pregnancy is the result of sexual risk-taking, which has been attributed to the changes that occur neurologically, physically, and emotionally (Reyna & Farley, 2006). …
Prevalence Of Overweight And Obesity In Classic Rett Syndrome., Kathrine Clova Grigsby
Prevalence Of Overweight And Obesity In Classic Rett Syndrome., Kathrine Clova Grigsby
All ETDs from UAB
Introduction: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a genetic, neurodevelopmental disorder that displays high incidence of growth failure, variations in body composition, feeding/gastrointestinal complications, and undernutrition. The ongoing Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDNCRN) Rett Syndrome Natural History Research Project has yielded observations regarding the less recognized occurrence of overnutrition in adult females with classic Rett syndrome. The purpose of this study was the determine the prevalence of overweight/obesity in children and young adults with classic Rett syndrome, the percent overweight and obese among adults with classic Rett syndrome, and to determine if the prevalence of overnutrition increases after the puberty years …
Bonds And Contact Angles Produced With Surface Alterations To Lithium Disilicate, Vamsi Krishna Kalavacharla
Bonds And Contact Angles Produced With Surface Alterations To Lithium Disilicate, Vamsi Krishna Kalavacharla
All ETDs from UAB
The success of ceramic restorations depends upon factors like the composite resin cement, the adhesive, cementation procedure and the substrate. With the introduction of newer ceramic and adhesive systems the factors that contribute to the most durable bond strength remains unclear. The objective of the study was to measure 24 hour and thermocycled shear bond strength of a composite to lithium disilicate glass ceramic with a universal single bottle adhesive. A combination of surface treatments of hydrofluoric acid, silane, salivary contamination and subsequent cleaning were also evaluated. Blocks of lithium disilicate (e.max CAD) were sectioned, polished with a rotational polishing …
The Effect Of An Intensive Oral Hygiene Regimen On Gingival Inflammation During Pregnancy: Clinical And Laboratory Analysis, Maninder Kaur
The Effect Of An Intensive Oral Hygiene Regimen On Gingival Inflammation During Pregnancy: Clinical And Laboratory Analysis, Maninder Kaur
All ETDs from UAB
Background: Recent evidence suggests that systemic inflammation as host immune response to oral microbial challenge may well underlie the observed association between periodontal disease and preterm birth/low birth weight (PTB/LBW). The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of vigorous oral hygiene regimen on gingival inflammation and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF)/serum biomarkers (TNF-&alpha, IL-1&beta and IL-6) during pregnancy and its impact on pregnancy outcome. Methods: 120 participants with pregnancy between 16-24 weeks gestation and with gingival index (GI) scores &ge 2 at &ge 50 % of tooth sites were recruited from the available pool of patients at …
Hard On Your Heart: A Qualitative Description Of Adolescent Prenatal Stress, Candace Clayton Knight
Hard On Your Heart: A Qualitative Description Of Adolescent Prenatal Stress, Candace Clayton Knight
All ETDs from UAB
Introduction: Pregnancy during adolescence is potentially stressful due to the concurrent tasks of navigating the typically tumultuous adolescent stage of development and the life altering experience of pregnancy (Kaye, 2008). There is a growing body of research linking prenatal stress to poor birth and developmental outcomes such as premature birth and low birth weight infants (K. Keenan, Sheffield, & Boeldt, 2007; Mulder et al., 2002), which makes describing the relatively unexplored perceptions and experience of stress during adolescent pregnancy important. The life course framework, with its emphasis on social, environmental, and family risk factors, has implications for reducing disparities among …
The Impact Of Weight Status On The Adoption Of Self-Care Behaviors Among Heart Failure Patients, Bern'nadette Knight
The Impact Of Weight Status On The Adoption Of Self-Care Behaviors Among Heart Failure Patients, Bern'nadette Knight
All ETDs from UAB
Self-care is a major component of heart failure management. Excess weight is a disease that may negatively affect a patient's ability to effectively practice self-care. The project aimed to assess 1) the relationship between weight status and heart failure self-care behaviors and 2) the modification of the relationship between social support and heart failure self-care by weight status. This cross sectional study utilized baseline data from a cohort of African-American and Caucasian participants diagnosed with heart failure. The heart failure cohort was formed from three larger studies (n=690) designed to assess the relationships among social support, self-care behaviors and hospital …
Blood Pressure And Tobacco Exposure Among Rural Adolescents Ages 15-18, Luz Huntington-Moskos
Blood Pressure And Tobacco Exposure Among Rural Adolescents Ages 15-18, Luz Huntington-Moskos
All ETDs from UAB
High blood pressure is a prevalent precursor to cardiovascular disease. An estimated 3% of US adolescents have hypertension. In addition, prehypertension is predictive of hypertension in adolescents, with progression between these stages at approximately 7% per year. Tobacco use/exposure is strongly linked to cardiovascular risk and disease in adults. Further, rural communities have higher tobacco use prevalence and fewer community policies restricting tobacco use. Little is known about the effects of tobacco exposure on blood pressure and the mediating effects of inflammation (salivary C-reactive protein (CRP)) in rural adolescents. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationships between …
Interracial Couple Status In Relation To Birth Outcomes Among Singleton Infants Born To U.S. Resident Mothers, 2004-2008., Su Jin Jeong
Interracial Couple Status In Relation To Birth Outcomes Among Singleton Infants Born To U.S. Resident Mothers, 2004-2008., Su Jin Jeong
All ETDs from UAB
Due to the growing trend in interracial marriages in the United States, the issue of birth outcomes to infants born to such couples deserves more attention and examination. The purpose of this population-based, cross-sectional, observational study is to examine the association between interracial couple status and birth outcomes (i.e. low birth weight, very low birth weight, preterm birth, very preterm birth, small for gestational age) among singleton infants delivered in the United States. Interracial couples are defined as those in a relationship who are not of the same race or ethnic designation. Non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, Asian, Chinese, Filipino, …
High Density Genotyping For Immunogenetic Polymorphisms Associated With Transmission And Control Of Hiv-1 Infection In Zambian Heterosexual Serodiscordant Couples, Heather Prentice
High Density Genotyping For Immunogenetic Polymorphisms Associated With Transmission And Control Of Hiv-1 Infection In Zambian Heterosexual Serodiscordant Couples, Heather Prentice
All ETDs from UAB
Understanding host genetic correlates of HIV-1 outcomes in sub-Saharan African populations is of continued importance due to the disproportionate disease burden in this population. We sought to identify genetic variants associated with HIV-1 acquisition in a sample of 439 initially seronegative individuals enrolled in the Zambia-Emory HIV Research Project, as well as novel variants associated with viral load (VL) in a sample of 172 seroconverters (SCs) with an estimated date of infection and 449 seroprevalent individuals (SPs). We were unable to detect any statistically significant associations in our analysis of HIV-1 acquisition, though one signal in the HLA-DOA gene associated …
Socioeconomic Predictors Of 30-Day Readmission Of Elderly Patients With Initial Discharge Destination Of Home Health Care, Dianne Marrie Richmond
Socioeconomic Predictors Of 30-Day Readmission Of Elderly Patients With Initial Discharge Destination Of Home Health Care, Dianne Marrie Richmond
All ETDs from UAB
Introduction The purpose of this study was to examine the association of social determinants of health with 30-day rehospitalization among elderly patients who were discharged from an acute care hospital with an initial discharge destination of home with home health care support and to explore the social determinants' ability to accurately predict the odds of rehospitalization. Methods A secondary data analysis was performed on data obtained from the home healthcare agency. A total of 4,717 unique patients found in the data set. Some patients were represented in the data more than once during the observation period. To examine the relationship …
Selection And Evolution Of Pneumococci In Response To Conjugate Vaccines, Christina M. Croney
Selection And Evolution Of Pneumococci In Response To Conjugate Vaccines, Christina M. Croney
All ETDs from UAB
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) containing subsets of the >90 capsular polysaccharide antigens have been successful as a means of decreasing invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal disease worldwide. However, this success is limited to the specif-ic capsular serotypes against which PCVs are formulated and studies have reported the increase of nonvaccine serotypes. The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) was introduced in the United States in 2010 for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and otitis media and was released without efficacy data. In this study we set out to 1) determine potential efficacy for invasive and noninvasive pneumococcal disease and 2) …
Blood Pressure Control And Perceived Stress, Job Satisfaction, Life Satisfaction, And Perceived Health Status In Municipal Workers, Debra D. Baldwin
Blood Pressure Control And Perceived Stress, Job Satisfaction, Life Satisfaction, And Perceived Health Status In Municipal Workers, Debra D. Baldwin
All ETDs from UAB
Although hypertension is highly prevalent, associated with serious health consequences and treatable, fewer than half of those with hypertension have achieved blood pressure control (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2011b). Limited studies have examined the influence of perceived stress, job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and perceived health status may have on blood pressure control, although epidemiological evidence reveals psychological factors can mediate and negatively influence health behavior leading to hypertension (Blanchflower & Oswald, 2008; Kulkarni, Farrel, Erasi, & Kochar, 1998; Walcott-McQuigg, 2000). The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of hypertension, obesity, and blood pressure control …
The Relationship Of Maternal Depressive Symptoms Among First Time Adolescent And Adult Mothers And Their Safe Parenting Practices And Child Injuries, Angela Warren Baumann
The Relationship Of Maternal Depressive Symptoms Among First Time Adolescent And Adult Mothers And Their Safe Parenting Practices And Child Injuries, Angela Warren Baumann
All ETDs from UAB
Maternal depressive symptoms have been associated with deficits in parenting practices that protect children from injuries; however, few studies have been conducted to examine these relationships. Using data from a multisite longitudinal study of 252 first-time mothers, the relationships between the use of safe parenting practices and maternal depressive symptoms was examined, taking into account mother's resources (as defined by age and education level) and race at five time points during the first 3 years of the child's life. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. Measures of maternal depressive symptoms, safe parenting practices (use of car seat, …
Hur Regulation In Central Nervous System Disorders, Crystal G. Wheeler
Hur Regulation In Central Nervous System Disorders, Crystal G. Wheeler
All ETDs from UAB
In inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), astrocytes play a major role in the systemic response to disease by either enhancing or limiting the inflammatory response through secretion of growth factors or cytokines. HuR RNA binding protein regulates many genes involved in inflammation. Inflammatory diseases such as brain tumors, Amylotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), have been linked to HuR, by our laboratory and others. To determine whether astrocytic overexpression of HuR would regulate inflammation in diseases of the CNS, we designed a transgenic mouse in which the HuR gene is overexpressed. In the first study, …
Gender Norms, Sexual And Reproductive Behaviors And Acceptability Of Male Circumcision Among Men In Western Jamaica, Melonie Walcott
Gender Norms, Sexual And Reproductive Behaviors And Acceptability Of Male Circumcision Among Men In Western Jamaica, Melonie Walcott
All ETDs from UAB
This dissertation consists of three papers designed to assess the association between gender norms and men's sexual behaviors, reproductive practices, and acceptability of male circumcision (MC). The data for this study were obtained from a cross-sectional, interviewer-administered questionnaire survey of 549 men aged 19-54 years, conducted in the western region of Jamaica between June to August 2011. In the first paper we found increased odds of reporting multiple sex partners among men with moderate (AOR =2.2; 95% CI=1.4 - 3.5) and high (AOR = 4.4; 95% CI =2.2 - 8.8) support for inequitable gender norms. Similarly, men with moderate (AOR= …
Relationships Between Latino Parental, Adolescent And Cultural Variables On Adolescents' Attitudes, Norms, Self-Efficacy, And Sexual Intentions, Vanessa Pirani Gaioso
Relationships Between Latino Parental, Adolescent And Cultural Variables On Adolescents' Attitudes, Norms, Self-Efficacy, And Sexual Intentions, Vanessa Pirani Gaioso
All ETDs from UAB
The quantity and quality of parent-adolescent sexual communication has been suggested as the best predictor on adolescent sexual behavior. The purpose of this study was to test a theoretical model based on the Parent-Based Expansion of the Theory of Planned Behavior (PETPB) examining relationships between selected parental, adolescent and cultural variables and Latino adolescents' intentions to engage in sexual behavior. This study used a cross-sectional correlational design based on a secondary data analysis of 130 Latino parent and adolescent dyads. Regression and path analysis procedures were used to test seven research hypotheses and the results demonstrated partial support for the …
Insulin Resistance, Lipids, And The Metabolic Syndrome Trait Cluster: Impact Of Race And Very Low Calorie Diet, Veeradej Pisprasert
Insulin Resistance, Lipids, And The Metabolic Syndrome Trait Cluster: Impact Of Race And Very Low Calorie Diet, Veeradej Pisprasert
All ETDs from UAB
Insulin resistance (IR) is central to the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disorders. Early detection, along with appropriate interventions, is paramount to reduce the morbidity and mortality of IR-related diseases. The gold standard measurement for IR is the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, which is markedly sophisticated for clinical evaluation but costly and invasive for clinical practice. Several alternative surrogate indicators of IR have been identified and used by clinicians, including insulin sensitivity indices derived from plasma glucose and insulin values, as well as other indicators that are independent of direct insulin measurements. In addition, lipid panel and lipoprotein subclass profile have emerged as markers …
The Effects Of Markers For Hiv Disease Progression, Social Network, Barriers To Care, Depression, And Substance Abuse On Medical Appointment Adherence Of Hiv-Infected Adults, Yeow Chye Ng
All ETDs from UAB
The study was designed to test a causal model of theoretical relationships among markers for HIV disease progression, social network, barriers to care, depression, substance abuse, and medical appointment adherence among HIV-infected adults. The proposed causal model was derived and developed from Lazarus and Folkman's theory of stress, appraisal, and coping. The knowledge gained from this study may yield critical information with respect to determining how a health care provider or researcher can develop specific behavioral interventions for the improvement of medical appointment adherence among HIV-infected adults living in the Southeastern United States. The correlational study was a secondary analysis …
Effect Of A Faith-Based Initiative On Hospital Readmissions, Joseph Webb
Effect Of A Faith-Based Initiative On Hospital Readmissions, Joseph Webb
All ETDs from UAB
EFFECT OF A FAITH-BASED INITIATIVE ON HOSPITAL READMISSIONS JOSEPH WEBB ADMINISTRATION-HEALTH SERVICES ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between a faith-based initiative and hospital readmissions. The main data source used was the inpatient data-base of Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare System (MLH) in Memphis, TN. Data were collected from admissions that occurred during years 2008 through 2012 at four of MLH's five adult acute-care hospitals. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey were also used in the study. This study uses theoretical tenets from the Social Justice and Equity Theory and the Chronic Care Model …