Digital Commons Network^™

: Examining How Factors Associated With Patients, Physicians, Hospitals, And Surrounding Communities Affect Primary And Repeat Cesarean Delivery Through A Social-Ecological Lens, Christina Ventura-Dipersia

Dissertations and Theses

Background: Childbirth is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization in the U.S., and Cesarean delivery (i.e., surgical childbirth) is costlier and has a higher likelihood of birth-related complications, maternal rehospitalization, and postpartum medical care utilization than vaginal delivery. The rate of Cesarean delivery in the United States (U.S.) has increased in recent years by over 60%, from 20.7% of all births in 1996 to 32.9% of all births in 2011. As Although this increasing trend of Cesarean delivery incidence has also been seen in other countries, the rate of Cesarean delivery has been rising more steadily within …

Vaxinsight: An Artificial Intelligence System To Access Large-Scale Public Perceptions Of Vaccination From Social Media, Jingcheng Du

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

Vaccination is considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. A high vaccination rate is required to reduce the prevalence and incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases. However, in the last two decades, there has been a significant and increasing number of people who refuse or delay getting vaccinated and who prohibit their children from receiving vaccinations. Importantly, under-vaccination is associated with infectious disease outbreaks. A good understanding of public perceptions regarding vaccinations is important if we are to develop effective vaccination promotion strategies. Traditional methods of research, such as surveys, suffer limitations that impede our understanding of …

“Pissing In The Wind”: Racially Discriminatory Economic Policies’ Impact On Today’S Banking Status, Use Of Alternative Financial Services And Health Outcomes., Gaberiel Jones Jr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Centuries of discriminatory policies and practices in the United States have created racially segregated, resource-poor urban communities. Differential benefits of banking and housing legislation were among the consequences of these policies as they contributed to drastic racial inequities in wealth. Today, racial differences in banking status and financial practices persist. However, a void exists in the literature exploring what alternative financial services (AFS) are used in lieu of banks by Black Americans, why those services are used, the thoughts and beliefs of Black Americans about the use of those services, the impact of bank locations on financial behavior patterns, and …

The Impact Of Socioeconomic Factors On Food Insecurity Among Syrian Refugees In Florida, Racha Sankar

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Syrian refugees settled in the United States may experience food insecurity due to different socioeconomic factors that may include nutrition knowledge, language proficiency, women’s education, and perceived stress. The structure and the type of households may also contribute to food insecurity in this population.

The objective of this study was to measure food security among Syrian refugees residing in Florida. It also aimed to determine the socioeconomic factors that may attribute to food insecurity at household level.

A comprehensive 228-item questionnaire was administered to N=80 households (n=43 in rural areas, n=37 in urban areas). Families with and without children were …

Jcph Presentations At The American Public Health Association Annual Conference 2019

JCPH at APHA 2019

No abstract provided.

Connecting Aces To In-Patient Behavioral Health Treatment Associated With Bullying/Cyberbullying, Rachel Pfafman, Jessica Pater, Lauren Reining, Michelle Drouin, Connie Kerrigan, Kelley Kardys

Health Services and Informatics Research

Depression, Smart Phone Dependence, and Social Media Cyberbullying Among Youth and Young Adults Wyatt Meriwether, PhD, Quality, Safety, & Value, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Independence, MO APHA's 2019 Annual Meeting and Expo (Nov. 2 - Nov. 6)

Abstract: Connecting ACEs to in-patient behavioral health treatment associated with bullying/cyberbullying.

Bullying/cyberbullying are pervasive for today’s youth – 28% report being bullied and 30% report having been a bully themselves. Involvement with cyberbullying is linked to depression, suicidal ideation, and attempted or completed suicide. In addition to bullying/cyberbullying, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact future violence victimization and perpetration. The CDC estimates that …

Detecting, Preventing, And Treating Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Adolescent Arrestees: An Unmet Public Health Need, Christopher Salvatore, Steven Belenko, Richard Dembo, Matthew Rollie, Kristina Childs

Christopher Salvatore

Studies of detained and incarcerated adolescent offenders in the United States indicate that these juveniles have an elevated risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, many more arrestees enter the “front end” of the juvenile justice system that is detained or incarcerated, and research into the STD risk profiles and service needs of this larger group is lacking. An expansion of STD testing (including of asymptomatic youths), prevention, and treatment is needed, as is improved knowledge about gender- and race-specific services. A pilot program in Florida has shown that juvenile justice and public health systems can collaborate to implement STD …

Exploring The Factors Affecting The Motivation For Learning From The Perspective Of Public Health Students: A Qualitative Study, Leila Allahqoli, Vinnaras Nithyanantham, Azam Rahmani, Azra Allahveisi, Reza Ghanei Gheshlagh, Arezoo Fallahi, Babak Nemat-Shahrbabaki

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Objective. Despite the significant role of motivation in achieving success among public health students, students often do not demonstrate adequate motivation for learning and education. This study was performed to determine factors affecting the motivation for learning from the perspective of public health students via content analysis approach. Methods. This qualitative study was conducted at Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences in Sanandaj, Iran in 2017. 15 students were included in the study by using purposive sampling. Data were collected through personal interviews, group discussions, and field notes, and they were analyzed through conventional content analysis. Several parameters were taken into …

Integrative Pharmacotherapeutic Approaches To Treating Depression, Charlotte Tse

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), based in the philosophy-religions of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism, is more than a purely prescriptive medical system; it is a way of life focused primarily on the principles of prevention rather than the more reactionary direction that pharmacotherapy in the US has taken. Mental illness is expected to account for a quarter of China’s overall health burden by 2020, with depression affecting around 100 million people and nearly 30 percent of young Chinese adults. Conventional antidepressants have a delayed onset and unpredictable therapeutic efficacy in this condition, especially in mild to moderate cases of depression. In …

Pubh 3130- Substance Use And Abuse (Net), Jamie S. Cromley

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course will explore legal and illegal drug use in modern society. Issues related to the social, cultural, political, economic impact of drug use will be addressed. The recurrent theme throughout the course will be on prevention. This will include discussions on the best ways to postpone the initiation of substance use and abuse among school aged persons as well as the cessation of use and treatment for abuse among adult populations. Substance use and its abuse effects ALL of us and does NOT discriminate on the basis of age, gender, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or income.

Cohe 7232 A – Health Promotion Planning, Andrew Hansen

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

Introduces the student to the theory and application of planning and evaluation principles. Planning and evaluation skills will be developed that can be utilized in a variety of health-related settings. Familiarizes students with theories and models from the social and behavioral sciences and health education used in behavior change interventions. Emphasizes the planning and implementing of community health interventions at multiple ecological levels.

Pubh 4234 – International Development In Health, Nandi A. Marshall

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course will describe key cultural, social, and economic issues and methods in global health, and thus provide essential background for other core courses. The course is interdisciplinary, emphasizing the fields of anthropology, sociology, public health, global health, and critical global health studies. This course explores aspects of health inequalities and demonstrates how the sources of health inequalities (including globalization, the impact of social, economic, and political systems, the local and global economy, transnational organizations, culture, race, class, gender, and sexuality) are rooted in injustices that create and sustain the conditions that lead to disparities in health status and health …

Pubh 3431- Introduction To Global Health, Atin Adhikari

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

This course introduces you to a comprehensive and growing field of global health. The course will introduce students to the essentials of global health in well-structured, clear and easy to understand ways. This is a survey course that will focus broadly on five questions: What do people get sick, disabled and die from; why do they suffer from these conditions? Which people are most affected? Why should we care about such concerns? What can be done to address key health issues, hopefully at least cost, as fast as possible, and in sustainable ways? The course will be global in coverage …

Bios 6531 – Categorical Data Analysis, Haresh Rochani

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

(taken from 2017-18 Course Catalog): This course introduces statistical methods for analyzing both univariate and multivariate categorical data and count in medical research and other health-related fields. The course will introduce how to distinguish among the different measurement scales, the commonly used statistical probability distribution and inference methods for categorical and count data. Emphasis will be placed on the application of the methodology and computational aspects rather than theory. The students will learn how to apply SAS procedures to data and interpret the results.

Syrian Refugee Mothers In Jordan: Perceived Social Support And Postpartum Depression, Marya Rana

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Many women suffer from postpartum depression; migrant women experience postpartum depression at rates almost triple that of the general population. This study investigated the associations between perceived social support and postpartum depression among Syrian refugee mothers living in Amman, Jordan. Eleven mothers completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) - Shortened Version. Four of those mothers also participated in individual interviews, and four others were included in a focus group. Multiple recurring themes were identified from the interviews and focus group, including: perceived differences in child and social support in …

Cohe 7234- Community Health Assessment, Tilicia Mayo-Gamble

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

Advanced concepts in the purpose and methods of community health organization, social action, organizational development, policy influence, capacity building, community diagnosis (needs assessment), social networking and coalition formation to bring about health behavior change and improved quality of life. Special focus on the application of methods presented to develop and enhance community health education intervention efforts.

Pubh 3430: Sexuality Education Term B, Helen W. Bland

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health Syllabi

“Explores contemporary issues in human sexuality and prepares future health professionals to conduct sexuality education with diverse populations in a variety of settings (i.e., school, community, or worksite). Content is intended to help students increase their knowledge of sexuality, improve their ability to educate about and promote sexual health and develop skills to increase their comfort level in discussing human sexuality” (2019-2020) Georgia Southern University Undergraduate and Graduate Online Course Catalog). This is NOT a personal Human Sexuality course in the traditional sense. PSYC 3237: The Psychology of Human Sexuality would be a better fit, if that type of course …

The Effects Of Opioids On Kentucky's Workforce, Michael W. Clark, Jenny A. Minier, Charles J. Courtemanche, Bethany L. Paris, Michael T. Childress

CBER Research Report

From the executive summary:

Opioid abuse represents a significant and growing public health issue for both the nation and Kentucky. In 2016, opioids contributed to more than 62,000 deaths nationally and 1,406 deaths in Kentucky. National studies have placed the societal costs of opioid abuse at $55.7 billion in 2007 and $78.5 billion in 2013 (Birbaum et al. (2011) and Florence et al. (2016)). These costs included increased health care expenditures, higher criminal justice costs, and lost earnings due to reduced employment and premature deaths. The While House Council of Economic Advisors (2017) estimated the societal costs of opioid abuse …

Resilience And Quality Of Life (Qol) Of Head And Neck Cancer And Brain Tumour Survivors In Pakistan: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study Protocol, Nida Zahid, Wardah Khalid, Khabir Ahmad, Shireen Shehzad, Iqbal Azam Syed, Nargis Asad, Adnan Jabbar, Mumtaz J Khan, Ather Enam

Department of Surgery

Background: Cancer is a devastating disease and has detrimental effects on the quality of life (QoL) of cancer survivors and interferes with their treatment compliance. The aim of the study is to assess resilience and QoL among cancer survivors and to evaluate the important factors affecting their resilience and QoL, with respect to the Pakistani cultural context.
Method and Analysis: A cross-sectional study will be conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. A minimum sample size of 250 head and neck cancers and 250 brain tumour survivors with 10% inflation for non-response rate will be required. The SD …

9th Annual Postdoctoral Science Symposium, University Of Texas Md Anderson Cancer Center Postdoctoral Association

Annual Postdoctoral Science Symposium Abstracts

The mission of the Annual Postdoctoral Science Symposium (APSS) is to provide a platform for talented postdoctoral fellows throughout the Texas Medical Center to present their work to a wider audience. The MD Anderson Postdoctoral Association convened its inaugural Annual Postdoctoral Science Symposium (APSS) on August 4, 2011.

The APSS provides a professional venue for postdoctoral scientists to develop, clarify, and refine their research as a result of formal reviews and critiques of faculty and other postdoctoral scientists. Additionally, attendees discuss current research on a broad range of subjects while promoting academic interactions and enrichment and developing new collaborations.

The Impact Of Pedestrian Crossing Flags On Driver Yielding Behavior In Las Vegas, Nv, Sheila Clark, Courtney Coughenour, Kelly Bumgarner, Hanns De La Fuente-Mella, Chantel Reynolds, James Abelar

Public Health Faculty Publications

Walking is the most affordable, accessible, and environmentally friendly method of transportation. However, the risk of pedestrian injury or death from motor vehicle crashes is significant, particularly in sprawling metropolitan areas. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of pedestrian crossing flags (PCFs) on driver yielding behaviors. Participants crossed a marked, midblock crosswalk on a multilane road in Las Vegas, Nevada, with and without PCFs, to determine if there were differences in driver yielding behaviors (n = 160 crossings). Trained observers recorded (1) the number of vehicles that passed in the nearest lane without yielding while the …

Impediments To The Historical Development Of The Clinical Pap Test In The United States: Their Relevance In Optimizing Cervical Cancer Screening In The State Of Qatar, Nikolaos Chantziantoniou

Theses & Dissertations

Three hundred surveys listing 31 questions were distributed amongst women and men at Sidra Medicine, Doha, State of Qatar, to assess knowledge and perceptions of: Cervical cancer (CxCa); preventive Pap test screening; Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination; and, need for population-based screening. Survey questions captured categorical statistical data through four categories: (1) Socio-demographic; (2) Healthcare Services; (3) Health Literacy; and, (4) Self-efficacy and Perceptions. Hypothesis 1: 12 survey questions pertaining to CxCa and Pap testing revealed 8 statistically-significant dependencies; notably, 70% of respondents were aware of CxCa; however, 31.8% were unaware that CxCa may be curable; 33.7% were unaware …

Higher Pro-Inflammatory Dietary Score Is Associated With Higher Hyperuricemia Risk: Results From The Case-Controlled Korean Genome And Epidemiology Study_Cardiovascular Disease Association Study, Hye Sun Kim, Minji Kwon, Yi Hyun Lee, Nitin Shivappa, James R. Hebert, Cheongmin Sohn, Woori Na, Mi Kyung Kim

Faculty Publications

In previous studies, the elevated dietary inflammatory index (DII^®) scores have been consistently associated with several chronic diseases. However, the relationship with hyperuricemia remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if the DII is associated with hyperuricemia risk. The study included 13,701 participants (men 5102; women 8599) in a large-scale cross-sectional study in South Korea. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ) was used to measure dietary intake, and blood samples were obtained to determine hyperuricemia. As the DII score increased, the hyperuricemia risk increased among women (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.03–1.77, p trend = …

A Vaccine Administration Training Program To Increase Adolescent Vaccination Rates, Claire Jensen

Dissertations

Abstract

Immunizations have been proven to control life-threatening diseases. Often Registered Nurses (RNs) administer vaccines but are unsure how to discuss vaccines with vaccine hesitant patients. Missouri’s adolescent vaccination rates are below its neighboring states. This initiative’s purpose was to increase adolescent vaccine administrations at a Missouri County Health Department (MCHD).

This quality improvement initiative had an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive design. RNs employed at three MCHD clinics attended an adolescent vaccine administration training program (VAT) and completed pre-/post-tests regarding the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices recommendations. Medical record reviews from March 1-April 30, 2018 and March 1-April 30, 2019 compared …

Barriers To Mental Health Treatment In Patients Referred By Primary Care, Rebecca Palmer

Dissertations

Problem: Limited access to mental health treatment is one of many potential barriers to treating mental illness in the United States. Where resources are readily available, reportedly high no-show rates for established mental health appointments suggests further investigation is necessary to identify frequent barriers within that population. This was a quality improvement project to identify common themes in patient-reported barriers to care.

Methods: A 4-question phone survey was offered to individuals that did not appear at their mental health appointment. Data was analyzed to identify the most commonly reported barriers to mental health treatment. Additional data collected includes reported history …

The Tampa Gym Study: An Ethnographic Exploration Of Gyms, Female Gym-Goers And The Quest For Fitness In Tampa, Fl, Danielle Reneé Rosen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Tampa Gym Study was an ethnographic examination of veteran women exercisers, their workout routines, and their attitudes towards the workouts that they undertake in two Tampa area gyms. The study’s principle objective was to study “fitness culture” in these facilities and the manner in which that culture is embodied in the language women use to describe themselves and their exercise behaviors.

The obesity crisis in the United States has been significantly responsible for an increase in membership in gyms and fitness facilities nationwide. The “culture of fitness” as it is embodied in these facilities has impacted women and their …

Vitamin Deficiencies Among Resettled Refugees In Buffalo, Ny, Tyler B. Evans, Myron Glick Md

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Background

Vitamin deficiency in the developing world is a considerable public health issue that is often overlooked. Refugees are some of the most vulnerable populations, since they rely almost exclusively on the nutrition provided by refugee camps. Buffalo, NY resettles the fourth largest number of refugees per capita among cities in the United States (US).

Objective

We examined the prevalence of vitamin A, B2, B12, and D deficiencies among refugees who had been recently resettled to Buffalo, NY and referred to our practice for assessment. Our exploratory objective was to examine potential differences in the prevalence of vitamin deficiencies among …

"We've Always Been Like Kind Of Kicked To The Curb." A Qualitative Analysis On Experiences Of Discrimination And Its Effect On Self-Esteem Among College Students, Cindy Mahoney

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Objective: The goal of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the relationship between mental health, discrimination, and self-esteem among college students. To further explore this concept, focus group interviews were conducted as a follow up.

Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a total of five existing literatures was systematically analyzed. Data analytic tables were used to collect information on population and study characteristics for the first part. The focus groups were transcribed verbatim and results were thematically analyzed to identify emergent constructs.

Results: There is a substantial relationship between mental …

Health Disparities Among South Asians: Is Food Insecurity The Missing Link?, Valentina Chawdhury

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Objective: Food insecurity among South Asians in the US is a public health issue. Food insecure adults face a plethora of adverse outcomes and research shows that individuals with ancestral origins from South Asia have a higher susceptibility rate for cardiovascular disease after migrating to urban environments. As such, the goal of this study was to research possible barriers South Asians face when creating cultural dishes in the US.

Methods: This was a convergent parallel mixed-methods analysis to understand how South Asians feel about food insecurity. Pricing and availability of cultural food items were obtained from South Asian and Western …

Social Determinants Of Health And Variability In Weight Trends Of Children Of Low Income Families Living In New Mexico, Molly Aileen Morrison

Individual, Family, and Community Education ETDs

When evaluating the prevalence of obesity rates throughout New Mexico (NM), it appears these rates have reached a plateau. A recent study conducted by the NM Department of Health (DOH) found that NM was among 19 other states that have had a first time decrease in child obesity rates among low income families. However, when examined deeper, when looking at geographical areas throughout NM, hidden geography of weight disparities become apparent. Although obesity rates may have decreased in some areas, they have increased in others. The purpose of this study is to effectively evaluate variability in weight trends between geographical …