Digital Commons Network^™

Factors Influencing Unmet Medical Need Among U.S. Adults: Disparities In Access To Health Services, Ahmad Khanijahani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Inequities in access to health services has negative consequences on individual well-being, and imposes financial and emotional burden on patients, families, health care systems, and the public. Inequities engendered from differences in socioeconomic status, health insurance coverage, race, and other characteristics can engender disparities. This study aimed to identify the potential predictors of unmet medical need among the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. adults. Inability to receive needed medical care or receiving medical care after a delay, due to the associated costs, constructed unmet medical need. This study used a four-year (2014-2017) National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data (sample size: 296,301 adults) …

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Homeless Chronicity, And Age At Onset Of Homelessness, Joseph T. Tucciarone Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Childhood adversity is associated with numerous negative outcomes across multiple domains, including mental and physical health, interrelationships, and social functioning. Notably, research suggests that childhood adversity has a dose-response relationship with these outcomes; that is, greater numbers of adverse experiences in childhood are associated with worse outcomes. These outcomes overlap with many risk factors of homelessness. This study sought to address two questions: 1) Does a dose-response relationship exist between childhood adversity and chronic homelessness? 2) Does childhood adversity negatively predict the age at which homelessness first occurs? Adults experiencing homeless who are accessing homeless services in the Tri-Cities area …

Let Me Upgrade You: Common Measures In Public Health Accreditation Action Plans, Gurleen K. Roberts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to understand the success rates for health departments pursuing and achieving accreditation in version 1.0 and 1.5 of the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) standards and measures. During the accreditation process, health departments that present performance gaps are asked to complete an Action Plan to specify how they plan to improve to meet the desired conformity. This study will highlight specific measures that are often included in Action Plans so that health departments pursuing accreditation can be better prepared to address these common pitfalls.

Methods: This study is a non-experimental, secondary …

E-Cigarettes And Conventional Cigarettes: Perceived Risks And Benefits Among College Students, Evi Addoh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT Background: Accompanying the decline in cigarette smoking rates has been a rise in prevalence of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use. The ongoing investigations on the health impact of e-cigarettes have been accompanied by mixed messages and a lack of consensus which may lead college students to rely on their own perceptions of risk and benefits in deciding whether to use e-cigarettes. Conclusion: Considering the significant association of perceived risks and benefits with e-cigarette and cigarette use this study yields some findings that show the importance of appropriately addressing perceptions. It is paramount to keep the public updated on pertinent research …

Community Perceptions On Access To And Communication Gaps Regarding Dementia-Specific Health Resources And Services, Randi G. Bastian

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The people of Appalachia have less access to healthcare resources subsequently leading to deficits in healthcare, health education, and health research. There is a need to address the communication of healthcare resources among populations with low economic status such as the Appalachian communities in Northeast Tennessee. Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) uniquely challenges the healthcare industry while further dividing communities already experiencing hardship in healthcare resources. The Baby Boomer generation is advancing into the age range frequently affected by ADRD, 65 and over. In preparation, healthcare continuum must acknowledge and set out to address dementia-specific care challenges. “Keep …