Digital Commons Network^™

A Comparison Between Selected Pre-Final Decision And Completed Superfund Sites In Epa Region 4, Natalie Blanton

Public Health Theses

President Bill Clinton created an executive order in 1994 mandating that all Federal agencies incorporate Environmental Justice into their policies and practices. Although the 1994 executive order requires consideration of environmental justice, there is no consensus on how to quantifiably assess the provision of environmental justice in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Low income and minority populations often have disproportionate exposure to hazardous waste sites.

In an attempt to examine the implementation of environmental justice principles, this study examined the differences between populations that lived near pre-final decision and completed hazardous waste sites that were cleaned up through the Comprehensive …

“Beyond Merchandise Trading”: Sexual Transactions, Sexual Behaviors, And Hiv-Related Knowledge Among Angolan Young Women Aged 15-24 On The Angola-Namibia Border, Eva S. Fidel

Public Health Theses

BACKGROUND: Angolan young women involved in transactional sex are at high risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection due to their exposure to several sexual risk behaviors. This study was designed with three main aims. (1) to examine the differences in HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors between female adolescents and young adults; (2) to assess the associations between sexual partners’ occupation and young women’s HIV serostatus; and (3) to describe the effect of Information-Motivation-Behavior skills model of condom use at last month with non-marital sexual partners among women involved in transactional sex in the Angola-Namibia border.

METHODS: This study used …

A Comparative Analysis Of The Health Status Of Children Under 5 Years Of Age In The Dominican Republic And Dominican Bateyes, Fitumai Madrid

Public Health Theses

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Child malnutrition contributes to more than 33% of child deaths and is directly related to the productivity and success of the adult population. To combat these stark figures, the United Nations Millennium Development Goals set out to halve levels of malnutrition by 2015. While recent U.N. reports indicate that many countries are on track to reach the MDGs, there may be sub-populations within these countries that do not fair as well. The purpose of this study is to provide a comparative analysis of the nutritional status of children younger than five years of age in the Dominican Republic …

A Proposed Evaluation Plan For Kaiser Permanente’S Diabetes Disease Management Program, Kathryn Wiedeman

Public Health Theses

DM is a serious and complex public health problem in the U.S. The CDC (2013) estimated that 25.8 million people, or 8.3% of the U.S. population, were suffering from DM in 2011. DM can significantly affect patient’s quality of life. Additionally, DM places a significant economic burden on the U.S. healthcare system.

Over the past two decades, DMPs have emerged as a promising intervention to improve health outcomes for patients suffering from chronic conditions, such as DM, and to bend the cost curve. DMP’s aim is to improve communication and follow-up so that patients can better manage their chronic condition(s) …

Refugee Viral Hepatitis Coalition Of Georgia: An Assessment Of Capacity Building, Jenelle Nurse

Public Health Theses

Purpose:

The purpose of this project was to examine the process of capacity building through the formation of a coalition in Georgia to reduce the hepatitis burden in the refugee community. The project sought to identify obstacles in the building of the Refugee Viral Hepatitis Coalition to improve the effectiveness of the initiative. Observations were made in order to inform recommendations for future action.

Background:

There has been a significant decline in the number of hepatitis cases nationally and internationally due to the routine use of vaccines. However, there exists a significant number of cases each year, most of which …

Understanding The Health-Related Challenges Experienced By Former State Prisoners Living With Hiv: A Qualitative Study, Rene' Meadors

Public Health Theses

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disproportionately affects certain populations, specifically those passing through correctional facilities. It is estimated that about 1.4% of the approximately two million people residing in correctional facilities are living with HIV. Although the health services offered in correctional facilities are limited, health status may improve substantially for individuals during their placement. Often this progress is lost once a person is released back into the community. Lack of access to care and/or financial assistance inhibits the ability to make health a priority, especially when individuals are faced with the struggle to obtain basic needs such as …

A Comparison Of Anthropometric Measures For Classification Of Metabolic Syndrome And Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Nhanes 2007-2010, John Heath

Public Health Theses

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are among the leading causes of death in the United States. The Metabolic Syndrome, which comprises a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors, puts individuals at increased risk for these diseases. It is therefore important that people with Metabolic Syndrome, at high risk for CVD and type 2 diabetes, are identified and treated. Since it may not often be practical to obtain the laboratory measures necessary for diagnosing the Metabolic Syndrome, simple anthropometric measures are a useful way of quickly identifying individuals at increased risk for the Metabolic Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of …

Comparative Analysis Of Insurance Use Among Dental And Trauma Patients Presenting For Care In Grady Memorial Hospital’S Emergency Department, Lauren Conboy

Public Health Theses

INTRODUCTION: Oral health is a worldwide concern that affects people of every age, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. Having good oral health is vital to overall health and well-being. Dental caries and periodontal diseases are preventable, but disparities exist in access to preventive care. Proper oral hygiene includes brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and regular dental visits. Adults without dental insurance may have financial obstacles to proper oral hygiene. Due to lack of dental care, adults without dental insurance may seek acute dental treatment in inappropriate settings, such as an emergency department.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine …

An Examination Of Factors Associated With The Use Of Breast, Cervical, And Colon Cancer Screening Among Foreign-Born And Non-Foreign Born Individuals In The United States, Netsai Mariga

Public Health Theses

Background: The number of Foreign Born (FB) individuals in the United States (US) is growing and their health behaviors and beliefs are important to know. In the US, cancer is the second leading cause of death, and there is need to explore factors that are associated with the use of cancer prevention strategies among FB individuals.

Objective: The study aimed to compare cancer screening rates, assess factors associated with use of cancer screening tests across FB and Non-Foreign Born (NFB) individuals and association between length of stay and use of selected cancer screening tests among FB people.

Methodology: Using …

An Assessment Of Selected Factors Associated With Hpv Vaccination Completion Among The African American Adolescents In United States: 2012 National Immunization Survey - Teen, Vaishali Sahu

Public Health Theses

Background: Human Papillomavirus is the most common STI in United States and is most prevalent among the adolescents and young adults. HPV causes cervical, anal, vulvar, vaginal, penile, oropharyngeal cancers and ano-genital warts. Certain populations are found to be at higher risk such as African Americans. 3 doses of HPV vaccine are recommended to adolescents before sexual debut to immunize against HPV. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors associated with the completion of 3 dose HPV vaccination series particularly among the African American adolescents.

Methods: National Immunization Survey – Teen 2012 data was used to assess …

Traffic-Related Pollution Exposure Assessment Of Fulton County And Atlanta Public Schools (K-12) In Proximity To Major Highways And Expressways, David Carter

Public Health Theses

ABSTRACT

ROSS CARTER

Traffic-related Pollution Exposure Assessment of Fulton County and Atlanta Public Schools (K-12) in Proximity to Major Highways and Expressways

Background: A number of studies have linked traffic-related pollutant exposures to asthma in children. Health conditions such as asthma can contribute to school absenteeism and missed learning opportunities as well as place a major burden on health resources. Although children spend a significant amount of time in school, few states have adopted school siting policies that prevent the placement of schools near major highways. Furthermore, schools often fail to take appropriate steps (e.g. adequate HVAC and air filters) …

Developmental Disabilities And Chronic Diseases: An Evaluation Of An Existing Health Promotion Program In Atlanta, Ga, Rola Doughan

Public Health Theses

Background

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, an individual with a disability has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (ADA, 2014). A large body of literature indicates a strong relationship between disability and poor health. Adults with disabilities are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions than adults with no limitations. Thus, this vulnerable population with disabilities should be targeted for health promotion efforts. Healthy People 2020 calls for the inclusion of people with disabilities in U.S. health promotion efforts (Dixon, 2014). According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention …

An Examination Of The Differences In Risk Factors And Their Association With Variations In Hiv Prevalence Between Cameroon, Coted'ivoire, And Senegal, Lea Accalogoun

Public Health Theses

ABSTRACT

An Examination of the Differences in Risk Factors and their Association with Variations in HIV Prevalence between Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal

(Under the direction of RICHARD ROTHENBERG, M.D., M.P.H. FACULTY

MEMBER)

Background: Extensive evidence suggests there are large variations in the prevalence of HIV infection among Sub-Saharan African countries. Some studies associated these variations in HIV prevalence to differences in the rate of HIV spread while others attributed the variations to risky sexual behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in risk factors for HIV infection between Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal, to determine …

Childhood Maltreatment And Adulthood Obesity Among A Sample Of Twin And Sibling Pairs: Results From The Midus Study, Hina Ahmed

Public Health Theses

Introduction: Approximately 3 million child maltreatment (CM) referrals are made each year to state and social service agencies (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services- Children’s Bureau, 2012). This number appears to be an underestimate of the size of the problem however. Survey data collected by the Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that about six million children are maltreated in the U.S. per year. CM negatively impacts the mental and physical health and social outcomes of victims in childhood and adulthood. For example, CM has been linked to obesity and overweight in children …

A Systematic Review Of The Health Impact Of Employer-Sponsored Wellness Programs, Anna Buseman-Williams

Public Health Theses

The CDC has identified the four modifiable health risk behaviors of physical activity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and alcohol use as being responsible for much of the illness and early death associated with chronic disease. The purpose of this review to is analyze the literature on existing employer sponsored lifestyle management wellness programs targeted at these risk factors and their associated biometric measures, the characteristics of these programs, and the demonstrated health impact. A literature review was conducted using PUBMEB and CINAHL for studies published from 2009-2013 within the United States. The employer characteristics, characteristics of the wellness program, incentives …

Perceived Stress And Generalized Anxiety On Cardiovascular Health Measured By Ultrasound Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, Everett Allen

Public Health Theses

BACKGROUND: There are many studies that have documented the increasing impact of stress and anxiety on an individual’s health and well-being. Everyone handles stress and anxiety differently with these conditions having varying physiological effects. To better recognize whether or not a person may need help in tackling these conditions, scholars have developed reliable validated instruments. Two prominent instruments that effectively assess stress and anxiety levels are the Perceived Stress (PSS) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scales. Furthermore, the literature has shed light onto the importance of the carotid intima-media thickness (c-IMT) measurement as a tool in evaluating the risk of …

An Outcome Evaluation Of Choices: A Brief Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program At Georgia State University, Ethan Johnson

Public Health Theses

Program Description

CHOICES: A Brief Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Harm Reduction Program, is a research-based intervention program that can assist college students in making safer choices as it relates to alcohol consumption. Students in CHOICES are informed of the risks associated with alcohol use and are provided with the tools and strategies necessary for reducing these risks. Students who complete CHOICES leave with the knowledge and strategies that are required to modify risky drinking behavior and reduce negative consequences related alcohol consumption.

Evaluation Questions

The purpose of the evaluation was to determine how effective is the CHOICES program. Program effectiveness …

A Proposal For A Series Of Studies To Explore The Phenomenon Of The International Migration Of Indonesian Nurses, Nila Kusumawati Elison

Public Health Theses

On January 1^st, 2014, Indonesia began implementing universal health coverage. Despite the fact that the density of human resources for health (HRH) is far lower than the International Labor Organization’s benchmark, the Indonesian government is ambitiously committed to providing equal, quality, and extended healthcare services to an estimated population of 257.5 million people by 2019 without putting them in financial hardship. In addition, the government expects to ensure a minimum of 85% of the health recipients is satisfied with attained healthcare services. With respect to nurses, the massive international migration of qualified and motivated Indonesian nurses that has …

Risk Factors For Sexually Transmitted Bacterial And Viral Diseases: Analysis Of 2007-2010 Nhanes Data, Marissa Gray

Public Health Theses

Abstract

Background

: This study examines factors that are more associated with risk of sexually transmitted bacterial and viral diseases in a representative sample of American adults.

Methods

: This is a cross sectional study using secondary data from the 2007-2010 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) data. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) is the software used in analysis of descriptive data and logistic regression models. Univariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations between risk factors and sexually transmitted diseases. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations between risk factors and sexually transmitted …

Determinants Of Regional Disparities In Under Age Five Mortality In Cote D'Ivoire, Poquelin Assi Kouame

Public Health Theses

ABSTRACT

Background: The launch of the Millennium Development Goal4, in 2000 and the national and international mobilization it spurs results to a decline of child under age five mortality rate from 90 per 1000 living birth in 1990 to 40 per thousands in 2012. That decline however is not evenly distributed across the globe and the majority of countries in the Sub-Saharan African region continue to experience a higher rate of under age five mortality than expected in 2013. Within country disparities in child mortality and it determinants was suggested to account for the lagging of those countries to reduce …

The Association Between Maternal Age And Low Birth Weight Offspring, Nhanes 2007-2008, Dianna Johnson

Public Health Theses

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is a public health issue in the United States and around the globe. Although Low birth weight is an important predictor of subsequent health outcomes, the role of maternal age as a LBW risk factor is poorly understood. Determining whether or not maternal age is a risk factor for low birth weight can help reduce the incidence of LBW and maximize the health of offspring.

Objective: This study examined the association between young mothers and LBW risk in a representative sample of Non-Hispanic Whites, Non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanic American women. Factors such as mother’s age, …

Evaluating And Improving Title Ix And Related Federal Mandate Compliance As They Relate To Sexual Violence At Berea College, Sirajah Raheem

Public Health Theses

This paper seeks to examine Berea College’s current policies and programs as they relate to Title IX and sexual violence. The aims of the first half of this paper are to: 1.) describe the scope of sexual violence on the campuses of institutes of higher education (IHE), with a focus on Berea College’s campus in relation to its mission, and to 2.) detail the best practices in policy, training, and programming to achieve the highest level of Title IX compliance in accordance with federal and professional recommendations. The second half of this paper will seek to 3.) identify the strengths …

Identification Of Medical Interpreter Services In Atlanta Metropolitan Area, Huong Giang Tran

Public Health Theses

Background: Over 73,000 refugees entered the U.S. in 2010. The majority of the refugee population has limited English proficiency (LEP), which is a challenge for those seeking healthcare. People with LEP are often deterred by language barriers from seeking healthcare. Interpreter services are available in some healthcare settings to help improve the communication between physicians and these patients. The availability of interpreters at primary care offices could help encourage the utilization of health services among patients with LEP.

Objectives: To identify primary care offices that provide medical interpreter services in areas around the city of Clarkston, GA. To produce a …

Impact Of Internet Usage On Risk Perceptions Of Hookah Use, Britany Helton

Public Health Theses

Hookah use has been increasing in recent years. This is possibly due to the fact that hookah is often believed to be a safer alternative for tobacco consumption. This misperception is often amplified by marketing and advertising by tobacco companies on the internet. Since advertising on the internet is not regulated, there needs to be an understanding of the relationship between how a person uses the internet and the perceptions that they hold about hookah smoking. Secondary data from a cross-sectional survey on hookah use was analyzed for this study. This survey assessed many aspects of hookah use like initiation, …

Association Analysis Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome And Hypertension Status In Children, Adolescents, And Young Adults, Jonathan Cook

Public Health Theses

Abstract:

Background:

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), located on the severe end of a spectrum of disorders known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), is one of the most detrimental, and publicized, teratogenic outcome of alcohol consumption during pregnancy within the United States. During pregnancy, alcohol that is consumed by the mother passes through the placenta and transfers to the baby via the umbilical cord. The same prenatal transference of alcohol that leads to FAS and FASDs might also be contributing to an increased likelihood of hypertension in youth. Additionally, factors such as stress influenced by familial instability, an increased likelihood …

Age-Related Macular Degeneration And Vascular And Renal Comorbidities In Adults Aged 40 Years Or Older: Nhanes 2005-2008, Qi Cheng

Public Health Theses

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of low vision in elderly population. The association of vascular and renal conditions has been reported inconsistently. Unfolding the association may provide the insight to eye care providers to take account general health management into eye care.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of the vascular and renal comorbidities with AMD, examine the association of a single or combination of these comorbidities with AMD.

DSIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Population-base cross-sectional study involved the adults aged 40 years or older (N=4596) who participated in the 2005 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination …

A Preliminary Analysis Of The Relationship Between Hazards In The Home And The Potential For Abuse With Families At-Risk, Jyll Walsh

Public Health Theses

Child maltreatment (CM) and unintentional childhood injury affects millions of children and cost society billions of dollars annually. The population at risk for CM has congruent demographic characteristics as children that are more likely to have unintentional injuries. Preventing CM through evidence-based home-visiting programs has been shown effective and cost efficient, and the inclusion of home safety in such programs, demonstrates significant reduction of hazards in the home. The overarching goal of the current research is to make a statistical connection between the population at risk for CM and amount of hazards in the home; that these two populations have …

Spatial And Temporal Variation In Water Quality Along An Urban Stretch Of The Chattahoochee River And Utoy Creek In Atlanta, Georgia, 2013, Charity Perkins

Public Health Theses

The Chattahoochee River is the most utilized surface water in Georgia, and it and Utoy Creek are receiving waters for Atlanta stormwater and wastewater effluent. Population growth and record-breaking rainfall in 2013 has led to potential stress from stormwater runoff and nonpoint source loading.

The goals of this research are to examine spatial and temporal variations in E. coli and the bacteriophage MS2 and relationships with DO, turbidity, rainfall, and riverflow; to determine if E. coli in water is correlated with E. coli in sediment; and to determine if wastewater effluent discharges influence downstream sample sites. Water samples were collected …

The Prevalence And Distribution Of Diagnosed And Undiagnosed Type Two Diabetes Mellitus Among Young Adults Aged 20-40 Years, Utilizing Nhanes Data From 1999-2010, Zachary Roach

Public Health Theses

Background

Within the last century, Type 2 diabetes mellitus has become one of the major health concerns both in the US and globally. Overall prevalence and incidence of the disease within younger populations including adolescents and young adults has sharply increased since 1990 and is estimated to increase further if no actions are taken. It is estimated that 5.7 million people have a form of diabetes. Of the total estimated prevalence of T2DM, 25% of persons with diabetes are unaware they have the disease. This study aims to identify populations most at risk as well as to label important risk …

Are Housing Improvements An Effective Supplemental Vector Control Strategy To Reduce Malaria Transmission? A Systematic Review, Anna Danielle Carter

Public Health Theses

Malaria, a preventable disease caused by a mosquito-transmitted parasitic infection, continues to be a prominent public health problem today. Progress has been made in the last decade demonstrated by malaria mortality reductions primarily attributed to current vector control strategies. However, the continuing threat of resistance, both resistance of mosquitoes to insecticides and parasites to antimalarial medicines, requires the development of new and improved strategies to supplement those already in place. Housing improvements such as screening doors and windows, closing eaves, patching cracks in walls, and installing ceilings are one such intervention that help stop contact between malaria vectors and humans, …