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Essays On Education And Health Disparities, Min Jang Aug 2022

Essays On Education And Health Disparities, Min Jang

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This thesis studies determinants of health and socioeconomic disparities in the US. Specifically, it focuses on the following factors: (1) public health insurance, (2) medical care, and (3) adolescent health. The first and second essays test whether access to public health insurance may be an effective tool in remedying disparities in medical access and health outcomes. The third essay examines the gap in educational attainment between students with disabilities and those without, and the evolution of the gap over time.The first essay examines the effect of Medicare Part D, a voluntary prescription drug program, on education-related disparities in mortality. It …


Examining The Benefits Of A Sustained Balance And Fall Prevention Programming For Independent Older Adults Living In A Community Setting, Noah Davis May 2021

Examining The Benefits Of A Sustained Balance And Fall Prevention Programming For Independent Older Adults Living In A Community Setting, Noah Davis

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Falls have been an identified public health and social problem since the 1980’s and now recognized as a global health problem in many of the developed nations. The National Council on Aging and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledge many evidence-based fall prevention programs. However, there are identified concerns to the programs; for example, a lack of sustained programming for older adults in the community setting. The literature review on fall prevention interventions identifies that few programs are sustained after two years, primarily due to a lack of funding and a lack of interest by older adults. However, …


The Effects Of Sociodemographic Characteristics, Caregiving Practice Patterns, Coping Mechanisms, And Social Support On The Health Of Asian American Ethnic Groups And Asian American Caregivers, Suryadewi Edi Nugraheni May 2021

The Effects Of Sociodemographic Characteristics, Caregiving Practice Patterns, Coping Mechanisms, And Social Support On The Health Of Asian American Ethnic Groups And Asian American Caregivers, Suryadewi Edi Nugraheni

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Background: Asian American family caregivers came from various ethnic groups with different sociodemographic characteristics and culturally specific values. However, cultural practices were often overlooked because researchers often combined all Asian Americans under one umbrella. Objective: The purpose of the study was two-fold. First, the study investigated the study sample of Asian Americans participating in the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2009 comprised of multiple Asian American ethnic groups. By utilizing the study sample, the research aimed to investigate 1) the associations between caregiving and self-rated health (SRH) and hypertension and 2) the associations between heterogeneity of Asian American ethnic groups …


Three Essays On Health Economics, Jihye Kim Dec 2020

Three Essays On Health Economics, Jihye Kim

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This thesis focuses on various factors affecting health of American adults and the elderly based on the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). In chapter 1, I examine the role of educational and racial differences in life expectancy (LE) and health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) for Americans at ages 45-64 using Health and Retirement Study (HRS) during 2000-2016. I compute severity-weighted prevalence of diseases with comorbidity adjustments based on the Global Burden of Disease (2015), and map onto the information on 17 doctor-diagnosed diseases and four self-rated disabling health conditions from HRS. This approach allows us to evaluate the importance of major …


Essays On The Effects Of Public Health Insurance Policies On Health Care Utilization, Expenditure, And Well-Being, Tu Thi Cam Nguyen Jan 2020

Essays On The Effects Of Public Health Insurance Policies On Health Care Utilization, Expenditure, And Well-Being, Tu Thi Cam Nguyen

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This dissertation consists of essays on the causal impact of public health insurance policies in the United States. Three chapters investigate how Medicare program, Medicare Prescription coverage program, and the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion impact on health-related outcomes, health care expenditure, and food wellbeing.


Access To Accommodating Housing In An Era Of Fair Housing : Disability Status And Housing Outcomes, Kaya Hamer-Small Jan 2020

Access To Accommodating Housing In An Era Of Fair Housing : Disability Status And Housing Outcomes, Kaya Hamer-Small

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

According to the U.S. Census, an estimated 56.7 million (19%) of U.S. citizens had a disability in 2010. In 2015, one out of every five adults had a disability with projections showing that by 2050, the disabled population is expected to comprise 27.1% of the non-institutionalized population. This study aimed to better understand housing accessibility by evaluating the 1988 Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) and evaluating the availability of accessible housing for people with disabilities to meet their housing needs. The FHAA was the first policy that made provisions to protect the private housing rights of people with disabilities and …


Housing In China's Urbanization Process, Zequn Tang Jan 2019

Housing In China's Urbanization Process, Zequn Tang

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Housing is the most important component of household assets in urban China. The economic strata increasingly depend on the distribution of assets rather than merely on the income, and the distribution of assets increasingly depends on the distribution of housing wealth in Chinese society. This unprecedentedly high status of housing is achieved in a rapid urbanization process. Situating itself in China’s urbanization and real estate boom, this dissertation looks into the contemporary housing distribution in urban China and reflects on the relationship between human-centered urbanization and built environment urbanization. It seeks to answer three questions. How might China’s land finance …


A Later Life Without Children In China : A Cross-Sectional Examination Of Moderators And Mediators Of The Effects Of Childlessness On The Well-Being Of Elders, Junrong Shi Jan 2018

A Later Life Without Children In China : A Cross-Sectional Examination Of Moderators And Mediators Of The Effects Of Childlessness On The Well-Being Of Elders, Junrong Shi

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Adult children played a primary role in support and caregiving for the fast-growing older population in China because of the core value of “filial piety” and underdeveloped formal services in the country. However, an increasing amount of Chinese people will end up with having no children in their later years, either nonparental or no children survived. It is important to understand that how the absence of children affects the health and well-being of older adults to better serve this growing vulnerable population. Limited previous studies focused on the childless older people in China, and little is known about the mechanisms …


Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Thyroid Hormones, And Neuropsychological Function Among Older Adults From Upstate New York, Eva M. Tanner Jan 2018

Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Thyroid Hormones, And Neuropsychological Function Among Older Adults From Upstate New York, Eva M. Tanner

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants linked to changes in cognitive function and thyroid hormone (TH) levels. However, most studies of PCBs and cognitive function were conducted among children. No studies among older adults have prospectively collected PCB and cognitive performance measurements to evaluate the association over time, and no longitudinal studies have evaluated the association between PCBs and THs over time among a non-occupationally exposed population. Further, the biological mechanism by which PCBs impact cognitive function is unknown, but may be mediated by THs. In addition, reliable self-reported survey data is necessary to obtain precise …


The Association Of Comorbid Chronic Physical Conditions And Psychological Illness With Health Care Utilization In Middle-Aged And Older People, Allison Houston Jan 2017

The Association Of Comorbid Chronic Physical Conditions And Psychological Illness With Health Care Utilization In Middle-Aged And Older People, Allison Houston

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Abstract


The Role Of Unpaid Volunteers In A Group Caregiving Approach : Validation Of The Sharetm The Care Program, Amy Hegener Jan 2016

The Role Of Unpaid Volunteers In A Group Caregiving Approach : Validation Of The Sharetm The Care Program, Amy Hegener

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The growing population of older adults will lead to a change in the age structure in the United States, with older people outnumbering younger people for the first time. The changing age structure will affect the current workforce and place demands on the health and long term services and supports system. Moreover, with the suspension of many government programs and hospitals working to cut readmissions the burden on caregivers is increasing. On the other hand, the new generation of older adults will be healthier and better educated than previous generations. They are expected to be more productive and civically engaged, …


Smoking And Health : A Panel Data Analysis Using Hrs, Xian Li Jan 2016

Smoking And Health : A Panel Data Analysis Using Hrs, Xian Li

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

It has been showed that smoking behavior is closely associated with health, and smoking is considered as one of the greatest causes of preventable mortality and a major contributor to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease. However, compared with studies on youth’s smoking behavior, research and evidence specifically for elderly is relatively rare.


The Effect Of Caring For Grandchildren On Older Adults' Well-Being : Caregiving Grandparents Vs. Non-Caregivers In South Korea, Jwakyum Kim Jan 2015

The Effect Of Caring For Grandchildren On Older Adults' Well-Being : Caregiving Grandparents Vs. Non-Caregivers In South Korea, Jwakyum Kim

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to provide theoretical explanations of the relationship of caregiving and older adults’ health (i.e., a life course perspective and Andersen’s Behavioral Model). Specifically, this study examines the effect of caring for grandchildren on older adults’ well-being in South Korea.


The Impact Of Heat Event On Emergency Department Visits Due To Cardiovascular Diseases Among Elderly During Transitional Seasons And Summer In New York State, 2005-2013, Mengxuan Li Jan 2015

The Impact Of Heat Event On Emergency Department Visits Due To Cardiovascular Diseases Among Elderly During Transitional Seasons And Summer In New York State, 2005-2013, Mengxuan Li

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Background: Prior studies have reported the association between heat exposure and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in summer, but transitional season effects are rarely studied. Additionally, the elderly has not received enough attention as a high risk group. Emergency department (ED) visits can capture heat response at the early stage, but few studies have used it as an outcome.


Culture, Elder-Care, Interrole Transitions, And Work-Family Conflict : A U.S.-Chinese Comparison, John Paul Agosta Jan 2015

Culture, Elder-Care, Interrole Transitions, And Work-Family Conflict : A U.S.-Chinese Comparison, John Paul Agosta

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This study provides an exploratory cross-cultural comparison of the role of culture, elder-care demands, and interrole transitions within the work-family conflict context. The two main research questions were focused on how eldercare demands relate to familial collectivism, and how these two constructs related to interrole transitions. One sample from the U.S. (n= 820) and one sample from China (n= 685) were obtained via online survey panels and compared on the same variables. The findings were for the most part similar for China and America overall, and mediation analyses indicated a relationship between elder-care demands and work-family conflict through family-to-work transitioning …


Three Essays On Risks In The Middle-Aged And Elderly In Japan, Daisuke Moriwaki Jan 2015

Three Essays On Risks In The Middle-Aged And Elderly In Japan, Daisuke Moriwaki

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This dissertation consists of three essays on the risks facing the middle-aged and elderly in Japan.


Outpatient Treatment Approaches, Services And Outcomes For Older Addicted Adults, Nicole Sarette Macfarland Jan 2014

Outpatient Treatment Approaches, Services And Outcomes For Older Addicted Adults, Nicole Sarette Macfarland

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Abstract


Quality, Objectivity, And Tone In Media Portrayals Of Care For Older Adults, Jennifer Van Loan Jan 2013

Quality, Objectivity, And Tone In Media Portrayals Of Care For Older Adults, Jennifer Van Loan

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

In response to the growing population of older adults who will need assistance to care for themselves, this research evaluates media coverage of care options for older adults presented in local newspapers, an informational resource used by baby boomers and older generations interested in planning for their futures and caring for their loved ones. Computer databases for four newspapers representing the Capital Region of New York State were scanned for keywords to identify articles about older adult care, then articles were reviewed to ensure they were relevant to older adult care. A quantitative content analysis was performed on the articles …


Essays On Elderly Asset Management The Role Of Medical Expenses And Housing, Li Li Jan 2013

Essays On Elderly Asset Management The Role Of Medical Expenses And Housing, Li Li

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

With baby-boomers approaching their retirement age, the financial security of elderly Americans has become increasingly crucial for both policy-makers and retirees themselves. Based on the data from the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS), this dissertation examines how healthcare costs and housing affect retirees' saving and investment decisions.


Two-Sided Altruism, Social Insurance And Elderly Consumption, Yangyi Shan Jan 2011

Two-Sided Altruism, Social Insurance And Elderly Consumption, Yangyi Shan

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The purpose of this project is to examine the interaction of social insurance programs and family support for financing the elderly's consumption in an environment when agents exhibit two-sided altruism.


Different Patterns Among Caregivers In Their Utilization Of Formal Services And The Influence On Caregiver Burden And Health, Jeehoon Kim Jan 2011

Different Patterns Among Caregivers In Their Utilization Of Formal Services And The Influence On Caregiver Burden And Health, Jeehoon Kim

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This study examined how older adults and their primary family caregivers utilized formal services; and how formal service utilizations were associated with the caregiver's burden and health status. Conceptually, the caregiver's stress/appraisal model was modified by adopting a relation between formal and informal care from health economics or policy.


Self Assessed Health, Anchoring Vignettes, And Unobserved Heterogeneity In The Health And Retirement Study, Paul J. Noroski Jan 2011

Self Assessed Health, Anchoring Vignettes, And Unobserved Heterogeneity In The Health And Retirement Study, Paul J. Noroski

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This dissertation examines the subtleties inherent to socioeconomic models of health. The relative contributions of unobserved heterogeneity and state dependence in explaining the dynamics of health in the U.S. are controlled for as the average partial effects of socioeconomic status are estimated. In addition to these investigations, I use anchoring vignette data from the Health and Retirement Study to investigate health perceptions in the U.S. and how they affect the comparability of self assessments of health across the population.


Life Transitions, Social Support And Psychological Well-Being Among The Elderly In Taiwan : A Longitudinal Study, Shiau-Fang Chao Jan 2010

Life Transitions, Social Support And Psychological Well-Being Among The Elderly In Taiwan : A Longitudinal Study, Shiau-Fang Chao

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This study examines the relationships between life transitions, social support and psychological well-being. A decline in health and financial strain were selected as two types of chronic stressors and loss of a spouse as an acute stressor. This study integrates previous literature and develops a unique predictive model involving seven components of social support -- social network size, social network composition, frequency of social contact, satisfaction with social support, types of support, helping others, and proximity of support. Depression and life satisfaction were the two measures of psychological well-being. 3,585 elders who were interviewed up to five times over a …