Digital Commons Network^™

Does The Impact Of Arthritis On Participation In Social Activity Vary By Depression?, Mehnaaz Ali

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective As the population’s longevity is increasing over time, the number of comorbidities that individuals are suffering with are also becoming evident. The objective is to determine whether individuals living with arthritis have difficulty in social activity participation while suffering with depression. Using the 2019 National Health Interview Survey, this analysis included males and females between 18 to 85 years of age. The dependent variable was social activity participation, where it was identifying participants whether they are or are not having difficulty taking part in social activities. The primary independent variables were depression and arthritis. Other covariates included the demographics …

The Relationship Between Screen Time, Weight Status, And Fatty Liver Disease In U.S. Adolescents, A Cross-Sectional Study Using Nhanes, 2017-2018, Becky J. Thomas

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess if screen time in U.S. adolescents is positively associated with evidence of fatty liver disease (steatosis and/or fibrosis) on FibroScan technology and to test the hypothesis that being overweight or obese mediates this relationship.

Methods: The analysis used cross-sectional data from 12–17-year-old participants (n = 612) in the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to evaluate the association between self-reported average daily screen time and the presence of liver steatosis and/or fibrosis using FibroScan. Adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed to describe the independent association between screen time and …

Fungal Burden Of Disease In Central And South America, Urmimala Chaudhuri

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Serious fungal infections are associated with an increase in mortality. Globally, fungal infections affect high-risk groups such as individuals with HIV/AIDS, asthma, transplant recipients, and those on immunosuppression. The most common fungal diseases include Histoplasmosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), Candidiasis, and Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Epidemiological information on the prevalence of fungal diseases has been limited, particularly in Central and South America due to inadequate surveillance. Purpose: The aim of this review was to evaluate the burden of common fungal diseases in Central and South America and discuss strategies of national surveillance. Methods: PubMed searches were conducted from the years …

Association Between Serum Vitamin D And Bone Mineral Density In Us Population, Hamza M. Sultan

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become weak that affects 12.6% of the United States (US) population over 50 years of age. Vitamin D helps to improve bone health as it functions in helping reabsorb calcium from the intestines. Several studies have been conducted on the effects of vitamin D on Bone Mineral Density (BMD), where it has shown that insufficient vitamin D is associated with a reduction in BMD. The purpose is to determine the relationship between serum vitamin D and BMD of the femoral neck in the US population in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) …

Differences Between Older And Younger Adults With Diagnosed Cardiovascular Disease: An Analysis Of Fels Study Data, Jacqueline Jacobs

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Most deaths in the United States (U.S.) result from complications of chronic diseases and at the heart of the matter is America’s number one killer: cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is culpable for 33% of U.S. deaths, killing more people than all cancers and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined.

Achievable Toilet Sanitation, Benjamin Goulart

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Human feces contains ten million viruses, one million bacteria, and 1,000 parasitic cysts, contributing to cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, and various neglected tropical diseases (The Economist, 2019). Unimproved sanitation includes open defecation, shared latrines that lack privacy, or other sanitation methods with insufficient pathogen reduction of fecal material. The most affected regions are sub-Saharan Africa, Southern and Eastern Asia, Afghanistan, and Iraq (CDC, 2016). Without private toilets, girls reaching puberty are also less likely to continue school. Improved sanitation can contribute to increased human potential, human rights, and gross domestic product.

The Association Of Perfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure And Lung Function In The U.S. Population, Brenna C. Heinle

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background/Aim: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are chemical compounds used in consumer products and are linked with increase in cholesterol, thyroid disease, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. However, their association with lung function is not completely understood.

Methods: Cross sectional 2011-12 U.S. population data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used (N=1,450, aged 12 to 79 years, 52% men). Serum concentration of four PFASs, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) were assessed using mass spectrometry and were categorized into tertiles. Lung function was measured by spirometry as forced vital capacity (FVC), …

Assessing The Social Determinants Of Health Needs Of Older Lgbt People In The Greater Miami Valley Of Ohio, Jessica L. Sokol

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: While the older LGBT population continues to grow, they remain an underserved, invisible, and under-researched segment of the population. They experience many of the same risk and protective factors of all older adults, but discrimination is one social determinant of health that is quite prevalent among this community, causing lasting impacts on health.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the social determinants of health issues and needs of the aging LGBT population in Dayton, Ohio, in order to direct advocacy strategies and better targeting of local support efforts.

Methods: Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey …

Dichlorophenol Exposure And Chronic Kidney Disease, Karla James

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Purpose: To explore the relationship between the common pesticides, 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) and 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP) with serum creatinine as a biomarker of kidney function. Methods: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013 to 2014 data (N = 2,063, 47% male and 53% female) was used to statistically analyze the relationship between either of two common pesticides 2,4-DCP or 2,5-DCP and serum creatinine levels. Gender stratified analysis was completed using multivariate adjusted linear regression. Variables adjusted were age, ethnicity and annual household income. Results: In both males and females exposure to 2,4-DCP did not elevate serum creatinine and regression results …

Evaluation Of Safe Sleep Practices Of Cribs For Kids Class Attendees, Halimat Adeshola Olaoluwa

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a major cause of infant mortality, and sleep-related causes of SIDS are a focus of many strategies to combat infant mortality because they are largely preventable. One intervention that combines the distribution of a portable crib and safe sleep education to families that indicate a financial need is the Cribs for Kids program. The purpose of this study was to assess any changes in recommended safe sleep practices by Cribs for Kids attendees before and after the receipt of a portable crib and safe sleep education. Families who met eligibility criteria were enrolled in …

The Perspectives Of African American Women: Their Pregnancy Experience And Their Babies’ Birth Outcomes, Kayla M. Hairston

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The health disparity surrounding infant mortality has been a challenge for public health professionals for the past two decades. Today African American babies continue to die at a rate two times higher than the nation’s average rate. The purpose of this study was to explore African American mothers’ perspectives on their pregnancy experience and their babies’ birth outcomes, as a way to provide suggestions for current efforts and interventions being used to lower the rate of infant mortality in the African American population. This study examined fifteen peer reviewed articles that shared the perspectives of African American women who were …

Choosing A Second-Generation Antidepressant Using Demographic Characteristics And Clinical Symptoms Of Depression, Amanda Lin

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Depression is the sixth most costly health condition in the United States, and depression that does not respond to its first trial of antidepressant treatment adds an annual cost of $9,529 per person per year. Thus, choosing an effective starting antidepressant can decrease the overall cost of depression to society. A secondary analysis of data from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Survey (CPES) was performed to create models that can predict the efficacy of second-generation antidepressants in treating sadness. Two sets of Principal Component Analyses (PCAs) and logistic regressions were performed on variables associated with patient demographics, clinical symptoms, past medical …

Sex Differences In The Outcomes Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury In Children Presenting To The Emergency Department, Taylor M. Yeates

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) put children and adolescents at risk for short and long-term health risks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sex differences in post-acute outcomes among children and adolescents presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) for mTBI. The study is a secondary analysis of a de-identified dataset which was drawn from a concurrent cohort, prospective, and longitudinal study design that included 8 to 16 year-old children with mTBI and a comparison group of children with mild orthopedic injuries (OI) not involving the head. Participants were recruited and completed an initial assessment during their initial visit …

Cross-Cultural Adaptation Of An Instrument To Address The Mental Health Needs In Nepal, Dene S. Berman

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Nepal has had devastating earthquakes compounded by economic struggles, social and political crises. There is evidence of significant psychological distress but few mental health resources. The current project’s aim is to provide the people of Nepal who are experiencing emotional distress with information about improving their lives in a way that otherwise would not be available in rural health centers. For this purpose, a culturally sensitive and valid adaptation of Healthy Habits for Emotional Well-being into Nepali was created following World Health Organization guidelines. Implications for its use were discussed, along with possible future directions for continued outreach efforts.

Who Is Testing? Demographic And Sexual Risk Factors Associated With Hiv Testing Among African American College Students, Elizabeth Gonder-Strutz

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Despite significant progress made in reducing HIV diagnoses, many populations are still disproportionately affected. Although African American college students tend to engage in safer sex practices than their peers, they are still at an elevated risk for contracting HIV. Therefore, it is important that HIV prevention programs understand the unique needs and risk factors among African American college students. HIV testing is an essential component of HIV prevention. This study examined the relationship between HIV testing and demographic and behavioral factors among African American college students from two universities. The study found that older students (upperclassmen) are significantly more likely …

Description Of Race And Preterm Birth In Six Ohio Counties From 2013-2018, Kelly Trabue

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: The purpose of this research was to describe preterm birth rates, and the risk of preterm birth among maternal race groups in Ohio, Cuyahoga County, Franklin County, Hamilton County, Lucas County, Montgomery County, and Summit County from 2013 to 2018. For the purpose of this study, preterm birth was defined as the live birth of a baby with a period of gestation less than 37 weeks. The maternal race groups were African American, White, and Other.

Methods: A descriptive analysis of retrospective data was conducted on 798,957 live births in Ohio over six years. The data was further divided …

Lead Exposure And Metabolic Syndrome In U.S. Population, Nhanes 2013-2014, Khadra Gukadowr

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Lead is a known endocrine disruptor and can impair regulation of blood glucose, blood pressure, abdominal adiposity, blood lipid levels which are risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Objective: To study the association of lead exposure and MetS in United States (U.S.) adults.

Methods: Data from 523 male and 528 female participants aged 20 years and older from the 2013 to 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Based on blood lead distribution in males and females, participants were categorized into low and high blood lead groups in both genders. Adjusted logistic regression analysis was used …

Perfluoroalkyl Substances Exposure And Cancer In Nhanes 2011-2016 U.S. Population, Michael Crowder

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent synthetic compounds that may have associated health risks.

Purpose: To explore the association between four common detectable serum PFASs perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctyl sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and cancer risk in United States (U.S.) adults.

Methods: Data from 4,497 participants from the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Gender stratified adjusted logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine association between serum PFASs tertiles and risk of cancer.

Results: Median (IQR) PFASs were significantly higher in men compared to women, and among individual with …

Pharmacists’ Knowledge Of Social Determinants Of Health In Post-Graduate Pharmacy Residency Programs, Rachel N. Chandra

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Clinical pharmacists and their training programs can play a key role in helping to address social determinants of health (SDoH) by transforming healthcare beyond the traditional clinical approaches. Pharmacists’ knowledge of SDoH in post-graduate residency programs are key skills necessary for creating an impact in healthcare outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to assess U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) post-graduate residency program directors’ and residents’ knowledge about SDoH. Methods: An IRB exempt questionnaire was created via Survey Monkey (™) and administered to postgraduate pharmacy residents (N = 618) and residency program directors (RPDs) (N = 235) …

The Effect Of Social Vulnerability During The 2014 Ebola Outbreak In Monrovia, Liberia, Mussa Y. Zatreh

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a dangerous, often fatal disease that spreads through infected bodily fluids. In 2014, an Ebola outbreak swept through West Africa, including Liberia.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine how social vulnerability affected different aspects of life during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Monrovia, Liberia. The association between vulnerability and hardship that people experience during the outbreak was examined. This was measured by indicator variables for hardship such as availability of food, cash, or medical care. Vulnerability was also compared with EVD knowledge and vigilance.
Method: An additive index for social vulnerability …

Distribution And Community Reception Of Medication Disposal Pouches Compared With Distribution Of Unintentional Overdose-Related Deaths In Montgomery County, Ohio, Parvaneh K. Nouri

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Introduction: Substance misuse is a significant problem nationally, where Ohio ranks within the top five states contributing to this burden. Montgomery County experiences the most deaths in the state. While illicit fentanyl and analogs are increasingly responsible for overdose-related deaths, prescription misuse is a significant risk factor for progression to illicit substance use. Methods: Survey data from a pilot medication safety campaign utilizing medication disposal pouches were evaluated by descriptive analysis and qualitative analysis. Survey findings were compared to data of all unintentional overdose-related deaths in Montgomery County from January to October, 2017. Secondary analysis of death data was performed …

Demographic Trends In Prescription Pain Reliever Misuse And Treatment-Seeking For Addiction, Megan C. Smith

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Opioid addiction in the United Sates has reached epidemic proportions in recent years, demanding targeted efforts in both clinical medicine and public health. This analysis outlined a demographic profile of recent prescription pain reliever (PPR) misusers and compared those characteristics to the population of individuals currently enrolled in addiction treatment. To explain the difference in numbers between these two populations, reported reasons for non-treatment seeking are analyzed by demographic characteristic. This discussion reviews existing literature profiling PPR misusers and treatment-seekers, as well as research exploring barriers to addiction treatment. A secondary analysis was performed using data from the National Survey …

The Association Of Perfluoroalkyl Substances Exposure And Metabolic Syndrome In U.S. Adults, David B. Leary

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent synthetic compounds that have been environmental contaminants since the 1950s. Exposure in the general population can be through food and water ingestion, use of non-stick cookware, and dust from stain-resistant carpet. Studies have suggested PFASs act as endocrine disrupters and to affect liver and immune function, as well as cause increases in serum lipid levels.

Objective: To explore the association between six common detectable PFASs and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in United States (U.S.) adults. Methods: Data from 739 participants aged 20 years and older from the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey …

Poor Sleep Health In American Adults: Implications For Screening In Civil Aviation, Melissa E. Gear

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Poor sleep health is increasingly prevalent in the United States (US) adult population and contributes to fatigue. Fatigue is a significant safety hazard within civilian aviation, yet data regarding the prevalence of inadequate sleep in this population is sparse. Are there demographic characteristics which put individual at risk of not obtaining adequate sleep which should trigger screening during the medical certification process?

Methods: This cross-sectional study used National Health Interview Survey 2014-2016 data from US adults aged 18 to 65 to observe the relationship of demographic, socioeconomic, health, and behavioral characteristics with reported inadequate sleep duration and quality (trouble …

Determining The Barriers To Prenatal Care Entry Within The First Trimester By Evaluation Of Prenatal Care Surveys And Questionnaires, Joycelyn Akamune

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Prenatal care (PNC) within the first trimester is associated with improved fetal and maternal health outcomes. Improved PNC is necessary to prevent negative birth outcomes such as low birth weight and infant mortality, which have significant impact on birth outcome rates. Improving access to PNC in the first trimester involves removing barriers to care. A brief survey distributed to expectant mothers is a simple way to define these barriers. Many small community health centers do not use surveys to gather patient information. By reaching this population, barriers to PNC can be better understood and mitigated using community resources decreasing …

Impact Of Perioperative Surgical Home On First Cases Delayed On Day Of Surgery In Colorectal Patients, Maria Sparaco

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Perioperative Surgical Homes (PSH) are evolving patient-centered medical home models that coordinate stream-lined care among all providers in the care process. The PSH model can serve as a solution to improve quality assurance, patient satisfaction, and reduce errors that lead to poor outcomes, many of which are preventable and can lead to higher costs. This model has many benefits, but it can be a challenge to execute in a hospital system. TriHealth chose to adopt a PSH model, the TriHealth Surgical Optimization Center (TSOC) in March 2017. It implemented a pilot program for its colorectal patients. Metrics of primary interest …

Oral Health 2020: Recommendations To Help Ohio Meet Healthy People 2020 Goals Based On States’ Oral Health Plans, Mackenzie Hunter

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Dental caries remains one of the largest untreated diseases in children and is one of the leading causes of poor oral health in the United States. Many states have joined forces with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Medicaid to formulate a state oral health action plan that targets the Healthy People 2020 Goals for Oral Health to improve the overall oral health of children in the state. Through this plan, in connection with state oral health plans many states are comprehensively addressing these Healthy People 2020 goals. Ohio, on the other hand, has not met a number …

The Effect Of Urinary Triclosan On Serumthyroxine In Us Population: 2011-2012 Nhanes Data, Katie M. Clark

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that is added to personal care products to prevent bacterial growth. The FDA banned the use of triclosan in soap in 2016 due to safety concerns. Triclosan is considered an endocrine disruptor and had reported effects on the body, including changes in thyroid function.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between urinary triclosan and serum thyroxine in U.S adults. Methods: Data from the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed (N =1,476). Linear regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between log transformed triclosan and …

A Tale Of Three Systems: Improving Three Emergency Communication Systems, Elizabeth M. Williams

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

This paper examines the current state of communications between the public, first responder organizations, and hospitals during mass traumatic casualty events. While the current system that exists nationwide, the National Incident Management System (NIMS), is an effective system, there are several improvements that could be made on a community level. This paper looks at national-level plans, such as the national emergency communications plan, NIMS, Hospital Incident Command System (HICS), and national Incident Command System (ICS). This paper sets forward several cost-sensitive recommendations to add to local emergency communication plans and structures in order to make better use technology that already …

Hope Center For Families: Addressing Health Needs Through A Two Generation Model, Brianna Burlock

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

This project’s objective is to explore how the Two Generation Model of the Hope Center for Families can address the health needs of the zip code 45406 community in order to combat negative health outcomes for impoverished families. The investigator researched studies regarding the Two Generation Model and previous organizational applications of the model. Interviews were held with the partners of Hope Center for Families and with an organization that uses the Two Generation Model. The interviews were analyzed for recurring themes after listening to each of them several times and then transcribed. A logic model for the Hope Center …