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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Wellbeing Begins With Employees: Exploring Associations Of Physical Health In A Head Start Organization, Kristin Snyder, Madelyn Hill

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The purpose of this research was to describe self-reported physical health status, behaviors, and wellbeing interests of teachers and other staff within a Head Start agency. Information on overall health, behaviors, demographics, and interests in wellbeing programs was collected through a 58-item questionnaire (N = 312). A majority of participants were white (66.8%), female (93.7%), and half were teachers (49.4%). Bivariate analyses and an ordinal logistic regression were performed to test the association of physical health with independent variables, health behaviors, and demographics. Associations with “very good/excellent” physical health displayed by the regression model include mental health, chronic conditions, vegetable …

Does Self-Efficacy Mediate The Relationship Between Parenting Style And Adolescent Fruit And Vegetable Consumption?, Sumayyah S. Shermadou

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Inadequate fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption is a serious public health issue in children and adolescents that is influenced by the type of parenting style and one’s self-efficacy.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the association between parenting style and adolescent FV consumption and whether adolescent self-efficacy mediates this relationship.

Methods: Data retrieved from the Family, Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) study were used to perform statistical analyses on 1,382 parent – adolescent dyads. A mediation analysis using the causal steps approach was used to determine whether adolescent self-efficacy mediated the effect of parenting …

Conduct Disorder In Times Of Crisis In The Eastern Mediterranean Region, Ruaa A. Al-Juboori

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), comprising of 22 countries, has a high burden of conduct disorder (CD) and has the largest burden of displaced populations. Violence and displacement increase the need for mental health services.

Methods: Using descriptive study design, 2015 global CD burden (disability-adjusted life years DALYs per 100,000 populations) was compared to the EMR burden. Across 25 years (1990-2015) trend of CD in 22 EMR countries was graphed and compared with the global CD burden. Association of CD with a) Corruption Perception Index; b) Global Peace Index; c) Human Development Index was assessed using correlation analysis. CD …

Evaluation Of Services Provided To Pregnant African Refugees By Catholic Social Services Refugee Resettlement Agency In Dayton Ohio, Jessica M. Brown

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

In 2016 Public Health - Dayton and Montgomery County declared birth outcomes the number one priority in their Community Health Improvement Plan. To improve the infant mortality rate (IMR), racial disparities must be address and considerations should be given to Dayton’s newest and most vulnerable neighbors. Dayton receives between 200 and 250 refugees each year, 70% of whom are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. African refugees have higher infant mortally and poorer birth outcomes than native populations in the U.S. Early and regular prenatal care is protective against infant mortality, and African refugees consistently report delayed and infrequent …

How Effective Is The Diabetes Prevention Program At Preventing Diabetes? A Survey Of Ymca’S Diabetes Prevention Program Participants Five Years Post-Completion, Rachael A. Mainord

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: In people with prediabetes, a mere 5% weight loss can cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half. In 2011, the YMCA of Greater Dayton launched the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program (YMCA’s DPP) to reduce the prevalence of diabetes in Dayton, Ohio. In 2016, health data for the 2011 YMCA’s DPP prediabetic cohort, including 2016 diabetes status, were evaluated.

Methods: Using de-identified YMCA of Greater Dayton data, analysis was performed on 2011 program (N=90) and 2016 survey results (N=21). The incidence of program 5% weight loss (“success”) was determined and variables associated with success were identified. Survey …

Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines And Health Outcomes In The Elderly: Are Racial Differences Important?, R. Michael Johnson

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Physical activity guidelines for health improvement were recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2008. Today, data on individuals’ adherence to the CDC guidelines are collected as part of its Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BFRSS) survey. While racial disparities in health outcomes are well documented, analyses of the BRFSS data have the potential to shed light on whether there are racial differences in the relationship between physical activity and health outcomes.

The 2015 (BRFSS) dataset contained responses from 441,456 individuals, including 42,516 over the age of 65 who had complete data on the variables that …

Opportunity And Life-Long Health Outcomes: A Review Of The Effects And Proposed Solutions Of Hypersegregation On Health Disparities, Christen D. Johnson

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Hypersegregation, the overrepresentation of a racial group in a metropolitan area, is defined by evenness, exposure, concentration, centralization, and clustering. Hypersegregated communities are subjected to bias and have few resources and opportunities, which compounds the negative impact on one’s health and socioeconomic outcomes. This study aims to describe the effects of hypersegregation on health risks, chronic disease, violence, and compare the differences between hypersegregated and non-hypersegregated cities. Data were collected for Montgomery County, Ohio (MC) for low birth weight, infant mortality, diabetes, heart disease, and violent crime, and compared with data from Summit County (SC). There is a larger Black …

The Role Of Msm Status, Race, And Marijuana Use In Hiv Risk Among Adult Males In The Columbus, Oh Region, Andrea M. Hager

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a life-long illness that affects millions across the globe. Young adult males, especially men who have sex with men (MSM), are at significant risk for the virus. This project examined a hypothesized association between marijuana use and HIV infection, comorbidity of HIV and other STIs, and potentially confounding variables in a sample of men tested for HIV in Columbus, Ohio.

The sample included a total of 898 non-Hispanic/Latino males (294 White, 604 Black/African-American, non-Hispanic/Latino males aged 18 to 74 years. All were tested for HIV between February 2013 and April 2013 by Columbus (Ohio) …

Association Of Cadmium Exposure With Bone Mineral Density In U.S. Adults, Joseph P. Taggart

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal and environmental pollutant; general population exposure is through occupation, diet, and smoking. Cadmium is associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) and higher risk of fractures in women. This association is not fully known in men.

Objective: Given the toxicity and global dispersion of cadmium, we explored its association with BMD in U.S. men and women.

Methods: Data from 914 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2014 was utilized. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine the independent association between cadmium exposure and BMD controlling for age, body mass index, …

Screening Families For Unmet Social Needs In A Pediatric Clinic, Elizabeth Evans Peterson

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Previous research indicates that at least 60% of preventable deaths are caused by modifiable factors. Children, especially those under the age of five, are the most at-risk population for negative social determinants of health. Identifying and mitigating these factors could break the poverty impact cycle and promote wellness into adulthood, improving community health outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe trends in unmet social needs of children attending a well-child visit in Dayton, Ohio. Methods: Families attending a hospital-affiliated clinic during a well-child visit were asked to complete a simple, 10-item questionnaire. This cross-sectional study utilized …

A Risk Factor Tool For United States Teenage Pregnancy: Adapting A Tool From The United Kingdom, Kanchen Loganathan

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

With a population of 42 million, one out of every eight people living in the United States is an adolescent. Current data show that half of American adolescents today are engaging in sexual activity, and one in eight adolescent females will become pregnant before the age of 20. The number of teenage pregnancies have declined over the past decade due to increased contraception, and more efforts to educate adolescents on safe sex. Newer research also reports that pregnancy during an adolescent’s teenage years may not be as detrimental to their lives as once thought. However, teenage pregnancy has been linked …

Analysis Of The 2017 Montgomery County Adult Risk Perception Of Prescription Opioid Misuse Survey Data, Lance Nussbaum

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Montgomery County, Ohio, has higher overdose rates than the national or state averages: approximately 50% are related to prescription opioid misuse. A community assessment was conducted to better understand Montgomery County’s adult population’s connection with, and opinions of, prescription opioid medications. Methods: Data for 284 anonymous internet surveys were compiled and subjected to a descriptive analysis of responses and trends. Response patterns were used to recommend appropriate interventions. Results: Respondents were well-educated (91.9%), employed (76.7%), Caucasian (89.8%), females (79.2%) who resided (82%) and worked (66.5%) in Montgomery County (82%). The risk from personal misuse of prescription opioids was perceived by …

Factors Contributing To The "Dominican Paradox" Of Maternal Mortality, Cherissa Garcia

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Despite having one of the highest rates of institutionalized birth in the region, Dominican maternal mortality rates are higher than the regional average. This phenomenon is referred to as the “Dominican Paradox.” The purpose of this paper is to identify factors beyond the established healthcare system that may contribute to the “Dominican Paradox.” Literature about the “Dominican Paradox” often attempts to explain the paradox in terms of the current healthcare system alone. Over reliance on the healthcare system has likely contributed to the “Dominican Paradox.” Most of prevalent causes of maternal mortality in the Dominican Republic are strongly linked to …