Digital Commons Network^™

Protecting College Students With Good Samaritan Policies: A Call To Action!, Nia Sutton

Public Health Capstone Projects

This Capstone project centers a five-page policy brief which petitions the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) to implement a system-wide Good Samaritan amnesty policy for college students and alcohol-related emergencies. Each year, nearly 2,000 college students die due to alcohol-related harm₅. College students are most susceptible to dangerous drinking and alcohol misuse_6,14.Alcohol misuse describes alcohol consumption that puts individuals at increased risk for adverse social and health consequences₃. Alcohol misuse through the form of binge and heavy drinking are the most common patterns of dangerous drinking for college students. …

The Epidemiology Of Wasting In Nigeria, Oluwatoyin Victoria Omotosho

Public Health Capstone Projects

Wasting or acute malnutrition can be defined as low weight for height; it is used as an indicator of malnutrition. Wasting is a significant public health problem affecting children aged 5 and below in developing countries around the world. Nigeria, a developing country is severely affected by wasting and it is one of the countries that accounted for the high burden of wasting in the World. Over the last decade, the global prevalence of wasting has decreased. Despite this, the prevalence of wasting in Nigeria has drastically increased at a percentage of 18%. Evidence has shown that wasting leads to …

Understanding Educational Vulnerability In The Context Of Disasters Using Visualizations, Cherish Caldwell

Public Health Capstone Projects

BACKGROUND: Children are particularly vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters, yet limited scholarly attention has been placed on understanding their needs. The effect disasters may have on children’s educational attainment and achievement, otherwise known as educational vulnerability, is one of the least studied aspects of children’s disaster research. The use of visualizations using open access data repositories can facilitate researchers understanding of children’s educational vulnerability post-disaster.

AIMS: This paper illustrates how visuals can be used to address challenges that researchers may encounter when using educational datasets to evaluate disaster-related educational vulnerability. The challenges addressed include: (1) understanding data quality, …

A Resource Guide To Empower Older Adults To Make Informed Health Decisions About Prescription Opioids And The Potential For Misuse, Kandia S. Al-Haddad

Public Health Capstone Projects

INTRODUCTION: In the past two decades, the U.S. has been combating the public health crisis of prescription opioids misuse among older adults. There is an increasing prevalence of older adult misuse and abuse of prescription opioids. However, through greater awareness of proper use and alternatives to prescription opioids, this trend can be reversed.

AIM: To develop a resource guide that will empower older adults to engage their health care providers as it pertains to prescription opioid use in the treatment of pain.

METHODS: A literature review of research articles, review of fact sheets, and interviews with three medical doctors in …

A Qualitative Analysis Of The Environmental And Personal Factors Which Influence The Help-Seeking Behaviors Of Men Who Have Sex With Men In Light Of The Emerging Threat Of Antimicrobial Resistance To Shigella Bacteria, Kathleen Jacobson

Public Health Capstone Projects

ABSTRACT

A Qualitative Analysis of the Environmental and Personal Factors which Influence the Help-Seeking Behaviors of Men who have Sex with Men in Light of the Emerging Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance to Shigella Bacteria

By

Kathleen McCready Jacobson

November 29, 2018

INTRODUCTION: Compared to their male counterparts, men who have sex with men (MSM) in the U.S. are burdened by a number of health disparities. Surveillance has confirmed that the MSM population are disproportionately impacted with shigellosis, a diarrheal condition caused by Shigella bacteria. The bacteria are showing signs of antimicrobial resistance, resulting in a reduction of treatment options and …

How Social And Lifestyle Factors Of African American Women Influence Behavior And Prevalence Of Obesity: Literature Review, Briana E. Oliver

Public Health Capstone Projects

The US is experiencing what many in public health are calling an “obesity epidemic”. The American Heart Association estimates that about 70% of the population is overweight or obese. This issue is especially concerning for minority populations as being overweight or obese disproportionately affects African Americans more so than any other racial grouping in the country. African American women, in particular, are more likely than any other demographic to be overweight or obese throughout their life course. Intervention programs are proving to be ineffective in curtailing this epidemic because they aren’t addressing the root cause of the issue: changing the …

A Historical Review Of The Influenza Outbreaks Within Military Settings And Understanding The Viral Spread Of The 1918 Influenza Pandemic, Naomi Ngadiman

Public Health Capstone Projects

The influenza pandemic of 1918 was a tragic event that affected every part of the world and killed more people than compared to any other disease outbreak in history. During this epidemic, the United States was the most affected with a total of 675,000 American deaths with majority of them being around the ages of 20 to 40 years old in military training camps. By examining the history of the 1918 influenza pandemic, it will help us to better understand how the outbreak occurred particularly within the confined settings of military camps. The intended research will involve a systematic review …

Alcohol Use Among Orphans In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Literature Review, Megan M. Mallett

Public Health Capstone Projects

The current global orphan population is estimated to be 130 million children with a large proportion residing in sub-Saharan Africa. Children without parental influence are at increased risk for a range of health-risk behaviors including alcohol use. Despite the magnitude of the problems facing orphans, few studies have examined the prevalence of health-risk behaviors, including alcohol use, in this vulnerable population. There is also limited guidance in published work related to recommendations for future research and programs that can better meet the needs of orphans, particularly those who live in urban slums. A literature search of databases (EBSCO, PubMed, Google …

Urban Water Planning In Lagos, Nigeria: An Analysis Of Current Infrastructure Developments And Future Water Management Solutions, Adaure Chiori

Public Health Capstone Projects

The state of Lagos, Nigeria is one of several African cities facing a major water crisis. Despite being rich in water resources, access to water within the state is dreadfully low and a major public health threat. Currently, the Lagos Water Corporation, the primary supplier of water in the state, is facing a 320-million-gallon water demand gap due to the rapidly growing population within the city. Additionally, the water crisis is further exacerbated by deteriorating infrastructure, political instability and poorly regulated water laws. The result of the water crisis in Lagos has led to detrimental consequences for its citizens as …

Examining The Community Outreach Efforts Of Local African American Religious Organizations In Relation To Drug Use And Hiv Transmission, Alyshia Jackson

Public Health Capstone Projects

Examining the Community Outreach Efforts of Local African American Religious Organizations in Relation to Drug Use and HIV Transmission

By Alyshia Jackson

04/26/2018

INTRODUCTION:

Faith-based organizations, such as churches, are pillars of the community that provide inspiration in times of need. Often serving as a gathering place for those seeking hope and refuge, the church is heavily relied on by the community. African Americans are considerably more religious compared to other races in the U.S. population as a whole in terms of level of affiliation, attendance to religious services, frequency of prayer, and religion’s importance in life (Liu, 2009). Aside …

Understanding Open Access Data Using Visualizations In R, Hazel Shah

Public Health Capstone Projects

BACKGROUND: As access to open data is increasing, researchers gain the opportunity to build integrated data sets and to conduct more powerful statistical analyses. However, using open access data presents challenges for researchers in understanding the data. Visualizations allow researchers to address these challenges by facilitating a greater understanding of the information available.

AIMS: This paper illustrates how visuals can address the challenges that researchers face when using open access data, such as: (1) becoming familiar with the data, (2) identifying patterns and trends within the data, and (3) determining how to integrate data from multiple studies.

DATA: This paper …

Mobile Application For Survivors Of Domestic Violence, Varsha Neelam

Public Health Capstone Projects

INTRODUCTION: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is any behavior within an intimate relationship, physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, or a combination of all the above, that causes harm. Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, has been recognized as a preventable public health concern by health care professionals. Leaving their abusive situations is a harrowing process for survivors. While resources and support systems exist, accessing these resources is a difficult and trying process.

AIM: The purpose of this capstone is to consolidate evidence-informed and evidence-based resources into a single mobile application that can be utilized by survivors of violence and to …

Consolidating Resources For The Aged-Out Human Trafficking Population Using A Mobile Application, Soumya Nalli

Public Health Capstone Projects

Introduction: Human trafficking is a multibillion dollar industry that enslaves 20.9 million people across the globe. Trafficking is defined as the recruitment, harboring, transportation, or receipt of persons using force, fraud or coercion for forced labor or sexual exploitation. The average age of a trafficking victim is 12-17 years; therefore, most resources are geared towards them. As the victim ages, he/she is more likely to be abandoned by their captors and with the lack of consolidated resources they are more likely to be re-trafficked or enter into prostitution.

Aim: The final product of this capstone will be the compilation of …

A Review Of Childhood Obesity Prevention Efforts Among Evidence-Based Home Visiting Programs, Olga Costa

Public Health Capstone Projects

Childhood obesity is a major health concern. A high body mass index (BMI) is associated with the onset of several chronic diseases and can impact physical, mental, and emotional health. Several lifestyle factors have played a role in the rising prevalence of obesity over recent decades, including poor diet and lack of physical activity. Previous obesity intervention efforts have focused on reversing obesity rather than addressing risk factors prior to weight gain. The evidence-base of best practices for childhood obesity prevention is weak, and few interventions have indicated long-term success on weight reduction and maintenance. Parents play a major role …

A Mobile Initiative For Waste Disposal In Bringing Awareness To The Damage Littering Behavior Has On Storm Drains, Kimberly Hung

Public Health Capstone Projects

Irresponsible dumping of wastes into sewage processes and unmaintained areas not intended for waste processing negatively impacts the surrounding environment and ecosystem homeostasis of the dumpsite. Perhaps one of the most concerning aspects of waste dumping is when the waste, that is improperly disposed as litter, begins to disrupt its local environment, and thus negatively impacting the health of everyone and everything in the relative environment. The overall objective of this capstone project was to develop a user-friendly platform that serves as an educational tool for the public to further improve understanding of waste disposal practices and encourage individuals to …

Community- Based Walking Programs To Reduce Chronic Illness Among Racial/Ethnic Minorities In Limited Resource Neighborhoods: A Literature Review And Program Materials For Walk The Line, Alanti Mcgill

Public Health Capstone Projects

Heart disease is the prominent killer across most racial and ethnic groups in the United States; however, cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality disproportionately affect non-Hispanic Blacks at higher rates than non-Hispanic Whites. While individual behaviors such as physical inactivity and poor nutrition (characterized by lack of recommended fruit and vegetable consumption) are a constant barrier to heart health among Blacks, there are social and environmental factors that covertly and overtly contribute to cardiovascular risk factors and CVD. The aim of this study was to conduct a literature review on community-based walking programs and explicate salient characteristics of such programs. …

Prevention Messages To Reduce The Risk Of Shigellosis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men, Steve Evener

Public Health Capstone Projects

INTRODUCTION: Shigella bacteria causes a diarrheal disease known as shigellosis through the ingestion of feces. Recent culture-confirmed diagnoses have been identified as antibiotic-resistant and can be life-threatening for some people. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are more often diagnosed due to risky sexual behaviors. In addition, the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may contribute to risky sexual behavior among MSM.

AIM: The aim of this capstone is to use secondary data collected from focus groups to guide the creation of prevention messages based on health promotion theories.

METHODS: Participants were recruited in Atlanta, GA to attend focus groups …

Assessment Of Policies And Programs That Apply Adverse Childhood Experiences (Ace) Study Research, Rohjan Tajik

Public Health Capstone Projects

Introduction: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) are common among the population. Based on the reported data and studies, the prevalence of ACEs related health issues is significantly high throughout the U.S. While policies and programs exist to address ACEs, more information is needed to understand the number of states that have legislation and the specific initiatives that fall under the legislation.

Method: To preliminarily answer this question, several online search engines were utilized: Google, PubMed, ACEs Connection Website, ACE Too High, CDC Website, state health department website, and ASTHO. From these sources, documented state legislations on ACEs were identified …

An Evaluation Of A National Sexual Violence Prevention Program: The Rape Prevention And Education Program, Arielle Shiver

Public Health Capstone Projects

INTRODUCTION: Sexual violence is a serious public health problem that can be harmful to one’s health, both physically and psychologically (WHO, 2010). While progress has been made in recent years to build the evidence-base for sexual violence prevention, additional research is needed to expand the inventory of effective sexual violence prevention strategies and evaluate prevention-based programs.

AIM: This study seeks to evaluate the Rape Prevention and Education program, a national sexual violence prevention program, to determine the degree to which the best known prevention principles are being incorporated into state sexual violence prevention plans by grantees.

EVALUATION: State sexual violence …

Tobacco-Free Campus Post-Implementation Program, Ashley Campbell

Public Health Capstone Projects

INTRODUCTION: There are existing grants that U.S. college and universities can apply to for implementation of a 100% smoke- or tobacco-free campus policy, but there are no current grants for campuses to sustain their policies after implementation. Available smoke- and tobacco-free grants will be analyzed.

AIM: To develop a Tobacco-Free Campus Post-Implementation Program for college and universities to improve their smoke- and tobacco-free initiatives that have already been implemented.

METHODS: A literature review will be conducted where I will use a variety of published studies on smoke- and tobacco-free campuses. A review will also be done on the available programs …

Examining The Relationship Between Drought And Mental Health Outcomes Of Depression And Anxiety In The U.S., Robyn J. Cathey

Public Health Capstone Projects

Abstract

Examining the relationship between drought and mental health outcomes of depression and anxiety in the U.S.

By

Robyn J. Cathey

December 4, 2017

BACKGROUND: Drought is likely linked to depression and anxiety through environmental and economic factors. Having a better understanding of this relationship would assist public health officials and policy-makers in future drought preparedness and mitigation strategies.

METHODS: Depression and anxiety data were collected for 36 states from HCUPnet, an online system of hospital inpatient and emergency department information. Drought data were collected from the U.S. Drought Monitor, a weekly monitor integrating multiple drought indices to produce a …

Program Evaluation Aspects Of Atlanta Streets Alive, Rebecca A. Ament

Public Health Capstone Projects

INTRODUCTION:

Physical Activity (PA) is one of the few ways to significantly reduce the risk of early death, by reducing the risk of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. One emerging community program that promotes PA is commonly called Ciclovía in Latin America and Open Streets in North America. This program closes a stretch of road to motor traffic for several hours on a particular day and opens the road to active transportation, such as cycling or walking. Atlanta Streets Alive (ASA) is an Open Streets program developed in Atlanta, Georgia by the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition (ABC) in 2010. Although there …

A Systematic Analysis Of Hepatitis C Virus Screening Trends And Linkage To Care Program In The United States, Ijeoma Azih

Public Health Capstone Projects

Hepatitis C is a common blood borne infection in the United States; currently this infection is a primary public health concern. The World Health Organization estimates about 150 million carriers of chronic HCV; more than 350,000 deaths each year are attributed to Hepatitis C virus(HCV) related hepatic diseases such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The population subgroup commonly known as baby boomers have five times the risk of HCV than other groups (CDC 2015). It is therefore imperative to encourage testing among all vulnerable populations including the baby boomers. Evidence suggests underuse of HCV testing services, despite …

A Baseline Comparison Of Patsch And Parent As Teachers, Irasema Garcia-Rosales

Public Health Capstone Projects

Child maltreatment is a major public health problem resulting in negative outcomes for individuals and society. Evidence-based home visiting programs have been effective in reducing risk of child maltreatment to individuals at risk or substantiated for child maltreatment and improve parenting skills. This study examined baseline data from a project that braided two evidence-based parenting programs: SafeCare® and Parents as Teachers (PATSCH). It compared PATSCH and Parents as Teachers Only at baseline. A total of 159 families, meeting at least two at-risk criteria, participated. There were few statistically significant differences between the PATSCH and PAT Only groups at baseline; there …