Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Hurricane Sandy : Public Health Staff Perceptions Of Impact And Recommendations For Future Preparedness, New York State, Asante Shipp Hilts

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Abstract

Acculturation, Inflammation, And Depression Among Hispanic Adults In The United States, Kristin Marie Marano

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Disparities exist in the recognition and treatment of depression among Hispanics in the United States, creating a social, ethical, economic, and public health burden. This study was designed to generate an improved understanding of the causes of and/or contributors to depression within this population. It was specifically designed to 1) assess the prevalence and severity of depression among Hispanic adults in the United States relative to adults of other race/ethnicities in the United States; 2) clarify the inconsistent results in the literature concerning the relationship between acculturation and depression among Hispanic adults in the United States; and 3) fill a …

Predictors Of Excessive Alcohol Consumption Among U.S. Business Travelers, Jennifer Clore Barrickman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Excessive alcohol consumption (EAC) is an important public health problem. Several researchers have examined work-related influences on EAC, but few have investigated the predictors of EAC related to business travel. This study measured the association between EAC and frequency of business travel, duration of business travel, and job industry among U.S. business travelers. Research was conducted within the social-ecological theoretical framework. Snowball sampling was used to gather data from 187 business travelers. Data were evaluated using bivariate analysis to assess the association between measures of EAC and each independent variable. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for covariates. Respondents …

Risk Factors Associated With Severe Acute Respiratory Infections Cases, Ryan Gatdula Ortiguerra

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The close proximity of the United States to the Mexican border poses a concern for communicable diseases because of the high flow of population movement. The purpose of this retrospective, quantitative study was to identify risks associated with respiratory diseases using an analysis of archived data from the Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) surveillance program. Based on the epidemiologic triangle theory, demographic and etiologic factors were analyzed to examine any associations with SARI in this population. Between 2010 and 2012, 798 subjects enrolled in this program, with 336 (42.1%) testing positive for respiratory pathogens. Chi square analysis determined that age …

A Survey Of Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices In Relation To Mosquitoes And Mosquito-Borne Disease In Western Australia, Abbey Potter, Andrew Jardine, Peter J. Neville

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

On average, more than 1,000 individuals will acquire a mosquito-borne disease in Western Australia (WA) each year. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in relation to mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease have not yet been investigated within Australia. A randomized telephone survey of 2,500 households across 12 regions in WA was undertaken between February and May 2014. The aim of the survey was to obtain baseline KAP data surrounding mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases in different regions of WA, across a range of age groups and between males and females. The results of this survey indicate that the majority of respondents are aware …

The “Burnout” Construct: An Inhibitor Of Public Health Action?, Bianchi Renzo, Irvin Sam Schonfeld, Eric Laurent

Publications and Research

The prevention and treatment of the “burnout syndrome” within the critical care community is an important objective of the Moss et al. Burnout in the occupational area is based on the idea that burnout is especially common in individuals who care for critically ill patients. We think that the authors’ observations and recommendations are diminished by the fact that studies of burnout’s prevalence are methodologically problematic. The current definition and use of the burnout construct may in fact be detrimental to public health decision making.

Risking Connection: A Multi-Level Trauma-Informed Care Approach To Refugee Services In Lexington, Ky, Marie Paige Higginson-Rollins

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

This project proposes to implement a multi-level, trauma-informed care approach to refugee services in Lexington, KY. The intervention will be carried out at three sites, the Bluegrass Community Health Center, the Kentucky Refugee Ministries, and the Lexington Global Engagement Center. These sites were chosen because of their extensive work with the refugee community. The intervention proposed is Risking Connection, a SAMHSA recommended trauma-informed care program, with a cultural-sensitivity training module and marketing campaign, and a group therapy pilot intervention for Congolese women based on the Bashal program at the Center for Torture and Trauma Survivors. The short-term goals of this …

Colorectal Cancer Prevention In The North Slope Borough Of Alaska Utilizing The Flu-Fit Intervention, Jennifer Jenkins

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

The intention of the Flu-FIT intervention is to increase colorectal cancer screening rates by combing two annual activities into one visit that doesn’t necessitate a doctors visit. The original study increased colorectal cancer screening rates by 14 percentage points and this program should be able to show similar results in the North Slope Borough of Alaska. The North Slope Borough has the highest incidence rate of colorectal cancer in the United States, and this proposed intervention could lead to a reduction in that rate by increasing screening and knowledge about colorectal cancer in the community.

Eat Well, Keep Moving: Decreasing Childhood Obesity In Fulton County, Kentucky, Sandra Onekhena

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

With the high rates of childhood obesity in Fulton County, the Purchase District Health Department proposes the implementation of the Eat Well and Keep Moving Program in all the county’s elementary schools among fourth and fifth graders. It is an interdisciplinary, evidence-based program that will be aimed at our short-term goal of increasing knowledge about nutrition and physical activity and inspiring positive behavioral change. It works by integrating lessons and activities about proper nutrition and activity into various aspects of the children’s lives — in the classroom, cafeteria, at home and in the community. We hope to see children move …

Cross Sectional Analysis Of Patients With Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Enrolled In A Disease Management And Prevention Program, Jordan T. Perkins

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Background: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a heritable genetic condition that is largely underdiagnosed and has been estimated to affect 1 out of every 5,000-7,000 people in North America. The condition is characterized by a decrease in the production or activity of the alpha-1 antitrypsin protein, increasing risk for chronic lung or liver inflammation, that may lead to disease. Currently, there is no cure for the condition and augmentation therapy, which replaces the lost protein, has shown mixed results, meaning preventive measures taken by the patient are a large component of the prescribed treatment. Thus, patients with the condition are strongly …

An Assessment Of Workplace Injury In Kentucky’S Commercial Logging Industry, Logan Ray

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Objective: To identify demographic, operational, and task-related characteristics associated with increased frequency and severity of injury in Kentucky’s commercial loggers.

Methods: Kentucky Master Loggers attending mandatory continued education courses completed a survey tool eliciting demographic and operational characteristics of their companies, and details of any on-site injury in the years 2012 through 2015 that led to medical costs, lost days or time, and/or decreased production. Associations to injury frequency and injury severity were assessed using logistic regression analysis.

Results: 86 Kentucky Master Loggers representing 66 of Kentucky’s 120 counties reported 33 accounts of non-fatal logging injury. Master Loggers were full-time …

Overdose Education And Naloxone Distribution By Board-Certified Pharmacists In Five Eastern Kentucky Counties, Laura Elizabeth Broughton

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

The Coalition of Kentucky Health Professionals Against Substance Abuse (CKHPASA) is a professional organization uniting members of the various health professions against a rising tide of substance abuse in the state of Kentucky. In 2013, Kentucky ranked 3rd in the United States for highest number of drug overdose fatalities. Previously under the scourge of the prescription opioid epidemic, the state of Kentucky is now seeing rising numbers of overdose deaths related to heroin use, which is an opioid that works similarly to morphine and prescription pain medications.

Naloxone is a life-saving antidote for opioid related overdoses and evidence has shown …

Development Of Multiple Primary Cancers In Lung Cancer Patients: Appalachian Vs. Non-Appalachian Populations Of Kentucky, Vira Pravosud

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether there were differences in the development of multiple primary cancers in lung cancer patients residing in the Appalachian versus Non-Appalachian regions of Kentucky. The study also identified other factors associated with the development of another primary cancer in lung cancer patients.

HYPOTHESIS: Lung cancer patients residing in Appalachian Kentucky are more likely to develop multiple primary cancers compared to patients residing in Non-Appalachian Kentucky.

METHODS: This was a retrospective, population-based cohort study of Kentucky patients (N=26456) aged 20 years and older, diagnosed with primary lung cancer between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2013. The …

The Impact Of An Ambulatory Clinical Intervention On Viral Load Suppression And Retention In Care For Newly Diagnosed Hiv Persons, Latasha R. Jones

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Ambulatory clinical healthcare settings that serve patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are critical in improving access to quality HIV care and treatment, in part due to their ability to streamline patient care along the HIV care continuum. Barriers to HIV care are significant among newly diagnosed HIV patients and in order to engage and retain these individuals in care and treatment, specific interventions must be in place to link these individuals to care. In this study, the difference in differences method was used for data analysis to measure the impact of an ambulatory clinics intervention on their …

Analysis Of Firearm Legislation And Law Enforcement Suicides In Nvdrs-Funded States, Meagan L. Hurst

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

BACKGROUND:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate firearm-related suicides among law enforcement members and identify potential differences between decedents and firearm legislation grades from National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) funded states

METHODS:

Descriptive and regression analyses were conducted using suicide data from 820 decedents who worked within law enforcement at the time of death. Data were collected over a ten-year period (2003-2013) from the NVDRS. Multivariable logistic regression and Pearson’s chi-square were used to identify if differences existed among firearm-related suicides and other means using variables such as age, marital status, occupation, mental health, and firearm legislation …

Neurotoxic Effects Of Occupational Exposures In Agricultural Workers, Miriam Siegel

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Background: Pesticides and organic solvents are two classes of neurotoxic substances regularly used in agriculture. Pesticides have been studied in relation to a range of nervous system effects, and have been repeatedly shown to relate to depression in agricultural workers. Likewise, occupational solvent exposure is recognized as a risk factor for central nervous system effects, including mood disturbances and cognitive impairment, across various industries. Many gaps in knowledge regarding the effects of chronic exposure to these substances on mental/neurological health in agricultural workers still exist. The specific aims of the current analysis were to 1.) Estimate associations between metrics of …

An Examination Of Traumatic Brain Injury As A Risk Factor For Psychiatric Symptoms In Alzheimer’S Disease Patients, Jennifer F. Walch

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Introduction:

Dementia is a major public health issue both in the United States and worldwide. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is widely considered to be the most prevalent type of dementia. While the hallmark AD symptom is profound memory loss, patients also commonly experience changes in personality and behavior. These changes often include depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, mood swings, irritability and aggression, changes in sleeping habits, and delusions.

Background:

Several studies have established a mechanistic link between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the development of AD. However, it is unknown whether TBI contributes to the personality/behavior changes observed in many AD patients. …

Injuries Among Security And Law Enforcement Personnel In The Private Versus Public Sectors, William S. Witt

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Background and Objectives: Data collected through workers’ compensation may be useful for occupational injury surveillance. This study examined whether differences existed between the public and private sectors of the security and law enforcement industry in Kentucky.

Methods: Using a cross-­‐sectional design, workers’ compensation data from the Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims was analyzed to evaluate differences in demographic and injury characteristics, as well as award outcomes, stratified by industry sector. The dataset included all workers’ compensation first reports of injury and claims filed by security and law enforcement personnel in Kentucky from 2005 to 2015. Statistical analyzes included chi-­‐square and …

Fighting The Flu - Devising A Novel Approach To Address Patient Concerns With The Seasonal Influenza Vaccine - South Burlington, Vt, Theodore Cisu

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

In Vermont, it is estimated that influenza-like illness is responsible for $8.9 million annually in direct medical costs. The flu vaccination rate ranges from 33% to 56% across the nation, and Vermonters are vaccinated at a rate of approximately 49% each year. This program aims to provide a novel educational material to patients, specifically addressing concerns with the safety of the seasonal influenza vaccine.

Development Of Guidelines For Refugee Screening At Cmmc Family Medicine Residency, Lewiston, Maine, Catherine Hayes

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Lewiston Maine has the second highest number of refugees in the state of Maine, with 191 total intakes in 2015. Refugee populations face unique health concerns, and providing care for refugees requires education and development of a specialized skill set. This project provided a reference for clinic providers to assist with medical intake screening visits for refugees.

Socioeconomic Factors Associated With Cataract-Related Blindness Treatment In Women In Rural Regions Of Andhra Pradesh, Kiranpreet Kaur 4198353

Undergraduate Research Posters

Despite efforts of Vision 2020 in India, the Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study (APEDS) extrapolated, in 2000, approximately 18.7 million blind people in India and also, projected an increase to 31.6 million blind people by 2020. Within the state Andhra Pradesh itself, preventable corneal blindness increased to 1.84% from 1.5% in the late 1980s.

Numerous public health studies have been conducted to outline factors that cause and preclude treatment of avoidable corneal blindness in the India. Conclusively, the escalation of corneal blindness can be largely attributed to personal, social, and economic barriers in utilizing available eye-care services. However, due to …

E-Cigarettes: Effective Cessation Tools Or Public Health Threat?, Luke Clancy, Kate Babineau

Articles

In a short time, electronic cigarettes have become a multi-billion dollar industry. Since their introduction to the market, prevalence of ever-use among smokers in the USA appears to have increased from 2% in 2010 to >30% in 2012, and the rate of increase appears to be similar in the United Kingdom, Ireland and other Western countries according to a special Eurobarometer survey in 2014.1 The e-cigarette market is estimated to be worth over $3 billion. However, there is no consensus on the role of e-cigarettes and their contribution to the provision of smoking cessation (SC) services, nor to global tobacco …

Evaluation Of A Mosquito Control Intervention And Recommendations For Development Of Best Practice Protocols By The Shire Of Kalamunda, Kerry Staples

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Abstract

The mosquito control program implemented by the Shire of Kalamunda Environmental Health Service has been assessed. Mosquito species and abundance has been evaluated along with an assessment on the current level of pesticide resistance and downstream S‐methoprene levels post‐treatment. The rate of Ross River virus transmission within the Shire has also been considered, along with the relationship between local species and virus transmission.

Methodology

Floating Emergence Traps were used in 15 storm‐water gullies to determine the effectiveness of S‐methoprene briquets in prevention of adult mosquito emergence over 124 days. Samples were taken monthly from October 2014 to March 2015. …

Performance Measurement Processes In Uganda: Role Of Nurse Administrators, Godfrey Katende

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

The concept of performance measurement is relatively new with inadequate documentation in Ugandan health sector. Worldwide, nursing professionals still represent the largest health workforce although their involvement in the policy formulation and development remains minimal. Despite the limited involvement in policy development, the performance measurement and transparency programs continue to target at nursing for quality care improvement. The objective of this paper was to examine performance measurement in the current policy arena with Uganda in order to recommend for use in other developing countries. The paper presents evidence based solutions and strategies for integration of performance measurement when developing standards …