Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Utilization Of A Metabolic Syndrome Index In Evaluating The Life In Balance Lifestyle Intervention For Prevention Of Type 2 Diabetes Among Urban American Indians And Alaska Natives, Hongbin Jin

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: A myriad of diabetes prevention programs modeled on the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) are carried out worldwide to fight against the current diabetes pandemic. The percentage of weight reduction is a widely used indicator to evaluate diabetes prevention programs. However, weight change alone may not fully reflect the efficacy of lifestyle intervention. A metabolic syndrome index is a promising novel scale for evaluation of diabetes prevention programs because it is a systematic, comprehensive, and stable indicator that reflects the metabolic risk reduction for diabetes and its complications at multiple levels and dimensions.

Methods: A total of 22 overweight and …

Relationship Of Demographic Characteristics And Bmi With Health Literacy In Pacific Islander Care-Giving Adults, Sharla E. Morgan

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Health literacy and obesity are major global issues. Vulnerable populations, such as those with low health literacy, have the highest rates of obesity. Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHOPI) nations have the highest prevalence of obesity in the world. This study describes the relationship between health literacy and demographic variables in a sample of NHOPI caregiving adults. Methods: We conducted a correlational study of 364 NHOPI adults. Each was a caregiver of at least one NHOPI child. Data were collected at grocery stores and a preschool in two Hawaiian Islands (n=209) and at NHOPI events in Utah (n=155). …

An Analysis Of The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status And Skin Cancer Using The Health Information National Trends Survey, 2005, Erin Ruoff

Public Health Theses

Background: Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer yet for certain types of skin cancers, it can be fatal if it goes untreated. While ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of skin cancer, there are several other risk factors, including sunburn history, smoking, environmental pollutants, family history, personal history, and skin color. Practicing sun protection behaviors and receiving regular skin cancer screenings can prevent the cancer from ever developing. This study examines the demographic and socioeconomic status risk factors for skin cancer.

Methods: The Health Information National Trends Survey data was used from 2005. Using this …

The Effect Of Education On Healthcare Personnel's Knowledge Of Lymphedema Detection And Prevention, Dolly Wilson

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Secondary lymphedema (SLE) is a serious problem for many of the 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. It is estimated that 28 - 38% of breast cancer survivors develop lymphedema. The five-year incidence ranges from 43% to 94% (Armer, 2010). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an education program on healthcare personnel's knowledge of the risk of and preventive measures for upper limb lymphedema in breast cancer patients. A sample of healthcare personnel (N = 32) included both trained healthcare personnel and ancillary staff who are employed in a single oncology center …

Role Of Testosterone In Prevention Of Alzheimer's Disease, Eka J. Wahjoepramono

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Abstract not available

Asthma Prevalence: Focus On Prevention Management In Community Settings, Augustine M. Amenyah

Public Health Theses

Asthma prevalence continues to increase across the United States of America, affecting more than 43.1 million people and projected to affect over 50 million people by 2025. Asthma prevalence differs by demographic characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, education, age and gender. Poor quality of life is common among people who suffer from asthma, in addition to school and work absenteeism. In 2008, children 5-17 years old with at least one reported asthma attack missed 10.5 million school days in the past year (CDC, 2010). Healthcare use for asthma is high and disparities remain in asthma healthcare use and …

Awareness Of Diabetes Risk And Adoption Of Diabetes Risk Reduction Behaviors In The Presence Of Other Risk Factors In U.S Adults: An Examination Of Nhanes Data 2007-2008, Payal S. Shah

Public Health Theses

ABSTRACT

Background: Prediabetes is a precursor condition to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Previous research and clinical trials have shown that the onset of type 2 diabetes could be delayed or prevented through structured life style modifications such as dietary changes, modest weight loss and moderate-intensity exercise. This study examines U.S adults of different ethnicities that include non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black and Mexican Americans and whether their awareness of diabetes risk is associated with their participation in diabetes risk reduction behavior, a combination of physical activity, weight control and fat/calories intake.

Methods: The 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, NHANES, …

An Investigation Of Random Drug Testing As A Preventative Measure To Inhibit Drug Use In College Students, Drew Ludtke

Ed.D. Dissertations

The problem of drug use exists at most life stages. In particular, the problem of drug use exists in school settings. In a collegiate setting, students are independent from guardians for the first time and subjected to random drug testing (RDT). The difficulty in testing in a collegiate setting is finding ways to test the effectiveness of RDT. This study examined the effectiveness of an RDT program at a small Midwest university. Reports of drug use and attitudes were recorded before a RDT program was initiated and two years after. The results showed the RDT program was ineffective at preventing …

An Investigation On Hiv Related Stigma To Improve Hiv Prevention Efforts In North Dakota, Krissie Lynn Mayer-Guerard

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study examines HIV stigma to improve HIV prevention in North Dakota. A survey was administered to North Dakotan adults between January 15 and February 15, 2011, in eight selected towns. The study focused on North Dakotan perceptions of HIV in their state. Research found that most North Dakotans do not view HIV as a problem in their state. There is, however, a belief that there is stigma associated with HIV in North Dakota, as 65 percent of survey respondents believe that. The study also shows that there is a need for education regarding the transmission of HIV. Sixty percent …

Individual, Socio-Cultural And Structural Factors Associated With Cervical Cancer Screening And Treatment In Tanzania, Renicha Tomeka Mccree

All ETDs from UAB

Most African countries including Tanzania have limited cervical cancer screening and treatment programs. Only about 5% of women have ever been screened for cervical cancer. A constellation of individual and structural factors contributes to the challenge of cervical cancer screening and treatment in countries that bear significant burdens of disease. Yet, little is known about country specific factors that may constrain or facilitate scale up of health services. This dissertation is an attempt to identify and understand the country specific individual and structural barriers along with facilitators to cervical cancer screening and treatment in Tanzania. Individual, institutional and structural level …

Conceptualization Of Cervical Cancer And Screening Experiences Among Zambian Women Attending A Cervical Screening Program, Heather Leah White

All ETDs from UAB

Invasive cervical cancer (ICC) is the second most commonly diagnosed malignancy worldwide, and approximately 85% of the disease burden occurs in underdeveloped countries. In 2006, the Zambian government launched a cervical screening program within primary health clinics using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) coupled with immediate treatment via cryotherapy. The objective of this dissertation was to determine whether the VIA screening program is responsive to the needs and concerns of Zambian women in an effort to improve screening uptake, and for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive women who are potentially subject to increased ICC screening and treatment, increase long-term …

School Psychologists' Communication And Collaboration With Community-Based Mental Health Professionals, Audra St. John Walsh

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Although collaboration between school psychologists and community-based mental health professionals is essential in the provision of comprehensive and effective mental health services for youth with intensive mental health needs, youth may not receive the full benefit of these coordinated efforts, as collaboration may not occur as often as it should. This study investigated the frequency of communication and collaboration between school- and community-based professionals, the purposes and methods of communication, and the benefits and barriers to collaboration. Survey data from 80 members of the Florida Association of School Psychologists were collected and analyzed. Forty-three percent of school psychologists reported communicating …

The Parents' Role In Childhood Obesity, Heather M. Wintrup

Psychology and Child Development

This paper is an examination of the current childhood obesity crisis in the U.S. and how this epidemic is related to psychological issues. Specifically, the role of parental forces on children’s health attitudes and habits is addressed. The following chapters will define and explain the current situation of childhood obesity, investigate the role parents have in contributing to their children’s weight development, and cover methods of intervention for families dealing with this serious health issue.

More Than S.K.I.N. Deep: Decreasing Pressure Ulcer Development In The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Christine A. Schindler

Dissertations (1934 -)

Pressure ulcers are defined as localized areas of tissue destruction that develop when soft tissue is compressed between a bony prominence and an external surface for a prolonged period of time. Although any hospitalized child is at risk for the development of a pressure ulcer, the critically ill child is at increased risk. The critical care environment poses special challenges to preventing the development of pressure ulcers secondary to the high acuity of patients and the highly invasive nature of interventions and therapies those patients receive. The incidence of pediatric pressure ulcer development in the critical care population has been …

Implementation And Data Tracking Of School-Linked Mental Health Services At A Rural Mental Health Agency, Jim Redmond

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

In late December of 2007 Tom McNeely, the clinical director for the Sioux Trails Mental Health Center, received a Request for Proposals (RFP) from the Minnesota Department of Human Services soliciting grant applications for a new school-linked mental health program. The school-linked program would provide students (K-12) attending public schools full therapeutic services in an effort to reduce mental health issues as a barrier to learning. This approach mirrored Sioux Trails’ belief that a holistic philosophy incorporating prevention and early intervention is the most effective healthcare service. Since the RTF seemed a good fit for the agency, Mr. McNeely, along …

The Influence Of Indoor Air Quality (Iaq) On Student Test Performance, Denise M. Hreha

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

.

Body Image Among Elementary-Aged Children: Development, Implications, And Interventions, Mindy Beth Probst

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Body image is the mental image or conception that one has of one's body. Its development is effected by an individual's life experiences beginning at birth. Statistics show that close to half of elementary-aged children are already dissatisfied with their bodies and have begun to develop negative body images. Review of the current literature suggests that family, peers, cultural values and the media, and changes in physical appearance related to adiposity rebound and puberty are the major causes of this unfortunate situation. Research is also showing that children are participating in unhealthy diet and exercise practices as a result of …

Osteoporosis Prevention In Undergraduate College Students At Ouachita Baptist University And Henderson State University, Bethany Murray

Honors Theses

Objective The purpose of this survey-based research project was to examine lifestyle, diet, and exercise habits of the undergraduate students at Ouachita Baptist University and Henderson State University to see if these students are making choices that will increase or decrease their risk of osteoporosis.

Design Surveys were completed by undergraduate students at Ouachita Baptist University and Henderson State University. They were asked to answer twenty-six questions about their diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits.

Subjects/Setting One hundred students at Ouachita Baptist University and 98 students at Henderson State University completed the survey in the campus student center.

Statistical Analysis Performed …

Childhood And Adolescent Obesity: Nationwide Pediatric Healthcare Provider Practices And Their Role In Treatment And Prevention Of The Obesity Epidemic, Alison Farley

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research is to explore screening and treatment patterns as well as the underlying provider confidence in their decision-making related to the overweight and obese child and adolescent patient. The screening and treatment of obesity in the child and adolescent population are affected by complex social implications and physical side effects. Without a clear consensus on screening, diagnosis and alternative treatment plans, healthcare providers will not maximize the opportunity to provide primary and secondary prevention to the growing epidemic.

Statistical analysis of secondary survey data was conducted to explore screening and treatment patterns as well as the …

The Effectiveness Of Back Belts As A Control Measure For Occupational Low Back Pain In A Retail Hardware Chain, Nick Merdith

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of the mandatory introduction of back belts on the incidence, days lost and cost of occupational low back injuries resulting from manual handling in 11 retail hardware chain. The study was of a non-experimental before-and-after design with all retail employees in Western Australia being included in a retrospective cohort. The pre-intervention period extended for 21 months and included 2,265,933 work hours with 647 full-time equivalent positions, while the intervention period was 32 months for 4,411,352 hours worked and 827 full-time equivalent positions. Workers' compensation claims for all occupational injuries occurring …

Fall Risk Assessment : A Prospective Investigation Of Nurses' Clinical Judgement And Risk Assessment Tools In Predicting Patient Falls In An Acute Care Setting, Helen Myers

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Falls are a significant problem in acute care, hospital settings, and can have serious consequences, especially for older patients. Fall prevention has therefore been recognised as an important area for research and intervention. In order to target interventions and use resources effectively, a major strategy of many fall prevention programmes has been the development and/or use of risk assessment tools to identify patients who are at high risk of falling. Although many tools have been developed, few have been rigorously tested, and there is currently no evidence to support the clinical utility of fall risk assessment tools. There is a …

Effects Of An Otitis Media Prevention Program On Healthy Infants, Rena D. Matthews

MSN Research Projects

Otitis media (OM) is the leading illness among infants and children. Risk factors have been identified which increase occurrence of OM in infants. The purpose of the quasi- experimental study was to determine if teaching OM prevention to parents of healthy infants would reduce the occurrence rate of OM. The theoretical framework for the research was based on the Health Promotion Model (Pender, 1996) which focuses on the integration of health-promoting behavior into lifestyles. The research hypothesis was that there would be no statistically significant difference in the effects of an OM prevention program on healthy infants and a control …

The Effects Of A Smoking Prevention Program On The Post-Test Knowledge Levels And Attitudes Of Seventh And Eighth Grade Students, Sandra E. Stinson

MSN Research Projects

Chronic health problems associated with smoking in the adult population have been linked with the use of tobacco in the influential adolescent years. Education aimed toward the adolescent may decrease the incidence of cigarette smoking in the adult population. Little research has been done regarding the knowledge and developmental levels of adolescent smoking and the risks for health problems. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to determine the effectiveness of a smoking prevention program on the knowledge and attitudes of seventh and eighth grade students. Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory served as the theoretical framework. The sample consisted of students …

The Modification, Implementation, And Evaluation Of An Hiv/Aids Education Programme For Students In Year 10, Paula Hahnel

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This research addresses the issue of HIVIAIDS education for Year 10 students. The purpose of this study was twofold: to provide baseline data on students’ knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about HIV and AIDS (Phase 1), and to evaluate the effect of an education intervention on possible determinants of behaviour (Phase 2), Previous studies have Indicated that improved knowledge may influence risk-reducing behaviour. In addition, adolescents have numerous misconceptions about the cause and transmission of HIV. However, there has been no known assessment of AIDS knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours of high school students in Western Australia. The study was guided …

Hiv Seroprevalence At A Baltimore Correctional Facility, Kamala Mallik

Public Health Theses

Abstract

Prison and jail inmates constitute a growing population at risk for HIV infection. Inmates are at high risk for HIV infection because of pre-incarceration drug use; 60% of prison and jail inmates reported using drugs regularly at some point in their lives and 27% to 41% of inmates have a history of injection drug use. The high concentration of drug users in correctional facilities offers unparalleled access to a population that is otherwise difficult to reach for public health surveillance and intervention.

The Baltimore City Correctional Facility HIV Serosurvey was conducted by the Baltimore City Health Department between June …

Does An Individualized Back Education Programme Change Nurses' Knowledge And Practice About Back Injury Prevention, Diane K. Riley

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Back injury has predominantly been a problem which has affected a large cross-section of nursing staff involved with direct patient care. While back injury prevention has been instituted in hospitals for sometime, the percentage of nurses with back injury remains high. Within a major teaching hospital, a ward in which nurses suffered a high rate of back injuries was identified. Through an action research approach the researcher (who worked in the same area as the participants) developed and implemented an individualized back injury prevention programme. The 4 criteria by which the study was measured included, a reduction of back injuries, …

Personal And Professional Practices Of Breast Self-Examination In Nurses, Julia Agars

Theses : Honours

Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer in females in Western Australia (W.A.). Despite technological advances the death rate from breast cancer is not decreasing. With the hope of reducing the mortality rates, preventative measures are being encouraged for the early detection of breast cancer. The Cancer Foundation of W.A. promote the performance of Breast Self Examination (BSE) on a monthly basis. The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of BSE practice amongst nurses and the incidence of nurses teaching BSE to patients. The Health Belief Model (HBM) is used as a theoretical framework. This model …