Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

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 …

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, …

A Comparison Of Food Inspection Practices Of The U.S. Air Force And Ohio Local Public Health, Danny R. Pizzino, Karen A.N. Rupp

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: As Americans consume more meals outside the home, food safety of restaurants is more critical. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of food service establishment (FSE) inspection frequency on FSE performance. In this study, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) public health system is compared to Ohio local public health departments (Ohio LPHDs). The USAF inspects FSEs more frequently than Ohio LPHDs do. The goal is to determine if this increased frequency leads to higher food safety in the FSEs.

Methods: We reviewed 1482 reports from three USAF bases and 1909 reports from six Ohio LPHDs …

The Dental Safety Net In Montgomery County: A Status Report, Sequoia Y. Butcher

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Adult oral health has been identified as a major public health problem by the United States Surgeon General. A substantial number of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have untreated tooth decay. There are limited treatment options for adults without dental insurance. Low-income adults must turn to free/low cost clinics, or private dentists that accept Medicaid to receive dental care. However, these resources are often limited. When the resources are not available these adults are left to deal with untreated tooth decay which can lead to worsening conditions and other health issues.

Methods: Eleven key-informant interviews were …

Are Maternal Child Health Outcomes Affected By Adequacy Of Prenatal Care In Montgomery County, Oh?, Amy Rouse

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Prenatal Care has been recommended by the World Health Organization for all pregnant women in order to improve health outcomes of the mother and the child. However, recommendations for the number of visits required to provide adequate health care and improve outcomes continue to be debated. Understanding if adequate prenatal care is improving maternal child outcomes is essential before making these recommendations. This research aims to determine if in Montgomery County, OH the adequacy of prenatal care influenced gestational age at birth, birth weight, breastfeeding rate, rate of cesarean sections, and smoking cessation rates.

Methods: De-indentified birth data was …

Food Deserts And Their Association With Obesity And Diabetes In Ohio, Alexis Holmes, Detra Thompson

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective- The purpose of this study was to explore the association of food access, and availability, on prevalence of diabetes and obesity in Ohio census tracts designated as food deserts.

Methods- County and census tract-level data were combined from the USDA Food Environment Atlas and USDA Food Desert Locator respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Non-normally distributed variables were assessed using the Mann-Whitney nonparametric U-test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Significance was considered at the p

Results- The mean rate of obesity and diabetes in Ohio in food deserts are 29.5% and 10.7%, when …

Fostering Aging In Place: "Healthy Naturally Occurring Retirement Community" (H-Norc) Qualities In A Southwest Ohio Suburb, Laura A. Previll

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

This community assessment uses the concept of “H-NORCs” or Healthy Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities as a framework to analyze supports for aging (Masotti, Johnson-Masotti, Fick, & MacLeod, 2006) in Kettering, Ohio -- a first tier suburb of Dayton where the proportion of people over the age of 60 was 23.8% in 2010. In this study, I used focus groups and interviews to collect qualitative data on five H-NORC attributes: (1) economic policies that benefit seniors; (2) types of transportation support for seniors; (3) neighborhood design for physical activity; (4) opportunities for social integration and sense of belonging; and (5) health …

Differences In Immunity Offered By The Influenza Vaccination Among Active Duty Us Air Force Personnel From 2007-2011, Billy D. Pruett

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential difference in vaccine effectiveness among Active Duty Air Force (ADAF) personnel vaccinated against influenza from 2007-2011. Particularly, to determine if any difference in the protection offered is based on sex, vaccine type, or both.

METHODS: The proposed study incorporated a cross-sectional design using the Department of Defense’s (DoD) comprehensive databases. Laboratory-confirmed influenza and other Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases were identified for each of the four influenza seasons of interest, vaccination status and history was then verified, and 2x2 tables were constructed in order to calculate odds ratios.

RESULTS: No consistent difference in vaccine effectiveness in …

Rights Of Ohio Mothers: Best Practices For The Pediatric Patient With A Life-Threatening Illness, Kelly Peekstok

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and review current best practices with regards to a minor’s refusal of life-sustaining medical treatment. The policies of other developed countries and states within the United States serve as a guide for developing evidence-based guidelines for Ohio healthcare professionals. Four specific cases were identified and then analyzed. The results showed that in three of the four cases, the wishes of the minor were followed. While each case contains its own set of complexities, creating a developmental guideline for healthcare organizations will ensure protection of the minor’s capacity to make autonomous decisions.

Evidence-Based Hazmat Medical Surveillance, Michael D. Jacobson

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) teams are tasked with neutralizing substances that pose a dire threat to human health. As a result, communities invest substantially in medical surveillance to protect first responders. Yet, little is known as to the actual exposures, consequent injuries, and cost-effectiveness of medical surveillance.

Objective: The purposes of this study were: 1) Determine actual HAZMAT threats. 2) In light of these threats, evaluate current regulatory requirements, recommendations and practices for their basis in evidence.

Methods: National HAZMAT data was analyzed for trends and compared with local response records from 2008 through 2011. Regulations applicable to medical surveillance …

A Descriptive Analysis Of Lung Cancer In Montgomery County, Ohio, Catherine Klose

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Lung cancer statistics are alarming, especially when it is considered by many to largely be a preventable disease. Lung cancers are the leading cause of all cancer deaths, more than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer combined. Cancers of the bronchus and lung make up the greatest percentage of the newly diagnosed cancers reported to the Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System (OCISS). The stage of diagnosis of lung and bronchus cancers is an important determinant of survival. Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer. Race and gender disparities also exist with lung cancer, and socioeconomic factors have …

Analyzing Healthy Lifestyle Initiatives For Seniors: A Descriptive Study Of Senior Centers In Montgomery County, Ohio, Abhinav Rajpal

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The population of the elderly is expected to rise due to an increase in life expectancy and the aging baby boomer population. This increase in the elderly population will likely cause a burden on the health care system. This burden can be mitigated by promoting healthy lifestyles such as increased physical activity, healthy eating, and tobacco cessation in the elderly. Additionally, by participating in healthy behaviors, seniors can significantly improve their quality of life. Senior centers are at the forefront of promoting healthy lifestyles for the elderly. By promoting physical, social, and mental well-being, senior centers act as a focal …

Analysis Of An Improved Cook Stove Intervention In Rural Guatemala, Chad Graven

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

An estimated three billion people cook and heat their homes using open fires and nearly two million people die prematurely from illness attributable to indoor air pollution from solid fuel use. According to the World Health Organization, “every year, indoor air pollution is responsible for the death of 1.6 million people...one death every twenty seconds.” Various international groups, government initiatives, and communities have attempted to improve this indoor air pollution problem around the world by implementing various improved cook stove models. In July, 2011, Partners In Health (PIH) and Equipo Técnico de Educación en Salud Comunitaria (ETESC) co-directed the delivery …

Chronic Disease Prevalence Of A Refugee Population In Dayton, Oh, Sandeep Palakodeti

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Introduction: This study aimed to understand the chronic disease burden of anemia, cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, overweight/obesity, stroke, and tobacco use in the domestic as well as a refugee population. It also aimed to examine the current literature on appropriate screening for those conditions.

Methods: 348 refugee screening intake exams from Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County were analyzed for presence of the conditions stated. Screening intake recommendations from the CDC, the Minnesota Public Health Department, the Canadian Collaboration for Immigrant and Refugee Health, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services were examined and compared in order …

Health Enhancing Policies And Environments In Select Montgomery County Senior Centers, Stacey L. Gardner

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

As the baby boomer generation reaches elderly status, healthcare expenditures in the United States continue to rise. Contributing to healthcare costs is the high prevalence of chronic diseases caused by unhealthy habits of Americans such as tobacco use, lack of physical activity, and consumption of a poor diet. Many chronic diseases can be prevented by engaging in healthier behaviors. Communities and organizations can shift social norms and affect behaviors through policy intervention and environmental strategies. The purpose of this study was to describe policies and environments that foster healthy lifestyles in select senior centers in Montgomery County, Ohio. Specifically, this …

Best Practice For Casualty Simulation - Role-Playing Actor, High Fidelity Mannequin Simulation, Or Virtual Reality?, Robert Sarlay

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: The purpose of this systemic review of the literature is to determine the best practice with regards to simulating casualties during a disaster response exercise.

Methods: MEDLINE was searched from 1950 till present for the key terms of disaster, simulation, and emergency preparedness. Articles were included which met the following criteria: English language, human subjects, original research using any research design (with or without intervention), and primary focus of disaster preparedness using simulation, virtual reality, or role playing actors.

Results: Of the 386 articles reviewed only 18 met inclusion criteria. The literature is primarily descriptive in nature with regards …

Needs Assessment For The Mobile Health Clinic Of The Sukhdev Raj Soin Hospital, Luke Rothermel

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

India has an established system of medical and public health services to provide care to all citizens through a government‐run network of providers and infrastructure. That system, though, is constrained by socio‐economic limitations, a booming population, and the cultural variations of its population. In addition to the public efforts to provide health care, the private sector has grown to serve a large portion of the population. Many of these private initiatives are found in urban areas where the potential for financial gain are great, but others have spread into semi‐urban areas and villages to serve the more rural populations. The …

Pregnancy Management Strategies And Childbirth Experiences Of Internally Displaced Women In Barranquilla, Colombia, Bre Bolivar

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

This ethnographic study aims to illuminate the experiences of pregnant and new mothers in poor areas of Colombia with respect to pregnancy and childbirth. Ethnographic observations including key informant qualitative interviews were performed by the primary investigator in four different neighborhoods in and around the city of Barranquilla, Colombia, over the course of 3 months. A total of 24 women were interviewed, and additional interviews were held with Colombian medical students, religious workers and not-for-profit healthcare leaders. I seek to better understand the perspectives of these internally displaced women in terms of contraception use including the sense of necessity of …

Influence Of The Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act On The Development Of The Patient Centered Medical Home, Anjali Rao

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model of care incorporates many public health concepts. Some supporters of PCMH regard the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as legislation that will invigorate PCMH progress across the country. This policy analysis intends to understand the influence of the ACA on the development of PCMH. The policy analysis compares relevant sections of the ACA with core PCMH concepts agreed upon by major medical professional organizations. The evaluative framework uses a “traffic light” system to rate each section of the ACA based on the accuracy of the section as compared to PCMH criteria, and denotes whether …

The Efficacy Of Abstinence Only Education, Jennie Watt Mcadams

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and unplanned teen pregnancies cost the United States billions of dollars every year in various forms of government aid. Why are the numbers of teenage incidences of these health indicators higher than almost every other industrialized nation? Why are the youth in the United States so far behind their peers in sexual health? This paper proposes that one cause is that government funding goes to abstinence only education curriculum which is taught in many schools across the nation. These curricula many times do not teach youth about sexual protection or health and other times contain false information. If …

Correlation Of Discharge Diagnostic Codes With Laboratory-Confirmed Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Bloodstream Infections At A Large Pediatric Hospital, Andrew J. Kreppel

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-specific hospital discharge codes were introduced in October 2008. The purpose of this project is to study the correlation of these codes with laboratory-proven pediatric MRSA bloodstream infections.

Methods: Laboratory and discharge databases were used to identify patientsChildren’s Hospital Medical Center from October 2008 through December 2010 with MRSA bloodstream infections. The laboratory database identified patients with a positive blood culture for MRSA, and the discharge database identified patients with an MRSA bloodstream discharge code (038.12 for MRSA sepsis or 041.12 for MRSA infection with either 790.7 for bacteremia or 771.81 for newborn sepsis or 771.83 …

State Policies For Health Education In Public Schools, Lynda K. Vu

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Federal and state governmental activities have significantly influenced schools’ health education practices over the past 50 years. Evaluation of these initiatives in the scientific literature has enhanced development of health education and influenced the creation of the National Health Education Standards (NHES). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducts periodic surveys to evaluate the impact of state and local policies on school health education programs and practices.

Objectives: This research project reviews and analyzes state health education policies for the 50 states plus the District of Columbia with regard to the recommendations of the NHES. It also …

Trends In Maternal And Infant Health: An Analysis Of Births In Montgomery County, Ohio, 2000-2010, Abby Burns

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The demographic characteristics of women who give birth are continually changing. Age, education, use of assisted reproductive technology, BMI before pregnancy, and weight gain during pregnancy are maternal factors that play a role in maternal and fetal health. Other factors including induction, route of delivery, calculated gestational age, and birthweight help determine and identify complications of pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to analyze trends of maternal demographics, risk factors, and birth outcomes associated with poor health outcomes. This research is a secondary analysis of Ohio Natality Statistical Files collected by the Ohio Department of Health, Center for Vital …

Obesity: The Anthropometric And Demographic Characteristics Of Insured And Uninsured Individuals, Terra Fox Williams

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objectives. This study evaluates the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and health insurance status in attendees at a local health fair. BMI was also compared among ages, gender, and races.

Methods. Descriptive analysis conducted using data collected at the “Celebrating Life and Health” health fairs between the years 2008 and 2011. Data for this study were collected at the BMI booth staffed by Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine students.

Results. The results of this particular study do not demonstrate a statistical difference between obesity and health insurance status. Consistent with other research articles this study does show that …

The Role Of Supermarkets In Community Nutrition, Staci Gruber

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Chronic diseases related to nutrition are a serious threat to public health. Supermarkets offer an important and promising venue to improve diet quality and overall health. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the supermarkets’ community nutrition focus and interest in public health.

Methods: This study emphasis’s a triangulated qualitative study design. It employs various methods and taps various sources for data. Twenty face-to-face, semi-structured key informant interviews were conducted with five full service supermarket chains in Montgomery County, Ohio; Wal-Mart, Kroger, Meijer, Cub Foods, and Dorothy Lane Market. Qualitative sources of information collected include store observation and …

Evaluation Of Cancer From Exposure To Cyanotoxins In Drinking Water At Grand Lake Saint Marys, Timothy Edward Soward

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: The Celina Water Department treats and supplies surface water contaminated by cyanotoxins from Grand Lake Saint Marys (GLSM) to approximately 12,000 customers in Celina, Ohio. Cyanotoxins are a biochemically and bioactively diverse group of extremely potent natural toxins in water. A common cyanotoxin called microcystin-LR found in GLSM has been associated with acute liver damage and potentially liver and colorectal cancer.

Methods: In this observational study, the city of Celina (Mercer County) Ohio that had a contaminated surface water supply, the cancer incidence was compared with two control cities, St. Marys, and Wapakoneta (Auglaize County) in Ohio, both served …

Are Student Nurses Ready For Disasters? An Analysis Of Emergency Preparedness Content In Nursing School Textbooks Used In The Miami Valley, Kimberly Caudill

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Results of an analysis of nursing textbooks used in the Miami Valley, indicate that there is minimal emergency preparedness content included. The research was based on the textbooks used in the Introduction to Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, and Community Health Nursing classes at four local nursing schools: Sinclair Community College, Kettering College of Medical Arts, Cedarville University, and Wright State University. The Community Health Nursing classes have the most prepared content, and include extra content in the form of tables and pictures .The analysis indicates that Wright State University does the best job at preparing student nurses to be ready to …

Assessment Of Refugees’ Health In Montgomery County: A Case Study Of Refugees From Rwanda And Burundi, Jean De Dieu Mukunzi

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The purpose of this research study was to identify health needs and health problems experienced by a refugee/asylee population in Montgomery County. Montgomery County hosts a large number of refugees, asylees and asylum seekers from countries such as Iraq, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Soudan, Rwanda, Burundi and Congo.

A public health challenge is limited demographic data about this population. The scarce data on their health needs slows down not only their successful resettlement but also limits community organizations, health and human services agencies to improve the delivery of health care services and health promotion programs to refugees and immigrants in Montgomery County. …

Comparing Cognitive Functioning And Adverse Metabolic Effects Of Consumers Taking Type 1 Or Type 2 Antipsychotic Medications With Un-Medicated Consumers, Muhammad Puri

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Obesity and metabolic side effects such as diabetes mellitus are major concerns in public health. Mentally ill people are a high risk subgroup for obesity and metabolic syndrome because of behavior, non treatment, and medication side effects. In this research, I conducted a retrospective chart review to compare the weight and body mass index of consumers who were prescribed antipsychotic Type 1 or Type 2 medications. The sample was drawn from consumers attending the Consumer Advocacy Model (CAM) program which is an outpatient substance abuse and mental health treatment program in the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Department …