Public Health Commons^™

Evaluating Pulp Therapy Provided By Medicaid-Participating Pediatric And General Dentists In Georgia From 2010-2019, Michelle Zin, Beau Meyer, Michael Milano

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate reimbursable pulp therapy trends in primary teeth performed by general and pediatric dentists.

Methods: Aggregate Medicaid claims data from 2010-2019 were obtained from the state of Georgia’s Department of Community Health. Two different primary dentition pulp therapy rates were compared between general and pediatric dentists: procedures per provider and children treated per provider. Descriptive statistics, poisson regression, and correlational analysis were performed.

Results: Pulp therapy utilization for procedures per provider and children treated per provider decreased (Incidence rate ratio (IRR)=0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95 to 0.99; …

What Could Go Wrong? Patient And Hospital Characteristics Associated With Pediatric Quality Of Inpatient Care And Pediatric Adverse Events, Michael H. Samawi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to analyze associations between hospital and patient characteristics with pediatric adverse events (PAE) in the inpatient hospital setting, utilizing the framework of pediatric quality indicators (PDIs) from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) indicators. Three PDIs were identified and utilized for this purpose: NQI 03 Neonatal Blood Stream Infection, PDI 09 Postoperative Respiratory Failure, and PDI 10 Postoperative Sepsis. The data used for the study is based on an analysis of discharge data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kid’s Inpatient Databases (KID) for the year 2019. The findings contribute to the growing …

Sheprep: Examining The Influence Of The Messaging And The Messenger Associated With Prep Uptake Among African American Women, Christian C. Spears

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

African American Women (AAW) make up less than 15% of the female population in the United States but account for over 50% of new HIV diagnoses among females. This largely preventable health disparity can be mitigated by advocating and prescribing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a preventive HIV medication, to persons at risk. Despite advances in medication options, there are less than 13% of Black people who could benefit from having been prescribed PrEP, and limited research and promotion on the effectiveness of PrEP for AAW. The “ShePrEP Study” aimed to assess awareness, perceptions, and receptivity toward PrEP among AAW. This study …

Social Media Engagement Among Individuals With Depression Or Anxiety Disorder, Elizabeth Ayangunna, Gulzar Shah

GS4 Georgia Southern Student Scholars Symposium

Background

With the increasing use of the Internet and its constant shaping of our perception of realities, knowing the consumer’s social media behavior can lead to the development of health interventions based on their preferred engagement pattern. This is particularly important for people with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety disorder who may have challenges getting support from familiar people due to the stigma associated with these conditions.

Objective

The objective of this study is to examine the patterns of social media use and its correlates, including depression or anxiety disorder.

Methods

This study combined data from 4 …

Perceptions Of Hypertension And Treatment Adherence In Impoverished Hypertensive Adults: A Qualitative Analysis, Sarah E. Hogg

Honors College Theses

Hypertension is a global public health crisis. It is the largest risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death globally (CDC, 2021). While it can be managed, there are additional barriers that hypertensive impoverished populations face in regards to hypertension management. The purpose of this study was to explore knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of hypertension, and treatment adherence in impoverished hypertensive adults. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis, and were explained within the context of the health belief model. The results show that there was a lack of understanding of hypertension and its long term effects. …

Becoming A Public Health Professional: Millennials’ Perspective On Organizational Assimilation And Professional Identity, Tony K. Winters

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Public health must confront the ongoing challenge of workforce transitions and the impending exodus of existing employees. The millennial generation rises as an option to fill this workforce gap. Using the Socialization Resource Theory as a framework and qualitative data from in-depth interviews with 27 millennial professionals from federal, state, local, and non-governmental public health agencies, this study describes (a) the organizational assimilation (OA) process for millennial public health professionals, (b) explores the impact of OA on professional identity, and (c) describes how the OA process may impact the retention of public health professionals.

The results from this study …

An Analysis Of Georgia Mothers Who Gave Birth In 2015 And 2016 Without Receiving Prenatal Care, Joncel Stephens, Shanta R. Dube, Merrilee Gober

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The present study characterizes the population of women residing in the state of Georgia who did not receive prenatal care before giving birth to a live infant. The association between mother’s place of residence (rural/non-rural) and preterm delivery was also examined.

Methods: This study examined data obtained from the Georgia Department of Public Health which includes data for 7,062 mothers who did not receive prenatal care before giving birth to a live infant in Georgia in the years 2015 and 2016. Data on the resulting births was also studied. Descriptive analyses of the following variables were used …

Grant Application For The Hearts And Hands Clinic, Christine Cooper, Ariellah Ward

Eagle Showcase: Excellence in Service-Learning

During our service-learning course on public health funding and grant writing, we had the opportunity to work at the Hearts and Hands Clinic. During the pandemic, many families lost their income and healthcare insurance. Thus, facing uncertainties about where to obtain medical care. The clinic wanted to expand its existing chronic care program to an underserved community in Evans County. Our task was to prepare a grant application for the clinic to secure the funding needed to help vulnerable adults better manage their chronic disease and prevent further complications. Engaging in this applied experience allowed us to improve our implementation …

The Association Of Demographic Characteristics And Social Vulnerability With Covid-19 Outcomes, Gloria D. Boone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Association of Demographic Characteristics and Social Vulnerability With COVID-19 Outcomes

by

Gloria Boone

(Under the Direction of Gulzar Shah)

ABSTRACT

This research explored 102 Illinois counties' COVID-19 data to determine whether demographic characteristics and social vulnerability are associated with increased vulnerability to COVID-19 infections and deaths. COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups and has been deadlier for African American and Hispanic people. The findings of this research will contribute to the knowledge base regarding social vulnerability and assist public health officials in targeting resources and designing interventions. This study used a retrospective cross-sectional design to assess demographic characteristics of …

Qualitative Study Of Factors Contributing To Fertility Service Use Among Cancer Survivors Of Reproductive Age In The Us, Angela Rodgers Moore

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the United States; however, there has been a decline in incidence and mortality due to advances in screening and treatment. Currently 16.9 million survivors are thriving within the United States, and the population of cancer survivors has been projected to grow to 22.2 million by 2030. Although cancer survivors report an increased surge of vitality and vigor, they often face physical, mental, psychosocial, or financial challenges that threaten their quality of life. A late treatment effect of particular concern for cancer survivors of reproductive age that has both physical and psychosocial …

Assessing The Percieved Barriers To Early Detection, Treatment, And Management Of Cervical Cancer Among Ghanaian Women, Angela D. Blackwell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess the perceived barriers and strategies for improvement of timely detection, treatment, and management of cervical cancer among Ghanaian women in a tertiary hospital setting. Methods: Sixty semi-structured interviews, comprised of thirty-five cervical cancer patients and twenty-five healthcare professionals who provide cervical cancer care, were conducted. Two focus groups were conducted, including four healthcare professionals and another with two healthcare professionals—the data were analyzed using NVivo 12. A theoretical thematic analysis was utilized to identify common themes and sub-themes that arose from the participant interviews. The social-ecological model framework was employed to …

The Effect Of Patient And Hospital-Level Factors On 30-Day Readmission After Initial Hospitalization Due To Stroke, Emmanuel Akowuah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Hospital readmissions account for a large part of healthcare costs, especially among stroke patients. Readmission is common among disabled stroke survivors because they often suffer some neurological deficits, functional impairment, and other preexisting cardiovascular conditions. Although previous studies have explored the relationship between hospital readmissions after initial hospitalization due to stroke and a set of predictors using various analytical models, it often remains uncertain which predictors are most influential or essential. This study aimed to assess the effect of patient and hospital-levels factors on 30-day readmission after initial hospitalization due to stroke using the Anderson model of healthcare …

Eye Screening In U.S. Adults With Diabetes: Examination Of Trends, Racial And Ethnic Differences, And Contribution Of Medicaid Expansion, Meps 2010-2017, Karon Lewis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a prevalent cause of vision impairment and blindness among adults in the United States. Early diagnosis of DR through dilated eye examinations can reduce the risk of vision impairment or loss. Differences in eye examination rates by race and ethnicity have been suggested by prior studies emphasizing importance of increasing insurance coverage and access to care among minority populations. The Affordable Care Act aimed to expand health insurance coverage and improve access to care. This study examined trends overall and by race and ethnicity in eye examination rates and the contribution of Medicaid expansion on changes …

Resources To Access Health Care For Low Socioeconomic Status Youth Athletes, Stephanie Walsh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Approximately 60 million youth participate in organized sports, with 13.5 million receiving care for sports related injuries each year. Most youth sports organizations do not have readily accessible health care resources; relying on parents and guardians to manage injuries. However, a majority of parents and guardians are untrained in appropriate management of injuries, therefore there is a need for understanding the availability of health care resources within the community. Resources necessary to access health care include health services, health insurance, transportation, and communication. Barriers to these resources may affect lower socioeconomic status family’s accessibility to care. Purpose: Investigate the …

Community Perceptions On Access To And Communication Gaps Regarding Dementia-Specific Health Resources And Services, Randi G. Bastian

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The people of Appalachia have less access to healthcare resources subsequently leading to deficits in healthcare, health education, and health research. There is a need to address the communication of healthcare resources among populations with low economic status such as the Appalachian communities in Northeast Tennessee. Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) uniquely challenges the healthcare industry while further dividing communities already experiencing hardship in healthcare resources. The Baby Boomer generation is advancing into the age range frequently affected by ADRD, 65 and over. In preparation, healthcare continuum must acknowledge and set out to address dementia-specific care challenges. “Keep …

Are Chronic Inflammatory Diseases Associated With Trauma Exposure And Gender? An Empirical Analysis Of Self-Reported Trauma And Health Histories Of Men And Women, Meghan Lacienski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A growing body of research indicates an association between trauma, inflammation, and chronic inflammatory disease; however, the mechanisms of this relationship are not fully understood, and the salience of potential risk factors, such as cumulative effects of trauma, trauma type, and gender, remain unclear. Trauma is associated with poor mental and physical health, such as PTSD, depression, and chronic inflammatory conditions, and this association may be stronger when certain risk factors are considered (Brody, Pratt, & Hughes, 2018; Groer, Kane, Williams, & Duffy, 2014; Husky, Mazure, & Kovess-Masfety, 2018; Kilpatrick et al., 2013). For example, sexual trauma and multiple traumatic …

Public Health Workforce Perceived Impact Of Emerging Issues In Public Health, Kristie C. Waterfield

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: In an era where public health has been viewed as a global, multi-disciplinary field, the public health workforce has remained united to unfailingly holding fast to the mission of protecting, promoting, and improving the health of the public. However, the practice of public health is consistently evolving, and the workforce is continually facing a mirage of challenges. In order to overcome these challenges, practitioners need to be up-to-date on the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively deliver the core public health services.

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to explore the perceived impact of emerging trends in public …

Let Me Upgrade You: Common Measures In Public Health Accreditation Action Plans, Gurleen K. Roberts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to understand the success rates for health departments pursuing and achieving accreditation in version 1.0 and 1.5 of the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) standards and measures. During the accreditation process, health departments that present performance gaps are asked to complete an Action Plan to specify how they plan to improve to meet the desired conformity. This study will highlight specific measures that are often included in Action Plans so that health departments pursuing accreditation can be better prepared to address these common pitfalls.

Methods: This study is a non-experimental, secondary …

Association Between Local Health Departments’ Engagement In Phab Accreditation And Budget Cuts Prevention, Ghadeer M. Albashir

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: The primary purpose of this study is to examine whether engagement in Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) accreditation process and its requirements are associated with budget cuts prevention for local health departments (LHDs). Methods: For this study, we performed multinomial logistic regression using the 2016 National Profile of Local Health Departments Survey conducted by the National Association of County and City Health Officials. Results: While budget did not change for a majority of LHDs in comparison with previous year (48.6%), there were 28.7% that reported budget increase, and almost a quarter of LHDs had reduced budget (23%). The multinomial …

Application Of The Misclassification Simulation Extrapolation (Mc-Simex) Procedure To Log-Logistic Accelerated Failure Time (Aft) Models In Survival Analysis, Varadan Sevilimedu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Survival analysis is the study of time to event outcomes. Accelerated Failure Time models (AFT) serve as a useful tool in survival analysis to study the time of occurrence of an event and its relation to the covariates of interest. The accuracy of estimation of parameters in a model depends upon the correct measurement of covariates. Considering that perfect measurement of covariates is highly unlikely, it is imperative that the performance of the existing bias-correction methods be analyzed in AFT models. However, certain areas of bias-correction in AFT models still remain unexplored. One of these unexplored areas, is a situation …

Provider Recommendations For Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (Hpv) Among Adolescent Males In Southwest Georgia Counties And The Associated Hpv Prevalence In This Population, Benjamin K. Poku

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this research study was to examine the variation in healthcare providers’ behavior in recommending the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to young male adolescents (aged 11-12), middle male adolescents (aged 13-17) and late male adolescents (aged 18-26) in rural Southwest Georgia counties. This research also aimed to identify factors associated with providers’ behaviors concerning HPV vaccination recommendation to youth in various age groups.

Methods: Upon IRB approval, secondary data were obtained from Albany Area Primary Care for a paper-based survey that was conducted in 2014 using a representative random sample of family physicians (n=12), pediatricians (n=6), and …