Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

2012

Public Health

University of North Florida

Articles 1 - 16 of 16

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Adult Attachment Style, Spirituality, And Religiosity Among Individuals In Treatment For Substance Use Disorders, E Gail Horton, Naelys Diaz, Michael Weiner, Tammy Malloy Apr 2012

Adult Attachment Style, Spirituality, And Religiosity Among Individuals In Treatment For Substance Use Disorders, E Gail Horton, Naelys Diaz, Michael Weiner, Tammy Malloy

Florida Public Health Review

Spirituality and religiosity are considered to be protective factors in the treatment of substance abuse. Little is known, however, about how adult attachment style may be associated with levels of spirituality and religiosity. This study explored adult at- tachment styles among individuals in inpatient treatment for substance abuse and dependence and determined if there were significant differences between spirituality and/or religiosity variables by adult attachment style within the sample. Results indicated that neither of the religiosity variables varied by attachment style, but that one of two subscales in the spirituality measure, existential purpose and meaning, did vary significantly. Specifically, differences …


Children’S Vulnerability Related To Chlorine Exposure, Container Confusion, And Mixing Household Cleaners – Florida, 2006-2008, Roxie Zarate, Alan Becker, Ivette A. López, Jay L. Schauben Apr 2012

Children’S Vulnerability Related To Chlorine Exposure, Container Confusion, And Mixing Household Cleaners – Florida, 2006-2008, Roxie Zarate, Alan Becker, Ivette A. López, Jay L. Schauben

Florida Public Health Review

Acute and chronic effects of exposure to chlorine and chloramines can result in the irritation of the skin and mucous mem- branes, often leading to airway edema resulting in respiratory difficulties, burning in the throat, eyes and nose. Ingestion of bleach or bleach-containing products often results in adverse gastrointestinal effects. Data captured by the three centers com- prising the Florida Poison Information Center Network (FPICN) between 2006 and 2008 was examined to characterize the extent oftoxic effects from chlorine gas exposures related to misuse ofhousehold cleaners. A known outcome was determined in 48.4% of the 5315 cases. Of those with …


The Sandwich Generation: A Review Of The Literature, Leaanne Derigne, Stephen Ferrante Apr 2012

The Sandwich Generation: A Review Of The Literature, Leaanne Derigne, Stephen Ferrante

Florida Public Health Review

Many Americans balance dual caregiving responsibilities for both children and aging family, dubbed the “sandwich genera- tion.” Between 1 out of8 and 1 out of11 households with an adult aged 30 or older is comprised ofdual-earner, sandwiched generation couples. There are psychological, physical, employment, and financial outcomes ofbalancing multiple caregiving duties. The literature shows positive benefits for caregivers too. A review ofliterature in the past 30 years, citing only U.S.- based studies is summarized in this paper. Policy, clinical, and research implications are included. It is possible that multi- generational caregiving responsibilities will continue to rise for the children ofbaby …


Infectious Syphilis In Non-Hispanic Blacks And Hispanics In An Urban Std Clinic, Tai Hunte, Maria L. Alcaide, Ricardo Franco, Khaled Deeb, Jose G. Castro Apr 2012

Infectious Syphilis In Non-Hispanic Blacks And Hispanics In An Urban Std Clinic, Tai Hunte, Maria L. Alcaide, Ricardo Franco, Khaled Deeb, Jose G. Castro

Florida Public Health Review

Syphilis is a complex infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum and acquired through sexual contact or vertical transmission. The natural history of syphilis is divided in primary, secondary, latent and tertiary stages. The syphilis epidemic has evolved over the years. National rates of syphilis infection dropped to the lowest in 2000 and have since increased in certain populations. Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for 60% of new infections and high rates occur in individuals with human immune deficiency virus co-infection. This study describes and compares the demographic characteristics, risk factors, and clinical presentation ofinfectious syphilis cases diagnosed …


A Report Of Florida’S Cancer History, Risk Factors, And Screening Behaviors: Data From The National Health Interview Survey, Laura A. Mcclure, Tainya C. Clarke, Cristina A. Fernandez, Kristopher L. Arheart, William G. Leblanc, Lora E. Fleming, David J. Lee Apr 2012

A Report Of Florida’S Cancer History, Risk Factors, And Screening Behaviors: Data From The National Health Interview Survey, Laura A. Mcclure, Tainya C. Clarke, Cristina A. Fernandez, Kristopher L. Arheart, William G. Leblanc, Lora E. Fleming, David J. Lee

Florida Public Health Review

To target populations at greatest risk ofdeveloping cancer, it is vital to understand the patterns ofrisk factors and screening behaviors along with cancer surveillance data. This study provides data on the prevalence of self-reported cancer history, can- cer risk factors, and cancer screening behaviors in Florida and compares them to rates in the rest ofthe U.S. Data were ob- tained from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an annual, cross-sectional household survey of the U.S. civilian non-institutionalized population. We analyzed pooled data from the 2000 and 2005 Cancer Control Modules. Compared to the rest ofthe U.S., Floridians reported a lower …


Impact Of The Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (Nica) On Obstetrician And Attorney Practices, Karen W. Geletko, Andrew Hunt, Leslie M. Beitsch Apr 2012

Impact Of The Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (Nica) On Obstetrician And Attorney Practices, Karen W. Geletko, Andrew Hunt, Leslie M. Beitsch

Florida Public Health Review

As health reform continues to unfold nationally, one ofthe more dramatic strategies for reform ofthe current medical liability system is to move towards a no-fault compensation system. Although, no state has established a comprehensive no-fault medical malpractice system, the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) is a unique and rare working model ofa functioning no-fault insurance program. A cross-sectional design was utilized to survey obstetricians and health law attorneys practicing in Florida in 2011 to ascertain their knowledge and opinions of NICA and its impact on practice patterns and defensive medicine. The findings indicate that respondents believe NICA has …


Obesity And Food Insecurity Are Both Florida Public Health Issues – A Commentary, Judy E. Perkin Apr 2012

Obesity And Food Insecurity Are Both Florida Public Health Issues – A Commentary, Judy E. Perkin

Florida Public Health Review

Florida faces an epidemic of overweight and obesity primarily due to an imbalance of caloric intake and physical activity modulated by multiple physiologic and cultural factors. The overweight and obesity issue notwithstand- ing, Florida’s public health efforts must also continue to address problems related to food insecurity and hunger. Although much of the focus concerning food insecurity has been at the individual or household level, there is also discussion among policymakers, food experts, and community members about the need to focus on food security at the community-level as well. This commentary examines Florida’s current food security issues.


A Preventable Epidemic: Kotter’S Eight Step Change Model Applied To Type 2 Diabetes In Youth, Jo Marie Courtney Feb 2012

A Preventable Epidemic: Kotter’S Eight Step Change Model Applied To Type 2 Diabetes In Youth, Jo Marie Courtney

Florida Public Health Review

Type 2 diabetes affecting children is a global epidemic that can be addressed by applying leadership models traditionally applied to corporate business structures. Leadership models provide the guidelines to apply to a problem and create a vision of change. Approximately 346 million individuals currently suffer from diabetes worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ofthose individuals with diabetes, 90% have type 2. Once a disease characterized by middle-aged, overweight adults, type 2 diabetes is now being diagnosed in children and adolescents. The severity oftype 2 diabetes is greater than the diagnosis portrays due to the many co-morbidities and risk …


Not Just A Mother’S Decision: A Multifactorial Exploration Of Low Breastfeeding Rates In African American Women, Mackenzie R. Tewell Feb 2012

Not Just A Mother’S Decision: A Multifactorial Exploration Of Low Breastfeeding Rates In African American Women, Mackenzie R. Tewell

Florida Public Health Review

The benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and newborns are well established. Yet, black women in the U.S. consistently have the lowest rates ofbreastfeeding initiation and duration. Utilizing the various levels ofthe Social Ecological Model, this paper explores the factors that are thought to be responsible for this disparity. Poverty, a lack of resources, and societal disapproval weigh heavily upon already strained intrapersonal relationships where social support is severely lacking. Familial influence proves pivotal in a mother’s decision ofwhether or not to breastfeed. The role ofWIC clinics are also examined as a source of intervention, though literature demonstrates women receive …


Leadership To Address Sexual Education In Schools, Shannon Kelley Feb 2012

Leadership To Address Sexual Education In Schools, Shannon Kelley

Florida Public Health Review

This paper will take the strategies ofleadership proposed by Bennis and Nanus (1985) in application to sexual education in schools. The severity and significance of the sexual health of youth will be shown, with an emphasis on contributing risk behaviors and ideologies. An overview ofthe current state ofteenage pregnancy and sexual disease incidence will be included. Next, the factors that contribute to the disparities of sexual health in youth will be addressed. These factors include: race, parental and peer support, participation in a sexual education program, and current policies on sexual education. A discussion about the relation ofthe factors to …


Addressing The Failure Of Abstinence-Only Sex Education Programs: An Emerging Leadership Perspective, Cedric Harville Ii Feb 2012

Addressing The Failure Of Abstinence-Only Sex Education Programs: An Emerging Leadership Perspective, Cedric Harville Ii

Florida Public Health Review

Over the past 15 years, abstinence-only sex education has been the sole method of education supported by the federal government as it relates to adolescent sexual health. Despite the exponential increase offunding provided for abstinence-only sex education, few tangible positive results have surfaced. At high rates, teens still take part in risky sexual behaviors, and are at high risks for teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV/AIDS. As a result, it is necessary to take an alternative approach that provides adolescents with a comprehensive view of sex education in order to effectively reduce these negative outcomes. A comprehensive education will …


Epidemiology Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Florida – Part I: A Statewide Report, Angel E. Alsina, Aryan Beharry, Narrad Beharry, Nyingi Kemmer, Edson Franco, Haydy Rojas, Guy W. Neff Feb 2012

Epidemiology Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Florida – Part I: A Statewide Report, Angel E. Alsina, Aryan Beharry, Narrad Beharry, Nyingi Kemmer, Edson Franco, Haydy Rojas, Guy W. Neff

Florida Public Health Review

The increasing incidence ofhepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become a burgeoning public health problem. The effect has been most notable at liver transplant centers. Traditional reports of liver cancer include many non-HCC variants. This study aims at determining the incidence of HCC in the state of Florida, utilizing data from Florida Cancer Data Systems. This study pertains exclusively to HCC. Of 2,296,794 cancer cases, 4,447 HCC and variants were identified (68.7%). Incidence rates were as follows. The incidence of HCC in the state of Florida was 6.1 cases /100,000 population/year; Male: 9.6/100,000 population/year vs. Female: 2.7; Whites: 6.5/100,000 population/year vs. Blacks: …


Influenza Vaccinations: A Leadership Approach, Christine Ann Meister Feb 2012

Influenza Vaccinations: A Leadership Approach, Christine Ann Meister

Florida Public Health Review

Each year thousands of individuals in the United States are diagnosed with cases of seasonal influenza (flu) and the recent pandemic strain ofH1N1 influenza. Complications ofthe flu can lead to serious health issues resulting in hospitalization and even death. Vaccination for seasonal flu and H1N1 can decrease the number ofcases ofthe flu, thus decreasing the number of complications resulting from infection. Unfortunately, a large percentage of the population chooses not to get vaccinated every year for the seasonal flu because they do not trust vaccine safety and effectiveness. To gain the public’s trust and increase the number ofinfluenza inoculations, the …


Effective Leadership To Alter School Food Environments And Improve Public Health, Philip R. Mcnab Feb 2012

Effective Leadership To Alter School Food Environments And Improve Public Health, Philip R. Mcnab

Florida Public Health Review

Multiple studies show that many children and adolescents in the United States are overweight or at risk for overweight; moreover, the numbers are still rising. Contributing to the problem is the fact that schoolchildren, on average, are eating too much fast food and well below the recommended amounts offruits and vegetables. From a public health perspective, these are severe problems, as they have been associated with diseases such as heart stroke and heart disease. Not surprisingly, school food environments, which are often saturated with low-nutrient energy-dense foods, are not helping matters and need to be altered. Interventions involving nutrition education …


Counterpoint: The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety Study Actually Found Cities Using Red Light Cameras Had Higher Red Light Running Fatality Rates, Barbara Langland-Orban, Etienne E. Pracht, John T. Large Jan 2012

Counterpoint: The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety Study Actually Found Cities Using Red Light Cameras Had Higher Red Light Running Fatality Rates, Barbara Langland-Orban, Etienne E. Pracht, John T. Large

Florida Public Health Review

In February 2011, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) disseminated their research study that compared red light running traffic fatality rates between cities that implemented red light camera (RLC) programs with cities that did not. The IIHS researchers concluded cities that used RLCs had a significantly larger percentage reduction in both red light running (RLR) fatality rates and total fatality rates at signalized intersections. Because a previous IIHS study on RLCs was found to use flawed research methods, as well as to incorrectly report findings, the current IIHS RLC analysis is reviewed for adherence to scientific methods. Our review …


Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Post-Neonatal Mortality In Florida, Arlesia Mathis, Priscilla A. Barnes, Ramal Moonesinghe Jan 2012

Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Post-Neonatal Mortality In Florida, Arlesia Mathis, Priscilla A. Barnes, Ramal Moonesinghe

Florida Public Health Review

This policy-related study examines primary care delivery methods in reducing population health disparities. We use post- neonatal mortality as an indicator ofpopulation health within counties to study the effects ofusing contracted service providers compared to direct provision of primary care by county health departments in improving health equity. We analyzed post- neonatal mortality data collected annually between 1997 and 2006 from ten ofFlorida’s most populous counties (>500,000). Using Poisson regression analyses with generalized estimating equations (GEE), we examined differences in post-neonatal mortality among racial and ethnic groups; and among counties and groups over time. The results show significant differences …