Digital Commons Network^™

Beyond Assistance: Amplifying The Lived Experiences Of Marginalized Communities Navigating Support Service Systems In Mississippi, Karla Mccullough, Rodney Washington, Angela A. Omondi

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background

Perceived dehumanizing experiences when interacting with social assistance caseworkers and providers can contribute to negative perceptions of the service system that may impede enrollment and retention of families in need thereby contributing to health disparities.

Purpose

This study aimed to use secondary analysis of qualitative data to explore the interaction between social services workers/providers and recipients from the perspectives of families seeking social support services in Mississippi.

Methods

This study analyzed secondary qualitative data from a sample of (n=15) representatives in Mississippi. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Participants reported perceived dehumanized experiences such …

The Role Of Policy Entrepreneurs In Understanding Oral Health Care Policy: A Case Study Approach Analyzing Multiple Streams Framework In Nc Oral Health Policy, Lori Gordon Hendrick

School of Public Service Theses & Dissertations

The United States Surgeon General has defined oral diseases as a “silent epidemic” that affects the most vulnerable citizens. More often, this includes those from low socio-economic backgrounds, children, elderly, and many members of ethnic minority groups. Although preventative and treatment modalities have improved over the past fifty years, some Americans continue to have little to no access to educational and preventative programs. The lack of access to dental care for all ages and oral health care literacy remains one of the largest health concerns for American citizens making it a “wicked problem”. Historically, raising Medicaid enrollment has failed to …

Forest For The Trees: Collective Accountability And Trust As Groundwork For Systems Change, Shaady Salehi, Pia Infante

The Foundation Review

Since 2020, trust-based philanthropy has gained momentum as a strategy to alleviate inherent power imbalances between funders, nonprofits, and the communities they serve. The cornerstone of the approach is a set of grantmaking practices, such as multiyear unrestricted funding and streamlined paperwork, that support nonprofit self-determination toward achieving impact goals.

At a deeper level, trust-based philanthropy is driven by core values that position funders as collaborators and supporters working alongside nonprofits to advance a more just and equitable society. This requires a radically different stance on accountability from conventional philanthropic norms. Rather than reinforcing a sense of one-way transactional accountability, …

Implementation Of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Excise Policy And Its Implications In Various Countries: Literature Review, Roissiana Khotami, Vetty Yulianty, Ratih Oktarina

Journal of Indonesian Health Policy and Administration

The prevalence of diabetes in the world is projected to continue to increase to 643 million in 2030. Indonesia is ranked 7th with the highest number of diabetes mellitus sufferers and the only one in Southeast Asia with a total of 10.7 million sufferers. Consumption of sweetened drinks is the most dominant factor in the incidence of diabetes mellitus in Indonesia. Indonesia ranks third highest in Southeast Asia in sweetened drink consumption. Excise on sweetened drinks is an effective intervention to reduce consumption of sweetened drinks, but Indonesia has not yet implemented it. This research aims to determine the implementation …

Unconditional Cash Transfer Policy As An Effort To Prevent Stunting: A Study On Jember, East Java, Allen Pranata Putra, Sri Juni Woro Astuti, Kabiru Hannafi Ibrahim

BISNIS & BIROKRASI: Jurnal Ilmu Administrasi dan Organisasi

This study evaluates the impact of the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) policy in preventing stunting in Jember, East Java. Stunting, a result of chronic malnutrition, remains a significant public health challenge in Indonesia, with Jember exhibiting higher prevalence rates than the national average. The UCT policy aims to improve the welfare of low-income families by providing direct financial assistance, allowing them to meet basic needs, including nutrition. This research utilizes a qualitative approach through case studies and interviews with relevant stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of UCT in enhancing children's nutrition and health. The findings indicate that while UCT has …

Expanding Healthcare Access For The Undocumented Immigrant Community: The Heal For Immigrant Families Act Of 2023, Perla Torres Estrada

The Gettysburg Journal for Public Policy

When it comes to the topic of universal healthcare, most of us will readily agree that healthcare is a human right. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of who should be granted this right, and if it should be left to the free market to determine access and affordability. Specifically, the political debate on expanding healthcare access to undocumented immigrants in the United States revolve around concerns over costs, legality, and equity. Proponents maintain that it is a human right whereas opponents question the potential burden on taxpayers and the implication for immigration policy. The HEAL …

Concentration In The Market For Infant Formula: Causes, Symptoms, And Remedies, Clayton Brosend

The Gettysburg Journal for Public Policy

This scholarship argues that the widespread shortages resulting from the February 2022 recall of several infant formula brands following the closure of Abbott’s Sturgis plant are emblematic not of an acute market hiccup, but rather of a series of anti-competitive policy measures decades in the making. Using the aforementioned punctuating event as a guidepost, this analysis reviews the critical role that quality regulations, import restrictions, and procurement protocols within the WIC program play on concentration within the market for infant formula.

Gettysburg Journal Of Public Policy 2024

The Gettysburg Journal for Public Policy

Complete Issue of The Gettysburg Journal for Public Policy 2024

Effects Of Climate Change On Women’S Security Dynamics In Baragoi, Samburu County, Kenya, Rehema Zaid Obuyi

The Journal of Social Encounters

The paper unearths how climate change influences women’s security dynamics in fragile and conflict-affected contexts in Baragoi Samburu County Kenya. It provides an opportunity to rethink security. Security responses must be at par with evolving security underlying forces. One of the precursors is that individuals and groups that were traditionally excluded from combat both as participants and targets such as women and children have now become prime targets. This demands a shift in strategy by not only focusing on traditional threats but also getting more specific linking our approaches to gendered non-traditional security threats. Alternative soft power approaches to addressing …

Exploration Of Positive Deviance In Prevention Of Underweight In The Under-Five: A Qualitative Study On Low-Income Urban Families, Irwan Budiono, Lukman Fauzi, Dewi Sari Rochmayani

Kesmas

Children under the age of five (the under-five) from low-income families are more vulnerable to experience underweight. This nutritional vulnerability is evident in the preliminary study, where 35.1% of the under-five experience underweight, and 28.48% are low-income families. This study aimed to explore Positive Deviance (PD) behaviors in preventing underweight among the under-five. The study applied a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data collection took place in July-August 2022, focusing on low-income families in the Gunung Brintik area. Data were collected through two focus group discussions, seven in-depth interviews, and five key informant interviews. Coding, subtheme, and theme …

Risk Factors For Cognitive Impairment In Adult Population Of Coastal Area: A Cross-Sectional Study In Maringkik Island, Indonesia, Herpan Syafii Harahap, Arina Windri Rivarti, Nurhidayati Nurhidayati, Fitriannisa Faradina Zubaidi, Dini Suryani, Legis Ocktaviana Saputri, Yanna Indrayana, Athalita Andhera, Muhammad Hilam, Abiyyu Didar Haq

Kesmas

Cognitive impairment is a medical condition commonly found in elderly populations, which can be due to vascular risk factors in patients. There remains limited data on risk factors for cognitive impairment among coastal region populations. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for cognitive impairment in the adult population of Maringkik Island, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Data collected were age, sex, education level, hypertension, antihypertensive treatment, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, and body mass index status. A total of 114 participants were recruited using a consecutive sampling method. The participants’ cognitive function assessment used the Mini-Cog instrument. The cognitive impairment …

Three Essays On Administrative Burden And The Social Safety Net, William Clay Fannin

Dissertations - ALL

In this dissertation, I investigate how administrative burdens in the social safety net affect payment accuracy, benefit levels, multiple program participation, and benefit redemption. In the first chapter, I study simplified reporting, a policy that allowed states to reduce the amount of information Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients must report between certifications. I leverage the fact that simplified reporting affects only some households and in certain months to estimate its impact on the share of SNAP benefits issued in error and SNAP benefit amounts. Using administrative data from the federal SNAP Quality Control system, I find that simplified reporting …

2023 Technology Focus: Reflecting The Situation And Technological High Grounds Of Latest Round Of Sci-Tech Revolution And Industrial Transformation, Guopeng Li, Lin Han, Jiaofeng Pan, Fuhai Leng, Feng Zhang, Fan Yang, Ying Xing, Haiming Wang, Weiwei Fan, Haixia Wang, Wenyue Bian, Ting Chen, Jianxia Yuan, Chaoxing Zhang, Longguang Huang, Xiaomei Wang, Song Yang, Ronggang Wang, Zanmei Li, Jie Chen, Bo Zhou, Zhen Sun, Rujiang Bai, Liying Zhou, Kunpeng Peng, Yang Gao, Guangfeng Wu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

In April 2024, the Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CASISD) released the 2023 Technology Focus report. The report uses big data and deep learning techniques to explore the hidden deep relationships among patent technologies. Based on 21 812 technology focuses formed by clustering nearly 680 000 dual jurisdictional patents, the Top 100 technology focuses are selected, named, and outlined in 32 technical fields distributed in the four major categories of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent classification system, and a key analysis and interpretation of 32 of them are also provided. This study is based …

Msw Portfolio From The Lens Of A Clinical Social Worker, Madeliene Hamilton

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

My portfolio is an in-depth exploration at the journey that has led me here to my MSW with a comprehensive outline of my practicum and work experiences alongside coursework. My hope to anyone who reads this is that you can see my passion for this work and truly understand how each competency was learned and practice.

Implementation Of Reintegration Program Before Discharge For Veteran Population, Abigail Ross, Zeida Gutierrez

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

A poster about creating and implementing a Reintegration program for War Veterans so they can possess the skills to be reintegrated into the community after they are discharged from the long-term care facility.

Waste Management Process And Malaria-Induced Child Mortality In Côte D’Ivoire., Kouame N'Guessan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Malaria-induced child mortality is a Sub-Saharan African phenomenon, and Côte d'Ivoire, in West Africa, has one of the highest rates. This general qualitative study investigates waste management as a potential factor of malaria-induced child mortality to inform policy changes and fill a gap in the body of knowledge. The study is grounded in Skocpol's policy feedback theoretical framework. The research question explored aspects of waste management in Côte d'Ivoire which contribute to the high rate of malaria-induced child mortality. Eighteen participants, equally divided into three groups, were purposely recruited via email and WhatsApp messages for semi-structured interviews using a smartphone …

The Impact Of Viet Nam’S Socialization Policy On Education And Health Equity Among Disadvantaged Children, Trang Quynh Nguyen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Xa hoi hoa (socialization) policy was officially adopted by the government of Viet Nam in the late 1990s as a coping strategy for its acute funding shortage in public services with the intent of improving social equity. There was hardly any assessment on the policy to learn its impact on social equity as documented in its key document. Using secondary data from UNICEF’s Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys conducted in Viet Nam and Viet Nam Household Living Standards Surveys, this study examined the policy’s impact on education and health outcomes among disadvantaged children’s cohorts: the rural, the ethnic minorities and …

Diapers At The Doctors: A Qualitative Study Of Socioeconomic Needs And Diaper Insecurity, Brooke Kelly Kaplan

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract:

This study aimed to explore the perspectives of participants enrolled in a clinic-based diaper distribution program (Diapers at the Doctor) and to assess the impact of the program on their overall well-being and socioeconomic needs. The methods of this study consisted of in person interviews conducted in both English and Spanish. There were a total of 27 participants. The interview transcripts were coded and a thematic analysis was created by the research team. The findings indicate that programs such as Diapers at the Doctor (DATD) can serve as a crucial intervention to address broader socioeconomic needs, reducing the burden …

Socioeconomic Inequalities Between The Bronx And Other Counties In New York City, Mexican Studies Institute Cuny, Eliana Checo-Genaoa

CUNY Mexican Studies Institute

The Bronx, despite its proximity to the other boroughs of New York City, has the highest poverty rates among them. Using data from 2010 to 2022, this study examines the socioeconomic disparities between the Bronx and Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Key indicators analyzed include poverty levels, SNAP benefits, unemployment rates, median income, educational attainment, homeownership rates, business creation, and GDP per capita. Our study reveals that the Bronx has the highest poverty, unemployment, and SNAP benefit dependency rates, lower educational attainment, and the lowest median income and homeownership rates. Our findings underscore the persistent socioeconomic challenges faced by …

Reflecting On, Resetting, And Reimagining Schools In The Post-Pandemic Context: A Case Study In Rural Vermont, Rachel A. Glickman

Dissertation Collection

This qualitative study examines the experiences of public elementary teachers and school leaders to better understand the shifting of educational priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants share ideas and practices while taking action steps and making recommendations to improve teaching and learning. The research incorporates both case study and action research approaches through a critical inquiry process that centers the voices of those on the front lines of education. This study contributes to the field of Comparative and International Education (CIE) using the original conceptual framework of Institutional Border Theory of Education (IBTE). IBTE draws on pre-existing foundational theories of …

Aging In Newton: A Community Needs Assessment, Claire Wickersham, Katherine Burnes, Shu Xu, Caitlin E. Coyle

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report presents the results of a comprehensive examination of issues relating to aging in Newton. A needs assessment was undertaken to support planning on the part of the City of Newton and the Department of Older Adult Services. Results presented here focus on the characteristics and needs of Newton residents who are aged 60 and older. Data was collected via key informant interviews, focus groups with residents and stakeholders and a mailed survey of residents aged 60 and older. Respondents to the community survey included 2,869 Newton residents, which resulted in a response rate of more than 50%. As …

Forecasting Commercial Vehicle Miles Traveled (Vmt) In Urban California Areas, Steve Chung, Jaymin Kwon, Yushin Ahn

Mineta Transportation Institute

This study investigates commercial truck vehicle miles traveled (VMT) across six diverse California counties from 2000 to 2020. The counties—Imperial, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and San Francisco—represent a broad spectrum of California’s demographics, economies, and landscapes. Using a rich dataset spanning demographics, economics, and pollution variables, we aim to understand the factors influencing commercial VMT. We first visually represent the geographic distribution of the counties, highlighting their unique characteristics. Linear regression models, particularly the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and elastic net regressions are employed to identify key predictors of total commercial VMT. LASSO regression …

Expanding A Behavioral View On Digital Health Access: Drivers And Strategies To Promote Equity, Maura M Kepper, Lauren A Fowler, Isabelle S Kusters, Jean W Davis, Manal Baqer, Sara Sagui-Henson, Yunyu Xiao, Adati Tarfa, Jean C Yi, Bryan Gibson, Kristin E Heron, Nicole M Alberts, Marissa Burgermaster, Veronica Ps Njie-Carr, Lisa M Klesges

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

The potential and threat of digital tools to achieve health equity has been highlighted for over a decade, but the success of achieving equitable access to health technologies remains challenging. Our paper addresses renewed concerns regarding equity in digital health access that were deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our viewpoint is that (1) digital health tools have the potential to improve health equity if equitable access is achieved, and (2) improving access and equity in digital health can be strengthened by considering behavioral science-based strategies embedded in all phases of tool development. Using behavioral, equity, and access frameworks allowed for …

Smoking Habit At Home And Upper Respiratory Infection In Infants Aged 6-12 Months, Musfardi Rustam, Nur Pelita Sembiring, Taswir Effendy

Kesmas

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URI) is an acute infection caused by viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Smoking habit at home is a risk factor for URI in infants. This study aimed to determine a relationship between smoking at home and the incidence of URI in infants. This study was conducted the fourth week of February 2010 until the third week of April 2010 in Kampar District, Indonesia. This analytical study used a case-control design and cluster random sampling. The samples comprised 162 cases and 162 controls, infants aged 6-12 months. The cases were 162 infants aged 6-12 months suffering from URI …

Passive Smoking And Its Correlation With Stunting In Children: A Systematic Review, Anita Rahmiwati, Karlinda Karlinda, Hamzah Hasyim, Febriyansyah Febriyansyah

Kesmas

Passive smoking is a significant risk factor for stunting in children, highlighting the urgent need for effective public health measures. This study aimed to investigate the association between passive smoking and stunting in children aged 0 months-7 years. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple online databases, including PubMed, ProQuest, Science Direct, Willey Online Library, Sage Journal, Cambridge University Press, and Oxford Academic. The quality of included articles reporting observational studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skill Programme (CASP) checklist, presenting data through narrative synthesis. Findings …

Capitation Management Through Performance-Based Capitation Mechanism Of Primary Health Care In Malang, Indonesia, Ayu Tyas Purnamasari, Herlinda Dwi Ningrum, Anggi Ardhiasti, Asri Hikmatuz Zahroh

Kesmas

Primary health care (PHC) has one of the largest funding sources, capitation, which BPJS Healthcare Security transfers monthly. Capitation fund receipts were frequently insufficient due to failure to meet performance-based capitation/Kapitasi Berbasis Kinerja (KBK) targets, including for PHC in Malang City, Indonesia. This study aimed to examine the management and utilization of capitation funds through a KBK mechanism. This descriptive study used a qualitative approach supported by quantitative data. This study was conducted from July to August 2023 and purposely selected nine informants from BPJS Healthcare Security, the local health office, and PHC. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed …

New Approach To Mapping Regional Vulnerability In Controlling Tuberculosis Disease In Indonesia, Maria Holly Herawati, Asep Hermawan, Dasuki Dasuki, Hadi Supratikta, Al Asyary, M Rokhis Khomarudin, Muhammad Priyatna, Raflizar Raflizar, Kristina Kristina, Noer Endah Pracoyo, Dina Bisara, Cahya Tri Purnami, Mentari Nur Farida Suteja, Yusrial Bachtiar, Noor Edi Widya Sukoco, Doni Lasut

Kesmas

Tuberculosis (TB) in Indonesia is still a health problem. The TB prevalence in Indonesia ranks second in the world after India in 2023. Regional factors, inadequate healthcare facilities, and limited resources (financial, human, and infrastructure) are challenges requiring innovation to help the government control TB. TB eradication efforts need to be made with a comprehensive and effective approach. One method used is to look at the vast territory of Indonesia, therefore, mapping the TB disease vulnerability is a highly recommended method. The use of a Geographic Information System is expected to help map the TB vulnerability areas in Indonesia. Given …

Participating In Childcare Subsidy Programs Increases Employment And Annual Earnings For Working Parents, William Clay Fannin, Colleen Heflin, Taryn Morrissey, Siobhan O'Keefe

Center for Policy Research

Finding affordable childcare can be a struggle. Childcare subsidy programs help reduce barriers to stable childcare options and support parents’ employment, but due to administrative hurdles, such as recertification periods and income reporting requirements, many eligible parents are not using these programs. Using quarterly employment and earnings data from 2016-2019 Virginia administrative data, this brief describes associations between childcare subsidy program participation and household employment and earnings outcomes among low-income families in Virginia. Results show that, following initial childcare subsidy receipt, working parents increased their labor force participation, earned more money, and experienced more economic and employment stability compared to …

How Housing Insecurity And Welfare Systems Retraumatize Women In Southern California, Yesika Menera

McNair Summer Research Program

Studies show that individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity also experience trauma and mental illnesses. Despite this evidence, many resources provided through state welfare services seldom allocate sufficient funds and personnel to help address mental health. This study investigates the relationship between housing insecurity and trauma for adult women who have tried to access assistance throughout Southern California. To do this, I conducted in-depth interviews and DSM-5 questionnaires with twenty-six women during the summer of 2023 and 2024 via Zoom. My findings show that adult women who have experienced homelessness and housing insecurity in Southern California were more susceptible to …

Three Essays In Food Security And The U.S. Sugar Program, Jacob Michels

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Chapter one devises an approach to adjust estimates of the number of food insecure for changes in sedentarism over time. Existing methodologies are biased upwards and date back several decades. We build a household model utilizing a Stone-Geary utility function, which rationalizes households shifting their labor decisions towards sedentary activities. Our comparative statics examine the impacts of changes in the productivities of sedentary types, as opposed to my physically demanding types, of activities and also their returns. Our empirical approach is informed by our theoretical model and comparative statics, in which we construct a unique pseudo-panel dataset. Sitting time serves …