Digital Commons Network^™

An Ethnographic Investigation Of The Relevance Of Shop Floor Culture To Effective Safety Communication In An Australian Minerals Refinery, David R. Leith

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Many organisations which aim to achieve excellent workplace safety choose 'culture change' as the means to achieve this. They make use of employee communication media to help re-form the values, beliefs, norms and behaviours which are generally thought to comprise culture. However, culture is a complex and profound phenomenon. Successful communication between two culturally separate groups requires each to achieve an understanding of the other, no less so in workplaces than in societies composed of different cultures.Yet even employers who believe in communicating fully with their workforces find it difficult to convey viewpoints other than their own. Their communication tends …

Migrant Worker Dies In Tractor Rollover, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Fatality Case Reports--Tractors/Logging

On September 13, 2002, a 26 year-old male Hispanic migrant worker (decedent) died when the tractor he was driving on a country roadway overturned. The decedent had experience driving the tractor in a field, but did not have experience driving it on a public roadway. On the afternoon of the incident, the decedent drove the tractor, pulling a wagonload of tobacco, from the farm where it had been harvested to the tobacco barn one mile away. The road was hilly and had a sharp curve to the right at the bottom of the hill. As the decedent drove the tractor …

Urinary Excretion Of Dithiocarbamates And Selfreported Cruciferous Vegetable Intake: Application Of The ‘Method Of Triads’ To A Foodspecific Biomarker, Jay H. Fowke, James R. Hébert, Jed W. Fahey

Faculty Publications

Objective: Greater intake of Cruciferous vegetables (e.g. broccoli) may prevent cancer at several sites. Urinary excretion of isothiocyanate conjugates (dithiocarbamates, DTC) provides a specific biomarker of Cruciferous vegetable consumption suitable for epidemiological investigations. However, no gold-standard referent is available for evaluating urinary DTC levels as an estimator of Cruciferous vegetable consumption. We compared urinary DTC levels to intake as measured by two selfreported dietary assessment techniques. Design: Cruciferous vegetable consumption was measured before and after a behavioural dietary intervention using multiple 24-hour recalls (24HR), a foodcounting questionnaire (VFQ) and urinary DTC excretion levels. Analysis included a structural equation approach (Method …

A Survey Of Health Services And Identification Of Needs For Asian American Elderly Women In The Greater Boston Area, Connie S. Chan, Lin Zhan

Institute for Asian American Studies Publications

Over one hundred Asian American and mainstream health care providers in the greater Boston area were surveyed for this study. The authors have identified critical gaps in services for elderly Asian American women.

Activity Patterns And Correlates Among Youth: Differences By Weight Status, Wendell C. Taylor, James F. Sallis, Marsha Dowda, Patty S. Freedson, Karen Eason, Russell R. Pate

Faculty Publications

The purposes of the study were to assess differences in physical activity levels and correlates of physical activity among overweight (‡ 85th percentile of body mass index for their sex and age) and non-overweight (< 85th percentile) youth. The sample included 509 seventh through twelfth graders. Activity was measured by a 7-day, 46-item activity checklist. Overweight girls were more sedentary than non-overweight girls (p<.03), and non-overweight girls engaged in more vigorous physical activity than overweight girls (p<.03). For boys, there were no significant differences in activity. The regression analyses for vigorous activity yielded the largest total R²'s (R²=.049 for overweight and R²=.27 for non-overweight.) The significant factor for overweight youth was greater athletic coordination (p<.01). For non-overweight youth, the significant factors were greater family support (p<.05), greater peer support (p<.001), fewer barriers (p<.03), and greater athletic coordination (p<.01). Correlates of physical activity vary by weight status of young people.

Associations Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness And C-Reactive Protein In Men, Timothy S. Church, Carolyn E. Barlow, Conrad P. Earnest, James B. Kampert, Elisa L. Priest, Steven N. Blair

Faculty Publications

Objective - This study examined the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and C-reactive protein (CRP), with adjustment for weight and within weight categories.

Methods and Results - We calculated median and adjusted geometric mean CRP levels, percentages of individuals with an elevated CRP (≥2.00 mg/L), and odds ratios of elevated CRP across 5 levels of cardiorespiratory fitness for 722 men. CRP values were adjusted for age, body mass index, vitamin use, statin medication use, aspirin use, the presence of inflammatory disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, and smoking habit. We found an inverse association of CRP across fitness levels (P for …

Laboratory Response To Anthrax Bioterrorism, New York City, 2001, Michael B. Heller, Michel L. Bunning, Martin E.B. France, Debra M. Niemeyer, Leonard Peruski, Tim Naimi, Phillip M. Talboy, Patrick H. Murray, Harald W. Pietz, John Kornblum, William Oleszko, Sara T. Beatrice, Joint Microbiological Rapid Response Team, New York City Anthrax Investigation Working Group, Denis Nash

Publications and Research

In October 2001, the greater New York City Metropolitan Area was the scene of a bioterrorism attack. The scale of the public response to this attack was not foreseen and threatened to overwhelm the Bioterrorism Response Laboratory’s (BTRL) ability to process and test environmental samples. In a joint effort with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the cooperation of the Department of Defense, a massive effort was launched to maintain and sustain the laboratory response and return test results in a timely fashion. This effort was largely successful. The development and expansion of the facility are described, as …

Relationship Between Low Quality-Of-Care Scores And Hmos' Subsequent Public Disclosure Of Quality-Of-Care Scores, Danny Mccormick, David U. Himmelstein, Steffie Woolhandler, Sidney M. Wolfe, David H. Bor

Publications and Research

Context Public disclosure of quality data on health maintenance organizations (HMOs) might improve public accountability, inform consumer decision making, and promote quality improvement. But, because disclosure is voluntary, some HMOs could subvert these objectives by refusing to release unfavorable data.

Objective To determine the association between HMO quality of care and withdrawal from public disclosure of quality-of-care data the subsequent year.

Design and Setting Retrospective cohort study of administrative and quality-of-care data on HMOs from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) annual Quality Compass databases for 1997, 1998, and 1999, including Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS) …

Evitando La Infección Del Nilo Occidental, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Kentucky Haz Alerts--Other

No abstract provided.

Dose Coefficient (Dc) Methodology Report, John P. Shanahan, Phillip W. Patton, Mark Rudin

Transmutation Sciences Physics (TRP)

The purpose of this report is to present the methodology developed to calculate internal and external dose coefficients for radionuclides produced in the spallation process. Much of the information regarding computer codes in this report comes from various technical manuals and professional papers. References are provided at the beginning of each section for documentation and for the user who requires more specific information. The report also includes the results of applying the methodology to determine dose coefficients for five radionuclides. This effort identified potential areas of concern that will need to be addressed when the methodology is used in the …

Aha Guidelines For Primary Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease And Stroke: 2002 Update - Consensus Panel Guide To Comprehensive Risk Reduction For Adult Patients Without Coronary Or Other Atherosclerotic Vascular Diseases, Thomas A. Pearson, Steven N. Blair, Stephen R. Daniels, Robert H. Eckel, Joan M. Fair, Stephen F. Fortmann, Barry A. Franklin, Larry B. Goldstein, Philip Greenland, Scott M. Grundy, Yuling Hong, Nancy Houston-Miller, Ronald M. Lauer, Ira S. Ockene, Ralph L. Sacco, James F. Sallis, Sidney C. Smith Jr., Neil J. Stone, Kathryn A. Taubert

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Attitudes And Beliefs Of Successful Adult Illicit Drug Users: A Qualitative Analysis Of Drugnet Survey Respondents, Kathryn Steward

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

America is a drug-oriented society. For many years people have used drugs for recreational purposes. However, there has been ongoing controversy regarding drug abuse and drug use. The purpose of this study was to assess attitudes and beliefs of successful adult drug users as it relates to drug reform, effectiveness of current drug laws, and problem experiences that they may have encountered as a result of their drug use. A qualitative study utilizing three open-ended questions regarding the aforementioned areas was conducted to analyze the 156 individuals' responses. The respondents were found to be in agreement on the ineffectiveness of …

School-Based Health Centers And Managed Care Arrangements: A Review Of State Models And Implementation Issues, Jennel Harvey, Lissette Vaquerano, Lea Nolan, Colleen Sonosky

Health Policy and Management Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of The State Children's Health Insurance Program (Schip) On Community Health Centers, Lea Nolan, Jennel Harvey, Karen Jones, Lissette Vaquerano, Ann Zuvekas

Health Policy and Management Faculty Publications

Nearly 12 million children in the United States do not have health insurance, and therefore often lack access to health care. In response, Congress enacted the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in August 1997, the largest expansion of health insurance coverage since the inception of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The SCHIP provides states with federal matching funds for children’s insurance either by expanding the existing Medicaid program, by creating a separate state program, or a combination of both.

The George Washington University’s Center for Health Services Research and Policy (CHSRP) was funded by the Health Resources and Services …

Development Of Dose Coefficients For Radionuclides Produced In Spallation Neutron Sources, Phillip W. Patton

Transmutation Sciences Physics (TRP)

A research consortium comprised of representatives from several universities and national laboratories has been established as part of this on-going project to generate internal and external dose conversion coefficients for radionuclides produced in spallation neutron sources. Information obtained from this multi-year study will be used to support the siting and licensing of future accelerator-driven nuclear initiatives within the U.S. Department of Energy complex, including the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and Accelerator Production of Tritium (APT) Projects. Determination of these coefficients will also fill data gaps for several hundred radionuclides that exist in Federal Guide Report No. 11 and in Publications …

Prevention Conference Vi: Diabetes And Cardiovascular Disease - Writing Group Iii: Risk Assessment In Persons With Diabetes, Rita F. Redberg, Philip Greenland, Valentin Fuster, Kalevi Pyörälä, Steven N. Blair, Aaron R. Folsom, Anne B. Newman, Daniel H. O'Leary, Trever J. Orchard, Bruce Psaty, J. Sanford Schwartz, Rodman D. Starke, Peter W. F. Wilson

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Manténgase Fresco Cuando Tenga Calor!, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Kentucky Haz Alerts--Other

No abstract provided.

Child And Family Health Initiatives In The Bay Area, Jennifer Ryan, Wakina Scott

National Health Policy Forum

This site visit to the San Francisco Bay Area provided an opportunity to study locally based health initiatives in Santa Clara, Alameda, and San Francisco Counties that were designed to reach beyond the existing structures of the Medi-Cal and Healthy Families programs. Site visitors had the opportunity to interact with health care providers, state officials, and consumer advocates, as well as leaders in health coverage innovation. They also met with many of the leaders of the three local initiatives; visited Asian Health Services (AHS), a local clinic that has been serving the Asian community for over 25 years; and toured …

Dietary Exposures And Oral Precancerous Lesions In Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh, India, James R. Hébert, Prakash C. Gupta, Ramesh B. Bhonsle, Hemali Mehta, Wei Zheng, Maureen Sanderson, Jane Teas

Faculty Publications

Objective: To test the effect of dietary nutrients on oral precancerous lesions in a reverse-smoking (i.e. smoking with the glowing end inside the mouth) population in South India. Design: Case–control. Cases with precancerous lesions were matched to an equal number of lesion-free controls matched on age (^5 years), sex and village. All subjects used tobacco in some form. Dietary data were obtained using an intervieweradministered food-frequency questionnaire, designed for use in this population. All interviews were conducted blinded to the disease status of the subject. Data were analysed using logistic regression. Setting: Nineteen rural villages in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh. …

A Study To Examine The Attitudes And Perceptions Of Saudi Women In The United States And Canada Toward Exercise And Physical Activity, Tawfeeq E. Al-Bakry

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

This study is an examination of the knowledge and perceptions of Saudi women in the United States and Canada in regard to exercise and physical activity. No studies on exercise, physical activity or sport for women in Saudi Arabia were found in the literature.

This study focused on ascertaining knowledge of Saudi women regarding physical and psychological benefits of exercise and physical activity. Furthermore, this study investigated the barriers that limit Saudi women from participating in exercise and physical activity. The population for this study included Saudi women who are associated with Saudi clubs and student organizations in the United …

Transitions Along The Continuum Of Care: Elderly And Disabled Persons In New York, Lisa Sprague, Nora Super

National Health Policy Forum

This site visit examined transitions along the continuum of care for elderly and disabled persons in New York. The state offers its residents an extensive array of services, including nursing homes, home health care, personal care, and community-based services. New York spends more than any other state on its Medicaid program, which is reflected in a comprehensive benefit package, full-cost reimbursement of hospitals, high nursing home rates, and extensive coverage of personal care services. Site visitors were briefed on the history and development of long-term care in the state as well as the various care settings available. Panels discussed transitions …

Welfare Reform In Maryland: Flexibility In Action, Jennifer Ryan, Judith D. Moore

National Health Policy Forum

This site visit took federal participants on a tour around Maryland, providing a three-way comparison of suburban, urban, and rural service delivery in a diverse state. The site visit focused on the Family Investment Program, a statewide effort to reduce the state's welfare caseload through temporary cash assistance (TCA) and other needed supports to help customers become self-sufficient. In particular, site visitors examined rural perspectives on reform, substance abuse assessment and treatment innovations, and fatherhood and family support initiatives. The group heard from state officials, researchers, advocates, and a variety of direct service providers about the successes and challenges of …

Correlates Of Vigorous Physical Activity For Children In Grades 1 Through 12: Comparing Parent-Reported And Objectively Measured Physical Activity, James F. Sallis, Wendell C. Taylor, Marsha Dowda, Patty S. Freedson, Russell R. Pate

Faculty Publications

Correlates of physical activity were examined in young people in grades 1 through 12, and analyses were conducted separately for eight age/grade and sex subgroups. Twenty-one explanatory variables were assessed by parental report. Physical activity was assessed in 781 young people via parent report, and 200 wore an accelerometer for seven days. Between 11% and 36% of parent-reported child vigorous physical activity was explained. The most consistent correlates were peer support and use of afternoon time for active rather than sedentary recreation. Peer support was the only significant correlate of objectively monitored activity in multiple subgroups.

Case Study Of An Ergonomics Training Program For Nursing Home Workers, Roger C. Jensen

Safety Health & Industrial Hygiene

This paper describes a case study of a labor-based ergonomics-training program that makes use of some effective worker training methods. The program focus was on ergonomics awareness and back injury prevention for nursing home workers. It was developed and conducted by a not-for-profit organization affiliated with the Service Employees International Union. Training methods included the train-the-trainer model and the small group activity method. The investigation also compared the program components with those identified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as being key elements in effective safety training.

Health Disparities, Neil Macnaughton

International Journal of Global Health

"Americans believe that we are a classless society, largely because just about everyone thinks they are members of the struggling middle class. In actuality the United States is a highly stratified society in terms of wealth, meaning that we have a much more significant problem of poverty than most industrialized nations. Members of ethnic minorities are more likely to be poorer and less powerful. Racist beliefs on the part of the dominant white ethnic groups exacerbate the problem of socioeconomic inequality (Brown, 1998 p. 259)." In healthcare we like to believe that we do not discriminate amongst patient populations and …

Integrating Hiv Prevention And Care Into Maternal And Child Health Care Settings: Lessons Learned From Horizons Studies, Naomi Rutenberg, Sam Kalibala, Charles Mwai, James Rosen

HIV and AIDS

Many women in the developing world still lack access to high-quality HIV/AIDS prevention and care services. To address this problem, Horizons has undertaken a range of operations research efforts that examine the integration of HIV-related care in the maternal-child health setting. At a workshop held in Kenya in July 2001, participants discussed the experience to date and formulated practical strategies for improving the integration. This consultation report summarizes that discussion according to the following seven key program components: Training and Motivation to Improve the Performance of Health Workers; Supervision of HIV Services and Quality Assurance of HIV Testing; Caring for …

Hiv/Aids-Related Stigma And Discrimination: A Conceptual Framework And An Agenda For Action, Richard Parker, Peter Aggleton, Kathy Attawell, Julie Pulerwitz, Lisanne Brown

HIV and AIDS

In 1987, Jonathan Mann, then director of the WHO Global Programme on AIDS, identified three phases of the HIV/AIDS epidemic: the epidemic of HIV, the epidemic of AIDS, and the epidemic of stigma, discrimination, and denial. Despite international efforts to tackle HIV/AIDS since then, stigma and discrimination (S&D) remain among the most poorly understood aspects of the epidemic. This poor understanding is due in part to the complexity and diversity of S&D, but also to limitations in current thinking within the field and the inadequacy of available theoretical and methodological tools. This paper proposes a new conceptual framework to help …

An Ethnographic Approach Describing Uses Of Medicinal Plants By Rural Guatemalan Women, Cynthia M. Goody

International Journal of Global Health

Much is known about the application of medicinal plants in health belief systems and in ethnopharmacological and botanical settings in Guatemala. What remains less understood is why and how rural women, the family's primary health care provider, use medicinal plants to treat family members' illnesses. Using an ethnographic approach, this work describes twenty women's responses about using medicinal plants as a traditional home remedy. Results suggest rural Guatemalan women traditionally use certain plants, because of their immediate availability at no cost, to treat psychological, gastrointestinal, and respiratory illnesses. Also discussed are the implications associated with honoring tradition, affordability, and availability …

Ic107: Program: 8th Biennial Symposium On Minorities, The Medically Underserved & Cancer. Awareness Is Not Enough, Intercultural Cancer Council

Informational and Promotional Materials

Program details the events, speakers, attendees, and discussions during the 8th Biennial Symposium on Minorities, the Medically Underserved & Cancer presented by Intercultural Cancer Council and jointly sponsored by Baylor College of Medicine. The symposium took place February 6-10 at the OMNI Shoreham in Washington, DC. See more at Intercultural Cancer Council Records.

Responding To Cairo: Case Studies Of Changing Practice In Reproductive Health And Family Planning, Nicole Haberland, Diana Measham

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo codified views long advocated by women’s health activists the world over. The conference marked a turning point in the history of the population field—one that brought reproductive health and women’s rights to the forefront of the international population agenda. The 22 case studies in this book document changes in practice in reproductive health and family planning programs within 18 countries. The case studies demonstrate the important strides that were made in the years following the conference and point to many challenges that remain. The abolition or modification of population policies …