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Chronic Pancreatitis, Pain, And Anxiety In An Alcohol And High Fat Mouse Model, Tiffanie Clinkinbeard

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

Homeodynamic space (HDS) shrinks as vulnerability increases with aging and repeated damage to the cells. HDS is lost in alcoholic pancreatitis patients due to overconsumption of alcohol, smoking, and high fat diets. Etiologically relevant animal models for study of chronic pancreatitis (CP) are needed. In order to begin filling this gap a central purpose of this dissertation research was to examine relationships between the alcohol and high fat diet (AHF) and pancreatitis with attention to hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behaviors. The AHF diet induced pancreatitis described here etiologically mimics human risk factors of AHF consumption for advancement to alcoholic CP.

In …

Emerging Technologies To Measure Neighborhood Conditions In Public Health: Implications For Interventions And Next Steps, M. Schootman, E. J. Nelson, K. Werner, E. Shacham, M. Elliott, Kendra Ratnapradipa, M. Lian, A. Mcvay

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

Adverse neighborhood conditions play an important role beyond individual characteristics. There is increasing interest in identifying specific characteristics of the social and built environments adversely affecting health outcomes. Most research has assessed aspects of such exposures via self-reported instruments or census data. Potential threats in the local environment may be subject to short-term changes that can only be measured with more nimble technology. The advent of new technologies may offer new opportunities to obtain geospatial data about neighborhoods that may circumvent the limitations of traditional data sources. This overview describes the utility, validity and reliability of selected emerging technologies to …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Adult Day Care On Alleviating Caregiver Stress/Burden, Lessep Duncan, Joan Bowla, Rosena Tanis

Florida Public Health Review

Though not extensive, the literature points to the efficacy of Adult Day Care (ADC) in alleviating stress on caregivers in several and differing ways. In line with this evidence, the findings from the evaluation of Northwest Focal Point’s (NWFP) ADC program conducted by the Florida Atlantic University Evaluation Team indicates that ADC provides necessary relief and reduces the strain of caregiving on caregivers. Two measurement instruments: one to measure the level of caregiver strain and one to measure the effectiveness of ADC in alleviating this strain comprising five dimensions of caregiving strain and five dimensions of ADC impact in reducing …

“Exchange Northern Ky”: An Evidence-Based Needle & Syringe Exchange Program Serving The Northern Kentucky Area Development District, Amanda Hunter

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Intravenous drug users (IDUs) account for nearly 16% of new HIV infections in the United States and almost one half (48%) of newly reported acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections have been found to be IDU related.1 Within the Northern Kentucky Area Development District, hepatitis C infections have soared with an incidence of more than 1,000 newly reported cases during 2015 alone.⁴ Rigorous scientific evidence complied by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has indicated that one of the most unique and effective strategies for the curtailing HIV incidence among IDUs is by ensuring users’ access to …

Across The States: Do Long Term Services & Supports Policies Affect The Number Of Nursing Home Residents With Low-Care Needs?, Mary Otis

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Long term care for the elderly has been steadily gaining salience in the public policy realm for many years. The federal government has been vigorously studying and exploring solutions, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) efforts to expand access to home and community-based services (HCBS) in order to reduce dependence on institutional care. These federal efforts include various incentive programs and policies recently offered under the Affordable Care Act. However, data on the strength of each state’s long term services and supports system has not been easily accessible until recently. The report “Raising Expectations: A State Scorecard …

Determinants Of An Individual's Suicide Intention In South Korea, Nam Keun Choi

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

This study has examined a variety of variables that influence an individual’ s suicide intention, and analyzed the impact of these variables. The data are from the 2014 wave of the Korea Welfare Panel Survey (KoWePS). I analyze data on 13,687 out of 17,134 survey participants.

The dependent variable of my study is suicide intention such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The independent variables are classified into three categories: socio-demographic, psychological and mental health. Socio-demographic variables are gender, age, education, marital status, and income. Psychological variables are self-esteem, satisfaction with life, and religion. Mental health variables are depression, alcohol use, …

Childhood Obesity, A Public Health Crisis: Narrative Review Of Public Health Interventions For Childhood Obesity, Sumera Aziz Ali, Savera Aziz Ali, Nadir Suhail, Shiyam Sunder Tikmani, Gulshan Bano

Community Health Sciences

Introduction: Child obesity is the major pediatric public health crisis of the current century and its trend is increasing in the developing countries due to nutrition and epidemiologic transition. Considering the burden of childhood obesity and its associated outcomes need for obesity prevention in children has become priority both for government and researchers.
Objective: The objective of this review is to provide the updated knowledge and evidence from various research studies, designed to provide interventions either in school or at home.
Methodology: Electronic databases like Google scholar, PubMed and Sciencedirect were used as search engines. Key terms used during the …

Experiences Of Victimization And Health Care Access Among Non-Metropolitan Lgbtq+ Individuals, Ashley-Ann Marcotte

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals report substantial rates of violence, discrimination, and negative life events due to homophobia and transphobia and these experiences impact access to health care services and programs (Bauer et al, 2009; Grant, Mottet, Tanis, Harrison, & Keisling, 2010) These experiences result in LGBTQ+ communities needing services, programs, and social supports to provide safer spaces. Although it is well recognized that health care services are not a major determinant of health outcomes and yet use more than 60% of health spending (Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2014; Muzyka, Hodgson, & Prada, 2012). As such, …

Post-Fall Decision Making Among Older Women Living In Continuing Care Retirement Communities: A Mixed Methods Study, Caroline D. Bergeron

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: One in every three adults over the age of 65 experiences a fall every year, with women experiencing more falls than men. Falls can affect how older women perceive themselves and their independence. The purpose of this study was to examine older women's health decision making after experiencing a fall. Methods: I conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 older women living independently in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) who had experienced a fall within the previous six months and 11 individuals the women identified as being involved in their post-fall decision making. I also conducted an exploratory survey on post-fall …

Outcomes Of Prediabetes And Diabetes Education Programs Tailored For Vulnerable Popuations, Diana Al Sayed Hassan

Dissertations

Diabetes is a debilitating disease and if not managed properly it can lead to multiple complications and even premature death. Diabetes continues to disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The purpose of this three-paper method dissertation was to examine the implementation of a prediabetes and diabetes programs in a community setting to serve vulnerable populations in addition to understanding future diabetes-related educational needs.

The first paper is an evaluation of a shortened five-week diabetes prevention program for older adults with prediabetes or at a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Chang in nutrition knowledge, eating and physical activity behaviors, …

Disability Prevention Programs For Older People: Factors Associated With Medical And Nursing Care Costs, Takaaki Ikeda, Susumu Yanagawa, Kenichi Murakami, Toshiyuki Inoue, Takamasa Tsurumi

Kesmas

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengklarifikasi faktor-faktor yang terkait dengan biaya medis dan perawatan lanjut usia (lansia) yang tinggal di panti sosial serta menyarankan program pencegahan disabilitas yang efektif. Total partisipan dalam penelitian ini adalah 83 orang (29 laki-laki dan 54 perempuan; usia rata-rata 81,2 ± 6,3 tahun) pada 1 November – 28 Desember 2014. Penelitian ini membandingkan biaya medis dan perawatan rata-rata per bulan dengan rata-rata nasional bagi yang berusia ≥ 65 tahun. Uji regresi logistik dilakukan untuk memeriksa keterkaitannya dengan biaya medis dan perawatan. Mereka yang pergi ke luar rumah ≥ 3 kali seminggu tiga kali lebih kecil kemungkinannya …

The Role Of The Faith Community Nurse In Fostering Spirituality In Those With Alzheimer's Disease, Verna Carson Phd, Pmh/Cns-Bc

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Alzheimer ’s disease (AD) strips individuals of memories and abilities that have defined them as productive adults throughout their life. While the decline in memory is real and results in a ‘loss of self’ this does not equate to a ‘loss of soul.’ AD patients continue to have spiritual needs throughout their life as do the family, and/or caregivers. This article explores the spiritual needs and care of AD patients and families and the unique opportunity faith community nurses have to help the AD patient and their support system. The Reisberg Functional Assessment Staging System is used to explain the …

The Role Of Place In Explaining Racial Heterogeneity In Cognitive Outcomes Among Older Adults, Sze Yan Liu, M Maria Glymou, Laura B. Zahodne, Christopher Weiss, Jennifer J. Manly

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

Racially patterned disadvantage in Southern states, especially during the formative years of primary school, may contribute to enduring disparities in adult cognitive outcomes. Drawing on a lifecourse perspective, we examine whether state of school attendance affects cognitive outcomes in older adults and partially contributes to persistent racial disparities. Using data from older African American and white participants in the national Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the New York based Washington Heights Inwood Cognitive Aging Project (WHICAP), we estimated age-and gender-adjusted multilevel models with random effects for states predicting years of education and cognitive outcomes (e.g., memory and vocabulary). We …

The Alzheimer’S Association Dementia Care Coordination Program: A Process Evaluation, Executive Summary, Nina Silverstein, Frank Porell, Pamela Nadash

Gerontology Institute Publications

The Massachusetts/New Hampshire (MA/NH) Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association has long sought ways to systematically increase the number of families who utilize its services and support. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2015 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, there are 142,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that less than 30% of those individuals and their caregivers take advantage of its programs (Alzheimer’s Association, 2015). The MA/NH Chapter recognized that one major barrier to accessing services is a model that relies on families taking the initiative to seek out assistance.

In …

The Self-Reported Sexual Behaviors Of Single Older African Americans, Victoria Foster, Patricia C. Clark, Marcia M. Holstad

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Abstract

African Americans are disproportionally affected by HIV/AIDS, but little is known about the risky sexual behaviors of older African Americans. This cross-sectional, comparative study, investigated the self-reported sexual behaviors of sexually active older African Americans. The nonrandom sample (N = 78) included single African American men (59%) and women (41%), 50-74 years of age. Participants were recruited from various community sites, and data were collected with a standard sexual history questionnaire. Participants reported practicing risky behaviors such having unprotected oral, anal, and vaginal sex (96.5%), and having multiple sex partners (37.2%). There were several significant gender differences such …

The First Year: The Relationship Between Loneliness & Wellness Among College Freshmen, Isabel M. Jimenez-Bush

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Loneliness is common in the majority of first-semester college students, but if left unaddressed, long-term loneliness may cause physical health problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived loneliness and physical health among college freshmen at James Madison University using a Qualtrics survey. The relationship between loneliness and health was assessed using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) to gauge physical health and the UCLA Loneliness Survey (UCLA-LS) to gauge perceived loneliness. Contrary to the hypothesis, results indicated there was no relationship between loneliness and physical health. It was thought the BRFSS was a …

Connecticut's Elderly Population: An In-Depth Analysis Of Current And Future Trends In Elder Care, With A Focus On Dementia And Cognitive Decline, Emily J. Snodgrass

Honors Scholar Theses

The aging population in Connecticut currently represents ~15% of the state’s population but is anticipated to rapidly increase over the next 20 years. My thesis is an examination of the types of interventions and programs currently available for elderly persons with memory impairment and cognitive decline, as well as the challenges associated with caring for a larger elderly population. Data collected from interviews with CT healthcare and research professionals representative of the diverse specialties of aging together with an analysis of current research literature are used to demonstrate the importance of continued research and expansion of appropriate and accessible services …

Comparison Of Body Composition Assessment Techniques In Older Adult Females, Lauren Yacapraro

Honors Projects

Comparison of Body Composition Assessment Techniques in Older Adult Females

Introduction: As the aging population increases, the need for accurate assessment of chronic disease risk also increases. There is considerable debate over the best way to assess this risk. BMI is a weight-to-height ratio that is commonly used to assess adiposity and obesity related risk. However, it does not differentiate lean (i.e., muscle and bone) versus fat mass – the true predictors of obesity-related diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease and diabetes). This is prevalent in post-menopausal women who often experience age-related gains in fat mass and losses in lean mass.

Methods: …

The Impact Of The Veterans Health Administration's Home Based Primary Care On Health Services Use, Expenditures, And Mortality, Melissa Castora-Binkley

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Among patients with multiple chronic conditions, care coordination and integration remains one of the major challenges facing the U.S. health care system. A home-based, patient-centered primary care program has been offered through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) since the 1970s for frail veterans who have difficulty accessing VHA clinics. The VHA Home Based Primary Care (VHA HBPC) aims to integrate primary care, rehabilitation, disease management, palliative care, and coordination of care for frail individuals with complex, chronic diseases within their homes. Early research suggested that VHA HBPC was associated with positive outcomes (e.g., reduced resource use and patient satisfaction). …

Is Race A Factor In Disparate Health Problems Associated With Violence Against Women?, Gabriel M. Garcia, Marny Rivera

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Research studies examining the health correlates of violence against women have consistently demonstrated associations between violence and poor health outcomes, but have not examined a disparate impact on racial minorities. Alaska Victimization Survey data (2010) was used to examine whether a disparate relationship between victimization and health problems exists for minority women relative to White women. The Alaska Victimization Survey (AVS) is a cross-sectional survey designed to provide baseline estimates of intimate partner and sexual violence for Alaskan women. Logistic regression was used to assess the odds of experiencing various health problems given race and exposure to violence status while …

Race And Sex Differences In Correlates Of Systolic Blood Pressure In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Cassandra Ford Phd, Patricia Sawyer, Patricia Parmelee, Olivio J. Clay, Martha Crowther, Richard M. Allman

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Objectives: To describe correlates of measured systolic blood pressure (SBP) among community-dwelling older African American and White Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods: Participants completed an in-home assessment and factors significantly correlated with SBP were tested using multivariable models.

Results: Among the 958 participants (mean age= 75.3 [SD = 6.8]; 49% African American; 49% female; 52% rural) African Americans were more often diagnosed with hypertension, more likely on anti-hypertensives, and on more anti-hypertensive medications. SBP was 2.7 mmHg higher in African Americans than Whites (p=.03). SBP was higher in women than men. Multivariable models revealed differences in the factors associated with SBP by …

Adolescent Oral Health In Kentucky, 2007 National Survey Of Childhood Health Analysis, Kory Brinker

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Research indicates that children raised by their grandparents can have poorer health outcomes than their peers living in mother or father based households. There is, however, little research that indicates how childhood oral health is affected by grandparents raising grandchildren. This study investigated grandparent based family structures, and how this family structure affects oral health of Kentucky children. Using data from the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health, 113 Kentucky children were identified as living with a grandparent as a primary caregiver. Chi-Square analyses were utilized to assess the oral health status of these children, as well as what role …

Physical, Cognitive, Social And Mental Health In Near-Centenarians And Centenarians Living In New York City: Findings From The Fordham Centenarian Study, Daniela S. Jopp, Min-Kyung S. Park, Jonathan Lehrfeld, Michelle E. Paggi

Publications and Research

Background: Despite their strong increase, the population of the very old, including near-centenarians and centenarians, represent an unstudied and underserved population. Available studies mostly concentrate on predictors of exceptional longevity, but rarely extend their focus to other areas of functioning. Also, little is known about what contributes to experiencing a quality life in very old age. The present population-based study aims at providing a comprehensive picture of key domain of functioning, including physical, cognitive, social and mental function in very old individuals and to determine predictors of mental health indicators.

Methods: A total of 119 individuals aged 95 to 107 …

The Impact Of Physical And Psychosocial Factors On Workplace Injuries In Nursing Assistants, Colleen Roberts

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Objective: The objectives of this study were to 1) Describe the nature and prevalence of workplace injuries in nursing assistants (NAs) and 2) Assess the impact of physical and psychosocial works factors on the occurrence of back injuries and muscle strains in these nursing assistants.

Methods: Data for this study are from the 2004 National Nursing Assistant Survey (NNAS), which was conducted as a supplement to the National Nursing Home Survey (NNHS). The original dataset contained 3,017 records. The data were analyzed as a case-control for this study’s purpose. Cases were defined as participants who had experienced a …

Falls Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Determining The Relationship Between Social Networks And The Risk For Falls, Smita Sikhrakar

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Falls among community-dwelling older adults is a big public health problem, which have an effect on older adults' health, independence, and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between social networks and the risk for falls among community-dwelling older adults. This was a descriptive correlational study, which utilized a cross-sectional survey for the data collection. The dependent and independent variable of this study were the risk for falls among the community-dwelling older adults, and the strength and type of social networks respectively. In this study, 218 community-dwelling older adults were recruited, who were living …

Wellness Wednesday: Monitoring Lifestyle Changes Via The Transtheoretical Model, Mariah J. Bloom Ms.

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Physical activity has been shown to improve cognition, functional and overall health indicators across the lifespan. Older adults are less likely to participate in physical due to barriers and risk related factors. Additionally, lower income, underserved populations experience added barriers as well. Interventions addressing negative health behaviors in these populations have rarely been implemented. PURPOSE: Using the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) behavior change theory, the purpose of this study was to determine if five, monthly educational and exercise classes targeting these populations will improve motivation levels and result in facilitating increases in physical activity levels. METHODS: One validated TTM survey was …

Exploring Body Image And The Association Between Body Image Dissatisfaction And Waist Circumference Among Overweight And Obese Rural African American Women Participating In A Weight Loss Program, Erica Rayshelle Johnson

All ETDs from UAB

African American (AA) women are disproportionately burdened by obesity, an epidemic with implications that reach beyond physiological consequences. Given that perceptions of body image may impact health-promoting behaviors and weight management efforts, we sought to evaluate the presence and magnitude of body image dissatisfaction (BID) and explore its relationship with waist circumference (WC), independent of weight among overweight and obese treatment-seeking rural AA women. Participants referred to images from the Pulvers Figure Rating Scale that included nine body silhouettes to answer: “How I think I look now” (i.e., current body image) and “How I would like to look” (i.e., desired …

Dementia And Primary-Care Health Measures:Hearing, Gait, And Markers Of Inflammation, Elsa Lindgren

Honors Theses and Capstones

Dementia is a syndrome associated with declining cognitive function that has a variety of types and causes, and is encountered frequently in general medical practice. Researchers are actively exploring possible risk factors for dementia. The St. Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) exam is a dementia-screening exam used in primary care visits to detect cognitive impairment that may be a sign of dementia. This study compared scores on the SLUMS exam to other measures recorded in a typical primary care visit in 86 patients of age 65 and older to look for correlations between indicators of health, such as physical examination …

Trailmaking Test Performance Contributes To Subjective Judgment Of Visual Efficiency In Older Adults, Annalisa Setti, James Loughman, George Savva, Rose Anne Kenny

Articles

Introduction.

The determinant factors that influence self-reported quality of vision have yet to be fully elucidated. This study evaluated a range of contextual information, established psychophysical tests, and in particular, a series of cognitive tests as potentially novel determinant factors.

Materials &Methods. Community dwelling adults (aged 50+) recruited to Wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, excluding those registered blind, participated in this study (N = 5,021). Self-reports of vision were analysed in relation to visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, ocular pathology, visual (Choice Response Time task; TrailMaking Test) and global cognition. Contextual factors such as having visited …

Grant Application: Visual Voices, An Arts-Based Assessment Of The Perceived Identity Of Aging Maine Residents, Collyn Baeder, Zoe Hull, Rebecca Masterjohn, Virginia Sedarski, Adrian Jung, Michaela A. Hoffman, Nicole O'Brien

Visual Voices: An Arts-Based Assessment of the Perceived Identity of Aging Maine Residents

IPEC Mini-grant application for funding of UNE student project Visual Voices: An Arts-Based Assessment Of The Perceived Identity Of Aging Maine Residents. This project was designed to investigate the topics of perception, identity, and aging. Between February and May 2015, over the course of twelve sessions, the UNE team met with six female residents of the Park Danforth senior living community in Portland to have conversations and create art about how the residents perceive themselves in contrast to how they feel perceived by important people in their lives, such as friends, family, and healthcare providers.