Digital Commons Network^™

The Association Between Latent Tuberculosis Infection And Diabetes Mellitus Control In The United States, Whitney L. Remy

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

Rationale: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is recognized as a common comorbid condition for tuberculosis (TB). Those with comorbid conditions are more likely to develop active TB, to have trouble with treatment, and to have more severe symptoms.

Objective: To measure the prevalence and distribution of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and DM control in the United State and test their association when measured by tuberculin skin test (TST) or QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube blood test (QFT-GIT) and by HbA1c, respectively. Literature Review: One-third of the world population is infected with TB. Ten percent of TB cases worldwide are linked to diabetes mellitus. Studies …

Clinical Profile And Containment Of The Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak In Two Large West African Cities, Nigeria, July-September 2014, Chima Ohuabunwo, Celestine Ameh, Oyin Oduyebo, Anthony Ahumibe, Bamidele Mutiu, Adebola Olayinka, Wasiu Gbadamosi, Erika Garcia, Carolina Nanclares, Wale Famiyesin, Abdulaziz Mohammed, Patrick Nguku, Richard I. Koko, Joshua Obasanya, Durojaye Adebayo, Yemi Gbadegesin, Oni Idigbe, Olukayode Oguntimehin, Sara Nyanti, Charles Nzuki, Ismail Abdus-Salam, Joseph Adeyemi, Nnanna Onyekwere, Emmanuel Musa, David Brett-Major, Faisal Shuaib, Abdulsalami Nasidi

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

INTRODUCTION: The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Nigeria began when an infected diplomat from Liberia arrived in Lagos, the most populous city in Africa, with subsequent transmission to another large city.

METHODS: First-, second-, and third-generation contacts were traced, monitored, and classified. Symptomatic contacts were managed at Ebola treatment centers as suspected, probable, and confirmed EVD cases using standard operating procedures adapted from the World Health Organization EVD guidelines. Reverse transcription PCR tests confirmed EVD. Socio-demographic, clinical, hospitalization, and outcome data of the July-September 2014 Nigeria EVD cohort were analyzed.

RESULTS: The median age of the 20 EVD cases …

The Impact Of An Ambulatory Clinical Intervention On Viral Load Suppression And Retention In Care For Newly Diagnosed Hiv Persons, Latasha R. Jones

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

Ambulatory clinical healthcare settings that serve patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are critical in improving access to quality HIV care and treatment, in part due to their ability to streamline patient care along the HIV care continuum. Barriers to HIV care are significant among newly diagnosed HIV patients and in order to engage and retain these individuals in care and treatment, specific interventions must be in place to link these individuals to care. In this study, the difference in differences method was used for data analysis to measure the impact of an ambulatory clinics intervention on their …

Analysis Of Policy Changes Aimed At Breastfeeding Promotion As Part Of The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program For Women, Infants, And Children (Wic): Making It Work For Michigan, Elizabeth L. Macquillan

Michigan Journal of Public Health

In 2011, changes to the specific type, timing, and amount of food benefits to mothers in the WIC program were rolled out nationwide. These were the first substantive changes since 1980 and were designed to increase breastfeeding initiation rates and extend breastfeeding duration among WIC program participants. Effectiveness of the program changes have been mixed and variable by geographic area of the U.S., however. In Michigan, breastfeeding duration has not increased. This analysis examines the implementation of the national policy change at the state level for Michigan and suggests additions to program to specifically target duration breastfeeding by Michigan mothers.

Association Between Incarceration History And Hepatitis C Virus In People Who Inject Drugs In Five Regions Of Ukraine, Anna Meteliuk

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Abstract

Hurricane Sandy : Public Health Staff Perceptions Of Impact And Recommendations For Future Preparedness, New York State, Asante Shipp Hilts

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Abstract

Antibody-Mediated Immunity To Vibrio Cholerae At Epithelial Surfaces, Kara Jeanette Levinson

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the severe diarrheal disease cholera, has an estimated worldwide disease burden in the millions and remains a significant public health threat. Immunity to V. cholerae is primarily antibody-mediated and though V. cholerae colonization evokes a mucosal immune response, it is the secretory IgA (SIgA) antibodies produced against bacterial surface antigens, specifically lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that confer protective immunity. SIgA antibodies are thought to function by inhibiting colonization by cross-linking and agglutination of pathogens, thereby limiting access to the epithelium, a process known as immune exclusion. Recent studies in other enteric pathogens have demonstrated that SIgA …

Establishing Methodology For Occupational Injury Surveillance In Agriculture And Logging, Erika Elisabeth Scott

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Developing a low-cost surveillance system for occupational injury in agriculture and logging has long been a challenge. These data are needed to prioritize public health interventions in the agriculture and logging industries, and are crucial to evaluating changes in injury rates, as well as the effectiveness of safety interventions. Recently, the transition to electronic data reporting created new opportunities for the development of sustainable, low-cost surveillance systems. Pre-hospital care reports (PCR) and hospital data (emergency department, inpatient, and outpatient) are datasets of particular interest.

The Relationship Of Sexual Health Education And Sexual Health Risk Behavioral Outcomes Among Florida Teens, Brandon Moton, Rima Tawk

Florida Public Health Review

We examined the relationship between sexual health education and sexual health risk behavioral outcomes among adolescents in Florida using Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from 2001 to 2013. Sexual health risk behavioral outcomes (reported condom use and alcohol and/or drug use during last intercourse) were first examined as a function of sexual health education. Multiple logistic regression analysis was then used to adjust for individual characteristics and behavioral risk factors when associating sexual health education with sexual health risk behavioral outcomes. Reported condom use was strongly associated with sexual education. However, the impact of sexual education was attenuated after adjusting …

Effect Of Anthelminthic Treatment On Helminth Infection And Related Anaemia Among School-Age Children In Northwestern Ethiopia, Yonas Yimam, Abraham Degarege, Berhanu Erko

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

BACKGROUND: Information about improvements in the health status of population at-risk of helminth infection after anthelminthic treatment helps to evaluate the effectiveness of the large scale deworming program. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of anthelminthic treatment on the prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminth infection, haemoglobin level and prevalence of anaemia among school-age children.

METHODS: A total of 403 children attending Tikur Wuha Elementary School in Jiga, northwestern Ethiopia were enrolled in this study between February and March 2011. Formol-ether concentration and Kato-Katz methods were used to examine stool for intestinal helminth infections at baseline …

Epidemiology Of Plasmodium And Helminth Coinfection And Possible Reasons For Heterogeneity, Abraham Degarege, Berhanu Erko

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

Understanding the impact of helminth infections on clinical malaria is useful for designing effective malaria control strategies. Plenty of epidemiological studies have been conducted to unravel the nature of interactions between Plasmodium and helminth infection. Careful broad summarization of the existing literature suggests that Schistosoma mansoni and hookworm infections may increase the risk of clinical malaria and associated morbidities, but Trichuris trichiura infection is not associated with the occurrence of clinical malaria and related outcomes. However, findings about effect of Ascaris lumbricoides and Schistosoma haematobium infection on clinical malaria are contradictory. Furthermore, the nature of relationship of helminth infection with …

Are You Pepped And Prepped For Travel? Risk Mitigation Of Hiv Infection For Travelers, David Brett-Major, P. T. Scott, T A. Crowell, C. S. Polyak, K. Modjarrad, M. L. Robb, D. L. Blazes

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

The HIV pandemic persists globally and travelers are at risk for infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). While HIV-focused guidelines delineate risk stratification and mitigation strategies for people in their home communities, travel issues are not addressed. In this review, direct and indirect evidence on HIV risk among travelers is explored. The burgeoning practice of employing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with anti-retroviral therapy in the non-travel setting is introduced, as well as the more established use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Challenges in applying these lessons to travelers are discussed, and a new guidelines process is scoped and recommended.

The Evolution Of The Intersection Of Hiv And Breastfeeding In Global Policy, Kristin M. Sinning

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Increasing breastfeeding rates and reducing HIV/AIDS are two important global health priorities, and their intersection has led to policies that meet mutual goals of supporting, protecting and promoting breastfeeding and reducing the risk of HIV/AIDS. The World Health Organization has developed and released recommendations, policies, and guidance on infant feeding and the risk of transmission through breastfeeding. This analysis provides a historical, chronological perspective on the global policies for infant feeding in the case of an HIV-positive mother, an analysis of changes, and recommendations for the future. The policies evaluated demonstrate the evolution in knowledge and recommendations for infant feeding …

Sustainable Improvement In Immunization Rates For Seniors: A Local And Community-Wide Effort, Linda C. Lopez

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: Overall: To improve influenza and pneumococcal immunization rates in patients age ≥65 years by developing relationships with community organizations that would provide opportunities for community member education about adult vaccines. Pre/post Surveys: To assess potential changes in influenza and pneumococcal immunization knowledge and opinions in community members exposed to an educational presentation.

Methods: Using personal and university resources, contact was made with several organizations serving the senior, underserved population in West Dayton, Ohio. An educational presentation about adult immunizations was developed and used at ten community events. The presentation included oral and written communication, and was based on the …

Strengths And Challenges Of A Rural Ohio Public Health Department: Considerations For Effective Service Delivery And Emergency Preparedness, Cindy L. Harris Graessle

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The local public health department is the main entity in cities and counties established to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of its community members. In many cases, particularly in rural areas, the health department may be the community’s closest access to health care, providing not only clinical care, but preventive services as well. These rural health departments have additional challenges that may not be experienced in the larger, more populated metropolitan areas. These challenges include lack of resources and funding that impact daily operations, expanded registered sanitarian responsibilities, and emergency preparedness difficulties with resource allocation and communication. Despite these …

Comparison Of The Difference In Nephrotoxicity Between Nafcillin And Piperacillin-Tazobactam, Sonali Kishor Patel

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

Objective

To evaluate whether nephrotoxicity differs between nafcillin and piperacillin-tazobactam in adult hospitalized patients.

Introduction

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the inpatient setting, with antibiotics being a significant contributor. There is evidence of an increased risk of nephrotoxicity with the combination of vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam compared to vancomycin and cefepime or vancomycin alone. It is unknown whether this effect is exclusive for piperacillin-tazobactam. Therefore, in order to promote optimal medication therapy for inpatient bacterial infections, there is a need to assess the persistence of this difference in other beta-lactam antibiotics.

Methods

A …

We Have The Tools To End Hiv: Benefits, Barriers, And Solutions To Expanded Utilization Of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) In The Us Deep South, Jason Ervin, Allison Weller Tikare, Carolyn Mcallaster

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Correlates Of Antibiotic Diversion In The Philippines: Misconceptions And Community-Level Access To Nonmedical Sources Of Antibiotics, Daniel Alexander Barber

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

Aim: To identify sociodemographic, knowledge, and attitudinal correlates to antibiotic diversion among a community-based sample of adults (age 18 and older) in a low-income setting of the Philippines and to explore community-level data on informal antibiotic distribution in sari-sari stands.

Methods: Participants (n=307) completed self-administered surveys. Correlates to antibiotic diversion were assessed using logistic regression with Firth’s bias-adjusted estimates. Availability and characteristics of antibiotics in the sari-sari stands (n=106) were observed through site visits.

Results: A majority (78%) had shared antibiotics in their lifetime, most often with family members. In multivariable analysis, agreement with the belief that it is safe …

Correlates Of Hepatitis C Serostatus Disclosure In Rural Appalachian Kentucky, Megan G. Hofmeister

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

Aim: To identify demographic, behavioral, and interpersonal characteristics associated with hepatitis C (HCV) serostatus disclosure among adult, rural, high-risk people who use drugs (PWUD) in Appalachian Kentucky.

Methods: Laboratory confirmed HCV antibody-positive participants (n=243), drawn from the fifth follow-up assessment of a longitudinal study of rural PWUD, completed interviewer-administered questionnaires eliciting demographic and interpersonal characteristics, risk behaviors, and information on HCV disclosure. Correlates of HCV disclosure were assessed using logistic regression.

Results: Most (69.1%) reported disclosing their HCV-positive status to at least one of their social referents (current or past sex partners, current or past injection drug use (IDU) partners, …

Birth Cohort Effects In Risk Factors For Alzheimer’S Disease, Kingsley Uzodinma

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

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the presence of birth cohort effects by exploring differences in established risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia using case-control designs and also estimate the AD risk among women with respect to their number of biological children.

Methods: This is a case control study design of participants born in 1896 – 1955 and were enrolled in one of the designated Alzheimer’s disease centers (ADCs). The uniform Data Set of the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating center (NACC) include those who had Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment (cases) and were …

"Life Skills Training" Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Among Youth In Bell County, Kentucky, Arveen Kaur

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

Prescription Drug Abuse (PDA) has become a serious public health concern and a major epidemic in the United States (U.S.). According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSUDH), approximately 15 million people (aged 12 or older) used prescription drugs in the past year and 6.5 million in past month. Out of these, 2 million Americans (aged 12 or older) either abused prescription drugs or were dependant on them. Almost 5% of adolescents (1.1 million) between the age group 12-17 abused prescription painkillers in 2014. Nationally, Kentucky is among the top five states with highest age-adjusted overdose …

Hispanic Agricultural Workers: The Nexus Of Demographics, Employment Characteristics, And Health, Ashley Michelle Bush

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

Agriculture, which is home to elevated occupational injury and illness rates, has a substantial demographic makeup of Hispanic workers. Hispanic farmworkers are at increased risk of poor occupational health outcomes due to the precarious nature of work and other socio-ecological influences. These adverse occupational health outcome counts are inadequate and undercounted, failing to capture the true scope of agricultural work. To gain more knowledge about agriculture, this capstone will focus on the personal and work characteristics of agricultural workers to help further understand disparities within the agricultural sector by: providing a literature review of agricultural worker health; examining missed work …

Hiv Risks, Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv), And Depression Among A Sample Of Women Who Have Sex With Men And Women (Wsmw), Krystal S. Frieson

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

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the associations between interpersonal partner violence (IPV), HIV risks, and depression among a sample of adolescent females who have sex with men and women.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). YRBSS data was obtained from representative samples of students in grades 9-12. The study sample was comprised of adolescent and young women who self-identified as having sex with men and women (WSMW)(N=526). The primary exposure was sexual behavior (having sexual intercourse with both male and female partners). The primary outcomes were …

Undiagnosed Hepatitis C Infection In An Urban Emergency Department, Naseem Ansari

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

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of previously undiagnosed hepatitis C virus and associated patient risk factors in an urban ED through a universal, integrated screening program, to contextualize results found in terms of gaps in existing HCV screening models and to inform future sustainable and effective screening models.

Methods: ED patients, ages 18-71, that were medically stable, hadn’t had a prior HCV test, and were having blood drawn as part of routine clinical care, were offered (n=2,726) an anti-HCV test, of whom 1,945 accepted. An assessment of correlates to anti-HCV positivity was completed using a binomial logistic regression …

Water Sanitation And Waste Management In Latin America, Colombia, And Cartagena: A Study Of The Relationship Between Environment, Health, Poverty, And Policy, Andrea K. Sullivan

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The objective of this research is to identify the need for stricter environmental standards and regulations in three areas of study. Organized by their level of analysis, these areas are Latin America (at the System-Level-of Analysis), Colombia (at the State-Level-of-Analysis), and the city of Cartagena (at the Sub-National-Level of Analysis). This research was accomplished in two phases. The first involved conducting an exhaustive literature search of sources, germane to the objective, published in Spanish and English. The second featured a site inspection conducted over a 10-day period during the month of May 2016 to Cartagena, Colombia. The purpose of the …

Fruit And Vegetable Availability, Nutrition Education And Access Amongst Food Pantries In California, Maine, Mississippi And South Dakota, Sarah L. Fowler

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This descriptive study explored the views of food pantry directors in four states regarding pantry fruit and vegetable stock and supply, nutrition education offered, and current practices and perceived barriers to providing access to food pantries to low-income individuals and families in need. This study examined these variables by surveying staff at the food pantries who have direct contact with the individuals and families who utilize the pantries. All survey responses were collected utilizing Qualtrics software and then analyzed in SPSS. There were 87 respondents from four different states, California, Maine, Mississippi, and South Dakota.

The reporting for both fresh …

A Controversial Bill (H.R. 897) To Mosquito Control Programs: A Policy Analysis, Charles Guissou

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

The primary purpose of this paper was to analyze the legal, financial, and administrative burdens of the Pesticides General Permit on mosquito control programs from a policy perspective. Mosquito control is often highly controversial, particularly when it involves the use of pesticides that have their own potentially serious health and environmental impacts. In 2009, the Environment Protection Agency issued the permit to be obtained by pesticide applicators before pesticides could be discharged into waterways in addition to existing Federal Insecticides, Fungicides, and Rodenticides Act (FIFRA) regulations. Some provisions of the permit could impact mosquito control activities. Therefore, in response to …

Social Network Analysis Of Cellphone Surveillance Data For Ebola In Sierra Leone, Jia B. Kangbai

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

Aim: To explore and visualize the connectivity of suspected Ebola cases and surveillance callers who used cellphone technology in Moyamba District in Sierra Leone for Ebola surveillance, and to examine the demographic differences and characteristics of callers who make more calls as well as more likely to make at least one positive Ebola call.

Methods: Surveillance data for 393 suspected Ebola cases (192 males, 201 females) were collected from October 23, 2014 to June 28, 2015 using cellphone technology. UCINET and NetDraw were used to explore and visualize the social connectivity between callers and suspected Ebola cases. Poisson and logistic …

Fogging Practices Of Iowa Counties For Mosquito Abatement, Alex Jay Davey

Graduate Research Papers

Global warming has been associated with an increase of mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquito-borne diseases currently have no prescription remedies. The counties across the state of Iowa will increase their fogging procedure, to supplement the increase in mosquitos and mosquito-borne diseases. This study examined which chemicals each county uses for mosquito abatement, the patterns and frequency of spraying, and what patterns of human exposure may be occurring. The county auditor was identified and recruited via email. The county auditors across the state forwarded the email message to the Environmental Health Director, in each county. At county level, they are not in control …

Global Mortality Impact Of The 1957–1959 Influenza Pandemic, Cecile Viboud, Lone Simonsen, Rodrigo Fuentes, Jose Flores, Mark A. Miller, Gerardo Chowell

Global Health Faculty Publications

Background. Quantitative estimates of the global burden of the 1957 influenza pandemic are lacking. Here we fill this gap by modeling historical mortality statistics.

Methods. We used annual rates of age- and cause-specific deaths to estimate pandemic-related mortality in excess of background levels in 39 countries in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Americas. We modeled the relationship between excess mortality and development indicators to extrapolate the global burden of the pandemic.

Results. The pandemic-associated excess respiratory mortality rate was 1.9/10 000 population (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–2.6 cases/10 000 population) on average during 1957–1959. Excess mortality rates varied 70-fold …