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Birth Of An Electronic Journal – The Florida Public Health Review

Florida Public Health Review

No abstract provided.

Epidemiologic And Environmental Investigation Of A Recreational Water Outbreak Caused By Two Genotypes Of Cryptosporidium Parvum In Ohio In 2000, Els Mathieu, Deborah A. Levy, Fran Veverka, Mary-Kay Parrish, John Sarisky, Nancy Shapiro, Stephanie Johnston, Thomas Handzel, Allen Hightower, Lihua Xiao, Yeuk-Mui Lee, Steve York, Michael Arrowood, Robin Lee, Jeffrey L. Jones

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

In August 2000, the Ohio Department of Health requested assistance to investigate a cryptosporidiosis outbreak with more than 700 clinical case-patients. An epidemiologic and environmental investigation was conducted. Stool specimens, pool water, and sand filter samples were analyzed. A community-based case-control study showed that the main risk factor was swimming in pool A (odds ratio [OR] = 42, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 12.3-144.9). This was supported by results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, which showed the presence of both the human and bovine genotypes of Cryptosporidium parvum in case-patients and samples from the filter of pool A. A …

Economic Efficiency And Consumer Choice Theory In Nutritional Labeling, Michael Mccann

Law Faculty Scholarship

As more Americans consume fast food each year, more Americans are contracting serious diseases related to obesity. Considering that obesity ranks second behind tobacco use as the largest contributor to mortality rates in the United States, and also that it gives rise to greater publicly funded health care expenses than does tobacco, this phenomenon begs the obvious question: To what extent does the growing consumption of fast food contribute to the obesity epidemic and the incidence of disease? If the answer indicates a meaningful contribution, a natural follow-up question then emerges: In a sensible legal system, what instruments would best …

Once Upon A Virus: Aids Legends And Vernacular Risk Perception, Diane E. Goldstein

All USU Press Publications

Once Upon a Virus explores how contemporary, or "urban," legends are indicators of culturally complex attitudes toward health and illness. Tracing the rich tradition of AIDS legends in relation to current scholarship on belief, Diane Goldstein shows how such stories not only articulate widespread perceptions of risk, health care, and health policy, they also influence official and scientific approaches to the disease and its management. Notions that appear in narratives of who gets AIDS, how and why, are indicators of broad issues involving health beliefs, concerns, and needs.

Lack Of Chart Reminder Effectiveness On Family Medicine Resident Jnc-Vi And Ncep Iii Guideline Knowledge And Attitudes, Paul S. Echlin, Ross Eg Upshur, Tsveti P. Markova

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

The literature demonstrates that medical residents and practicing physicians have an attitudinal-behavioral discordance concerning their positive attitudes towards clinical practice guidelines (CPG), and the implementation of these guidelines into clinical practice patterns.

Methods

A pilot study was performed to determine if change in a previously identified CPG compliance factor (accessibility) would produce a significant increase in family medicine resident knowledge and attitude toward the guidelines. The primary study intervention involved placing a summary of the Sixth Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VI) and the National Cholesterol …

Wif-B Cells As A Model For Alcohol-Induced Hepatocyte Injury, Courtney S. Schaffert, Sandra L. Todero, Benita L. Mcvicker, Pamela L. Tuma, Michael F. Sorrell, Dean J. Tuma

United States Public Health Resources

A potential in vitro model for studying the mechanisms of alcohol-induced hepatocyte injury is the WIF-B cell line. It has many hepatocyte-like features, including a differentiated, polarized phenotype resulting in formation of bile canaliculi. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of ethanol treatment on this cell line. WIF-B cells were cultured up to 96 h in the absence or presence of 25 mM ethanol and subsequently were analyzed for ethanol-induced physiological and morphological changes. Initial studies revealed WIF-B cells exhibited alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity, expressed cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), and efficiently metabolized ethanol in culture. This cell …

Natural And Technologic Hazardous Material Releases During And After Natural Disasters: A Review, Stacy Young, Lina Balluz, Josephine Malilay

United States Public Health Resources

Natural disasters may be powerful and prominent mechanisms of direct and indirect hazardous material (hazmat) releases. Hazardous materials that are released as the result of a technologic malfunction precipitated by a natural event are referred to as natural-technologic or na-tech events. Na-tech events pose unique environmental and human hazards. Disaster-associated hazardous material releases are of concern, given increases in population density and accelerating industrial development in areas subject to natural disasters. These trends increase the probability of catastrophic future disasters and the potential for mass human exposure to hazardous materials released during disasters. This systematic review summarizes direct and indirect …

Alcohol And Hiv Decrease Proteasome And Immunoproteasome Function In Macrophages: Implications For Impaired Immune Function During Disease, James Haorah, David Heilman, Casey Diekmann, Natalia Osna, Terrence M. Donohue Jr., Anuja Ghorpade, Yuri Persidsky

United States Public Health Resources

Proteasomes (proteinase complexes, PR) and immunoproteasomes (IPR) degrade damaged proteins and affect protein processing required for antigen presentation by mononuclear phagocytes. These critical immune processes are attenuated during progressive HIV-1 infection and are affected by alcohol abuse. To investigate the mechanisms underlying these functional changes, we measured PR and CYP2E1 activities [an ethanol (EtOH) metabolizing enzyme] and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) following HIV-1 infection and EtOH treatment. We observed progressive declines of PR activity and PR/IPR contents in HIV-1-infected MDM. PR activity and IPR expression increased after IFN-γ stimulation but reduced after HIV-1 infection. EtOH …

N-(Methylamino) Isobutyric Acid Inhibits Proliferation Of Cfsc-2c Hepatic Stellate Cells, T. L. Freeman, G.M. Thiele, L.W. Klassen, B.T. Klassen, M.E. Mailliard

United States Public Health Resources

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) involves the induction of ECM protein synthesis and rapid cell proliferation. Thus, agents that interfere with either process could potentially mitigate the development of liver disease by reducing the synthesis of proteins associated with fibrosis or by reducing the number of activated HSC. Previously, we described that the non-metabolizable amino acid analog N-(methylamino)isobutyric acid (MeAIB) reduced hepatic collagen content of rats in a model of CCl₄-induced liver injury, and in vitro studies using CFSC-2G cells indicated that MeAIB directly reduced collagen synthesis. However, the MeAIB-mediated reduction of hepatic collagen, in vivo, …

Advancing Toward Universal Coverage: Are States Able To Take The Lead?, Lisa Dubay, Christina Moylan, Thomas R. Oliver

Journal of Health Care Law and Policy

No abstract provided.

Promise And Perils Of State-Based Road To Universal Health Insurance In The U.S., Carol S. Weissert

Journal of Health Care Law and Policy

No abstract provided.

Unequal Access: The Crisis Of Health Care Inequality For Low-Income African-American Residents Of The District Of Columbia, Robyn Whipple Diaz

Journal of Health Care Law and Policy

No abstract provided.

Maximizing Resources To Meet Client Needs: Evaluation Of A Comprehensive Hiv/Aids Care And Support Model In India, Yrg Care, Horizons Program, International Hiv/Aids Alliance

HIV and AIDS

To examine the benefits and feasibility of service delivery, the Horizons program and the International HIV/AIDS Alliance undertook a multifaceted operations research study of YRG CARE, a nongovernmental organization which offers services to PLHA in southern India. Data from this study suggest that comprehensive care and support services have had a positive impact on perceived quality of life, serostatus disclosure, number of illness episodes, and household expenditures for those patients who participated in the study. The results of this component of the study support the value of scaling-up the YRG CARE service model to other NGOs in India to expand …

Combining Community Approaches And Government Policy To Prevent Hiv Infection In The Dominican Republic, Deanna Kerrigan, Luis Moreno, Santo Rosario, Bayardo Gomez, Hector Jerez, Ellen Weiss, Johannes Van Dam, Eva Roca, Clare Barrington, Michael D. Sweat

HIV and AIDS

A recent Horizons study conducted jointly with two Dominican NGOs assessed the impact of two environmental-structural models in reducing HIV-related risk among female sex workers in the Dominican Republic and compared their cost-effectiveness. In the two cities studied, there were improvements from pre- to post-intervention in the key outcome variables, however the type and level of these changes varied by intervention approach. Based on our findings, program planners and policymakers involved in the study in the Dominican Republic agree that the integrated solidarity and policy model in conjunction with ongoing peer education and community mobilization activities is an appropriate, cost-effective, …

Equitable Access To Hiv Counseling And Testing For Youth In Developing Countries: A Review Of Current Practice, Ann P. Mccauley

HIV and AIDS

While many people get HIV-related counseling and testing, only those who receive pre- and post-test counseling, and test voluntarily, are participating in voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). The high rates of HIV infection among youth make it crucial to find programs to prevent infection. Because there is evidence that many adults benefit from VCT, there is increasing interest in extending these services to young people. VCT counseling helps adolescents evaluate their own behavior and its consequences. A negative test result offers the opportunity to recognize vulnerabilities and develop risk-reduction plans to adopt safe behaviors. Young people who test HIV-positive can …

Paving The Path: Preparing For Microbicide Introduction—Report Of A Qualitative Study In South Africa [Executive Summary], Julie Becker, Rasha Dabash, C. Elizabeth Mcgrory, Diane Cooper, Jane Harries, Margaret Hoffman, Jennifer Moodley, Phyllis Orner, Hillary J. Bracken

HIV and AIDS

With recently accelerated support for the development of microbicides to prevent HIV transmission and the urgency of the global AIDS epidemic, it is important to begin to identify strategies for introducing a microbicide once it is proven safe and effective and is approved for use. This executive summary presents results from a qualitative study that explored a range of issues likely to influence microbicide introduction at the community, health service, and policy levels. The study, which identified critical issues to be addressed in building support for microbicides and facilitating a smooth introduction, was conducted between September 2002 and September 2003 …

Paving The Path: Preparing For Microbicide Introduction—Report Of A Qualitative Study In South Africa, Julie Becker, Rasha Dabash, C. Elizabeth Mcgrory, Diane Cooper, Jane Harries, Margaret Hoffman, Jennifer Moodley, Phyllis Orner, Hillary J. Bracken

HIV and AIDS

With recently accelerated support for the development of microbicides to prevent HIV transmission and the urgency of the global AIDS epidemic, it is important to begin to identify strategies for introducing a microbicide once it is proven safe and effective and is approved for use. This report presents results from a qualitative study that explored a range of issues likely to influence microbicide introduction—positively or negatively—at three levels: community, health service, and policy. The study, which identified critical issues to be addressed in building support for microbicides and facilitating a smooth introduction, was conducted between September 2002 and September 2003 …

Medicare At 40: A Mid-Life Crisis?, Nancy-Ann Deparle

Journal of Health Care Law and Policy

No abstract provided.

Ic107: Program: 9th Biennial Symposium On Minorities, The Medically Underserved & Cancer. From Awareness To Action, The Unequal Burden Of Cancer, Intercultural Cancer Council

Informational and Promotional Materials

Program details the events, speakers, attendees, and discussions during the 9th Biennial Symposium on Minorities, the Medically Underserved & Cancer presented by Intercultural Cancer Council and Baylor College of Medicine. The symposium took place March 24-28, 2004 at the OMNI Shoreham in Washington, DC. See more at Intercultural Cancer Council Records.

Awareness Of Heart Health Promotion And Heart Disease Prevention Programs Among African, African-American, And Caucasian American Women, Leenghoi Lower

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The aim of this study was to assess awareness of African, African-American, and Caucasian American women regarding heart health promotion and heart disease prevention programs. A survey consisting of 10 questions was given to 150 women from the Minnesota cities of Mankato, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul. Data was collected from 60 women. Results from this study indicated that 32.45% of women were aware of heart health promotion and heart disease prevention programs while 67.55% were not aware. An investigation was also carried out to determine knowledge of women regarding heart disease as the leading cause of morbidity in women. Results …

A Comparison Of Perceptions Of Students, Parents And School Personnel Regarding Bullying Behavior, Joan Buchar

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A COMPARISON OF PERCEPTIONS OF STUDENTS, PARENTS AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL REGARDING BULLYING BEHAVIOR Joan Buchar July 2, 2004 52 Pages Directed by: Richard W. Wilson, J. David Dunn, Lisa L. Lindley Department of Public Health Western Kentucky University Bullying in America's schools is a problem that is, at best, a nuisance and at worst, the suspected cause of school shootings. Bullying is a persistent, physical or psychological abuse of power. It takes many forms from physical assault and name calling to shunning, ridicule or exclusion. The victims are usually powerless to change conditions and often bullying is ignored or dismissed …

Perceptions Of Pediatric Overweight And Weight Management: A Comparison Of Parents And Physicians, Lisa K. Thomason

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Pediatric overweight is of paramount importance in Kentucky, as studies show prevalence rates are higher in the state than the national average. Research suggests that comprehensive treatments involving diet training, exercise training, and psychological counseling are most effective at reducing overweight in children. Little research has been done, however, to compare parents' and physicians' perceptions of obesity, its treatment, or barriers to weight management.

The purpose of this study is to examine differences in attitudes toward pediatric obesity and weight management among parents and physicians, specifically related to the importance of diet training, exercise training, and psychological counseling. Surveys were …

Attracting Youth To Voluntary Counseling And Testing Services In Uganda, Ann P. Mccauley, Milka Juma, Edward Kirumira, Nelson Kakande, Scott Geibel, C. Hitimana-Lukanika, Daniel Lukenge, Edith Mukisa

HIV and AIDS

Little is known about the use of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) by youth, a group that comprises more than half of those newly infected with HIV. An exploratory study conducted in Nairobi, Kenya, and Kampala and Masaka in Uganda revealed that young people want information, confidentiality, low-cost HIV testing, and friendly, professional counseling. Two facilities in Kampala, the AIDS Information Center (AIC) and Naguru Teenage Information and Health Center (NTIHC), implemented new youth-oriented strategies to increase VCT utilization and satisfaction with services among young people. In 2001, AIC established a youth corner behind the regular adult clinic with a …

Transitions To Adulthood In The Context Of Aids In South Africa: The Impact Of Exposure To Life Skills Education On Adolescent Knowledge, Skills, And Behavior, The Transitions To Adulthood Study Team

HIV and AIDS

This study is a collaborative research project of the University of Natal-Durban, the Horizons program, and Tulane University. One objective of the study was to contribute to understanding the effectiveness of life skills education in changing behavior in South Africa. The findings indicate substantial short-to-medium-term effects of exposure to life skills education on certain areas of sexual and reproductive health-related knowledge, confidence to use condoms, and condom use behavior. Further research is needed to assess whether the observed effects are transitory or long-term in nature, whether the observed behavioral changes have an impact on HIV infection rates among youth, and …

Improving The Reproductive Health Of Youth In Mexico, Ricardo Vernon, Maricela Dura

Reproductive Health

This project assessed the impact of the Mexican Foundation for Family Planning’s Young People Program (YPP) on: a) the attitudes of community stakeholders toward informing youth about reproductive health issues and making reproductive health services available for sexually-active youth; b) the sexual and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of adolescents; and c) the way that providers offer reproductive health services to adolescents. In addition, the project determined whether adding a school-based sex education component increased the impact of community interventions on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of adolescents. Survey results showed that the reproductive health knowledge and attitudes of …

Improving The Reproductive Health Of Adolescents In Senegal, Nafissatou J. Diop, Heli Bathidja, Isseu Diop Toure, Thierno Dieng, Babacar Mane, Saumya Ramarao, Susan E. Adamchak, Emelita Wong, Adama Ndoye, Aboubacry Sy, Babacar Fall

Reproductive Health

In October 1999, the Frontiers in Reproductive Health (FRONTIERS) program began a three-year collaboration with the World Health Organization, the Senegal Ministries of Health, Education, and Youth, the Center for Research and Training in Health and Population, and the Population Training Group to test interventions to improve the reproductive health of youth aged 10–19. The community-based intervention included sensitization on adolescent reproductive health for community and religious leaders, reaching parents through women’s groups, and education sessions led by peer educators using a life-skills curriculum. As part of the clinic-based intervention, providers and peer educators were trained to offer youth-friendly services. …

Using Incentives To Encourage Aids Programs And Policies In The Workplace: A Study Of Feasibility And Impact In Thailand, Simon Baker, Srisuman Sartsara, Patchara Rumakom, Philip Guest, Katie D. Schenk, Anthony Pramualratana, Suparat Suksakulwat, Surachai Panakitsuwan, Sikarat Moonmeung

HIV and AIDS

A recently completed Horizons study in Thailand examined the question of how to encourage the private sector to become actively involved in developing and improving workplace HIV/AIDS programs. The study found that the AIDS-response Standard Organization (ASO) initiative mobilized a moderate proportion of different types of companies to develop and improve HIV/AIDS workplace policies and programs. The data also reveal that companies that were eligible for the insurance discount made the greatest improvements. Thus a financial incentive combined with efforts to tap into managers’ willingness to respond to the epidemic can be important motivators for certain companies to improve their …

Health Educators In Florida’S County Public Health Departments: Frequency Of And Perceived Confidence In Performing Entry-Level Competencies, Gwendolyn Matthews, Michele Johnson Moore, Chudley Werch

Public Health Faculty Research and Scholarship

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the activities of health educators in Florida’s county health departments concur with the responsibilities and competencies for health educators that have been established by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC, 2003). Fifty-three (68.8%) county public health department health educators completed a modified version of the Self-Assessment for the Health Education Specialist instrument (National Task Force, 1987) to determine the frequency and perceived confidence in performing entry-level health educator responsibilities. The data indicated that the entry-level responsibilities reflect the current health education practice in this group of health educators. The …

The Implications Of Early Marriage For Hiv/Aids Policy, Judith Bruce, Shelley Clark

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

This brief is based on a background paper prepared for the WHO/UNFPA/Population Council Technical Consultation on Married Adolescents, held in Geneva, Switzerland, December 9–12, 2003. The final paper is entitled “Including married adolescents in adolescent reproductive health and HIV/AIDS policy.” The consultation brought together experts from the United Nations, donors, and nongovernmental agencies to consider the evidence regarding married adolescent girls’ reproductive health, vulnerability to HIV infection, social and economic disadvantage, and rights. The relationships to major policy initiatives—including safe motherhood, HIV, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and reproductive rights—were explored, and emerging findings from the still relatively rare programs …

Including Married Adolescents In Adolescent Reproductive Health And Hiv/Aids Policy, Judith Bruce, Shelley Clark

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

The majority of sexually active girls aged 15–19 in developing countries are married, and married adolescent girls tend to have higher rates of HIV infection than their sexually active, unmarried peers. Married adolescent girls represent a sizable fraction of adolescents at risk and experience some of the highest rates of HIV prevalence of any group. Nonetheless, married adolescents have been marginal in adolescent HIV/AIDS policies and programs and have not been the central subjects for programs aimed at adult married women. This paper offers a partial explanation for why married adolescents have so often been overlooked, the reasons why marriage …