Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Dental Hygiene Instrument Handles On Muscle Activity Production, Jessica R. Suedbeck, Daniel Russell, Cortney Armitano Lago, Emily A. Ludwig

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose The objective of this study was to compare the effects of ten commercially available instrument handle designs’ mass and diameter on forearm muscle activity during a simulated periodontal scaling experience.

Methods A convenience sample of 25 registered dental hygienists were recruited for this IRB-approved study. Ten commercially available instruments were categorized into four groups based on their masses and diameters: large diameter/light mass, small diameter/light mass, large diameter/heavy mass, and small diameter/heavy mass. Participants were randomized to four instruments with one from each group. Participants scaled with each instrument in a simulated oral environment while muscle activity was collected …

Emoting In Context: Lived Narratives Of Filipino Health-Care Frontliners During The Early Days Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, John Martin Bernard Gappy

Sociology & Anthropology Department Faculty Publications

The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has placed the entire world in a liminal position whereby our well-rehearsed and predictive practices have been deeply shaken. Within this context of liminality, studies point to potential distress among healthcare workers who are taking care of COVID-19 patients. Most studies focus on emotional distress of frontline healthcare workers as fixed entities. The current approach perceives emotion as a type of connection with social worlds. This article focuses on contextual acts of emoting and is organized around personal, situational, and cultural features of nine frontline medical doctors affiliated with ten hospitals in Metro-Manila who were taking …

Hearing Aid Loan Program For Hearing Loss At The End Of Life, M. Courtney Hughes, Diane Schecklong, King Chung

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

This article describes a hearing aid loan program to provide free amplification devices for patients at the end of life to help them communicate more effectively at this critical time. It includes steps for establishing such a program, addressing challenges, and the role of the informal caregiver throughout the intervention. Healthcare professionals and social workers are encouraged to develop similar programs and use the information here as helpful suggestions to consider for their programs.

Conspiracy Theories And Ebola: Lessons Learned Important For Future Pandemics, Shawn C. Smallman

International & Global Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

The public health campaign against Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo faced serious challenges, some due to conspiracy theories and denial. These beliefs were so powerful that they even caused repeated attacks upon health care providers and medical centers. These conspiracy theories were nothing new, as they are a common feature of all frightening epidemics, such as HIV and COVID-19. These narratives also circulated during the 2015 West African Ebola outbreak. Addressing conspiracy theories during an epidemic requires a coordinated campaign involving not only local leaders but also the cooperation of social media organizations

Adolescent Overweight And Obesity In Ireland—Trends And Sociodemographic Associations Between 1990 And 2020, Aoibhín Moore Heslin, Aisling O'Donnell, Laura Kehoe, Janette Walton, Albert Flynn, John Kearney, Breige Mcnulty

Articles

Background: Overweight and obesity in adolescence is a growing issue and can have a range of both short- and long-term consequences on health.

Objectives: To analyse trends in adolescent weight status in Ireland across a 30-year period and to examine the influence of sociodemographic factors on overweight/obesity in Irish adolescents over time.

Methods: Body composition and body mass index weight status of Irish adolescents were compared using data from three nationally representative, cross-sectional Irish national food consumption surveys from 1990, 2006 and 2020. Adjusted analysis of associations between socio-demographic factors with the risk of adolescent overweight/obesity at each time point …

Conspiracy Theories Are Not Religions: Scrutinizing Religious Exemptions To The Covid-19 Vaccine, Shirley B. Luk

University of San Francisco Law Review

No abstract provided.

A Pandemic Of Division: Finding Justice At Work In Challenging Times, Catherine L. Fisk

University of San Francisco Law Review

No abstract provided.

Factors Associated With Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) Vaccine Uptake Among Female Adults In Mudan District, Heze, Shandong, China: A Cross-Sectional Study, Cong Liu

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Introduction: Cervical cancer ranks second globally in cancer-related deaths among women. There is evidence linking the incidence and risk of cervical cancer to the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV vaccination has the potential to prevent more than 90% of HPV-attributable cancers. However, the HPV vaccination rate in China is still low. Therefore, factors associated with HPV vaccination are required among those who never received the vaccine. Objective: China has implemented programs to promote HPV vaccination; however, the HPV infection rate is still very high in Shandong Province, especially Heze City, and there is no study on the vaccination factors …

Effects Of Knowledge And Awareness Enhancement Program To Change The Consumption Behavior Of Cannabis-Containing In Food And Beverage Among Undergraduate Students In Pathum Thani Province Of Thailand: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Phannathat Tanthanapanyakorn

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Since 2021, the societal acceptance of cannabis in various nations across Thailand has significantly catalyzed the integration of cannabis in food and beverages. Thailand Government Gazette at the end of July 2021 permitted the use of cannabis for medical, cosmetic, and food and beverage purposes. It might allow people, especially adolescents, to easily access cannabis with a high prevalence (69%). This research was a quasi-experimental study to investigate the effects of knowledge and awareness enhancement program for changing the consumption behavior of cannabis-containing food and beverages among undergraduate students of Pathum Thani province in Thailand.Phase 1 aimed to assess the …

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease And Metabolic Syndrome: The Role Of Gender Differences And Menopausal Status Of Women, Kimberly Kushner

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There are few studies that investigate the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) predominantly in menopausal women. This quantitative study investigated the association between MetS and NAFLD while controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, and menopausal status of women. The theoretical framework that helps establish and guide the research was the diffusion of innovation (DOI). A multivariable logistic regression was conducted using secondary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. There is a statistically significant association between MetS, and NAFLD after controlling for age (OR = 2.96, 95% CI = 2.319–3.778, p < 0.001). However, ethnicity was not statistically significant. After further controlling for gender, the relationship remained statistically significant and exhibited a decrease in risk for females compared to males (OR = -.734, 95%CI = .387–.596, p < 0.001). Lastly, focusing on women only, and further controlling for menopausal status, the association between MetS and NAFLD was still statistically significant (OR = 2.227, p < 0.001). Mexican Americans, other Hispanics, and Non-Hispanic Black women were at higher risk (95% CI 1.102–7.039, 1.321–5.351, and 1.255–3.013, respectively). Implications for positive social change include adopting proactive and preventative strategies that can improve the quality of life for vulnerable patients and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with MetS and NAFLD.

Health Education Practices For Middle Eastern Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Walaa Daffaalla

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex women’s health condition that reduces women’s quality of life, leading to health complications, such as menstruation issues, infertility, insulin resistance, risk of type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, emotional stress, being overweight or obese, and more. Research on PCOS has focused on the etiology and complications in women from different ethnicities. But limited research has explored the experiences and perspectives of Middle Eastern (ME) women in the United States with PCOS related to PCOS health education. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perspectives and experiences of ME women of reproductive …

Impacts Of White Privilege And Implicit Bias On Treatment Implementation With Black Pediatric Patients, Tara Geer-Leiker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

White privilege and implicit bias are known contributing factors to the racial health inequities that exist in the treatment of Black children in U.S. hospitals. There is limited research, however, on the potential for White nurses to engage in self-examination related to either concept. The purpose of this basic qualitative inquiry was to understand how White privilege and/or implicit bias shapes the lived experiences of White nurses as they treat and interact with Black pediatric patients. The conceptual framework included a modified model comprised of Hobbs’s concept of White privilege and Blair et al.’s model of influences of implicit bias …

Comparative Study Of Risky Sexual Behaviors In African American Adolescents Who Use Drugs And Alcohol, Angela Matthew

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem in the United States. Adolescents are a high majority of these cases, with African American adolescents being affected disproportionally. Previous research has shown that risky sexual behaviors, such as non-condom use, multiple sexual partners, early initiation of sexual intercourse, and alcohol or marijuana use before sexual intercourse put adolescents at a higher risk of contracting an STI when they are sexually active. These behaviors can be observed through the theoretical framework of the problem behavior theory that describes the constructs of why individuals engage certain behaviors. How alcohol and drug …

An Exploratory Study Of Ergonomics In College Students, Wesley Ryan Tinker

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between poor ergonomic conditions and student physiological discrepancies. This examination provided great insight into students’ daily experiences and concerns for their futures. The methodology used for this study was quantitative as two source data sets were collected and analyzed. The tool REBA was used to measure the specific body angles while students sat working. A survey yielded great results, giving the students an opportunity to subjectively choose options.

This exploratory study allowed the researcher to use quantitative data to answer this study’s research questions. The research questions asked from this study were …

Implications Of Lgbtq Identity On Help-Seeking In College Students, Matthew T. Allen

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

LGBTQ individuals find themselves experiencing both mental and physical health concerns at disproportionate rates than cisgender and heterosexual individuals. However, LGBTQ individuals have been shown to seek help for these concerns. Studies examining this phenomenon on college campuses have focused predominantly on mental health concerns. This study hoped to look at both physical and mental health concerns and determine the implications of an LGBTQ identity on help-seeking behavior in college students. The study utilized quantitative research methods through targeted snowball sampling on social media and email. At the conclusion of the collection period, 61 participants completed a survey that included …

Comparative Study Of Risky Sexual Behaviors In African American Adolescents Who Use Drugs And Alcohol, Angela Matthew

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem in the United States. Adolescents are a high majority of these cases, with African American adolescents being affected disproportionally. Previous research has shown that risky sexual behaviors, such as non-condom use, multiple sexual partners, early initiation of sexual intercourse, and alcohol or marijuana use before sexual intercourse put adolescents at a higher risk of contracting an STI when they are sexually active. These behaviors can be observed through the theoretical framework of the problem behavior theory that describes the constructs of why individuals engage certain behaviors. How alcohol and drug …

Laboratory Practices And Antimicrobial Resistance In A Florida Hospital, Crispina Marie Sy-Trias

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Antibiotic resistance is a health threat affecting millions of Americans. Microorganisms develop resistance to antibiotics, rendering them useless for treating infections. The purpose of this quantitative study was to assess the associations between sample processing time and antibiotic resistance and is based on the health belief model. A retrospective specimen tracking activity of data from November 2019 to November 2020 was obtained by random sampling of 246 bacterial cultures. One hundred ninety-six (80%) samples were processed on time, and 50 (20%) were delayed; 167 (68%) samples were determined to have the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and 79 (32%) with …

Community Perceptions Of Syringe Service Programs In Charleston, West Virginia: A Qualitative Socioecological Perspective, Kenya M. Burton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In rural areas of the United States, people who inject drugs (PWID) experience an array of obstacles to accessing adequate healthcare. Locations with high rates of drug use normally offer more healthcare options, including needle exchange programs but, in some communities, there is resistance to providing this kind of care. This increases mortality, morbidity, cost, and adds to the stigma experienced by this vulnerable group. The experiences of people with substance dependency, including PWID, has been widely explored throughout studies that reflect a need for increased support. However, the perspectives of the community, especially in rural areas, though equally important, …

Lived Experience Of Women Veterans Navigating The Veteran Healthcare System, Candance Willett

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many women veterans who navigate the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system across the United States have felt that their voices have not been heard regarding their input and lived experiences concerning inclusion to the quality-of-care delivery for their health needs. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of women veterans who were currently facing or had previously faced difficulty navigating the VA healthcare system. The framework used for this qualitative study was interpretive phenomenological analysis. The qualitative method used was hermeneutics which was designed by Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger. Semi structured interviews were of 12 …

Predictive Effects Of Length Of Treatment And Type Of Dialysis On African Americans’ Quality Of Life, Latoya Benjamin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Individuals on dialysis often face challenges with the management of their health, resulting in low health-related quality of life (HRQOL), but the extent of this impact has not been fully examined. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was, having accounted for relevant demographic variables such as age, gender, family history, employment status, to examine the effects of length of time for treatment and type of dialysis on HRQOL in African American end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. This study was guided by the socioecological model. Secondary data from 2016 to 2021 was obtained from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) …

Anxiety Risk Factors And Social Isolation Among Young Adults, Jennifer Clancy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health concern that impacted the world. Increased feelings of loneliness and social isolation during the pandemic were reported to be associated with those seeking help for symptoms of anxiety and depression. Though symptoms of anxiety have been associated with social isolation, research is limited on the association between the anxiety risk factors and social isolation among young adults in the United States. Using the socioecological model, the association between social isolation (dependent variable) with financial stress, health anxiety, and perceived impact of COVID-19 (independent variable), and the influence of gender, race, and household status …

Association Of Hospital Incentive Care Management Partnerships For Uninsured Patients With Emergency Department Utilization, Sarah Gareau, Ana Lopez-De Fede, Zhimin Chen, Nathaniel Bell

Publications

IMPORTANCE The South Carolina (SC) Healthy Outcomes Plan (HOP) program aimed to expand access to health care to individuals without insurance; it remains unknown whether there is an association between the SC HOP program and emergency department (ED) use among patients with high health care costs and needs. OBJECTIVES To determine whether participation in the SC HOP was associated with reduced ED utilization among uninsured participants. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective cohort study included 11 684 HOP participants (ages 18-64 years) with at least 18 months of continuous enrollment. Generalized estimating equations and segmented regression of interrupted time-series analyses …

‘A Healthy Mtu’ A Mixed Methods Baseline Programme Of Research To Empirically Inform A Campus Health Promotion Initiative Within An Irish Higher Education Setting, Andrea Bickerdike

Theses

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have been called to lead global health promotion actions, yet there remains a dearth of empirically informed ‘Healthy University’ (HU) initiatives. This thesis constituted a baseline mixed methods needs assessment to inform a settings-based health promotion (HP) initiative (‘A Healthy MTU’) within a multi-campus ‘case’ HEI in Ireland (Cork campuses of MTU, formerly CIT). Specific aims were to (i) investigate student and staff health metrics, and (ii) identify the cultural and environmental determinants of health and wellbeing within the case HEI setting. Using a phased, mixed methodology (QUAN-QUAL), five sequential empirical studies were undertaken. Quantitative data …

Climate And Health: Impact Of Climate Education On Nursing Student Knowledge, Confidence, And Intent To Act, Beth Tremblay, Janice Hawkins

Ellmer School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Because climate change negatively impacts human health, nurses need skills to mitigate climate change and nurse educators need effective educational strategies to teach climate change content in undergraduate nursing programs. To address this need, we embedded an energy efficiency treasure hunt and Climate for Health Ambassador Training into our prelicensure nursing curricula.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of these educational activities on self-reported knowledge, confidence, and intent to engage in climate action.

Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group posttest design examined the effectiveness of 2 educational interventions on increasing knowledge, confidence, and intent to engage in climate action. A convenience sample …

Community Health Project, Yuliya Shneyderman

Open Educational Resources

This assignment allows students to present information about their New York City neighborhood and the social determinants of health. They explore the community in which they live through several multi-media engagements. The project has 4 parts and can be used for a semester long exploration and assignment.

National Emissaries For Preventive Healthcare. Visiting Nurses In Interwar Bulgaria And Yugoslavia, Evguenia Davidova

History Faculty Publications and Presentations

In the interwar period, as part of a wholesale reorganization of public healthcare, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia saw the emergence of a new healthcare protagonist: the visiting nurse. Grounded in archival materials, by means of an analysis that intertwines gender and class, this article argues that the visiting nurse became a crucial (and cheaper) link between the hospital and the home in the fight against social diseases and reducing child mortality. These social interactions were often mediated by international humanitarian organizations. In this context, the visiting nurse serves as another bridge—this time between national and international public health policies. Visiting nurses …

Health Misinformation During Epidemiological Crises, Bethany Stefan, Alexis L. Emich, Katrina R. Lamp

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Health misinformation is more prevalent than ever in the modern age and poses serious risks for those who believe it. Medical fallacies can become especially harmful during periods of widespread disease when the misinformed respond in ways that increase threats to public health. The purpose of this systematic review is to describe and critically appraise the evidence about how health misinformation during endemics and pandemics can influence behaviors and responses, as well as the implications of interventions affecting these behaviors. A systematic search of the literature with inclusion/exclusion criteria using CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, and PsychINFO resulted in …

Stuffed Animals For Coping And Communication In The Hospital: A Child Life Perspective, Becca Scobee

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of Spatio-Temporal Variations In Pm2.5 And Associated Long-Range Air Mass Transport And Mortality In South Asia, Md Sariful Islam, Shimul Roy, Tanmoy Roy Tusher, Mizanur Rahman, Ryley C. Harris

Political Science & Geography Faculty Publications

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is associated with adverse impacts on ambient air quality and human mortality; the situation is especially dire in developing countries experiencing rapid industrialization and urban development. This study assessed the spatio-temporal variations of PM_2.5 and its health impacts in the South Asian region. Both satellite and station-based data were used to monitor the variations in PM_2.5 over time. Additionally, mortality data associated with ambient particulate matter were used to depict the overall impacts of air pollution in this region. We applied the Mann–Kendall and Sen’s slope trend analysis tool to investigate the …

Public Health Implications: A Scoping Review Of Opioid Prevention Programs Among Adolescents, Joseph Donnelly, Elena Saldutti, Lisa Ellis Gavin, Michael Hecht

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

This article presents a comprehensive review of the pressing issue of adolescent opioid and fentanyl deaths and overdoses, highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention strategies and educational interventions. The escalating crisis of opioid abuse among adolescents necessitates immediate attention from drug educators, concerned parents, and society as a whole. We examine the alarming rise in adolescent opioid and fentanyl-related fatalities, emphasizing the unique challenges posed by fentanyl's potency and the dangerous allure it holds for young individuals. By analyzing existing harm reduction strategies, we underscore the crucial role they play in mitigating the devastating consequences of opioid use. Moreover, …