Digital Commons Network^™

Disability In An American Indian Community : Prevalence, Distribution, And The Role Of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Thoin Farzana Begum

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The Akwesasne reservation along the St. Lawrence River has experienced significant exposure to several persistent organic pollutants due to rapid industrialization. The Aluminum Company of America, General Motors, and Reynolds Metals operated aluminum foundries that used polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as hydraulic fluids, which contaminated the community environment, the soil, air and water, and community food sources with PCBs. We administered the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS II) to 119 Akwesasne Mohawk adults residing along the St. Lawrence River in New York. We used exploratory factor analysis to summarize the 36- items comprising the WHODAS II. The 7 …

Radical Trachelectomy For Invasive Cervical Cancer : A Pathway To Fertility For Some, But Not Without Repercussions, Erica Jamro-Comer

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

BackgroundRadical trachelectomy (RT) is a surgical procedure that offers a substantial benefit to women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer: fertility preservation. However, as a newer surgical option, there are still many unknowns about the characteristics and outcomes of women who undergo this procedure after a cervical cancer diagnosis. Initial research in this area indicates that some disparities exist in who has the surgery versus the standard radical hysterectomy procedure; however, these are not fully understood and characterized. Furthermore, little is known about how women plan their families and how their high-risk pregnancies are managed in the absence of a standard …

Trace Elements In Nails And Anemia In Children Living Along The Interoceanic Highway, Madre De Dios, Peru / Narrative Competence And Cognitive Mapping As A Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy In The Education Of Emergent Bilinguals, Tia Marks

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Anthropogenic changes in the Peruvian Amazon, including deforestation, highway development, agriculture, and artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), have increased community concern about potential exposures toxic trace elements (TTE) including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb). Such exposures can lead to detrimental health effects in children, such as developmental delays and anemia. The overarching goal of my dissertation was to understand exposure to both toxic and essential (manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn)) trace elements, anemia prevalence, and the associations between hemoglobin (Hb) levels and trace elements. To do this, I leveraged existing data from a …

Disability In An American Indian Community : Prevalence, Distribution, And The Role Of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Thoin F. Begum

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Phthalates have been implicated as reproductive toxicants in animal models and in human populations. This study examined associations between potential exposure sources and urinary phthalate concentrations among couples undergoing infertility treatment. Women (n=56) and their male partners (n=43) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) were enrolled in a prospective cohort investigation of environmental chemicals and IVF outcomes at an academic medical center. On the day of oocyte retrieval, participants provided urine samples and completed questionnaires detailing use of personal care products (PCPs), and consumption of medications, foods, and beverages in the preceding 24-hours. Urine was analyzed for MEP, MBP, MPP, MHxP, …

Genomic Epidemiology Of Clinical Salmonella Enterica In New Hampshire, 2017-2020, Madison R. Turcotte

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella enterica remains a challenging public health threat. We aim to characterize the population structure and evolutionary history of 394 genomes of S. enterica isolates recovered from human clinical cases in New Hampshire, USA from 2017 to 2020. The population is phylogenetically diverse, consisting of 78 STs and 67 serotypes. We detected 61 genes associated with resistance to14 different antimicrobial classes. Rather than a single multidrug resistant clone expanding in the state, we found multiple lineages carrying different combinations of independently acquired resistance determinants. New or emerging lineages can therefore rapidly spread over relatively short timeframes. In …

Examining The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Birth Outcomes In Onondaga County, New York, Simone A. Seward

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Background: Preterm birth (PTB), defined as births that occur prior to 37 completed weeks of gestation, and low birth weight (LBW), defined as an infant born with a birthweight of < 5.5 lbs or 2,500 grams, have been identified as significant contributors to the high infant morbidity and mortality rate in the United States (U.S.). The etiology of PTB and LBW is complex, and multifaceted. Linkages have been made to several categorical risk factors related to socio-demographics, medical, behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental pathways. Given the known risk factors, the current COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns from public health officials and clinicians about the short-and long-term impact on the health and well-being of pregnant women and their birth outcomes. Study Purpose: The purpose of the study was to: 1) examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on preterm birth (PTB) and low birthweight (LBW) in Onondaga County, NY; and 2) determine the potential impact of psychosocial factors, particularly maternal depression and social support, on PTB and LBW. Guided by the Integrated Socio-Environmental Model of Health and Well-being (ISEM), The Life Course Perspective (LCP), concepts of allostatic load and the weathering hypothesis, the study recognizes the numerous factors, over the life course, that co-occur and can synergistically contribute to or moderate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on birth outcomes. Methodology: The study utilized a mixed methods approach to answer the four research questions. For the quantitative component, the study utilized relevant data elements obtained from the Statewide Perinatal Data System (SPDS) during February 1, 2019 through March 31, 2021 for secondary data analysis. For the qualitative component, 20 key informant interviews were conducted to investigate and describe the health care and social support experiences of individuals who delivered in Onondaga County, NY before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Results from the bivariate analysis indicated a statistically significant association between lack of prenatal care, lack of social support, maternal depression and both PTB and LBW (all p <.0001). Exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic was not significantly associated with either LBW or PTB (p=0.2289 and p=0.2932, respectively). The analysis yielded no statistically significant difference in the rates of LBW (p= 0.2289) or PTB (p=0.2932) between the two cohorts. The major themes that emerged from the interviews related to prenatal care experience were: Preparing for Pregnancy, Feeling Supported by their Health Care Provider, Restrictive COVID-19 Policies, Dealing with the Unknown, and Self-Advocacy. The major themes related to social support experience were: Personal Relationships during Pregnancy, Forms of Social Support during pregnancy, and Pandemic Impact on Social Support. Overlapping themes were identified between the two cohorts. Study Significance: The findings from this study have implications for public health and clinical practice, public health policy, and future research. The findings from this study emphasize the need for a range of accessible, affordable options for pregnancy-related care and social support, especially during stressful life events, like a pandemic. This study contributes to the growing literature on the COVID-19 pandemic by providing an analysis of the factors (risk and protective) which could moderate or mediate the effects of a public health crisis on birth outcomes. The strength of the study lies in the triangulation of data to research a persistent public health issue and health disparity during a widespread public health crisis.

Australian Teachers’ Perceptions And Experiences Of Food And Nutrition Education In Primary Schools: A Qualitative Study, Gozde Aydin, Claire Margerison, Anthony Worsley, Alison Booth

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Teacher delivered food and nutrition education (FNE) can be effective in improving children’s food literacy and eating habits. However, teachers are known to face some barriers to the delivery of FNE globally. To obtain a deeper understanding of Australian primary school teachers’ experiences and views, 17 teachers were interviewed. The results of the thematic analysis showed that teachers acknowledged the importance of FNE and were willing to include more FNE content into their teaching. We also identified the FNE topics taught, resources used, their teaching partners, and barriers encountered. The discussion presents strategies to overcome these barriers.

Dental Decay In Zambian School Children In Eastern And Southern Provinces, Elizabeth Graham

NUTR/GLST 498b: Global Research Experiences in Nutrition and Health

Introduction: Dental caries is the most prevalent and infectious disease worldwide. Zambia has a high rate of vitamin A deficiency, and this deficiency is associated with dental caries.

Methods: Visual dental checks, interviewing, and anthropometric assessments were done on 781 Zambian primary school children.

Results: Caries rates are 20% among sample populations, males have more decay than females, first molars are the most decayed, a majority use toothbrushes to clean their teeth, and children who eat vitamin A rich foods are less likely to have dental caries.

Discussion: Caries’ rates in the Southern and Eastern provinces are higher than in …

The Influence Of Race And Ethnicity On The Prevalence Of Social Stigma For People With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Donielle Hyde

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Various studies attempting to evaluate the prevalence of health-related social stigma in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) identified themes that coincide with increased prevalence including anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, fear of judgement, anger, and feeling ashamed. This phenomenon is believed to be due to the lack of knowledge and understanding about the differences between the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for T1DM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The Resilient, Empowered, Active Living intervention dataset (n=115) was utilized to further examine this phenomenon by determining whether race and ethnicity influence the prevalence of the following health-related social stigma …

Healing Through Mother Earth, Taylor A. Russell

Dance (MFA) Theses

This thesis deals with mental health, with a focus on Black women. Historically, Black women are often so compromised, being constant caregivers and helping everyone else, that they forget to help themselves, not having the time and financial means to do so. If we go back in the time of slavery, many Black women were taking care of slave owners' children and suckling the white women’s babies instead of their own. By the time they got home and after diligently caring for other people’s children they were focused on their own children, who they had been away from for hours …

Telehealth Delivery Of Acceptance And Commitment Therapy And Recreational Therapy: Supporting People With Chronic Pain During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Grace L. Roy

Honors Theses and Capstones

Chronic pain is a significant public health problem that requires person-centered and comprehensive care to address the many socioecological factors that contribute to pain. Within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth options for chronic pain management can help more people access the care that they need. The purpose of the current pilot study was to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of delivering a 6-week Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and recreational therapy intervention via telehealth for a group of seven participants with chronic pain. It was found that TeleACT-RT was associated with positive behavioral outcomes including increased psychological flexibility, …

College Of Health And Human Service Faculty’S Confidence And Inclusion Of Lgbtq+ Health Content In Curriculum, Carley S. Kanter

Honors Theses and Capstones

In the health care system, those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, (LGBTQ+) face discrimination and health disparities. Students who are better prepared in higher education to provide care for this population have higher levels of confidence in LGBTQ+ health content than those who have less exposure. Therefore, faculty who teach curriculum related to health and wellness have an opportunity to prepare students to provide high quality, patient centered care by teaching culturally competent care that is inclusive of LGBTQ+ populations. The aim of the study is to determine whether the degree of confidence in teaching LGBTQ+ health …

Protective Factors Against Self-Harm And Suicidality Among Australian Indigenous Adolescents: A Strengths-Based Analysis Of The Longitudinal Study Of Indigenous Children, Irteja Islam, Lisa Sharwood, Verity Chadwick, Tuguy Esgin, Alexandra Martiniuk

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Understanding and encouraging social and emotional well-being (SEWB) among Indigenous adolescents is vital in countering the impacts of colonisation and intergenerational trauma. As self-harm and suicidality are considered markers of poor SEWB among Indigenous communities, we aimed to identify the individual-level and community-level factors protecting Indigenous adolescents from self-harm and suicidality. Methods: Data came from Footprints in Time—The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (waves 10 and 11), conducted among Indigenous families across Australia. A strengths-based analysis fitted multilevel logistic regression to explore associations with factors proposed as protective against self-reported self-harm and suicidality among Indigenous adolescents. Results: Our study …

Risk Factors Of Infant Mortality Among Sub-Saharan Immigrants In The United States, Roland Lankah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

While prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and birthplace have been suggested to play a key role in predicting infant mortality outcomes, they have not been thoroughly investigated across all races/ethnicities. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between prepregnancy BMI, GWG, birthplace as independent variables, and infant mortality as the outcome variable within the United States Sub-Saharan African Immigrants (SSAI). A quantitative cross-sectional study design grounded in the biopsychosocial model was used. Data were extracted from the 2017-2018 natality-linked birth/infant death file from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wonder Database. It …

Experiences Of Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder In Medication Assisted Treatment Programs, Lynda M. Maxfield

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractOpioid use accounts for many deaths each day in the United States. Although research has shown that retention in medication assisted treatment (MAT) programs increases quality of life for those individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and decreases premature death, there has been limited research on the perspectives of individuals with OUD in MAT programs and why they remained in or left the programs. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study, guided by Merleau-Ponty’s theory of perception, was to explore the lived experiences of those with OUD treated in a MAT program. An algorithm type interview was conducted to ask …

The Experience And Perception Of Contraceptive Use Among Teenage Girls Living In Lagos, Nigeria, Kikelomo Omotoso

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThere is a low level of contraceptive use among Nigerian teenagers, leading to unwanted pregnancies and subsequently unsafe abortions. Sexual activities among teenagers in Lagos, Nigeria, are a major public health problem. The principal factors leading to this health problem are poverty, peer pressure among university students leading to involvement in the sex trade, and early marriage in some cultures. There are myths and perceptions about the use of contraception in society, especially concerning the use of condoms, which Nigerian teenagers believe do not make intercourse interesting or satisfying; these ideas can lead to unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), …

Role Of Hypertension In Low-Birth-Weight Racial Disparities Among Virginian Women, Ashli Owen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Low birth weight (LBW) is a leading cause of infant mortality globally, but it disproportionately burdens the Black community in the United States, with a rate twice that of White women. Further, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDsP) increase LBW incidence. The purpose of the study was to assess the association between HDsP and LBW, maternal race and LBW, and the moderation effect of HDsP on race and LBW on Black and White women in Virginia. The theoretical framework for this study was based on the lifecourse health development model, which states that health should be viewed as an outcome of …

Factors Influencing Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Hispanic Youth In Bexar County, Texas, Timothy Edward Wallum

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A high number of Hispanic youth in Bexar County, Texas, face morbidity and mortality related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection due to inadequate vaccination coverage youth. A better understanding of the factors that influence vaccination might help public health authorities to increase coverage. The aim of this quantitative, cross-sectional study, which was based on the socioecological model and involved analysis of weighted survey data from the 2016 to 2018 National Immunization Survey-Teen, was to better understand the multilevel factors influencing HPV vaccine use among Hispanic youth. The weighted sample was representative of the study population in terms of survey characteristics …

The Interaction Of Children Living In Single-Parent Households With Healthcare In Tennessee, Molly Balcer

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

The objective of this paper is to examine how a child living in a single-parent home is able to interact with healthcare in the state of Tennessee in 2020. Family structure in the United States trends away from the nuclear family, with 32% of households containing children headed by single-parents in 2018 as recorded by the United States Census Bureau. Given the knowledge that children in single-parent families are at higher risk for unmet healthcare needs, it is prudent to determine whether these trends are mirrored in Tennessee. Tests of statistical analysis were conducted on publicly available data collected from …

Factors Associated With Nonmedical Prescription Opioid Use And Prescription Opioid Misuse Among Rural Americans, Brittany Cox

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Opioid misuse is a rapidly evolving health epidemic in the United States, leading to opioid use disorders, overdose deaths, and disparities in treatment. The rural population may be more susceptible given socioeconomic status, less educational attainment, and lower income. The impact on specific populations is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to identify the association of nonmedical prescription opioid use (NPOU), prescription opioid misuse (POM), and treatment-seeking with race, age, sex, education, and insurance status among rural Americans. The social-ecological model (SEM) served as the theoretical framework. The SEM described the interplay between individual, relationship, community, and …

Maternal Occupational Exposure To Organic Solvents And Noise: Maternal Effects And Infant Outcomes, Kristen Van Buren

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

Introduction: Several maternal occupational exposures have not yet been studied for potential reproductive harm or have inconsistent findings in the literature. Despite the challenges, identification of potential risk factors, specifically reproductive toxicants, is necessary to mitigate and prevent adverse health outcomes for working mothers and their infants. The purpose of this study was to examine maternal occupational exposure to organic solvents and noise to small-for-gestational age (SGA) and preterm birth (PTB) among infants. Additionally, the study sought to examine maternal occupational exposure to noise and presence of gestational diabetes (GDM) and pregnancy-related hypertension among participant mothers.

Methods: The study population …

Can Environmental Law Solve The "Forever Chemical" Problem?, Mark P. Nevitt, Robert V. Percival

Faculty Articles

Although federal environmental law purports to provide the public with comprehensive protection against chemical risks, the U.S. chemical industry is characterized by self­ regulation. This self-regulation is exemplified by the dangers posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (''PFAS'')­ broad classes of persistent toxic substances that have now entered nearly every American's bloodstream and hundreds of public drinking water systems. Despite data linking exposure to these "forever chemicals" to cancer, infertility, and a host of other public health harms, environmental law has failed to safeguard the American people from PFAS' toxic legacy. How did this occur? And what should be done …

Coping, Affirmation, Resilience, And Empowerment (Care) Program And Its Impact On Depression And Quality Of Life Among Youth Living With Depression In Banjarmasin City, Indonesia : A Mixed-Method Study, Lafi Munira

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Background: The national prevalence of depression among young adults in Indonesia was 29.3% for moderate and 8.0% for severe depression. There are few intervention studies on coping skills training and group cognitive therapy through internet-based intervention for youth living with depression in Indonesia. Objectives: 1) To explore participants’ perception, experience, and cope with depression before and after CARE Program; 2) To investigate effects CARE Program on depression and quality of life among youth living with depression in Banjarmasin City, Indonesia. Method: This study used a convergent parallel mixed method. A qualitative and quasi experimental with two groups pre-post tests among …

Assessment Of Psychological Impact Of Covid-19 Among Healthcare Professionals In Yangon, Myanmar, Nyein Chan Aung

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Background: Millions of people worldwide have been infected by the Covid-19 pandemic, devastatingly affecting their physical and mental health. During the covid-19 outbreak with the delta variant in 2021, Myanmar experienced its worst healthcare crisis, resulting in work burden, exhaustion, and psychological distress among healthcare professionals. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the psychological impacts of Covid-19 on healthcare professionals in Yangon, Myanmar. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was employed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among healthcare professionals, who aged 18 and older with at least two years of experience …

Factors Associated With The Utilization Of Preventive Dental Treatments Among Elderly Patients In Faculty Of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University: A Secondary Data Analysis, Weerachon Panthueng

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Objective: This study aimed to explore the potential factors associated with utilization of preventive dentistry among elderly patients attending a university dental hospital in Thailand. Materials and methods: The research design of this study was a cross-sectional study. This study used secondary data from a cross-sectional study from undergraduate project, conducted completely during July 2021- January 2022 for independent data and dependent variable from dental hospital resource system. The participants were 363 elderly patients who were both males and females in Faculty of Dentistry Chulalongkorn University. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were performed to analyze the data. …

Occupational Hazards And Mental Health Among Myanmar Migrant Workers In Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand, Myo Myint Kyaw

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Background: Myanmar migrant workers play a crucial role in the local workforce, especially in industries like seafood processing and manufacturing. These workers frequently encounter difficult working conditions and are exposed to various occupational hazards, which can negatively affect both their physical and mental well-being. Despite the significance of this issue, only limited research has been conducted to explore the connection between occupational hazards and mental health among this vulnerable population. Objective: To study an association between occupational hazards and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among Myanmar migrant workers in Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted …

Factors Associated With The Dental Attendance Among Elderly Patients In Faculty Of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University: A Secondary Data Analysis, Narongrit Nampikul

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Objective: To identify the predisposing factors, enabling factors, and need factors related to dental attendance of elderly patients at dental hospitals, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University using the conceptual framework of the Anderson model. Materials and methods: this study was a secondary analysis study. The participants were 402 elderly patients who were both males and females. Data was collected from telephone questionnaires and dental records of dental hospitals. Faculty of Dentistry Chulalongkorn University. Data were analyzed using chi-square statistics and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: age was the only predisposing factor that was statistically significantly associated with dental attendance among …

Treatment-Seeking Time Of Patients With Malaria At Private General Practitioners In Myanmar: A Secondary Data Analysis Of Routine Surveillance Data (2018-2022), Pyi Thein Khine

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Malaria is a significant global health burden, and prompt treatment is essential for optimum results. Due to their accessibility and convenience, populations in high-risk areas of malaria commonly seek treatment in the private health sector. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the delayed treatment-seeking time of patients with malaria at private general practitioners in Myanmar. The secondary data analysis of routine surveillance data included a sample of 4,939 patients with malaria who sought treatment from private quality general practitioners under the Myanmar Medical Association Malaria Project. Nearly 80% of patients sought treatment later than 24 hours and …

Nuclear Security Awareness Survey At A University, Marcia P. Robinson, Naomi German, Destiny B. White, Shraddha V. Rane, Jason Timothy Harris

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The concept of assessing safety culture in an organization emerged with its application at the nuclear power industry and has expanded since then. An assessment of nuclear security, on the contrary, is still under-developed, especially at non-nuclear facilities, such as academic institutions and medical facilities. To identify the level of the awareness and understanding of credible nuclear and radiological threats, response preparedness, security culture, and the integrity of nuclear security systems among non-radioactive material users at a university setting; a campus-wide survey was deployed. A total of 3,336 non-radioactive material users, including students, faculty, and staff participated in the survey. …

Healing Sanctuary, Kammy Downs

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

The natural world has hidden wisdom and resources that are disregarded as we misuse our responsibility to care for them. The benefits of being in tune with nature have been traded for a culture that manipulates nature on the altar of expediency, waste, and unquenchable desire. Healing Sanctuary presents a duality. My work speaks about the relationship between the seen and unseen, represented by ten larger-than-life drawings of medicinal herbal plants that have had a profound physical healing effect on me. At the same time, plants, roots, and seeds create visceral metaphors for mental health. Our accomplishments, outlook on life, …