Digital Commons Network^™

The Athletes’ Plate: Understanding Influences Of Athletes’ Eating Attitudes, Exercise Behaviors, And Body Image Satisfaction, Delanie Patterson, Brooklynn Raacke, Ryssa Schlaefli

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Delanie Patterson¹, Brooklynn Raacke¹, and Ryssa Schlaefli²

¹Department of Psychology, Fort Hays State University

²Department of Health and Human Performance, Fort Hays State University

Faculty Sponsors: Brooke Mann¹, Ph.D. and Jessica Phelan², Ph.D.

¹Department of Psychology, Fort Hays State University

²Department of Health and Human Performance, Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas

Introduction: Disordered eating (DE), compulsive exercise (CE), and body image satisfaction (BIS) negatively affect male and female athletes. These variables each have a core symptomology but continue to evolve with the increased usage of social …

The Cost-Effectiveness Of Long-Term Post-Treatment Peer Recovery Support Services In The United States, Sierra Castedo De Martell, Margaret Brannon Moore, Hannah Wang, Lori Holleran Steiker, J Michael Wilkerson, Nalini Ranjit, Sheryl A Mccurdy, H Shelton Brown

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background:

Peer recovery support services (PRSS) have been widely adopted across a variety of settings, but little is known about their economic impact.

Objectives:

To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of long-term, PRSS delivered after specialty substance use disorder (SUD) treatment (post-treatment), and to describe the development of a free, web-based cost-effectiveness calculator based on this analysis.

Methods:

Using publicly-available data from a variety of sources, post-treatment PRSS were compared to specialty SUD treatment from the societal (broad perspective including costs like participant time) and health systems perspectives (only costs borne by health system), and in terms of quality-adjusted life years …

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: A Current Perspective, Astrid-Ines Foamkom, Maria Sophia Zaraspe Malbas, Kory D. Punch, Victor A. Bob-Yellowe, Allison J. Mcadams, Julia Paz, Karina Zamora, Kelsey Baker, Ihsan Salloum, Ney Alliey-Rodriguez

Research Symposium

Background: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a debilitating neuropsychological condition characterized by the profound loss of thiamine (vitamin B1). The neuropsychological presentation of WKS has been increasingly refined since its discovery in the nineteenth century, leading to a more robust understanding of the condition. In general, it has been shown that WKS causes differ amongst individuals but the main causes for the condition include chronic alcoholism, immunodeficiency, genetic disorders, malnutrition, drug-induced thiamine deficiency, and hyperemesis gravidarum. However, it remains unclear how demographic, environmental, and ethnic differences may influence WKS etiology and severity. Here, we sought to conduct a systematic review of …

Utilidad De La Combinación De Los Biomarcadores: Procalcitonina, Proteína C Reactiva Y Volumen Plaquetario Medio En El Diagnóstico Temprano De Sepsis Neonatal [Usefulness Of The Combination Of Biomarkers: Procalcitonin, C-Reactive Protein And Mean Platelet Volume In The Early Diagnosis Of Neonatal Sepsis], Oscar Manuel Berlanga Bolado Jr, Patricia Rivera Vazquez, Arely Socorro Hernández García, Angelica Lizbeth Martinez Ortiz

Research Symposium

Introducción: La sepsis neonatal es una causa frecuente de morbilidad y mortalidad infantil. Se le ha definido como un síndrome clínico caracterizado por signos sistémicos de infección, acompañado de bacteriemia en el primer mes de vida. Por lo tanto, el diagnóstico temprano es fundamental.

Objetivo: Conocer la sensibilidad y especificidad de la combinación de biomarcadores séricos como procalcitonina, proteína C reactiva y volumen plaquetario medio en el diagnóstico temprano de sepsis neonatal.

Material y métodos: Estudio clínico, de tipo prospectivo, predictivo, observacional, analítico, longitudinal y conveniencia. Se analizaron los biomarcadores como PCT, PCR, VPM para diagnosticar sepsis neonatal. Se incluyeron …

Trauma In Pregnancy: A Statistical Retrospective Analysis Of Leading Causes And Demographic Insights, Andrea Argenal, Sonya Bhatia, Sowmya Duddu, Julia Paz, Sriya Gullapalli, Kelsey Baker, Bharathi Gadad

Research Symposium

Background: Trauma during pregnancy is a significant contributor to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Understanding the leading causes of trauma can guide interventions to improve outcomes of injuries for pregnant women. This study aimed to analyze the distribution of trauma causes in a cohort of pregnant women treated in Texas Emergency Department over the year 2021.

Methods: A retrospective statistical analysis was conducted on a sample of 96 pregnant women who experienced trauma. Data was collected from the Texas Emergency Department for patients admitted to the hospital during 2021 and categorized by the cause of injury; some of these …

From Crisis To Action: Investigation, Research, And Response In The Rio Grande Valley Following The Anencephaly Cluster Of 1990-1991, Jonathan Hebert, Miguel Lopez, Padmanabhan Rengasamy

MEDI 9331 Scholarly Activities Clinical Years

The 1990-1991 birth defect cluster of anencephaly in the Rio Grande Valley has had lasting effects on Texas public health and birth defect prevention nationwide. The purpose of this study is to clearly illuminate public health efforts to investigate, identify, and combat the rise of anencephaly and other neural tube defects (NTDs) in the Rio Grande Valley and other border counties following the 1990-1991 cluster, as well as to report the findings of each branch of environmental, infectious, and genetic investigation into the possible causes of the disaster. Information was gathered via a literature review and from other sources including …

Alcohol Use Disorder Medication Coverage And Utilization Management In Medicaid Managed Care Plans, Maureen T. Stewart, Sage R. Feltus, Christina M. Andrews Ph.D., Andrea Acevedo, Cindy Parks Thomas, Jeffrey Bratberg, Constance M. Horgan, Dominic Hodgkin, Rachel Sayko Adams

Faculty Publications

Importance: Evidence-based, patient-centered treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) can include pharmacotherapy with naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram; however, these medications are rarely used. Medicaid managed care plans (MCPs) manage health services for nearly 80% of Medicaid enrollees and are the largest payer for addiction treatment services. Little is known about Medicaid MCP policies for AUD medications. Objectives: To describe Medicaid MCPs' coverage and management of acamprosate, naltrexone, and disulfiram for AUD and examine associations of plan characteristics and state policies with medication coverage. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this cross-sectional study, a content analysis was performed of 2021 insurance benefit …

Identifying Pregnant Women With Disabilities And Maternal And Newborn Outcomes, Alka Dev, Willi Horner-Johnson, Andrew Schaefer, Cecilia Ganduglia-Cazaban, Thérèse A Stukel, David C Goodman, Joanna K Leyenaar

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Importance: Pregnant women with disabilities are at higher risk of poor pregnancy and birth outcomes. Different methods for identifying disability may affect estimates of health disparities in this population.

Objective: To compare pregnancy and birth outcomes among pregnant women using different ways of identifying maternal disability.

Design, setting, and participants: Retrospective cohort study of linked vital records and maternal and newborn claims for Medicaid-insured live births from January 2010 to December 2014 in Texas. Data analysis was conducted from October 2023 to May 2024.

Exposure: Births grouped into 5 maternal cohorts: no identified disability, disability benefits enrollment only, disability diagnostic …

Analysis Of Systematic Trade-Offs Between Military And Healthcare Expenditure Alongside Gdp Growth Of Select Asian And Western Exporting Economies In The 21st Century, Rahul Balamurugan, Carlos Gershenson, Preethi Nanjundan, Hiroki Sayama

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

This study explores the complexity in the trade-offs between military expenditure, healthcare expenditure, and GDP growth across select Asian nations and major weapon-exporting countries, examining how nations allocate finite resources between national security and human well-being over the past two decades. Using a systems science approach, the research integrates Granger causality testing to analyze temporal and directional relationships among GDP growth, military expenditure, and healthcare expenditure, uncovering their dynamic interdependencies. The methodology includes trend and slope analysis, Granger causality testing, outlier detection, and clustering to identify heterogeneity in resource allocation strategies. Developed, weapon-exporting nations exhibit complementary trends, with strong causality …

The Importance Of Country Of Origin In Vaccine Messaging For H-2a Farmworkers, Anna M. Scheyett, Maria Bowie, Virginia Brown, Andrea Scarrow

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: H-2A farmworkers are disproportionately vulnerable to COVID-19 and understanding their beliefs regarding COVID-19 vaccines is important for public health outreach, yet to date little research has examined the influence of country of origin (COO) on the vaccine beliefs of this uniquely transient population.

Methods: Three focus groups (N=30) were held with H-2A farmworkers in South Georgia to explore their beliefs on COVID-19 vaccines, using thematic analyses to identify COO influences on these beliefs.

Results: Family in COO influenced worker vaccine beliefs through direct advice, commonly held beliefs in COO about harmful government agendas via vaccines increased worker vaccine fears, …

Associations Among Shopping Methods, Diet Adherence, And Nutrition Knowledge Of Employed Primary Grocery Shoppers In Households With Children, Baylee Schneider

Master's Theses

Obesity is a prominent risk factor for chronic disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Obesity and chronic disease rates continue to rise, requiring a need for prevention and intervention efforts. The future role of dietetics is to provide treatment and prevention through holistic approaches, by understanding individuals’ habits that contribute to the onset of disease, specifically their food choices, grocery shopping methods, and influences that waver these selections. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between grocery shopping methods (online or in-store), Mediterranean diet adherence, nutrition knowledge, and food purchase patterns …

The Present And Future Of Ai: Ethical Issues And Research Opportunities, Ankita Srivastava, Marco Marabelli, Danielle Blanch-Hartigan, Jeffrey Moriarty, Evan Carey

Philosophy Faculty Publications

Healthcare is currently a fast-changing industry with AI and generative AI (GenAI) playing a prominent role in the transformation of clinical as well as managerial practices. Clinical practices involve AI to diagnose diseases and develop new drugs and compounds, while managerial practices concern AI-supporting processes such as billing patients and insurance companies, handling electronic medical records, and supporting remote connections with patients, increasingly using virtual and augmented reality. Yet, all these opportunities offered by AI come with challenges involving potential ethical issues, such as discrimination, bias, lack of accessibility, and privacy issues. In March 2024, we organized a panel with …

From Past To Present: Tracing Africa’S Path To Universal Health Coverage, Evaline Chepchirchir Langat, Paul Russell Ward, Hailay Abrha Gesesew, Lillian Mwanri

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

At the 58th World Health Assembly in 2005, the international community charted a course for universal health coverage (UHC), aiming to ensure access to health care for all in need, of sufficient quality, and without causing financial hardship. At the time, barriers to accessing health care were overwhelming, particularly in low-and middle-income countries like Africa. Currently, 50 of Africa’s 54 countries are in various phases of UHC implementation. Some are developing national UHC agendas, while others have made significant progress but still face gaps in meeting UHC targets. This mini review comprehensively examines the literature to understand the temporal and …

Neurocognitive Gains Among Ugandan Children With Sickle Cell Anemia On Hydroxyurea: 18-Month Trial Interim Results, Shubaya Kasule Naggayi, Dennis Kalibbala, Vincent Mboizi, John M. Ssenkusu, Zhezhen Jin, Caterina Rosano, Deogratias Munube, Bill Wambaka, Ruth Namazzi, Robert Opoka

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) frequently develop progressive neurocognitive impairment. We aimed to determine effects of hydroxyurea therapy on neurocognitive function in Ugandan children with SCA by comparing levels at enrollment to a planned 18-month interim assessment. Ugandan children (N=264) ages 3-9 years were enrolled from a SCA clinic and treated in a 30-month singlearm open-label trial with escalation to maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Primary outcome was the effects of hydroxyurea on cognition, attention and executive function, along with transcranial doppler ultrasound (TCD) blood flow velocity. Sibling controls (N=110) without SCA underwent neurocognitive testing in parallel to establish age-normalized …

Risk Factors And Public Health Interventions Associated With Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Among Females Aged 10–19 Years In Kenya: A Scoping Review Protocol, Kimbley Asaso Omwodo, Abdu Mohiddin, Danielle Denwood, Augustine N. Gitonga

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background ; Adolescent pregnancy is associated with multifaceted challenges that impact countries’ health, education and economic stability. Despite ongoing interventions, in developing countries such as Kenya, adolescent pregnancy rates continue to be high. There is a need for more synthesised evidence on regional-specific risk factors to support tailored prevention strategies.

Objective; This scoping review aims to explore what is known about the risk factors and intervention strategies focused on adolescent pregnancy prevention in Kenya.

Methods and analysis; Using the Arksey and O’Malley framework combined with a three-step search strategy as recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute, relevant articles will be …

Violence Against Healthcare Workers In Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Sub-Analysis Of The Global Vishwas Study, Reena Shah, Jasmit Shah, Rakhtan K. Qasba, Ruman K. Qasba, Annastacia Mbithi, Eric Njenga, Akshat Banga, Rahul Kashyap, Salim Surani

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Background: Global concern exists for workplace violence against healthcare workers (HCWs), especially in low and middle-income nations. This violence includes physical, verbal, or sexual abuse and has a significant impact despite initiatives like Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. We conducted a study in Kenya to address this issue.

Methods: We did a cross-sectional survey that collected responses during June 6th to August 9th, 2022, focused on healthcare professionals in Kenya within the global ViSHWaS study. Violence against healthcare professionals in multiple Kenyan counties was analysed, The study reached participants through social media, emails, and other channels using a …

Analysis Of Nuclear Security And Safety Integration Using Survey Responses And Pairwise Comparison Methods, Sheila V. Gbormittah, Theodore A. Thomas, Jason Timothy Harris

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Integrating nuclear security and safety is important for implementing and sustaining nuclear technology because it promises improved and effective management. This integration is an ongoing effort to ensure that both work together with minimal conflicts. This research aimed to determine the preferred level at which nuclear security and nuclear safety integrate by using the pairwise comparison methods of decision-making. This methodology used survey responses from women nuclear professionals to identify the most-desired criteria at three levels: strategic, operational, and cultural. The strategic level includes actions that government officials and regulators can take. The operational level encompasses actions that deliver the …

The Swahili Version Of The Cd-Risc 10 Resilience Scale: Psychometric Properties And Factors Associated With Resilience Among Healthcare Workers In Tanzania, Kevinson Mwangi, Sabina Odero, Gideon Mbithi, Rachel Odhiambo, Rosemary Stephen, Tumbwene Mwansisya, Eunice Pallangyo, Eunice Ndirangu, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background: Despite the central role of resilience in promoting mental well-being, little is known about the resilience process among healthcare workers in East Africa, partly due to the lack of adequately standardised and psychometrically sound assessment tools for our context. This study provides the first psychometric evaluation of the Swahili version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10 (CD-RISC 10) among nurses/midwives and community health volunteers (CHVs) in Tanzania, potentially informing the accuracy of measuring resilience in this setting. Additionally, we examine factors associated with self-reported resilience as measured by the CD-RISC 10 scale.

Methods We used cross-sectional data on nurses/midwives …

The Feasibility Of Pharmacokinetic-Based Dosing Of Hydroxyurea For Children With Sickle Cell Anaemia In Uganda : Baseline Results Of The Alternative Dosing And Prevention Of Transfusions Trial, Alexandra Power Hays, Ruth Namazzi, Min Dong, Caroline Kazinga, Charles Kato, Sadat Aliwuya, Kathryn Mcelhinney, Andrea L. Conroy, Adam Lane, Robert Opoka

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Pharmacokinetic (PK)-guided dosing of hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) could optimize dosing and improve outcomes, but its feasibility has not been demonstrated in low-resource settings where the majority of affected children live. Alternative Dosing And Prevention of Transfusions (ADAPT) is a prospective trial evaluating blood transfusions and the feasibility of determining PK-guided, hydroxyurea maximum tolerated doses (MTD) for children with SCA in Uganda, using portable high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a novel PK software programme (HdxSim). ADAPT enrolled 106 participants, and 100% completed PK testing. PK-guided doses were generated for 78%, of which 38% were within the …

Church Leaders’ Health Behaviors And Program Implementation In The Faith, Activity, And Nutrition Program In The United States, Kelsey R. Day, Sara Wilcox Phd, Lindsay Decker, John Bernhart Ph.D., Mph, Ches, Meghan Baruth, Andrew T. Kaczynski Ph.D., Christine A. Pellegrini Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Objectives: Church leaders are important to the success of faith-based health promotion interventions through the role modeling of health behaviors. However, clergy may be at a higher risk of chronic disease than their congregants and their health is understudied. This study examined church leaders’ health-related behaviors, differences in health behaviors by socio-demographic characteristics, and associations between health behaviors and church-level implementation of an ecological intervention. Methods: Pastors (n = 93) and church coordinators (n = 92) reported body mass index (BMI), self-rated health, fruit and vegetable consumption (F&V), and physical activity (PA) at baseline and 12 months post-training in the …

Rural–Urban Differences In Substance Use During Pregnancy, Emma Kathryn Boswell, Olivia M. Hinds, Cassie Odahowski Phd, Mph, Elizabeth L. Crouch, Peiyin Hung Ph.D, Christina M. Andrews Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Purpose: Drug overdoses are now a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. Despite evidence of rural–urban disparities in substance use, there has not yet been a nationally representative examination of rural–urban differences in perinatal substance use. This study provides a comprehensive examination of rural–urban disparities in perinatal substance use. Methods: This study uses cross-sectional data to examine 3499 pregnant women from the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Rural (nonmetro)–urban (metro) differences in past-month tobacco use, alcohol use, binge drinking, illicit drug use, and marijuana use were examined using Rao–Scott chi-square tests and multivariable …

Knowledge Of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine As A Determinant Of Uptake Among Guardians Of Adolescent Girls: A Single Hospital Experience In Nairobi, Kenya, Irene Nzisa, Rose Kamenwa, James Orwa, Pauline Samia

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Abstract : Cervical cancer is one of the most common preventable cancers, causing significant morbidity and mortality in women, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the availability of free HPV vaccination, the proportion of adolescent girls vaccinated against HPV remains low.

Methods: Our aim was to identify knowledge and factors influencing HPV vaccine uptake among parents of adolescent girls and to determine the proportion of adolescent girls vaccinated within three months after the provision of additional information on cervical cancer and HPV vaccine. We undertook a mixed methods study design, with an initial cross-sectional part followed by a prospective cohort study …

Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Prenatal Care Utilization In Arkansas, United States., Pearl A Mcelfish, Aaron Caldwell, Donya Watson, Jonathan Langner, Jennifer Callaghan-Koru, Austin Porter, Don E Willis, Jennifer A Andersen, Nicola L Hawley, James P Selig, Amir Forati, Maria R Alcala, Lanita White, Enrique Gomez-Pomar, Clare C Brown

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVES: This study examines prenatal care utilization differences in Arkansas.

METHODS: Birth records data from the National Center for Health Statistics were used. The study population consisted of singleton live births in Arkansas from 2014 to 2022. Primary outcomes included number of prenatal visits, fewer than the recommended number of prenatal visits, late prenatal care, and no prenatal care. Summary statistics were computed, and adjusted rates ratios were calculated adjusting for maternal age, maternal education, and parity for payer, race/ethnicity, and rural/urban residence.

RESULTS: Mothers with a Medicaid-covered birth had 0.90 times fewer prenatal care visits and were 1.26 times …

Contraceptive Hormone Influences On The Role Of Primary Reinforcement And Reinforcer-Enhancement In Nicotine Self-Administration, Kathleen Robin Mcnealy

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Hormonal contraceptives contain a synthetic estrogen (e.g., ethinyl estradiol/EE) and/or a synthetic progestin (e.g., levonorgestrel/LEVO) and can exacerbate nicotine intake. However, whether altered intake reflects changes in nicotine reinforcement or enhancement by nicotine of co-occurring reinforcers is unknown. This reinforcer-enhancement effect is evidenced in rats when nicotine self-administration is increased by the presence of a visual stimulus (VS) reinforcer. This dissertation examined the effects of EE and LEVO on nicotine reinforcement and reinforcer-enhancement in ovary-intact female Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were implanted with a jugular catheter and assigned to receive daily injections of EE (Vehicle, 0.125 [Low], or 0.18 [High] μg/day; …

The Learning Crisis In The United States Three Years After Covid-19, Harry Anthony Patrinos, Maciej Jakubowski, Tomasz Gajderowicz

Education Reform Faculty and Graduate Students Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruptions to education, with school closures affecting over one billion children. These closures, aimed at reducing virus transmission, resulted in significant learning losses, particularly in mathematics and science. Using United States data from TIMSS, this study analyzes the impact of school closure on learning outcomes. The losses amount to 0.36 SD for mathematics and 0.16 SD for science. The declines are similar across grades. The average decline in mathematics performance among U.S. students is substantially greater than the global average. n science, the decline observed among U.S. students does not significantly differ from the global …

Evaluating Dry Air Personnel Decontamination Of Methyl Salicylate As A Chemical Agent Surrogate In Extreme Cold Environments To Reduce Airborne Risks Using A Manikin, Lance E. Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated a mobile air shower as an alternative to water washing for personnel chemical decontamination in Arctic environments, where traditional methods like disrobing and rinsing are impractical. Interest in Arctic operations has grown with recent U.S. military focus on strategic advancements by Russia and China, yet research on air shower effectiveness for chemical decontamination remains limited. This study examined whether a commercial off-the-shelf air shower could effectively decontaminate methyl salicylate (MES), a surrogate for chemical warfare blister agents, from a manikin outfitted in military cold-weather gear. Researchers used a ppbRAE 3000 photo-ionization detector to measure MES concentrations following …

Dementia In A Resource-Constrained Sub-Saharan African Setting: A Comprehensive Retrospective Analysis Of Prevalence, Risk Factors, And Management At The Only Neuropsychiatric Facility In Northeastern Nigeria, Ibrahim Abdu Wakawa, Umar Baba Musami, Suleiman Hamidu Kwairanga, Placidus Nwankuba Ogualili, Mohammed Yusuf Mahmood, Muhammad Abba Fugu, Mohammed Mala Gimba, Muktar Mohammed Allamin, Zaharadeen Umar Abbas, Chinedu Momoh

Brain and Mind Institute

INTRODUCTION: Dementia prevalence is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, poten-tially due to population growth and aging. Resource-constrained settings such asNortheastern Nigeria face challenges in dementia management.

METHODS: We assessed dementia burden and management at the Federal Neuropsy-chiatric Hospital Maiduguri, the only neuropsychiatric facility in Northeastern Nigeria.This retrospective analysis included patient records from 1999 to 2023 for individuals60 year of age and older with a dementia diagnosis.

RESULTS: Of the 1216 cases reported, Alzheimer’s disease (60.5%) was the mostcommon subtype, followed by vascular dementia (24.5%). Hypertension (41.6%) wasthe most frequent comorbidity. Memory loss was present in all cases, whereasbehavioral …

Substance Use Among Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study In Kenya, Jasmit Shah, Cynthia Smith, Cyprian Mostert, Linda Khakali, Zul Merali, Sayed Karar

Brain and Mind Institute

Substance use among healthcare professionals, including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, benzodiazepines etc., is a rising concern. The immensity of substance use is not yet clear, though recently, studies conducted on medical students and physician trainees show that 10% to 15% of all healthcare professionals misuse drugs at some point in their career, and that 6% to 8% of physicians have a substance use disorder. Substance use has a direct impact on relationships, physical health, and job performance, and is associated with depression, burnout, and decreased career satisfaction. The aim of this study was to shed light on the prevalence of substance …

Retrospective Cohort Study Of Pure Tone Audiometry Hearing Changes Associated With Ototoxic Metals And Solvents, Continuous Noise And Impulse Noise Exposures At Robins Air Force Base From 2001-2019, Ronald Diaz Cataldo Ramos

Theses and Dissertations

Utilizing DOEHRS-IH and DOEHRS-HC, a retrospective epidemiological study was performed on Robins AFB personnel to investigate relative risks of hearing loss associated with exposures to continuous noise, impulse noise, and ototoxic metals and solvents. An analysis of variance identified age, frequency octave, era and exposure type as influencers of hearing threshold shifts. Risk ratios showed higher risk of hearing loss for exposures to continuous noise + impulse noise + ototoxic metals as well as continuous noise + impulse noise at low frequencies (500Hz and 1,000Hz), and lesser risk for exposures to continuous noise + impulse noise and continuous noise + …

Air-Based Chemical Patient Decontamination Methodologies For Arctic Regions Using Methly Salicylate As A Chemical Agent Surrogate On A Litter-Bound Manikin, Marcus D. Shadd

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated a mobile air shower for patient decontamination without disrobing or rinsing, an alternative for Arctic conditions where water is scarce. A manikin in extreme cold weather gear was exposed to 10 µL of methyl salicylate (MeS), a sulfur mustard surrogate, and placed in a horizontal chamber on a military litter. Airborne MeS was measured using a ppbRAE 3000 detector to assess inhalation risk for the patient and decontamination team. Three methods were tested: an air-knife system, paper towels, and no decontamination, with 10 trials each (30 total). ANOVA analysis showed significant reductions in airborne MeS with air-knife …