Digital Commons Network^™

Clinical Sensitivity And Time-To-Result Of A Cascaded Pooled Testing Approach For Assessing The Prevalence And Intensity Of Schistosoma Haematobium Infection, Abraham Degarege, Bruno Levecke, Yohannes Negash, Abebe Animut, Berhanu Erko

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

BACKGROUND: This study compared the clinical sensitivity and the time-to-result of an individual testing (IT) and a cascaded pooled testing approach (CPT; a positive test result in a pooled sample triggers examination of smaller-sized pools or individual samples) for assessing the prevalence and the intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infection. We also compared the sensitivity of the CPT in detecting S. haematobium infection when deploying urine filtration microscopy (UFM) vs. urine reagent strips (URS), and testing 10 mL vs. 15 mL of urine.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Between October 2021 and April 2022, S. haematobium eggs were counted in urine samples collected from …

Investigating Factors In Firearm Fatalities In Pediatric Populations, Parth Patel, Domenick Bartoletti

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Despite advancements in public health initiatives, preventable firearm injuries among children persist in the United States. This study investigates correlations between household income, single parent households, severe housing problems, and firearm fatalities among pediatric populations in Ohio counties. Utilizing data from the County Health Rankings and the National Center for Health Statistics–Mortality Files, our analysis reveals a negative correlation between household income and firearm fatalities, emphasizing the role of socioeconomic factors in firearm safety. Additionally, we found a positive correlation between single parent households and firearm fatalities. Furthermore, a weak positive correlation suggests a potential link between severe housing problems …

Exploring The Link Between Self-Image And Eating Disorders In Female Students At Belmont University, Caitlin Rain Roberts

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Introduction: Body image concerns among college students are a significant issue, often contributing to eating disorders as societal pressures intensify during young adulthood (Kapoor, 2022). Self-image influences eating behaviors, psychological perceptions of nutrition, and the development of disordered eating patterns (Kapoor, 2022). Understanding the link between body image and eating disorders is essential for creating effective interventions that support mental and physical well-being during this critical life stage. Methods: This study examined the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and eating disorder behaviors among undergraduate female students at Belmont University in Fall 2024. Using a cross-sectional survey with a mixed-methods approach, …

Redefining Ed Utilization: A Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Perspective, David Bennington

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

Rabies, though rare in the United States, remains a lethal viral disease with significant public health implications. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) through timely administration of rabies vaccines and rabies immune globulin (RIG) is critical for preventing the progression of the virus following potential exposure. However, the current system of healthcare delivery in the United States has witnessed an alarming trend: the unnecessary utilization of emergency department (ED) visits for rabies PEP, including follow-up vaccinations. This paper aims to examine and address this issue through a review of the factors contributing to the inappropriate use of ED services for rabies treatment.

Through …

The Hazard Prediction Problem, Mary E. Helander, Brendan Smith, Sylvia Charchut, Erika Swiatowy, Calvin Nau, Gregory Cavaretta, Timothy Schuler, Adam Schunk, Héctor Ortiz-Peña

Social Science - All Scholarship

This work formulates the hazard prediction problem while addressing the research question: Can machine learning create a model to automatically recognize patterns that correspond to hazard state conditions during a mission-critical operation? Supervised learning models were trained and tested on data observed from mission simulators, which allowed for safe observation of dynamic system states and undesirable casualty events. The prediction task was formulated as a binary classification problem, producing the probability of being in a hazard state at time t and providing situational awareness of a possible imminent loss. Several modeling architectures were investigated: neural networks, logistic regression, a support …

Relationship Between Fentanyl Misinformation And College Students' Intentions To Administer Naloxone, Zoe Ryon

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: The news media has spread misinformation about the toxicity and potency of fentanyl, exaggerating the extent to which bystanders could be harmed by fentanyl when responding to overdose situations. College students are increasingly among the victims of opioid overdose, and their peers may be the nearest person capable of administering naloxone – an overdose reversal medication. However, college students who fear incidental exposure to fentanyl may be worried about administering naloxone.

Objective: I sought to understand the relationship between undergraduate college students’ perceptions of the risks of fentanyl and their intentions to administer naloxone in an overdose situation.

Methods: …

Health Literacy And Maternal Health: A Rapid Systematic Review, Goldy Olivier

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In comparison to other high-income nations, the U.S. maintains the highest maternal mortality rate, especially among Black women. Factors like the growing maternal age and restricted family planning clinics have been noted to contribute to this phenomenon. However, the impact of health literacy on maternal has yet to be reviewed. Health literacy in the U.S. has long been determined to be a social determinant of health more broadly, and it may likely play a role in maternal health as well. Consequently, a systematic review of health literacy and its association with maternal health outcomes is warranted. The goal of this …

The Emergence Of Aedes Aegypti In California: Implications For Ecosystems And Public Health, Jose Ruiz

CMC Senior Theses

This literature review delves into the emergence and impact of Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, in Southern California. My investigation begins with an exploration of the physical characteristics, historical background, and its significance as a vector. Notably, Aedes aegypti's historical role as a vector for yellow fever during the 19th century shapes the foundation for understanding its effectiveness in disease transmission and demonstrates the potential of its negative impact on Southern California residents. I examined the habitat preferences and behaviors of Aedes aegypti, emphasizing its adaptability to urban environments and its effect as a daytime feeder with a limited …

Exploring The Impact Of Caffeine, Alcohol, And Opioids On Intraocular Pressure: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Short-Term And Long-Term Effects On Vision, Jake Prieto

CMC Senior Theses

Coffee, alcohol, and opioids are addictive drugs commonly used in modern society, yet their impact on ocular health remains ambiguous. This systematic review aims to elucidate this ambiguity by examining their effects on intraocular pressure (IOP). Utilizing IOP as a metric, both short-term and long-term effects are evaluated across individuals with irregular IOP levels and healthy subjects. Furthermore, the study analyzes choroidal thickness as an additional measure to reinforce or challenge the findings regarding IOP, leveraging the inverse relationship between the two metrics concerning elevated IOP-related illnesses, such as open-angle glaucoma (OAG).

A comprehensive literature search was performed through Google …

Improving Screening For Intimate Partner Violence Amongst Older Adults, Olivia Bell

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This systematic literature review was conducted to gather a better understanding of screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) among older adults. IPV affects millions of people every year. Many screenings are conducted with women of reproductive age in medical settings, not older adults. This study focused on ways to improve screenings for older adults by addressing topics including elder abuse and IPV and the lack of resources/knowledge for IPV survivors who are older adults. This study was a literature review conducted with the University of Central Florida’s PRIMO database to find articles on IPV among older adults over the last …

Family Structure, Family Transitions, And Child Overweight And Obesity: Comparing Australia, The United Kingdom, And The United States, Sadie A. Slighting, Kirsten Rasmussen, Mikaela J. Dufur, Jonathan A. Jarvis, Shana Pribesh, Alyssa J. Alexander, Carolina Otero

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Growing rates of childhood obesity globally create concern for individuals' health outcomes and demands on health systems. While many policy approaches focus on macro-level interventions, we examine how the type of stability of a family structure might provide opportunities for policy interventions at the micro level. We examine the association between family structure trajectories and childhood overweight and obesity across three Anglophone countries using an expanded set of eight family structure categories that capture biological relationships and instability, along with potential explanatory variables that might vary across family trajectories and provide opportunities for intervention, including access to resources, family stressors, …

The Impact Of Mental Healthcare Access On Community Safety, David Buchinsky, Caroline Watts

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Mental health illness is a pressing American public health concern. Approximately one in five Americans is diagnosed with a mental health condition.1 While cost, location, and physician shortage play a role in one’s access to mental healthcare, research is still determining the effects of mental healthcare access on community safety. Using County Health Rankings (CHR), we analyze the changes in mental health providers between 2016 and 2022 in Alabama and Massachusetts, two states with differing rankings in access to mental healthcare and firearm legislation. We then investigate how access to mental health providers affects community safety (firearm fatalities, suicide rates, …

Insufficient Sleep In Ohio And Its Complication In Risky Behaviors, James Dai, Jackson Mitchell

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background Insufficient sleep is a major public health concern in the United States. Lack of sufficient sleep causes impaired decision making that can increase the chance of participating in risky behavior. Methods County Health Rankings data from Ohio in 2016 and 2022 were reviewed for percentage of insufficient sleep and risky behaviors. We identified excessive alcohol use, driving deaths due to alcohol, drug overdose mortality, and percentage of smokers as risky behaviors. Urban and rural counties were identified via HRSA. Results: There was a significant increase in insufficient sleep from 2016 to 2022 in Ohio. Smoking and drug overdose mortality …

Positive Correlation Of Smoking Percentage And Mentally Unhealthy Days In Ohio 2016-2022, Kevin Williams, Matt Crudele

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

There is substantial research regarding the negative physical side effects of smoking, such as increased risk of developing hypertension or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Smoking rates are substantially higher among those with a pre-existing mental illness (such as schizophrenia or generalized anxiety disorder)1. Additionally, second-hand smoke exposure among non-smokers has been attributed to an increased risk of developing symptoms of poor mental health (such as anxiety or depression)2,3. It has also been shown that smoking cessation leads to improved mental health4. However, there is limited research regarding the negative effects of smoking on mental health, especially in the state of …

The Relationship Between Being Uninsured And Having Poor Health Outcomes And Experiences In Eastern Kentucky, Danielle Adams, Amber Todd

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Objective: To examine health insurance and health outcome disparities in Eastern Kentucky since Kentucky’s implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Methods: Using data from County Health Rankings and Roadmap, rates of uninsurance will be compared before and a decade after implementation of the ACA in Kentucky (2013 and 2023). In addition, prevalence of certain health outcomes in Eastern Kentucky will be compared from 2013 and 2023 and correlation established between uninsured rates and particular health outcomes for 2023. Results: Since 2013, the percentage of those uninsured in Eastern Kentucky has seen a significant decline. While there is no correlation between …

Regional Disparities In Hispanic/Latino Health Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis Of The Midwest And Top Hispanic Population States, Julian Aviles, Marcelo Hyczy Dacosta Neto

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: Hispanic/Latino communities in the United States face significant health disparities and poorer health outcomes compared to non-Hispanic whites. While previous research has documented these inequalities at the national level, it is unclear whether certain regions exhibit more substantial disparities than others. Hypothesis/Research Question: This study aims to investigate whether counties in Midwest states with higher rates of health inequalities and unfavorable outcomes have compared to counties in the top 3 states by Hispanic/Latino population percentage. Methods: Using County Health Rankings, we examined counties in Midwest states (Ohio, South Dakota, and North Dakota) and counties within high Latino population states …

A Case Study In Prospective Program Evaluation, Sarai Rosemary Combs

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

Evaluation is a helpful tool in public health to provide transparency about community interventions and programs. The following is a prospective evaluation of a case study, looking at a recently designed program by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, as a capstone project for the Health Management and Policy concentration of the Masters in Public Health program of the College of Public Health. The health department developed a series of online training modules to increase knowledge of Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other similar organism outbreaks and how to respond to these outbreaks. The program targets were Fayette County Public School …

Characteristics Of Congenital Syphilis Cases In Kentucky 2019-2023, Ines Roy

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

Abstract:

Background: The incidence of congenital syphilis (CS) has increased both in the United States (US) and globally and remains a public health concern. In Kentucky alone, there has been a significant increase in CS cases, from 9 cases in 2019 to 27 cases in 2023. CS is a preventable disease, but testing and immediate treatment are critical to prevent its spread. We have limited knowledge regarding Kentucky’s characteristics and behavioral factors that may be associated with this rise. The goal of this study is to identify characteristics and potential risk factors that contribute to the rise of CS in …

The Distribution Of Cp-Cre Cases From 2013-2020 In The Commonwealth Of Kentucky, Hannah Hiscox

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

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), particularly Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), pose a significant threat to public health due to their resistance to multiple antibiotics, including carbapenems. CRE infections, especially those producing carbapenemases (CP-CRE), are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, making them a growing concern in healthcare settings. Despite the prevalence of CRE infections in the United States, limited data exist on the incidence and distribution of CP-CRE infections in specific regions, such as the Appalachian counties of Kentucky.

This study aimed to investigate the cumulative incidence and distribution of CP-CRE cases in Appalachian and non-Appalachian counties of Kentucky, as well as …

A Case Study In Program Evaluation, Iantha Wright

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

The framework for program evaluation is a systematic way of improving and accounting for public health actions by providing practical, feasible, ethical, and accurate information. As a practical, non-prescriptive tool, it guides public health professionals through the essential steps in program evaluation. The framework uses the six steps to understand how to improve and conduct assessments effectively. Additionally, it emphasizes integrating stakeholders and using ongoing evaluation strategies to plan effective interventions, improve existing programs, and demonstrate the efficient use of resources.

Demographic And Behavioral Characteristics Of People Who Help Others Inject Drugs: A Study Of People Who Inject Drugs In Appalachia Kentucky, Ryli Hockensmith

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

Aim: This study aims to understand the demographic and behavioral characteristics of people who inject drugs (PWID) who assist others with injection, hereafter “injection assistors,” and assess the characteristics of injection assistors compared to PWID who do not assist others with injection in Appalachian Kentucky.

Methods: A cross sectional secondary data analysis of data collected from 433 PWID enrolled in the ongoing Kentucky Outreach Service (KyOSK) was performed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to compare injection assistors to those who do not assist others on demographic, behavioral, service usage, and harm reduction characteristics.

Results: In total, 128 (29%) PWID reported …

Mail-Based Or Home Delivery Services: Preferences Among People Who Inject Drugs In Appalachian Kentucky, Su Su Zin

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

Aim: To explore acceptability of delivery-based syringe services program (SSP) among people who inject drug (PWID) in Eastern Kentucky and compare those who wanted to participate in delivery-based SSP to those who did not.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from PWID who injected drugs to get high in the past 30 days (n=246) collected during the baseline assessment administered to the Gateway2Health cohort. Chi-square tests, t-tests, univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were calculated between independent variables and the outcome variable (likelihood of participating in a delivery-based SSP).

Results: 52.9% of PWID reported being likely to participate in …

Human Papilloma Virus Type 16 Seroprevalence Among Men Living With Hiv, Ashley Duff

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

Objectives: Individuals living with HIV are at a higher risk for developing human papillomavirus-driven oropharyngeal cancer (HPV-OPC). There are no methods for early detection; however, HPV16 E6 antibodies have been identified as a promising early marker. The objective of this study was to evaluate seroprevalence and predictors of HPV16 E6 seropositivity among men living with HIV.

Methods:2,334 men aged 40+ living with HIV with blood specimens banked within the Tennessee Center for AIDS Research (TN-CFAR) biorepository were evaluated using HPV multiplex serology. Seroprevalence of HPV16 antibodies was calculated for all HPV16 proteins analyzed (L1, E1, E2, E4, E6, E7). …

A Case Study In Program Evaluation, Sierra L. Williams

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

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD) developed an education program targeted toward infectious disease outbreaks. The program ensures timely reporting and action during an infectious disease outbreak within the Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) system. I have been tasked with evaluating the program and its implementation of training modules through pre and post-surveys to determine if the program is significantly increasing the overall knowledge of program participants and make recommendations for how program aspects can be improved.

Program Evaluation Case Study, Grace Mullikin

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

Program evaluation case study utilizing Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Case Evaluation Framework.

Rethinking Health Law Architecture, Ani B. Satz

Faculty Articles

Neither the individualistic regulatory health paradigm nor the vulnerable populations approach of public health can provide the legal structure necessary to address the most pressing problems in health care today. These approaches fail to address conflicts between individuals and populations as well as challenges to qualifying for care and are in inherent conflict with each other, sometimes within the same statute. As health concerns become more global, it is necessary to move past a vulnerable populations approach to a broader population approach that respects individual choice but does not sacrifice community health for liberty interests.

The Influence Of Hospital Service Quality On National Health Insurance Patients’ Perceived Value, Satisfaction, And Revisit Intention Across Gender And Age Group In Outpatient Setting In Indonesia: A Mixed Method Study, Alvera Noviyani

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Background: Recent literature on healthcare quality shows the important of patient-centred design, hence more contextualized and patient-perspective research is needed to assess service quality. Hence, this study aimed to analyse and explain the relationship between patient satisfaction, perceive value, and revisit intention of Indonesian National Health Insurance patients via service quality in outpatient department in national central public hospital setting. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and qualitative data obtained from patient interviews. The SEM results assessed the direct and indirect effects of service quality on perceived value, satisfaction, and revisit intention. …

Factors Associated With Rabies-Related Behaviors Among Myanmar Migrant Workers In Bangkok Metropolitan Area, Thailand., Amornsit Chavanayarn

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease that continues to be a public health concern in Thailand, particularly among vulnerable populations such as migrant workers. Myanmar migrant workers, who often reside in high-risk environments with limited access to healthcare and information, may face increased risk of rabies exposure due to animal bites and inadequate knowledge of prevention measures. This study aimed to determine the proportion of potential rabies exposure and assess the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding rabies among Myanmar migrant workers in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. It also examined associations between socio-demographic factors and KAP …

Knowledge, Attitude, Utilization Frequency, And Reutilization Of Telehealth Centers For Maternal Care Services Among Pregnant Women And Mothers In Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study, Yamna Ghaffar

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Background: Maternal health in rural Pakistan, especially in Balochistan, faces challenges due to limited access to skilled care and health inequalities. Telehealth offers a promising solution by providing remote antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services. Global and local evidence, including the BRDF Telehealth Center, shows its potential to improve outcomes and bridge service gaps, despite ongoing digital access challenges. The study objective was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and reutilization of the BRDF Telehealth Center in Gandawah among pregnant women and mothers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Balochistan Research and Development Foundation (BRDF) Telehealth Center in Gandawa, Balochistan, …

The Association Between Mental Health, Fear Of Missing Out, And Sleep Quality Among University Students In The Sichuan Chongqing Region, China: A Cross Sectional Study, Yuncheng Jia

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Background: Sleep quality is a critical determinant of health, with poor sleep linked to adverse physical and mental outcomes. Among university students, excessive screen time, social media engagement, and psychological factors like Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) exacerbate sleep disturbances. Despite growing recognition of FoMO’s role in mental health challenges, its direct relationship with sleep quality remains understudied. This study aim to investigates the associations between mental health, FoMO, and sleep quality among university students in China’s Sichuan-Chongqing region, a population highly immersed in digital culture. And provide insight on how sleep quality is shifting in digital era.Methods: A cross-sectional …