Digital Commons Network^™

Decreasing Environmental Health Risks In The Philippines: Implementation Of A Culturally Appropriate Screening Tool, Alyssa Samson

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Objectives: The purpose of this DNP project was to increase the knowledge of environmental health risk factors in the Philippines among nurses and doctors located within that healthcare system. The overall goal was to educate providers on local environmental health risks, provide training for the use of a screening tool (Tagalog Environmental Health and Safety Assessment Tool [TEHSAT]), and provide resources aimed at increasing screening of at risk populations and provide opportunities for education and health promotion.

Methods: This project included a two-part educational training session. The first part included a preliminary presentation on environmental health and the use of …

The Role Of Cooperative Extension In Chronic Disease Prevention And Management: Perspectives From Professionals In The Field, Daniel Remley, David Buys, Linda Cronk, Valerie Duffy, Julie Garden-Robinson, Marcel Horowitz, Bernestine Mcgee, Cindy Nelson, Suzanne M. Prevedel, Marla Reicks, Tamara Warren

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Chronic diseases are strongly associated with premature death and increased health care costs. Nearly half of American adults report they have one or more chronic health conditions. Cooperative Extension is calling for refocus to refine and align with broader efforts to promote public health by supporting the prevention and management of chronic disease. The success of this refocus is dependent on a shared vision between funding agencies, stakeholders, and Extension. As part of developing this shared vision, the Chronic Disease Health Implementation Team surveyed 152 Extension administrators, faculty, and Extension Agents/Educators to determine their perception of the role of Extension …

The National Framework For Health And Wellness: (Re)Framing The Work Of Cooperative Extension For The Next Century, David Buys, Sonja Koukel

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Cooperative Extension is at a crossroads and has increasing opportunities to articulate its existing role and future growth in impacting the health and wellness of the individuals and communities it serves. This is important because the health outcomes in the U.S. are poorer than any other developed nation, health expenditures are high, challenges with navigating the health system are immense, and opportunities to intervene and remove barriers to improving the nation’s health and wellness abound. This article provides suggestions as a follow-up to the reports featured in this special issue of the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension from the …

Pacific In Peril: Micronesia’S Food Security, Development, And Health Under A Changing Climate, Yota Pacifico Oue

Student Theses 2015-Present

This thesis focuses on food security in Micronesian Island nations and how the effects of climate change are detrimental to the region’s fisheries resources and agricultural production. Because the Micronesian islands are on the forefront of climate change, the effects of ocean acidification, rising sea levels, and higher mean surface areas pose immediate risks to the region’s food security. Not only does climate change threaten both sources of the region’s food – fisheries and traditional agriculture – but includes ramifications for economic development, environmental conservation, and public health. Each island nation in the Pacific is entitled to an Exclusive Economic …

Cooperative Extension And Health Literacy: A National Focus, Sonja Koukel, Cathy Newkirk, Sarah Bercaw, Belinda Letto, Fatemeh Malekian

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Health literacy is often defined as the degree to which an individual has the capacity to obtain, communicate, process and understand basic health information and services to make appropriate health decisions. Research shows that 30 million Americans have Below Basic health literacy skills. People with low health literacy skills contribute to higher utilization of health care services. This equates to an excess of $230 billion a year in health care costs linked to low literacy in the United States. The primary responsibility for improving health literacy lies with public health professionals and the health care and public health systems. However, …

Relationship Between Pre-Pregnancy Maternal Bmi And Optimal Weight Gain In Singleton Pregnancies, Pierre-Yves Robillard, Gustaaf Dekker, Malik Boukerrou, Nathalie Le Moullec, Thomas C. Hulsey

Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Background: There is a peculiar phenomenon: two separate individuals (mother and foetus) have a mutually interactive dependency concerning their respective weight. Very thin mothers have a higher risk of small for gestational age (SGA) infants, and rarely give birth to a large for gestational age (LGA) infant. While morbidly obese women often give birth to LGA infants, and rarely to SGA. Normal birthweight (AGA) infants (>10th and investigate the interaction between maternal booking BMI, gestational weight gain (GWG) and neonatal birthweight centiles. Methods: 16.5 year-observational cohort study (2001e2017). The study population consisted of all consecutive singleton term (37 weeks …

The Unity Project: Camden Community Health Center Building Authentic & Impactful Relationships Through The Ask-First Model, Christian Diliberto, Ruchi Shah, Patrick J. Tempera

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Last spring, the Camden Community Health Center (CCHC) launched the Unity Project, an initiative aimed at fostering relationships with various Camden, New Jersey organizations to not only educate community members about our services, but also to collaborate with them on improving Camden’s health. Although the CCHC has been in Camden for over 15 years, local organizations were unaware of our existence. There was also a similar disconnect among these organizations themselves. The goal of the Unity Project is to work towards affecting long-term change by forming authentic and impactful relationships with organizations that are already doing meaningful work.

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Baby's Best Start: Wic's Role In The Alleviation Of Childhood Obesity, Ashton Hutcheson

Public Health: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

In the past 50 years, obesity prevalence has risen to epidemic-like levels in the United States with an average of 25% of American children being classified as overweight or obese. Prevalence of obesity is significantly increased in socioeconomically disadvantaged income categories. This paper aims to discuss public health preventions/interventions that address childhood obesity such WIC, a supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. It additionally aims to provide broad obesity-related research and begin to suggest preliminary answers to the question of why obesity is so prevalent as well as a brief overview of current treatment options for obesity-related diseases …

Big Food And Soda Versus Public Health: Industry Litigation Against Local Government Regulations To Promote Healthy Diets, Sarah A. Roache, Charles Platkin, Lawrence O. Gostin, Cara Kaplan

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

Diets high in fats, sugars, and sodium are contributing to alarming levels of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers throughout the United States. Sugary drinks, which include beverages that contain added caloric sweeteners such as flavored milks, fruit drinks, sports drinks, and sodas, are the largest source of added sugar in the American diet and an important causative factor for obesity and other diet-related diseases.

City and county governments have emerged as key innovators to promote healthier diets, adopting menu labeling laws to facilitate informed choices and soda taxes, warnings labels, and a soda portion cap to …

Epid 7131 - Epidemiology Of Chronic Disease, Jian Zhang

College of Public Health: Faculty Syllabi (2014-2021)

This course is designed to introduce the student to the ever-expanding area of chronic disease epidemiology. Students will be introduced to the current status of chronic disease and control programs, methods used in chronic disease surveillance, intervention methods, and modifiable risk factors. Some of the major chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes and arthritis will be discussed in detail.

Pubh 5560g- Introduction To International Health, Dziyana Nazaruk

College of Public Health: Faculty Syllabi (2014-2021)

This course introduces the student to international health. The course focuses on several topics including: health transitions, global burden of disease, socioeconomic determinants of health, global infectious disease initiative, globalization and health, global health players and payers, and global health progress and priorities.

Trends In Self‐Reported Oral Health Of Us Adults: National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey 1999‐2014, Kar Yan Li, Christopher Okunseri, Colman Mcgrath, May C.M. Wong

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

Single‐item self‐reported oral health (SROH) is a convenient and reliable measure for the assessment of population‐based oral health. However, little is known about trends and its associations among US adults. This study investigated trends in SROH (aged 20+ years) and the associated factors among adults living in the United States.

Methods

Self‐reported oral health data for 41 621 adults aged 20+ years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999 to 2014 were analysed. Survey‐weighted descriptive statistics were computed to provide nationally representative estimates. Multivariable logistic regression was performed separately for each survey period with SROH as …

Epid 9232 – Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology (3 Credits), Logan Cowan

College of Public Health: Faculty Syllabi (2014-2021)

This course is designed to enhance understanding about the determinants of cardiovascular diseases in populations and how to intervene most effectively to reduce morbidity and mortality due to stroke and heart disease. Emphasis is placed on the social determinants, behavioral risk factors, nutritional and dietary influences, and policy intervention of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the course provides students with hands on experience to characterize the frequency and impact of chronic diseases and their risk factors from global, national and local perspective using public data available through the Center of Disease Control and Prevention and other sources.

Addressing Multiple Modifiable Risks Through Structured Community-Based Learning Clubs To Improve Maternal And Infant Health And Infant Development In Rural Vietnam: Protocol For A Parallel Group Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial, Jane Fisher, Tuan Tran, Stanley Luchters, Thach D. Tran, David B. Hipgrave, Sarah Hanieh, Ha Tran, Julie Simpson, Trang Nguyen, Minh Le, Beverley-Ann Biggs

Population Health, East Africa

Introduction: Optimal early childhood development is an international priority. Risks during pregnancy and early childhood have lasting effects because growth is rapid. We will test whether a complex intervention addressing multiple modifiable risks: maternal nutrition, mental health, parenting capabilities, infant health and development and gender-based violence, is effective in reducing deficient cognitive development among children aged two in rural Vietnam.

Methods and analysis: The Learning Clubs intervention is a structured programme combining perinatal stage-specific information, learning activities and social support. It comprises 20 modules, in 19 accessible, facilitated groups for women at a community centre and one home visit. Evidence-informed …

Pubh 3331 - Stress Theory/Management, Kristina Harbaugh

College of Public Health: Faculty Syllabi (2014-2021)

Explores issues related to the etiology of stress and stressors with emphasis on environmental, organizational, interpersonal and individual patterns of stress in various health promotion settings. Competency in the active management of stress and mobilizing support in health settings will be evaluated.

Pubh 6535 - Theoretical Perspectives Of The Social And Behavioral Sciences In Public Health, Stacy W. Smallwood

College of Public Health: Faculty Syllabi (2014-2021)

This course is designed to familiarize students with the history and current applications of social and behavioral sciences as they are applied to public health practice and research. It explores social and behavioral science models, theories, and approaches that inform public health, and their philosophical roots. The course also examines social and behavioral determinants of health equity across the ecological spectrum. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills to help students synthesize and utilize information in research and practice. An important contribution of this course is the emphasis on recognizing the contributions of social and behavioral science research and practice …

Pubh 5560u-Introduction To International Health, Dziyana Nazaruk

College of Public Health: Faculty Syllabi (2014-2021)

This course introduces the student to international health. The course focuses on several topics including: health transitions, global burden of disease, socioeconomic determinants of health, global infectious disease initiative, globalization and health, global health players and payers, and global health progress and priorities.

Epid 9232 – Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology, Logan Cowan

College of Public Health: Faculty Syllabi (2014-2021)

This course is designed to enhance understanding about the determinants of cardiovascular diseases in populations and how to intervene most effectively to reduce morbidity and mortality due to stroke and heart disease. Emphasis is placed on the social determinants, behavioral risk factors, nutritional and dietary influences, and policy intervention of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the course provides students with hands on experience to characterize the frequency and impact of chronic diseases and their risk factors from global, national and local perspective using public data available through the Center of Disease Control and Prevention and other sources.

Identifying Windows Of Opportunity For Active Living And Healthy Eating Policies In Connecticut, 2016, Anna E. Greer, Ann-Uriel Knausenberger

Public Health Faculty Publications

We examined the relative importance of 23 community issues among elected officials and health directors in Connecticut in 2016. For this cross-sectional study, 74 elected officials (40.7% response rate) and 47 health directors (62.7% response rate), who were purposively sampled, completed a questionnaire to rate their perceived importance of 23 community issues. Eight of these issues were related to active living, healthy eating, or obesity. We used χ2 tests to evaluate differences in responses. Compared with elected officials, health directors significantly more often perceived obesity, access to healthy groceries, poor nutrition, lack of pedestrian walkways, and pedestrian safety as important. …

Increasing Research Capacity In Underserved Communities: Formative And Summative Evaluation And Summative Evaluation Of The Mississippi Community Research Fellows Training Program (Cohort 1), Danielle Fastring, Susan Mayfield-Johnson, Tanya Funchess, Candice Green, Victoria Walker, Georgette Powell

Faculty Publications

Background: The Mississippi Community Research Fellows Training Program (MSCRFTP) is a 15-week program conducted in Jackson, MS, USA consisting of training in the areas of evidence-based public health, research methods, research ethics, and cultural competency. The purpose of the program was to increase community knowledge and understanding of public health research, develop community-based projects that addressed health disparity in the participants’ community, increase individual and community capacity, and to engage community members as equal partners in the research process.

Methods: A comprehensive evaluation of the MSCRFTP was conducted that included both quantitative and qualitative methods. All participants were asked to …

Legal Capacities Required For Prevention And Control Of Noncommunicable Diseases, Roger S. Magnusson, Benn Mcgrady, Lawrence O. Gostin, David Patterson, Hala Abou Taleb

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

Law lies at the centre of successful national strategies for prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases. By law we mean international agreements, national and subnational legislation, regulations and other executive instruments, and decisions of courts and tribunals. However, the vital role of law in global health development is often poorly understood, and eclipsed by other disciplines such as medicine, public health and economics. This paper identifies key areas of intersection between law and noncommunicable diseases, beginning with the role of law as a tool for implementing policies for prevention and control of leading risk factors. We identify actions that the …

Culturally-Relevant Online Education Improves Health Workers' Capacity And Intent To Address Cancer, Katie Cueva, Mark Dignan, Laura Revels, Melanie Cueva

Reports

No abstract provided.

The Uae Healthy Future Study: A Pilot For A Prospective Cohort Study Of 20,000 United Arab Emirates Nationals, Abdishakur Abdulle, Abdullah Alnaeemi, Abdullah Aljunaibi, Abdulrahman Al Ali, Khaled Al Saedi, Eiman Al Zaabi, Naima Oumeziane, Marina Al Bastaki, Mohammed Al-Houqani, Fatma Al Maskari, Ayesha Al Dhaheri, Syed M. Shah, Tom Loney, Mohamed El-Sadig, Abderrahim Oulhaj, Leila Abdel Wareth, Wael Al Mahmeed, Habiba Alsafar, Benjamin Hirsch, Fatme Al Anouti, Jamila Yaaqoub, Claire K. Inman, Aisha Al Hamiz, Ayesha Al Hosani, Muna Haji, Teeb Alsharid, Thekra Al Zaabi, Fatima Al Maisary, Divya Galani, Tim Sprosen

All Works

BACKGROUND: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is faced with a rapidly increasing burden of non-communicable diseases including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The UAE Healthy Future study is a prospective cohort designed to identify associations between risk factors and these diseases amongst Emiratis. The study will enroll 20,000 UAE nationals aged ≥18 years. Environmental and genetic risk factors will be characterized and participants will be followed for future disease events. As this was the first time a prospective cohort study was being planned in the UAE, a pilot study was conducted in 2015 with the primary aim of establishing the …

Canada: Obesity, Marissa Olson

Global Public Health

Canada is a country with a relatively healthy population of approximately 37 million people. Canada has few major public health problems; however, Canada has experienced a rise of obesity in its population with a higher rise in the adult population than childhood. The male population is at a greater risk of becoming obese than the female population, and people 35 years old and over than below 35 years old. This brief discusses the effects of obesity, Canada’s interventions to obesity such as surgery, drugs, and healthier school lunches, and a possible new method of health counseling or more convenient healthier …

Tonga: Chronic Diseases, Muhammad Taimoor

Global Public Health

Tonga is an Archipelago in the south Pacific Ocean, south of Samoa. The public health brief project is on chronic diseases in Tonga. The total population of Tonga was 107,122 in 2010. The Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga is the established religion in Tonga. Tongan’s make up the majority of the population but there are other ethnicities such as Euromericans and Europeans too. The major challenges faced by Tonga are decaying infrastructure, low economy, and political corruption. The widespread of non-communicable diseases such as cancer is a major health issue in Tonga. 74% of all adults in Tonga are the …

Palau: Obesity, Tavia Weis

Global Public Health

Located in the heart of the Western Pacific Ocean is a large group of small islands that make up the country of Palau. Known for its growing tourism, beautiful landscapes, and cultural beliefs. Although the country is developing, the current health issue of obesity is a growing concern. With almost half of the population obese and the other half in jeopardy, the rising concerns of the obesity epidemic have taken global news and brought the attention of major countries to try and fix these rising issues. This public health brief will discuss the problems of obesity in Palau and the …

Infant Mortality: Sub-Saharan Africa, Danielle Rae Steffen

Global Issues in Public Health

Like much of the third world, the countries found in Sub-Saharan Africa have a distressingly high infant mortality rate compared to those recorded in places such as the United States and Europe. While there are many factors that play a role in the increased number of infant deaths in this region, lack of access to adequate healthcare for infants and their families is one of the main overarching causes. Although infant mortality rates remain high, there has been significant improvement in infant survival over the last several years which is largely due to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals …

Eb4cast: An Evidence-Based Tool To Promote Dissemination And Implementation In Community-Based, Public Health Research, Melissa D. Olfert, Rebecca L. Hagedorn, Makenzie L. Barr, Oluremi A. Famodu, Jessica M. Rubino, Jade A. White

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

eB4CAST, evidence-Based forecast C-capture, A-assemble, S-sustain, T-timelessness (eB4CAST), framework was developed from existing dissemination and implementation (D & I) constructs as a dissemination tool to promote community-based program usability and future application in targeted populations. eB4CAST captures and transforms research findings into a dissemination report that shows program need and impact to endorse program continuation and expansion. This is achieved through direct and indirect data collection of community factors and program impact that can showcase the need for program sustainability and potential for future dissemination sites. Testimonials, individual feedback, and program process and outcomes contribute to the direct data while …

Cuba: Coronary Heart Disease, Michaela Loizzi

Global Public Health

Cuba has a strong health care system with universal health care for their citizens over 40 years old. Despite the strong health care system Cuba lacks the resources necessary to treat coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the country. The country’s whole population is affected by coronary heart disease however the most affected is the lower class due unaffordable treatment. The primary causes of coronary heart disease includes their daily lifestyle such as, physical inactivity, diet, and excessive smoking. It is important to note that the major factors in Cuba leading to coronary heart disease are all …

Tackling Stunting And Anemia In Egypt, Abeer Alanwar, Hend Ahmed, Sabreen Mahmoud, Wessam Adly

Papers, Posters, and Presentations

Stunting and anemia rates in children between the age of 0-24 months (0-2 years) have been two of the most persistent public health problems facing the Egyptian society and government. Based on the researchers' analysis of the problem, current policies, and on the opportunities Egypt has, this policy paper targets the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population and recommends reformulating a specific nutrition policy to tackle stunting and anemia as well providing awareness and education about the appropriate IYCF and to give high priority to strengthening the health provision of the required micronutrients in family care units (FCU), as well …