Digital Commons Network^™

Trends In Maternal And Infant Health: An Analysis Of Births In Montgomery County, Ohio, 2000-2010, Abby Burns

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The demographic characteristics of women who give birth are continually changing. Age, education, use of assisted reproductive technology, BMI before pregnancy, and weight gain during pregnancy are maternal factors that play a role in maternal and fetal health. Other factors including induction, route of delivery, calculated gestational age, and birthweight help determine and identify complications of pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to analyze trends of maternal demographics, risk factors, and birth outcomes associated with poor health outcomes. This research is a secondary analysis of Ohio Natality Statistical Files collected by the Ohio Department of Health, Center for Vital …

State Policies For Health Education In Public Schools, Lynda K. Vu

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Federal and state governmental activities have significantly influenced schools’ health education practices over the past 50 years. Evaluation of these initiatives in the scientific literature has enhanced development of health education and influenced the creation of the National Health Education Standards (NHES). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducts periodic surveys to evaluate the impact of state and local policies on school health education programs and practices.

Objectives: This research project reviews and analyzes state health education policies for the 50 states plus the District of Columbia with regard to the recommendations of the NHES. It also …

A Descriptive Analysis Of Lung Cancer In Montgomery County, Ohio, Catherine Klose

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Lung cancer statistics are alarming, especially when it is considered by many to largely be a preventable disease. Lung cancers are the leading cause of all cancer deaths, more than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer combined. Cancers of the bronchus and lung make up the greatest percentage of the newly diagnosed cancers reported to the Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System (OCISS). The stage of diagnosis of lung and bronchus cancers is an important determinant of survival. Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer. Race and gender disparities also exist with lung cancer, and socioeconomic factors have …

Influence Of The Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act On The Development Of The Patient Centered Medical Home, Anjali Rao

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model of care incorporates many public health concepts. Some supporters of PCMH regard the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as legislation that will invigorate PCMH progress across the country. This policy analysis intends to understand the influence of the ACA on the development of PCMH. The policy analysis compares relevant sections of the ACA with core PCMH concepts agreed upon by major medical professional organizations. The evaluative framework uses a “traffic light” system to rate each section of the ACA based on the accuracy of the section as compared to PCMH criteria, and denotes whether …

Arctic Justice: Addressing Persistent Organic Pollutants, Elizabeth Burleson

Elisabeth Haub School of Law Faculty Publications

This article recommends enhanced governance of persistent organic pollutants through incentives to develop environmentally sound, climate friendly technologies as well as caution in developing the Arctic. It highlights the toxicity challenges presented by POPs to Arctic people and ecosystems.

The Drugs Stop Here: A Public Health Framework To Address The Drug Shortage Crisis, Sharona Hoffman

Faculty Publications

Drug shortages are emerging as a major public health threat. Grave concern has been expressed by the medical community and government officials, and the crisis has been highlighted in recent media stories. Nevertheless, little has been written to date in the legal literature about the drug shortage crisis, and this timely article begins to fill this gap. It provides a thorough analysis of the origins and implications of the drug shortage problem and formulates a multi-layered approach to addressing it. The article argues that drug shortages result from a combination of market failures and regulatory constraints. It proposes a blend …

Pregnancy Management Strategies And Childbirth Experiences Of Internally Displaced Women In Barranquilla, Colombia, Bre Bolivar

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

This ethnographic study aims to illuminate the experiences of pregnant and new mothers in poor areas of Colombia with respect to pregnancy and childbirth. Ethnographic observations including key informant qualitative interviews were performed by the primary investigator in four different neighborhoods in and around the city of Barranquilla, Colombia, over the course of 3 months. A total of 24 women were interviewed, and additional interviews were held with Colombian medical students, religious workers and not-for-profit healthcare leaders. I seek to better understand the perspectives of these internally displaced women in terms of contraception use including the sense of necessity of …

A Garden-Based Nutrition Intervention In The Rural Dominican Republic - Impact On Vitamin A Rich Food Consumption And Household Food Security, John Christopher Binford

Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library

Garden-based nutrition interventions focus on improving food security and

food diversity through the creation and augmentation of homestead food production.

This study assesses the impact of a garden-based nutrition intervention on the

consumption of vitamin A rich foods and household food security in rural

communities of the Dominican Republic. It was hypothesized that communities

participating in the intervention would experience a statistically significant increase in

vitamin A rich food consumption and improved household food security compared to

control communities. Validated "Vitamin A Food Frequency" and "Food Security"

questionnaires were conducted by convenience sampling of households containing a

pregnant woman or …

Trace Element Analysis Of Environmental And Clinical Materials Using Novel Instrumentation Based On X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry : New Capabilities For Public Health Laboratories, Kathryn G. Mcintosh

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is a well-established analytical technique for determining the elemental content of many different materials. XRF has long been used for public health applications, particularly for identifying lead-based paint hazards. The primary advantage of XRF over other atomic spectrometric techniques is that it is nondestructive. In addition, little sample preparation is required, so results are obtained rapidly and at low cost. The principal aim of this study was to characterize the utility and reliability of current XRF instrumentation for use in the environmental health sciences. Interest in the use of XRF for detecting lead in children's toys …

The Role Of Forensic Nurses In Communities Experiencing Environmental Contamination, Wendy Robinson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to provide an understanding of the self-perceived physiological and psychosocial needs of persons living in communities which have been exposed to environmental contamination, and to provide an understanding of how forensic nurses can be utilized in these communities.

Background

This study was conducted to provide an opportunity for forensic nurses to advance their profession by finding ways that they can move beyond their traditional roles. Dixon and Dixon's Integrative Environmental Health Model was the theoretical framework.

Research Design

This cross-sectional triangulated study used quantitative and qualitative methods. The Community Environmental Health and Rights …

Rights Of Ohio Mothers: Best Practices For The Pediatric Patient With A Life-Threatening Illness, Kelly Peekstok

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and review current best practices with regards to a minor’s refusal of life-sustaining medical treatment. The policies of other developed countries and states within the United States serve as a guide for developing evidence-based guidelines for Ohio healthcare professionals. Four specific cases were identified and then analyzed. The results showed that in three of the four cases, the wishes of the minor were followed. While each case contains its own set of complexities, creating a developmental guideline for healthcare organizations will ensure protection of the minor’s capacity to make autonomous decisions.

Chronic Disease Prevalence Of A Refugee Population In Dayton, Oh, Sandeep Palakodeti

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Introduction: This study aimed to understand the chronic disease burden of anemia, cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, overweight/obesity, stroke, and tobacco use in the domestic as well as a refugee population. It also aimed to examine the current literature on appropriate screening for those conditions.

Methods: 348 refugee screening intake exams from Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County were analyzed for presence of the conditions stated. Screening intake recommendations from the CDC, the Minnesota Public Health Department, the Canadian Collaboration for Immigrant and Refugee Health, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services were examined and compared in order …

Analysis Of An Improved Cook Stove Intervention In Rural Guatemala, Chad Graven

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

An estimated three billion people cook and heat their homes using open fires and nearly two million people die prematurely from illness attributable to indoor air pollution from solid fuel use. According to the World Health Organization, “every year, indoor air pollution is responsible for the death of 1.6 million people...one death every twenty seconds.” Various international groups, government initiatives, and communities have attempted to improve this indoor air pollution problem around the world by implementing various improved cook stove models. In July, 2011, Partners In Health (PIH) and Equipo Técnico de Educación en Salud Comunitaria (ETESC) co-directed the delivery …

What Is A Healthy Community?, Denise Tanata Ashby, Jennifer Pharr

Lincy Institute Reports and Briefs

The health of a community is dependent not only upon the genetics of its residents, but also upon the environment within which those individuals live. A person’s health is a product of their environment. As such, a healthy community is one in which all residents have access to a quality education, safe and healthy homes, adequate employment, transportation, physical activity, and nutrition, in addition to quality health care. Unhealthy communities lead to chronic disease, such as cancers, diabetes, and heart disease. The health of our communities is critical to the growth and development of our region. To build healthy communities …

Which Fish Should I Eat? Perspectives Influencing Fish Consumption Choices, Emily Oken, Anna L. Choi, Margaret R. Karagas, Koenraad Mariën

Dartmouth Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Metabolic Syndrome Risk In Young Adults Attending West Virginia University, Amanda M. Dent

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is increasing throughout the United States across age groups. The purpose of this study was to collect descriptive baseline anthropometric and biochemical data to determine MetS prevalence in 18 to 24 year olds and to assess change in MetS risk after a 10 week web-based intervention. MetS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program's Third Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP III) definition. Blood pressure, anthropometric and biochemical measures were obtained at baseline, post-intervention and 15 months. The overall prevalence of MetS at baseline was 15.1% (n = 14). The prevalence of one or …

An Empirical Analysis Of Health Implications And Costs Of Obesity In Appalachia, Saman Janaranjana Herath Bandara

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Obesity is a major health problem in the United States (U.S.) and approximately 34 percent of the U.S. adult population is obese. Studies using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), and many other research findings warn that if the current trend of obesity continues, 50 percent of the U.S. population will be obese in 2030. Unfortunately, several diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes (type II), hypertension, cancer, arthritis, asthma, and some psychological disorders are linked with obesity. Obesity increases the risk of premature mortality, and nearly 300,000 annual deaths are associated …

A National Study Of Health Behaviors And Health-Related Quality Of Life Among Survivors Of Breast, Prostate, And Colorectal Cancer Compared To Propensity Score Matched Controls, As Well As, Comparisons By Cancer Type & Gender, Traci J. Lemasters

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objectives of this study were to 1) compare the prevalence of specific measures of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) between breast, prostate, female, and male colorectal cancer survivors to propensity score matched controls, and to compare HRQOL by type of cancer and gender and 2) compare the prevalence of specific health conditions and health behaviors between breast, prostate, female, and male colorectal cancer survivors to propensity score matched controls, and to compare health behaviors by type of cancer and gender. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a sample of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors 18 years of age …

Family Child Care Providers As Health Educators & Advocates: Perspectives Of Parents, Health Care Providers And Community Service Providers, Lauren Kathleen Graber

Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library

Family child care providers, who are trusted by parents and disproportionately serve families in poverty, may be in an ideal position to provide health education for vulnerable families. Prior research found that family child care providers perceive that they act as health educators and advisors for families. The perception of this role by others who are also invested in a family's health remains unclear. We hypothesized that parents receive health information from a myriad of sources but that their relationship to their children's family child care providers elevates the importance, relevance, and desire to adhere to the health information parents …

Predictors Of Adherence To Mammography Screening Guidelines And Preferences For Intervention Strategies In A Mobile Mammography Program, Ami Vyas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Early detection of breast cancer (BC) in women can lead to long-term survival and better quality of life. Mammography screening is considered to be the 'gold standard' for women at an average risk to detect BC early and hence reduce BC-related mortality. West Virginia (WV) has a lower incidence of BC but higher rates of advanced and unstaged BC which has been attributed to lower mammography screening rates in women in WV. Mobile mammography programs have been in use for more than two decades to overcome barriers and increase mammography screening rates in rural and hard-to-reach populations. WV has one …

Alignment Of Academic Preparation And Job Skills: A Health Promotion Case Study, Michael P. Mcneil

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to describe the alignment or misalignment between the essential and preferred competencies at the Director-level outlined in the American College Health Association’s (ACHA) Guidelines for Hiring Health Promotion Professionals in Higher Education and the graduate-level course learning objectives in a single site case study. The study used a document review methodology with an evaluative matrix to demonstrate the connections between the ACHA Hiring Guidelines and learning objectives from the study site graduate courses. Additionally, the researcher utilized experts to describe the potential need for a concentrated program of study addressing health promotion in higher education. …

Obesity: The Anthropometric And Demographic Characteristics Of Insured And Uninsured Individuals, Terra Fox Williams

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objectives. This study evaluates the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and health insurance status in attendees at a local health fair. BMI was also compared among ages, gender, and races.

Methods. Descriptive analysis conducted using data collected at the “Celebrating Life and Health” health fairs between the years 2008 and 2011. Data for this study were collected at the BMI booth staffed by Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine students.

Results. The results of this particular study do not demonstrate a statistical difference between obesity and health insurance status. Consistent with other research articles this study does show that …

Retrospective Evaluation Of Microbial Presence In Existing Saliva Repository: A Pcr Based Molecular Survey Of Oral Microbial Populations From Existing Saliva Samples, Jay Ericksen Davis

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The overall purpose of this research project is to explore the link between oral health and disease in the University of Nevada, Las Vegas - School of Dental Medicine (UNLV-SDM) clinic patient population. More specifically, the population of interest is the UNLV-SDM orthodontic clinic patient population, which is mostly composed of adults, females, and minorities. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Dental Medicine, with more than 70,000 active patients and a post-graduate specialty program in Orthodontics is uniquely positioned to perform this type of oral health epidemiology survey, as well as targeted oral microbial testing among populations within …

The Role Of Supermarkets In Community Nutrition, Staci Gruber

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Chronic diseases related to nutrition are a serious threat to public health. Supermarkets offer an important and promising venue to improve diet quality and overall health. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the supermarkets’ community nutrition focus and interest in public health.

Methods: This study emphasis’s a triangulated qualitative study design. It employs various methods and taps various sources for data. Twenty face-to-face, semi-structured key informant interviews were conducted with five full service supermarket chains in Montgomery County, Ohio; Wal-Mart, Kroger, Meijer, Cub Foods, and Dorothy Lane Market. Qualitative sources of information collected include store observation and …

Building Capacity In Physical Activity And Public Health, Russell R. Pate, Jennifer L. Gay, David R. Brown, Michael Pratt

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Exploring Influences On Parent Support For Child Physical Activity In West Virginia, Jill A. Nolan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Physical activity enhances child health. On average, boys are more active than girls. The causes of this disparity are not fully known, but are likely due to factors at multiple levels including individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy. Further, gender stereotypes that associate males with sports and physical activity behavior may also influence child physical activity. What is known is that girls benefit from physical activity just as boys do, and that parental support for boys' physical activity is generally higher than is parental support for girls. Additionally, parental supportive behavior for childhood physical activity is positively associated with increased …

Oral Cancer Screening Techniques Utilized By West Virginia Dental Hygienists, Ashlee B. Charnoplosky

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Oral cancer has become a major public health problem. Health care professionals need to assume the responsibility of effectively screening all patients in their care for early signs of this disease. Too often, oral cancer is not diagnosed until it is in its later stages when treatment is not as effective. The late diagnosis contributes to the large number of deaths each year that could have been prevented had the patient had adequate screenings. Currently, there is no mandated law on providing oral cancer screenings.;The purpose of this study is to examine the oral cancer screening protocols utilized by practicing …

Comparing Cognitive Functioning And Adverse Metabolic Effects Of Consumers Taking Type 1 Or Type 2 Antipsychotic Medications With Un-Medicated Consumers, Muhammad Puri

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Obesity and metabolic side effects such as diabetes mellitus are major concerns in public health. Mentally ill people are a high risk subgroup for obesity and metabolic syndrome because of behavior, non treatment, and medication side effects. In this research, I conducted a retrospective chart review to compare the weight and body mass index of consumers who were prescribed antipsychotic Type 1 or Type 2 medications. The sample was drawn from consumers attending the Consumer Advocacy Model (CAM) program which is an outpatient substance abuse and mental health treatment program in the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Department …

The Non-Infectious Disease Implications Of Bed Bug Infestations, Christopher T. Balster

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of bed bug infestations throughout Ohio, whether the non-infectious disease implications of infestations are public health concerns, and also determine the perceived ability of public health departments to respond to outbreaks within their jurisdiction. A descriptive study was performed using survey data obtained from 79 local public health departments throughout Ohio. Overall, 79.05% of individuals surveyed agreed that bed bug outbreaks are a public health concern. The mode of responses regarding whether or not the non-infectious disease concerns of infestations are a public health concern was 4 on a scale …

Smoking During Pregnancy: Its Effects On The Prevalence Of Low Birth Weight Infants, Lynda M. Colussi

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: The purpose of this research was to determine what impact demographic characteristics and the smoking status of mothers had on the prevalence and risk for LBW births. Methods: Birth certificate data from Montgomery County, Ohio from 2006-2009 was analyzed. Among the information collected were the infant's birth weight, the mother's age, marital status, education level, race, payer status at time of delivery, WIC status, and smoking status. The impact demographic characteristics and smoking status had on the prevalence of LBW births was determined by a logistic regression model. The effect of when women smoked during pregnancy had on the …