Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Prevalence Of Comorbid Chronic Disease In Virginia's Adult Patient Population During The Years 2001 And 2004, Joseph D. Schwartz

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Chronic disease comorbidities, on the rise in the U.S. and Virginia, represent a new challenge to the way medicine is practiced and prescribed. This descriptive study uses Virginia hospital discharge data to describe the prevalence and trends of chronic disease comorbidities present in the state's over-45 population during the years 2001 and 2004.Methods: Data collected by Virginia Health Information was utilized. Adults over the age of 45 years and who selected for race and location were included in this analysis, with an aggregate sample size of 813,336 (N=458,593 [2001]; N=364,743 [2004]). Pearson chi-square analyses determined significant sample population differences …

The Incidence And Prevalance Of Cervical Cancer In Vietnamese Women (1993-1995): A Analysis Of Seer Reported Cases, Thuy Do

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Cervical cancer is the third most common reproductive cancer in the U.S. To date, one report concluded that U.S. Vietnamese women had the highest incidence rate (43.0/100,000). The current study examines whether U.S. Vietnamese women are more likely to have cervical cancer in comparison to Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, and other Asian subgroups. Methods: SEER data of cervical cancers diagnosed from 1993-1995 (n = 37,790) was utilized. Using SPSS, chi-square statistics assessed whether Vietnamese women were older and more likely to be married or diagnosed at a later stage. Logistic regression assessed the amount of risk race/ethnicity contributes …

Blood Lead And Decision Speed In Working Age Adults, S. W. Harkins

Theses and Dissertations

Lead is a central nervous system poison. Healthy People 2010 established a target blood lead level (BLL) for children of 0 μg/dL by 2010, but is silent with regard to any changes in BLLs standards for working age adults. In this paper, the relation of BLL to performance on two neurobehavioral tests was assessed in working age adults (N = 4909; Age 20 to 59 years; 51.4% Female) employing data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES 111). Multiple linear regression analyses indicated a significant effect of BLL on time taken to complete an attention demanding cognitive task …

Trends In Canine Lyme Disease On The Eastern Shore Of Virginia, 2000-2005, Ellen Garrett Hillyer

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Lyme disease is caused by the tick-borne spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Research has shown that dogs can be used as sentinels for human infection of Lyme disease. The purpose of this 5-year, retrospective study was to determine if there was any evidence that the incidence of canine Lyme disease has increased between 2000 and 2005 in Accomack and Northampton counties. An increased incidence in Lyme disease in dogs may indicate an increased present or future risk of Lyme disease in humans.Methods: Cases of canine Lyme disease were identified via practice invoicing systems and dogs that received doxycycline were entered into …

Predictors Of Early Onset Of Sexual Intercourse In Male And Female Residents Of The United States, Brianna Michele Magnusson

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Purpose: The United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy of any industrialized nation. Adolescents who have their first sexual intercourse at a young age are at increased risk for teen pregnancies and acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. This study examines predictors of early onset sexual intercourse in male and female residents of the United States. Methods: A nationally representative sample of N=7,643 females and N=4.928 males ages 15-44 was procured from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), Cycle 6. Age at first sexual intercourse was used to define early onset of sexual debut(<18 years). Socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of the respondents, demographic and selected reproductive characteristics of the respondent's parents were examined using multiple logistic regression modeling. Results: Non-fispanic black, being raised without both parents, having a mother less than 18 years old at the age of first birth and age difference between partners were significant predictors of early onset of sexual intercourse for both males and females. Maternal education less than high school was a significant protective factor for female respondents [OR=0.72 (95%CI=0.58- 0.90)] and paternal education completed high school only [OR=1.4 (95% CI=l. 1-1.7)] was a significant risk factor for male respondents. Conclusions: Racelethnicity, age difference between partners, not being raised by both parents, having a mother who had her first birth before the age of 18 and parental education are important predictor variables. Further study should be conducted to investigate the protective effect of lack of maternal education for female respondents. Intervention programs for teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection prevention should target these at risk groups.

Effect Of Medicaid/Schip And Wic On Oral Health Of Low-Income Children, Dahlia Naqib

Theses and Dissertations

Oral caries is the most prevalent chronic disease among US children, and disproportionately impacts those of low socioeconomic status. Studies have shown that the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC) improves access to dental care among Medicaid children. This study investigated the impact of WIC, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) on the prevalence of dental caries among low-income children. The 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 NHANES data were utilized for this analysis. Children 2-4 years old who participated in WIC, Medicaid, or SCHIP, or who were uninsured, and for whom both interview and complete …

The Relationship Between Breastfeeding And The Development Of Asthma In Early Childhood, River Anne Pugsley

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Asthma can have significant adverse effects on the health and quality of life of children, and the prevalence of this condition continues to rise. Breastfeeding may protect against asthma, but some uncertainty remains. The purpose of this study was to further examine the relationship between breastfeeding and the risk of developing asthma in early childhood. Methods: Data were collected from the State and Local Area Integrated Telephone Survey: National Survey of Children's Health, 2003. The study population consisted of 33,315 children ages 0 to 5 years. Prevalence rates of asthma and breastfeeding ,were calculated, as were crude and Mantel-Haenszel …

Predictors Of Sun Protection Practices Among Adult Women In The United States, Anne Ridgely Minter

Theses and Dissertations

Background. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The main modifiable risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to excessive sun and UV radiation. More than 90% of all skin cancers are known to be caused by sun exposure. However, studies on excessive sun and UV exposure are limited. The purpose of this study was to examine risk and protective factors affecting sun protection behaviors of adult women in the United States. Methods. Data on U.S. adult women (n=17,425) from the 2003 National Health Information Survey (NHIS) was analyzed. Sun protection behaviors were assessed …

The Association Of Blood Type On The Five Factors Of Personality In Chinese Adolescents, Kunher Wu

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to identify the number of personality factors in Chinese adolescents using the Chinese Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) and to determine whether blood type is associated with personality. It is widely accepted by psychologists that the five-factor model can provide an adequate representation of adult personality dimensions, but there is less agreement on the number of factors observable in adolescence. A total of 3,396 11^th graders from the city of Kaohsiung, Taiwan completed the Chinese NEO-PI-R. Principle component analysis with varimax rotation showed five factors of personality in these Taiwanese adolescents, which clearly …

Estimation Of Standardized Mortality Ratio In Geographic Epidemiology, Anna Kettermann

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The analysis of geographic variation of disease and its representation on a map form an important topic of research in epidemiology and in public health in general. Identification of spatial heterogeneity of relative risk using morbidity and mortality data is required. The usual technique of disease atlas generation consists of data collection (observed number of disease cases). These data are collected during a continuous period of time (5 to 10 years). The second aspect of atlas creation relates to the analysis of these data. A traditional measure of the spatial variation is usually taken as a ratio of the number …

Obesity And Health Status Among Urban Vs. Suburban Elderly In Philadelphia And Surrounding Counties, Ockidde Dufayne Harris

Theses and Dissertations

Obesity is a dangerous health condition affecting approximately 30% of all Americans and can be attributed to 300,000 deaths a year. Obesity has been found to disproportionately affect Blacks, Latinos, and those with lower SES. Although obesity is a problem for all age groups, its prevalence is highest among those 60-74 years of age. Studies have shown that there is an association between obesity and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, cancers, and type-2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, chronic health conditions affect 80% of all elderly persons, many times limiting function and decreasing quality of …

Body Image And Attitudes Toward Obesity In College Students, Sarah Rebecca Goodwin

Theses and Dissertations

The current study was conducted in order to examine the impact of ethnicity on gender differences in body type preferences and perceptions and add to the literature examining racial differences in body type preferences and perceptions. The current study was an expansion of one by Gipson et al conducted at a historically Black university in 2004, in which responses and BMI measurements of 191 college students were examined for associations between BMI and gender, and body image and attitudes toward obesity. For the current study the sample of 176 college students enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University, an ethnically diverse institution, …

Application Of The Traditional Epidemiological Model To Predict Occupational Injury Rates In Manufacturing Industries, Gary A. Morris

Health Services Research Dissertations

This study was designed to test the usefulness of the Traditional Epidemiological Model of disease causation in modeling occupational injury rates and the presence of occupational illness in the manufacturing industry. More specifically, this research involved use of the agent, host, and environment constructs of the Traditional Epidemiological Model to examine the effects of five environmental-related workplace health and safety practices on occupational injury and illness. Data from the National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES), conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in 1981–1983, were used to ascertain the presence of specific workplace characteristics and to calculate …

The Role Of Meat, Poultry, And Fish Consumption In The Occurrence Of Rheumatoid And Other Forms Of Arthritis, Asnake Hailu

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis or rheumatism are now the leading cause of disability in the United States. The etiology and pathogenesis are less understood and available treatment options are not always satisfactory. This dissertation measures the prevalence and cumulative incidence of rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis or rheumatism, and examines any associations with current and lifetime consumption of meat, poultry, and fish (meat) using the Adventist Health Study and the Adventist Mortality Study databases. From these databases, it was possible to reconstruct a prospective cohort, obtain self-reported information on demographic characteristics, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, other …

Production Of A Monoclonal Antibody Against Benzo[Α]Pyrene Diol Epoxide Dna Adducts, Brian Peden Austin

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Benzo[α]pyrene is a ubiquitous pollutant produced from the incomplete combustion of organic material such as fossil fuels. It is found in the workplace, urban air, drinking water, and the food supply. Recently, it has been proposed that benzo[α]pyrene may be the causative agent in the formation of lung adenocarcinomas among some Taiwanese women exposed to cooking oil fumes without adequate ventilation. In this study, calf thymus DNA was modified in vitro with benzo[α]pyrene-diol epoxide (BPDE) to a level consistent with that found in biological samples. This DNA of low modification was used as an immunogen in the production of a …

The Role Of Diet And Physical Activity For Ovarian Cancer Results From The Adventist Health Study, Fatemeh Kiani

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A few aspects of the epidemiology of ovarian cancer are well understood, such as the inverse relationship with parity and oral contraceptive (OC) use. The role of other factors such as the potential influence of diet or physical activity is far from being established. A few studies, however, have been able to identify dietary risk factors for ovarian cancer. In this dissertation, I have conducted two studies that investigate the relationship between dietary factors and physical activity and the three endpoints: 1) nonfatal ovarian cancer (1976-1982; time to diagnosis), 2) fatal ovarian cancer (1976-1988; time to death), and 3) total …

A Model For Hiv/Aids Risk Behaviors Of Students In Armenia, Talin Babikian

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Without a cure in now its third decade, AIDS is a concern for both the medical and social science disciplines. Most at risk for a nationwide AIDS epidemic are developing countries, which often lack the necessary resources and knowledge to minimize the spread of the disease. There are an estimated 1500 HIV cases in Armenia, 81.5% of which occur in the 20-39 age group. Armenia’s current economic and political instability, increase in sexually transmitted infections (STI), prostitution, and injecting drug use, and the alarming incidence rates in neighboring countries amplify its risk for a national epidemic.

The goals of this …

How Peruvian Mothers Appraise Pneumonia And The Predictors Of Their Intention To Seek Medical Care When Their Children Have Signs Of Pneumonia, César Augusto Gálvez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pneumonia ranks first in health problems demanding attention, and second in the cause of mortality for children under five years old in Peru (Toledo, & Minaya, 1999). Studies about behavioral determinants that influence mothers to seek medical help for their child with signs of pneumonia do not focus on the contribution of the behavioral determinants to intention of seeking medical help.

Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and a cross-sectional design, the objectives of this study were to know first, Peruvian mothers' perceptions about knowledge and recognition of pneumonia, and about the government pneumonia campaign (GPC). Second, mothers' attitudes, …

Body Weight And Mortality Among Adults Who Never Smoked, Pramil N. Singh

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Most prospective studies identify an increased mortality risk for adults of high body mass index (> 27 kg/m²) that is commonly attributed to the effects of excess body fat, and also identify an increased mortality risk for adults of low body mass index (< 21 kg/m²), an association that, if causal among healthy adults, is without adequate pathophysiologic support.

In this dissertation, I have conducted three studies that continue the investigation of adiposity in relation to mortality among never-smoking adults of the California Seventh-day Adventist population. Among never-smoking adults of the Adventist Mortality Study (1960-1985), the relation between …

Artificial Societies: A Computational Model Of Disease Transmission, Nathan T. Moore

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.

Psychosocial Determinants Of Age-Appropriate Immunizations Of Infants In Norfolk, Virginia, Hoda Youssef Atta

Health Services Research Dissertations

This study represents an investigation of psychosocial factors affecting age-appropriate immunizations of infants in Norfolk, Virginia. A household survey was conducted in Norfolk, Virginia, from 4/93-8/93, to assess immunization coverage of children 12-30 months of age. This survey included a total of 389 children in the target age range. A subset of 201 mothers were randomly selected and reinterviewed to assess their knowledge and attitudes and the relationships of these factors to age-appropriate immunizations at 12 months of age. Sixty-two percent of children were not age-appropriately immunized at 12 months of age. Almost all mothers (99%) considered vaccines to be …

Prevalence Of Fatty Liver In Japanese Children Ages 4 To 12 Years Old : Relationship To Obesity : An Epidemiological Ultrasonographic Survey, Kunihiko Tominaga

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The prevalence of fatty liver disease in children is not well established and its relationship to childhood obesity is poorly defined. The present study of 810 northern Japanese school-aged children (4-12 years old), determined the prevalence of fatty liver and its relationship to gender and degree of obesity. Diagnosis of fatty liver was assessed by real-time ultrasonography.

RESULTS: 1. The overall prevalence of fatty liver is 2.6 %. 2. Fatty liver prevalence is higher for boys (3.4 %) than for girls (1.8 %), although not statistically significant (P = 0.15). 3. Fatty liver occurs in children as young as 6 …

Diet And Colon Cancer Risk In The Population Of Thailand, Nithat Sirichotiratana

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Epidemiological studies have emphasized environmental influences, especially a diet high in animal fat and low in fiber, as major risk factors for colon cancer. In order to examine the relationship between dietary fat and fiber and occurrence of colon cancer, patient medical records from the National Cancer Institute between 1981-1991 were used for the first hospital-based case-control study of diet and colon cancer in Thailand. These records included a total of 168 cases and 357 controls. Data on the frequency consumption of various food items were obtained by using an existing food frequency questionnaire, completed as part of patient’s history …

Mathematical Transmission Model Of The Spread Of Hiv Through Sexual Contact And Iv Drug Usage Among Heterosexuals In Western Australia, B. Glockner

Theses : Honours

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its latter stage, the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), are still a major health problem in the world and the full extent of the epidemic is unknown. The HIV virus in Australia has been spread mainly through homosexual contact, but this mode of transmission is decreasing while transmission from heterosexual contact and from IV drug use is increasing. The proposed mathematical model concentrates on transmission of the HIV virus through heterosexual contact and IV drug use among heterosexuals in Western Australia. The model parameters will be estimated from surveys conducted by the Australian National …

Preliminary Epidemiological Interpretation Of The Intrinsic And Extrinsic Factors Contributing To The Coverage And Participation Rates Of The Vaccination Program In Arssi, Ethiopia, Muchie Kidanu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many immunization programs in developing countries arr now undergoing a period of rapid utilization. Innovative strategies, such as immunization holidays, are being tried. Political commitment and enthusiasm are high. There is a strong desire by health professionals to protect the lives of many children from the untimely death and/or disability resulting from infectious diseases preventable by vaccination.

Evaluation of an immunization program can benefit other elements of the health system, particularly those that are not amenable to objective evaluation as immunization. In this case, immunization can serve as an indicator of the overall performance of the health system. The problems …

Case-Control Study Of Vitamin A Intake And Colorectal Cancer In Seventh-Day Adventists, John William Morgan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Americans; producing approximately 60,000 deaths in Americans each year. Studies of high and low risk populations have suggested a dietary etiology for colorectal cancer, although investigations of specific dietary factors have produced inconsistent results.

Population based studies of California Seventh-day Adventists demonstrate dietary variety regarding factors suspected as important in the etiology of colorectal cancer. These studies document a substantially reduced mortality and incidence from colorectal cancer in Seventh-day Adventists when compared to other California Populations. Although specific reasons for this difference remain obscure, the 'Unique lifestyle and …

Chronic Respiratory Disease Symptom Effects Of Long-Term Cumulative Exposure To Passive Tobacco Smoke And To Ambient Levels Of Tsp, Oxidants, So2, And No2 In Southern California, Gary L. Euler

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

To assess risk of chronic respiratory disease symptoms due to long-term exposure to the ambient levels of TSP, oxidants, SO2 and NO2 in photochemical air pollution, symptoms were ascertained using NHLBI questions on 8,572 Southern California Seventh-day Adventist, nonsmokers, 25 years and older, who lived eleven years or longer in their 1977 residential area. Tobacco smoke, active and passive, and occupational exposures were measured by questionnaires, as well as lifestyle characteristics relative to pollution exposure such as time spent outside and residence history. A pulmonary function feasibility study was done on a subsample of 86 women 50-64 years of age …

Social And Demographic Factors In Perinatal Mortality: A Study Conducted In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, R. Douglass Arbuckle

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.

Sero-Epidemiology Of Q Fever With Special Reference To Complications In A Hospital Population Of Southern California, Ajit Singh Randhawa

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

[Abstract Not Included]