Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Low-Income African American Women's Perceptions Of Primary Care Physician Weight Loss Counseling: A Positive Deviance Study, Elaine Seaton Banerjee, Md

Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the interactions between low-income, African American women who successfully lost weight and the healthcare system. This mixed methods study followed a positive deviance approach, identifying a population at high risk for obesity and then identifying positive deviants within this population. In this case, positive deviants were low-income, African American women who had been obese, and had successfully lost at least 10% of their weight and maintained this loss for at least six months. We collected data from electronic medical records (EMR) and participant surveys of both positive deviant cases, …

Whole Person Orientation In Primary Care: Understanding Priorities And Assessing Performance, Shannon Doyle

Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this project was to use a participatory research methodology to develop a framework for understanding the concept of whole person orientation in primary care delivery. Whole person orientation is one of the seven Joint Principles of the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) authored by the American Academy of Family Physicians in partnership with several other physician organizations. Although the PCMH model of primary care has been touted as part of the solution to the U.S. healthcare system’s cost and quality issues, there are few tools available to evaluate implementation of the essential components and none at all …

Addressing Hispanic Adolescent Mental Health In The Texas Border Region: A Policy Analysis, Brian Zepka

Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations

Distinguished MPH Capstone Project 2015

The Texas border region experiences adverse cultural, socioeconomic, environmental, and political challenges that influence the mental health status of adolescents living along the border. The purpose of this research was to provide informed advice to relevant policy makers and facilitate decision-making concerning access to culturally competent mental health services for Hispanic adolescents in this region. A systematic literature review was performed to assess the evidence of barriers these adolescents face when accessing mental health services. Interviews with relevant key stakeholders in the region were then conducted to identify their perspectives on barriers to care. The …