Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Health Information Access

The Southeastern Librarian

The National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Southeastern Atlantic Region, wishes to remind libraries in the region that they provide training and assistance with health information access to the public.

A Hybrid Model For Reducing Ecological Bias, Ruth Salway, Jon Wakefield

UW Biostatistics Working Paper Series

A major drawback of epidemiological ecological studies, in which the association between area-level summaries of risk and exposure are used to make inference about individual risk, is the difficulty in characterising within-area variability in exposure and confounder variables. To avoid ecological bias, samples of individual exposure/confounder data within each area are required. Unfortunately these may be difficult or expensive to obtain, particularly if large samples are required. In this paper we propose a new approach suitable for use with small samples. We combine a Bayesian non-parametric Dirichlet process prior with an estimating functions approach, and show that this model gives …

Public Health Practitioner Expert Opinion For Recommending Revisions To A Community Nutrition Mph Curriculum

Florida Public Health Review

No abstract provided.

Health-Exposure Modelling And The Ecological Fallacy, Jon Wakefield, Gavin Shaddick

UW Biostatistics Working Paper Series

Recently there has been increased interest in modelling the association between aggregate disease counts and environmental exposures measured, for example via air pollution monitors, at point locations. This paper has two aims: first we develop a model for such data in order to avoid ecological bias; second we illustrate that modelling the exposure surface and estimating exposures may lead to bias in estimation of health effects. Design issues are also briefly considered, in particular the loss of information in moving from individual to ecological data, and the at-risk populations to consider in relation to the pollution monitor locations. The approach …

Dump Truck Driver Dies After Unintentional Release Of Asphalt, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Fatality Case Reports--Motor Vehicle

On June 6, 2005 a 55-year-old male dump truck driver (Driver 1) died when he was buried waist deep in 400-degree Fahrenheit asphalt. Driver 1 stopped along the highway to help another dump truck driver (Driver 2), (both were independent truck drivers), who had experienced brake problems. As the two men were examining the pneumatic brake system at the rear of the disabled dump truck, the tailgate opened unexpectedly, spilling hot asphalt onto the decedent who was under the rear of the truck.

To prevent similar incidents, the following recommendations have been made:

Recommendation No. 1: Tailgate chains should always …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 81, No. 23 [25], Wku Student Affairs

WKU Archives Records

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. Articles in this issue:

• Leslie, Joey. More Students Tested During AIDS Day
• Hupman, Samantha. J-term More Popular than Anticipated
• Fontana, Alex. Student Government Association Proposes New Bicycles for Police
• Bosken, Nina. Students Dodge, Duck, Dive for Charity and Prizes – Special Olympics
• Richardson, Kelly. Kentucky Community Technical College System Requests Funding – KCTCS
• Taking the Next Step – Cultural Diversity
• Eoff, Allison. Pass on Adderall
• Gabler, R. XXX Ads Disappointing
• Williams, Suzanne. A Woman’s Heart
• Hupman, Samantha. Two Fights Reported on Hill
• Paul, Corey. Kwanzaa to Be Celebrated Today …

Redesigning Practice To Improve Care Delivery (Boston), Laura A. Dummit, Lisa Sprague

National Health Policy Forum

This site visit focused on how the practice of medicine is changing or can be changed to improve care delivery across the spectrum of patient populations. Regarded as a “medical Mecca,” Boston is home to the academic health centers and teaching hospitals where many of the nation’s physicians are trained. As a center of innovation, Boston prides itself on its high bar with respect to standards of care. Panels addressed the used of clinical information technology (IT) in the physician’s office, in the hospital, and community-wide. Participants observed how IT is being used to further the mission of community health …

History-Adjusted Marginal Structural Models To Estimate Time-Varying Effect Modification , Maya L. Petersen, Steven G. Deeks, Jeffrey N. Martin, Mark J. Van Der Laan

U.C. Berkeley Division of Biostatistics Working Paper Series

Much of epidemiology and clinical medicine is focused on the estimation of treatments or interventions administered over time. In such settings of longitudinal treatment, time-dependent confounding is often an important source of bias. Marginal structural models are a powerful tool for estimating the causal effect of a treatment using observational data, particularly when time-dependent confounding is present. Recent statistical work presented a generalization of marginal structural models, called history-adjusted marginal structural models. Unlike standard marginal structural models, history-adjusted marginal structural models can be used to estimate modification of treatment effects by time-varying covariates. Estimation of time-dependent causal effect modification is …

Aflatoxin Contamination Of Commercial Maize Products During An Outbreak Of Acute Aflatoxicosis In Eastern And Central Kenya, Karen E. Gieseker, Lauren Lewis, Mary Onsongo, Henry Njapau, Helen Schurz Rogers, George Luber, Stephanie Kieszak, Jack Nyamongo, Lorraine Backer, Abdikher Mohamud Dahiye, Ambrose Misore, Kevin Decock, Carol Rubin, Kenya Aflatoxicosis Investigation Group

Public Health Faculty Publications

n April 2004, one of the largest aflatoxicosis outbreaks occurred in rural Kenya, resulting in 317 cases and 125 deaths. Aflatoxin-contaminated homegrown maize was the source of the outbreak, but the extent of regional contamination and status of maize in commercial markets (market maize) were unknown. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the extent of market maize contamination and evaluate the relationship between market maize aflatoxin and the aflatoxicosis outbreak. We surveyed 65 markets and 243 maize vendors and collected 350 maize products in the most affected districts. Fifty-five percent of maize products had aflatoxin levels greater than the …

Genotype-By-Sex Interaction In The Regulation Of High-Density Lipoprotein: Theframingham Heart Study, M.J. Mosher, L. J. Martin, L. A. Cupples, Q. Yang, T. D. Dyer, J. T. Williams, K. E. North

Anthropology Faculty and Staff Publications

Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are widely documented as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Furthermore, there is marked sexual dimorphism in both HDL levels and the prevalence of CVD. However, the extent to which genetic factors contribute to such dimorphism has been largely unexplored. We examined the evidence for genotypeby- sex effects on HDL in a longitudinal sample of 1,562 participants from 330 families in the Framingham Heart Study at three times points corresponding approximately to 1971-1974, 1980-1983, and 1988-1991. Using a variance component method, we conducted a genome scan of HDL at each time point in …

What Is Comprehensive Sexuality Education Really All About? Perceptions Of Students Enrolled In An Undergraduate Human Sexuality Course, Eva Goldfarb

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

The purpose of this study was to use qualitative evaluation techniques to explore the perceptions of students enrolled in undergraduate human sexuality classes regarding their expectations for the course as well as outcomes. One hundred forty-eight students were surveyed at the beginning and again at the end of the semester-long course. While pregnancy and STI prevention were considered important components of their courses, other outcomes associated with positive, healthy sexuality were given greater emphasis. Results suggest that while primary and secondary level sexuality education have been increasingly focused on abstinence-only education with a focus on pregnancy and STI reduction, this …

Factors Related To Delayed Time For Hiv Care Among Youth Living With Hiv: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Of Social Support Networks And Access To Care, Patricia L. Jones

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This research explored the pattern of influence social support networks had on delayed time between diagnosis and first doctor’s visit after diagnosis of HIV in youth. Results showed that factors related to receiving a referral were prosocial peer behaviors and excessive fibbing in the past 6 months. The study identified sources of social support and described the relationship between the source of support and time of first doctor’s visit after HIV diagnosis. Both descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed on all youth (N=347) and specifically on those seeking care. Methodology: Historical data were extracted from the baseline dataset of …

Eating Behavior And Obesity Risk Of Youth Living In The City Of San Bernardino, California, Carolyn A. Corder

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Adolescents living in the City of San Bernardino, California, are susceptible to health risks due to high rates of violence, suicide, teen pregnancy, and poverty, which place them among the most vulnerable in the Nation to disability, early death, unhealthy offspring, illiteracy, economic disadvantage, and chronic disease. This study analyzed data from the Youth Risk Behavior (YRBS) and local surveys conducted in the City’s Unified School District from 1999 through 2001. The investigators focused on the relationship, if any, of dietary and anthropometric factors to the priority adolescent behaviors targeted for intervention by the Healthy People 2010 objectives: accidental injuries …

High Potency And Other Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Among Adolescents, Edessa C. Jobli, Heather S. Dore, Chudley Werch, Michele Johnson Moore

Public Health Faculty Research and Scholarship

This study examined the prevalence of high potency (liquor, malt liquor, fortified wine) and other alcoholic beverage consumption (beer, wine/wine coolers) among adolescents, the impact of gender and ethnicity, and the risk and protective factors that predicted consumption. A confidential survey revealed that, among eighth grade students, wine/wine coolers were the most popular alcoholic beverages, with the highest levels of lifetime use, and the greatest current frequency and quantity of use, followed closely by beer and liquor. Minor gender differences were found, as well as notable ethnic differences, in consumption. Intentions and attitudes were important predictors of use across beverages. …

Asthma Management Programs In Managed Care Organizations, Christine W. Hartmann Mss, Phd, Vittorio Maio Pharmd, Ms, Neil I. Goldfarb, Nicole M. Cobb Maom, David B. Nash

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

The aim of this work was to investigate how managed care organizations (MCOs) currently approach asthma treatment and management and to determine factors affecting asthma outcomes. A Web-based survey was administered to a national sample of 351 medical directors of MCOs to investigate the asthma management program components in their organizations as well as gaps and barriers in the management of patients with asthma. All 134 (38.2%) responding medical directors reported that their organizations monitor asthma patients. Plans use a variety of asthma management activities, including general member education (90%), member education by mail (87%), self-management education (85%), and provider …

Remote Physiological Monitoring: Clinical, Financial, And Behavioral Outcomes In A Heart Failure Population, Laurel R. Hudson Msn, Rn, G. Brent Hamar Dds, Mph, Patty Orr Rn, Edd, Jeffrey H. Johnson Bs, Amy Neftzger Ma, Richard S. Chung Md, Myra L. Williams Mph, William M. Gandy Edd, Albert Crawford Phd, Mba, Msis, Janice L. Clarke Rn, Bba, Neil I. Goldfarb

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

This article reports on the outcomes associated with remote physiological monitoring (RPM) conducted as part of a heart failure disease management program. Claims data, medical records, data transmission records, and survey results for 91 individuals ages 50–92 (mean 74 years) successfully completing a heart failure RPM program were analyzed for time periods before, during, and after the monitoring intervention. The program was associated with significant reductions in per member per month costs and emergency room and hospital utilization. More detailed analyses were performed for specific gender and age subgroups. Participant surveys indicated high levels of satisfaction, and improvements in self-perceived …

Sources Of Variation In Nutrient Intakes Among Men In Shanghai, China, Hui Cai, Gong Yang, Yong-Bing Xiang, James R. Hébert, Da-Ke Liu, Wei Zheng, Xiao-Ou Shu

Faculty Publications

Background and objective: Random errors, from any source, will attenuate epidemiological risk estimates. Before we launched the Shanghai Men’s Health Study (SMHS), a large population-based cohort study investigating the diet–cancer association among Chinese men, a dietary calibration study was conducted among 96 men aged 40–75 years (mean age 56.5 years), with biweekly 24-hour dietary recalls (24HDRs) implemented over a 1-year period. Data from this study were analysed to evaluate the nature and magnitude of variances for intake of 26 nutrients among SMHS participants, to compare variance ratios of 26 nutrients among Chinese men and women and individuals in other studies, …

Are Specific Language Impairment And Dyslexia Distinct Disorders?, Hugh W. Catts, Suzanne M. Adlof, Tiffany Hogan, Susan Ellis Weismer

Faculty Publications

Purpose - The purpose of this study was to determine whether specific language impairment (SLI) and dyslexia are distinct developmental disorders.

Method - Study 1 investigated the overlap between SLI identified in kindergarten and dyslexia identified in 2nd, 4th, or 8th grades in a representative sample of 527 children. Study 2 examined phonological processing in a subsample of participants, including 21 children with dyslexia only, and 43 children with SLI only, 18 children with SLI and dyslexia, and 165 children with typical language/reading development. Measures of phonological awareness and nonword repetition were considered.

Results - Study 1 showed limited but …

Differential Impairment As An Indicator Of Sex Bias In Dsm-Iv Criteria For Four Personality Disorders, Christina D. Boggs, Leslie C. Morey, Andrew E. Skodol, M. Tracie Shea, Charles A. Sanislow, Carlos M. Grilo, Thomas H. Mcglashan, Mary C. Zanarini, John G. Gunderson

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the possibility of sex bias in the diagnostic criteria for borderline, schizotypal, avoidant, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. A clinical sample of 668 individuals was evaluated for personality disorder criteria using a semistructured interview, and areas of functional impairment were assessed with both self-report and semistructured interview. The authors used a regression model of bias to identify bias as differences in slopes or intercepts between men and women in the relationship between each diagnostic criterion and level of impairment. The results suggest that most of the diagnostic criteria examined do not seem …

Download Full Pdf Issue Volume1, Issue 1 - Msph Newsletter 2005

Public Health Link

Inaugural Issue Master of Science in Public Health Student Newsletter. Newsletter includes thesis presenters and topics, upcoming events, reminders, and student opportunities.

Download Full Pdf Issue Volume1, Issue 2 - Msph Newsletter 2005

Public Health Link

This is the second issue from 2005 and includes student thesis topics, reminders, updates, and upcoming events.

Intimate Partner Violence And Disabilities Among Women Attending Family Practice Clinics, Ann L. Coker, Paige H. Smith, Mary Kay Fadden

CRVAW Faculty Journal Articles

Purpose: To estimate the frequency and type of disabilities preventing work among those experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) compared with those never experiencing IPV.

Methods: We used a large cross-sectional survey of women, ages 18–65, attending family practice clinics from 1997 through 1998. Participation included a 5–10-minute in-clinic survey assessing IPV experience and a longer telephone survey assessing health status and chronic disabilities that prevented work outside the home or housework.

Results: Of 1,152 eligible women surveyed, 54% experienced some type of IPV, and 24% were currently in a violent relationship. Women who had ever experienced IPV …

Medicare Advantage Snps: A New Opportunity For Integrated Care?, Christie Provost Peters

National Health Policy Forum

Medicare Advantage special needs plans (SNPs) are a new type of coordinated care plan established by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act. SNPs were created to encourage greater access to Medicare managed care for certain special needs populations: the institutionalized, persons dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, and the chronically ill. Some view SNPs as a new opportunity to integrate acute and long-term care services as well as Medicare and Medicaid financing. Others, however, question the degree to which full integration will become a widespread reality. This issue brief examines the SNP option and the promises and challenges …

Download The Pdf Of The Full Issue

Population Health Matters (Formerly Health Policy Newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Events And Opportunities

Population Health Matters (Formerly Health Policy Newsletter)

No abstract available.

Motorcycle Helmets Are Good Medicine, Douglas Mcgee

Population Health Matters (Formerly Health Policy Newsletter)

No abstract available.

Montreal Gp Successfully Challenges Canada's Ban On Parallel Private Healthcare Insurance, David Woods

Population Health Matters (Formerly Health Policy Newsletter)

No abstract available.

Harvest Health: Chronic Disease Self-Management Program For Older African-Americans, Nancy L. Chernett, Laura N. Gitlin

Population Health Matters (Formerly Health Policy Newsletter)

No abstract available.

The 2005 Disease Management Colloquium A Success

Population Health Matters (Formerly Health Policy Newsletter)

The 2005 Disease Management Colloquium was heald at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia on June 21-24, 2005. The Colloquium's goal is to better educate government agencies, the healthcare industry, employers, and the general public about the important role disease management programs play in improving healthcare quality and outcomes for persons subject to chronic conditions. The following are highlights from a number of the morning keynote presentations.

New Publications From The Department Of Health Policy

Population Health Matters (Formerly Health Policy Newsletter)

No abstract available.