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Examining The Association Of Fruit And Vegetable Intake And Breast And Prostate Cancer Screening, Mark Yu Dec 2009

Examining The Association Of Fruit And Vegetable Intake And Breast And Prostate Cancer Screening, Mark Yu

Theses and Dissertations

Breast and prostate cancer incidence and mortality have been steadily decreasing. Reasons for these reductions may be related to increased rates of cancer screening and other factors such as improvements in diet, including consumption of fruits and vegetables. We wanted to determine if individuals who get screened for breast and prostate cancer are more or less likely to consume adequate servings of fruit and vegetables. A cross-sectional study using the BRFSS survey was conducted. Individuals included in this study (n=26,222), were asked about their breast or prostate cancer screening history. They were also asked about their servings per day of …


The Association Between Lead Exposure And Respiratory Health In Children, Colleen Coleman Dec 2009

The Association Between Lead Exposure And Respiratory Health In Children, Colleen Coleman

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The substantial impact of indoor air quality and environmental hazards in the home on one’s health has long been recognized in the field of public health. This cross-sectional study investigates the risk between home based hazards, specifically lead, and respiratory health in children. The objective of this study is to examine the extent to which children testing positive for blood lead exposure are at an increased risk for having poor respiratory health. Methods: A nationally representative sample of 977 children ages 1- 6 years was obtained from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Information from the …


Community Voice: Taking It To The People, Guidelines For Conducting A Process Evaluation, Tiffany Mcghee Dec 2009

Community Voice: Taking It To The People, Guidelines For Conducting A Process Evaluation, Tiffany Mcghee

Theses and Dissertations

Background The Community Voice program is designed for African-Americans and explores key factors that can contribute to African-American infant mortality. This program was implemented in Henrico County based on Virginia Health Statistics that the White infant mortality rate average during the years of 2001-2005 was 5.3 deaths per 1,000 live births and in the same time period the infant mortality rate for African-Americans was 13.7 deaths per 1,000 live births. At the time of implementation of the program, no plans to evaluate the program had been made. Objective This evaluation was designed to develop guidelines regarding the evaluation process of …


Association Between Preconception Multivitamin Use And The Risk Of Preeclampsia/High Blood Pressure In Pregnant Women, Krisandra Allen Dec 2009

Association Between Preconception Multivitamin Use And The Risk Of Preeclampsia/High Blood Pressure In Pregnant Women, Krisandra Allen

Theses and Dissertations

Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia are significant causes of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and neonates. This study examined the relationship between multivitamin use and incidence of reported high blood pressure or preeclampsia using data from the 2007 Oregon State Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). Overall there were n=1894 women included in the study. Women were asked two to four months after delivery to report their multivitamin or prenatal vitamin usage in the month prior to conception and were categorized as daily users, or less than daily users. The unadjusted prevalence of high blood pressure or preeclampsia was 13.4% …


Developing A Comprehensive Youth Obesity Initiative For The State Of Virginia, Jennifer Thompson Dec 2009

Developing A Comprehensive Youth Obesity Initiative For The State Of Virginia, Jennifer Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

The 2009 Virginia General Assembly Session unanimously voted to change the legislation governing the Virginia Tobacco Settlement Foundation to create the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) and incorporate childhood overweight and obesity prevention and reduction in its mission. In order to successfully meet the requirements of this legislation, VFHY needed assistance developing a strategic plan for the obesity initiative and a knowledge base to draw from. A comprehensive assessment of the status of Virginia’s childhood obesity problem was conducted, including the prevalence of the illness, the barriers existing to and the benefits to obesity prevention programs, the need for …


The 2009 H1n1 Influenza A “Swine Flu” Virus Presentation In Virginia 2009, Tammie Smith Dec 2009

The 2009 H1n1 Influenza A “Swine Flu” Virus Presentation In Virginia 2009, Tammie Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: 2009 H1N1 influenza was first detected in the Northern Hemisphere in April 2009. National data have suggested that the novel influenza virus disproportionately causes severe illness in children and young adults, a somewhat different presentation from traditional seasonal flu which normally strikes hardest in the very young and older adults. This may or may not be the case in Virginia, which, if it is different, may suggest a need to alter flu prevention messages and vaccine policy as the outbreak continues through the fall 2009-10 influenza season. This report examined the early presentation of the new influenza virus in …


Use Of Oral Chemotherapeutic Medications In Non-Traditional Ambulatory Settings, Sameer Arora Dec 2009

Use Of Oral Chemotherapeutic Medications In Non-Traditional Ambulatory Settings, Sameer Arora

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in economically developed countries. The use and availability of oral treatment for cancer has increased dramatically in the past 10 years. Few studies have described the use of oral chemotherapy in non-traditional ambulatory settings by health care professionals across different specialties. Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the usage of oral chemotherapeutic medications in ambulatory settings. Methods: Cross sectional study of 2007 NAMCS Survey analysis involving 21,761 subjects aged 18 years and above with cancer who participated in the 2007 National Ambulatory Medical Survey (NAMCS). Main Outcome Measure: …


Client Perceptions And Working Alliance: Predictors Of Outcome?, Theresa Do Dec 2009

Client Perceptions And Working Alliance: Predictors Of Outcome?, Theresa Do

Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND In recent years, there has been a push to measure and monitor the quality of health care and the delivery of effective services. Substance use disorders are debilitating and in order to better understand this facet of substance abuse, it is important for organizations and providers to assess the quality of services, client satisfaction, and the relationships that exist between clients and treatment providers. PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to (1) assess the extent of the relationship between measures of client perceptions of satisfaction and treatment outcomes and (2) to assess the relationship between measures of therapeutic …


Intimate Partner Violence And Pregnancy: Data From The Chicago Women's Health Risk Study, Anne Zehner Dec 2009

Intimate Partner Violence And Pregnancy: Data From The Chicago Women's Health Risk Study, Anne Zehner

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy increases the risks of adverse outcomes for both mothers and their unborn children, including maternal and fetal death. However, more research is needed to determine if IPV increases in frequency or severity during pregnancy and to determine what the risk factors are for IPV during pregnancy. Objectives: To use data from the Chicago Women’s Health Risk Study to determine (1) if abuse is more prevalent during the pregnancy period, 2) if abuse during the pregnancy period increases in frequency or severity, 3) if pregnant women who are abused are at increased risk for …


Association Between Obesity And Depression And Anxiety Disorders: Results From The 2008 National Health Interview Survey, Monica Gaidhane Dec 2009

Association Between Obesity And Depression And Anxiety Disorders: Results From The 2008 National Health Interview Survey, Monica Gaidhane

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Obesity is one of the most important medical problems in the U.S. and is considered to be an epidemic with over 30% of the population being obese. Obesity is associated with increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers and a shorter life expectancy. Recent studies have shown that higher BMI levels are also significantly associated with several lifetime mental disorders such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders as well as panic attacks and panic disorders. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify the extent to which higher BMI increased the likelihood of Depression, Anxiety Disorder …


Is Volunteering During Adolescence Associated With A Delay In Pregnancy Until Adulthood?, Diane Bishop May 2009

Is Volunteering During Adolescence Associated With A Delay In Pregnancy Until Adulthood?, Diane Bishop

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine if regular volunteering during adolescence was associated with a delay in first pregnancy until adulthood. Method: Data for this analysis were drawn from Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Logistic regression was used, controlling for demographic characteristics and pregnancy intention, to estimate the independent contribution of volunteering during adolescence to a delay in first pregnancy until after age 18. Results: One-third of respondents reported regularly volunteering during adolescence. Volunteering significantly differed among those who had a teen pregnancy compared to those who delayed pregnancy until …


Physical Activity Among Diabetic Individuals According To Diabetic Treatment Type, Tammie Thompson May 2009

Physical Activity Among Diabetic Individuals According To Diabetic Treatment Type, Tammie Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To evaluate the physical activity patterns of diabetic adults by the type of treatment they received Method: The study used secondary data collected by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2006. NHANES is a continuous study which measures the health and nutritional status of non-institutionalized citizens in the United States. To be eligible for the study, participants had to be an adult 18 years or older who responded during the interview phase of the survey that they had diabetes. Participants with any missing data pertaining to the variables were excluded. After exclusions, the final …


Determinants Of Hepatitis B Vaccination Among Adults In The United States: Nhanes 1999-2006, Conschetta Wright May 2009

Determinants Of Hepatitis B Vaccination Among Adults In The United States: Nhanes 1999-2006, Conschetta Wright

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of vaccination and HBV infection status of adults and to evaluate the trend in self reported vaccination and seroprevalence for Hepatitis B for this population. Additionally, this study sought to assess the association between vaccination rates, seroprevalence (HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs), demographic (age, gender, location of birth, race/ethnicity), and socioeconomic (annual household income, education level, insurance coverage and access to care, marital status) characteristics. Methods: Eight years, 1999-2006, of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data were used. NHANES participants aged 20-59 years who contributed data …


Patients Evaluated For Liver Transplant: Transplant List Denial And Subsequent Outcomes, Kara Elam May 2009

Patients Evaluated For Liver Transplant: Transplant List Denial And Subsequent Outcomes, Kara Elam

Theses and Dissertations

Background: The evaluation process for listing a patient on the liver transplant list is complicated and involves multiple consultations from various specialists, as well as extensive imaging and physiological studies. Although there are data on the outcomes of those listed, we know little about those that are denied listing. This research project will identify the reasons for liver transplant listing denial and predictors of death following denial for this challenging group of patients. Methods: Data from all patients (n=1,500) evaluated for a liver transplant from 1997 to 2007 by the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition located at Virginia Commonwealth …


History Of Pregnancy Termination As A Risk Factor For Preterm Birth, Virginia 2000-20007, Jennifer Macdonald May 2009

History Of Pregnancy Termination As A Risk Factor For Preterm Birth, Virginia 2000-20007, Jennifer Macdonald

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine if an association exists between prior induced and prior spontaneous pregnancy termination (PIPT and PSPT) and preterm birth (PTB) of first live births in Virginia. Methods: Data was collected by linking maternal data from Virginia’s live birth and fetal death registries. All first live, singleton births occurring in Virginia from 2000-2007 were analyzed. Logistic regression models that controlled for various demographic, medical and obstetric history factors were used to determine associations among prior pregnancy termination types. Results: Compared with women who had no history of previous pregnancy terminations, women who …


Weight Perception And The Use Of Unhealthy Weight Loss Tactics Among Adults In The United States: A Cross-Sectional Study Of Nhanes Data, 2000-2006., Laura King May 2009

Weight Perception And The Use Of Unhealthy Weight Loss Tactics Among Adults In The United States: A Cross-Sectional Study Of Nhanes Data, 2000-2006., Laura King

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Weight dissatisfaction and misperception are widespread problems in the United States as are unhealthy weight loss practices. These negative body image issues can lead to eating disorders which have serious health and quality of life consequences. Objective: To evaluate the extent to which the prevalence of distorted body image and unhealthy dieting tactics exist in adults in the US and how these are related. Methods: Data from NHANES 2000-20006 on adults aged 20-59 was used. Weight perception was assessed with the physical exam measurements of weight status and the weight history questionnaire item asking if the person considered him …


Delayed And Forgone Care For Children With Special Health Care Needs In Virginia: A Cross-Sectional Study Using 2005-2006 Ns-Cshcn, Nevena Skoro May 2009

Delayed And Forgone Care For Children With Special Health Care Needs In Virginia: A Cross-Sectional Study Using 2005-2006 Ns-Cshcn, Nevena Skoro

Theses and Dissertations

Objectives The objectives of our study were to: 1) summarize illness characteristics and functional ability difficulties among Children With Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) in Virginia, 2) examine the distribution of socio-demographic, health insurance, and health-related factors among Virginia’s CSHCN, 3) quantify the influence of these socio-demographic, health insurance, and health-related factors on delayed and forgone care of CSHNC in Virginia, and 4) analyze reasons for delayed and forgone care among Virginia’s CSHCN. Methods Data from the 2005-2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (NS-CSHCN) were used for this study. Three categories of predictor variables were studied: …


Evaluation Of The Program Delivery Of Every Women's Life In Virginia, Landolt Susan Kenney May 2009

Evaluation Of The Program Delivery Of Every Women's Life In Virginia, Landolt Susan Kenney

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Among women, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death. Although technology advances have improved survival rates for breast cancer overall, improvements have not been universally experienced by all socioeconomic and racial groups. Known determinants of breast cancer care disparities include socioeconomic status, race, age, and social support. As a part of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act of 1990 and with the help of CDC funding, the Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCCEDP) or Every Woman’s Life (EWL) was created. EWL provides breast cancer screening to …


A Culturally-Relevant, Emergent Approach To Exploring The Needs, Strengths, And Priorities Of Tribal Communities In Virginia, Amy Prorock-Ernest May 2009

A Culturally-Relevant, Emergent Approach To Exploring The Needs, Strengths, And Priorities Of Tribal Communities In Virginia, Amy Prorock-Ernest

Theses and Dissertations

Little is known about the health of the indigenous peoples in Virginia. When compared to the total U.S. population, indigenous peoples nationwide disproportionately experience disparities in health status across multiple health indicators. Research shows that these disparities are largely due to the inequitable distribution of social and economic determinants present within indigenous communities. Because the indigenous peoples of Virginia are affected by inequitable social and economic conditions, there is reason to believe that health indicators may mirror that of the indigenous population at-large. Outlined in this paper is a framework for exploring the needs, strengths, and priorities of indigenous communities …


Relationship Between Parental Role-Modeling Of Physical Activity And Child's Physical Activity, Katherine Culver May 2009

Relationship Between Parental Role-Modeling Of Physical Activity And Child's Physical Activity, Katherine Culver

Theses and Dissertations

Trends in childhood obesity have lead to a generation that has a shortened lifespan, where excessive weight may decrease life expectancy by as much as five years. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for childhood obesity as well as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. Addressing inactivity in children could help keep the obesity epidemic from continuing to grow as well as help address other health concerns. The specific aims of this study are 1) To examine the effect of parental role-modeling of exercise on children’s activity level by specifically looking at the role of the mother and the father, …


Perception Of Power Dynamics And Risky Sexual Behavior In Indian Men, Amber Haley May 2009

Perception Of Power Dynamics And Risky Sexual Behavior In Indian Men, Amber Haley

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Women account for about a third of all new cases of HIV in India. Based on research examining trends of HIV infection in women, male perception and behaviors have emerged as strong potential risk factors. However, there has been limited research examining the relationship between male’s attitudes toward women and their sexual risk-taking behaviors. This study examined the degree to which men’s beliefs about power dynamics in heterosexual relationships are related to risky sexual behaviors in Indian men. Methods: Data on Indian men from the 2005-2006 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3) was analyzed (N= 44,727). The outcome variable, risky …


Meta-Analysis: Racial Disparities In Prostate Cancer Survival And Case-Control Study: Association Between Family History Of Cancers, Obesity And Prostate Cancer, Gayathri Sridhar Apr 2009

Meta-Analysis: Racial Disparities In Prostate Cancer Survival And Case-Control Study: Association Between Family History Of Cancers, Obesity And Prostate Cancer, Gayathri Sridhar

Theses and Dissertations

This is a compilation of 3 abstracts for the three manuscripts included in this dissertation. I. Meta-Analysis: Racial Disparities in Prostate Cancer Survival: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men. Previous studies have drawn inconsistent conclusions on racial differences in prostate cancer survival. This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between race and survival from prostate cancer. A systematic review of published articles from 1968 to 2007 assessing survival from prostate cancer among African American and White men was conducted. The search yielded 20 eligible published manuscripts. Analysis of unadjusted studies showed African American …