Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Workers Die From Heat Stroke, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Kentucky Haz Alerts--Other

To prevent heatstroke, employers should:

• Train supervisors and employees to recognize symptoms of heat stroke
• Give frequent breaks and provide drinking water
• Adjust work hours to accommodate work conditions such as high heat index and/or high humidity
• Monitor workers who are at risk of heat stroke

Employees should:

• Report unusual behavior
• Know how to treat co-workers for heat stroke
• Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers

Workers Killed After Being Electrocuted, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Kentucky Haz Alerts--Other

To prevent electrocutions, employers should:

• Provide non-conductive ladders
• Conduct a jobsite survey to identify potential hazards
• Provide electricity awareness training
• Provide onsite automated external defibrillators (AEDs)

• Use non-conductive ladders
• De-energize lines before beginning work
• Make sure all equipment is properly grounded
• Know how to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs)

A Formative Evaluation For A Food Choices Intervention In A Mississippi Delta Community: A Focus Group Of Rural African American Adolescents, Jovan Chantrell Eugene Williams

Master's Theses

A needs assessment should be conducted to plan effective interventions. This study used a qualitative research approach to examine the eating patterns, food purchasing and preparation skills and practices, barriers and facilitators of dietary change, social and contextual influences on food choices, and preferences for communication and presentation channels and styles of low-income rural African American adolescents. Seven focus groups were conducted with a total of 33 participants, 21 girls and 12 boys, aged 13-18. Adolescents were grouped by age and gender. A moderator, who was trained in focus group methodology, conducted the session using a focus group discussion guide …

Impact Of An Online Support System On Health Related Quality Of Life Among Men Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer, Daniel K. Osei

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Prostate cancer is a major public health issue worldwide and a significant cause of male cancer death in the USA. Though early screening and treatment has greatly enhanced the outcome, men diagnosed with prostate cancer face problems that compromise quality of life after treatment. Online support for prostate cancer clients is a convenient way to help because it is anonymous, inexpensive, and can be used at clients’ convenience. Yet few studies have explored how these supports impact these clients. This study used a longitudinal randomized experimental design to examine the impact of online services on quality of life of prostate …

Western Influence, Latent Racism, And Their Impact On Access To Health Care In Madagascar, Jessica Joy

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

While the Malagasy commemorate their Independence Day on June 26 as the day they were freed from colonization and allowed to function as their own country with their own cultures and practices, colonization and Western influence has left an indelible mark on Madagascar that continues to exert its power to this day, shaping Malagasy social behaviors, values, and lives. The introduction of the slave trade to Madagascar in the mid-1800s, as well as French colonization, has left behind a thriving latent and structural racism in the country; a Western ideal of beauty, made complete by its valorization of fair skin, …

The Benefits Of Having An Integrated Health Care System In Madagascar, Elizabeth Miller

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

For my individual research, I wanted to look into all the benefits that could be offered by collaborating allopathic and traditional healthcare systems and how such a system is accomplished in Madagascar, in order to weigh and to discover the feasibility of using integrated healthcare systems as sustainable development in other parts of the world. Furthermore, as Madagascar sets the example in my research this summer, the use of traditional and modern medicine as an integrated health care system best serves the majority of the Malagasy population for several important reasons.

“Mind The Gap” Addressing The Gap Between Health Care Policy & Health Care Reality In Madagascar & The Way Forward Integrating Traditional Medicine & Ethical Reform Within Health Care, Laura Dillon

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

At first glance the health care system in Madagascar looks pretty good. No health care system is perfect, in fact most are far from perfect, but some certainly work better than others. On paper it seems that the current system in Madagascar would be among those that “work better”. Sadly, there is oftentimes a disconnect between what a government writes on paper and what happens in reality; looking around the streets of Antananarivo it quickly became apparent that Madagascar is an example of this disconnect. You do not have to be a health care professional to see the lack of …

Medical Pluralism In Morocco: The Cultural, Religious, Historical And Political-Economic Determinants Of Health And Choice., Tyler Martinson

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Morocco is a culturally diverse intersection between the African continent, the Arab world and Europe. This multiplicity is mirrored in the country’s pluralistic medical system and beliefs surrounding the concepts of illness and health. Explanations of health are endorsed by culturally specific knowledge and are then naturalized and taken as objective. A synthesis of theoretical descriptions and political-economic of medical pluralism, along with historical analysis, explains the presence of multiple health practices and how a person’s choice of medical practice is heavily influenced by dynamic socio-cultural, religious, historical, political and economic factors. This study will help improve practitioner/client narratives of …

Child And Family Responses To Weight Management Programs : A Qualitative Investigation, Andra Lynn Fjone

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to explore what happens within families in which a child participates in a pediatric weight management program for the treatment of overweight or obesity and identify strategies and processes for successful weight management.

Method: A qualitative approach was used to collect data from seven families. Individual interviews were conducted with parents, target children, and siblings. Data was analyzed within families and compared between families.

Results: Grounded theory analysis revealed three major essential themes: Shared Burden, Family Congruence, and Collaboration. Descriptive analysis was used to identify recommendations for improving family based weight management programs. …

The Association Of Religious Coping On Reports Of Low Back Pain And Inflammatory Markers, Jacqueline D. Bougie

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Chronic pain is the most common cause of disability in the United States with depression, anxiety, and stress often occurring co-morbidly. The purpose of the study was to explore how religion may modulate the frequency of back pain, influence inflammatory markers, influence the use of medications, and impact functional ability.

Participants were from the Biological Manifestations of Religion Study (BioMRS; N= 508) and the Psychological Manifestations of Religion Study (PsyMRS; N = 10,988). All participants completed a 20-page questionnaire and BioMRS participants provided blood, salivary, and urine samples, performance tests, and learning tests all collected within 1 week of …

Perceived Barriers And Benefits Of Hiv Voluntary Counseling And Testing Among University Students In Nigeria, Clara Egbealele Omogbai

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa is one of the sub- Saharan nations most affected by HIV and AIDS. However, due to stigma most people at risk of infection refuse testing, thereby likely increasing the transmission of HIV. Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) has been shown to influence behavior change and it is important to explore how to increase rates of VCT in young people who may experiment with sexual activity in this environment that holds increased risks due to nationally elevated rates of HIV.

Purpose. To examine intention to use HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services …

The Relation Of Fitness Assessment Feedback To Intrinsic Motivation And Physical Activity Among College Students, Laura Chandler

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Physical inactivity is a major public health concern in the United States and is no less of a concern among college students. According to the 2000 National College Health Assessment, as cited by Kilpatrick, Herbert, and Bartholomew (2005), only 38% of college students participate in regular vigorous activity, and only 20% participate in regular moderate activity. This study focused on how fitness assessment results affect intrinsic motivation for physical activity in college students. The specific mechanism examined was that between the constructs of intrinsic motivation, competence and autonomy from the self determination theory (SDT) and cognitive evaluation theory (CET). Approximately …

Predicting Mammography Screening And Breast Self-Examination Among Hispanic And Non-Hispanic White Women In Orange County, California, Sanam Kazemi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background and Purpose. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Hispanic/Latina women who are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States. Although Hispanic women have a lower incidence of breast cancer when compared to non-Hispanic White women, they are more likely to develop breast cancer at an advanced stage. In California, Hispanic women have the lowest rate of insurance coverage compared to other ethnic groups.

Method. The study was a cross-sectional observational study among Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic White women, ages 30-64 years. I examined intention to obtain a mammogram or breast self-exam …

The Believe In All Your Possibilities Campaign: Updating A Social Marketing Campaign On A Shoe String Budget, Moya L. Alfonso, H. Woodcum, Sherri Reynolds, John S. Luque

Community Health: Faculty Presentations (1993-2018)

The purpose of this presentation is to provide participants with an understanding of how to revamp or refresh a brand on a limited budget using a case study approach. The ‘Believe in All Your Possibilities’ community-based prevention marketing campaign, which was targeted at reducing alcohol and tobacco use among middle school youth, was the result of a long term school-community-university partnership in Southeast Florida. This alcohol campaign has been continuously implemented for eight years. Encouraging evaluation results combined with recently acquired alcohol prevention funding served as the impetus for conducting research to determine if ‘Believe’: a) was still relevant to …

Analysis Of The Water Fluoridation Controversy, Megan Presutti

Honors Theses

Analysis of the water fluoridation controversy.

Workers Killed During Tree Trimming/Removal, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Kentucky Haz Alerts--Other

To prevent tree trimming and removal fatalities, workers should:

• Perform a hazard assessment of the work area before starting work
• Appropriate personal equipment should be worn at all times while trimming or removing trees
• Determine the tree’s felling direction. Address forward lean, back lean, and/or side lean issues
• All trees and limbs should be inspected for structural weakness before work commences
• Have an escape route planned

Nutrition And Fitness Guide For Graduating Student-Athletes, Anna Fukunaga

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

For the last four years of your life, you have been supported by strength coaches, academic advisors, athletic trainers, tutors, mentors, and coaches. Your life is dedicated to your sport, and your body is molded into the ideal build to compete at the highest level you can achieve. As soon as your competitive days are over, your life dramatically changes and the needs of your body change as well. Because you typically do not sustain the same level of activity, you do not have the same nutritional needs. The demands you place on your body for your sport are higher …

Mandatory Hiv Testing During Pregnancy: A Review Of Its Considerations, Ethics & Precedents, Abigail C. Beaudette

Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All

Every year, in the United States, between 100-200 babies are infected prenatally with HIV. With the use of antiretroviral medications, elective cesarean section and formula feeding, the risk of vertical transmission can be reduced to less than 2%. In this paper I analyzed whether or not state governments should mandate HIV testing for all pregnant women in order to reduce vertical transmission of HIV. By looking at the cases for and against mandatory testing, as well as looking at states such as Connecticut who have implemented mandatory testing, I will present the case for why the benefit of mandatory testing …

The Association Between Body Mass Index And Dental Caries In Hispanic Elementary School Children, Mary Creske

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Dental caries is the most common chronic disease of children ages 6 to 11. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 41% of the children in this age group experience decay in their primary teeth. Since 1980 the number of overweight children ages 6 to 11 has doubled. Childhood obesity is currently the most prevalent nutritional condition of children in the U.S.

Purpose: The purpose of this observational study was to determine if there is an association between childhood dental caries and childhood obesity. The study also explored the effects of diet and other covariates.

Method: …

Self-Reported Exercise And Risk Of Osteoporosis In Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy, Lori J. Mennen-Winchell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Prostate cancer is stimulated to grow in response to testosterone. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) leads to chemical castration and suppression of prostate cancer cell production. Testosterone levels less then 300ng/ml decreases bone mineral density and could result in osteoporosis. Studies have shown that during the first year of ADT, fracture risk, mainly in hips and spine increases about 50%. In men, 40% of hip fractures result in death. Exercise may reduce the risk of osteoporosis and thus contribute to the prevention of hip and other fractures. There is limited data regarding whether exercise is associated with a reduced risk of …

Factors That Inhibit Or Enhance Maternal Coping With Stillbirth In Chhattisgarh, India, Lisa R. Roberts

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Over half of the known stillbirths occur in four highly populated countries—India among them. While acknowledged as a significant public health issue in western societies, little is known about maternal coping with stillbirth in developing countries. The purpose of this mixed methods study is to explore how issues of gender and power, social support, coping efforts, and religious beliefs influence perinatal grief outcomes among poor women in rural Chhattisgarh, India.

Methods: In Phase 1 of this mixed methods study, grounded theory methods were used to explore perceptions regarding stillbirth. A de-identified medical records review of 536 deliveries at Christian …

Youth At The Nexus: Ideology In Hiv Prevention In Nairobi, Kenya, Zohra Ahmed

Scholarly Works

In the fight against HIV/AIDS, the Behavior Change Communication (BCC) model stands as international best practice in preventive education. Ideally, a BCC intervention aims to changes behaviors and attitudes by facilitating group negotiation and introspection, with a resultant improvement in health. However, introducing this best practice model to a group of youth in Nairobi resulted in suboptimal outcomes: they were unaccustomed to expressing themselves in the ways prescribed by the class. To explain this failure, I examine how local discourses produced by parents and teachers communicate agency, sexuality and health, and highlight the diverging practices invoked at home, school and …

High-Risk Human Papillomavirus (Hpv): An Emerging Health Issue For Women And Minorities, Dierdre O. Turner

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of nearly all cases of cervical cancers worldwide. HPV viral DNA is found in more than 99% of cervical cancers. In addition to cervical cancer, HPV is also associated with some breast and oral cancers. White women have been showing a decline in breast cancer rates while black women are continuously showing higher rates of mortality from both breast and cervical cancer. Minority women are also more likely to receive a late diagnosis and are showing increased incidence of oral cancer, which makes study of HPV in women and minorities significant.

To date, …

Lead Concentrations In Extracted Primary Teeth Among Clark County Pediatric Patients, Jennifer A. Berger

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Childhood lead poisoning is a completely preventable condition, yet only a small portion of children in Nevada are screened for elevated blood lead levels. In 2009 only 6.11 percent of children in Nevada were screened for lead indicating that Nevada would benefit from an alternative method of screening for childhood lead exposure. Deciduous teeth are not currently recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as diagnostic samples for the measurement for lead exposure. However, this unique and innovative detection method utilizes opportunistic samples that will contribute to the childhood lead poisoning prevention efforts in Nevada.

The objectives of …

The Effect Of Low-Cost Incentives On Active Transportation To School Rates Among Elementary School Students, Sheila G.J. Clark

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study assessed the effectiveness of a school-based active transportation to school (ATS) encouragement program for elementary school students. ATS shows promise for increasing physical activity and preventing excessive weight gain in children. ATS rates were assessed through frequency counts at the control school (N=697) and intervention school (N=693). The intervention encouraged ATS through the distribution of low-cost incentives on one weekday each week. It also required helmet use for participation and included a Walking School Bus component. Findings from this study suggest that the intervention effectively increased ATS on both intervention and non-intervention days.

The Importance Of Metrics And Communication In Cafeteria School Policy, Andre Sanchez, Atreya Chakraborty

Interdisciplinary Perspectives: a Graduate Student Research Showcase

Obesity has become an epidemic amongst American youth in the 21st century, and is spreading not only into other developed nations such as the UK and Australia, but is also beginning to effect developing nations such as India (Bhardwaj, 2008). It is estimated that nationwide, childhood obesity affects around 17% of American children (Center For Disease Control, 2011). Obesity has been linked to many health disorders, including but not limited to, heart disease and diabetes. Subsequently, this rise in childhood obesity is having a severe impact on the healthcare services sector in America, with some studies suggesting childhood obesity in …

Semi Truck Driver Falls Asleep While Driving, Crashes And Dies, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Fatality Case Reports--Motor Vehicle

A 56 year-old male long-haul semi-truck driver fell asleep while driving. It was approximately 4:15 AM and the driver was hauling a load of canned tomatoes. He was approximately 225 miles away from his destination driving in the right hand lane, on a four lane interstate traveling south, when he fell asleep. Upon falling asleep, the unit travelled to the right, across the rumble strip and the emergency lane, behind a guardrail, down an embankment and crashed into a grove of trees. A man driving a car behind the semi truck saw dust rise from the crash, stopped, called emergency …

Exploring Student Perceptions To Explain The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Academic Achievement In Adolescents: A Mixed Methods Study, Megan J. Hylok

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A nationwide survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control in 2007 reported 65% of high school students did not meet the recommendation that youth participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week (CDC, 2008). While research has focused its attention primarily on bodily health, growing evidence supports the benefits of physical activity on brain health (Ratey & Hagerman, 2008). Physical activity is important and many adolescents are not meeting the recommendation, therefore, it is important to explore the adolescent perceptions to understand which factors influence physical activity participation. The significance of this study …

Aids Denialism, Erika Jenel Delos Santos, Roy Llana, Jocelyn Tan

Festival of Communities: UG Symposium (Posters)

AIDS denialism is a growing issue in many parts the world. Through scholarly journal articles, book resources and other research tactics, further understanding how HIV/AIDS denialism is unethical can be distinguished. Discovering that AIDS is most prominent in South Africa explains why denialism is as critical as it is. However, the unethical aspect of AIDS denialism is in effect particularly amongst families. When a South African inhabitant realizes they have AIDS, they feel outcasted by their families due to shame. They fear as though they will be disowned because they have flaws that are unacceptable. These family values are significant …

Influence Of Sexual Education On Sexual Behavior And Contraceptive Use Among 15 To 19 Year-Olds At Colégio Azevêdo Fernandes In Salvador, Brazil, Julia Still

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Although sexual health education provided by the government through schools has shown positive results, such as those distributed by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, it is not the only source, nor the most implemented source, in which adolescents are exposed to and gain knowledge on the subjects of sexual behavior and sexual health. Just as Article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child details, parents, schools and communities play important roles in the process of sexual education and are required to provide guidance and direction to youth (Pan American Health Organization, 2010). In addition to sexual health …