Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Reliability Of The American Community Survey For Unintentional Drowning And Submersion Injury Surveillance: A Comprehensive Assessment Of 10 Socioeconomic Indicators Derived From The 2006-2013 Annual And Multi-Year Data Cycles, Nathaniel Bell, Bo Cai

Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to evaluate the reliability and predictability of ten socioeconomic indicators obtained from the 2006-2013 annual and multi-year ACS data cycles for unintentional drowning and submersion injury surveillance.

METHODS: Each indicator was evaluated using its margin of error and coefficient of variation. For the multi-year data cycles we calculated the frequency that estimates for the same geographic areas from consecutive surveys were statistically significantly different. Relative risk estimates of drowning-related deaths were constructed using the National Center for Health Statistics compressed mortality file. All analyses were derived using census counties.

RESULTS: Five of the …

Filter Presence And Tipping Paper Color Influence Consumer Perceptions Of Cigarettes, Richard J. O’Connor, Maansi Bansal-Travers, K. Michael Cummings, David Hammond, Jim Thrasher, Cindy Tworek

Faculty Publications

Background: Cigarettes are marketed in a wide array of packaging and product configurations, and these may impact consumers’ perceptions of product health effects and attractiveness. Filtered cigarettes are typically perceived as less hazardous and white tipping paper (as opposed to cork) often conveys ‘lightness’.

Methods: This study examined cigarette-related perceptions among 1220 young adult (age 18-35) current, ever, and never smokers recruited from three eastern U.S. cities (Buffalo NY, Columbia SC, Morgantown WV). Participants rated three cigarette sticks: two filtered cigarettes 85 mm in length, differing only in tipping paper color (cork versus white), and an unfiltered 70 mm cigarette. …

Healthy Living For A Healthy Haiti, Elizabeth Grace Binney

Senior Theses

This project is twofold. The art and the book work synergistically to represent Haiti and health literacy. The pieces selected for this discussion are placed in chronological order of their creation, not the thematic order as they are organized in the book. This allows for discussion of the works as individual pieces of art, artistic development, the creation of a unified theme. They are the representation of a beautiful nation and people, as well as an expression of my inner self.

Adhd And Social Impairment Among Children: Problem Solving Skills As A Potential Mediator, Rebecca Mccord

Senior Theses

This study tested the hypothesis that problem solving skills mediate the relation between ADHD symptoms and social impairment in children. Problem solving skills were evaluated by the Test of Problem Solving 3 – Elementary Version (TOPS), which separated problem solving skills into six different subtypes: making inferences, sequencing, negative questions, problem solving, predicting, and determining causes. ADHD symptoms were assessed through the parent report of the Disruptive Behavior Disorder Scale (DBD). Social impairment was assessed through the parent report of social skills using the Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS). Three hundred seventy-two (372) children between the ages of eight and …

Metabotropic Receptor Modulation Of Kainate Receptors In The Hippocampus, C'Iana Patrice Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

Kainate receptors (KARs) are glutamate-gated ion channels that mediate synaptic transmission, modulate transmitter release, and mediate excitation in the brain. Potentiation in their function predisposes the hippocampus to hyperexcitability and seizures. These receptors are widely expressed throughout the central nervous system as tetramers composed of various combinations of GluK1-5 subunits. In the hippocampus (a brain region commonly associated with seizure initiation), GluK2-, GluK4-, and GluK5-containing receptors are highly expressed in the CA3 pyramidal cell layer, whereas GluK1 is barely detectable. The lack of pharmacological tools hinders identifying the functional contribution of each kainate receptor subtype in normal CA3 synaptic transmission. …

Relationship Between Job Satisfaction Among Frontline Staff And Patient Satisfaction: Evidence From Community Health Centers In South Carolina, Ashley Lynn Barnes

Theses and Dissertations

The role of frontline staff (FLS) is vital to the success of health delivery organizations as they are often the main point of patient contact and the primary source of feedback regarding the patient experience and satisfaction. Anecdotal evidence suggests that FLS have among the highest turnover rates in health delivery organizations, resulting in high recruitment and training costs as well as disruptions in day-to-day operations. However, few studies have examined the role of FLS and the factors affecting job satisfaction among FLS. Researchers have also not examined the impact of FLS satisfaction on patient satisfaction. To address these research …

Low-Intensity Physical Activity And Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Among Older Adults With Multiple Chronic Conditions, Yueyao Li

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among older adults in the Unites States and is driven largely by cardiometabolic risk factors including elevated blood pressure and blood glucose. Studies have found the protective effect of moderate intensity physical activity (MIPA) and vigorous intensity physical activity (VIPA) on cardiometabolic risk factor; however, the association between light physical activity (LIPA) and cardiometabolic risk factor among older adults is not clear. Objectives 1). Examine the association between LIPA and cardiometabolic risk factors. 2). Examine whether the association between LIPA and cardiometabolic risk factor is moderated by multiple chronic conditions. …

Genetic And Epigenetic Variations In Asthma And Wheeze Illnesses, Todd M. Everson

Theses and Dissertations

Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, is common worldwide with no cure and limited effective prevention strategies. It is well recognized that asthma has a multifaceted etiology, though many of the underlying mechanisms involved in asthma development, persistence and remission are still convoluted. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, regulate gene-expression but are not related to changes in the actual DNA sequence. Recently, differential patterns of DNA methylation within many genes have been associated with asthma, particularly within genes involved in the differentiation of pro-inflammatory T-helper 2 (Th2) cells. DNA methylation patterns within less known biologic pathways undoubtedly are involved in …

Community-Level Factors Associated With Health-Related Quality Of Life Among Older Adults, Yu-Hsiu Lin

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and well-being is a new topic area for Healthy People 2020 in the U.S. In a broad-based literature review, more research explored individual level factors of HRQOL, and few focused on older adults. Multilevel analysis was seldom adopted to investigate the relationship between area-level socioeconomic or social environment factors and HRQOL. In lieu of the traditional Chapter 4 (Results) and Chapter 5 (Conclusion), two manuscripts representing the two specific research aims are included. The main aim of first manuscript was to explore the association between area deprivation, area health resources and older adults’ HRQOL. …

The Role Of Ovarian Function In The Progression Of Cachexia In The ApcMin/+ Mouse, Kimbell Louise Hetzler

Theses and Dissertations

Cachexia is a devastating a life-threatening condition that occurs secondary to underlying disease including cancer, AIDS, COPD and comprises severe loss of muscle and fat mass. Muscle mass atrophy and wasting with cachexia is especially dire, as skeletal muscle mass is associated with quality of life, functionality, and ability to respond to chemotherapeutics. While much investigation has been done in the male animal to elucidate the inflammatory pathways and muscle signaling underlying cachexia, very little work has occurred in the female. The overall purpose of this study is to determine if ovarian function can alter cachexia progression in the female …

Framing Risk, Responsibility, And Resolution: A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Traditional And Social Media Coverage Of The 2014 Elk River Chemical Spill, Tracey Thomas

Theses and Dissertations

Background: The 2014 Elk River Chemical Spill raised policy questions concerning chemical safety and revealed an immediate need for improved emergency communication. This two-phase study explored how media presented causes of and longterm solutions to the spill through an examination of media frames. The study also explored how health risks were communicated through traditional and social media. The specific aims of Phase I were to examine media coverage in the days following the spill and compare coverage across media channels. The specific aims of Phase II were to understand how public health stakeholders perceived coverage of the spill and how …

Dietary Patterns And Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness In African-American And European-American Men, Lara Ryan Schneider

Theses and Dissertations

Several foods and nutrients have been linked to prostate cancer risk, but the effect of overall diet on prostate cancer outcomes is not well understood. Previous research has primarily examined a posteriori dietary patterns in relation to prostate cancer; studies that have used a priori dietary patterns and their relationship with prostate cancer have been inconclusive. Furthermore, racial differences in prostate cancer incidence and aggressiveness are not well understood. Data from the case-only North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP) was used to examine the association between overall dietary pattern, as measured by the Mediterranean Diet (MED) score and the Dietary …

Nurses Utilizing The V.O.I.C.E.S. Hiv Prevention Intervention In The Black Church Community, Jason Richard

Theses and Dissertations

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic is a significant problem in the United States, especially in the “Bible Belt” Deep South where the epidemic is hitting this region the hardest. The HIV epidemic in the state of South Carolina is very real, significant, and quite alarming. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) labels South Carolina as an HIV “hot spot.” All racial and ethnic groups are susceptible and impacted by HIV. However, evidence shows that African Americans – especially young adults 18-35, bear the brunt of the burden to the extent that the “new face” of …

Support For Comprehensive Sexuality Education And Adolescent Access To Condoms And Contraceptions In South Carolina, Sarah H. Kershner

Theses and Dissertations

A statewide random-digit dialed telephone survey was administered to residents of a historically conservative southern state to 1) assess the level of support for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in public schools, 2) assess the support for availability to condoms and contraception as an effective strategy for reducing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted (STIs) among adolescents and 3) assess the perceived view of reproductive health as a moral or public health issue. Survey data were obtained from 841 South Carolina residents May through June 2013. Findings from the study revealed that the majority (90%) of South Carolina residents support CSE in …

Dental Insurance As A Mitigating Factor In Reducing The Risk Of Mortality Among Working-Age Adults With Dental Caries And Periodontitis, Naveed Sadiq

Theses and Dissertations

Background Poor oral health had been associated with increased risk of having systemic diseases and thus mortality. The purpose of this research was to find if dental coverage with health insurance could mitigate the risk of death due to untreated dental caries and periodontitis among working age U.S. adults. Methods Data were drawn from NHANES III (1988-1994) and linked to mortality updated till Dec. 31st, 2011. It was restricted to those in the age range of 20-64 years adults. Furthermore, it was restricted to those who had complete data collection on all measures. Unweighted propensity scores were calculated to control …

Unexpected And Interrupted Transitions Among Newly Licensed Registered Nurses: Perspectives Of Nurse Managers And Preceptors, Sheri S. Webster

Theses and Dissertations

Successful retention of newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs) into practice is critical to ensure the nursing workforce required to meet current and future health care demands. NLRN turnover rates result in loss of revenue due to high orientation costs and further hinder the development of a stable workforce. For nurse educators and administrators to effectively address early attrition among NLRNs, they must have a clear understanding of the factors that contribute to NLRNs leaving employment. The aim of this qualitative descriptive research was to explore NLRN transition to professional practice from the experiences and perspectives of nurse managers and preceptors …

Physical Activity And Breast Cancer In South Carolina, Chisom Onyeuku

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between breast cancer incidence and recreational physical activity. It was one of the first studies in the southeastern US to examine incident breast cancer and physical activity in an ethnically diverse cohort of women. In terms of physical activity, both lifetime and recent physical activity were analyzed. All physical activity data were from validated self-reported surveys. The study examined BMI, menopausal status and race as key confounders and effect modifiers. The study found evidence that for Black women, there was a positive relationship between the amount of lifetime physical activity and the odds of incident …

A Qualitative Study Of The Massage Therapy Foundation's Best Practices Symposium: Clarifying Definitions And Creating A Framework For Practice, Ann Blair Kennedy

Theses and Dissertations

Large numbers of individuals seek massage therapy for wellness/disease prevention purposes and research supports consumer reported benefits including physical and psychological improvements. However, challenges within the profession may be hindering the advancement of the field. To better understand the process and outcomes and ultimately develop best practices for massage therapy as well as better inform education, policy and research, it is necessary to investigate how massage and/or massage therapy are defined and operationalized in practice. This study entailed qualitative analysis of cross-sectional data using a grounded theory approach to examine the data gathered from a two-day symposium held in 2010 …

Post-Fall Decision Making Among Older Women Living In Continuing Care Retirement Communities: A Mixed Methods Study, Caroline D. Bergeron

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: One in every three adults over the age of 65 experiences a fall every year, with women experiencing more falls than men. Falls can affect how older women perceive themselves and their independence. The purpose of this study was to examine older women's health decision making after experiencing a fall. Methods: I conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 older women living independently in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) who had experienced a fall within the previous six months and 11 individuals the women identified as being involved in their post-fall decision making. I also conducted an exploratory survey on post-fall …

Refinement And Pilot Testing Social Networks For Encouraging Healthy Behaviors: The Social Pounds Off Digitally (Social Pod) Study, Sarah B. Hales

Theses and Dissertations

Currently about 71% of adults in the US are considered overweight or obese. Overweight and obesity are associated with higher risk of developing many chronic diseases; however, health risks associated with overweight and obesity can be reduced by as little as a 3% to 5% reduction in weight. Mobile health (mHealth) has shown promise as a way to deliver weight loss interventions, yet maintaining participant engagement over time has been a challenge. The purpose of this study was to develop, refine, and pilot test the Social Pounds Off Digitally (POD) Android app for personalized health monitoring and interaction; revise the …

Individual- And Neighborhood-Level Determinants Of Emergency Department Utilization Among Patients With Diabetes In South Carolina, Charity B. Breneman

Theses and Dissertations

AIM: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the geographic variation in emergency department (ED) use in South Carolina using geographical information systems (GIS) and to examine the effects of both individual- and neighborhood-level characteristics on frequent ED use among patients with diabetes. METHODS: ED discharge data for 2013 was geocoded based on patients’ residential ZIP code using GIS. Frequent ED use among patients with diabetes was defined as three or more ED visits between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013. The boundaries for each neighborhood were defined by the U.S. Census Bureau ZIP Code Tabulation Areas …

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Syphilis And Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence Trends Among Cross-Border Migrant Vietnamese Female Sex Workers In Guangxi, China, Chen Zhang, Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Yu Liu, Shan Qiao Ph.D., Yuejiao Zhou, Zhenzhu Tang, Zhiyong Shen

Faculty Publications

Background: Global literature indicates the burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis and hepatitis C virus (HCV) has disproportionately affected cross-border migrant female sex workers (FSW). However, few studies reported the HIV risk among Vietnamese FSW at borderline areas in China. We examined five consecutive years of HIV, syphilis, and HCV prevalence and corresponding risk factors among this group in Guangxi Province of China in the current study. Method: Demographic and behavioral data as well as test results of blood samples for HIV/syphilis/HCV testing were collected from the annual National Sentinel Surveillance (NSS) from the year of 2010 to 2014. …

Successive 1-Month Weight Increments In Infancy Can Be Used To Screen For Faltering Linear Growth, Adelheid W. Onyango, Elaine Borghi, Mercedes De Onis, Edward A. Frongillo Jr., Cesar G. Victora, Kathryn G. Dewey, Anna Lartey, Nita Bhandari, Anne Baerug, Cutberto Garza

Faculty Publications

Background: Linear growth faltering in the first 2 y contributes greatly to a high stunting burden, and prevention is hampered by the limited capacity in primary health care for timely screening and intervention.

Objective: This study aimed to determine an approach to predicting long-term stunting from consecutive 1-mo weight increments in the first year of life.

Methods: By using the reference sample of the WHO velocity standards, the analysis explored patterns of consecutive monthly weight increments among healthy infants. Four candidate screening thresholds of successive increments that could predict stunting were considered, and one was selected for …

Experiences With Food Insecurity And Risky Sex Among Low-Income People Living With Hiv/Aids In A Resource-Rich Setting, Henry J. Whittle, Kartika Palar, Tessa Napoles, Lee Lemus Hufstedler, Irene Ching, Frederick M. Hecht, Edward A. Frongillo Jr., Sheri D. Weiser

Faculty Publications

Background: Forty-nine million individuals are food insecure in the United States, where food insecurity and HIV/AIDS are prevalent among the urban poor. Food insecurity is associated with risky sexual behaviours among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). No qualitative studies, however, have investigated the mechanisms underlying this relationship either in a resource-rich setting or among populations that include men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 34 low-income PLHIV receiving food assistance in the San Francisco Bay Area. The interviews explored experiences with food insecurity and perceived associations with sexual risk behaviours. Interviews were conducted …

Comparison Of Tobacco And Alcohol Use In Films Produced In Europe, Latin America, And The United States, Inti Barrientos-Gutierrez, Christy Kollath-Cattano, Raul Mejía, Edna Arillo-Santillán, Reiner Hanewinkel, Matthis Morgenstern, James D. Sargent, Jim Thrasher

Faculty Publications

Background: Studies that have evaluated tobacco and alcohol portrayals in films have mainly focused on US films. Our aim is to describe tobacco and alcohol portrayals in nationally produced films from six European and two Latin American countries, and compare them with US produced films.

Methods: A sample of 337 nationally produced and 502 US produced films, consisting of top grossing films from 2004 to 2009 in each country, was content coded for presence of tobacco or alcohol and seconds of tobacco or alcohol use. Logistic and linear regression models were estimated for all films and youth-rated films (Ages 0–14) …

Using Height-For-Age Differences (Had) Instead Of Height-For-Age Z-Scores (Haz) For The Meaningful Measurement Of Population-Level Catch-Up In Linear Growth In Children Less Than 5 Years Of Age, Jef L. Leroy, Marie Ruel, Jean-Pierre Habicht, Edward A. Frongillo Jr.

Faculty Publications

Background: Evidence from studies conducted in nutritionally deprived children in low- and middle-income countries (LIMC) in past decades showed little or no population-level catch-up in linear growth (mostly defined as reductions in the absolute height deficit) after 2 years of age. Recent studies, however, have reported population-level catch-up growth in children, defined as positive changes in mean height-for-age z-scores (HAZ). The aim of this paper was to assess whether population-level catch-up in linear growth is found when height-for-age difference (HAD: child’s height compared to standard, expressed in centimeters) is used instead of HAZ. Our premise is that HAZ is inappropriate …

Assessing The Synergistic Effect Of Caffeine And Sugar On Cognitive Performance In Undergraduate Students, Sandra P. Urquiza, Michelle Vieyra

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Working independently, both caffeine and sugar provide benefits to attention and memory. However, there is sparse literature on the synergistic effects on improved cognitive performance between caffeine and sugar when taken together. This study explored the dynamics between caffeine and sugar when consumed under ordinary conditions – as a cup of coffee. Twenty-four undergraduate students (15 women and 9 men) were asked to complete a baseline cognitive test, and one of the three variables was given at random in the form of a cup of coffee: decaffeinated with sugar, caffeinated with no sugar, and caffeinated with sugar. The remaining two …

Dissemination Of An Electronic Manual To Build Capacity For Implementing Farmers’ Markets With Community Health Centers, M Aaron Guest, Darcy Freedman, Kassandra A. Alia, Heather M. Brandt, Daniela B. Friedman

Faculty Publications

Community-university partnerships can lend themselves to the development of tools that encourage and promote future community health development. The electronic manual, "Building Farmacies," describes an approach for developing capacity and sustaining a community health center-based farmers' market that emerged through a community-university partnership. Manual development was guided by the Knowledge to Action Framework and experiences developing a multivendor, produce-only farmers' market at a community health center in rural South Carolina. The manual was created to illustrate an innovative solution for community health development. The manual was disseminated electronically through 25 listservs and interested individuals voluntarily completed a Web-based survey to …

The Impact Of Changing Lake Levels On Property Values: A Hedonic Model Of Lake Thurmond, Lori Dickes, Elizabeth L. Crouch

Faculty Publications

This study uses hedonic pricing models to examine the relationship between lake levels and property values for properties adjacent to Lake Thurmond. Lake Thurmond is located along the Savannah River Basin, bordering Georgia and South Carolina. Of the 1,030 properties from 2000-2009 for which data was reliable and available, 388 were lake front homes. The model of the effect of lake level on sales prices also includes home characteristics, home condition variables, lake attributes, and macroeconomic control variables. Results reveal a statistically significant change in sales price when the lake is closer to full pool. Results confirm that declining Lake …

The Impact Of Changing Lake Levels On Property Values: A Hedonic Model Of Lake Thurmond, Lori Dickes, Elizabeth L. Crouch

Faculty Publications

This study uses hedonic pricing models to examine the relationship between lake levels and property values for properties adjacent to Lake Thurmond. Lake Thurmond is located along the Savannah River Basin, bordering Georgia and South Carolina. Of the 1,030 properties from 2000-2009 for which data was reliable and available, 388 were lake front homes. The model of the effect of lake level on sales prices also includes home characteristics, home condition variables, lake attributes, and macroeconomic control variables. Results reveal a statistically significant change in sales price when the lake is closer to full pool. Results confirm that declining Lake …