The Positive Effects Of Exercise On Active Transplant Recipients And Its Impact On Medication Adherence, Travane Morrison

Theses

Organ failure is a life-threatening condition (Daugirdas et al, 2014). Non-adherence to medication is one of the main causes of the failure of a transplanted organ (Oberlin et al, 2016). In an effort to combat non-adherence to medication, research had employed intervention studies to tackle the main cause of non-adherence (Chisholm-Burns, 2013). The aims of this project are three fold. Firstly it aims to find if complications associated with organ transplant affect the individual’s medication adherence. Secondly, it explores the connections between exercise and medication adherence. Thirdly the research explores if exercise assists with possible complications associated with an organ …

Help-Seeking Behaviour For Fatigue In Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Doireann Ní Dhálaigh

Theses

Background: Fatigue is a common and burdensome symptom of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although many symptoms of IBD can be debilitating, fatigue is reported to be the most burdensome. It is experienced by up to 86% of people in active disease and 41-48% in remission and impacts greatly on all aspects of people’s lives. Fatigue is an invisible symptom and can often be overlooked by healthcare professionals. Since it is invisible, it can only be made known to healthcare professionals if patients seek help for it. This study aims to explore the determinants of help-seeking behaviour for fatigue in IBD …

To Determine The Predictive Accuracy Of The Frase Risk Assessment Tool In Identifying Older Adults At High Risk Of Falls In Community Hospitals/ Nursing Units, Susan Daly

Theses

Background: The operational effectiveness of Fall Risk Assessment Tools (FRATs)in predicting falls remains unclear due to variation in accuracy when applied in different settings and among different populations (Aranda-Gallardo et al. 2017, Castellini at al. 2017).

Aims: The primary aim of the study is to determine the predictive accuracy of the Falls Risk Assessment Scale for the Elderly (FRASE) risk assessment tool in identifying older adults at high risk of falls in Community Hospitals/ Nursing Units. The secondary aim is to determine the relationship between older adult faller status and the risk factors; gender, age, gait, sensory deficit, falls history, …

Role Of Sodium And Potassium In The Diet Of School-Aged Children In Ireland: Findings From The National Children’S Food Survey Ii, Eoin James Morrissey

Theses

A high sodium to potassium intake ratio (Na:K) resulting from a diet high in sodium and low in potassium can increase the risk of elevated blood pressure or hypertension in children, potentially leading to increased CVD in adulthood. The objective of this thesis was to estimate sodium and potassium intakes and Na:K in school-aged children (5-12y) in Ireland using data from the nationally representative National Children’s Food Survey II (NCFS II) (2017-18). The thesis study collected detailed dietary intake data for 600 children using 4-d food records and also collected spot urine samples from 95% of these participants. Sodium and …

State Park Selection As Determined By User Health, Connor Phelan

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

The purpose of this study was to determine whether state park difficulty affected location of travel. This study was conducted at three state park locations within the United States. Surveys and on-site examinations were made at the following locations; Wilson State Park, Kansas, Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas, and Kiholo State Park, Hawaii. Park locations were chosen by varying levels of terrain difficulty, as well as a rating from the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum. Participants were asked to report data via iPads on exercise habits, mobility limiting impairments, and frequency of exercise so a ranking of the healthiest participants could be …

Vocal Fry: Acoustics, Airflow, And Egg Analysis Of Various Types, Kiersten Mccormick, Dr. Ronald Scherer, Katherine Proctor

Honors Projects

Objective: Current studies on vocal fry at BGSU involve categorizing various types of vocal fry production (Proctor et al., 2019 ASHA conference). The objective of the current study was to characterize vocal fry types using acoustic, airflow, and electroglottographic measures. Such characterization should shed light on the physiological production of vocal fry and potential clinical understanding and intervention.

Methods/design: Three men and three women, 18-22 years old, read the Rainbow passage as well as spoke conversationally and spontaneously in a sound treated booth. The participants spoke using a microphone and an EGG system (Kay Model 6103), as well …

Utilizing Cdc Framework For Program Evaluation To Inform Assessment Of An Interprofessional Leadership And Teamwork Curriculum, Madeline Aulisio

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Background
The ability to collaborate effectively and lead a team when the need arises has become an expectation of health professionals. Graduates of health professions programs are expected to possess skillsets that will allow them to both collaborate and lead effectively in addition to their profession-specific knowledge. Leadership Legacy, an interprofessional elective created at the University of Kentucky in 2009, was designed to address this need.

Methods
After nearly ten years of cohorts, an opportunity arose for program evaluation with a reliable method such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Framework for Program Evaluation. The novel use of …

The Association Between The Medicare Bundled Payments Initiative And Cardiac Rehabilitation Enrollment, Jing Li

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) represents a proven-effective intervention in secondary prevention that can stabilize, slow or reverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression, facilitate the ability of the patient to preserve or resume an active and functional contribution to the community, and reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events. Despite multiple guideline recommendations for CR and coverage by Medicare and most health plans, participation in CR remains low. Bundled payments are one of the suggested reforms designed to move health care providers toward to value-based care and is very applicable to the CR utilization in patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or …

Briding The Gap: Treatment Engagement Profiles And Outcomes Utilizing Novel Models, Allison Koetter

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Background. The opioid epidemic is a public health emergency that requires collaboration between both private and public sectors to increase access to and capacity for efforts directed at treatment, prevention, and recovery. The Commonwealth of Kentucky via funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) created their State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis (Opioid STR) in order to help address these needs. The University of Kentucky, as an awardee of these funds, decided on an approach to highlight the Emergency Department (ED) bridge model, which links patients discharged from EDs and the hospital (inpatient addiction consult …

Prevalence Of Restricted Spirometry Within Two Eastern Kentucky Counties A Cross Sectional Study, Quincy Bascombe

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Objective: This study examines the prevalence of restrictive spirometry in Eastern Kentucky and its association among men and women with various demographic and exposure (occupational and environmental) factors.

Methods: A cross sectional, cluster sample (N = 685) of participants from Letcher and Harlan Counties, aged 21 and over, answered a questionnaire focused on risk factors for respiratory health outcomes including questions on demographic, health, occupational, and environmental exposures variables. Pulmonary function tests were administered to all participants with no significant cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events within the past 30 days. Log-binomial regression was used to calculate prevalence ratios (PRs) …

Analysis Of High Potency Anticholinergic Prescribing In Scottish Nursing Home Patients, Alexandra Nugent

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the use of two or more high-potency anticholinergic (HPA) medications between patients 65 years and older in nursing homes and in the greater community using prescribing data. Methods: This secondary data analysis of the NHS Scotland PIS databased used prescription data from a nationally representative patient-level database. Patients were included were ≥65 years old, received ≥2HPA prescriptions from 2011Q2-2012Q1(11/12), 2016Q1-2017Q2(16/17), 2018Q2-2017Q1(18/19). The principle endpoint of this study was to assess for a change in patient’s relative risk of receiving ≥2HPA prescriptions. Results: 29,301 patients were identified. From 11/12 to 16/17 all …

Policy Analysis Of California Senate Bill 1138: Mandating Plant-Based Meal Options In Hospitals And Prisons, David Morton

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Obesity, chronic disease, and poor nutrition are prevalent in the United States while healthcare costs rise. Nutritional research advancements have suggested the healthfulness of plant-based diets. In 2018, the California state senate passed Senate Bill 1138, requiring plant-based meal options in hospitals and prisons. This paper sought to examine the context surrounding the bill, determine the appropriateness of the bill, and recommend next steps for nutritional policies in the United States. In a review of the literature, malnutrition in hospitals and prisons is highly prevalent, and state governments have already made efforts to improve their citizens’ nutrition. In this analysis, …

Utilization Of A Community Pharmacy-Based Service For The Treatment Of Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections In Scotland, Robert Borchardt

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Introduction: In November 2013, Scotland piloted a program in Grampian for the treatment of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in community pharmacies, increasing health access for patients and reducing general practitioner workload. This program became known as ‘Pharmacy First’ and was later implemented nationwide in November 2017. This paper seeks to understand utilization of the Pharmacy First program across Scotland by patients and potential barriers to access.

Methods: Using data from the Prescribing Information System collected by the National Health Service of Scotland from July 2013 to April 2019, orders for uncomplicated UTIs were gathered by examining all nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim …

Assessing The Impact Of Raising The National Minimum Purchase Age Of Tobacco To 21 On Tobacco Use In Youth, Nicholas D. Guerra

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Introduction: Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable death in the United States with roughly 500,000 premature deaths a year and 3,200 youth smoking their first cigarette daily. On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed legislation to raise the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years, effective immediately. Prior to this recent regulation, over half of the US population was enforcing this age restriction. The objective of this research is to investigate the impact of tobacco 21 laws on tobacco use and project the national tobacco impact by using the state experiences …

Community Collaborations For Health Improvement In Laurel County, Kentucky: A Case Study, Kendall Ferrell

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Kentucky is currently ranked fifth in the United States for opioid-involved overdose deaths. This study assesses how the results of a community health needs assessment have developed collaborative community effort to create and expand services and programs to address opioid and substance use disorder in Laurel County, Kentucky. This particular community continues to rank opioid and substance abuse as a major health concern causing efforts to be put in place to create an opioid response program. A consortium was formed that developed the community health needs assessment survey. The results from the survey were then incorporated in to a strategic …

Asthma In Scotland: Prescribing Trends Since The National Review Of Asthma Deaths (Nrad), Quentin Kenner

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Asthma in Scotland: prescribing trends since the National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD)

Purpose: Asthma remains prevalent worldwide with implications for morbidity and mortality. In Scotland, 1 in 14 people are currently being treated for asthma. Asthma burden prompted the creation of the National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD), which identified contributing factors. Since the NRAD, guidelines have changed and therapeutic indicators have been developed with an increased emphasis on controller medications. Few publications describe how the NRAD study affected prescribing and if inequalities among the asthmatic population exist. This study aimed to determine whether patients were receiving appropriate treatment …

Dalbavancin In The Community Emergency Department, Wesley Johnson

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Introduction

Dalbavancin is an antibiotic within the class of medications known as lipoglycopeptides. This medication is given to patients presenting to the hospital with acute skin and skin-structure infections (ABSSSI). This is a unique medication because it is given as a one-time dose in the outpatient setting and it could prevent patients from requiring admission to the hospital.

Methods

The emergency department (ED) at Good Samaritan community hospital performed a trial period with dalbavancin and data was collected from November 2018 to March 2020. Retrospective chart review was performed to obtain patient data and outcomes. Patients would be contacted by …

Describing Interventional Approaches To The E-Cigarette/Juuling/Vaping Epidemic In Eastern Kentucky High Schools: A Case Study, Taylor Miller

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Problem: Over the past few years there has been significant increase in vaping/juuling/e-cigarette use among the adolescent population. Since this is a new health issue, there are very few intervention programs for teens to receive education about these devices and support for quitting/treatment. The aim of this study was to provide insight on interventions that have already been implemented to provide direction for those seeking to design their own vape/juul/e-cigarette intervention. This was assessed by comparing approaches and lessons learned during the intervention implementation process.

Methods: The study was conducted using a case study approach. The researcher conducted interviews with …

Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates In Perry County, Vashisht Madabhushi

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Appalachian Kentucky has one of the highest incidence and mortality rates from colorectal cancer (CRC) in the country. CRC is curable if identified early through screening. However, Perry County has suboptimal screening levels. A multimodal program of patient reminders and mailed screenings will be used to increase CRC screening rates in Perry County. The primary outcome will be evaluated using a T-test for this prospective cohort study. Short term outcomes include increased CRC screening rates in delinquent patients. Long term outcomes include increased CRC detection rates and decreased CRC mortality in Perry County.

Implementing The Be Proud! Be Responsible! Program In Wolfe County Public Schools, Casey Gill

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Kentucky’s teen pregnancy rate is higher than the national average, and Wolfe County has one of the highest rates of teen pregnancy in the state. Teen pregnancy causes adverse health effects for both mother and baby. Teen mothers have a higher likelihood of dropping out of high school, increased health problems related to pregnancy such as preterm labor and preeclampsia, increased risk of being a single parent, and lower income and SES status. The baby is also affected, with an increased risk of living in a single parent household, and living in poverty. The Kentucky River District Health Department plans …

An Analysis Of The Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Food Insecurity Within The United States, Margaret Brooks

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Adverse childhood experiences and food insecurity are significant public health issues within the United States. Previous studies have established the overall relationship between ACEs and food insecurity. This research investigates the statistical relationship between individual ACE indicators and food insecurity as well as the relationship between having two or more ACEs and food insecurity.

Diabetes Locus Of Control And Depression In Older Adults With Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes: The Study Of Longevity In Diabetes, Jahvona Pretty

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Abstract:

Objective: To determine if diabetes locus of control (dLOC) is associated with depression in older adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and whether this association differs by diabetes type.

Methods: Data for the current study were obtained from The Study of Longevity in Diabetes (SOLID), a prospective cohort study of aging, and diabetes. SOLID participants aged 60 and older with type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and without diabetes were recruited from members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC). For the current study, we excluded all of the participants without diabetes since the primary exposure, …

Maternal Demographic And Psychosocial Factors Associated With Low Attendance Of A Centeringpregnancy Prenatal Care Program Among A Group Of High-Risk Women From Kentucky., Javeria Zafar

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Abstract

Aim: To identify maternal demographic and psychosocial risk factors associated with poor attendance of CenteringPregnancy group prenatal care, and whether past or current experience of intimate partner violence is related to poor attendance.

Methods: Data from the EMPOWR (Efforts to Maximize Perinatal Outcomes in Women at risk) were used in a cross-sectional study design. Self-reported data from 607 high-risk pregnant women from Kentucky was used. Poor-attendance or non-compliance was defined as attending less than 6 out of the 10 group prenatal care session. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the association between risk factors and compliance with the …

Analysis Of Health Survey Data To Address Topics In Environmental And Public Health, Nimish Valvi

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Introduction: Manganese is an essential trace element that can cause adverse health effects with deficiency and in excess amounts. The purpose of this study is to determine the asscociation of blood manganese levels and the prevalence of myocardial infarction, stroke, and renal dysfunction in a general US population.

Methods: Data were used from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) of non-institutionalized US adults 20 years and older using the 2011-2012, 2013-2014, and 2015-2016 survey cycles (n=16629). Weighted multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, sex, and poverty income ratio (PIR), were used to determine the association of …

Peer Review Of "Predicting Health Disparities In Regions At Risk Of Severe Illness To Inform Health Care Resource Allocation During Pandemics: Observational Study, Ross Gore

VMASC Publications

This is a peer review submitted for the paper "Predicting Health Disparities in Regions at Risk of Severe Illness to Inform Health Care Resource Allocation During Pandemics: Observational Study."

Diagnostic And Prognostic Value Of Salivary Biomarkers In Oral Cancer And Precancer: Review Article, Dalia Ghalwash

Dentistry

Objectives: Salivary biomarker constitute major progress in diagnosis of oral cancer and is a rapidly developing arena of scientific research and is considered a promising prognostic and diagnostic utensil in oral malignant and oral potentially malignant disorders. The search for salivary biomarkers that may have importance in diagnosis, and prognosis of oral cancer is ongoing. Methods: A literature search was performed using the Cochrane library and PubMed databases from 1995 to September 2019. Results: In the recent biological era “omics” method is a new biomarker detection tool that emphasis on exploring many molecules present in saliva. Presently, five main salivary …

Sylc Air Polishing Versus Fluoride Varnish Application In Managing Dentin Hypersensitivity In Non-Carious Cervical Lesions: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Dina Ezz Eldin Ahned, Heba Hanza, Mohsen Abielhassan, Mai Mamdouh

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Influence Of Preparation Type And Tooth Geometry On The Accuracy Of Different Intraoral Scanners, Ahmed Sabet

Dentistry

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of preparation design and tooth geometry on the accuracy of scans obtained from three different intraoral scanners (IOS). Materials and Methods: Full coverage crown and inlay preparations with known axial wall tapers (6ᵒ and 12ᵒ) were performed on typodont teeth using a computer numerical control machine. Reference models were scanned with a highly accurate reference scanner (Ineos X5) and saved in standard tessellation language (STL) format then each IOS (Omnicam, Trios, and i500) scanned each model 10 times. The STL files obtained from the intraoral scanners were compared to the reference models (trueness) and within …

Accuracy And Repeatability Of Different Intraoral Scanners On Shade Determination, Ahmed Sabet

Dentistry

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of different intraoral scanners on shade determination. Materials and methods: Ten different shades of Vita Mark II blocks were used. A disc-shape specimen (10 mm in diameter and 1 mm thick) per ceramic block was fabricated. Ten color measurements per specimen were performed by each instrument (Vita Easyshade V [control], 3shape Trios, Cerec Omnicam, Cerec Primescan) and recorded in Vita Classic color system. The number of correct shade match per instrument for each shade was recorded. Instrumental accuracy was compared using Cochran Q test and repeatability was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha. Results: There …

The Issue Of Skeletal Muscle Growth And Regeneration, Ayman Ghallab, Ayman Mohammed Ghallab

Dentistry

The aim of our criticism of the paper authored by Makovický and Makovický (2020) was to prevent the readers from being misinformed by a paper based on a major flaw such as confusing splitting muscle fibers with a stretch receptor.