Public Health Commons^™

Evaluating The Impact Of The Guatemalan Nursing Program On Staff, Organizational, And Clinical Outcomes, Sara Williamson Day

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

There is great disparity between the outcome of childhood cancer in developed and developing countries. Nurses, who comprise the largest group of health care professionals globally, are essential to successful treatment. Pediatric oncology education is generally unavailable for nurses in developing countries. This lack of education is likely to contribute to the disparity in survival rates, as undereducated nurses are unable to meet the demands of pediatric cancer care. A second critical problem in developing countries is the workload of the nurse, with a patient nurse ratio reported as high as 30 patients per one nurse.

In 2006, the quality …

Pain Management In Nursing Home Residents With Cancer And Dementia With And Without Hospice Services, Todd Bryant Monroe

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Aims: We sought to identify differences in pain management between two groups; nursing home residents with malignant cancer and dementia with and without hospice services.

Methods: Decedent records from 2003-2009 were assessed for diagnosis of dementia and cause of death as cancer. Ten malignant cancer diagnoses were determined a priori from the CDC 2004 data on the top 10 malignant cancers for all races and genders. Fifty-five decedents from 10 nursing homes were included in the final sample. Four instruments were used: Minimum Data Set (MDS) a standardized assessment tool required of most U.S. nursing homes. A large …

Opportunities For Intervention: Characteristics Of Alcohol Related Visits To United States Emergency Departments, 2003 - 2007, Jonathon Lavalley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The cycle of alcohol intoxicated patients passing through United States (US) emergency departments (ED) and repeated inpatient detoxification for alcohol inebriates is costly, as these patients are continually exposed to injury and other health and legal consequences of their continued at risk alcohol use. The high proportion of ED resources used by these alcohol intoxicated patients has contributed to increased patient wait times, increased ambulance diversions, forced closures of US EDs, increased numbers of patients leaving without being seen, and an overall reduction in the quality of medical services provided in the ED. In order to contribute to efforts towards …

Belize As A Classroom, Jordan Norris, Molly Calico

Impact Belize

During the week of January 7-14, 2010, Molly Calico and Jordan Norris participated in the Impact Belize program through the College of Health and Human Services. This program took place in Gales Point, a rural, underserved community in Belize. Impact students provided medical, dental and public health services to the community in an interdisciplinary service-learning format. As Master of Public Health students, Molly and Jordan directed health education initiatives and served on the Leadership Team for the program. Having participated in January of 2009 as well, Molly and Jordan were well prepared to conduct public health research and to assume …

Information And Incentives: Improving The Health Of New York City's Low-Income Population, Kathryn Linehan, Lisa Sprague

National Health Policy Forum

The National Health Policy Forum sponsored a site visit to New York City (NYC) in April 2010 to explore health care delivery for Medicaid beneficiaries and the uninsured in New York City’s hospital-dominated market. New York offers real-time examples of government policy and provider initiatives in health information technology (IT) and quality improvement being played out on a large, complex, and dynamic stage with multiple stakeholders. Site visit participants heard from providers and others who discussed efforts to improve the quality of care for low-income New Yorkers through a variety of methods, such as the adoption and use of electronic …

Wku Scholar, Pamela Napier, Editor-In-Chief

WKU Scholar

No abstract provided.

Improving Health Outcomes For Children (Ihoc) In Maine Logic Model For Primary Care Practice Improvement, Cutler Institute Of Health And Social Policy

Population Health & Health Policy

Improving Health Outcomes for Children (IHOC) is a 5-year demonstration grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and authorized by 401 (d) of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA).

IHOC works with doctors' offices, practices and other agencies who want to improve health care in Maine and Vermont to:

• Collect and report on the use of evidenced-based child health quality measures
• Expand the Health Information Technology to improve the flow of child health data
• Promote a collaborative child health learning environment

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (Ship), Carol O'Shaughnessy

National Health Policy Forum

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), created by section 4360 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1990 and administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), supports grants to states and jurisdictions to provide information, counseling, and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their families on Medicare and other health insurance questions. This publication describes the program and presents its funding history.

Oral Health Checkup: Progress In Tough Fiscal Times?, Cynthia Shirk

National Health Policy Forum

Almost ten years after the surgeon general’s report designating dental disease as the “silent epidemic,” the nation continues to struggle with adequate access to and utilization of dental services. This is particularly true for low-income individuals, who experience more than twice the amount of untreated dental disease as their higher-income peers. This issue brief reviews sources of dental coverage for low-income children and adults and the challenges these programs face. It highlights some examples of state Medicaid initiatives to improve access and utilization for children and the progress of these initiatives. Finally, it examines the potential effects of the economy …

Management Of Kawasaki Disease In Texas: Policy Implications, Alberto Coustasse, Doohee Lee, Cody Arvidson, Julius J. Larry Iii, Witold Migala

Management Faculty Research

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is the leading cause of acquired cardiovascular disease among children, but KD has received little attention on its management from a policy perspective. The core objective of this paper is to review the literature, identify problems related to KD, and evaluate and offer some policy alternatives to effectively prevent and treat KD epidemiologically in Texas. Policy options suggested in this paper include, among others, (1) establishing a mandatory national KD registry system (along with active surveillance), (2) introducing sentinel providers, (3) requiring mandatory reporting of KD by hospitals, and (4) sponsoring policy KD research and practice.

Using The Stages Of Change Model To Choose An Optimal Health Marketing Target, Paula Diehr, Peggy A. Hannon, Barbara Pizacani, Mark Forehand, Jeffrey Harris, Hendrika Meischke, Susan J. Curry, Diane P. Martin, Marcia R. Weaver

UW Biostatistics Working Paper Series

Background: In the transtheoretical model of behavior change, “stages of change” are defined as Precontemplation (not even thinking about changing), Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and Maintenance (maintaining the behavior change). Marketing principles suggest that efforts should be targeted at persons most likely to “buy the product.”

Objectives: To examine the effect of intervening at different stages in populations of smokers, with various numbers of people in each “stage of change.” One type of intervention would increase by 10% the probability of a person moving to the next higher stage of change, such as from Precontemplation to Contemplation. The second type would …

The Ryan White Hiv/Aids Program, Jessamyn Taylor

National Health Policy Forum

This publication describes the basics of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, the largest federal program solely focused on treating people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States. The program funds cities, states, and community-based organizations to provide primary care, prescription drugs, and support services to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured people living with HIV/AIDS.

Changing Po2licy: The Elements For Improving Childhood Asthma Outcomes, Anne Rossier Markus, Meagan Lyon, Sara J. Rosenbaum

Geiger Gibson/RCHN Community Health Foundation Research Collaborative

Childhood asthma is a serious and chronic health issue that affects one in seven U.S. children and their families, compromising their health and quality of life and placing a heavy financial burden on families as well as an enormous strain on the health care system. Treating, managing, and ultimately preventing and reducing the burden of asthma represents a critical test of the ability of the U.S. health system – health insurers, clinical care providers, and public health agencies – to work together. Our investigation found that, as a country, we already know enough to act and improve life for the …

The Medical Education Of Physicians, Jonathan Saxton

National Health Policy Forum

This background paper provides a descriptive overview of the process of education, licensing, certification, and continuing education involved in becoming and continuing to practice as a physician.

Findings From The Nevada Business Summit On Early Childhood Investment, Nevada Institute For Children’S Research And Policy, The United Way Of Southern Nevada, The Nevada Head Start State Collaboration, Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Office, The Agassi Foundation, The Children’S Cabinet, Denise Tanata Ashby, Amanda Haboush

Nevada Institute for Children's Research and Policy Reports

On February 10, 2010, a partnership of the United Way of Southern Nevada, the UNLV Nevada Institute for Children’s Research and Policy, the Agassi Foundation for Education and the State of Nevada Head Start State Collaboration Office, with support from The Lincy Foundation, hosted the Nevada Business Summit on Early Childhood Investment. The summit met to discuss effective ways to invest in early childhood education and health, in hopes of creating solutions that would provide long term human capital development through early intervention. The summit tied issues of employment opportunities, job readiness and economic trends with the need to invest …

Indirect Costs Associated With Surgery For Low Back Pain-A Secondary Analysis Of Clinical Trial Data., Reginald Fayssoux, Neil I Goldfarb, Alexander R Vaccaro, James Harrop

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

This study examines the indirect costs associated with surgery for axial low back pain using data obtained from a prospective multicenter clinical trial that compared Charité artificial disc replacement with anterior lumbar interbody fusion using iliac crest bone graft. While 75% of study subjects reported full- or part-time employment prior to surgery, this percentage dropped to 45% at 6 weeks postoperatively. Return to preoperative employment levels occurred at approximately 6 months postoperatively. Two years after surgery, employment levels were 16% higher than preoperative levels. Lost productivity related to absenteeism resulted in lost wages averaging $2884 per patient during the first …

What Do We Know About People Who Kill Themselves: A Trajectory For Prevention In Developing Countries., Amresh Srivastava, Megan Johnston

Data and Test Instruments

Abstract: Lecture Title: What do we know about people who kill themselves: A trajectory for prevention in Developing Countries. Amresh Shrivastava 1, Megan Johnston 2 Address: 1. Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada); Mental Health Foundation of India (PRERANA Charitable Trust) 209 Shivkripa Complex, Gokhale Road, Thane, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India 400 602 (Present Address: Regional Mental Health Care, 467 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada N5H 3V9; 2. Department of Psychology, University of Toronto. About one million people die due to suicide …

Aging-In-Place Research At Orcatech: Making Sense Of The Data, Tamara Hayes

Systems Science Friday Noon Seminar Series

The Oregon Center for Aging and Technology (ORCATECH) seeks to facilitate successful aging and reduce the cost of healthcare by establishing the evidence base for technologies supporting aging-in-place research and care. This is done through pilot studies evaluating the role of the technologies, as well as large longitudinal studies in which sensors are placed in the homes of community-dwelling elders to monitor daily patterns of activity, walking speeds, medication adherence, and other behaviors. These sensors collect continuous data that reflect normal variability in behaviors as well as trends that may indicate problematic changes in cognition or mobility. Because data are …

"A Cage Of Ovulating Females" : Mary Breckinridge And The Politics Of Contraception In Rural Appalachia, Dana Allen Johnson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Mary Breckinridge and the Frontier Nursing Service have been the focus of intense scholarly effort over the last twenty years. Scholarship on Mary Breckinridge has centered on her healthcare reform work in Appalachia and its effects on the local residents and culture. This thesis examines the oral contraceptive trial that the FNS performed in Leslie County in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Although Breckinridge and the FNS maintained a restrictive contraceptive stance, they paradoxically permitted the contraceptive trial to be conducted on their patients in Leslie County. The decision to participate in the contraceptive trial resulted from a complex …

Southern Lagoon And Village Of Gales Point, Belize, Ca: Water Uses, Water Quality, And Potential Health Impacts, Rasmi Nair, Ritchie Taylor

Impact Belize

An International Health Service Learning Program, Impact Belize 2010, was conducted by Western Kentucky University. Faculty and students worked closely with Gales Point villagers to gain an insight into the use of Southern Lagoon. The objective of the study was to assess fecal coliform levels in Southern lagoon, its primary and secondary contact use by villagers and its potential impact on health. Study methodology involved collection of water samples, both near shore and offshore, in the lagoon and incubating them using ColiQuant EZ method approved by EPA. A questionnaire was administered to villagers attending the WKU clinic to collect data …

Summary Of Findings From The 2010 Child Death Review Annual Report, Nevada Institute For Children's Research And Policy Reports

Nevada Institute for Children's Research and Policy Reports

The 2010 Annual Report of Child Deaths in Clark County, Nevada provides data regarding all infant, child, and fetal (over 20 weeks gestation) deaths occurring in Clark County in 2010. This represents the second year that the Child Death Review Team in Clark County reviewed 100% of the child deaths referred to the team by the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner; this includes all natural deaths, as well as all accidents, homicides, suicides, and undetermined cases. The team also reviewed all fetal deaths over 20 weeks gestation.

Health Disparities: A Look At Colorectal Cancer Screening In The Minority Community, Patrina Louise Archie

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to examine a physician's recommendation for ColoRectal Cancer screenings among Caucasians and minorities (African American, Asian American, and Latino). Past research on CRC has suggested that a history of CRC in a first degree relative elevates a person's lifetime risk. Furthermore, without a physician recommendation for early screening, the patient's chances of early detection are substantially lowered. This is why it is imperative to examine the complex factors that contribute to minorities who have lower CRC screening rates compared to Caucasians.

Hiv Testing Experiences Of Aboriginal Youth In Canada: Service Implications, Catherine Worthington, Randy Jackson, Judy Mill, Tracey Prentice, Ted Myers, Susan Sommerfeldt

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

The objective of this study was to explore HIV testing experiences and service views of Canadian Aboriginal youth in order to provide information for HIV testing services. An exploratory, mixed-method, community-based research design was used for this study. Findings reported here are from 210 survey participants who had experienced an HIV test. Youth were recruited through 11 Aboriginal organizations across Canada, including AIDS service organizations, health centers, community organizations, and friendship centers. Youth who had tested for HIV ranged in age from 15 to 30 years of age (20% were B20), and came from First Nations (75%), Me ́ tis …

Weight Gain And Psychotropic's, Amresh Srivastava, Megan Johnston

Data and Test Instruments

Weight gain in psychiatric populations is a common clinical challenge. Many patients suffering from mental disorders, when exposed to psychotropic medications, gain significant weight with or without other side effects. In addition to reducing the patients’ willingness to comply with treatment, this weight gain may create added psychological or physiological problems that need to be addressed. Thus, it is critical that clinicians take precautions to monitor and control weight gain and to take into account and treat all problems facing an individual. In this review, we examine some of the key issues surrounding weight gain in individuals suffering from mental …

Pakistan Human Resources For Health Assessment, 2009, A Hafeez, Z Khan, K M. Bile, Rashid Jooma, M Sheikh

Section of Neurosurgery

Pakistan faces a human resources for health (HRH) crisis. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to overview frontline health workers. A total of 750 health facilities were surveyed across Pakistan. The median estimate of public sector health care workers in the district health system in Pakistan is 417 288, including 46 153 estimate of public sector health care workers in the district health system in Pakistan is 417 288, including 46 153 doctors and 41 032 nurses. Another estimated 20 000 doctors work in public sector tertiary care hospitals across the country. A total of 3549 health care workers were interviewed …

Prevention With Positives: How Do We Reach Them In The Community?, Avina Sarna, Jerry Okal, Stanley Luchters, Nzioki King'ola, Scott Geibel

HIV and AIDS

In the past, HIV prevention efforts have focused primarily on developing risk-reduction interventions for those presumed to be HIV-negative and therefore at risk of becoming infected with HIV. In recognition of the need for prevention among people living with HIV (PLHIV), programs have been initiated in Africa, but primarily in clinical settings for those who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART). There is little knowledge about how to reach those PLHIV not on ART, and therefore not in regular contact with the health system or with effective prevention messages. This diagnostic study aimed to address the gap in information on how …

Protecting Hope: Situation Analysis Of Vulnerable Children In Uganda 2009, Sam Kalibala, Lynne Elson

HIV and AIDS

The Government of Uganda has focused attention on the problem of orphaned and other vulnerable children through a number of policies, regulations, and initiatives. In 2004, the Ministry of Gender Labor and Social Development developed the National OVC Policy, aimed at improving the quality of life for poor and vulnerable children, such as children who have been orphaned, children who are living on the streets, children who are at risk of abuse, and children exposed to situations of armed conflict. However, despite the many efforts to improve the circumstances of vulnerable children in Uganda, policymakers, donors, and program managers still …

Rapids Evaluation Final Report 2005-2009 Key Findings, Louis Apicella, Katie D. Schenk, Hena Khan

HIV and AIDS

RAPIDS (Reaching HIV/AIDS Affected People with Integrated Development and Support) is an intervention funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and is designed to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS in Zambia. The overall goal of RAPIDS is to improve the quality of life of Zambians affected by HIV and AIDS by expanding successful community-based models of home-based care and support to orphans and vulnerable children and people who are chronically ill, as well as through interventions targeting youth with livelihood opportunities and life-skills training, focusing on initiatives supporting abstinence and being faithful.

Pepfar Special Initiative On Sexual And Gender-Based Violence: Baseline Report, Lynne Elson, Jill Keesbury

HIV and AIDS

The PEPFAR Special Initiative on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence aims to strengthen services for survivors of sexual violence (SV) though the implementation of a comprehensive model of care in participating PEPFAR partner facilities. This baseline report examines project sites in Uganda and Rwanda and suggests strengthening health services involving training, community and provider awareness and attitudes.

Increasing The Use Of Booster Seats: A Community-Based Research Project, Michelle Gallina, Amanda Jones, Jane Kim, Habibullah Muhiddin, Natasha Singletary

OUR Journal: ODU Undergraduate Research Journal

The aim of this project was to increase booster seat usage and knowledge of booster seat safety by implementing population-based interventions in the community. To aid in accomplishing the goal, the nursing students utilized the performance of an educational puppet show, educational handouts, and aggregate height and age screening as the interventions. Pre and post tests data were obtained. As a result, there was an increase of the aggregates‟ desire to be in a booster seat. Nurses who take more action in a leadership role by implementing interventions based on the educational needs of the community increased booster seat awareness. …