Public Health Commons^™

Kajian Risiko Kesehatan Terkait Pajanan Benzene, Toluene Dan Xylene Pada Pekerja Kilang Minyak Pt. X, Putri Noer Halizah, Mila Tejamaya

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Workers in oil and gas production units are at risk of exposure to chemical hazards. One of the ingredients in petroleum is volatile organic compounds (VOC), with examples of ingredients known for their toxicity being benzene, toluene and xylene. This study aims to assess health risks related to exposure to benzene, toluene and xylene of oil refinery workers at PT. X. This study will analyze personal exposure to inhalation routes from benzene, toluene and xylene chemicals using the Chemical Health Risk Assessment (CHRA) method from the Department of Safety and Health, Malaysia. The study results showed that the risk level …

Gambaran Persepsi Pengawas Terhadap Efektivitas Geotab Dalam Mengendalikan Risiko Kecelakaan Kendaraan Ringan Di Divisi X, Aisyah Yasmin Zafirah, Chandra Satrya

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

This study aims to understand supervisors' perceptions of the effectiveness of Geotab as a control measure for mitigating the risk of collisions involving light vehicles. Conducted in Division X of PT. X, a mining industry, from February to June 2023, this descriptive, semi-qualitative study collected data through control effectiveness questionnaires, interviews, and document review. The variables studied include the relevance, coverage, reliability, reactivity, resource competence, and supervision system of Geotab. Questionnaire results showed supervisor perception scores of 3.09 for relevance (appropriate), 3.10 for coverage (appropriate), 3.06 for reliability (appropriate), 2.99 for reactivity (appropriate), 2.93 for resource competence, and 2.95 for …

Covid-19 Pandemic And Ghana’S Economy: A Deep Dive Into Economic Indicators, Williams Kwasi Peprah, Isaac Anowuo [email protected], Ebenezer Owusu-Yeboah, Daniel Adofo Kwakye Ameyaw, Lucile Sabas

Faculty Publications

The study presents an in-depth analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on Ghana’s gross domestic product (GDP), balance of payments and international investment position (BPM6), and inflation (INFL). Employing a pre-and post-COVID-19 comparison (2017-2022) through repeated measures ANOVA and tests of between-subject effects, it investigates whether the government’s economic performance was significantly impacted. Key findings show a notable decrease in GDP and BPM6, alongside a major increase in inflation rates post-pandemic. The study concludes that the COVID-19 pandemic had a statistically significant impact on Ghana’s economic performance in terms of GDP and BPM6, but not inflation. Recommendations include implementing economic …

Implementation Science And Pediatric Diabetes: A Scoping Review Of The State Of The Literature And Recommendations For Future Research, Julia Price, Jaclynn Hawkins, Daniel J. Amante, Richard James, Debra Haire-Joshu

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This scoping review aimed to identify implementation science (IS) research in pediatric diabetes, report integration of IS theory and terminology, and offer guidance for future research.

RECENT FINDINGS: Of 23 papers identified, 19 were published since 2017 and 21 focused on type 1 diabetes. Most involved medical evidence-based practices (EBPs; n = 15), whereas fewer focused on psychosocial (n = 7) and diabetes education (n = 2). The majority either identified barriers and facilitators of implementing an EBP (n = 11) or were implementation trials (n = 11). Fewer studies documented gaps in EBP implementation in standard …

Using Geographic Momentary Assessment To Explore Spatial Environment Influences On Wellbeing In People With Hiv, Rayna E. Gasik, Ethan A. Smith, Simone J. Skeen, Stephanie Tokarz, Gretchen Clum, Erica Felker-Kantor, Katherine P. Theall

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Place-based socio-economic and racial inequities contribute to health disparities among people with HIV (PWH). We used geographic ecological momentary assessment (GEMA) methodologies to explore the interplay between psychosocial outcomes in daily diaries and community spatial measures among PWH in New Orleans. PWH (N = 69) were recruited from a clinic-based cohort study. Micro-longitudinal data were collected via smartphone-based daily diaries and geospatial tracking over 14 days. First, correlations were run between diary derived outcomes (e.g., feeling safe in current location, stress), and spatial measures (e.g., violent crime, alcohol outlets, and vacant lots) within a half-mile buffer around each diary point …

A Fluid Frontier: Cholera Throughout Latin American History, Sarah Auletta

Sociology Between the Gaps: Forgotten and Neglected Topics

No abstract provided.

Aromatase, Testosterone, Tmprss2: Determinants Of Covid-19 Severity, Eric C Mohan, Jude P J Savarraj, Gabriela D Colpo, Diego Morales, Carson E Finger, Alexis Mcalister, Hilda Ahnstedt, Huimahn Choi, Louise D Mccullough, Bharti Manwani

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Male sex has been identified as a risk factor for worse COVID-19 outcomes. This sex difference has been mostly attributed to the complex role of sex hormones. Cell surface entry of SARS-CoV-2 is mediated by the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) which is under transcriptional regulation by androgens. P450 aromatase enzyme converts androgens to estrogens. This study measured concentrations of aromatase enzyme, testosterone, estradiol, and TMPRSS-2 in plasma of hospitalized COVID-19 patients to elucidate the dynamics of sex-linked disparity in COVID-19 and correlate them with disease severity and mortality.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, a total of 265 …

Demographic Characteristics, Perinatal Smoking Patterns, And Risk For Neonatal Health Complications Among Pregnant Smokers In The United States Who Begin Using Electronic Cigarettes During Pregnancy: A Descriptive Study Using Population-Based Surveillance Data., Hui Nian, Rachel Odland, Samantha Mindlin, Lin Ammar, Hilary Tindle, Angela M Miller, Kelli K Ryckman, Ethan Xie, Tina V Hartert, Brittney M Snyder, Steven M Brunwasser, Pingsheng Wu

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

INTRODUCTION: Health agencies have called for research evaluating e-cigarette (EC) use in supporting prenatal smoking cessation. This study aimed to describe (1) the characteristics of smokers who begin using electronic cigarettes (ECs) during pregnancy, (2) how frequently smokers reduce or eliminate pre- and post-natal combustible cigarette (CC) use, and (3) the risk for neonatal health complications among smokers who initiate ECs during pregnancy.

AIMS AND METHODS: Pregnant women using CCs exclusively during prepregnancy, who participated in a U.S. surveillance study, were classified by their reported late-pregnancy smoking behavior as CC-exclusive users, EC initiators, or quitters. EC initiators were further subclassified …

Open Access In The Age Of Ai: The Journal Of Appalachian Health And Hurricane Helene Recovery, Noah Wren, Bradley Firchow

Journal of Appalachian Health

The recent destruction brought upon the Appalachian region by Hurricane Helene has emphasized the importance of the Journal of Appalachian Health. As an open-access peer-reviewed source of information, the Journal plays a critical role in not only facilitating public health research about Hurricane Helene, but also combating misinformation regarding the event. In the days following Hurricane Helene, misinformation about the federal government’s response, along AI generated images, have left many in the region confused and misled about what had happened. Going forward, the Journal will play an necessary part in making sure accurate information is shared to understand how …

Credentialing Care: Covid-19 And The Bureaucratization Of Doulas, Ellen Block, Julie Johnson Searcy, Angela N. Castañeda

Sociology Faculty Publications

Doulas in the United States offer embodied, informational, and continuous one-on-one care to birthing people. Doulas have historically sought certification to gain knowledge through training and to gain legitimacy for healthcare providers and clients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals required doulas to provide proof of certification. The COVID-19 pandemic, and the proliferation of state-sponsored doula programs, has sparked a shift in how doulas are viewed and regulated, enabling new forms of bureaucratic oversight and control. Based on participant observation, surveys, and semi-structured interviews, we examine the connection between certification and care including motivations doulas have for certification, the perceived value …

Analisis Aktivitas Fisik Pekerja Mal Pelayanan Publik Kota Cilegon, Muhammad Syifa Abdy Mulya, Indri Hapsari Hapsari Susilowati

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Physical activity is important because it has so many benefits. Even so, there are still many workers who are exposed to the risk of lack of physical activity. For this reason, it is necessary to know what affects the implementation of physical activity in workers. Quantitative design was used with a cross sectional study on 58 Cilegon Public Service Mall workers who met the criteria. As a result, 65.5% of workers are classified as active, 34.5% of workers are inactive and 12% of workers do not carry out any physical activity at all. Level of education (p value = 0.005), …

Reviewer Acknowledgements, Randy Wykoff, Emily Wilson

Journal of Appalachian Health

We at the Journal of Appalachian Health would like to thank the multitude of reviewers who have volunteered their time, talents, and attention to the journal. Reviewers help us consider the rigor and quality of the submissions we receive, and their willingness to read material ahead of publication ensures we can bring timely research to our readers in Appalachia and further afield.

Impacts Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Intimate Partner Violence And Child Maltreatment Services In Rural Northwest North Carolina, Elisabeth G. Galphin, Adam Hege, Amy Dellinger Page

Journal of Appalachian Health

The current study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on IPV and child maltreatment services in rural northwestern North Carolina. Qualitative interviews were conducted with eight professionals representing six service organizations across four counties. The findings highlighted challenges these agencies faced throughout the pandemic, new risks for the clients served, and positive outcomes. In addition, it has been a useful learning experience as public health and social service agencies learn to serve their communities more effectively moving forward. This is especially relevant for rural communities, as it has put public health preparedness at the forefront.

The Impact Of Primary Care Physician Capacity On Preventable Hospitalizations: Identifying Bright Spots In The Appalachian & Mississippi Delta Regions, Michael Topmiller, Peter J. Mallow, Hoon Byun, Mark Carrozza, Yalda Jabbarpour

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Several studies have documented that higher rates of primary care physicians are associated with lower rates of preventable hospitalizations. Counties with higher rates of preventable hospitalizations are found in the Appalachian and Mississippi (MS) Delta Regions.

Purpose: (1) To determine if the association of primary care capacity with preventable hospitalizations is different in the Appalachian and MS Delta regions compared to the rest of the U.S., and (2) to explore primary care capacity in counties with lower-than-expected preventable hospitalization rates.

Methods: This study modeled preventable hospitalizations with primary care physicians (PCP) per 100,000 (PCP capacity) while controlling for several …

Psychosocial Factors, Stress And Sleep Among Rural Appalachian Kentucky Residents With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Blake Dipaola, Zoe Taylor, Eric Hennemann, Brittany L. Smalls, Philip M. Westgate, Nancy Schoenberg

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Rural Appalachian residents experience higher rates of most chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Stress and sleep deficiency also are common in the region.

Purpose: To better understand these associated health burdens, the relationship among these conditions and psychosocial factors—such as depressive symptoms, distress, empowerment, and social support—was examined among Appalachian residents with T2DM.

Methods: Using data collected from a community-based sample of Appalachian adults with T2DM, the study examined whether psychosocial factors were associated with perceived stress (Cohen Perceived Stress Scale) and self-reported sleep deficiency (Epworth Sleepiness Scale). Multilevel linear mixed effects regression modeling was used …

Nutrition Education Needs And Barriers Of Uninsured Clients Who Utilize Free Clinics In Western North Carolina, Manan Roy, Alisha Farris, Erin Loy, Lauren Sastre, Danielle L. Nunnery

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Many uninsured adults rely on free health clinics for prevention and treatment of chronic disease. Little is known about the nutrition education needs of adults served by free health clinics, especially those living in counties within the Western North Carolina Appalachian Mountain Region.

Methods: An in-person survey was distributed to 202 clients of two free health clinics in western North Carolina. Descriptive analyses were conducted to determine frequency distributions for food and physical activity practices, acceptable topics and strategies for nutrition education, and the acceptance and barriers for various modalities.

Results: Depending on the clinic, 49-58% of participants were …

Aftermath: A Word To Appalachia Following Hurricane Helene, Emily Wilson

Journal of Appalachian Health

On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene caused massive and catastrophic flash flooding in the lower Appalachian Region, leveling towns and forever altering much of the landscape. This is an open letter to the people of Appalachia who were affected by the disaster that blindsided our region.

Barriers To Help-Seeking Behavior For Maternal Mental Health Disorders: Application Of The Health Belief Model, Tobi F. Oloyede, Joanne Chopak-Foss

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) have become a leading cause of maternal mortality due to suicide among women in the first year following pregnancy. Although the profile for new mothers who die by suicide is predominantly white, disparities exist between Black and White women in their seeking help for perinatal and/or post-natal mood disorders. For Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), there are differences in the perceptions of the benefits of seeking help for PMADs. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated maternal mental health disorders in the United States particularly for women who live in communities with limited access to …

The Price Of Prevention: Spain And Italy's Approach To National Prep, Jon Burkart

Claremont-UC Undergraduate Research Conference on the European Union

While recent advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) continue to improve the outlook for people living with HIV (PLHIV), new infections remain a concern for health authorities around the world. A clinically proven intervention holds the potential to dramatically reduce new infections: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a once-daily pill for high-risk populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM), that substantially reduces HIV infection risk. However—much like rates of new infection—public provision of PrEP varies considerably among OECD countries. This case study thus seeks to answer the question: What might explain the disparate timeline of adopting public reimbursement for PrEP …

Racial Residential Segregation And Covid-19 Health Outcomes: Evidence From The State Of Georgia, Palak Patel, Simon Medcalfe, Catherine P. Slade

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

ABSTRACT

Background:

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH), the state of Georgia reported 563,658 cumulative COVID-19 cases and 9,845 total deaths in 2020. Decades of research on racial disparities in health outcomes suggest we should not be surprised with the disproportionate number of cases, hospital visits, and deaths of non-white and Black Georgia residents. Racial disparities in health are often defined by a Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) model. One understudied SDOH is racial residential segregation. In this study we explore the relationship between racial residential segregation and COVID-19 health outcomes. Our paper addresses critical challenges for …

Understanding The Role Of Perceived Racial Discrimination On Adolescent Mental Health During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jill V. Klosky, Delia Lang, Briana Woods-Jaeger, Julie Gazmararian

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Abstract

Background: Adolescent mental health declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Racial discrimination, which may negatively affect adolescent mental health, has increased. This study sought to understand whether pre-pandemic reports of racial discrimination predicted changes in adolescent depression, anxiety, and self-esteem from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Two online surveys were administered at two public high schools in semi-rural, north-central Georgia; one in Spring 2020, just before the closing of public schools due to COVID-19; the other to the same students in Fall 2020.

Results: Most participants were White (62%) and the majority (88%), reported the same or better …

Gender And Sexuality Awareness In Medical Education And Practice: Mixed Methods Study, Rola Khamisy-Farah, Eden Biras, Rabie Shehadeh, Ruba Tuma, Hisham Atwan, Anna Siri, Manlio Converti, Francesco Chirico, Łukasz Szarpak, Carlo Biz, Raymond Farah, Nicola Bragazzi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: The integration of gender and sexuality awareness in health care is increasingly recognized as vital for patient outcomes. Despite this, there is a notable lack of comprehensive data on the current state of physicians' training and perceptions in these areas, leading to a gap in targeted educational interventions and optimal health care delivery.

OBJECTIVE: The study's aim was to explore the experiences and perceptions of attending and resident physicians regarding the inclusion of gender and sexuality content in medical school curricula and professional practice in Israel.

METHODS: This cross-sectional survey targeted a diverse group of physicians across various specializations …

Maternal Cortisol Concentration Is Associated With Reduced Brain Activation To Infant Cry And More Intrusive Parenting Behavior, Andrew Erhart, Sarah Enos Watamura, Aviva K. Olsavsky, Alexander J. Dufford, Rebekah C. Tribble, Tom Yeh, Pilyoung Kim

Psychology: Faculty Scholarship

Previous research indicates that maternal cortisol function and maternal brain response to infant are each in turn related to variations in parenting behavior. However, little is known about how maternal cortisol and maternal brain function are associated, thus studying these two mechanisms together may improve our understanding of how maternal cortisol assessed during interactions with own infant is associated with brain response to infant cry. First-time mothers (N = 59) of infants aged 3-4 months old were recruited to participate. Mothers' cortisol concentration was measured during a naturalistic interaction with their infant and their behavior was coded for two parenting …

Primary Prevention And Motivational Interviewing: Patterns In Athletic Training, Mark C. West, Justin P. Young, Matthew J. Rivera, Kenneth E. Games

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The BOC practice analysis defines the first domain as Risk Reduction, Wellness and Health Literacy including, “Promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors with effective education and communication.” There is limited evidence on primary prevention measures athletic trainers (ATs) use to address health-related behaviors. Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based patient-centered style of communication used to help patients modify detrimental health behaviors to improve health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore knowledge and practice patterns of primary prevention and motivational interviewing in athletic training. Methods: We used a cross-sectional, web-based survey (Qualtrics, Provo, UT). The survey contained demographic questions, …

Agricultural Producers' Perceptions Of Stressors: A Study On Controllability And Persistency, Mary Nelson Robertson, Devon Mills, Brice A. Fortinberry, Mary Marshall Waller, Hunter H. Thompson, Marina Denny, David Buys

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Farm stress negatively impacts agricultural producers’ (APs) physical and mental health. The average age of agricultural producers has increased in every USDA agricultural census since 1945, and the stressors may be either or both caused or exacerbated by increasing age. The Cooperative Extension Service is well-known for working with APs and is well-equipped to address these concerns for this aging population. To better understand farm-related stressors, this study examines APs’ and Extension agents’ perceptions of major stressors faced by APs. Focus groups were held to identify stressors and determine the controllability and persistency of those stressors. The mean age of …

Stigma Experience Of Men With Eating Disorders: A Scoping Review, Rachael Maloney, Louise Lunney, Olivia-Mari Lennox, Elena Vaughan, Colette Kelly

Journal of Social Care

This scoping review aimed to synthesise the literature concerning the stigma experiences of men with eating disorders. Seven databases were searched using relevant keywords and subject headings. Following deduplication, articles published since 2000 were screened against eligibility criteria. Key information was charted and analysed using descriptive statistics and deductive content analysis. The final sample (n=9) was synthesised under four categories of stigma experiences within the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework. Internalised stigma was the most prevalent stigma experience across the included studies. This review suggests that men with eating disorders experience stigma in many forms and across various contexts, including …

Health Matters! Coloring And Activity Booklet (16-Pages), Your Very Favorite, Children's Health, Lorraine Sheldon, May Bressler

English

Health Matters! is a English-language health literacy resource designed for pediatric patients and their families. Written at an approximately 6th-grade reading level, it supports patient education through engaging coloring and activity pages.

This booklet version includes a smaller selection of materials from the larger Health Matters! book. Developed for use in both hospital settings and the broader community, the resource promotes learning through interactive, age-appropriate activities.

This printable PDF version contains the complete collection of activities and comprises 16 pages. The resource was commissioned by Children's Health and prepared by Your Very Favorite.

Beyond Assistance: Amplifying The Lived Experiences Of Marginalized Communities Navigating Support Service Systems In Mississippi, Karla Mccullough, Rodney Washington, Angela A. Omondi

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background

Perceived dehumanizing experiences when interacting with social assistance caseworkers and providers can contribute to negative perceptions of the service system that may impede enrollment and retention of families in need thereby contributing to health disparities.

Purpose

This study aimed to use secondary analysis of qualitative data to explore the interaction between social services workers/providers and recipients from the perspectives of families seeking social support services in Mississippi.

Methods

This study analyzed secondary qualitative data from a sample of (n=15) representatives in Mississippi. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Participants reported perceived dehumanized experiences such …

Public Support For Tobacco Control Policies Among Mississippi Adults, Emily Mcclelland, Tiffany Johnson, Robert Mcmillen

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Smoking kills 5,000 Mississippi adults per year and more than a third of cancer deaths are attributable to smoking. The annual healthcare costs to Mississippi due to smoking are $1.43 billion.

Purpose: Assess public support for policies that reduce tobacco use.

Methods: Telephone surveys were administered to a representative sample of 900 Mississippi adults in 2023. Participants were asked about their support or opposition to implementing a statewide smokefree law, restricting where people can vape, increasing the state cigarette tax, taxing e-cigarettes, and restricting e-cigarette advertising.

Results: The majority of respondents support each of these five policies, with an …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of An Integrated Nutrition Education Curriculum And The Impact On Preschoolers' Food Liking, Alicia Stapp, Laurel Lambert, Georgianna Mann, Kaitlyn Sills, Kenya Wolff

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Nutrition education during early childhood that includes experiential learning, modeling, and family engagement can support lifelong healthy eating habits.

Purpose: The present study examined the impact of a nutrition-integrated, 32-week supplemental curriculum entitled Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Communities on children’s exposure to fruits and vegetables, ability to identify fruits and vegetables, liking of fruit and vegetables, and teachers’ perceptions of the curriculum.

Methods: A pre- and post- fruit and vegetable pictorial Likert survey was administered to 261 Pre-K4 children. To investigate teachers’ perceptions of the curriculum, a post-intervention focus group was conducted with 19 teachers.

Results: Significant differences …