Public Health Commons^™

Visual Influences On Self-Served Foods, Tami Cirerol

College of Health Sciences Presentations

Objective: With an increasing dinner plate and portion sizes, a better understanding of self-serving food behaviors is needed to help individuals develop and maintain healthy eating habits. The goal of this project is to educate students on the Delboeuf Illusion to increase self-efficacy and minimize over-serving food to oneself.

Method: This project examines four aspects of self-serving behaviors of college students by using pre- and post-test measurements. An understanding of the difference between a serving and a portion, and daily-recommended servings, is evaluated. Knowledge of food serving equivalencies to common, everyday objects is reviewed. The influence of the Delboeuf Illusion …

Health Literacy Of Older Refugees And Its Impact On Health Communication With Health Care Providers, Mohamed Almehawes

College of Health Sciences Presentations

Senior refugees often face great challenges in the process of resettling in the United States. In addition to the struggle to gain Basic English language skills to pass the Citizenship Exam, they are most likely to suffer other health issues related to their age status. The purpose of this qualitative study is to look into barriers to health as they are related to health literacy in older refugee population enrolled in ELC program and its impact on their access to healthcare. Data gathering will be accomplished using three methods including: searching the materials presented in the (ELC)class for health literacy …

Meeting The Healthcare Needs Of A Rural State, Brittney Ramert

College of Health Sciences Presentations

The question of how to provide timely and effective healthcare to residents of rural states is being discussed at both local and national levels. Idaho is included in these discussions because many of the state’s residents live in rural and frontier areas and have limited healthcare access. Telehealth, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has the potential to change the healthcare landscape throughout Idaho. Currently, the state is lacking a much-needed integrated telehealth system to deliver quality care in rural areas. This presentation will identify the many factors which create a need for telehealth services in Idaho. These …

An Observational Study Among Refugee Students Over 60 Years Old, Rina Rajbahak

College of Health Sciences Presentations

Refugees who come to the United States of America are culturally and linguistically diverse. Adopting a new culture and learning new languages are always a challenge and this is particularly true for older adults. The English Language Center (ELC) and the SHINE program at Boise State University is a platform for older adult refugees to learn and overcome the challenges of adapting to a new place. The observational study is going with the help of center of Aging, Boise State University. The purpose of this observational study is to gather information about the experiences of refugees over the age of …

The Long, Lonely Job Of Homo Academicus: Focusing The Research Lens On The Professor's Own Schedule, John P. Ziker

Boise State University Publications and Presentations

In this piece, anthropologist John Ziker details the first stage of a study of faculty time allocation based on a self-monitoring survey instrument that uses time allocation reporting, a technique used by anthropologists in the field. The first phase of the study found that respondents—all professors at Boise State—spend a large amount of time in meetings and30 percent of their time doing administrative tasks unrelated to teaching and research. Faculty work well over a 40-hour work week, including putting in time off campus and during the weekends. And they spend a majority of time working alone. —Eds.

Adults' Alcohol Consumption Behaviour And Support For Restrictions On Youth-Oriented Alcohol Advertisements, Sandina Begic, Elsa K. M. Howard, Theodore W. Mcdonald

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Research suggests that underage drinking is a serious problem in the United States, and that many of the factors that influence minors to consume alcohol are environmental in their nature. One such factor is youth-oriented alcohol advertisements. Although many adults support restrictions on such advertisements, others do not or do so to a lesser degree. In this study, we explored one factor that may influence how strongly adults support restrictions on youth-oriented alcohol advertisements: The frequency with which adults themselves report consuming alcoholic beverages. A total of 767 adult Idahoans completed a survey asking about a variety of perceptions related …

Project Phit: A 10-Week University Intervention Improves Health-Related Variables, Physical Activity, And Nutrition, Jennifer Ashley Summers

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Despite increasing evidence regarding the benefits of regular physical activity and healthy nutritional habits, a large percentage of the population does not participate in regular exercise or eat the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Previous studies have identified the use of social support as a means to modify health behavior. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a 10-week Project PHIT intervention on university employees’ health behaviors. Grounded in social support theory, Project PHIT was designed to help employees improve health behaviors such as physical activity and nutritional intake, and increase fitness. It was …

Supporting Behavioral Health In Rural Idaho, Susan Esp, Elizabeth "Lee" Hannah

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Multiple factors affect the health of individuals and communities. Current determinants of health addressed by the World Health Organization’s 2020 goals include social factors, physical environments, policymaking, and individual behaviors. Behavioral health, defined here as including both substance use disorders (including alcohol) and mental health disorders, is an additional determinant of physical health that is often disregarded or minimized by current health determinant models. According to L.G. Gamm, S. Stone, and S. Pittman, behavioral health disorders affect approximately half of the population in the United States over a lifetime and are among the most impairing of chronic diseases.

The Impact Of Volunteering On Seniors’ Health And Quality Of Life: An Assessment Of The Retired And Senior Volunteer Program, Theodore W. Mcdonald, Erica L. Chown, Jordan E. Tabb, Amy K. Schaeffer, Elsa K. M. Howard

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Past research suggests that senior citizens often face challenges related to deteriorating physical and men- tal health, and the quality of their lives may suffer as a result. Past research also suggests that volunteering can improve the health and quality of life for seniors. In the present study, 451 volunteers enrolled in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) completed surveys including questions regarding their volunteer experiences and how these experiences have affected their health and quality of life. The results suggest that volunteering through RSVP is associated with improvements in health and quality of life across a variety of …

Extending Global Education Through Remote Laboratory Access, Uwe Reischl, Scott Harris

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Advanced software technologies that are integrated with physical laboratories now allow students and researchers to access laboratory equipment and instruments remotely through the Internet. While this capability has been used in engineering and science education successfully for some time, application of this approach to human factors engineering and ergonomics education is new. The development of a remote ergonomics laboratory based on such an Internet technology is described. The focus of this new laboratory is to provide a method of evaluating protective clothing heat stress using a thermal manikin technology. The laboratory has generated global interest and created international collaboration in …

Assessment Of Satisfaction And Sustainability: The Idaho Healthy Eating, Active Living Network, Kristine E. Balisciano

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, there has been in increased focus, at local, state, and national levels, on addressing health disparities. The purpose of the Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) Idaho Network is to create an environment that allows all its residents access to healthy food options and opportunities for physical activity. The HEAL Idaho Network initiative seeks to accomplish this goal through an expanding collaborative network of organizations, agencies, businesses, and individuals that are concerned about improving the health education and overall well-being of all Idahoans.

The purpose of this study was to assess HEAL member’s levels of satisfaction with the …

Thermal Properties Of Reflective Helmet Exposed To Infrared Radiation, Uwe Reischl, Ravindra S. Goonetilleke

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

The thermodynamic properties of a model infrared heat reflective helmet were evaluated using an advanced thermal manikin technology. The aluminized model helmet was tested for infrared (IR) radiation attenuation properties. Total manikin heat gain and changes in surface temperature were documented for controlled IR radiation exposure levels. The results illustrate the benefits offered by an aluminized reflective surface in attenuating IR radiation and the advantages of using a spacer harness system to minimize radiant heat transfer from the helmet to the head.

Idaho Rural Family Physician Workforce Study: The Community Apgar Questionnaire, D. F. Schmitz, E. Baker, A. Nukui, T. Epperly

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Context: Community factors of varied importance help determine the success of achieving and maintaining a physician workforce. The purpose of this study was to develop an evaluation instrument (Community Apgar Questioinnaire) useful to rural Idaho communities’ in their assessment of the assets and capabilities related to physician recruitment and retention.

Methods: A quantitative scoring interview instrument was developed based on a literature review, site visits and discussions with rural physicians and hospital administrators. A total of 11 rural Idaho communities differing in geography and other known variables were selected, some identified historically to have more success in recruitment and retention …

An Evaluation Of Presence And Source Of Fecal Contamination At Golden Gardens Park, Jamie Minick, Nicola K. Beck, J. Scott Meschke

College of Health Sciences Poster Presentations

Golden Gardens is an 87.8 acre Park in Seattle, WA that has come under recent scrutiny over concerns about water quality in the streams and at the beach. Located just north of Shillshole marina in Seattle it has a swimming beach which is 1439 m in length, as well as a forested region directly east of the beach on a relatively steep hill with several drainages flowing into the sound. The purpose of this study was to assess the levels of indicator bacteria in beach water and in the fresh water drainages and to determine if the bacterial contamination is …

Dhhs' And Epa's Proposal To Lower Fluoride Levels In Drinking Water, Shannon Wirz

College of Health Sciences Poster Presentations

On January 7th, 2011 the U.S. DHHS recommended setting the level of fluoride in drinking water to the lowest end of the current optimal range (0.7 to 1.2 ppm). EPA is initiating a review of the maximum amount of fluoride allowed in drinking water based on scientific assessments of health effects from too much fluoride. MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) is the legal threshold limit on the amount of a substance allowed in public water systems. EPA sets the MCL to address adverse health effects. Current MCL for fluoride is 4 mg/L. The EPA is unsure if they will revise the …

Assessing Community Health Center (Chc) Assets And Capabilities For Recruiting And Retaining Physicians: The Chc Community Apgar Questionnaire, David Schmitz, Ed Baker, Ayaka Nukui, Benjamin Tverdy

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Community factors play a key role in the recruitment and retention of physicians. While prior workforce studies often investigated characteristics of the candidate-physician, the initial Critical Access Hospital Community Apgar Questionnaire (CAH CAQ) study identified community factors at critical access hospitals which help determine the success of achieving and maintaining an adequate local physician workforce. The goals of the current study are to identify opportunities for improvement in physician retention and recruitment in Idaho’s Community Health Center (CHC) systems and to develop a better understanding of the community factors in this dynamic process.

Mental Health And Substance Abuse Issues Among Native Americans Living On A Remote Reservation: Results From A Community Survey, Theodore W. Mcdonald, Mary E. Pritchard

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

The purpose of the study was to document the perceived and actual mental health and substance abuse issues of residents living on a remote reservation in the Northwestern United States. Surveys were completed by 138 Native Americans, who reported on mental health status and problems, perceptions of personal and community health issues on the reservation, and patterns of substance use and abuse (e.g., how often respondents use alcohol, what drugs present the most serious problems on the reservation). The respondents perceived their own mental health to be quite good. However, they reported that several mental health problems were prevalent in …

Rural Idaho Family Physicians’ Scope Of Practice, Ed Baker, David Schmitz, Ted Epperly, Ayaka Nukui, Carissa Moffat Miller

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Context: Scope of practice is an important factor in both training and recruiting rural family physicians.

Purpose: To assess rural Idaho family physicians’ scope of practice and to examine variations in scope of practice across variables such as gender, age and employment status.

Methods: A survey instrument was developed based on a literature review and was validated by physician educators, practicing family physicians and executives at the state hospital association. This survey was mailed to rural family physicians practicing in Idaho counties with populations of less than 50,000. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed to describe and compare scope …

The Healthy Food Slide Rule (Hfsr): A Nutrition Education Tool For Children, Elaine M. Long, Uwe Reischl, Barbara B. Abo

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Healthy Food Slide Rule (HFSR) is a new educational tool designed specifically for use by school children in grades 4-6. The HFSR teaches the importance of including the 5 food groups and the importance of complying with appropriate portion sizes as presented in MyPyramid.^{1, 2} The portion size information included in the HFSR combines the healthy eating and physical activity messages offered by MyPyramid for Kids.^{3, 4} The new tool can be easily incorporated into existing math lessons (weights, measures, and fractions), into language arts lessons, or into science lessons.⁵

The Relationship Between Nurse To Population Ratio And State Health Ranking, Jeri Bigbee

Nursing Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between nurse to population ratio and population health, as indicated by state health ranking.

Design: Secondary analysis correlational design.

Sample: The sample consisted of all fifty states in the U.S.

Measurements: Data sources included the United Health Foundation’s 2006 state health rankings, the 2004 National Sample Survey for Registered Nurses, and the U.S. Health Workforce Profile from the New York Center for Health Workforce Studies.

Results: Significant relationships between nurse to population ratio and state health ranking (rho = -.446, p =.001) and 11 of the 18 components of the overall ranking (motor vehicle death …

Impact Of Pedometer Use And Self-Regulation Strategies On Junior High School Physical Education Students' Daily Step Counts, Jane Shimon, Linda M. Petlichkoff

Kinesiology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of pedometer use and self-regulation strategies on adolescents’ daily physical activity.

Methods: Junior high school students (n = 113) enrolled in seventh- and eighth-grade physical education classes (52 girls, 61 boys) volunteered to participate in a 5-week study to assess daily step counts. Ten physical education classes were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (a) self-regulation, (b) open, and (c) control.

Results: A repeated-measures, mixed-model analysis of variance revealed a significant 3 × 4 (Group by Time) interaction effect, F_6,290 = 2.64, P < .02. Followup analyses indicated participants in the self-regulation group took 2071 to 4141 more steps/d than the control. No other significant differences emerged among groups on step counts.

Conclusions: It appears that …

Elders With Diabetes: Implications For Depression Screening, Cynthia Clinkingbeard

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Diabetes has been concluded to be a global epidemic (Wild, Sicree, Roger, King & Green, 2004). By the year 2030, it is predicted that depression will become the second leading cause of disability worldwide (World Health Organization [WHO], 2007). The relationship between diabetes and depression is likely not casual.

Those with diabetes are twice as likely to develop depression (Eaton, Armenian, Gallo, Pratt & Ford, 1996; Kawakami, Shimizu, Takatsuka, & Ishibashi, 1999). Conversely, diabetes doubles the likelihood of comorbid depression (Anderson, Clouse, Freedland & Lustman, 2001). The intersection of these two devastating diseases is far from benign. Black, Markides and …

Risk Of Childhood Cancers Associated With Residence In Agriculturally Intense Areas In The United States, Susan E. Carozza, Bo Li, Kai Elgethun, Ryan Whitworth

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: The potential for widespread exposure to agricultural pesticides through drift during application raises concerns about possible health effects to exposed children living in areas of high agricultural activity.

Objectives: We evaluated whether residence in a county with greater agricultural activity was associated with risk of developing cancer in children < 15 years of age.

Methods: Incidence data for U.S. children 0–14 years of age diagnosed with cancer between 1995 and 2001 were provided by member registries of the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries. We determined percent cropland for each county using agricultural census data, and used the overall study distribution to classify …

The Psychological Effects Of Exposure To Wartime Trauma In Bosnian Residents And Refugees: Implications For Treatment And Service Provision, Sandina Begic, Theodore Mcdonald

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

It has been widely reported that exposure to war-related trauma leads to psychological distress in human beings, and it has been hypothesized that this psychological distress may be compounded when people leave their war-torn countries and begin their lives as refugees in a new country. In this study, we explored whether a systematic relationship existed between the level of traumatic wartime events experienced by Bosnian residents and refugees living in the western United States and their levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. We also explored whether differences in levels of these mental health problems existed between Bosnian …

The Influence Of Social Status On Token Women Leaders’ Expectations About Leading Male-Dominated Groups, Theodore W. Mcdonald, Loren L. Toussaint, Jennifer A. Schweiger

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Prior research has shown that women report mostly negative expectations about being a gender-token in male-dominated work groups. We speculate that this is partially caused by the socially-ascribed status devaluation of women. In the present study we investigated the degree to which elevated social status may lessen negative expectations of gender-token women assigned to leadership positions. Sixty-three undergraduate women participated in one of three tokenism conditions: 1) nontoken, 2) gender-token, and 3) high-status gender-token. In all conditions participants were led to believe that they would be leading a group of men in a decision-making exercise. Leader expectations were then assessed. …