Public Health Commons^™

Health Policy & Management News, Georgia Southern University

Health Policy & Community Health: News & Publications (2011-2018)

• Georgia Southern Estimates the Effects of Smoking Bans on Neonatal Health

College Of Public Health News, Georgia Southern University

College of Public Health: News & Publications

• Georgia Southern Examines Respiratory Depositions of Endotoxins in Homes Burning Biomass Fuels

Environmental Health News, Georgia Southern University

Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Environmental Health Sciences: News & Publications (2011-2018)

• Georgia Southern Examines Respiratory Depositions of Endotoxins in Homes Burning Biomass Fuels

Continuum Of A Declining Trend In Correct Self-Perception Of Body Weight Among American Adults, Amber Morgan

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Background: Over the past few decades, the prevalence of obesity in the United States has steadily increased with the proportion of obese Americans projected to be about fifty percent in 2030. With more than half of adults being overweight or obese (OW/OB), an increasing number of adults failed to accurately perceive body weight, which may be a major barrier to weight loss strategies, thus, presenting a substantial challenge to prevention efforts. The objective of this study was to assess the dynamic trend of body weight related self-perception among American adults and provide recommendations for improving obesity prevention strategies.

Methods …

Inhalable Exposure Levels Of Airborne Mold Spores In Rural Georgia Homes, Jacquelyn Lewis, Alli Mcinerney, Errol Spence, Bushra Shah, Atin Adhikari

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Exposure to mold is known to cause allergic symptoms. Most molds produce highly allergenic proteins or glycoproteins that can cause hypersensitivity diseases in susceptible hosts. Between 10% and 60% of genetically susceptible persons develop immediate hypersensitivity to mold. The Institute of Medicine report on Damp Indoor Spaces and Health states that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that a causal relationship exists between the presence of mold and upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, hypersensitivity pneumonitis in susceptible persons, wheeze, and asthma symptoms in sensitized asthmatic persons. To our knowledge, no research has been conducted in rural Georgia to test the …

Predictors Of Having Hpv Vaccination Among Young Adults: A Brfss 2014 Study, Deborah Kanda

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Goals and Objectives

The objective of this study is to evaluate the association of social determinants of health on HPV vaccination rates among adults between the ages of 18-34 years.

Theoretical Framework

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Vaccination has been found to lower the risk of HPV infection. However, HPV vaccination rates still lag behind compared to other recommended vaccines for the same age group. Investigating and addressing factors that affect HPV vaccination rates would support efforts to increase vaccination.

Methodology/Data

Data from the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used for this study. The eight …

Effects Of Serum Levels Of Vitamin A And Precursors On Colorectal Cancer Mortlaity, Chimuanya Okoli

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Objective: To examine the relationship between serum levels of Vitamin A and precursors on Colorectal cancer mortality. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 14,358 adults who participated in NHANES III. Data was collected via in home interviews and visits by participants to a mobile examination centre for blood sample collection. Characteristics such as family income, educational attainment, marital status, race and ethnicity, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, self reported health, type of resident, body size, cancer status at base line, vegetable consumption and fruit juice consumption were examined. Hazard ratio estimates for all-cause and cancer-related deaths among individuals with …

Association Between Fruit And Vegetable Consumption And Sleep Quantity In Pregnant Women, Kassandra Snook

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

The National Sleep Foundation recommends an average sleep time duration of 7-9 hours per day for adults aged 18-64 years old. Unfortunately, women are prone to encounter sleep disruptions during pregnancy that can prevent them from the recommended amount of sleep. Poor sleep during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for birth complications, including low birth weight and stillbirth. Studies have found that sleeping less and poor sleep quality is associated with lower consumption of fruits and vegetables and good sleep quality/adequate sleep is associated with increased fruit and vegetable consumption. The objective of this study was to determine …

Effect Of Natural Products On Overall Microbial Activity In Household Items, Teyaijah Givens, Nosa Lloyd Nwaonumah, Brittany Loadholt, Bushra Shah, Atin Adhikari

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Indoor contamination from microorganisms is an important health hazard issue (e.g., respiratory allergy, infections, and food contamination). Particularly, growth of molds and bacteria in damp environmental conditions could be hazardous for the occupants susceptible to microbial allergens. The growing awareness concerning the adverse effects of chlorine bleach and cleaning chemicals calls for field-testing new natural ingredients with functional properties against microorganisms. Essential oils possess a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity, which may be of great importance for controlling indoor microbial exposure. The objective of this study was to investigate how microbial growth in different surfaces of homes reacted to the …

Microbial Activity And Airborne Culturable Microbial Concentrations In South Georgia Homes, Alli Mcinerney, Jacquelyn Lewis, Errol Spence, Bushra Shah, Atin Adhikari

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Indoor microorganisms and microbial allergens can lead to harmful respiratory effects in the human body such as allergies, asthma, chronic bronchitis, infections, and even contamination of food stuffs. This study was conducted in order to test the indoor microbial pollutants in local Statesboro homes, and relate the findings to respiratory disease symptoms of occupants. Thus far, samples have been collected and data analyzed for 15 homes. This specific part of the study focuses on the amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in homes. ATP is a source of energy produced through glucose metabolism and the citric acid cycle. ATP levels can …

Using The Theory Of Reasoned Action To Examine The Knowledge, Attitudes, And Beliefs Among Georgia Physicians Towards The Therapeutic Use Of Medical Cannabis, Shannon Antoine-Hardy

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

An understanding of the current status of Georgia physiciansÕ knowledge level and attitudes towards medical Cannabis (MC) still remains unknown. Obtaining this information is essential in determining acceptance of MC within local medical communities, as well as influencing the outcomes of political efforts at both the state and federal level. Because science of medical cannabis is generally not required in todayÕs medical training, it is imperative that physicians and other health care professionals close the education gap on MC in clinical care. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to examine physicians' attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs towards the therapeutic use …

Effect Of Natural Products Against Growth Of Three Allergenic And Toxigenic Molds, Brittany Loadholt, Teyaijah Givens, Nosa Lloyd Nwaonumah, Bushra Shah, Atin Adhikari

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Dampness and fungal exposures in buildings are widespread, with estimates ranging from 18% to 50% of buildings being affected. Of the 21.8 million people reported to have asthma in the USA, approximately 4.6 million cases are attributable to dampness and mold exposure in the home. Consequent national annual cost of asthma is about $3.5 billion. Several fungal genera from damp environments were reported to be associated with allergy and/or asthma and some species can release mycotoxins in the environment. Although there are several mold inhibitor or disinfectant solutions and sprays available in the market for cleaning and inhibiting mold growth, …

Secondary Data Analysis Based On Children Health Survey: On Factors Associated To Overall Dental Health Of Children In Usa, Kavita Gohil

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

The mouth is the portal of entry into the body, thus it is essential to attain and maintain oral health care. This process begins from the early period of life. Humans have two sets of teeth, and they start developing even before birth and development lasts till the age of around 25 years. Thus it is essential to take care of teeth during early stages of life, as they can affect overall well-being of the human. This paper describes how children's oral health is affected by external and internal factors and also risk factors which are associated with their oral …

The Impact Of A Nutrition Education Intervention On Self-Reported Feelings Of Food Insecurity, Caitlin Koch

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Abstract Unavailable

Analysis Of Relapse In Leukemia Patients With Missing Data Using An Extension Of The Em Algorithm, Braydon Schaible

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are two types of acute leukemia. When complete remission of leukemia has not been achieved or the disease refracts to its stage in initial chemotherapy, relapse occurs. Leukemia has poor prognosis for patients with relapse. This sample included AML and ALL patients. The purpose of this study was to use and extension of the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm in order to find significant factors that affect the occurrence of relapse in leukemia patients with missing data.

Methods: The EM logistic model consists of three steps. First, the initial logistic regression intercept …

Airborne Bacterial Exposure At Workers' Breathing Height In An Organic Farm Of Rural Georgia, Tedd Gandy, Nabanita Mukherjee, Bushra Shah, Subhrajit K. Saha, Pratik Banerjee, Atin Adhikari

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Organic farming has potentials to contribute substantially to future sustainable agricultural production by improving soil quality, pest control, and reduction of adverse environmental impacts in rural agricultural communities. On the other hand, application of natural farmyard manure may increase the microbial biomass in this environment and consequently microbial exposure levels among workers could be increased. To explore this possibility of excess exposure, particularly to airborne bacteria, we conducted air sampling at the vicinity of poultry and dairy sections of a large organic farm in a rural Georgia location. For air sampling, a Biostage viable cascade impactor was utilized, which comprises …

Effect Of Air Flow Rates In Versatrap Slit Impactor Cassettes On The Collection Of Atmospheric Mold Spores In A Rural Community, Bushra Shah, Tedd Gandy, Oreoluwa Adeyinka, Galela Shebani, Atin Adhikari

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Exposure to mold allergens including mold spores and hyphal fragments are associated with allergic sensitization which is a risk factor for asthma in a community. Smaller aerodynamic size of spores (åµm) allows them to penetrate and settle in the lower airways and produce damaging byproducts (allergens, glucans, mycotoxins, and other immunomodulators). Usually mold spores in ambient atmosphere are collected by impactors in air monitoring stations and in most cases these impactors are operated in a single standard air flow rate. However, sampling efficiency of an impactor can change in different air flow rates and since spore aerodynamic sizes vary a …

Ebola And Social Media, Kathryn C. Finch

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

We were interested in knowing the impact of social media during the 2014-2015 West Africa Ebola epidemic. The aim of this systematic review is to provide clinicians, public health practitioners and policy-makers with a comprehensive overview of the up-to-date literature on Ebola and social media. We critically appraised the quality and utility of these studies, and identified the gaps in our current understanding that invite further research efforts. In particular, we focused on the research questions and the methods of the studies: a) What were the research questions of a given study? b) What study design and research methods were …

College Of Public Health News, Georgia Southern University

College of Public Health: News & Publications

• Health Care Supply Chain Management : Elements, Operations and Strategies
• Georgia Southern Compares efficiencies of Diagnostic Odds Ratio

Health Policy & Management News, Georgia Southern University

Health Policy & Community Health: News & Publications (2011-2018)

• Health Care Supply Chain Management: Elements, Operations and Strategies

College Of Public Health News, Georgia Southern University

College of Public Health: News & Publications

• Georgia Southern Students assess characteristics for weight underestimation of children with obesity
• Georgia Southern Identified Social Marketing Concepts That inform Program adaptation

Epidemiology News, Georgia Southern University

Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Environmental Health Sciences: News & Publications (2011-2018)

• Georgia Southern students assess characteristics for weight underestimation of children with obesity

Community Health News, Georgia Southern University

Health Policy & Community Health: News & Publications (2011-2018)

• Georgia Southern Identified Social Marketing Concepts that Inform Program Adaptation

Winning The Obesity Battle, Daniel S. Blumenthal

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Winning the Obesity Battle

Addressing Childhood Obesity In Georgia: Past, Present, And Future, Debra L. Kibbe, Emily Anne Vall, Christine Green, Brenda F. Fitzgerald, Karen J. Minyard, Kelly Cornett

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The Trust for America's Health ranks Georgia 17th (16.5%) in the nation for childhood obesity prevalence among youth aged 10-17 years. Georgia has a long history of addressing childhood obesity at the state, regional, and local levels. This report outlines the historical efforts in childhood obesity in Georgia from the mid-1990’s to the present, summarizes current childhood obesity prevention and management strategies, and provides childhood obesity-related data relevant to the current strategies.

Methods: Childhood obesity-related efforts in Georgia from 1996 to the present are documented, along with how these efforts led to the creation of Georgia Shape. The Georgia …

Adapting A Physical Activity Intervention For Youth In A Rural Area: A Case Study, Moya L. Alfonso, Gavin Golquitt, Ashley Walker, Akrati Gupta

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Physical activity offers children and youth many well-documented positive effects on health. The present study adapted a community-based prevention marketing campaign (CBPM), VERBTM Summer Scorecard (VSS) to promote physical activity among minority youth in rural, southeast Georgia. The purpose of this paper is to describe the adaptation process, emphasizing methods used and lessons learned.

Methods: A qualitative study design was used to identify social marketing concepts that informed program adaptation, including two focus groups with 12 children and two focus groups with 14 parents. Qualitative thematic data analysis was used to analyze formative research. The adapted program was implemented …

Context Matters: A Community-Based Study Of Urban Minority Parents’ Views On Child Health, Cassandra L. Bolar, Natalie Hernandez, Tabia Henry Akintobi, Calvin Mcallister, Aneeqah S. Ferguson, Latrice Rollins, Glenda Wrenn, Martha Okafor, David Collins, Thomas Clem

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Among children, there are substantial ethno-racial minority disparities across a broad range of health-related behaviors, experiences, and outcomes. Addressing these disparities is important, as childhood and adolescence establish health trajectories that extend throughout life.

Methods: The current study employed a community-based participatory research approach to gain community insight on child health priorities and to frame an intervention aimed at improving the health of minority children. Eight focus groups were conducted among seventy-five African American parents in a Southeastern city. The current study was guided by an ecological theoretical framework.

Results: Although the focus of this investigation was on community …

A Review Of Community-Based Participatory Research Studies To Promote Physical Activity Among African Americans, Steven S. Coughlin, Selina A. Smith

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: As part of the planning process for new research, the literature on community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches for promoting physical activity in African American communities was systematically reviewed.

Methods: Studies published through October 31, 2015 that employed CBPR methods were identified using PubMed and CINAHL databases and MeSH terms and keyword searches.

Results: A total of 15 studies met the search criteria. One focused on CBPR and physical activity among African American school children and adolescents, 13 on adults, and one on both children and adults. Seven studies employed CBPR methods to promote physical activity in church settings. Eight …

Gender Disparities In Weight Gain Among Offenders Who Are Obese Upon Entering Correctional Facilities, Madison L. Gates, Nancy C. Webb, Rebecca Stone, Darra Ballance, Wonsuk Yoo

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Obesity is a significant health issue for offenders, who have a higher prevalence of obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes, compared to non-incarcerated populations. Within incarcerated populations, there are obesity disparities in terms of race, gender, and age, as well as excess weight gain during incarceration.

Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted for 2005 – 2010 in collaboration with a Department of Corrections in the east south central region of the United States. From electronic health records of 10,841 offenders, weight, height, and demographic data were extracted. As determined from these data, 2,622 offenders met the inclusion criteria (two or …

Growing Fit: Georgia’S Model For Engaging Early Care Environments In Preventing Childhood Obesity, Kelsey Mcdavid, Catalina Piedrahita, Emily A. Vall, Christi Kay, Jean O’Connor

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: In the United States, one in three children is overweight or obese by their fifth birthday. In Georgia, 35 percent of children are overweight or obese. Contrary to popular belief, children who are overweight or obese are unlikely to outgrow their weight status as adults, making early childhood an essential time to address weight status. An estimated 380,000 Georgia children attend early care and education environments, such as licensed child care centers, Head Start, and pre-kindergarten programs, which provide an opportunity to reach large numbers of children, including those at risk for obesity and overweight.

Methods: To address this …