Public Health Commons^™

Awareness Of And Rights Related To The Patient Self-Determination Act Of 1990 By Selected Post-Adolescent College Students, Toni M. Vargas

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Patient Self-Determination Act was effective in providing information to young adults and will young adults not only have an accurate understanding of their health care rights but sufficient opportunity to exercise those rights. From a sample of convenience, 83 college students were randomly selected to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire contained 71 questions devised to reflect various aspects of the Patient Self-Determination Act. Five additional questions were asked to determine a generalized profile of the students. Data analysis of the responses identified 5 significant legal misunderstandings and 5 significant medical …

An Assessment Of Food Sanitation Knowledge And Practice Of Restaurant Workers In Taichung City, Taiwan, Shiow-Fu Sheu

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

Taichung city is located in the western middle part of Taiwan, with a population of nearly 800,000. The total number of food service establishments in Taichung City is more than 10,000. Among these, nearly 2000 of the food establishments are considered restaurants. For such a large number of restaurants, the total number of food sanitation inspectors is 16. In order to overcome the shortage of the food inspector manpower problem, Taichung City Health Department has set up a "Food Sanitation Self-inspection Program", in an effort to encourage the restaurants to direct more attention to food sanitation problems. In the meantime, …

The Relationship Of Educational Attainment And Socioeconomic Factors In The Health Behaviors Of An Urban Population, George C. Maihafer

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The purpose of this study was two fold: 1) to investigate the effects that level of educational attainment and income have on the health behaviors of an urban population, and 2) to examine the effects the level of motivation and selected demographic characteristics (e.g., age, race, gender) have on the study sample's perceived satisfaction with the medical encounter. Based on the findings of the study, a model community health education program was proposed. The study sample was comprised of 150 volunteers seeking health care for chronic conditions at a family practice clinic. The Krantz Health Opinion Survey (HOS) measured the …

A Descriptive Study Of Commitment Practices In A Selected Jurisdiction, Louis A. Pesnicak

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

This study examines the application of commitment procedures in one urban community in Virginia. The study investigated: the concordance rates of clinical recommendation for treatment and the outcome of the commitment hearing. the time lapse between detention of an individual and the hearing outcome. the presenting symptomatology and outcome. and the pre-detention compliance to treatment and outcome. The study's findings showed a concordance rate of 64% between clinical recommendation and outcome. It provided no significant differences in symptomatology/outcome, compliance/outcome, and time lapse/outcome. The lack of any significant findings seems to suggest that application of commitment laws might benefit from institution …

An Analysis Of Quality Assessment Efforts In Health Care, Margaret M. Curran

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine whether consensus could be reached by experts in the field of quality assurance on the most important indicators of health care quality and to determine whether cause and effect relationship could be attributed to the process and outcome indicators suggested in our survey. We invited participation by a representative sample of experts in a Delphi Panel to address these issues. There were 49 respondants to our Round One Questionnaire and they evaluated the relative importance of 50 process and 50 outcome indicators. Panelists were asked to establish cause and effect relationships between …

Identification Of Health Promotion Behaviors, Perceived Health Status And Perceived Health Education Needs Of Older Women, Susan Carol Fellinger Reynolds

Ellmer School of Nursing Theses & Dissertations

The health-promoting behaviors, perceived health status, and perceived health education needs of older women were identified in this non-experimental, descriptive, correlational study. Fifty women over 60 years of age, living in three housing complexes for the elderly, disabled and handicapped in two southeastern United States cities were asked to complete The Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile, The Perceived Health Status Questionnaire, The Health Education Needs Questionnaire, and Demographic Data Sheet. It was concluded that the women engaged in a high level of health-promoting behaviors. The participants rated their health as good and rated their health as good compared to that of other …

Identification And Ranking Of Stressors Specific To The Acute Head Care Nurse, Joan A. Breen

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Quantitative Respirator Fit Testing: Probed Facepiece Versus Probed Cartridge, Sonya Melissa Seward

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

This study was performed to determine if there is a quantifiable difference between quantitative fit testing using a probed facepiece and a probed cartridge. Four subjects were tested on four different respirators. The respirators used were MSA & 3M full and half face respirator. Each subject performed each method five times per respirator. The results indicated no correlation between the two fit testing methods overall. However, a moderate correlation was found between the MSA respirators and the two methods. This study found many variables which influence fit testing. These include the type of respirator used (brand and facepiece), the probe …

Effects Of Applied Soil Repellent Finish On Pesticide Residues In Work Clothing, Sandra L. Prior

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

This study explores the feasibility of using an applied soil repellent finish, Scotchgard, on 100% cotton denim fabric in order to enhance the removal of atrazine and alachlor residue during the laundering process. The experimental findings provided no statistically significant evidence that Scotchgard fabric protector reduced pesticide residuals on the 100% cotton denim fabric either before or after laundering. A significant finding secondary to the study involved the possible interaction of Scotchgard with the pesticide alachlor, leaving greater amounts of residual on the fabric after laundering than those found with no fabric treatment. This suggests that agricultural workers be cautioned …

An Analysis Of Selected Family Life Education Curricula, Phoebe Terry Butler

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the content of family life education curricula in Virginia's public schools and determine its appropriateness for the mentally handicapped students. It was the intent of this study to determine if existing curricula were designed to address the needs of mentally handicapped students according to a standard curricula designed by the American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation and the Sex Information and Education Council of the United States. The 15 participants of this study were selected from a random sample of 69. The response rate was 20.2%.

A letter soliciting family …

Identification And Ranking Of Stressors In Nuclear Medicine Technology, Scott R. Sechrist

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the most significant stressors in the field of nuclear medicine technology. A sample of convenience of 25 nuclear medicine technologists was used to generate a list of 35 stressors specific to the occupation. Sixty-three randomly selected nuclear medicine technologists responded to a mailed questionnaire which asked the technologist to assess the relative stressfulness of each of the 35 items on a scale of "0 to 1000". Data from the 59 valid responses indicated that equipment malfunctions, add on exams, uncooperative physicians, lack of staff, and uncooperative patients were the most significant stressors …

Motivation And Job Satisfaction Of Direct Care Mental Health Practitioners In A Residential Treatment Center, Joann Zitt

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the general Job satisfaction level of direct care mental health employees and to determine any significant differences in Job satisfaction levels between fulltime and part-time employees. The sample consisted of 60 direct care mental health employees In a residential treatment center in Virginia. There were 28 respondents for a 47% response rate.

The 20 item Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (Short Form> and a demographic questionnaire were the survey instruments used. Respondents were satisfied with 13 Instrument items and undecided about seven of the items. Statistically significant differences occurred in relation to demographic variables …

Health Status And Perceived Health Care Needs Of Female Veterans Of The Armed Services, Nancy Einstein Camp

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to assess the occurrence of genderspecific health problems within the female veteran population of Tidewater, Virginia. A secondary purpose was to determine the perceived quality of care which the Veterans Administration delivers. The study was accomplished by receiving 149 mailed questionnaires regarding health status and health care received from the Veterans Administration. Chi square was utilized to determine significant differences between branch of service served and heal th status. Army veterans had significantly higher incidences of heart disease, diabetes and stomach ulcers. Among the other branches of service (Air Force. Navy, Marines, Coast Guard), …

Reliability Of Q-Angle Measurement, Elisabeth Ann Grusheski

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

Various methods of measuring the Q-angle are reported in the literature. The reliability of these measurement methods has not been established. The purpose of this study was to examine the intra- and inter-tester reliability of a method for measuring the Q-angle using a goniometer. The measurement method was performed on 40 normal, healthy subjects who volunteered to participate in the study. There were 27 female subjects and 13 male subjects.

Two physical therapists (Tester 1 and Tester 2) took repeated Q-angle measurements. Measurements were taken on the same day with an interval of five to 10 minutes between measurements. Measurements …

An Analysis And Evaluation On Printed Materials Used In Genetic Counseling, Janet L. Macarthur

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine printed educational materials on five specific genetic disabilities and evaluate them for appropriateness of reading level and for inclusion of several specific issues related to the adequacy of the literature. Publicly available literature was analyzed using the Flesch-Kincaid Readability Formula and content analysis to estimate readability and to test for the presence of a definition of the disorder, a description of the basic genetics of the disorder and its symptomology, references to support groups and references for further information.

The data indicate that a definition of the disorder was included in 85% …

The Application Of The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales Administered To 20 Developmentally Delayed Children, Jan H. Henderson

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to provide physical and occupational therapists with empirical data and clinical information that will enable them to better understand and utilize the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS) in the assessment of children who potentially may need physical and/or occupational therapy. The PDMS was administered to 20 developmentally delayed children between the ages of 24 and 83 months, who were receiving both physical and occupational therapy in the Chesapeake Public School System. The PDMS was also administered to 20 normal subjects between the ages of 24 and 77 months that were volunteers from the PTA …

An Evaluation Of Injury Incidence And Typology In Industry, Shirlee Ann Brooks

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

In a retrospective study, 84 subjects treated for industrial injuries at one urgent care center during one calendar year were analyzed. The parameters evaluated were type of industry engaged in, type of injury sustained, and body part affected by the injury. All subjects were categorized within these parameters. Statistical analysis was performed by frequency distribution and Chi Square. Results obtained showed a statistically significant difference in distribution of various types of injuries that affected different body parts. It also revealed a significant difference in the distribution of types of injuries incurred by workers in different types of industry. It failed, …

The Relationship Between Multiple Health Factors, Demographics, And Body Weight, Glenda J. Potter

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test the relationship between regular aerobic exercise and body weight. It was the intent of this study to determine if a person who regularly exercises at either high or moderate levels can maintain their body weight at desired levels as specified by the Body Mass Index (BMI). The participants in this study were selected from hospital employees, class members of aerobic classes and/or adult walkers/joggers. There were 38 participants-- 13 males and 25 females.

A self administered questionnaire and a 3-day, 24-hour dietary log were identified to comprise the instrument as well as …

Tardive Dyskinesia: A Prevalence Study In An Outpatient Population, Virginia J. Ravizza

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this prevalence study was to assess the occurrence of tardive dyskinesia among a chronically mentally ill sample of a suburban mental health clinic. The participants in this study were selected from clients of a suburban mental health clinic who agreed to participate in this prevalence study. There were 45 participants--17 males and 28 females.

The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) was selected as the instrument to measure the abnormal involuntary movements exhibited by the participants of the study on the day of testing. The testing occurred during a specific time period, June 8, 1987 to July 2, …

Reactions Of Organic N-Chloramines In The Gastric Fluid Of The Rat, Kathryn E. Mazina

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Using chlorine as a drinking water disinfectant may have potential health effects due to its reactivity with organic amino nitrogen compounds found in the stomach. Organic N-chloramines have been shown to form in the stomachs of laboratory rats. The possible reactions of N-chloramines in the stomach fluid were examined in this study using a model radiolabeled N-chloramine. ³⁶Cl-N-Chloropiperidine, was synthesized and purified to remove ³⁶Cl-chloride. Stomach fluid was obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats which had been first fasted for 24 or 48 hours and then administered 3 mL of deionized water. Different concentrations of radiolabeled chloramine were reacted with …

Preferred Provider Organizations: Developmental Indicators, Marcia Anne Guida

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine what factors, if any, led to the development of a preferred provider organization and if these factors were related to sponsorship. A survey instrument was developed and mailed to a random sampling of 90 existing preferred provider organizations' executive directors for their completion. A Two-Factor Contingency Table Analysis was compiled. Chi-square, and the Contingency factor, C, were computed and tested at the .05 level of significance. First and second preference analyses were done on the responses to developmental indicators. Mean percentages were tallied for: sponsorship, tax status, alternative delivery systems in the …

Factors That Influence Prepared Childbirth Couples' Use Of Epidural Anesthesia For Labor And Delivery, Terri S. Chambers

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence a Prepared Childbirth couple's decision to utilize epidural anesthesia for labor and delivery. Review of the literature indicated a high correlation between epidural use for uncomplicated labors and deliveries and a high incidence of maternal complications and low neonatal neurological and behavioral scores.

A sample of twenty-nine couples was used in this prospective, non-experimental field study for the research. Data were collected utilizing two developed demographic and factual event tools, Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Tool and Spanier's Dyadic Marital Adjustment Tool.

Three hypotheses were developed and data were …

The Effectiveness Of Stimulation Therapy For The Cognitively Impaired Elderly, Sylvia H. Old

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The effectiveness of stimulation therapy for the cognitively impaired elderly living in an institution was assessed. Residents with varying degrees of cognitive impairment were treated with twenty, thirty-minute daily periods of reality orientation, reminiscence, resocialization, remotivation, and other stimulating therapies and were compared with a control group_ receiving no intervention. Treatment effects were assessed with a variety of instruments reflecting functioning across several domains. Included were ability to perform both basic self-care functions and activities of daily living, cognitive performance, affect, and satisfaction with the care received and the living environment in the nursing home. The experimental group was divided …

Correlates Of Knowledge And Locus Of Control On Burden In Professional Caregivers Of Alzheimer's Disease Victims In Three Institution Types, Ruth A. Manning-Gay

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

In assessing professional caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease victims, this study tested whether, 1) knowledge would influence perceptions of burden in providing care to such patients, and if 2) individual locus of control would influence perceptions of burden in caring for; Alzheimer's I patients. Professional nurses (BSN's, RN's, and LPN's) from nursing banes, hospitals and psychiatric facilities were asked to complete a three part survey. Three instruments were utilized in this study: the Burden Self-Interview by Zarit, Reeves and Bach-Peterson and adapted for professional caregivers, a 15 item knowledge quiz and the North Carolina Internal External scale (short form) by Schopler, …

An Analysis Of A Sample Of Parents And University Freshmen In Regard To Their Attitudes Toward The Needs Of Sex Education In Community Schools, Linda C. Aleksa

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

This study attempted to investigate a sample of both parents' and college freshmens' attitudes toward sex education, and the content and timing of sex education in the Tidewater schools. Two Likert-type scales each containing ten statements were administered in order to survey attitudes. A statistically significant difference was found in scores on the attitude toward content and timing of sex education scale between parents and college freshmen. Parents demonstrated a more favorable attitude toward sex education as an integral component of the overall educational curriculum. The majority of parents indicated support for including important aspects such as reproduction and indicated …

Evaluation Of The Impact Of A Health Education Program On The Rate Of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In A Selected Female Outpatient Population, Lo Lumsden

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The present study attempted to assess the impact of a health education program focused on those preventive measures or avoidance behaviors an individual could incorporate. into daily living to reduce the incidence of urinary tract . infections. An experimental group, consisting of seventeen volunteers was exposed to a health. education program, and then compared to a seventeen member control group. A statistically significant reduction in the incidence of cystitis, occurred within the experimental group after health education intervention. The results were not statistically significant when the experimental post-test was compared with the control post-test.

The Effects Of Family Counseling On The Treatment Of Juvenile Status Offenders Of The Norfolk Juvenile And Domestic Relations Court, Valerie Karen Freeman

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The present study was conducted as a service to ~e Norfolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, to determine if the family counseling service administered by the Diversion Department, could significantly reduce the recidivism rate among juvenile status offenders (JSOs). A retrospective design was employed in order to examine the records of 74 JSOs, who came in contact with the Intake Department of the Norfolk Juvenile Court in 1978. The recidivism rate was recorded, and data analyzed from a two year intervention period. Ss consisted of 37 JSOs who received family counseling (experimental group), and 37 JSOs who did not receive …