Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Discipline
- Keyword
-
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) School of Public Health (199)
- Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) School of Public Health (127)
- Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) School of Public Health (32)
- Master of Science (MS) School of Public Health (21)
- Obesity (12)
-
- HIV (10)
- Adolescents (8)
- COVID-19 (8)
- Hypertension (8)
- HPV (7)
- Mortality (7)
- African American (6)
- Physical activity (6)
- Power (6)
- Cancer (5)
- Epidemiology (5)
- Left ventricular hypertrophy (5)
- Pregnancy (5)
- Sample size re-estimation (5)
- Screening (5)
- Alabama (4)
- Coronary heart disease (4)
- Heart failure (4)
- Longitudinal (4)
- Social Determinants of Health (4)
- Women (4)
- Birth outcomes (3)
- Black (3)
- Blood pressure (3)
- COPD (3)
- Publication Year
- Publication Type
Articles 241 - 270 of 417
Full-Text Articles in Public Health
Acculturation And Social Support As Predictors Of Physical Activity In A Web-Based Intervention For Latinas, Tanya Benitez
Acculturation And Social Support As Predictors Of Physical Activity In A Web-Based Intervention For Latinas, Tanya Benitez
All ETDs from UAB
Latinas in the United States report high levels of physical inactivity and are disproportionately burdened by associated chronic diseases, demonstrating the need for innovative approaches to reducing these disparities. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate self-reported changes in physical activity and social support, and to examine the association between physical activity and acculturation, following a one month culturally and linguistically adapted, theory-driven (Social Cognitive Theory and Transtheoretical Model) Internet-based physical activity intervention for Latina adults. Data was collected from Spanish-speaking Latinas (N=24) between the ages of 21-61 years (M=35.17, SD=11.22) enrolled in a web-based physical activity pilot …
Predictors Of Outcomes In Patients With Ventricular Assist Devices, Amelia Katharine Boehme
Predictors Of Outcomes In Patients With Ventricular Assist Devices, Amelia Katharine Boehme
All ETDs from UAB
Ventricular assist devices (VAD) are used as a bridge to transplant and to increase the quality of life in advanced heart failure patients. The use of the VAD is not without risks itself, with an increased risk of thromboembolism, hemorrhage and death. Therefore, we aimed to (1) evaluate predictors of thromboembolism; (2) design a score to predict hemorrhages in VAD patients; and (3) evaluate the change in kidney function post-VAD implant and to investigate the relationship between kidney function and mortality in VAD patients using data collected from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Mechanical Circulatory Support Clinic. Over the …
Exposure To Methylmercury Via Fish Consumption In Ghana And An Evaluation Of Methylmercury Toxicity Under A Low Food Ration In Daphnia Pulex, Dzigbodi Adzo Doke
Exposure To Methylmercury Via Fish Consumption In Ghana And An Evaluation Of Methylmercury Toxicity Under A Low Food Ration In Daphnia Pulex, Dzigbodi Adzo Doke
All ETDs from UAB
For many people of the world, fish is a primary source of protein, especially in countries like Ghana, where about 60% of the protein consumed is derived from fish. Fish advisories have been established by some nations to protect the public from harmful health effects linked to eating contaminated fish. Methylmercury (MeHg) is one such contaminant that has resulted in fish advisories. Fish advisories have not been developed in Ghana, although MeHg contamination of aquatic ecosystems is likely due to the long history of mercury (Hg) use in artisanal gold mining. To address this gap in our knowledge, I compiled …
Effects Of Early Life Exposure To Methylmercury On Predator Response In Daphnia Pulex, Megan Lisa Steed
Effects Of Early Life Exposure To Methylmercury On Predator Response In Daphnia Pulex, Megan Lisa Steed
All ETDs from UAB
Knowledge of the health effects of toxic chemicals is largely based on single chemical models rather than a multi-factor model, which more accurately captures realworld exposures. This study investigated how methylmercury affects Daphnia pulex in the presence of predatory stress chemical. A kairomone is an infochemical released by an animal that can be detected by another animal. Daphnia pulex detects kairomone released by Danio rerio resulting in the induction of morphological and life history changes. Danio rerio were kept in COMBO media for 24 hours at a density of 2 fish per liter. Daphnids were then housed in kairomone-containing COMBO …
Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Medical Indications, And Perinatal Outcomes Associated With Interventional Early Term Delivery, Kelley Swatzell
Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Medical Indications, And Perinatal Outcomes Associated With Interventional Early Term Delivery, Kelley Swatzell
All ETDs from UAB
The results indicate an approximate 75% female bias being produced in the egg corral.
Association Of Blood Pressure Phenotypes With Kidney Disease, Rikki M. Tanner
Association Of Blood Pressure Phenotypes With Kidney Disease, Rikki M. Tanner
All ETDs from UAB
model. The sex ratios produced in the fluctuating temperature experiments were not
Evaluation Of Environmental Factors And Dengue Fever In Sri Lanka Using Geospatial Tools, Meghan Tipre
Evaluation Of Environmental Factors And Dengue Fever In Sri Lanka Using Geospatial Tools, Meghan Tipre
All ETDs from UAB
The incidence of dengue fever has increased exponentially in Sri Lanka, from 24.4 cases per 100,000 in 2003 to 165.3 per 100,000 population in 2013. Despite concerted effort by the Sri Lankan government, dengue control remains a challenge in the country, indicating a need for novel approach for dengue prevention and control. The aim of this research was to identify environmental risk factors that may be associated with dengue incidence rate at the Gram Niladhari Divisions level (smallest administrative unit) in Colombo city, Sri Lanka, using geospatial tools such as remote sensing and geographic information system. These factors included climate …
An Evaluation Of Sample Size Re-Estimation Adaptive Designs And Delayed-Start Designs For Alzheimer's Disease Trials, Guoqiao Wang
An Evaluation Of Sample Size Re-Estimation Adaptive Designs And Delayed-Start Designs For Alzheimer's Disease Trials, Guoqiao Wang
All ETDs from UAB
The goal of this dissertation is to investigate the effect of novel clinical trial designs for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and to provide applications for their use in real trials. The data used for our simulation is a meta-data base of completed trials. In the first paper, we investigate the sample size re-estimation (SSR) adaptive design based on the effect size and the variance without taking into account the longitudinal feature of the trials. In the second paper, we take advantage of that feature to explore the SSR based on the variance of the rate of change in the longitudinal measurements. …
New Niosh Headforms: Developing Novel Methods For Fabricating A More Realistic Physical Headform And Custom Facepieces And Evaluating Existing Commercially-Available Respirators, Paula Susanne Joe
All ETDs from UAB
For over 30 years, respirator sizing has been based on an anthropometric survey performed by LANL using the young and predominantly Caucasian US Air Force personnel. NIOSH, having observed the increase in diversity in the workplace, began a new survey in 2003 weighted to the US census. Finding that the LANL panel was no longer representative of the modern workforce, a new fit test panel recommending five sizing categories was created in 2007. Anthropometrically accurate headforms three-dimensional models for the average face in each size were designed in 2010. While these headforms are intended for use in respirator design, it …
The Small Sample Inferences Of Cluster-Randomized Trials, Peng Li
The Small Sample Inferences Of Cluster-Randomized Trials, Peng Li
All ETDs from UAB
Generalized estimating equation (GEE) and generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) are two statistical modeling methods commonly used in the analyses of correlated outcomes from cluster-randomized trials (CRTs). The fact that most CRTs involve only a small number of clusters makes the small sample adjustment critical to preserve the type I error rates in testing the null hypothesis of intervention effects. To improve the small sample performance of GEE, some bias-corrected sandwich estimators have been proposed. To improve the small sample performance of GLMM, the approximated Wald F test is used to replace the asymptotic ÷^2 test and the denominator degrees …
Power Issues And Internal Pilot Designs For Cluster-Randomized Trials With Unequal Cluster Sizes, Ashutosh Ranjan
Power Issues And Internal Pilot Designs For Cluster-Randomized Trials With Unequal Cluster Sizes, Ashutosh Ranjan
All ETDs from UAB
Cluster-randomized trials that randomize groups of individuals, instead of individuals themselves, run the risk of being underpowered when they are designed assuming equal cluster sizes but end up recruiting unequal clusters. The loss in power of the trial is directly related to the amount of variation present among the cluster sizes. To overcome the loss in power, researchers often employ a weighted analysis of the cluster means. Different weighting procedures have been developed that appear to maintain the power of the trial but there have been fewer attempts to describe the impact of different weights on the type I error …
Predictors Of Smoking Cessation Among Dental Patients Participating In A Web-Assisted Tobacco Intervention: A National Dental Practice-Based Research Network Study, Midge N. Ray
All ETDs from UAB
MIDGE N. RAY HEALTH PROMOTION AND EDUCATION ABSTRACT Nicotine addiction is a chronic and relapsing disease that has serious health consequences. Tobacco continues to be the leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. In 2010, approximately 58.3 million Americans were identified as cigarette smokers. This study was part of the Hygienists' Internet Tobacco Cessation Study (Hi Quit), a randomized controlled trial that employed a web-assisted tobacco intervention (WATI) called Decide2Quit to assist smokers in quitting. Smokers (N=258) were enrolled in the study by dental practices (N=100) that referred patients who smoke to the website. The control …
A Mixed Methods Study Of Health Literacy And Its Role In Hpv Vaccine Uptake Among College Students, Michelle Sharonda Williams
A Mixed Methods Study Of Health Literacy And Its Role In Hpv Vaccine Uptake Among College Students, Michelle Sharonda Williams
All ETDs from UAB
Health literacy includes the ability to understand and process written and spoken health information, and numbers and calculations related to health information. Low health literacy is associated with negative health outcomes, and poor patient-provider communication. In order to advance health literacy research, there is a need to assess health literacy comprehensively and to develop an understanding of how health literacy impacts people at various stages of their lives. A sequential explanatory mixed methods study was conducted to assess college students' health literacy. During the quantitative phase, the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA), the Newest Vital Sign …
Statistical Analysis In Genomic Studies, Guodong Wu
Statistical Analysis In Genomic Studies, Guodong Wu
All ETDs from UAB
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies reveal unprecedented insights about genome, transcriptome, and epigenome. However, existing quantification and statistical methods are not well prepared for the coming deluge of NGS data. In this dissertation, we propose to develop powerful new statistical methods in three aspects. First, we propose a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) in Bayesian framework to quantify methylation levels at base-pair resolution by NGS. Second, in the context of exome-based studies, we develop a general simulation framework that distributes total genetic effects hierarchically into pathways, genes, and individual variants, allowing the extensive evaluation of existing pathway-based methods. Finally, we develop a …
Statistical Methods For Set-Based Association Tests In Genetic Studies, Qi Yan
Statistical Methods For Set-Based Association Tests In Genetic Studies, Qi Yan
All ETDs from UAB
This dissertation research focuses on developing statistical methods for set-based association tests at both pathway and gene levels in genetic studies. Set based analysis considers the biological hierarchical structure, while traditional genome-wide association studies usually focus on single-marker analysis which only access marginal effect. Therefore, pathway analysis may potentially complement single-marker analysis and provide additional insights for the genetic architecture of complex diseases. In the first study, we propose a novel way for pathway analysis that assesses the effects of genes using the sequence kernel association test (SKAT) and the effects of pathways via an extended adaptive-rank-truncated product statistic. For …
Patient And System Level Factors As Predictors Of Adherence To Antiretroviral Therapy Appointment Schedules In Cambodia, Gary T. Daigle
Patient And System Level Factors As Predictors Of Adherence To Antiretroviral Therapy Appointment Schedules In Cambodia, Gary T. Daigle
All ETDs from UAB
PATIENT AND SYSTEM LEVEL FACTORS AS PREDICTORS OF ADHERENCE TO ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY APPOINTMENT SCHEDULES IN CAMBODIA GARY T. DAIGLE EPIDEMIOLOGY / INTERNATIONAL HEALTH ABSTRACT On-time attendance at clinical appointments by patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential to the prevention of medication interruptions, viral rebound, drug resistance, and long term mortality. An observational study conducted in 2010, Enablers and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in Cambodia, sought to identify factors that predict on-time clinical appointment attendance by patients on ART. These factors were classified as either ART patient level factors (e.g. demographic, clinical) or patient care and support system level factors …
Molecular Profiling In Cervical Carcinogenesis And Progression, Kathryn Elizabeth Royse
Molecular Profiling In Cervical Carcinogenesis And Progression, Kathryn Elizabeth Royse
All ETDs from UAB
Coexisting lesions can reduce genomic heterogeneity in precancer progression analysis by reducing variation and bias that can mask gene effects. Our goal was to use novel methodologies to depict the neoplastic stage effect (Normal v. LSIL v. HSIL) in cervical precancer. We analyzed the neoplastic stage effect via in silico and in vivo methodologies. For in silico analyses, we calculated differential expression (DE) estimates from a systematic review of DNA methylation and gene expression literature. Significant genes (FC≤2.0 or p-value≥0.05) were grouped by histology for pathway analysis. For in vivo analyses, we performed RNA-seq on microdissected FFPE coexisting cervical tissue …
Promoting Worksite Stair Use By Launching The "Stepping Up" Campaign, Lynne A. Obiaka
Promoting Worksite Stair Use By Launching The "Stepping Up" Campaign, Lynne A. Obiaka
All ETDs from UAB
Background: Obesity and overweight contribute to worksite absenteeism and decreased productivity. Encouraging employees to frequent the stairs is one approach towards increasing worksite physical activity. Methods: An explanatory, mixed methods research design was used to explore the impact of a health communications campaign entitled "Stepping Up" on worksite stair use in health department employees. The campaign included octagonal shaped posters similar to traffic signs, email prompts and printed materials. A pretest and posttest were administered before and after the intervention to assess stair use frequencies and identify predictors. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test for related samples, Spearman correlations and multiple rank …
The Effect Of Medicaid Dental Coverage On Dental Care Utilization Among Older Americans, Ahyuda Oh
The Effect Of Medicaid Dental Coverage On Dental Care Utilization Among Older Americans, Ahyuda Oh
All ETDs from UAB
This dissertation examines the impact of Medicaid dental coverage on dental care utilization and oral health outcome of low-income elderly and non-elderly adults, using a fixed-effects model with longitudinal data of all states and multiple years from the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS). By exploiting within-state variation over time in adult Medicaid dental coverage, the study estimates the effects of Medicaid dental coverage on dental care utilization (i.e., dental visits and dental cleanings) and oral health outcome (i.e., tooth loss). The study evaluates the effects of Medicaid dental benefits with preventive dental services on each of the three dental …
Interracial Couple Status In Relation To Birth Outcomes Among Singleton Infants Born To U.S. Resident Mothers, 2004-2008., Su Jin Jeong
Interracial Couple Status In Relation To Birth Outcomes Among Singleton Infants Born To U.S. Resident Mothers, 2004-2008., Su Jin Jeong
All ETDs from UAB
Due to the growing trend in interracial marriages in the United States, the issue of birth outcomes to infants born to such couples deserves more attention and examination. The purpose of this population-based, cross-sectional, observational study is to examine the association between interracial couple status and birth outcomes (i.e. low birth weight, very low birth weight, preterm birth, very preterm birth, small for gestational age) among singleton infants delivered in the United States. Interracial couples are defined as those in a relationship who are not of the same race or ethnic designation. Non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, Asian, Chinese, Filipino, …
Identification And Biochemical Investigations Of Rhamnose And Glycoprotein In Mycoplasmas, David Jordan
Identification And Biochemical Investigations Of Rhamnose And Glycoprotein In Mycoplasmas, David Jordan
All ETDs from UAB
Mycoplasmas are host-specific human and animal pathogens within the class of wall-deficient bacteria named Mollicutes and have smaller sizes and genomes than the walled bacteria. Mycoplasma genome sequences reveal few if any genes for synthesis of a glycocalyx. Nevertheless, we find that mycoplasmas produce glycolipids, glycoprotein, and polysaccharides. Using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, glucose, mannose, rhamnose, and galactose were detected in the glycolytic species Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pulmonis. All of these sugars except galactose was found in Mycoplasma arthritidis. Rhamnose was in the rare D configuration in the glycolytic species and in both D and L forms in …
Studies On Distracted Driving: Three Papers Examining The State Of The Literature And The Impact Of Texting Restrictions On Motor Vehicle Crash-Related Fatalities And Hospitalizations, Alva Oletia Ferdinand
Studies On Distracted Driving: Three Papers Examining The State Of The Literature And The Impact Of Texting Restrictions On Motor Vehicle Crash-Related Fatalities And Hospitalizations, Alva Oletia Ferdinand
All ETDs from UAB
ABSTRACT This three-paper dissertation addresses gaps in the literature focused on distracted driving and the impact of regulations aimed at reducing its prevalence. With the widespread proliferation of mobile phone usage and more sophisticated in-vehicle entertainment and information systems, it is now commonplace for drivers to engage in non-driving activities (also referred to as "secondary tasks") while driving. It is widely believed that distracted driving is positively related to motor vehicle crashes and other undesirable driving outcomes. This dissertation specifically focuses on three topics: (1) the nature of the distracted driving literature given the numerous secondary tasks, driving performance outcomes, …
Photothermal Desorption Of Toluene From Single Walled Carbon Nanotube And Activated Carbon Sorbents, Evan Lee Floyd
Photothermal Desorption Of Toluene From Single Walled Carbon Nanotube And Activated Carbon Sorbents, Evan Lee Floyd
All ETDs from UAB
Millions of workers are occupationally exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOC) annually, requiring exposure assessments through air sampling. Reducing time to knowledge while maintaining adequate sensitivity and affordability is a constant struggle. Sorbent sampling is the preferred technique for VOC exposure assessments. Chemical desorption of sorbents is the most common desorption technique, but sensitivity is limited due to the small injection fraction. Thermal desorption has excellent sensitivity, but provides only one analysis per sample and is cost prohibitive. The goal of this dissertation was to develop a desorption technique that bridges the sensitivity gap between chemical desorption (0.1%) and thermal …
Comparison Of Fabricated Carbon Nanotube Sorbent Felts And 3m Charcoal Sorbent Wafers To Assess Passive Sampling, Samantha Connell
Comparison Of Fabricated Carbon Nanotube Sorbent Felts And 3m Charcoal Sorbent Wafers To Assess Passive Sampling, Samantha Connell
All ETDs from UAB
Passive air sampling is the preferred method of air sampling for many applications. Traditionally, this method uses activated charcoal as the sorbent and samples are analyzed by chemical or thermal desorption. This research explores the use of carbon nanotubes in the form of a felt as a sorbent for passive sampling by comparing the mass uptake and percent yield to that of the 3MTM Organic Vapor Monitor (OVM) 3500 over four time trials. The desorption efficiency, adsorption capacity, and mass uptake of the fabricated felts are very similar to the 3MTM OVM 3500. It was expected that the fabricated felts …
The Relationship Of Maternal Depressive Symptoms Among First Time Adolescent And Adult Mothers And Their Safe Parenting Practices And Child Injuries, Angela Warren Baumann
The Relationship Of Maternal Depressive Symptoms Among First Time Adolescent And Adult Mothers And Their Safe Parenting Practices And Child Injuries, Angela Warren Baumann
All ETDs from UAB
Maternal depressive symptoms have been associated with deficits in parenting practices that protect children from injuries; however, few studies have been conducted to examine these relationships. Using data from a multisite longitudinal study of 252 first-time mothers, the relationships between the use of safe parenting practices and maternal depressive symptoms was examined, taking into account mother's resources (as defined by age and education level) and race at five time points during the first 3 years of the child's life. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. Measures of maternal depressive symptoms, safe parenting practices (use of car seat, …
Host Genetic Factors Associated With Cervical Human Papillomavirus Clearance, Staci Lynn Sudenga
Host Genetic Factors Associated With Cervical Human Papillomavirus Clearance, Staci Lynn Sudenga
All ETDs from UAB
This dissertation research focuses on how variants in various host genes are associated with clearance of HPV in three longitudinal cohorts from the United States. I first examined the definition of the intermediate phenotype to cervical cancer, HPV persistence and then I incorporated this phenotype in all my three aims by examining variations in xenobiotic metabolism genes in HIV-1 negative and immune-related genes in HIV-1 positive females and how these contribute to HPV infection outcomes. Several significant variants were associated with HPV clearance for the three aims. For the first aim, in ALTS assessing functional variants within xenobiotic metabolism genes …
Association Between Cruciferous Vegetable Intake And Risk Of Colorectal Cancer Among Men In Shanghai, China, Emily Vogtmann
Association Between Cruciferous Vegetable Intake And Risk Of Colorectal Cancer Among Men In Shanghai, China, Emily Vogtmann
All ETDs from UAB
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern and the intake of certain foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, has been studied for their potential protective effects against cancer development. The observed association between cruciferous vegetable consumption and CRC has been inconsistent, possibly related to glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene polymorphisms. Therefore, we aimed to (1) evaluate the association between fruits and vegetables, including cruciferous vegetables, on the risk of CRC; (2) determine factors associated with urinary isothiocyanate (ITC), a biomarker of cruciferous vegetable intake; and (3) evaluate the association between cruciferous vegetable consumption and CRC and to estimate the potential …
Gender Norms, Sexual And Reproductive Behaviors And Acceptability Of Male Circumcision Among Men In Western Jamaica, Melonie Walcott
Gender Norms, Sexual And Reproductive Behaviors And Acceptability Of Male Circumcision Among Men In Western Jamaica, Melonie Walcott
All ETDs from UAB
This dissertation consists of three papers designed to assess the association between gender norms and men's sexual behaviors, reproductive practices, and acceptability of male circumcision (MC). The data for this study were obtained from a cross-sectional, interviewer-administered questionnaire survey of 549 men aged 19-54 years, conducted in the western region of Jamaica between June to August 2011. In the first paper we found increased odds of reporting multiple sex partners among men with moderate (AOR =2.2; 95% CI=1.4 - 3.5) and high (AOR = 4.4; 95% CI =2.2 - 8.8) support for inequitable gender norms. Similarly, men with moderate (AOR= …
The Relationship Of Religiosity, Spirituality And High-Risk, Tommie Lee Watkins
The Relationship Of Religiosity, Spirituality And High-Risk, Tommie Lee Watkins
All ETDs from UAB
Religion and spirituality are important concepts for many Black MSM. While many social factors may be associated with the increasing disparity of HIV infection among Black MSM, high levels of religiosity and spirituality prevalent in Black culture may be correlated with high risk behavior among Black MSM and may help explain this population's increasing incidence of HIV infection. Research supports a relationship between religiosity, spirituality, and high risk behavior among populations. Some research has suggested that religiosity and spirituality among Black MSM may be correlated but are multifaceted constructs. Conclusions suggest that among Black MSM these constructs account for certain …
The Impact Of Weight Status On The Adoption Of Self-Care Behaviors Among Heart Failure Patients, Bern'nadette Knight
The Impact Of Weight Status On The Adoption Of Self-Care Behaviors Among Heart Failure Patients, Bern'nadette Knight
All ETDs from UAB
Self-care is a major component of heart failure management. Excess weight is a disease that may negatively affect a patient's ability to effectively practice self-care. The project aimed to assess 1) the relationship between weight status and heart failure self-care behaviors and 2) the modification of the relationship between social support and heart failure self-care by weight status. This cross sectional study utilized baseline data from a cohort of African-American and Caucasian participants diagnosed with heart failure. The heart failure cohort was formed from three larger studies (n=690) designed to assess the relationships among social support, self-care behaviors and hospital …