Public Health Commons^™

Neighborhood And Environmental Predictors Of At-Risk And Problem Gambling In Massachusetts, Kendra E. Pugh

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Despite the widespread impact and negative effects of problem gambling (PG), limited attention has been paid to the environment where PG occurs. This study investigated the relationship between gambling on lottery and the zip code where gambling occurs, as well as the influence of individual-level characteristics that predict at-risk or problem gambling (AR/PG), among Massachusetts residents. A GIS analysis was conducted to identify vulnerable areas based on neighborhood characteristics, lottery sales, and AR/PG. Overall, residents of disadvantaged areas did not spend more money on lottery or have more lottery agents than residents of less disadvantaged areas. Some indicators of disadvantage …

The Role Of Physical Activity And Gender As Moderators For The Relationship Between Insomnia And Depression, Claire E. Wickersham

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the association between insomnia and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults and to investigate whether gender or physical activity moderates this relationship. Method: This study used nationally representative data from the 2016 and 2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and binomial logistic regression was used to estimate models. Regression models for risk of depressive symptoms (2018) were based on a longitudinal model with time-lagged indicators of insomnia, levels of physical activity, and covariates (2016). Results: Analyses showed that participants who reported having insomnia in 2016 were more …

The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Emotional Intelligence In Adolescents, Marie C. Gabour

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

PURPOSE: We assessed the association of Physical Activity (PA) measures on overall Emotional Intelligence (EI) and domains of EI: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Adaptability, General Mood, and Stress Management in adolescents.

METHODS: Cross-sectional and two-year follow up analyses were conducted relating EI to PA measures using the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth in adolescents between 10- 13 years. EI score was measured by using a validated the youth version of the Emotional Quotient Inventory; PA was self-reported. Regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, household annual income, and health status and was summarized using regression coefficients. A test of linear trend …

Knowledge And Attitudes Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Living With Hiv/Aids In Malawi: A Cross-Sectional Study, Jasintha Mtengezo

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Cervical cancer is the third most frequent cancer among women worldwide and about 265,672 women die from the disease annually. Abnormal cervical cells caused by human papillomavirus are more common in HIV-positive women than in HIV-negative women due to their compromised immune system. Malawi, in Sub-Saharan Africa, is one of the countries with the highest rates of cervical cancer and HIV in the world. The incidence of cervical cancer and deaths can be reduced by 80% if women go for screening. There are limited studies about cervical cancer screening behavior, level of knowledge and attitudes regarding cervical cancer and screening …

Intergenerational Financial Exchange And Cognitive Well-Being Among Older Adults In China, Ping Xu

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Although cognitive loss is part of normal aging, it has unfavorable consequences for older individuals, their family, as well as society. The prevalence of mild cognition impairment is expected to go up in China. How to maintain normal cognition for a longer period of time and to delay impair process is an emerging concern for older Chinese adults. Unlike Western countries, China lacks of formal support system. Intergenerational support between older parents and adult children is a predominant resource when they are in need. This study examines how intergenerational financial exchanges between older parents and their adult children is related …

School Nurses' Awareness And Attitudes Towards Commercial Sexual Exploitation Of Children: A Mixed Methods Study, Hannah E. Fraley

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Human trafficking is a global problem and a multi-billion dollar industry. Most victims are women and girls and more than half are children. In the United States, many at risk youth continue to attend school with school nurses on the frontlines. Using the Peace and Power Conceptual Model, a mixed methods study was conducted to explore their awareness, attitudes, and role perceptions in prevention of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). Two factors related to increased awareness, and positive attitudes and role perceptions to prevent of CSEC included prior exposure to working with vulnerable students, and prior education about CSEC. …

Improving Patient Outcomes: Early Mobilization Of Intensive Care Patients, Casey Teves

Honors College Theses

Early mobilization of intensive care patients has gained the interest of researchers within the last few years due to its safe and practical application and numerous benefits it can provide. Reviewing the literature on this topic reveals the substantial benefits of early mobilization and the detrimental effects of prolonged bed-rest. Despite recent evidence proving that this practice will increase quality of care, many intensive care units still utilize bed-rest as a standard. Understanding the barriers and facilitators of this change can help transform this research into practice and improve patient care outcomes. Nurses are the key facilitators in the initiative …

External Validation And Cost Effectiveness Analysis Of The Non-Lb Framingham Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment Algorithm In The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Dataset, Jacob K. Kariuki

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Background: In recent years, non-Laboratory based (non-LB) risk assessment algorithms have been developed to facilitate absolute cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment in resource constrained primary care settings. The non-LB Framingham algorithm, which substitutes body mass index (BMI) for lipids, has the best discrimination and calibration among the published algorithms, but its external validity and cost-effectiveness have not been determined.

Purpose: External validation and comparative effectiveness analysis of the non-LB versus laboratory based (LB) Framingham algorithm in a racially diverse population, and simulated cost-effectiveness analysis focusing on a black sample.

Methods: Secondary data analysis was performed using the Atherosclerosis Risk in …

Identification And Use Of Indicator Data To Develop Models For Marine-Sourced Risks In Massachusetts Bay, Marin M. Kress

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

The coastal watersheds around Massachusetts Bay are home to millions of people, many of whom recreate in coastal waters and consume locally harvested shellfish. Epidemiological data on food-borne illness and illnesses associated with recreational water exposure are known to be incomplete. Of major food categories, seafood has the highest recorded rate of associated foodborne illness. In total, the health impacts from these marine-sourced risks are estimated to cost millions of dollars each year in medical expenses or lost productivity. When recorded epidemiological data is incomplete it may be possible to estimate abundance or prevalence of specific pathogens or toxins in …

Correlates Of Awareness And Use Of The Hubway Bike Share Program And The Association With Weight Status, Lawrence H. Stahley

Graduate Masters Theses

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the correlates of awareness and use of the Hubway bike share program and assess the relationship between use and rates of overweight or obesity. Methods: Two-hundred, fifty-six students, faculty, and staff from the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMB) participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed an on-line survey during the fall of 2014 that assessed socio-demographics, behavioral and physical activity characteristics, Hubway awareness, and use of Hubway and personal bikes. Multivariable regression models were conducted to evaluate associations between socio-demographic and behavioral factors, and Hubway awareness, use, and the relationship with …

Examining The Toxicity, Exposure, And Regulatory Approach To Potential Human Health Risks Of The Algal Toxin Domoic Acid, Thomas H. Angus

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by the marine diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia and causes cell death primarily in the area of the brain responsible for long-term memory. The resulting severe illness has been termed amnesic shellfish poisoning. Domoic acid accumulates in shellfish and planktivorous fish that consume Pseudo-nitzschia, resulting in exposure to humans through consumption of planktivorous seafood. A regulatory standard in seafood was developed shortly after its discovery in 1987 to protect against acute effects. This regulatory standard has not been revised despite significant recent data in the scientific literature.

This dissertation is divided into four sections: (1) …

Nursing Home Ownership And Public Policy: An Historical Analysis, K. R. Kaffenberger

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

In the early days of the United States, care of the disabled elderly outside the home meant the public almshouse. By the 1920s, private, nonprofit homes for the aged were prevalent. More recently, private, for-profit facilities have grown to dominate the field.

For-profit ownership has been controversial. Underlying the controversy is the concern that quality might be lowered in order to enhance profit.

This study asks why most nursing homes are privately owned and why most privately owned nursing homes are operated for profit. It does so with reference to The Nonprofit Economy, in which Burton Weisbrod describes a …