Public Health Commons^™

Chhs November 2014 E-Newsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Exercise Science, Currey Mccullough

Undergraduate Research Award

No abstract provided.

Beyond Sustainability: A New Conceptual Model, Molly Kerby, Gayle Mallinger

Gender & Women's Studies Faculty Publications

Over the last few decades, the notion of sustainability has become an interdisciplinary buzz word. Sustainability has been an integrative concept that includes three constructs or pillars: a) social; b) economic; and c) ecological. Until recently, theoretical approaches based on the three pillars approach have operated in silos rather than exploring the interconnectedness of the constructs. Few models have moved beyond the idea that logical relations exist among the constructs (social, economic, and ecological) to consider factors external to communities, nor have they examined the internal socio-economic factors that influence positive outcomes. While this conceptualization has raised awareness about the …

Chhs October 2014 E-Newsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Photos That Changed The World: Ted Talk Annotated Resource List, Chris Riehl

Undergraduate Research Award

No abstract provided.

Chhs September 2014 E-Newsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Madison County, Kentucky Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Analysis, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Dr. Vijay Golla, Jacqueline Brown, Bryan Makinen, Carl Richards, Michael Bryant

Public Health Faculty Publications

The results of a commodity flow analysis of hazardous materials for KY Highway 21 (KY-0021) and KY Highway 627 (KY-0627) conducted by Western Kentucky University, in partnership with the Madison County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), are presented within this report. This report specifically focuses on the portions of these highways located in Madison County, Kentucky. Figure 1.1 shows the location of Madison County in relationship to the state of Kentucky. The purpose of this report is to present information regarding the patterns of hazardous materials transportation along KY-0021 and KY-0627 as observed from August 4, 2014 through August 15, …

Montgomery County, Kentucky Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Analysis 1, Dr. Vijay Golla, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Jacqueline Brown

Public Health Faculty Publications

The results of a Commodity Flow Analysis of Hazardous Materials for Interstate 64 (I-64) conducted by Western Kentucky University in partnership with the Montgomery County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) are presented within this report. This report specifically focuses on the portion of the I-64 corridor located in Montgomery County, Kentucky. Figure 1.1 shows the location of Montgomery County in relationship to the state of Kentucky. The purpose of this report is to present information regarding the patterns of hazardous materials transportation along I-64 as observed from July 14, 2014 through August 1, 2014. In addition, this report also summarizes …

Rowan County, Kentucky Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Analysis, Dr. Vijay Golla, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Jacqueline Brown

Public Health Faculty Publications

The results of a Commodity Flow Analysis of Hazardous Materials for Interstate 64 (I-64) conducted by Western Kentucky University in partnership with the Rowan County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) are presented within this report. This report specifically focuses on the portion of the I-64 corridor located in Rowan County, Kentucky. Figure 1.1 shows the location of Rowan County in relationship to the state of Kentucky. The purpose of this report is to present information regarding the patterns of hazardous materials transportation observed along I-64 in Rowan County from June 16, 2014 through July 11, 2014. Finally, the report presents …

Chhs July 2014 E-Newsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Hispanic Health Initiative: Creating A Sustainable Health Fair For An Immigrant Community, Chaz Arnold

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Previous demographic and social interest research conducted in Bowling Green, Kentucky has prompted concern for access to quality healthcare for immigrant populations, specifically for the Hispanic community. The missions of the preliminary investigation and subsequent implementation of a sustainable health fair for the Spanish-speaking community were to assess the primary health concerns that many Hispanics face and offer long-term solutions to collectively resolve these health issues. Preliminary investigation involved researching population-specific health statistics in order to quantify prevalence of certain conditions which were, in turn, prioritized in terms of necessity to address. Further research reflected personal concern from the target …

Critical Analysis Of The Kenyan Healthcare System And Models For Improvement, Justin Wellum

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Global epidemics such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS plague developing countries in Africa. International aid has been given to these countries from public and private organizations in an effort to eradicate these health crises. My research focuses on Kenya as a model for assessing the current state of health care in these developing countries. The effectiveness of Kenya’s health care system was investigated at every level, including central, provincial, district, and rural, by visiting the country and performing specific research. Based on my research, I propose a model that I believe Kenya or any African developing country could adopt to …

Using The Theory Of Planned Behavior To Explain Physical Activity Among College Students, Ese B. Aghenta

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The health benefits of physical activity include improved cardiovascular health, reduced rates of diabetes and other metabolic diseases, weight maintenance and improved bone and mental health (United States Department Health & Human Services (2008). According to the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA, 2013), only 20.0% of college students in the United States meet this recommendation. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) attempts to explain the intention to perform behaviors that are not under an individual’s complete volitional control and has been highly utilized in predicting intention and performance of physical activity (Courneya, Nigg & Estabrooks, 1998). …

Keep A Healthy Lifestyle On A College Student's Budget, Kelcie Dixon, Genia Paige Wilson

Counseling Concepts and Applications for Student Affairs Professionals (CNS 577)

Many college students are introduced to a wide variety of challenges – ones they are going to have to deal with on their own. Most college students are moving away from their parent’s household and realizing the responsibilities of an independent lifestyle. Along with an independent lifestyle, college students are particularly prone to stress, and the majority experience stress because of unpredictable academic commitments, financial burdens, poor eating habits, and lack of time management skills. According to Jenny Haubenreiser, President of the American College Health Association, “Stay alert to stress, anxiety and emotions. Demanding academics, too many social activities (or …

Avoiding The Freshman 15, Samuel Earls, Robin Hume

Counseling Concepts and Applications for Student Affairs Professionals (CNS 577)

Students face many challenges as they transition into college. One of the most publicly-known issues is the “Freshman Fifteen,” which refers to the average amount of weight that college freshmen are rumored to gain. Students in college often encounter all-you-can-eat buffets, a culture rife with alcohol consumption, an increased level of stress from classes, and other environmental factors that can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle if not properly addressed. This video pamphlet aims to combat the “Freshman Fifteen,” or in general an unhealthy lifestyle at college, by providing pertinent nutritional information and exercise tips. The accompanying brochure provides additional tips …

Results Of The Kentucky Worksite Assessment: Utilization Of The Cdc’S Health Scorecard, Cecilia M. Watkins, Grace Lartey, Gretchen Macy, Vijay Golla, Teresa Lovely

Public Health Faculty Publications

Study Objectives and Research Approach

A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) conducted in 2011-2012 of a proposed Kentucky Worksite Wellness Tax Credit highlighted gaps in the data available on worksite wellness programs in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Conducting a state-wide assessment of worksite wellness programs was a recommendation that resulted from this HIA.

The purpose of the assessment is to:

1) Identify the number of comprehensive worksite health promotion programs in Kentucky.

2) Determine the health needs of worksites in Kentucky.

By Identifying current wellness practices in Kentucky, better tools and support can be provided at a state level to assist …

Chhs March/April 2014 E-Newsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Chhs February 2014 E-Newsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Child Weight And Feeding Patterns In An Old Order Mennonite Community, Dawn M. Garrett Wright, Maria E. Main, M. Susan Jones

Nursing Faculty Publications

Feeding practices in some religious communities may decrease childhood obesity. However, there is limited research in these communities to assess maternal perceptions of their children’s weight and feeding patterns. The purpose of this study was to ascertain Old Order Mennonite mothers’ perceptions of their children’s body weight and to examine feeding patterns for their children. Sample: Participants for this descriptive, correlational study were recruited from an Old Order Mennonite community in south central Kentucky. Sampling was achieved using a snowball sampling strategy and the use of a community insider. Methods: Body Mass Index was measured for mothers and child participants, …

Plan B Career Information: Annotated Resource List, Elizabeth Howard

Undergraduate Research Award

No abstract provided.

Ua12/4 Stall Street Journal, Vol. 6, Wku Health Services

WKU Administration Documents

Broadsides developed by WKU Health Services to convey public health information in students in bathroom stalls. Incomplete run.

Chhs December 2013 E-Newsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Structure Matters: Examining Illness Behavior Using Parsons's Sick Role, Angela D. Byrd

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Although Talcott Parsons’s sick role theory, as described in 1951 in The Social System, has been severely criticized for its inapplicability to chronic illnesses, a portion of the theory is still a relevant and necessary factor in terms of understanding and treating chronic illness today. Using data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, this study looks at the individual effects of sex, age, race, cohabitation, education and region of residence on the likelihood of chronically ill patients considering themselves limited in their amount or kind of work as an indicator of sick role adaptation. Results show statistically significant relationships …

Factors Influencing The Decision And Ability To Seek Health Services Among Hiv/Aids Patients In Tanzania, Savitri Grover

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Understanding the barriers to treatment for individuals with HIV/AIDS in developing countries could have a major impact on their ability to seek healthcare services. The purpose of this study is to quantitatively analyze the effect of daily activities and structural factors, which act as barriers to seeking health services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania.

The study is based on the hypothesis that (1) Individuals living with HIV/AIDS who face both personal and structural barriers have poor health compared to those not facing the barriers. (2) Individuals living with HIV/AIDS demonstrate different decisions and abilities to seek health services …

Chhs November 2013 E-Newsletter, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Daviess County Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study, Dr. Vijay Golla, Dr. Ritchie Taylor, Jacob Eagleson, Ethan Givan, Richard Payne

Public Health Faculty Publications

This report presents the results of a Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study for Daviess County, KY. Study components were conducted by Western Kentucky University in partnership with Daviess County Emergency Management Agency. The study area was focused in Daviess County and included a railway-monitoring site near Henderson, KY. A map of the Daviess County is shown in Figure 1.1. As part of this study, hazardous materials (hazmats) transported through the study area were monitored via placard surveys at the following sites: U.S. Highway 60 (Hwy 60), east and westbound lanes at East Fourth Street & the Hwy 60 Bypass (U.S. …

Henderson County Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Dr. Vijay Golla, Jacob Eagleson, Ethan Givan, Larry Koerber

Public Health Faculty Publications

This report presents the results of a Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) commodity flow study for Henderson County, Kentucky. Study components were conducted by Western Kentucky University in partnership with Henderson County Emergency Management (HCEM) and Henderson County Local Planning Committee (LEPC). Location of Henderson County and the City of Henderson in Kentucky are shown in Figure 1.1. In addition, data from an Audubon Parkway placard survey, conducted in July of 2013 for Daviess County, were used in the analysis for this report. Hazardous materials transported through Henderson County were monitored at the following sites during the study period: U.S. Highway 41 …

Chhs October 2013 E-Newsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Chhs July E-Newsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Storm Events On Water Quality Of A Karst Stream And Implications For Public Health Protection At A Historic Landmark, Ellen R. Barringer

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

A water quality study was conducted on Lost River near Bowling Green, Kentucky. The emphasis of the study was to assess the influence of storm events on water quality and E. coli (cfu/100ml) levels. Lost River is a karst stream and flows underground for much of its course through Warren County and Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Lost River watershed is approximately 55 square miles and receives surface runoff from rural and urban land uses. Within the watershed exists the Lost River Cave and Valley, which receives secondary contact use throughout the year. A water quality assessment of multiple parameters was …