Public Health Commons^™

The Influence Of School Eating Environment On Children's Eating Behaviors: An Examination Of The Snda-Iii, Sabrina M. Neeley

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in the United States has prompted researchers to examine the factors that contribute to children’s food choices and consumption. Schools provide ample opportunities to teach children healthy eating habits, as well as create eating environments that are conducive to healthy eating behaviors. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides federally assisted meals to millions of children every day and the assessment of the NSLP provides an opportunity to examine the school-eating environment. Hierarchical and logistic modeling of the SNDA-III, the USDA assessment of the NSLP, was conducted to determine relationships between environmental factors …

Prevalence, Knowledge, And Concern About Bed Bugs, Mary Beth Kaylor

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Recent research suggests that the United States and the world are on the verge of a bed bug pandemic. Assumptions have been made that socioeconomic status is not an indicator and that bed bugs are not competent disease vectors. However, little information is available at the local level about the prevalence of bed bugs in private homes. This study aimed to identify prevalence, knowledge, and concern about bed bugs in one village in Ohio. Responses from 96 individuals who completed the Prevalence, Knowledge, and Concern about Bed Bugs (PK CABB) survey were utilized for data analysis. The majority of the …

Worksite Wellness: An Administrative Perspective, Neha Kumar

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: To develop a better understanding of businesses’ goals and purpose for offering worksite wellness opportunities and the level of administrative support for worksite wellness programs.

Method: Human resource directors, benefit managers, or other administrators of 76 businesses that have contracted with Premier Community Health in the past 2 years were contacted by e-mail to complete a standardized online survey on SurveyMonkey®. The survey included questions about the businesses worksite wellness current programs and future interests. In addition, data on how often businesses have utilized each of the PCH worksite offerings over the past 2 years was collected from the …

Situation Analysis Of Disability Resources And Needs Of Shantytowns Near Lima, Peru, Jessica Hunt

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Individuals in shantytowns of Lima, Peru experience unique challenges due to socioeconomic status and perceived inabilities. A situation analysis using qualitative ethnographic interviews of key participants (n=15) and one focus group (n=7) was conducted to explore life with disability in a shantytown of Lima, Peru. Findings showed that individuals with disability face physical and attitudinal barriers that limit social inclusion through the avenues of rehabilitation, education, and employment. The familial complex is expected to provide care for the individual with disability. The adult family member often chooses between providing income for the household and providing care and safety for their …

The Effect Of Prenatal Care And Other Factors On Preterm Births In Montgomery County 2007-2009, Leslie A. Schmieder

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Introduction Preterm birth is defined as a baby who is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Problems with preterm birth include an increased risk for health complications throughout life as well as having significantly more medical expenses compared to a full term infant. Prenatal care has shown to decrease the risk for preterm birth nationally. The objective of this project was to analyze prenatal care and other risk and demographic factors to determine their association with preterm birth in Montgomery County.

Method Data used included the 2007-2009 Montgomery County Birth Certificate Data for mothers who had singleton births. The Kessner …

Ethical Issues In Global Health Education, David Barnard, T. Thuy Bui, Jack Chase, Evaleen Jones, Scott Loeliger, Anvar Velji, Mary T. White

Population and Public Health Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Pertussis In Ohio: A Descriptive Analysis Of The 2010 Columbus Outbreak And Patterns Of A Reemerging Childhood Disease, Christopher Rohde

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: In 2010, Columbus, Ohio experienced the largest outbreak of pertussis that it has had in the past 25 years. Similar outbreaks are occurring across the nation on an increasing basis. This descriptive study examines the 2010 outbreak and describes the demographics of the affected population. Comparison is made to previous and current pertussis incidence in Ohio and outbreaks elsewhere in the United States. Contributing factors to the increasing occurrence of pertussis outbreaks are discussed.

Methods: Raw data was obtained from the Columbus Public Health epidemiology department and is gathered through the Ohio Disease Reporting System (ODRS). Pertussis cases are …

Prevalence Of Obesity Among Head Start Preschoolers In Western Ohio, Angela Sims

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: The intent of this study was to examine low income Head Start overweight and obese preschoolers, ages 3-5, in 8 western Ohio counties. Variables of interest included: obesity status, rural versus metropolitan location, home versus center-based Head Start, and access to physicians.

Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from the host Head Start site located in Piqua, Ohio. All Head Start enrolled preschoolers (N=1,181) ages 3 to 5 within the 8 western Ohio counties and 43 programs were studied. All children were considered of low income based on their acceptance into the Head Start program.

The data was retrieved from …

Evidence-Based Public Health Practices For Screening For Postpartum Depression, Roula Hilli

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Five to 20 percent of the women worldwide suffer from Post Partum depression (PPD) which has serious negative impacts on the mother and her newborn. Although PPD is a preventive disease thorough screening using different tools, half of its cases are left undetected.

Purpose of the study: Is to find the best practice for PPD screening, which includes the best screening tool, best setting for screening, best administration period and the best cut-off score.

Methods: It is an Evidence-based Public Health (EBPH) review through a comparative study of 82 studies since 2005 that screened women for PPD in the …

Gaps And Strengths In Us Policies On Infant And Young Child Feeding: An Analysis Based On The Global Strategy On Infant And Young Child Feeding, Linda J. Smith

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

This research project reviews the evidence on the significance of infant and young child feeding to public health goals, analyzes US policy documents in relationship to the Global Strategy using the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi) to quantify the findings into a national score, and then summarizes the gaps and strengths in US policies and makes recommendations. Using the WBTi scoring system, strengths for the US exist in national policy, Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, monitoring and evaluation, and complementary feeding. Mother support and community outreach, information and support were moderate. Gaps exist in policies on infant feeding in emergencies and for …

Determining Evidence-Based Practices In Asthma Management, Erin Smiley

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: One aim of this study will focus on determining what are evidence-based studies in asthma control. A second aim focuses on determining which asthma interventions, self-monitoring tools and asthma management programs have shown to be the most significant in improving outcomes in patients with asthma. Recommendations will be made to future asthma self-management programs based on the findings.

Methodology: The review of 15 evidence-based research studies is used to identify and analyze the best asthma self-management practices to be implemented in a community health education program. Using the Brownson framework a weighting schema was created based on the level …

The Decontamination Of Methamphetamine Labs - A Search For Best Practices, Robert Perry

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The use of methamphetamine as a drug of abuse in the United States has skyrocketed in recent years, with much of the drug being manufactured in primitive makeshift laboratories clandestinely located in residential dwellings. The contamination of these environments with methamphetamine, its precursors, and its by-products can be severe. Often, after being contaminated, these dwellings are re-occupied by people unaware of the former use as a methamphetamine production site, and unaware of the contaminant load they now find themselves living in. This paper discusses the extent of contamination of the lab area and how this contaminant loading may affect the …

Unmasking The Moving Threat: Reckless Driving, Borderline Personality Disorder, And The Impact On Motor Vehicle Accidents, Charlene Lam

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), a leading cause of mortality in the United States have an enormous impact on public health. Researchers contend that approximately 90% of all MVAs are, to some extent, a result of driver characteristics and behavior (Lewin, 1982). One of the least researched driver characteristics is psychiatric comorbidity, especially borderline personality disorder (BPD), a disorder that is characterized by impulsivity and emotional volatility.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between BPD and driving citations.

Method: Using two measures for BPD, we surveyed a consecutive sample of patients who were being seen …

Assessment Of Support Service Needs Of Primary Caregivers Of Hiv And Aids Infected Children: A Review Of Literature And Suggestions For Practice, Barry Eneh

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Summary: With the advent of highly active antiretroviral treatment, routine screening and treatment options for pregnant women for perinatally acquired HIV and AIDS, infection is on dramatic decline in the U.S. In spite of the declines and the medical advances, primary and informal caregivers of infected children continue to face innumerable challenges with regard to the availability, access and utilization of non-medical supportive service care needs. HIV/AIDS continues to create unique challenges for infected children and the non-infected family caregivers at multiple levels; impacting their relationships, resources and resilience.

Objective: This literature review identifies and assesses the unique and critical …

Maternal Characteristics And Infant Birth Weight In Dayton, Ohio, Matthew Pellerite

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: To better understand and identify modifiable maternal risk factors that are driving the increased incidence of low birth weight (LBW) in Montgomery County.

Background Information: LBW has lifelong effects on growth and development. These medical and social implications are coupled with an enormous economic burden. In the US, over 5.8 billion dollars are spent annually to care for LBW babies. Despite the recognition of these medical and economic challenges and the implementation of public campaigns to decrease rates, LBW trends have continued to increase. Between 1995 and 2005 the LBW rates in the US incrementally increased from 7.3% to …

Environmental Influences On Pediatric Obesity: An Examination Of The 2007 National Survey Of Children's Health (Nsch), Donny Dunfee

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Obese children are more likely to become obese as adults; hence, they are at increased risk for a number of adult diseases. As with adult obesity, several variables contribute to the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. The intent of this report is to illustrate the connection between childhood obesity and the social environmental interactions of populations. With the increasing prevalence of obesity in adults and children, healthcare and public health professionals view childhood overweight and obesity as one of the most serious public health concerns of our time. This research conducts a secondary analysis of the National Survey of Children’s …

Demographic Factors That Predict Cervical Cancer Screenings In Ohio Women With Disabilities, Shari Mae Martin

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Cervical cancer screening (CCS) rates are lower for women with disabilities than for the general population. The purpose of this project was to describe cervical cancer screening rates in women with disabilities, living in Ohio, and explore the relationship of select demographic factors to cervical cancer screening participation.

Methods: A chart audit of 350 randomly selected women with disabilities, ages 20-80, enrolled in a statewide home care waiver program was completed.

Results: Less than half of the women (45.4%) had obtained a CCS within the last 3 years, compared to a rate of 82% for the general population of …

Diabetes Obesity-Wellness Opportunity Program (Dowop) Evaluation, Francis Banahene

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The aim of the study was to evaluate Diabetes Obesity - Wellness Opportunities Program (DOWOP) for overweight and obese adolescents aged eight to 14 years.

The study was conducted over 14 weeks at Victor J. Cassano, Sr. Health Center in Dayton, Ohio. Thirteen weekly nutrition, exercise and cognitive presentations were held. Cooking class was held on week thirteen. Participants completed food and activity diaries. The program sessions focused on healthy eating, increasing physical activity, decreasing sedentary behavior and supporting participants maintain healthy lifestyle.

Nurses recorded BMI and waist circumference at baseline, week 7 and week 14. Program administrators were interviewed …

Gender Differences In Risk Behaviors Of Adolescents Enrolled In An Inner City Charter High School, Kimbra Dent

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Adolescents engage in health risk behaviors (Grunbaum, 2001). Persons engaging in high‐risk behaviors during adolescence have disproportionally poor health as adults (Grunbaum et al., 2003; Resnick et al., 1997). Adolescents comprise a target group for health promotion and education programs to establish healthy lifestyle choices that transcend into adulthood. The purpose of this descriptive research study was to identify, analyze, and compare the health interests and health risk behaviors between male and female inner city, adolescent, charter high school students. The study served as a needs assessment before a health promotion and education program was implemented into the high school. …

Barriers To Accessing Primary Dental Care For The Uninsured/ Underinsured Population In The City Of Cincinnati, Kiana R. Trabue

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Despite federal, state and local efforts to provide access to dental services to vulnerable populations such as the uninsured and underinsured, many people still do not receive adequate dental care. This study seeks to identify barriers to primary dental care in the City of Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Health Department (CHD) operates five safety net health centers which provide dental care for the citizens of the Cincinnati service area. Surveys conducted in these centers found that cost was the main reason individuals do not see the dentist regularly. Even in those with dental insurance cost was a major barrier, although most …

The Relationship Of Maternal Age, Trimester Of Entry Into Prenatal Care, Maternal Postpartum Depression, And Race With Birth Weight Of Infants Born In Cincinnati, Ohio, Kelli Kohake

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Healthcare, resources, and technology in the United States (U.S.) has improved, yet the U.S. ranks 29th in the world for the highest infant mortality rates – behind other less developed countries. Within the U.S., Ohio (and Hamilton County in particular) has high rates of infant mortality. Low birth weight and preterm births are a major cause of infant mortality. Data analysis was done consisting of descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance of the prenatal patients served at the Cincinnati Health Department health centers who delivered in 2009, with dependent variables of birth weight and postpartum depression. Independent variables included maternal …

Hospital Evacuations: Historical Precedence And Modern Preparedness, Nicholas Squillace

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to identify common problems encountered during hospital evacuations and how those problems are or should be addressed when creating a hospital evacuation plan.

Methods: Articles relating to hospital evacuations were retrieved from PubMed and CINAHL in addition to government websites and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The articles collected were limited to within the last 20 years, from 1990 to 2010. Hospital plans were collected from search engines including Google and Yahoo. Moreover, a plan was obtained from a Dayton area hospital.

Results: Numerous instances of hospital evacuations that were …

The Relationship Between Body Image And Body Mass Index In Attendees At A Health Fair, Millie S. Olds

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between body image and body mass index (BMI) in attendees at a health fair. BMI and body image was also compared between races, ages and genders. It was hypothesized that there would be discrepancies between perceived body image and weight status, as measured by BMI. Sixty-two participants at a health fair in Cincinnati completed a survey about perceived body image and had their height and weight measured and BMI calculated later. Results suggested a positive relationship between BMI and body image. Participants with a higher BMI identified themselves with a …

Unmet Medical Need Of Underserved Population In A Safety-Net Organization, Leslie Clem

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Safety net providers serve a large proportion of America’s uninsured and low income population. The purpose of this study is to determine if differences in unmet medical needs exist between the provisional and clinic populations, age groups, and sex and race categories. This research study provides information about the population that receives services from Good Neighbor House, a non-profit social service organization in Dayton, Ohio.

Methods: GNH created a survey to assess the unmet medical need of their clients. The instrument contains questions about routine medical care, unmet medical care in the last 12 months, medical bills, and demographic …

Socioeconomic And Environmental Causes For Respiratory Infection Death In Alaska Native Villages, Sarah Mcbeth

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objectives. This ecological study evaluates the association between community characteristics and death rates from pneumonia/influenza, tuberculosis, and infectious diseases in 196 Alaska Native villages.

Methods. Ecological variables studied included percentage of Natives in the population, age distribution, latitude, average household size, socioeconomic status, percentage of homes with complete plumbing and/or kitchens, type of heating fuel used, community alcohol restrictions, level of healthcare access, and residence in specific regions of Alaska. These data come from the 2000 U.S. Census, the Alaska Alcohol Beverage Control Board, and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. A stepwise analysis of variance using the Proc GLM …

Safe Choices: An Examination Of Contraceptive Choices Of The Patient Population Of Planned Parenthood Of Central Ohio, Chloe Williams

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: This study sought to evaluate the variation between racial groups and contraceptive methods chosen by women served by Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio (PPCO) in 2009 in order to better understand the issue of unintended pregnancy.

Methods: This two part study used administrative records provided by PPCO that included raw data for all women who were scheduled for an appointment to receive, or be consulted on contraception from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009 which included three PPCO clinic locations in Franklin County, Ohio. A chi-square analysis was performed with java-based mathematical software from the Math Beans Project …

Zoonotic Disease In Ohio: Surveillance, Preparation, And Response, Erik B. Balster

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

This paper examines the state of public health preparation and response capacity to zoonotic infectious disease in the state of Ohio. A comprehensive literature review of zoonotic disease emergence and re-emergence, the National Veterinary Stockpile (NVS), the One Health Initiative, emergency response, and Ohio policy was performed in conjunction with telephone interviews. This study shows that responsibilities and systems integral to disease preparedness, such as sentinel surveillance and reporting, vary significantly between two key departments: the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). Consistency and standardization of agency, mirroring the One Health Initiative, must be …

Montgomery County Breast Cancer Study: Demographic Analysis Of Breast Cancer In Montgomery County, Ohio, Danial Jilani

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Disparities exist in cancer incidence and mortality between specific population groups in the United States. Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer diagnosed in women. Breast cancer ranks as the second highest leading cause of death for women in the state of Ohio and in the United States. Perhaps more concerning, breast cancer is the leading cause of death for Hispanic women and ranks second for white, black, Asian, and Native American women. Specifically, women of low socioeconomic status (SES) have been shown to have lower rates of survival.

Methods: A descriptive study of …

E-Therapy As A Means For Addressing Barriers To Substance Use Disorder Treatment For Persons Who Are Deaf, Dennis Moore, Debra Guthmann, Nikki Lynn Rogers, Susan Fraker, Jared A. Embree

Population and Public Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Persons who are deaf face a number of challenges with regard to vulnerability for substance use disorders. Moreover, accessible treatment for this condition can be difficult to establish and maintain. The Deaf community may be one of the most disenfranchised groups in America in regard to appropriate access to substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and treatment services. This article reviews
findings related to substance use disorder and treatment for this condition among persons who are deaf. It also reviews a promising approach for addressing treatment needs via e-therapy, and it highlights the challenges and concerns regarding e-therapy for this population. …

Selected Comparison Of Global Health Organizations, Steven C. Mccullar

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Due to a potential, worldwide adverse impact on health, transnational dependencies, and the need for effective response, global cooperation is imperative (Buchanan & Decamp, 2006). There are more than 100 global health agencies, including the World Health Organization. As the number of organizations increases, each with their own agendas, so does the concern for lack of coherence and collaboration among organizations in the effort of disease eradication and development of health systems (Beaglehole & Bonita, 2008). The focus of this study is on comparing the effectiveness of selected global health organizations in efforts to detect a need to either establish …