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Articles 331 - 360 of 400
Full-Text Articles in Public Health
Substitute Costs: A Method For Determining Ecological Service Values In Stormwater Management, Steven B. Mckinney
Substitute Costs: A Method For Determining Ecological Service Values In Stormwater Management, Steven B. Mckinney
All ETDs from UAB
Many alternatives exist for estimating the value of the natural environment. These approaches have been developed over the past 40 to 50 years and began principally because of increasing awareness that economic development had an associated cost in environmental degradation. Environmental economics provides some of the tools necessary to aid in balancing economic growth with the environmental impacts created by this growth and to do so through evaluating policy. Using environmental economics as a mechanism for policy assessment allows the evaluation of potential gains from specific courses of economic growth and of the trade-offs in environmental services that may be …
Impact Of Health Care Coverage And Other Socio-Demographic Variables On The Follow-Up Of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Colombian Women, Isabel Cristina Garces-Palacio
Impact Of Health Care Coverage And Other Socio-Demographic Variables On The Follow-Up Of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Colombian Women, Isabel Cristina Garces-Palacio
All ETDs from UAB
In Colombia, cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women with incidence (36.4/100,000) and mortality rates (18/100,000) much higher than those of the U.S. (7.7 and 2.3 respectively). About 70% of the Colombian population has health care coverage (HCC) through the subsidized regime (SR) which serves the poorest persons and the contributory regime (CR) which serves the working population. Our goal was to determine the role that HCC plays in cervical cancer screening follow-up among Colombian women. A population-based cross-sectional study of 24,717 women between the ages of 18 and 49, using the 2005 Demographic and Health Survey was …
Comorbidity And Body Mass Index (Bmi) As Predictors Of Survival For African Americans And Caucasians Following Surgery For Adenocarcinoma Of The Colon, Robert B. Hines
Comorbidity And Body Mass Index (Bmi) As Predictors Of Survival For African Americans And Caucasians Following Surgery For Adenocarcinoma Of The Colon, Robert B. Hines
All ETDs from UAB
There is a survival disparity between African Americans and Caucasians having colon cancer. Among the reasons given as possible causes for the increased risk of death in African Americans following a diagnosis of colon cancer are comorbidity and body habitus. The primary question this dissertation sought to answer was whether or not comorbidity and/or BMI could account for any of the increased risk of death seen in African Americans with colon cancer. However, before answering this question, the matter of which comorbidity index to use in assessing the comorbidity burden in this population of colon cancer patients had to be …
Oxidation Of Mercury During Selective Catalytic Reduction Of Nitric Oxide, Giang Tong
Oxidation Of Mercury During Selective Catalytic Reduction Of Nitric Oxide, Giang Tong
All ETDs from UAB
A promising method for mercury removal from the gaseous products of coal combustion is the catalytic oxidation of elemental mercury to water-soluble mercuric chloride during selective catalytic reduction of NOx by ammonia, followed by removal of the oxidized mercury during wet flue gas desulfurization. Measurements of the mercury species distribution and sulfate formation at the outlet of a 310 mm long square cell monolithic V2O5-WO3/TiO2 commercial SCR catalyst showed the following trends: (1) Mercury oxidation was highly sensitive to HCl at the low levels characteristic of Powder River Basin subbituminous coals (0-5 ppmv). (2) Mercury oxidation was inhibited by NH3, …
Theoretical Context Of A Common Reproductive Health Behavior: Vaginal Douching Among A National Sample Of Young Adult Women, Disa Cornish
Theoretical Context Of A Common Reproductive Health Behavior: Vaginal Douching Among A National Sample Of Young Adult Women, Disa Cornish
All ETDs from UAB
Current research suggests that up to 75% of American women have engaged in vaginal douching during their lives. Prevalence of the behavior is disproportionately high among minority women (especially African American) and women of low SES. Two bodies of research present conflicting results regarding the benefits or risks to reproductive health that are posed by vaginal douching, although the majority of research on this topic suggests that douching is associated with negative health outcomes. Although studies have suggested prevalence rates, behavioral correlates, and biological associations of vaginal douching, very few studies have used behavioral theory when examining the practice. The …
Parenting Practices And Desire For A Child Among Mothers Living With Hiv, Natalie De La Cruz
Parenting Practices And Desire For A Child Among Mothers Living With Hiv, Natalie De La Cruz
All ETDs from UAB
One-quarter of adults living with HIV/AIDS in the US are women, most of whom are facing decisions regarding their reproductive future. Despite clear challenges and complexities facing HIV-positive women, most research suggests that they maintain strong desires and intentions for motherhood. This research explores the correlates of desire for another child, with a specific emphasis on examining the relationship between current parenting experiences and future childbearing desires, among a predominantly black sample of HIV-positive women (n=96) participating in the Making Our Mothers Stronger (MOMS) Project. Predictors of contraceptive use and consistency between contraceptive practices and fertility desires are also explored …
Parental Attitudes Of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Of Adolescent Girls In Alabama, Allison G. Litton
Parental Attitudes Of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Of Adolescent Girls In Alabama, Allison G. Litton
All ETDs from UAB
Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. This study examined racial and socio-demographic differences between African Americans and non-Hispanic Whites in Alabama regarding HPV vaccine acceptability. This cross sectional study employed a statewide survey of Alabama parents using a random digit dial phone method conducted through the Survey Research Unit at UAB. Participants were female caregivers of adolescent girls between the ages of 10-14 years. The final sample size was 403. Analyses included descriptive statistics, cross tabulations and odds ratios to assess race/ethnicity and other subgroup differences and logistic regression of intention to vaccinate …
The Distinction Between First And Higher-Order Pregnancies Among Low-Income Adolescents, Ann Elizabeth Montgomery
The Distinction Between First And Higher-Order Pregnancies Among Low-Income Adolescents, Ann Elizabeth Montgomery
All ETDs from UAB
Rapid repeat pregnancy is defined as having a subsequent pregnancy within 2 years of the first. In the United States, approximately 30-50% of adolescent mothers will experience a repeat pregnancy within 12 to 24 months of the first birth (Sangalang, Barth, & Painter, 2006; Coard, Nitz, & Felice, 2000). The negative implications of adolescents having a first birth--most notably in the areas of "health, career, and economic conditions" (Khalili, 2005, p. 19)--are compounded when a second pregnancy occurs (Key, Barbosa, & Owens, 2001). This exploratory study addressed one of the primary gaps in the literature related to rapid repeat adolescent …
Maintaining Healthy Eating Behaviors With Women After A Weight Management Program: A Grounded Theory Approach, Christie Zunker
Maintaining Healthy Eating Behaviors With Women After A Weight Management Program: A Grounded Theory Approach, Christie Zunker
All ETDs from UAB
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the process of how women maintain their weight and continue healthy eating behaviors after completing a weight management program, which emphasized low-energy density foods. This is important since many women regain weight after participating in weight management programs. Theoretical sampling strategies guided participant recruitment. Inclusion criteria were: self-reported African American or Caucasian women aged 30 and older who lost > 5% of their body weight during their participation in the EatRight weight management program at least one year ago or longer. Height and weight was measured. Participants that remained > 5% below their …
Design Of The Predictive Power Method With Two Endpoints, Kiya R. Hamilton
Design Of The Predictive Power Method With Two Endpoints, Kiya R. Hamilton
All ETDs from UAB
Three reasons to review accumulating data in clinical trials include: ethical issues, financial concerns and administrative concerns. Interim analysis is a good way to monitor accumulating data in clinical trials. Interim analysis allows for the possibility that a study may be terminated early; that is, if the currently observed data convincingly favor the null or the alternative hypothesis then the study ends early. In addition, many clinical trials are conducted to compare a treatment group to a standard group on multiple endpoints. Combining interim analyses with multiple endpoints allows for more information to be provided from the trial than either …
Shunt Failure In Children With Hydrocephalus: Impact Of Sociodemographic Predictors On Time To Medical Evaluation For Shunt Failure And The Economic Burden Associated With Shunt Failure, Chevis Nacole Shannon
Shunt Failure In Children With Hydrocephalus: Impact Of Sociodemographic Predictors On Time To Medical Evaluation For Shunt Failure And The Economic Burden Associated With Shunt Failure, Chevis Nacole Shannon
All ETDs from UAB
Ventriculo-peritoneal shunts continue to be the standard surgical procedure for treating children diagnosed with hydrocephalus, regardless of etiology. The failure of these shunts can cause acute medical problems for the child requiring immediate medical care. It is known that hydrocephalus directly impacts a child's health status, educational abilities, developmental opportunities and emotional well being. An important gap in the current literature is the examination in a homogenous patient population of the impact of sociodemographic factors on the management of shunt failure and the economic burden on the family. The objective of this dissertation research study was to better understand shunt …
Multiracial Tobacco, Alcohol, And Drug Use: An Investigation Of The Function Of Racial Identity In A Longitudinal Sample From Youth To Young Adulthood, Julia Katrina Crumly
Multiracial Tobacco, Alcohol, And Drug Use: An Investigation Of The Function Of Racial Identity In A Longitudinal Sample From Youth To Young Adulthood, Julia Katrina Crumly
All ETDs from UAB
The purpose of the research is threefold. The first purpose is to determine if multiracial individuals are at a higher risk for alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. The second purpose is to determine the relationship between racial identity and risk behaviors. The third purpose is to determine how the change/no change of racial identity longitudinally contributes to one’s risk to engage in risk behaviors. A national representative longitudinal data set was obtained and analyzed for the purpose of this study. Results of the study reveal that there are differences in multiracial groups for risk behaviors, minority identification is not necessarily …
Validation Of Two Qualitative Occupational Expose Assessment Models For Particulates And Vapors, Leshan J. Elliott
Validation Of Two Qualitative Occupational Expose Assessment Models For Particulates And Vapors, Leshan J. Elliott
All ETDs from UAB
o ensure industrial workers are not overexposed to hazardous chemicals, it is necessary to evaluate the magnitude of occupational exposures. Small and medium sized companies usually do not employ industrial hygienists or other professionals trained in occupational exposure evaluations. Thus, traditional quantitative air sampling methods are usually not feasible due to resource and budgetary limitations. Qualitative exposure assessment models have gained in popularity because they are simple, inexpensive, and less time consuming than quantitative methods. Models are available which predict exposure concentrations or categorize exposures as acceptable or unacceptable. Unfortunately, most models have not been validated or previous studies have …
Gender Difference In Traumatic Brain Injury Outcomes: Survival, Functional Independence, And Employment Status, Andrea T. Underhill
Gender Difference In Traumatic Brain Injury Outcomes: Survival, Functional Independence, And Employment Status, Andrea T. Underhill
All ETDs from UAB
Medical and rehabilitative care of women living with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is based on information drawn from research conducted primarily on men. Care for men may be adequate for women, but all of the body’s organs have the capability to respond differently based on gender, and research should examine the genders separately. This dissertation examines the survival to 24 months post-TBI and the functional independence and employment status at 12 and 24 months post-TBI of men and women. Participants were drawn from a longitudinal study of injured persons and include those diagnosed only with a TBI. Variables used in …
Partner Referral Among Patients With Sexually Transmitted Diseases In Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nazmul Alam
Partner Referral Among Patients With Sexually Transmitted Diseases In Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nazmul Alam
All ETDs from UAB
This dissertation puts together three closely related articles on partner referral for sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The first paper sought to understand feasibility and acceptability of partner referral for STD in less developed countries using a systematic literature review. The results summarized from 39 articles indicate that partner referral outcome was more common for spousal partners than for causal partners. Client's reported barriers included stigma and fear of abuse while infrastructural barriers included limited resources are important. Client centered counseling was found to be effective in increasing partner referral in Africa. The second paper aimed to determine if intention of …
Diagnosing Antiretroviral Treatment Failure In Resource-Limited Settings, Ronald Alexander Cantrell
Diagnosing Antiretroviral Treatment Failure In Resource-Limited Settings, Ronald Alexander Cantrell
All ETDs from UAB
This dissertation had three central goals. The first was to review the existing literature for reports of virologic failure among adults initiating non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings. The second was to describe the epidemiology of virologic failure over the first 6 months of therapy in Lusaka, Zambia. The third was to examine the performance of different approaches for diagnosing virologic failure. We performed a meta-analysis using data from previously published reports to create summary estimates for the prevalence of virologic failure and found that the lowest estimate of the 95% confidence interval was 10% or higher …
Enzymatic And Proteomic Analysis Of Spinal Cord In A G93a Als Mouse Model, Page Jones
Enzymatic And Proteomic Analysis Of Spinal Cord In A G93a Als Mouse Model, Page Jones
All ETDs from UAB
Mutations to copper,zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn SOD or SOD1) are the only known causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized primarily by death of spinal motor neurons. While the molecular mechanisms responsible for motor neuron death in this disease remain to be elucidated, recent studies implicate mitochondrial dysfunction as a key factor in the pathogenesis of ALS. In support of this, we observed ALS-dependent alterations in key functions including creatine kinase activity and ATP levels, which could be linked to changes in the mitochondrial proteome. Importantly, extensive research efforts have failed to develop a treatment that significantly …
Evaluation Of Pre And Post Treatment Filtration Performance Of Kinetico Macrolite® Ceramic Media Compared To Traditional Sand/Anthracite And Gac Filters In Drinking Water Treatment Process, Jeff Cochran
All ETDs from UAB
This study was conducted in conjunction with the Birmingham Water Works Board to evaluate Kinetico ceramic filter media against GAC (Granular Activated Carbon) and Sand/Anthracite filters. The Birmingham Water Works Board Water Treatment Pilot Plant was located and operated on the Shades Mountain Filter Plant (SMFP) premises. The evaluation was conducted in three phases: plant matching, plant optimization, and pre-filter testing. The initial phase called for determining the best combination of Kinetico Macrolite Ceramic media to match or outperform the existing Sand/Anthracite dual media filters located at SMFP. At the end of the testing it was determined that 18 inches …
The Relationship Of Medical Homeness To The Quality Of Life Of Mothers Of Children With And Without Special Health Care Needs, Cynthia G. Cortes
The Relationship Of Medical Homeness To The Quality Of Life Of Mothers Of Children With And Without Special Health Care Needs, Cynthia G. Cortes
All ETDs from UAB
A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the relationship of child, family, and medical home status to quality of life for mothers of children with and without special health care needs. Mothers of children with (n=100) and without (n=80) special health care needs, completed a questionnaire at a children’s hospital in the southeastern United States focusing on the child, family, and medical home and maternal quality of life. Standardized instruments were used to measure quality of life (SF-36) and social support (Social Support Questionnaire). Non-standardized instruments used in other research were incorporated into the maternal questionnaire. Logistic and linear regression …
Interim Monitoring Efficacy, Safety And Futility In Phase Iii Clinical Trials, Qing Li
Interim Monitoring Efficacy, Safety And Futility In Phase Iii Clinical Trials, Qing Li
All ETDs from UAB
Phase III trials often have both efficacy and safety outcomes. Sometimes the safety outcomes are closely associated with the efficacy outcomes. We sought to find a statistical method to treat both efficacy and safety outcomes as bivariate primary outcomes and set up stopping rules at interim stages based on the following criteria: (1) greater safety; (2) greater efficacy; (3) futility. We first examined the internal pilot design to adjust sample size for clinical trials with a bivariate response (efficacy and safety). Three nuisance parameters (two variances and correlation) need to be considered when doing sample size recalculation for the internal …
Air Pollution And Preterm Births In Atlanta, Georgia, Corey Masuca
Air Pollution And Preterm Births In Atlanta, Georgia, Corey Masuca
All ETDs from UAB
Exposure to ambient outdoor air pollution exposure is one of the many extraneous factors associated with preterm births. Many epidemiological studies involving preterm births and ambient air pollution have repeatedly indicated positive associations. However, for many such studies, results may be statistically significant but weakly associated or inconclusive. Such results may be primarily attributable to the fact that most studies include only single or multiple criteria air pollutants but not the total air pollution mixture of criteria air pollutants and air toxic pollutants (e.g., PAHs) to which people are actually exposed. This study assessed associations between pollutant classes, including criteria …
Randomized Controlled Trial Of Low Cost Interventions To Reduce Childhood Immunization Dropouts In Pakistan, Hussain Raza Usman
Randomized Controlled Trial Of Low Cost Interventions To Reduce Childhood Immunization Dropouts In Pakistan, Hussain Raza Usman
All ETDs from UAB
Childhood immunization coverage in Pakistan remains sub-optimal despite universal and free of cost availability of vaccines. Structural impediments to progress may include the immunization card that is hard to read and interpret. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effect of redesigned immunization card and center-based education to mothers on immunization completion at rural immunization centers in Karachi, Pakistan. Other objectives were to identify the predictors of immunization completion and to identify factors associated with delay at first dose of diphtheria-tetanuspertussis (DTP1). Mother-child units were enrolled from six immunization centers at DTP1 and randomized to four study groups: …
The Effect Of Malaria And Intestinal Helminth Coinfection On Birth Outcomes In Ghana, Nelly J. Yatich
The Effect Of Malaria And Intestinal Helminth Coinfection On Birth Outcomes In Ghana, Nelly J. Yatich
All ETDs from UAB
Several studies have reported the relationship between malaria during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes including maternal anemia, low birthweight, as well as preterm delivery and small for gestational age infants. Some studies have also demonstrated the linkage between helminth infection and maternal anemia. Few studies have assessed the occurrence of coinfection of these infections in pregnancy and its effects on maternal anemia and birth outcomes. The objective of this dissertation was to assess the effect of malaria and intestinal helminth coinfection on birth outcomes in Ghana. A cross-sectional study of 785 women presenting for delivery in two hospitals in Kumasi, …
Wavelet-Based Regression And Classification For Longitudinal Diffusion Tensor Imaging Data, William R. Prucka
Wavelet-Based Regression And Classification For Longitudinal Diffusion Tensor Imaging Data, William R. Prucka
All ETDs from UAB
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique capable of in vivo characterization of the spatial and angular dependence of free water diffusion in tissue. By studying intra- and extra-cellular water mobility, inference can be made about the surrounding medium. The non-uniform angular dependence of diffusion, known as anisotropy, is evident in fibrous tissues, which exhibit greater diffusion parallel versus perpendicular to the fiber orientation. DTI’s sensitivity to anisotropy makes it an effective tool for measuring the integrity of fibrous myelinated white matter tracts in the brain. For demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), DTI has …
Predictors Of Indoor Dust Mite And Cockroach Levels, J Mark Brooks
Predictors Of Indoor Dust Mite And Cockroach Levels, J Mark Brooks
All ETDs from UAB
Exposures to dust mite and cockroach indoor allergens are important environmental risk factors in allergic sensitization and the development and exacerbation of asthma. To determine the relationship of indoor allergen levels and residence characteristics, dust samples were collected from indoor surfaces in residences in the Birmingham, Alabama area. The dust samples were analyzed for specific dust mite (Der p 1 and Der f 1) and cockroach (Bla g 1) antigens, the results of which were used to represent the level of indoor allergen present in each residence. The presence, and in some cases the degree, of potential allergen-predicting characteristics of …
Factors Associated With Sexual Debut And Depression Among Adolescents In Rural Jamaica, Olaniyi J. Ekundayo
Factors Associated With Sexual Debut And Depression Among Adolescents In Rural Jamaica, Olaniyi J. Ekundayo
All ETDs from UAB
Individual and family factors have been hypothesized to influence adolescent sexual behavior and depression, but the extent to which this is true for adolescents in Jamaica as a whole and for those in rural areas in particular, has not been well studied. The objective of this dissertation was to identify individual and family factors associated with sexual debut and depression among rural Jamaican adolescents. To elucidate these factors and to provide information to guide future interventions, we analyzed data on 748 adolescents attending public high schools in the rural parish of Hanover, Jamaica. Multivariate logistic regression was used to predict …
Sexual Violence And Correlates Among Women In Hiv Discordant Union, Uganda, Donath Emusu
Sexual Violence And Correlates Among Women In Hiv Discordant Union, Uganda, Donath Emusu
All ETDs from UAB
We sought to estimate the prevalence of sexual violence and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), identify risk factors for sexual violence and STDs among women in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) discordant unions, and investigate the lived experiences of sexual violence among women in HIV discordant unions attending post-test club services at AIDS Information Centers (AICs) in Uganda. We carried out a prospective cohort study of women in HIV discordant and HIV negative concordant unions after disclosure of their HIV serostatus. We estimated prevalence of STDs in the two study cohorts and compared them for occurrence of risk factors for sexual violence …
Titania Coated Hollow Glass Microspheres For Environmental Applications, Mark C. Koopman
Titania Coated Hollow Glass Microspheres For Environmental Applications, Mark C. Koopman
All ETDs from UAB
The potential applicability of titania coated hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) to the photocatalytic degradation of microbiological and organic chemical water pollutants could have dramatic positive effects on improving the quality of industrial wastewaters that empty into rivers and streams, as well as potential use in economically improving the quality of drinking water. Heterogeneous photocatalysis using titania has been extensively studied since the 1990’s because of its non-toxic nature, its high quantum yield of electrons and photo-holes, and its ability to use ambient solar radiation as a power source. Although titania embodies extraordinarily attractive properties for a range of environmental applications, …
Delayed Childbearing, Pregnancy Spacing And Impact On Subsequent Pregnancy Outcomes: Missouri Resident Mothers 1978-1997, Sarah K. Nabukera
Delayed Childbearing, Pregnancy Spacing And Impact On Subsequent Pregnancy Outcomes: Missouri Resident Mothers 1978-1997, Sarah K. Nabukera
All ETDs from UAB
Introduction The main objective of the study was to examine reproductive health issues among women delaying initiation of childbearing until age 30 or older. Specifically, it examined pregnancy spacing patterns, relationship between pregnancy spacing and subsequent perinatal outcomes as well as racial differences in spacing and adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Missouri maternally linked live birth, fetal death and infant death files 1978-1997. The study sample was limited to mothers residing in Missouri during the study period, having first pregnancy at age 20-50 years, as well as a subsequent second pregnancy. Final study …
Association Between The Exposure To Aflatoxin And Micronutrient Status Of Hiv Infected Adults In Ghana, Francis Ayodele Obuseh
Association Between The Exposure To Aflatoxin And Micronutrient Status Of Hiv Infected Adults In Ghana, Francis Ayodele Obuseh
All ETDs from UAB
Aflatoxins, found naturally in some foods are toxic metabolites of some Aspergillus species.They constitute the most potent hepatocarcinogens known and are also mutagenic and hepatotoxic. The preponderance of evidence indicates that aflatoxin is the major cause of hepatocellular cancer. In studies conducted in Africa, food-borne aflatoxin exposure is common (Oyelami et al. 1996; Egal et al. 2005). There is a critical need for additional information on health outcomes associated with exposure to aflatoxin in humans, especially in developing countries with a higher degree of malnutrition and likelihood of HIV infections. We sought to test the hypothesis that aflatoxin B1 and …