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Articles 691 - 720 of 757
Full-Text Articles in Public Health
In Vitro Toxicity Of Aluminum Nanoparticles In Human Keratinocytes, Stephanie Mccormack-Brown
In Vitro Toxicity Of Aluminum Nanoparticles In Human Keratinocytes, Stephanie Mccormack-Brown
Theses and Dissertations
Nanotechnology promises to be the defining technology of the 21st century. At an annual investment of $1B, it provides significant contributions to manufacturing, medicine, energy conservation, and the environment. Nanoparticles are structures with at least one dimension in the 1 to 100 nanometer (nm) range. DoD and US Air Force interest in aluminum nanoparticles (AL NPs) stems from its ability to enhance combustion jet fuel, thus increasing fuel efficiency. The addition of AL NPs to JP-8 may pose a unique dermal hazard to aircraft maintenance workers. There is no published data on AL NP toxicity effects on human skin. This …
Assessment Of Seminary Education On End Of Life Issues, Stefan Hakon Pomrenke
Assessment Of Seminary Education On End Of Life Issues, Stefan Hakon Pomrenke
Theses and Dissertations
Background: The US health care system faces increased costs from end of life (EOL) care. The intensive approach to EOL treatment with greater use of procedures in ICUs has led to decedent spending six times greater than that of survivors in the hospital. Experts in ICU and Palliative care fields have called for greater utilization of end of life planning and education. To date, EOL education has been dominated by the technologically driven medical field and the church has been under-utilized. The US population relies on clergy support for many mental health and EOL issues. Clergy report feeling uncomfortable in …
Physicians' Communication With Older Patients, Particularly Older African American Women, About Sexual Health And Sexual Risk Behaviors For Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv) And Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids)*, Regina Vaughn Gibson
Theses and Dissertations
HIV/AIDS is rising among people age 50 and older in the U.S. but primary care physicians may not be talking to their older patients about sexual health and high-risk sexual behaviors nor routinely testing them for HIV/AIDS. Do primary care physicians in Arkansas obtain sexual histories on their older patients? Are primary care physicians in Arkansas knowledgeable enough about HIV to impart risk-reduction information to their older patients? These are but two of the questions this research seeks to answer. Contrary to what the medical or general population believes, many older persons remain sexually active throughout their lifetime. The problem …
The Utility Of Depression Screening Measures After Traumatic Brain Injury, Amy H. Riddick
The Utility Of Depression Screening Measures After Traumatic Brain Injury, Amy H. Riddick
Theses and Dissertations
Objectives: Identifying reliable, practical and easy to use tools to assess depression in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), is a necessary first step to addressing a high incidence problem. The intention of this study is to validate depression screening measures with a criterion-based structured interview among people with TBI. The final outcome will identify which measure is the best indicator of depression diagnosis in this population. Methods: 112 participants with TBI were administered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Neurobehavioral Functioning Inventory (NFI), The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (Ham-D), and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV TR Axis I …
Determinants Of Obesity: Racial Differences, Nikkia L. Goforth
Determinants Of Obesity: Racial Differences, Nikkia L. Goforth
Theses and Dissertations
BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major public health problem. Studies have shown that there are racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of obesity. However, there is limited research that examines the effects of sedentary and poor lifestyle behaviors and obesity among different racial and ethnic groups. Furthermore, most studies focus on the problem of obesity among children. This study was conducted to examine racial differences in determinants of obesity in adults in the United States. METHODS: Data from the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System was used for this analysis. Demographics, lifestyle behaviors, and existence of chronic diseases were assessed. …
Analgesic Use In U.S. Emergency Departments For Patients Reporting Moderate To Severe Pain: Diagnosis And Select Patient Characteristics Influencing Narcotic Analgesic Prescribing Practices, Hassan Zakaria
Theses and Dissertations
Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between emergency department patient encounter characteristics and narcotic analgesic prescribing practices in order to determine what patient characteristics, if any, influence the decision to prescribe narcotics.Methods: Cross sectional data on patients presenting to U.S. emergency departments from the 2003 and 2004 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were analyzed. Patients reporting moderate to severe pain were included in the sample and analysis. Chi square tests of significance were used to assess the association between individual demographic and encounter characteristics to narcotic prescription or administration. Separate multiple logistic regressions were then performed on …
Impact Of Combat Stress On Mental Health Outcomes: Brfss Survey Data 2006, Emily Pedneau
Impact Of Combat Stress On Mental Health Outcomes: Brfss Survey Data 2006, Emily Pedneau
Theses and Dissertations
Objectives: This study sought to determine the relationship between combat experience and mental health outcomes. The study sought to determine whether age was a significant factor in poor mental health outcomes. Methods: Multiple logistic regression (n = 195,048) and multiple linear regression (n = 264,154) were performed on the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Veteran status and a host of demographic and health status questions were analyzed in relation to diagnosis of anxiety or depressive disorder (multiple logistic regression) and to number of days poor mental health (multiple linear regression). Results: Diagnosis of anxiety or depression was …
Trend Analysis Of Automobile Collision Amongst 15-19 Year Olds In Virginia, 2000-2004, Imo F. Ndem
Trend Analysis Of Automobile Collision Amongst 15-19 Year Olds In Virginia, 2000-2004, Imo F. Ndem
Theses and Dissertations
Purpose. This research study on automobile collision in Virginia amongst fifteen to nineteen (15-19) year olds looked into the trend analysis over a five (5) year period of 2000 to 2004. Trend analysis is usually done for aggregates of all injurieseither intentional or unintentional injuries, or both. The primary objective of this research study was to examine the trend in hospitalization rates and mortality rates for males and females independently. It further looked into the trend, if any, in hospitalization rates, mortality rates, and case-fatality rates, for both males and females combined. The different Tables illustrate the extent and the …
Examination Of Birth Outcomes With Mode Of Delivery For Breech Presentation, Kelly Marie Arey
Examination Of Birth Outcomes With Mode Of Delivery For Breech Presentation, Kelly Marie Arey
Theses and Dissertations
Introduction: Approximately 3% to 4% of all pregnancies at term will have a fetus with a breech presentation. Studies have shown that the US has almost completely abandoned vaginal delivery for breech presentation through the influence of the "Term Breech Trial" (TBT) which concluded that a policy of planned caesarian section would reduce perinatal mortality, late neonatal mortality, and serious neonatal morbidity by approximately two-thirds for term fetuses. However, the recommendations are still being challenged by others.Objectives: The purpose of the study was to describe who in Virginia is having a vaginal delivery for a breech presentation and to determine …
Has Richmond, Virginia Become Safer In The Past Five Years (2002-2006)?: An Analysis Of Ambulance Data Regarding Penetrating Trauma Incidents, Ashleigh K. Mccabe
Has Richmond, Virginia Become Safer In The Past Five Years (2002-2006)?: An Analysis Of Ambulance Data Regarding Penetrating Trauma Incidents, Ashleigh K. Mccabe
Theses and Dissertations
Introduction: The World Health Assembly declared violence as a worldwide public health problem. Homicides have been identified as a leading cause of death in the United States across all age groups. The national homicide rate for 2004 and 2005 are 5.5 and 5.6 per 100,000 population, respectively. The reported rates for Virginia are 5.2 (2004) and 5.6 (2005) per 100,000 population, showing a 16.9% increase. Richmond has been ranked as high as the sixth most dangerous among similar cities in the United States. This study examines penetrating trauma injuries identified through 9-1-1 calls as an indicator of the incidence of …
Breast And Cervical Cancer Screening In Virginia: The Impact Of Insurance Coverage And The Every Woman's Life Screening Program, Kamila Somayaji
Breast And Cervical Cancer Screening In Virginia: The Impact Of Insurance Coverage And The Every Woman's Life Screening Program, Kamila Somayaji
Theses and Dissertations
Background: Screening for breast and cervical cancers is important because early detection increases cancer survival. Since 1991, the U.S. government has helped finance a national early detection program for breast and cervical cancer among uninsured low-income women, known in Virginia (VA) as Every Woman's Life (EWL).Objectives: This study aims to determine whether there are differences in the prevalence of breast and cervical cancer screening based on insurance coverage, assess the prevalence of screening by health district, and evaluate the ability of EWL to effectively reach its target population.Methods: Cross-sectional data from the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey were …
The Association Between Adult Self-Reported Asthma & Potential Exposures To Asthma Triggers In Virginia Workplaces: An Ecological Study, Jeanette R. Bowman
The Association Between Adult Self-Reported Asthma & Potential Exposures To Asthma Triggers In Virginia Workplaces: An Ecological Study, Jeanette R. Bowman
Theses and Dissertations
Introduction: Work-related asthma (WRA) is thought to be the most common occupational lung disease in the U.S., but there is no standard case definition of WRA. Most states, including Virginia, do not require WRA diagnoses to be reported to health departments. At present, there is too little epidemiological data on WRA in Virginia to direct public health planning efforts. Objectives: The first objective of this study was to estimate potential exposure to workplace asthma triggers in each of Virginia's 35 health districts. The second objective was to examine associations at the health district level between workplace asthma triggers, other asthma …
Disparities In The Use Of Emergency Contraceptives, Rebecca Dallman
Disparities In The Use Of Emergency Contraceptives, Rebecca Dallman
Theses and Dissertations
Purpose: Unintended pregnancies are often a burden to pregnant women and to the health care system. The rates of unintended pregnancies have decreased since the wide use of contraceptives has increased; however, young women, women with low income, and racial/ethnic minorities are more likely to use contraceptives inconsistently, which increases the risk of an unintended pregnancy. This risk could be reduced with the proper use of emergency contraceptives (ECs).Methods and Analysis: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the data from the female respondents of the 2002 Cycle 6 NSFG. Logistic regression was used to determine rates of use of ECs …
Outcomes Of Status Epilepticus In The Elderly, Alan R. Towne
Outcomes Of Status Epilepticus In The Elderly, Alan R. Towne
Theses and Dissertations
Background: Status epilepticus (SE) is a serious medical condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Few studies have addressed this condition in the elderly. The present study examines predictors of SE mortality in this growing population.Methods: SE patients visiting the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center from July 1, 1989, to June 30,2006 were included in the study. Data on demographic characteristics, SE type, etiology, time to treatment and mortality were collected. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the determinants of mortality due to SE. Data was stratified by age to examine the characteristics of SE among the elderly population.Results: …
Development Of An Evaluation Methodology For Hazardous Waste Training Programs, Ryan A. Crowley
Development Of An Evaluation Methodology For Hazardous Waste Training Programs, Ryan A. Crowley
Theses and Dissertations
The Purpose of this research was to develop a methodology to measure hazardous waste training programs. The Air Force Material Command (AFMC) hazardous waste training program was used to conduct this research. To measure the effectiveness of AFMC's hazardous waste training program, the research attempted to answer four research questions. These questions addressed correlations between hazardous waste training programs and Environmental Compliance Assessment and Management Program (ECAMP) findings, the understanding personnel have of hazardous waste principles and concepts, the effectiveness of hazardous waste training courses, and how personnel feel about the hazardous waste training they are receiving. In addition, the …
Analysis Of Patient Information: An Empirical Modeling Approach, Tony A. Murphy
Analysis Of Patient Information: An Empirical Modeling Approach, Tony A. Murphy
Theses and Dissertations
With rising costs and increasing complexities, many hospitals seek to better understand the intricate details of their operations. Increasingly, these organizations have a strong desire to accurately predict the resources required to effectively treat their patient load. This research investigates patient length-of-stay in a hospital neurological unit using an empirical modeling approach. Factors significantly affecting patient length of stay were identified and used to construct a regression model. The predictive model provides hospital decision makers with a compact tool to input what-if scenarios and predict future patient treatment lengths, thus, allowing the hospital to properly allocate resources.
Lack Of Knowledge Of Mother-To-Child Transmission In Kenya Among Women Ages 15-49, Nisha Warrier
Lack Of Knowledge Of Mother-To-Child Transmission In Kenya Among Women Ages 15-49, Nisha Warrier
Theses and Dissertations
Purpose: The epidemic of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV/AIDS in resource-poor countries is dramatic; it is responsible for nearly 90% of childhood infections. The primary purpose of analysis was to understand the distribution of factors and their association with lack of knowledge of MTCT in Kenya. In parallel, another aim was to identify the relationship between media, particularly frequency of radio exposure, and lack of knowledge.Methods: This study used the 2003 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) collected for 8,195 women, ages 15-49. Descriptive analysis, univariate analysis, and logistic regression were completed on SPSS 14 software.Results: In the sample, 1151 …
Factors Associated With High Sexual Risk Behavior In Single Women, Thomas B. M. Leecost
Factors Associated With High Sexual Risk Behavior In Single Women, Thomas B. M. Leecost
Theses and Dissertations
Objective: This study was to identify factors associated with High Sexual Risk Behavior (HSRB) in single Afro American women seen in an Epidemiology/Sexual transmitted disease (EPID/STD) Clinic in Richmond, Virginia from January 2006 through April 2006.Method: Participants were 154 single women (no history of marriage) between the ages of 18-30 visiting the EPID/STD clinic for the first time.Demographic information was obtained from their records. A volunteer interview was given that contained 101 variables to evaluate for High Sexual Risk Behavior (HSRB). HSRB was defined to response 'yes' to the question, "During the past 3 months did you have sex with …
Determinants Of Dating Violence Among Youth In The U.S., Candace Hamm
Determinants Of Dating Violence Among Youth In The U.S., Candace Hamm
Theses and Dissertations
Background: Physical Dating Violence (PDV) victimization is a major public health concern among adolescents in the United States. Research has shown that determinants of PDV victimization are different for male and female adolescents. However, inconsistent findings entail that further research needs to be done using a representative sample of male and female adolescents.Objective: To identify gender-specific determinants of PDV victimization utilizing a nationally representative sample of high school adolescents.Methods: Data from the 2005 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey was used for this analysis. The study population included 6.951 male and 6,807 female students in grades 9 through 12. Bivariate and …
The Association Between Breast Feeding And Being Overweight In Children, Naja Jamil Eldanaf
The Association Between Breast Feeding And Being Overweight In Children, Naja Jamil Eldanaf
Theses and Dissertations
Purpose: Obesity/Overweight in children is an epidemic and the most common disorder of childhood in the developed world. Prevalence is increasing, leading to short- and long-term complications. Breastfeeding may protect against childhood obesity, but the debate is ongoing. The main purpose of this project was to assess the relationship between breastfeeding and being overweight in early childhood.Methods: Data were collected from the State and Local Area Integrated Telephone survey; National Survey of Children's Health, 2003. Overall, 16,358 children, ages 3 to 5, were included in the sample. SPSS Complex Sample software was utilized to generate for all analyses. Complex samples …
Machismo As A Determinant For Hiv/Std Risk Behavior Among Latino Msm, Jacqueline L. Sears
Machismo As A Determinant For Hiv/Std Risk Behavior Among Latino Msm, Jacqueline L. Sears
Theses and Dissertations
Objective: Male-to-male sexual contact is the most common mode of transmission for HIV among Latino men. Psychosocial factors such as machismo, homophobic discrimination, and internalized homophobia have been hypothesized to greatly impact sexual behaviors among Latinos. However, studies investigating the relationship between these psychosocial factors and risky sexual behaviors are limited. This study examined the impact of machismo on risky sexual behaviors among Latino Male who have Sex with Men (MSM).Methods: This study utilized data collected from 254 Latino MSM in 1999 from selected cities within Virginia. The analysis focused on respondent demographic characteristics, psychosocial factors, acculturation, and sexual risky …
Association Between Smoking, Chemical Exposure And Hearing Loss In An Occupational Setting, Darlene W. Olive
Association Between Smoking, Chemical Exposure And Hearing Loss In An Occupational Setting, Darlene W. Olive
Theses and Dissertations
Objective: Twenty-two million Americans or roughly 8% of the population are hearing impaired. This affects more than just the ability for one to hear. In the last three decades, younger Americans have shown a sharp increase in hearing impairment. Hearing loss affects social and emotional well being and thus has the ability to decrease one's quality of life. This study was designed to examine the association between smoking, workplace chemical exposure, and hearing loss.Methods: This cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in an occupational health clinic setting in Virginia. The study population consisted of employees from local businesses who visited the …
A Needs Assessment For Annual Physical Examination For Selected Richmond Public School Children, Aimee Gibbs
A Needs Assessment For Annual Physical Examination For Selected Richmond Public School Children, Aimee Gibbs
Theses and Dissertations
Introduction: The following risk factors have found to be associated with inadequate health care and have been found to affect the well-being of children: racial or ethnic minority, poverty status, median family income, family structure of household, maternal education level, and parental employment status. Also, there has found to be health indicators including, teen pregnancy, asthma hospitalization, and lead poisoning cases that affect the well-being of a child and are associated with the presence of these risk factors in a population. Objectives: The objectives of this study is to (1) compare the presence of risk factors and health indicators in …
Predictors Of Primary Elective Cesarean Delivery Among Apparently Healthy Pregnant Women In Virginia, Brooke W. Rossheim
Predictors Of Primary Elective Cesarean Delivery Among Apparently Healthy Pregnant Women In Virginia, Brooke W. Rossheim
Theses and Dissertations
Objectives. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate whether certain maternal variables were associated with the performance of a primary cesarean delivery rather than a spontaneous vaginal delivery among apparently healthy pregnant women in the Commonwealth of Virginia.Methods. This study utilized the 2004 Virginia Statistics File for Live Births which contained 103,830 records. From this dataset, the following groups of women were excluded: multiparous women, women who had had a previous delivery by any method, women with medical and obstetric problems, women with any labor and delivery complications, women with premature births and women with multiple gestations. The …
The Effect Of Advertising On Attitudes Toward Tobacco Use And Decisions About Smoking Among Virginia Adolescents, John Rosser Matthews Iii
The Effect Of Advertising On Attitudes Toward Tobacco Use And Decisions About Smoking Among Virginia Adolescents, John Rosser Matthews Iii
Theses and Dissertations
Purpose: This study seeks to determine 1) whether the type of advertising exposure is associated with adolescent health perceptions of tobacco use, and 2) whether the type of media exposure is associated with initiation plans (non-smokers) or quitting plans (smokers). Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of middle school students (n=l1,128).Psychosocial variables were knowledge of the risks of tobacco use (range: 3-15) and benefits of being tobacco free (range: 7-35) with higher scores indicating greater understanding. Intentions to quit or initiate were construed as binary variables. Exposure variables were tobacco advertisements or anti-tobacco media messages. Covariates were gender, race, grade …
C - Reactive Protein, Coronary Heart Disease And Ischemic Stroke In The Elderly: The Cardiovascular Health Study, Xia Li
Theses and Dissertations
Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) has been associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, but much of the research had focused on middle-aged populations with, limited prospective, population-based, longitudinal data. In this study, we examined data from an elderly population and described the distribution of CRP concentrations and the prevalence of elevated CRP levels (>3 mg/l), examined the association between CRP levels and incidence of CHD or ischemic stroke, and assessed the potential interaction of CRP with sex or race on the incidence of CHD or ischemic stroke.Methods: Baseline CRP levels were measured in a cohort …
Knowledge And Perceived Ambiguity Of Physical Activity Recommendations And Physical Activity In Men And Women In The United States, Laura G. Kiken
Knowledge And Perceived Ambiguity Of Physical Activity Recommendations And Physical Activity In Men And Women In The United States, Laura G. Kiken
Theses and Dissertations
Background: The majority of Americans - especially women - do not meet physical activity recommendations. Having physical activity goals has been associated with physical activity participation, and physical activity recommendations set by public health experts can be viewed as externally set goals. However, past research has shown that goals that are specific rather than ambiguous are more likely to be achieved, and variations in recommendations over time and across sources may have created perceived goal ambiguity.Objectives: This study aimed to (1) examine the extent of physical activity recommendation knowledge among adults in the United States, (2) quantify perceptions of the …
Blood Lead And Decision Speed In Working Age Adults, S. W. Harkins
Blood Lead And Decision Speed In Working Age Adults, S. W. Harkins
Theses and Dissertations
Lead is a central nervous system poison. Healthy People 2010 established a target blood lead level (BLL) for children of 0 μg/dL by 2010, but is silent with regard to any changes in BLLs standards for working age adults. In this paper, the relation of BLL to performance on two neurobehavioral tests was assessed in working age adults (N = 4909; Age 20 to 59 years; 51.4% Female) employing data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES 111). Multiple linear regression analyses indicated a significant effect of BLL on time taken to complete an attention demanding cognitive task …
Predictors Of Sun Protection Practices Among Adult Women In The United States, Anne Ridgely Minter
Predictors Of Sun Protection Practices Among Adult Women In The United States, Anne Ridgely Minter
Theses and Dissertations
Background. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The main modifiable risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to excessive sun and UV radiation. More than 90% of all skin cancers are known to be caused by sun exposure. However, studies on excessive sun and UV exposure are limited. The purpose of this study was to examine risk and protective factors affecting sun protection behaviors of adult women in the United States. Methods. Data on U.S. adult women (n=17,425) from the 2003 National Health Information Survey (NHIS) was analyzed. Sun protection behaviors were assessed …
Predictors Of Early Onset Of Sexual Intercourse In Male And Female Residents Of The United States, Brianna Michele Magnusson
Predictors Of Early Onset Of Sexual Intercourse In Male And Female Residents Of The United States, Brianna Michele Magnusson
Theses and Dissertations
Abstract Purpose: The United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy of any industrialized nation. Adolescents who have their first sexual intercourse at a young age are at increased risk for teen pregnancies and acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. This study examines predictors of early onset sexual intercourse in male and female residents of the United States. Methods: A nationally representative sample of N=7,643 females and N=4.928 males ages 15-44 was procured from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), Cycle 6. Age at first sexual intercourse was used to define early onset of sexual debut(<18 years). Socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of the respondents, demographic and selected reproductive characteristics of the respondent's parents were examined using multiple logistic regression modeling. Results: Non-fispanic black, being raised without both parents, having a mother less than 18 years old at the age of first birth and age difference between partners were significant predictors of early onset of sexual intercourse for both males and females. Maternal education less than high school was a significant protective factor for female respondents [OR=0.72 (95%CI=0.58- 0.90)] and paternal education completed high school only [OR=1.4 (95% CI=l. 1-1.7)] was a significant risk factor for male respondents. Conclusions: Racelethnicity, age difference between partners, not being raised by both parents, having a mother who had her first birth before the age of 18 and parental education are important predictor variables. Further study should be conducted to investigate the protective effect of lack of maternal education for female respondents. Intervention programs for teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection prevention should target these at risk groups.