Public Health Commons^™

Benefit Design Of Medicare Drug Plans: An Analysis Of Ohio And The National Landscape From 2006 Through 2009, Brad Haverkos

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objectives: Since previous research was fragmented and incomplete, I described changes in the benefit designs of stand-alone PDPs in the United States from 2006 through 2009. In addition, I identified trends in the PDP market of Ohio and compared them to the national data. The intent was to discover changes that might only be observed during the examination of a smaller market. I then presented the enrollment data of stand-alone PDPs in Ohio and discussed the benefit designs of popular plans to help further understand the PDP market dynamics.

Methods: Each year, CMS collected and released information on benefit characteristics …

Cellular Telephones And Cancer: Is There A Connection?, James Bolton

International Journal of Global Health and Health Disparities

Cellular telephones have been accused of causing brain tumors for years, but none of the studies that have been published have proven there is a link. The tumors that have been researched include parotid gland tumors, acoustic neuromas, and acoustic gliomas, to name a few. Wireless cellular phone usage has been increasing over the past few years, and some European countries are said to have a penetration rate of over 100%, "which is to say there are more subscribers than inhabitants"². Wireless technology emits electromagnetic energy (AKA microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation), and sources include not only cellular …

The Epidemiologic Link Between Listeriosis And Ready-To-Eat Food Products, Jennifer House

International Journal of Global Health and Health Disparities

Historically, most food-borne pathogens have been controlled by processing procedures such as pasteurization or cooking. Other bacterial pathogens are usually acquired through eating raw or undercooked meat, raw milk and produce that has been contaminated. However, with Listeria monocytogenes the foods most often implicated both in outbreaks and in sporadic cases are considered ready-to-eat (RTE) with no 112 International Journal of Global Health and Health Disparities further processing. In addition to acquiring the pathogen through raw meats, raw milk and produce the disease has been traced to consumption of deli meats, pasteurized milk, and pasteurized milk products. This is due …

Participation And Determinants Of Physical Activity Amongst Irish 3rd Level Students., Jonathan Lerner

Theses

Currently, there is a dearth of research investigating physical activity patterns among Irish third level young adults (17-22 year olds). Both national and international research report that levels of physical activity decline in adolescence, this trend being most pronounced among females. Various biological, psychological, social, and environmental determinants have been found to influence physical activity; however, specific factors associated with the decline in activity during adolescence remain largely unknown. This research study examines participation and determinants of physical activity among Irish third level students.

A “National questionnaire” was administered to a sample of 532 students from Health Education Authority (HEA) …

The Cultural Production Of Health Inequalities: A Cross-Sectional, Multilevel Examination Of 52 Countries, Carol L. Mansyur, Benjamin C. Amick Iii, Ronald B. Harrist, Luisa Franzini, Robert E. Roberts

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

In a 2001 report, the U.S. National Institutes of Health called for more integration of the social sciences into health-related research, including research guided by theories and methods that take social and cultural systems into consideration. Based on a theoretical framework that integrates Hofstede's cultural dimensions with sociological theory, the authors used multilevel modeling to explore the association of culture with structural inequality and health disparities. Their results support the idea that cultural dimensions and social structure, along with economic development, may account for much of the cross-national variation in the distribution of health inequalities. Sensitivity tests also suggest that …

Socioeconomic Disparity In Healthcare-Seeking Behavior Among Chinese Women With Genitourinary Symptoms, Qi Zhang, Diane Lauderdale, Shanshan Mou, William I. Parish, Edward O. Laumann, John Schneider

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are of growing concern in China. Understanding the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and healthcare-seeking (HCS) behavior will help design effective policies to contain the epidemic of STIs across SES.

Methods: We used the Chinese Health and Family Life Survey, a nationally representative survey of 3813 adults from 48 Chinese cities and counties during 1999-2000. We studied the 730 women with at least one genito-urinary (GU) symptom. HCS was measured by whether respondents visited a hospital or an unrecognized clinic, self-treatment, or doing nothing. Formal treatment was defined as visiting a hospital. SES was measured …

Handbook On Sensitive Practice For Health Care Practitioners: Lessons From Adult Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Candice L. Schachter, Carol A. Stalker, Eli Teram, Gerri C. Lasiuk, Alanna Danilkewich

Lyle S. Hallman Social Work Faculty Publications

This handbook is the culmination of a multiphase, multidisciplinary research project that used grounded theory and participatory action research to illuminate ways that healthcare providers can work sensitively (in a trauma-informed way) with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

The research identified nine Principles of Sensitive Practice: respect, rapport, taking time, sharing information and control, respecting boundaries, fostering mutual learning, understanding non-linear healing and demonstrating an understanding of trauma to patients. Specific guidelines were developed for a wide variety of issues pertinent to clinical practice such as, removal of clothing, touch, responding to disclosures of abuse, managing triggers among others. …

Abatteuses Forestières : Dispositif Et Circuits De Commande Relatifs À La Sécurité, Laurent Giraud, Yuvin Chinniah, Damien Burlet-Vienney, Joseph-Jean Paques, Marina Koutchouk, Renaud Daigle

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Les abatteuses forestières sont des engins tout-terrains conçus pour évoluer en forêt, qui servent de véhicule moteur pour déplacer une tête d’abattage.

L’utilisation d’abatteuses avec une tête d’abattage multifonctionnelle s’est largement répandue au Québec ces dernières années pour deux raisons :

• Cette méthode d’abattage réduit la machinerie car une seule machine tronçonne et façonne les arbres en billots, là où il en fallait plusieurs avec les anciennes méthodes;
• La méthode d’abattage abîme moins le sol de la forêt car le façonnage des arbres se fait sur place et crée ainsi un tapis végétal.

L’IRSST a lancé une série d’études sur …

Obesity And Contraception, Donald E. Greydanus, Hatim A. Omar, Artemis Tsitsika

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

All sexually active youth, whether obese or normal weight, should be offered counseling regarding contraception and appropriate contraceptive methods. However, obese youth who are sexually active may be less likely than their normal weight peers to use contraceptives correctly. Methods of contraception for obese adolescents are reviewed in this discussion. Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and the contraceptive patch have higher failure rates in obese versus normal weight females, though failure rates are lower than noted with barrier contraceptives. The risk for venous thrombosis is higher in obese youth on COCs. Progestin-only pills and the levonorgestrel intrauterine system appear to be …

Public Opinion On Childhood Obesity As A Driving Force For Policy And Intervention Development, Charkarra Anderson-Lewis, Bonnie Harbaugh, Jerome R. Kolbo, Lei Zhang

Faculty Publications

Childhood obesity is a complex issue in which evidence describing strategies and methods for prevention are needed. It is important that the public’s perception of childhood obesity is understood. This includes determining attitudes about childhood obesity and assessing support for an array of policies and prevention initiatives. A multidisciplinary research team at The University of Southern Mississippi conducted the Mississippi Public Perception of Childhood Obesity telephone survey. Childhood obesity information was elicited from 1,352 Mississippi adults. Telephone interviewing was conducted using WinCATI on a sample selected using random-digit dialing. Data were weighted to reflect race, sex, and age distribution of …

Empathy And Healing: Essays In Medical And Narrative Anthropology. Vieda Skultans. New York, Ny: Berghahn Books. 2007. X+282pp., Daniel Côté

Éditoriaux, lettres à l'éditeur

No abstract provided.

Ua3/1/2/1 President's Office-Cherry - Correspondence - General, Wku Archives

WKU Archives Collection Inventories

General correspondence regarding Western Kentucky University. Incoming letters are mainly addressed to Henry Hardin Cherry. Responses are made by Cherry and occasionally by faculty and staff. The president's secretary Mattie McLean is the writer for some of the letters signed by Cherry.

Some of Cherry's personal papers are also found in this series most notably those pertaining to his political aspirations and two candidacies for the Kentucky governorship. Copies of outgoing correspondence begin to appear in Box 1, Folder 50.

From Concierge Medicine To Patient-Centered Medical Homes: International Lessons And The Search For A Better Way To Deliver Primary Health Care In The U.S, Gwendolyn R. Majette

Law Faculty Articles and Essays

This paper will proceed in eight parts. Part II explores why primary care is a critical component of a country's health care delivery system. Part III describes patient and physician dissatisfaction with the current state of primary care delivery in the United States. Parts IV and V describe physician-designed solutions and Congress' responses to them. Part VI describes the role of primary care in the delivery of health services in the international context by focusing on the World Health Organization's Health for All policy and the policies supporting primary care in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Part VII …

When Every Drop Counts: The Public Health Impact Of Drought, Steven Konkel

Environmental Health Planning and Policy

No abstract provided.

Perception Of Dietary Change And Attitudes Towards The Irish Diet Among Non-Nationals In Ireland., Qianling Zhou, Phensiri Asawasirisap, John Kearney

Conference Papers

Rationale & Objectives: Cross-cultural attitudes to diet differ significantly. This study examined attitudes towards the Irish diet and their perceived dietary change among a random sample of non-nationals living in Ireland. Materials & Methods: A self-administered cross-sectional survey was distributed to a randomly selected sample of English language students in Dublin. Results & Findings: 473 students from four geographical regions (Asia, Africa, South & Central American, and Europe) (response rate: 84%) completed the survey. Marked cultural differences between geographical regions were found with South & Central Americans being the most likely to indicate a decrease in fruit and vegetable intakes …

A Field-Based Testing Protocol For Assessing Gross Motor Skills In Preschool Children: The Children's Activity And Movement In Preschool Study Motor Skills Protocol, Harriet G. Williams, Karin A. Pfeiffer, Marsha Dowda, Chevy Jeter, Shaverra Jones, Russell R. Pate

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable tool for use in assessing motor skills in preschool children in field-based settings. The development of the Children’s Activity and Movement in Preschool Study Motor Skills Protocol included evidence of its reliability and validity for use in field-based environments as part of large epidemiological studies. Following pilot work, 297 children (3–5 years old) from 22 preschools were tested using the final version of the Children’s Activity and Movement in Preschool Study Motor Skills Protocol and the Test of Gross Motor Development (2nd Edition). Reliability of the Children’s Activity …

Kawasaki Syndrome In Texas, Alberto Coustasse, Julius J. Larry, Witold Migala, Cody Arvidson, Karan P. Singh

Management Faculty Research

The authors examined hospitalization rates of Kawasaki Syndrome (KS) among Texas children to isolate clusters, identify demographic disparities, and suggest possible causative factors. Using a retrospective cross-sectional study design, they studied 330 KS cases from 2,818,460 hospital discharges. The majority of the cases (61.5%) occurred within the 1-4-years-old category, representing the highest hospitalization rate (14.3 per 100,000 children). Almost 75% of the KS population was less than 5 years old, with hospitalization rates approximately 8 times higher than that of all other children (p < .05). KS diagnosis occurred for only 49.4% of all KS cases upon admission. Along with high-density clusters identified in major metropolitan areas, the authors found the highest rates of KS among Asian and Pacific Islander and non-Hispanic black children. Genetic predispositions and access to healthcare issues may explain the results. The authors recommend improving educational initiatives with healthcare providers and establishing KS as a reportable condition.

Children's Exposure To Lead And Nickel In Esperance - A Case Study, Matthew Tristan Winters

Theses : Honours

This is a cross-sectional study of lead and nickel exposure of children aged 2-12 years living at varying distances from a point source of pollution in Esperance. Esperance was an ideal case study location because of previous environmental contamination with lead and nickel above background levels. Non-invasive biological samples of hair, toenails and urine were collected from participating children, and environmental samples, including house dust, soil and drinking water were also sampled from each participant household. Exposure was assessed by measuring the concentration of metals found in the biological samples, and determining their relationships with the environmental samples from each …

Establishing Public Health Security In A Postwar Iraq: Constitutional Obstacles And Lessons For Other Federalizing States, David P. Fidler, Kumanan Wilson, Christopher W. Mcdougall, Harvey Lazar

Articles by Maurer Faculty

The public health consequences of the conflict in Iraq will likely continue after the violence has subsided. Reestablishing public health security will require large investments in infrastructure and the creation of effective systems of governance. On the question of governance, the allocation of powers in the new constitution of Iraq is critical. Given the ease with which public health threats cross borders, the constitution needs to grant to the federal government the legal authority to manage such threats and simultaneously meet international requirements. Unfortunately, the draft constitution does not accomplish this objective. If politically possible, the constitution should be amended …

Health Literacy In The Mathematics Classroom: The Iowa Core Curriculum As An Opportunity To Deepen Students’ Understanding Of Mathematics, Elana Joram, Susan Roberts-Dobie, Nadene Davidson

Faculty Publications

By 2012, all high schools in Iowa will be required to incorporate the new Iowa Core Curriculum, followed by elementary and middle schools in 2014 (Iowa Department of Education, 2009). The Iowa Core Curriculum addresses the question: "How is Iowa's educational system preparing our youth for successful lives in the 21st-century global environment?" (Davidson, 2009). It consists of core content standards, and identifies essential concepts and skills for content areas. The Iowa Core Curriculum also includes the ―21st Century Skills‖ of ―health, financial, technology, and civic literacy, and employability skills. These skills are to be infused into existing subject matter …

Human Traffficking In Romania: An Analysis Of Prevention And Outreach Activities, Janet Ho, Noemi Salantiu, Georgiana But, Susan Roberts-Dobie, Anca Magyar, Razvan Chereches

International Journal of Global Health and Health Disparities

Human trafficking is a growing problem in Romania and around the world. Romania is considered a transit and origin country for human trafficking. Most victims are transported externally to more developed countries, although many victims will stay within Romanian borders. The Romanian government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders are making efforts to prevent trafficking. This descriptive study, based on a series of qualitative interviews, examines the actions NGOs, governmental organizations, and church leaders in Cluj County, Romania are taking to prevent trafficking. The strengths and weaknesses of existing programs, as well as recommendations for future action are discussed. A …

Infected Justice : The Impact Of Hiv/Aids On The Police In Anglo-Phone Sub-Saharan Africa, Nathan Carl Meehan

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Sub-Saharan Africa is an epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This disease is affecting nearly every aspect of society in this region. This disease destroys individuals, strains family structures, weakens economies, burdens health systems, and can destabilize entire countries. The police are also being affected by HIV/AIDS. The way in which this disease impacts police organizations in sub-Saharan Africa is understudied. This project sought to estimate the HIV/AIDS impacts on police organizations in Anglo-phone sub-Sahara by utilizing the available literature on how HIV/AIDS affects military, civil service, healthcare, and education organizations in these same countries. It also attempts to identify the …

Harm Reduction In Outpatient Drug-Free Substance Abuse Treatment Settings, Michael Eversman

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

In the United States, drug-free substance abuse treatment programs generally operate under an abstinence-only, disease model based service orientation. Citing several reasons, critics suggest disease model approaches hinder client utilization and retention within such services. The framework of harm reduction offers an alternative approach to substance abuse treatment services and may have potential for improving utilization and retention outcomes. Yet little is known about how harm reduction is perceived by practitioners in drug-free substance abuse treatment settings, and the circumstances in which harm reduction may or may not be accepted. In addition, despite a body of narrative literature suggesting harm …

Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Spp. In Environmental Settings, Stephen Shost

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Ninety staphylococci carrying the mecA gene, including 17 strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), were isolated from environmental settings within New York State. Waterborne staphylococci harboring mecA were isolated from multiple sources: the Hudson River near a combined sewage overflow; urban streams; freshwater and marine beaches; a swimming pool; swimming pool decks; combined sewage; as well as wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) primary sewage influent, mixed liquor, aeration water, and final (unchlorinated) effluent. Environmental MRSA strains were isolated from beach water (n=3); swimming pool deck water (n=1); Hudson River water (n=2); combined sewage (n=3); as well as wastewater treatment plant mixed …

Identification Of B-Cell Epitopes On Domain 4 Of Anthrax Protective Antigen, Cassandra D. Kelly-Cirino

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Protective Antigen (PA) is the receptor binding subunit common to both Lethal (LT) and Edema (ET) toxins, which contribute to the mortality associated with Bacillus anthracis infection. While recombinant PA (rPA) is likely to be an important constituent of second generation anthrax vaccines, evaluating the effectiveness of candidate vaccines is currently difficult, because the specific B cell epitopes involved in toxin neutralization have not been completely defined. The only well characterized antibody, 14B7, has been shown to disrupt the association of PA with the anthrax toxin receptors (ATR) by binding to domain 4 of PA. I hypothesized that other domain …

Biomonitoring For Exposure To Trace Elements In Utero : Analysis Of The Human Placenta, Pamela Catherine Kruger

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The placenta forms in eutherian mammals, and is responsible for the nutrition of the developing fetus. However, maternal exposure to environmental pollutants both before and during pregnancy may result in the passage of toxins through the placental barrier and into fetal tissues. The placenta is the only organ derived from both maternal and fetal tissues, and establishes a link between the fetus and the environmental exposures of the mother. The analysis of placentae for the presence of environmental pollutants offers the possibility of exposure measurements in both the mother and the developing fetus. Specifically, trace element determination in human placentae …

The Adolescent Experience In-Depth: Using Data To Identify And Reach The Most Vulnerable Young People—Lesotho 2004, Population Council

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

“The Adolescent Experience In-Depth: Using Data to Identify and Reach the Most Vulnerable Young People: Lesotho 2004” is part of a series of Population Council guides that draw principally on data from the Demographic and Health Surveys to provide decisionmakers at all levels—from governments, nongovernmental organizations, and advocacy groups—with evidence on the situation of adolescent girls and boys and young women aged 10–24 years. The data are presented in graphs, tables, and maps (wherever possible), providing multiple formats to make the information accessible to a range of audiences. Section I is the Foreword. Section II offers brief technical notes specific …

Youth In India: Situation And Needs 2006-2007, Rajasthan, International Institute For Population Sciences (Iips), Population Council

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

This report is the result of a sub-national study undertaken by the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai and the Population Council, New Delhi, as part of a project to collect information on key transitions experienced by youth in India. This report from the Youth in India: Situation and Needs study describes the transition to adulthood experienced by young men and women in Rajasthan. In brief, the Youth Study has documented, for the first time, the multifaceted situation of youth in Rajasthan, emphasizing their heterogeneity, not only in terms of their situation but also with regard to their stated needs …

The Making Of The Kenya Sexual Offenses Act, 2006: Behind The Scenes, Washington Onyango-Ouma, Njoki Ndung'u, Nancy Baraza, Harriet Birungi

Reproductive Health

Kenya’s enactment of the Sexual Offenses Bill in 2006 was a milestone in dealing with sexual offenses and gender-based violence. The bill is Kenya’s first legal recognition of the many sex crimes that occur in the country. Among other things, the law criminalizes deliberate transmission of HIV/AIDS and provides rape victims with free medical care and counseling in public institutions. Convicted rapists will now face a minimum sentence of ten years, while a maximum penalty will be life imprisonment. A retrospective study was conducted to document the process leading to the enactment of the law. The objective was to document …

Provision Of Health Care Services In Canada: Challenges And Opportunities, Rosa Rodriguez-Monguio, Enrique Seoane-Vazquez, Fernando Antoñanzas Villar

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

The Canadian health care system provides comprehensive coverage of hospital and outpatient care, including therapeutic, diagnostic and preventive services. The level of coverage of services varies across the country. This study examines the key characteristics of the Canadian health and long-term care systems; presents a structured analysis of the insurance, financing and provision of health and long-term care services in Canada; describes the main challenges of the Canadian health and long-term care systems; and concludes with feasible opportunities for the Canadian health policy.

Main challenges to the Canadian system are related to population ageing; prevalence of avoidable diseases caused by …