Public Health Commons^™

The Association Between Neighborhood Walkability, Type 2 Diabetes, And Socioeconomic Status In Residents Of Eight Ohio Counties, Dawn L. Ebron

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: Regular physical activity is beneficial in preventing type 2 diabetes. Walking, either for recreation or to travel to a destination, is an inexpensive way to meet physical activity guidelines. Disadvantaged populations with low socioeconomic status (SES) have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes and are more likely to live in unwalkable neighborhood. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between SES and neighborhood walkability in eight Ohio counties with highest prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the state.

Methods: Using data from the 2010 Ohio Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey and Walk Score …

Fusion, 2011, George Washington University, William H. Beaumont Medical Research Honor Society

Fusion

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Commercial Portable Air Purifier In Homes With Wood Burning Stoves: A Preliminary Study, Julie F. Hart, Tony J. Ward, Terry M. Spear, Richard J. Rossi, Nicholas N. Holland, Brodie G. Loushin

Public and Community Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Wood burning for residential heating is prevalent in the Rocky Mountain regions of the United States. Studies have shown that wood stoves can be a significant source of PM2.5 within homes. In this study, the effectiveness of an electrostatic filter portable air purifier was evaluated (1) in a home where a wood stove was the sole heat source and (2) in a home where a wood stove was used as a supplemental heat source. Particle count concentrations in six particle sizes and particle mass concentrations in two particle sizes weremeasured for ten 12-hour purifier on and ten purifier off trials …

Libby Amphibole Contamination In Tree Bark Surrounding Historical Vermiculite Processing Facilities, Mohamedmorgan I. Elashheb, Terry M. Spear, Julie F. Hart, James S. Webber, Tony J. Ward

Public and Community Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Over a 70-year period, a mine near Libby, MT supplied nearly 80% of the world’s vermiculite. Raw vermiculite, which was contaminated with naturally occurring amphibole in veins throughout the deposit, was shipped to processing sites throughout the United States for exfoliation. In this pilot study, tree bark samples were collected near processing facili-ties in Spokane, WA, Santa Ana, CA, Newark, CA, and Phoenix, AZ in an effort to determine if areas surrounding these facilities are today contaminated with Libby amphibole asbestos (AA). From areas surrounding each of the four his-torical processing sites, Libby AA was detected in a subset of …

Analysis Of Smoking Patterns And Contexts Among College Student Smokers, Nikole J. Cronk, Kari J. Harris, Solomon W. Harrar, Kathrene Conway, Delwyn Catley, Glenn E. Good

Public and Community Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Many who smoke in college do so infrequently and smoking conditions are not well-understood. We examined smoking patterns among college fraternity and sorority members (N=207) from a Midwestern university in three successive fall semesters in 2006–2008. Participants completed calendar-assisted retrospective assessments of 30-day smoking at up to 5 assessment points over 96 days. Overall smoking rates declined over the course of each semester and higher smoking on weekends was observed, with more variability among daily smokers. The most frequent categories of events to cue recall of smoking were socializing, work, and school. Findings can be used to target prevention efforts.

Katrina's Animal Legacy: The Pets Act, Marita Mike, Rebecca Mike, Clark J. Lee

Homeland Security Publications

This article discusses issues related to the federal Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006 (PETS Act), which was signed into law in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Issues discussed in this article include:

1. Various problems concerning animal evacuations and sheltering that Hurricane Katrina brought to light;
2. Provisions of the PETS Act and related laws and policies which were developed in response to the tragedies brought about by Hurricane Katrina; and
3. Strengths and weaknesses of the PETS Act and recommends next steps to improve implementation of the PETS Act.

Snapshot 2011: Maine Workers With Disabilities, Maine’S Commission On Disability And Employment, Choices Ceo Project

Disability & Aging

No abstract provided.

The Paternal Component Of The ‘‘Healthy Migrant’’ Effect: Fathers’ Natality And Infants’ Low Birth Weight, Ambika Krishnakumar, Sandra D. Lane, Meghan Hall, Evaline Tso, Natasha Pinto, William Suk

Falk College Research Center

This study examines the predictors of birth outcomes among women of European and African ancestry and considers the birthplace of the babies’ fathers (foreign born vs. native born) as a protective factor. This is a secondary data analysis of 146,431 singleton births among women of European and African ancestry, both native-born and foreign-born, in a 21 birth hospital region of Central New York State from 1996 to 2003. Foreign born fathers were found to have 15% fewer low birth weight infants than US-born fathers, after controlling for the race and birthplace of the mother, tobacco use and Medicaid. Although this …

Web-Based Interventions For Weight Loss And Weight Maintenance Among Rural Midlife And Older Women: Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial., Patricia A. Hageman, Carol H. Pullen, Melody Hertzog, Linda S, Boeckner, Susan Noble Walker

Journal Articles: Physical Therapy

BACKGROUND: Weight loss is challenging and maintenance of weight loss is problematic among midlife and older rural women. Finding effective interventions using innovative delivery methods that can reach underserved and vulnerable populations of overweight and obese rural women is a public health challenge.

METHODS/DESIGN: This Women Weigh-In for Wellness (The WWW study) randomized-controlled trial is designed to compare the effectiveness of theory-based behavior-change interventions using (1) website only, (2) website with peer-led support, or (3) website with professional email-counseling to facilitate initial weight loss (baseline to 6 months), guided continuing weight loss and maintenance (7-18 months) and self-directed weight maintenance …

Long-Term Effects Of Self-Control On Alcohol Use And Sexual Behavior Among Urban Minority Young Women, Kenneth W. Griffin, Lawrence M. Scheier, Bianca Acevedo, Jerry L. Grenard, Gilbert J. Botvin

CGU Faculty Publications and Research

High risk alcohol use and sexual behaviors peak in young adulthood and often occur in the same individuals. Alcohol use has been found to impair decision-making and contribute to high risk sexual activity. However, the association between alcohol use and risky sexual behavior may also reflect enduring individual differences in risk taking, sociability, self-control, and related variables. Both behaviors can serve similar functions related to recreation, interpersonal connection, and the pursuit of excitement or pleasure. The present study examined the extent to which high risk drinking and sexual behavior clustered together in a sample of urban minority young adult women, …

Evaluation Of Syracuse Healthy Start’S Program For Abnormal Flora Management To Reduce Preterm Birth Among Pregnant Women, Emilia H. Koumans, Sandra D. Lane, Richard Aubry, Kathleen Demott, Noah Webster, Brooke A. Levandowski

Falk College Research Center

Randomized trials of bacterial vaginosis (BV) treatment among pregnant women to reduce preterm birth have had mixed results. Among non-pregnant women, BV recurs frequently after treatment. Randomized trials of early BV treatment for pregnant women in which recurrence was retreated have shown promise in reducing preterm birth. Syracuse’s Healthy Start (SHS) program began in 1997; in 1998 prenatal care providers for pregnant women living in high infant mortality zip codes were encouraged to screen for abnormal vaginal flora at the first prenatal visit. Vaginal swabs were sent to a referral hospital laboratory for Gram staining and interpretation. SHS encouraged providers …

It Takes At Least Two: Male Partner Factors, Racial/Ethnic Disparity, And Chlamydia Trachomatis Among Pregnant Women, Jessica Weisz, Sara Lozyniak, Sandra D. Lane, Robert Silverman, Kathy Demott, Martha A. Wojtowycz

Falk College Research Center

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the United States, disproportionately infects women and people of color. This study aimed to identify risk factors for racial and ethnic disparities for CT infection, re-infection, and persistent infection among pregnant women. We present a secondary analysis of births from a retrospective cohort study in Syracuse, NY from January 2000 through March 2002. African American women [OR 3.35 CI (2.29, 4.92)], Latin American women [OR 4.35 CI (2.52, 7.48)], unmarried women [OR 7.57 CI (4.38, 13.10)], and teen mothers [OR 3.87 CI (2.91, 5.16)] demonstrated statistically significant increased risk for …

Preliminary Report On Patent Literature, Search Methodology And Patent Status Of Medicines On The Who Eml 2009, Jon R. Cavicchi, Stanley P. Kowalski

Law Faculty Scholarship

Over the past several decades the World Health Organization (WHO) has produced the Essential Medicines List (EML) to assist countries in deciding what medicines should be essential and available in National Essential Medicine Lists.1 WHO, through the work of regional offices, supports nations using the EML to ensure the quality, availability, and affordability of pharmaceuticals required to promote and advance public health in nations across the globe. However in some cases, access to EML pharmaceuticals might be complicated by existing patents, i.e., where issued, patent rights might pose obstacles to access and inclusion in national EMLs. Indeed, in developed and …

Very Preterm Birth Is Reduced In Women Receiving An Integrated Behavioral Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Ayman El-Mohandes, Michele Kiely, Marie G. Gantz, M. Nabil El-Khorazaty

Publications and Research

Background This study examines whether an integrated behavioral intervention with proven efficacy in reducing psycho-behavioral risks (smoking, environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETSE), depression, and intimate partner violence (IPV)) in African-Americans is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes

Methods A randomized controlled trial targeting risks during pregnancy was conducted in the District of Columbia. African-American women were recruited if reporting at least one of the risks mentioned above. Randomization to intervention or usual care was site and risk specific. Sociodemographic, health risk and pregnancy outcome data were collected. Data on 819 women, and their singleton live born infants were analyzed using an …

Ua12/4 Stall Street Journal, Vol. 3, Wku Health Services

WKU Administration Documents

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

Δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase Single Nucleotide Polymorphism 2 And Peptide Transporter 2*2 Haplotype May Differentially Mediate Lead Exposure In Male Children, Christina Sobin, Natali Parisi, Tanner Schaub, Marisela Gutierrez, Alma Ortega

Selected Works Temporary Series

Child low-level lead (Pb) exposure is an unresolved public health problem and an unaddressed child health disparity. Particularly in cases of low-level exposure, source removal can be impossible to accomplish, and the only practical strategy for reducing risk may be primary prevention. Genetic biomarkers of increased neurotoxic risk could help to identify small subgroups of children for early intervention. Previous studies have suggested that, by way of a distinct mechanism, d-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase single nucleotide polymorphism 2 (ALAD2) and/or peptide transporter 2*2 haplotype (hPEPT2*2) increase Pb blood burden in children. Studies have not yet examined whether sex mediates the effects …

Alzheimer’S Disease, Carol Watwood

DLPS Faculty Publications

Alzheimer’s disease is a common health issue mostly found in elderly persons. An overview of the disease and a list of reliable Web-based information sources suitable for a general audience are presented.

Decomposing The Intergenerational Disparity In Income And Obesity, Qi Zhang, Buhong Zheng, Ning Zhang, Youfa Wang

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Intergenerational disparity in income and health violates the norm of equal opportunity and deserves the attention of researchers and policy makers. To understand changes in intergenerational disparity, we created the intergenerational mobility index (IMI), which can simultaneously measure changes in income rankings and in health outcomes across two generations. We selected obesity as one health outcome to illustrate the application of IMI due to its severe health and financial consequences for society and the significant changes in the distribution of obesity across income groups. Although obesity has increased in all income groups in the last four decades, higher income groups …

Maximizing Treatment Fidelity In Public Health Clinical Trials, James Alan Neff

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

(First paragraph) In relatively few pages (1), Professor Borelli provides a cogent overview of one of the vexing issues in assessing whether public health interventions “work.” The comprehensiveness of the presentation, covering issues ranging from treatment development through outcome evaluation, makes the article a valuable resource for practitioners and students in a variety of disciplines. Of particular value is the detailed template listing fidelity assessment strategies at the Treatment Design, Provider Training, Treatment Delivery, Treatment Receipt, and Treatment Enactment Stages.

Colorectal Cancer In Montgomery County, Ohio: A Descriptive Analysis, Ursula Turner

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

In the United States colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies, and is the third leading cause of cancer deaths (Sharma & O’Keefe, 2007). Approximately 270,000 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in 2008 with 81,900 cases resulting in death. There were 16,520 cases diagnosed in African Americans and 7,120 resulted in death or significant illness (American Cancer Society, 2008). Mortality as the result of CRC is greater among the African American population with 27% and 38% higher death rates for African American males and females when compared with Caucasian males and females (Agarwal, 2005). CRC is …

A Geospatial Analysis Of The Role Of Urban Forestry In Outdoor Ambient Air Pollution Reduction In Dayton, Ohio, Nicholas P. Clemens

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: Air pollution is associated with negative respiratory and cardiovascular health outcomes. According to the American Lung Association listing for 2011, the Dayton-Springfield-Greenville, OH area ranks 22 out of 277 US cities for year round particulate pollution. The tree canopy cover plays a significant role to reduce air pollution. The purpose of this analysis was to quantify the role of urban forestry in the Dayton, Ohio metropolitan area in reducing air pollution.

Methods: Using a peer-reviewed model designed by the US Forest Service, the imagery data was analyzed to create a descriptive analysis of the canopy cover in the Dayton, …

Nation's Future: Preparedness For Burn Victims, Jacqueline Tippett

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Natural and manmade disasters have occurred throughout the decades, within the United States and around the globe. Increased incidence and awareness of terrorist attacks have caused the US to re-evaluate its safety and preparedness efforts to prevent such events from happening and to develop an adequate response plan if such unfortunate events do occur. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to (1) review and discuss the American Burn Association’s (ABA) paradigm for emergency planning in burn disasters, (2) give recommendation about the National Response Framework (NRF) guidelines on “all hazards” response as they pertains to burns, and (3) give …

An Examination Of Ohio’S Physical Education Academic Content Standard 4, Benchmark A For Grades 9-12, Gabriel Jones

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe select physical education teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness and accuracy of the assessments for Ohio's Physical Education Academic Content Standard 4 Benchmark A in determining the fitness and physical activity levels of high school students. A secondary purpose was to describe the fitness levels of high school physical education students, based on assessment data.

Methods: Participants were forty-one physical education teachers and ninety high school students from southwest Ohio. Data were collected from the teachers through an online questionnaire and from students with FITNESSGRAM testing. FITNESSGRAM data from one local school …

Acl Injuries In Montgomery County, Oh: Moving Toward The Development Of A Prediction Model, Kelly Estes

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most frequent soft tissue injuries of the knee. A torn ACL leaves the knee joint unstable and at risk for further damage to other soft tissues manifested as pain, dislocation, and osteoarthritis. A better understanding of the dimensional details of knee joints suffering ACL tears and a prediction model for individuals susceptible to tears is needed. Using a cross-sectional study design, magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of 72 patients with knee injuries were evaluated from an orthopedic surgery group practice. The status of the ACL was the main variable of interest, creating …

Transmen: The Hiv Risk Of Gay Identity, Stefan Rowniak, C Chesla, C D. Rose, W L. Holzemer

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

Many female-to-male transgender individuals, or transmen, are situated within the gay community, one of the highest risk communities for HIV, yet there has been little research regarding the experience of risk for these transmen. Seventeen transmen were interviewed regarding their sexuality and HIV risk behavior. Fourteen of the 17 reported having non-trans gay men as sexual partners. Risk behaviors included not using condoms with multiple partners who were HIV-positive, or of unknown HIV status. Aspects of risk included the unfamiliarity of the gay community and the lack of safe sex negotiating skills. The dynamics of acceptance and rejection between transmen …

Impact Of Congestive Heart Failure Discharge Planning On Congestive Heart Failure Re-Admission Rates, Sula E. Mazimba

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is the most common diagnosis accounting for more healthcare costs than any diagnosis. CHF readmissions contribute significantly to this expenditure. Quality of care in heart failure is linked to process based performance measures. This study evaluated the relationship between adherence to performance metrics and 30 day readmission rates.

Methods: This was a single center case-control study that evaluated 6063 consecutive patients admitted with CHF from December 2001 through December 2008. Data was collected for readmission to the hospital within 30 days and compliance to the heart failure performance measures at discharge.

Results: The rate of …

State Preparedness: A Study Of State Plans, Zachary Fehrman

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have been used since the early years of public health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a standard definition for NPI and what NPI strategies are contained within the definition. This paper seeks to discover if state pandemic influenza plans use the term NPI and its strategies, and if states’ use of NPI strategies in their state pandemic plans is consistent with the CDC definition. To determine how states were defining and using the term NPI and NPI strategies a survey of forty-eight (48) state plans was conducted using each respective states’ pandemic plan. …

Assessment And Management Of Adult Obesity In A Primary Care Practice, Sherry M. Adkins

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to describe primary care physician adherence to National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults (1998) and to explore patient characteristics associated with physician assessment and management behaviors. Patient characteristics included age, sex, race, BMI, associated disease risk, and Medicaid coverage.

Methods: A chart abstraction of 99 randomly selected adult patients with at least one visit to a particular primary care practice during a 12-month period was completed. Patients were not pregnant during the year of review, and had a …

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 …

Response Shift Theory: An Application For Health-Related Quality Of Life In Rehabilitation Research And Practice, Jennifer S. Howard, Carl G. Mattacola, Dana Howell, Christian Latterman

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Faculty and Staff Research

Evaluating change in patients over time can be challenging to any health care provider. Response shift theory is based on the change typology of alpha, beta, and gamma change and proposes that residual changes in self-response measures occur over time. These changes are the result of recalibration, reconceptualization, and reprioritization of internal standards and references utilized for self-appraisal. Failing to account for response shift may result in over- or under-reporting of true physiologic change. The purpose of this paper is to review the components of response shift, identify research designs used to detect it, and present a model for its …