Public Health Commons^™

Work Stress Reactivity And Health Outcomes: A Study Of Nurses, Laurie Marie Jacobs

Dissertations and Theses

Negative events encountered in daily life influence individual well-being. Individuals vary in their reactivity to these events, the extent to which they are behaviorally, physiologically, and psychologically influenced by them (Almeida, 2005; Neupert, Almeida, & Charles, 2007). Reactivity to events in the form of changes in health behavior could represent either an attempt at coping (Cooper, Frone, Russell, & Mudar, 1995) or a stressor-related failure of self-control (Muraven & Baumeister, 2000). Such changes in behavior could have later effects on health.

Although a great deal of attention has been paid to both the immediate and long-term effects of stressors on …

Hybrid Pet/Mri Nanoparticle Development And Multi-Modal Imaging, David Hoffman

Theses and Dissertations

The development of hybrid PET/MRI imaging systems needs to be paralleled with the development of a hybrid intrinsic PET/MRI probes. The aim of this work was to develop and validate a novel radio-superparamagnetic nanoparticle (r-SPNP) for hybrid PET/MRI imaging. This was achieved with the synthesis of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) that intrinsically incorporated 59Fe and manganese iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) that intrinsically incorporated 52Mn. Both [59Fe]-SPIONs and [52Mn]-MIONs were produced through thermal decomposition synthesis. The physiochemical characteristics of the r-SPNPs were assessed with TEM, DLS, and zeta-potential measurements, as well as in imaging phantom studies. The [59Fe]-SPIONs were evaluated …

Reimagining My Body, Center For Public Service

SURGE

I stood there, shoulders slouched, elbows locked, hands glued to the side of the toilet. My body convulsing, I told myself, “this is the last time, just one more time and you’ll get back on track tomorrow.” It wasn’t the last time. I had been forcing myself to purge for months at this point, and each time I hated myself for it.

It was something I couldn’t control. It wasn’t out of a need for attention as so commonly thought, but a pure need to be the unreachable level of thin that I thought would make me beautiful. I was …

Batterer Intervention Programs' Response To State Standards, Ashley Lynn Boal

Dissertations and Theses

The study of policy implementation has recently garnered research and federal attention highlighting the importance of implementation in achieving desired policy and program outcomes (Durlak & DuPre, 2008; Meyers, Durlak & Wandersman, 2012; National Institutes of Health, 2013). Psychology is one discipline that is well poised to guide the study of policy implementation as it can inform the creation, development, and outcomes associated with the introduction of a policy (Esses & Dovidio, 2011; Fischhoff, 1990). Given that batterer intervention programs (BIPs) have been developed to prevent future intimate partner violence (IPV) and improve victim safety, ensuring these programs have successfully …

Multiple Hypotheses Testing Procedures In Clinical Trials And Genomic Studies, Qing Pan

Epidemiology Faculty Publications

We review and compare multiple hypothesis testing procedures used in clinical trials and those in genomic studies. Clinical trials often employ global tests, which draw an overall conclusion for all the hypotheses, such as SUM test, Two-Step test, Approximate Likelihood Ratio test (ALRT), Intersection-Union Test (IUT), and MAX test. The SUM and Two-Step tests are most powerful under homogeneous treatment effects, while the ALRT and MAX test are robust in cases with non-homogeneous treatment effects. Furthermore, the ALRT is robust to unequal sample sizes in testing different hypotheses. In genomic studies, stepwise procedures are used to draw marker-specific conclusions and …

A Profile Of Community Health Center Patients: Implications For Policy, Peter Shin, Carmen Alvarez, Jessica Sharac, Sara J. Rosenbaum, Amanda Van Vleet, Julia Paradise, Rachel Garfield

Geiger Gibson/RCHN Community Health Foundation Research Collaborative

Community health centers are a key source of comprehensive primary care in medically underserved communities across the country, and their role is expected to grow as health coverage expands under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). To sharpen understanding of the health center patient population, this brief compares it to the overall low-income population, using data from the Health Center Patient Survey and the National Health Interview Survey,respectively. The pre-ACA profile of health center patients that emerges sets the stage for measuring change following implementation of the reform law and can inform health center policy, planning, and assessment moving forward.

Hospital Ships Adrift? Part 2: The Role Of U.S. Navy Hospital Ship Humanitarian Assistance Missions In Building Partnerships, Derek J. Licina, Sangeeta Mookherji, Gene Migliaccio, Cheryl Ringer

Global Health Faculty Publications

Introduction US Navy hospital ships are used as a foreign policy instrument to achieve various objectives that include building partnerships. Despite substantial resource investment by the Department of Defense (DoD) in these missions, their impact is unclear. The purpose of this study was to understand how and why hospital ship missions influence partnerships among the different participants.

Methods An embedded case study was used and included the hospital ship Mercy's mission to Timor-Leste in 2008 and 2010 with four units of analysis: the US government, partner nation, host nation, and nongovernmental organizations. Key stakeholders representing each unit were interviewed using …

Comparison Of How Ambient PmC And Pm2.5 Influence The Inflammatory Potential, Matthew Ferguson, Christopher T. Migliaccio, Tony Ward

Public and Community Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is one of six criteria air pollutants currently regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with existing ambient standards for PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. Currently there are no health-based regulations for the size fraction between 2.5 and 10 μm, commonly known as the coarse fraction (PM_c). The present study investigates current gaps in knowledge for PM_c including exposure toxicity and PM ratios (PM_c:PM_2.5) in PM₁₀. Throughout the world, all three PM size fractions have been shown to be associated with adverse impacts. Recent studies …

Chhs December 2013 E-Newsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Molecular Epidemiology Of Escherichia Coli Sequence Type 131 And Its H30 And H30-Rx Subclones Among Extended-Spectrum-Β-Lactamase-Positive And -Negative E. Coli Clinical Isolates From The Chicago Region, 2007 To 2010, Ritu Banerjee, Ari Robicsek, Michael A. Kusikowski, Stephen Porter, Brian D. Johnston, Evgeni Sokurenko, Veronika Tchesnokova, Lance B. Price, James R. Johnson

Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty Publications

We assessed Escherichia coli ST131 and its H30 and H30-Rx subclones for virulence genes, antimicrobial resistance, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) type. Although both subclones were associated with ESBL production, H30-Rx isolates had higher resistance scores and were associated specifically with CTX-M-15. Three virulence genes (iha, sat, and iutA) were more prevalent among H30 than non-H30 ST131 isolates. Thus, the H30 and H30-Rx subclones are more antimicrobial resistant and have virulence profiles that are distinct from those of non-H30 ST131 isolates.

Structure Matters: Examining Illness Behavior Using Parsons's Sick Role, Angela D. Byrd

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Although Talcott Parsons’s sick role theory, as described in 1951 in The Social System, has been severely criticized for its inapplicability to chronic illnesses, a portion of the theory is still a relevant and necessary factor in terms of understanding and treating chronic illness today. Using data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, this study looks at the individual effects of sex, age, race, cohabitation, education and region of residence on the likelihood of chronically ill patients considering themselves limited in their amount or kind of work as an indicator of sick role adaptation. Results show statistically significant relationships …

Early Chronic Low-Level Lead Exposure Produces Glomerular Hypertrophy In Young C57bl/6j Mice, Christina Sobin, John Basgen

Selected Works Temporary Series

Early chronic lead exposure continues to pose serious health risks for children, particularly those living in lower socioeconomic environments. This study examined effects on developing glomeruli in young C57BL/6J mice exposed to low (30 ppm), higher (330 ppm) or no lead via dams’ drinking water from birth to sacrifice on post-natal day 28. Low-level lead exposed mice [BLL mean (SD); 3.19 (0.70) µg/dL] had an increase in glomerular volume but no change in podocyte number compared to control mice [0.03 (0.01) µg/dL]. Higher-level lead exposed mice [14.68 (2.74) µg/dL] had no change in either glomerular volume or podocyte number. The …

Action For Dental Health Statement From The Ada, American Dental Association

Action for Dental Health

No abstract provided.

Factors Influencing The Decision And Ability To Seek Health Services Among Hiv/Aids Patients In Tanzania, Savitri Grover

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Understanding the barriers to treatment for individuals with HIV/AIDS in developing countries could have a major impact on their ability to seek healthcare services. The purpose of this study is to quantitatively analyze the effect of daily activities and structural factors, which act as barriers to seeking health services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania.

The study is based on the hypothesis that (1) Individuals living with HIV/AIDS who face both personal and structural barriers have poor health compared to those not facing the barriers. (2) Individuals living with HIV/AIDS demonstrate different decisions and abilities to seek health services …

2013 Survey Of Children Served By Mainecare, Jean A. Talbot Phd, Deborah Thayer Mba, Zachariah T. Croll Mph, Kimberley Fox Mpa

Medicaid

These survey results help identify areas for improvement for future initiatives both for the MaineCare program and for providers serving this population. Key Findings: MaineCare higher than the national average on most patient experience measures. Significant improvements in MaineCare provider/family communication and care coordination. MaineCare lower than national average on customer service, availability of treatment choices, and care coordination among providers. Patient experience generally similar for Medicaid and CHIP enrollees. Many MaineCare children have special health care needs. 35% of children enrolled in MaineCare have special health care needs, according to the 2013 survey. Experience of children with special health …

The Long-Term Effects Of Childhood Malnutrition On Cognitive Development: The Case Of Famine In Ghana, Ampaabeng K. Samuel, Chih Ming Tan

Economics & Finance Faculty Publications

We examine the role of early childhood health in human capital accumulation. Using a unique data set from Ghana with comprehensive information on individual, family, community, school quality characteristics and a direct measure of intelligence together with test scores, we examine the long-term cognitive effects of the 1983 famine on survivors. We show that differences in intelligence test scores can be robustly explained by the differential impact of the famine in different parts of the country and the impacts are most severe for children under two years of age during the famine. We also account for model uncertainty by using …

Targeting Inflammation Using Salsalate In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Effects On Flow-Mediated Dilation (Tinsal-Fmd)., Allison B Goldfine, J Stewart Buck, Cyrus Desouza, Vivian Fonseca, Yii-Der Ida Chen, Steven E Shoelson, Kathleen A. Jablonski, Mark A Creager, The Tinsal-Fmd Team

GW Biostatistics Center

OBJECTIVE: To test whether inhibiting inflammation with salsalate improves endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted an ancillary study to the National Institutes of Health-sponsored, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of salsalate in targeting inflammation to improve glycemia in patients with T2D. Flow-mediated, endothelium-dependent dilation (FMD) and endothelium-independent, nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD) of the brachial artery were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months following randomization to either salsalate 3.5 g/day or placebo. The primary end point was change in FMD at 6 months.

RESULTS: A total …

Closing The Rural Mortality Gap? An Examination Of 10-Year Cardiovascular Mortality Trends In Washington And Aroostook Counties, Maine, Christy Daggett

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

This study examines a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality1 in two rural, white, low-income counties in Maine over 1999-2009: Washington County and Aroostook County. Two similar counties with similarly high rates of CVD mortality– Penobscot and Piscataquis - were selected as comparators. The study considers different factors known to correlate with CVD mortality, including behavioral risk factors, co-morbid conditions, insurance coverage, and social determinants of health.

An Analysis Of Employment Policies And Their Effect On Work-Life Balance For Caregiving Parents Of Children With Special Needs, Sara Panella

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

This capstone addresses the work-­‐life conflict facing employed caregiver parents with special needs children by 1) identifying what employed parents of children with disabilities need from their employer in order to achieve a work-­‐life balance that improves economic security and emotional well-­‐being, and 2) evaluating how well policies address those needs. An investigation of work-­‐family conflict and stress among parents of special needs children is conducted by examining the current literature and conducting interviews with caregivers to explore their work-­‐life balance needs. Policy recommendations are provided, based on an analysis of public and workplace policies currently in use and policy …

Active Transportation In Dayton, Ohio: A Case Study, Danielle P. Tong

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Introduction: The purpose of this case study was to describe Dayton, Ohio’s process for implementing an active transportation initiative and suggests ways in which it might be improved. Methods: This paper compares the strategies used in Dayton, Ohio to the 5Ps of the Active Living by Design’s Community Action Model, and compares them with the strategies of three communities described in the literature. Results: The City of Dayton fully initiated two of the 5Ps but neglected the other Ps. Some interview respondents attribute this to a lack of staffing within the City of Dayton. Dayton’s leadership for active transport comes …

An Argument And Plan For Promoting The Teaching And Learning Of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Kevin M. Bonney

Publications and Research

Neglected tropical diseases constitute a significant public health burden, affecting over one billion people globally, yet this group of diseases is underrepresented in the appropriation of both monetary and intellectual capital for developing improved therapies and public health campaigns. The topic of neglected tropical diseases has been similarly marginalized in the biology classrooms of our nation’s high schools and colleges, despite offering an opportunity to teach and learn about a diverse area of microbiology with far-reaching public health, social, and economic implications. Discussed herein is an argument for increasing the representation of neglected tropical diseases in microbiology education as a …

Validation Of The Simple Activity Measurement Instrument (Sam) Using Heart Rate And Pedometry; Simple Activity Measurement Instrument (Sam) For Measuring Mvpa In Physical Education, Joseph P. Anaya

Graduate Theses

In order to battle obesity in our schools, Physical Education standards are working to become more and more in accordance with the Physical Activity Guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the American College of Sports Medicine. Physical Education teachers would benefit from a tool that measures the amount and type of activity that students are involved in while they are in Physical Education. Many of the instruments that teachers use to assess students’ physical activity are too expensive, too difficult and can be time consuming. The purpose of the current study was to test …

Building The Science Of Healthcare Public Reporting: Integrating Anecdotal Information To Enhance Sensemaking, Kapil Chalil Madathil

All Dissertations

Anecdotal information about a healthcare consumers' interaction with care providers and hospital facilities is becoming increasingly available to the public in the form of YouTube videos and as discussion posts on peer-support groups. This form of information can potentially jeopardize the utility of reports generated by Federal entities as it potentially diverts consumer attention from more reliable measures of quality. This dissertation investigates how a health consumer's choice of care is influenced by anecdotal information on the care process available on YouTube. This research then investigates the effect of information presentation methods such as narratives and active engagement with quality …

Patients’ Attitudes Towards Patient Involvement In Safety Interventions: Results Of Two Exploratory Studies, Rachel Davis, Nick Sevdalis, Anna Pinto, Ara Darzi, Charles A. Vincent

Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: In recent years, patient-focused interventions have been introduced aimed at increasing patient involvement in safety-related behaviours. However, patients' attitudes towards these interventions and comfort in participating in the recommended behaviours remain largely unexplored. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patients' attitudes towards a video and leaflet aimed at encouraging patient involvement in safety-related behaviours. DESIGN: Two exploratory studies employing a within-subjects mixed-methods design. SETTING: Six hospital wards on an inner-city London teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Medical and surgical inpatients: 80 patients in study 1 (mean age 55; 69% men) and 80 patients in study 2 (mean age 52; 60% men). INTERVENTION: Patients watched …

Assessing The Indoor Tanning Behaviors And Risk Of Skin Cancer Among Illinois Wesleyan University Students, Ellen Cornelius '14

Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

The purpose of this research is to assess the indoor tanning behaviors of students at Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) in Bloomington, Illinois and formulate strategies to reduce students’ risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is widespread, and is the second most common cancer among people aged 15-24 years. There is strong evidence to support that many skin cancer cases seen today could have been avoided if the individual had never used an indoor tanning device. Research suggests the use of indoor tanning devices is popular among college-aged females in the US, thus persuading this demographic to reduce their indoor tanning …

Introduction: A Global Approach To Reproductive Justice—Psychosocial And Legal Aspects And Implications, Joan C. Chrisler

William & Mary Journal of Race, Gender, and Social Justice

No abstract provided.

Adequate Assurance Or Medical Mediocrity: An Analysis Of The Limits On The Affordable Care Act's Application To Women's Health, Nicole M. Hartz

William & Mary Journal of Race, Gender, and Social Justice

No abstract provided.

Bad Medicine: Abortion And The Battle Over Who Speaks For Women's Health, Andrea D. Friedman

William & Mary Journal of Race, Gender, and Social Justice

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Family Dynamics On Contraceptive Use In Madagascar And The Ensuing Impact On Family Well-Being, Joel Zafitandra Hajason, Kayla Piña, Joel L. Raveloharimisy

Faculty Publications

While studies have shown a relationship between family dynamics and contraceptive use and between contraceptive use and family well-being, no empirical study has been conducted to test whether a relationship exists between family influence on contraceptive use and family wellbeing. The objective of this study is to explore whether there is such a relationship between family influence on contraceptive use and family well-being.

Tick Toxic: The Failure To Clean Up Tsca Poisons Public Health And Threatens Chemical Innovation, Kristen Ekey

William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review

No abstract provided.