Public Health Commons^™

Examining Road Traffic Mortality Status In China: A Simulation Study, Helai Huang, Qingyi Yin, David C. Schwebel, Li Li, Guoqing Hu

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background Data from the Chinese police service suggest substantial reductions in road traffic injuries since 2002, but critics have questioned the accuracy of those data, especially considering conflicting data reported by the health department. Methods To address the gap between police and health department data and to determine which may be more accurate, we conducted a simulation study based on the modified Smeed equation, which delineates a non-linear relation between road traffic mortality and the level of motorization in a country or region. Our goal was to simulate trends in road traffic mortality in China and compare performances in road …

Tetryl Exposure: Forgotten Hazards Of Antique Munitions, Walla A. Alfaraj, Brian Mcmillan, Alan M. Ducatman, Charles L. Werntz Iii

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background: Older yet still abundant munitions such as tetryl present easily forgotten health hazards and associated needs for worker protection.

Case presentation: Symptoms and findings from 22 workers who were exposed to tetryl are summarized.

Conclusions: This study highlights the health hazards from exposure to tetryl. Occupational health professionals need to maintain vigilance to protect workers from the risks of handling older munitions.

Who Actually Receives Cell Phone Use While Driving Citations And How Much Are These Laws Enforced Among States? A Descriptive, Cross-Sectional Study, Toni M. Rudisill, Motao Zhu

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Objectives: While numerous cell phone use while driving laws have been passed among states, little information exists regarding who gets cited for these traffic infractions and how much these laws are enforced at the state-level within the USA.

Design: Cross-sectional, descriptive study.

Setting: 14 states and the District of Columbia.

Participants: Those receiving cell phone use while driving citations within included states from 2007 to 2013.

Primary outcome: Demographic characteristics of cited drivers were assessed. Rates of infractions per 100 000 licensed in-state drivers per year for various cell phone use while driving violations were calculated.

Results: Drivers were cited …

Sociodemographic Correlates Of Tobacco Consumption In Rural Gujarat, India, Payal Kahar, Ranjita Misra, Thakor G. Patel

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background. The purpose of this study was to examine occupation-, education-, and gender-specific patterns of tobacco use and knowledge of its health effects among 23,953 rural Asian Indians ≥18 years in Gujarat. Methodology. A statewide, community-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted in 26 districts of Gujarat (December 2010–May 2015), using face-to-face interviews by trained community health workers called SEVAKS. Results. Mean age was 39.8 ± 15.2 years. Eighteen percent of respondents used tobacco in various forms. Tobacco consumption was significantly higher among males (32%), 18–34 years’ age group (35%), those who were self-employed (72%), and those with elementary education (40%). The …

Perceived Discrimination And Health Outcomes Among Asian Indians In The United States, Ranjita Misra, Haslyn Hunte

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background: Perceived interpersonal discrimination while seeking healthcare services is associated with poor physical and mental health. Yet, there is a paucity of research among Asian Americans or its subgroups. This study examined the correlates of reported interpersonal discrimination when seeking health care among a large sample of Asian Indians, the 3rd largest Asian American subgroup in the US, and identify predictors of adverse self-rated physical health, a well-accepted measure of overall health status.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Participants comprised of 1824 Asian Indian adults in six states with higher concentration of Asian Indians.

Results: Mean age and years lived in the …

Public Health Measures Derived From The Jewish Tradition, Noam Zeffren, Tova Chein, Robert Stern

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (New York) Publications and Research

The authors discuss public health measures that are described in the Torah and rabbinic literature.

Osteopathic Medical Student Administered Smoking Cessation Counseling Is An Effective Tool, Barbara Capozzi, Ariel Chez, Taissia Carpenter, Laura Hubert, Lissa Hewan-Lowe, Asli Ozcan, Sonu Sahni

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (New York) Publications and Research

Background: Physician counseling on the risks of tobacco smoking and the benefits of cessation has been shown to be an effective method of increasing the rate of smoking cessation. Using the “Help Your Patients Quit Smoking: A Coaching Guide” also referred to as the “7A’s of Smoking Cessation” guideline from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is thought to be effective to convey the importance of smoking cessation. Aim: To study the efficacy of the “7A’s of Smoking Cessation” guideline counseling conducted by osteopathic medical students. Materials and Methods: Osteopathic medical students were …

Bridging The Divide White Paper: Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (Larc) In The United States, Julia Strasser, Liz Borkowski, Megan Couillard, Amy Allina, Susan Wood

Jacobs Institute of Women's Health

Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods – specifically, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subcutaneous hormone-releasing implants – demonstrate great potential in reducing unintended pregnancy. Although LARC methods have had a rocky history in the US and use rates have remained low here in comparison to other countries where the methods are available, there has been a significant increase in uptake of newer LARC products in recent years. Researchers have identified this change as a likely contributor to the declines seen in unintended pregnancy, abortion, and teen pregnancy rates.

Decades of research have shown that current LARC methods are highly safe and effective, …

Detectable Viral Load In Late Pregnancy Among Women In The Rwanda Option B+ Pmtct Program: Enrollment Results From The Kabeho Study., Michelle M Gill, Heather J Hoffman, Emily A Bobrow, Placidie Mugwaneza, Dieudonne Ndatimana, Gilles F Ndayisaba, Cyprien Baribwira, Laura Guay, Anita Asiimwe

Epidemiology Faculty Publications

There are limited viral load (VL) data available from programs implementing "Option B+," lifelong antiretroviral treatment (ART) to all HIV-positive pregnant and postpartum women, in resource-limited settings. Extent of viral suppression from a prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV program in Rwanda was assessed among women enrolled in the Kigali Antiretroviral and Breastfeeding Assessment for the Elimination of HIV (Kabeho) Study. ARV drug resistance testing was conducted on women with VL>2000 copies/ml. In April 2013-January 2014, 608 pregnant or early postpartum HIV-positive women were enrolled in 14 facilities. Factors associated with detectable enrollment VL (>20 copies/ml) were examined …

Computerized Tailored Interventions To Enhance Prevention And Screening For Hepatitis C Virus Among People Who Inject Drugs: Protocol For A Randomized Pilot Study., Ryan P Westergaard, Shawnika J. Hull, Alana Merkow, Laura K Stephens, Karli R Hochstatter, Heidi K Olson-Streed, Lisa M Baker, Timothy M Hess

Prevention and Community Health Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a growing problem among people who inject drugs. Strategies to reduce disease transmission (eg, syringe exchange programs) and facilitate HCV screening and linkage are available but are under-utilized in many communities affected by injection drug use. Novel approaches to increasing the use of these strategies are needed.

OBJECTIVE: The goals of this project are to (1) develop and pilot test a computerized tailored intervention for increasing HCV screening and decreasing risky drug use behavior among people who inject drugs and (2) determine the feasibility of disseminating such an intervention using peer-based referrals in …

Factors Underlying Ebola Virus Infection Among Health Workers, Kenema, Sierra Leone, 2014-2015, Mikiko Senga, Kimberly Pringle, Andrew Ramsay, David Brett-Major, Robert A. Fowler, Issa French, Mohamed Vandi, Josephine Sellu, Christian Pratt, Josephine Saidu, Nahoko Shindo, Daniel G. Bausch, Sierra Leone Kenema District Task Force And Kenema Government Hospital

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

BACKGROUND: Ebola virus disease (EVD) in health workers (HWs) has been a major challenge during the 2014-2015 outbreak. We examined factors associated with Ebola virus exposure and mortality in HWs in Kenema District, Sierra Leone.

METHODS: We analyzed data from the Sierra Leone National Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Database, contact tracing records, Kenema Government Hospital (KGH) staff and Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) rosters, and burial logs.

RESULTS: From May 2014 through January 2015, 600 cases of EVD originated in Kenema District, including 92 (15%) HWs, 66 (72%) of whom worked at KGH. Among KGH medical staff and international volunteers, 18 of …

West African Anopheles Gambiae Mosquitoes Harbor A Taxonomically Diverse Virome Including New Insect-Specific Flaviviruses, Mononegaviruses, And Totiviruses, Joseph R. Fauver, Nathan D. Grubaugh, Benjamin J. Krajacich, James Weger-Lucarelli, Steven M. Lakin, Lawrence S. Fakoli, Fatorma K. Bolay, Joseph W. Diclaro, Kounbobr Roch Dabiré, Brian D. Foy, Doug E. Brackney, Gregory D. Ebel, Mark D. Stenglein

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

Anopheles gambiae are a major vector of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Viruses that naturally infect these mosquitoes may impact their physiology and ability to transmit pathogens. We therefore used metagenomics sequencing to search for viruses in adult Anopheles mosquitoes collected from Liberia, Senegal, and Burkina Faso. We identified a number of virus and virus-like sequences from mosquito midgut contents, including 14 coding-complete genome segments and 26 partial sequences. The coding-complete sequences define new viruses in the order Mononegavirales, and the families Flaviviridae, and Totiviridae. The identification of a flavivirus infecting Anopheles mosquitoes broadens our understanding of the evolution and host …

Western Kentucky University College Of Health And Human Services (Chhs) Strategic Plan 2016-2020, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Public Health Curriculum, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Hiv Risk And Psychological Distress Among Female Entertainment Workers In Cambodia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Carinne M. Brody, Pheak Chhoun, Sovannary Tuot, Khuondyla Pal, Siyan Yi

Background: In Cambodia, there has been an increase in entertainment work as a result of the breakdown of the traditional brothel-based sex industry, presenting new challenges to addressing the health issues and needs of people working in the entertainment industry. This study aims to identify factors associated with psychological distress among female entertainment workers (FEWs) in Cambodia.

Methods: A two-stage cluster sampling method was used to randomly select 657 FEWs from entertainment establishments in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in April and May 2014 for interviews using a structured questionnaire. Psychological distress was measured using the General Health …

Health And Socio-Economic Impacts Of Livelihoods Programs Among People Living With Hiv In Cambodia: A Case-Control Study, Sovannary Tuot, Kouland Thin, Mayumi Shimizu, Samedy Suong, Samithrea Sron, Pheak Chhoun, Siyan Yi

Background: In Cambodia, the circumstances surrounding people living with HIV (PLHIV) remain serious conditions. To ameliorate these situations, KHANA has implemented livelihoods programs since 2010, including village saving and loans (VSL), skill trainings, and cash grants with on-going technical support. This study aims to evaluate the impacts of the programs in improving socio-economic conditions, health, and psychological well-being of PLHIV in Cambodia. Methods: In August 2014, a case-control study was conducted in six selected provinces. The cases were defined as PLHIV who lived in the selected operational districts where KHANA has implemented the livelihoods programs, and have participated in …

Improving Prevention And Care For Hiv And Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Men Who Have Sex With Men In Cambodia: The Sustainable Action Against Hiv And Aids In Communities (Sahacom), Siyan Yi, Sovannary Tuot, Pheak Chhoun, Khuondyla Pal, Chanrith Ngin, Sok Chamreun Choub, Carinne M. Brody

Background: The prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among key populations in Cambodia continues to rise. To address this issue, KHANA, the largest national HIV organization in the country developed and implemented the Sustainable Action against HIV and AIDS in Communities (SAHACOM) project. This study aims to determine the impacts of the SAHACOM on sexual behaviors and the uptake of HIV/STI services among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Cambodia.

Methods: We compared outcome indicators at midterm (n = 352) and endline (n = 394). Surveys were conducted in 2012 and 2014 in Battambang …

Men Who Have Sex With Men In Cambodia: Population Size, Hiv Risky Behaviors, And Hiv Prevalence, Siyan Yi, Srean Chhim, Pheak Chhoun, Sovannary Tuot, Cheaty Ly, Phalkun Mun, Chanrith Ngin

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) constitute a significant proportion of HIV key populations in Cambodia. We conducted this study to estimate the national population size, assess HIV-related risk behaviors, and determine HIV prevalence among MSM in Cambodia. Methods: This research was conducted in 2014 in 12 study sites in Cambodia. MSM size estimation was performed using capture-recapture method with data collected in two time points within an 18-day interval. To assess HIV risk behaviors, a total of 838 MSM were randomly selected for face-to-face interviews during the capture round. A separate survey using a time …

Social Determinants Of Maternal And Child Undernutrition In Cambodia: A Systematic Review, Pheak Chhoun, Khuondyla Pal, Sreymom Oy, Candice Collins, Sovannary Tuot, Siyan Yi

Background: Maternal and child undernutrition is one of the major contributors to the increasing of overall disease burden and mortality in the globe and Cambodia. Therefore, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify social determinants of maternal and child undernutrition in Cambodia.

Methods: Systematic literature search was performed through journal databases including ProQuest Central, Scopus, PubMed, Medline (Ovid), Google scholar, and World Health Organization Statistical Information System (WHOSIS). Keywords were used to search for literature in English published from 2003 to 2015. Content analysis was conducted among final selected papers.

Results: In total, 25 articles met …

Determinants Of Inconsistent Condom Use Among Hiv Serodiscordant Couples In Cambodia, Sovannary Tuot, Khuondyla Pal, Kouland Thin, Chrysanta Patio, Kelly Allbritton, Christie Blondek, Siyan Yi

Background: Globally, heterosexual transmission within serodiscordant relationships is a significant source of new HIV infections. In 2012, there were an estimated 1,350 incident cases of HIV in Cambodia, of which 37% were between heterosexual couples and 30% among sex workers. In combination with antiretroviral therapy (ART), consistent condom use can significantly reduce HIV transmission risk among serodiscordant couples. This study explored determinants of inconsistent condom use among serodiscordant couples in Cambodia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Battambang, Pursat and Takeo provinces in September 2013. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on condom use and …

Cancer Beliefs And Cancer Screening Behaviors Among Low Income Chinese Immigrants – Implications For Culturally Relevant Interventions, Kam Man Kenny Kwong

Graduate School of Social Work Publications and Research

Objective: To effectively plan and provide culturally appropriate cancer education and screening services for low income Chinese immigrants, accurate disaggregated data are very much needed in understanding their cultural beliefs, attitudes, and practices toward cancer screening and education. This study explored the views of medically underserved Chinese immigrants in the United States and assessed their beliefs and attitudes toward the cause and prevention of breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, and their cancers screening behaviors.

Methods: Guided by both the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue and the Health Belief Model, an exploratory research methodology was used. Narrative data from in-depth interviews and …

Admixture Mapping Of Subclinical And Clinical Cardiovascular Disease Among African Americans, Aditi Shendre

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this dissertation is to evaluate the association of local European ancestry (LEA) with subclinical and clinical cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) among African Americans in three prospective cohorts from the United States. CVD burden is higher among African Americans compared to other racial/ethnic groups and prevention efforts have led to the evaluation of subclinical measures of CVD such as carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), and risk factors including the underlying genetic component of the disease. Admixed populations such as African Americans may have increased risk of disease as a result of the increased prevalence of a disease among …

Investigation Of Tattoo Pigments By Raman Spectroscopy, Betsy Jean Yakes, Tara Jade Michael, Marianita Perez-Gonzalez, Bhakti Petigara Harp

United States Food and Drug Administration: Publications

As a result of the increase in the practice of tattooing, the US Food and Drug Administration has identified a need for improved analytical methods to detect the pigments and potential impurities in the inks. Raman spectroscopy allows for nondestructive identification of compounds and is commonly used in art, archaeology, and forensics; however, the technique has only limitedly been applied to the identification of tattoo pigments. In this study, approximately 30 inorganic, organometallic, and organic pigmentswere evaluated with Raman spectroscopy by using 532, 633, and 780-nmlasers. Individual optimization of the instrumental parameters was performed for each pigment in order to …

Bacterial Endotoxin Detection In Hyaluronic Acid-Based Medical Devices, Larissa F. Baeva, Srilekha Sarkar Das, Victoria M. Hitchins

United States Food and Drug Administration: Publications

A simple and rapid method has been developed for testing bacterial endotoxin in hyaluronic acid (HA)-based medical devices. High-molecular-weight HA (HMW HA) in solution or HA-based medical devices was digested by the enzyme hyaluronidase to reduce solution viscosity by truncating the long chains of HA and to test for bacterial endotoxin. The bacterial endotoxin level was detected and measured by kinetic chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay. The method was applied to two different ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) and one dermal filler, and may easily be adapted to use with up to 3% HA solutions and other HA-based medical devices.

Male Pattern Baldness In Relation To Prostate Cancer–Specific Mortality: A Prospective Analysis In The Nhanes I Epidemiologic Follow-Up Study, Cindy Ke Zhou, Paul H Levine, Sean D. Cleary, Heather J. Hoffman, Barry I Graubard, Michael B. Cook

Epidemiology Faculty Publications

We used male pattern baldness as a proxy for long-term androgen exposure and investigated the association of dermatologist-assessed hair loss with prostate cancer–specific mortality in the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Epidemiologic Follow-up Study. From the baseline survey (1971–1974), we included 4,316 men who were 25–74 years of age and had no prior cancer diagnosis. We estimated hazard ratios and used Cox proportional hazards regressions with age as the time metric and baseline hazard stratified by baseline age. A hybrid framework was used to account for stratification and clustering of the sample design, with adjustment for the variables …

M.S. In Public Health Curriculum, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

A Pilot Study For Plant The Seed: A Nutrition Education Program Using Local Food Environment To Put Theory Into Action, Yeon Bai, Shahla M. Wunderlich, Karen A. Lee

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Scholarship and Creative Works

The purpose of this study is to implement Plant the Seed, a garden-based nutrition education program designed to reconnect children with locally grown food, food environments of the past and present, and the benefits of eating seasonal foods. The pilot study investigates the environmental context and theory variables known to influence healthy food choice behavior. Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) provided a framework for the program’s curriculum and evaluation. The target audience is middle school students. Plant the Seed is a two-part program. In Part 1 (classroom), students participate in practical, interactive activities based on specific educational objectives that target …

The Stigma Effect: The Role Of Internalized Racism And Internalized Homophobia In Risky Sexual Behavior Among Black Gay Men, Darren Lovell Whitfield

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Black gay, bisexual, queer, and same-gender-loving (GBQSGL) men account for less than 1% of US population, yet account for 36% of all new HIV infections. While, Black GBQSGL men experience higher rates of HIV infection compared to other gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men (MSM) from other racial groups, they are no more likely to report engaging in condomless anal sex (CAS). These findings suggest that one possible explanation is that the context of sexual behavior for Black GBQSGL men may be riskier because of the prevalence of HIV in the community. Furthermore, research suggests that racism …

Role-Playing In A Vaccination Debate Strengthens Student Scientific Debate Skills For Various Audiences, Gianne Souza, P. F. Mixter

Biology Faculty Publications

Students are surrounded by strongly-held viewpoints on scientific topics and frequently discuss news reports with their classmates. We developed the vaccination debate exercise to leverage this interest and develop core higher-order cognitive skills (HOCS), including, but not limited to, the ability to critique public media or primary research sources and create arguments for defending multiple viewpoints. Students prepared to debate different sides of the topic and then randomly assumed one of the roles: “Physician” (pro-vaccine), “Activist” (anti-vaccination), or “Parent-on-the-fence” (undecided). Students reported an increase in their abilities to discuss scientific topics with diverse audiences and an increased awareness of importance …

Project Soar's Approach To Research Utilization, Project Soar

HIV and AIDS

Project SOAR (Supporting Operational AIDS Research) conducts operations research (OR) with the aim of producing a large, multi-faceted body of high-quality evidence that can guide the planning and implementation of programs and policies for HIV prevention, care, and treatment. OR provides the needed evidence to make sound policy and program decisions at national, subnational, and service-delivery levels by identifying practical solutions to challenges delivering program services. Translating OR findings into action at these levels requires two-way information exchange between people who can apply research findings and researchers. Project SOAR’s premise is that this exchange will bring about eventual use of …