Public Health Commons^™

Addressing Cardiovascular Disease Among Populations Disproportionately Impacted In The United States, Michael Leron Sells

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes the most deaths in the United States and is disproportionately impacting certain groups more than others. A gap in the research exists when focusing on national data for those who bear the highest burden of CVD amongst people with hypertension when cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are examined. There is also a need to investigate the relationships between key indicators for CVD health disparities in people with hypertension. The purpose of this quantitative study is to investigate the cumulative effect of key health disparities indicators such as race, age, gender, education, and income using national-level surveillance data …

Retention, Viral Suppression, And Care Models In Hiv Positive Children And Adolescents In Cameroon, Eveline Mboh Khan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a significant public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa with poor treatment outcomes in children and adolescents (C&As). There is a lack of information on the effects of various HIV care models (Child and Adolescent Friendly Clinic model and Support Group model) on retention in care and Viral Suppression (VS) in Cameroon. This study was carried out to identify the care model with the best outcomes for C&As, inform national scale-up strategies, resource prioritization, and contribute to the existing literature. A quantitative retrospective cohort review approach guided by the social cognitive theory was used to analyze …

An Interpretive Qualitative Study Of Idaho Head Start Families Facing Food Insecurity, Sherry Deiter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this basic interpretive qualitative study was to examine food insecurity among Idaho Head Start enrolled families, focusing on barriers and deterrents to accessing available nutrition assistance programs. The social-ecological model (SEM) was used as the theoretical foundation for this study. Based on this model, the research questions were designed to explore experiences of participants related to individual, interpersonal, community, organizational, policy, and educational factors that influenced food insecurity. Parents who had children enrolled in Idaho Head Start programs that met purposeful sampling criteria were recruited for the study. A total of 11 parents, all who had experiences …

Evaluating Integrated Treatment On Recidivism For Female Offenders In Criminal Justice System, Oyin T. Popoola

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The burden of co-occurring disorders (CODs) among offenders in the criminal justice system (CJS) in the United States, particularly among the female population, is threatening the communities. About 80% of women in the CJS were diagnosed and treated for CODs, and 63% tend to be rearrested. The study examined the possible influence of CODs, integrated treatment of CODs, and gender, on recidivism while controlling for other demographic factors. The study was based on the conceptual framework of integrated dual disorder treatment (IDDT) and feminist criminology theory. Cross-sectional quantitative study design was applied on a secondary dataset from the 2017 Treatment …

Sexual Orientation, Body Mass Index, And Methamphetamine Use Among Chicago Youth, Nileshkumar Panchal

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Drug use and obesity are two of the most challenging health-related issues that young people face. Obesity, substance abuse, and drug addiction lead to brain dysfunction, which can decrease the quality of life and academic performance as well as increase the vulnerability of developing chronic diseases. To date, there has been little research to determine whether sexual orientation influences the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and methamphetamine use. Focusing on youth, the relationship between BMI, methamphetamine use, and sexual orientation were examined in this study through secondary data analysis of the Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System in Chicago. Guided …

African American Maternal Mortality In The United States: A Quantitative Analysis Of Chronic Disease And Maternal Deaths, Glory Inyang

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American women have higher rates of chronic disease including diabetes and cardiovascular related disease compared to White women and are 3 to 4 times more likely to die during childbirth, more than any other ethnic group in the United States. . When African American women become pregnant these conditions may influence their maternal health outcomes. This study aimed to determine difference in pregnancy related death associated with chronic conditions between African American women and White women. Based on secondary/archival data from the Center for Disease Control and Preventions' 2017 National Center for Health Statistics Mortality Multiple Cause Files a …

Structural Equation Modeling To Detect Correlates Of Childhood Vaccination: A Moderated Mediation Analysis, Abraham Degarege, Karl Krupp, Vijaya Srinivas, Boubakari Ibrahimou, Purnima Madhivanan

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

OBJECTIVES: This study used a health belief theory derived framework and structural equation model to examine moderators, mediators, and direct and indirect predictors of childhood vaccination.

METHODS: A secondary analysis was conducted using data collected from a cross-sectional survey of a random sample of 1599 parents living in urban and rural areas of Mysore district, India. Applying two-stage probability proportionate-to-size sampling, adolescent girls attending 7th through 10th grades in 23 schools were selected to take home a questionnaire to be answered by their parents to primarily assess HPV vaccine intentions. Parents were also asked whether their children had received one …

Understanding The Attitudes And Perceptions Towards Lung Cancer Screening Amongst United States Veterans: A Qualitative Study, Shannon Nugent, Kristine Pham, Mph, Rickie Brawer, Mph, Phd, Mches

Phase 1

Introduction: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States, with this rate disproportionately affecting the veteran population. Despite USPSTF recommendations, screening rates are low and underutilized. The purpose of this study is to understand veterans’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs surrounding lung cancer and lung cancer screening to better address barriers to screening.

Methods: Five interviews were conducted with veteran community members, and three were conducted with key informants for a current total of eight interviews. Key informants included Philadelphia community leaders who work with veterans. Interviews explored lung cancer screening knowledge, motivating factors and barriers …

Medication Adherence In A Housing First Model, Lily Segal, Sharon Lyles

Phase 1

Introduction: Mental illness and chronic medical conditions are prevalent among those experiencing homelessness. Medication adherence has been very poor due to a variety of barriers, one of those being housing. For those who have previously experienced homelessness, does a Housing First model have a positive impact on medication adherence?

Methods: The target population was individuals on Team 1 at Pathways to Housing, PA. Medication adherence was measured through the use of blister packs, which contained 1 weeks’ worth of medication, therefore at the end of the month 4-empty blister packs should have been returned. Medication adherence, specifically for …

The Utility Of Performing Cervical Length Follow-Up In Lower Risk Singleton, Varsha Kripalu, Rupsa Boelig, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Short cervical length (<25 mm) during pregnancy is known to be an increased risk factor for preterm birth (<37 weeks). While interventions exist for women who have had prior preterm births, it is important to investigate the cost effectiveness of screening low risk women with an intermediate cervical length (26-29 mm).

Objective: To quantify the association between change in cervical length on follow up and the incidence of preterm birth in otherwise low risk women with an initial intermediate cervical length.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, reviewing 108 charts of women who had an initial screening between 26 and 29 mm. Charts were reviewed for whether or not a follow-up ultrasound was recommended, whether or not the follow-up was performed, and the outcome of their deliveries.

Results: 93.5% (N=101) of women were recommended to get a follow-up ultrasound and 84% (N=85) completed their follow-up. …

The Experience Of Intimate Partner Violence Among Pregnant Women Seeking Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder, Julia Dewey, Diane Abatemarco, Phd, Msw

Phase 1

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major health issue among those with substance use disorder. A history of partner violence is associated with increased health problems and less improvement in treatment. The perinatal period is a time of increased risk of IPV for women, as well as a key opportunity for opioid use disorder treatment intervention. The purpose of this study is to characterize the experience of partner violence and evaluate the typology of sequelae associated with it in a population of pregnant women seeking medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.

Methods: The population of interest in this …

Lgbt Elder Initiative Thrivers Program Evaluation, Darcy Curtis, David Griffiths

Phase 1

Introduction: Aging with HIV is a critical area of study, especially as the generation that was initially affected by the disease grows older. The LGBT Elder Initiative (LGBT EI) is an organization in Philadelphia that supports and advocates for older members in the LGBT community. The LGBT EI Thrivers program is a community group that meets monthly to discuss what it means to “thrive” with HIV. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the LGBT EI’s Thrivers program and determine what motivates older individual with HIV to become involved in this program and identify the impact of the program. …

Reproductive Justice Disrupted: Mass Incarceration As A Driver Of Reproductive Oppression, Crystal M. Hayes, Carolyn B. Sufrin, Jamila B. Perritt

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

We describe how mass incarceration directly undermines the core values of reproductive justice and how this affects incarcerated and nonincarcerated women.

Mass incarceration, by its very nature, compromises and undermines bodily autonomy and the capacity for incarcerated people to make decisions about their reproductive well being and bodies; this is done through institutionalized racism and is disproportionately done to the bodies of women of color. This violates the most basic tenets of reproductive justice—the right to have a child, not to have a child, and to parent the children you have with dignity and in safety.

By undermining motherhood and …

Medical Utilization In The Context Of Culture: Analyzing The Concepts, Benefits And Drawbacks Of Sri Lankan Biomedical And Ayurvedic Healthcare, Miriah Rajaguru

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Sri Lanka is an island inhabited by a culture more than 5,000 years old. The primary medicine utilized by this culture in precolonial times is known as Ayurveda. During colonization, Sri Lanka was introduced to biomedicine and forced to negate Ayurvedic medicine. Throughout the years, rather than abandoning their indigenous medical practice, Sri Lanka incorporated biomedicine and Ayurvedic medicine into their medically plural society. Today, Sri Lankans utilized both medicines for different ailments, concerns and conditions. Utilizing a variety of anthropological methods and theories, this study gathered qualitative information from 39 Sri Lankan informants. These informants were recruited to find …

A Rural Mother's Guide To Breastfeeding, Haley Tillett

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Breastfeeding is considered as the gold standard of infant health (CDC, n.d.). The benefits provided to both the baby and mother by breastfeeding are unmatched when compared to formula feeding. Recent studies have shown a disparity in rates of breastfeeding, primarily in rural areas. This may be due, in part, to the fact that mothers in rural areas may not have equal access to resources and support they need to successfully breastfeed due to geographic isolation. This guide will provide an overview of breastfeeding resources in rural communities with a focus on Kittitas Valley, Washington. Resources include but are not …

Freestanding "Er's" Come At A Cost, Krystal Whitenight

Student Research Poster Presentations 2020

No abstract provided.

"Unf Better Stronger" Card, University Of North Florida

UNF COVID-19 Response

Informational card, part of the university's response to COVID-19 pandemic.

Assessment Of Children’S Personal And Land Use Regression Model-Estimated Exposure To No2 In Springfield, Massachusetts, Sarah Esenther

Public Health Theses

Personal NO2 measurements were taken for a cohort of seventh-grade students (n=25) attending a magnet school in Springfield, MA with an elevated prevalence of pediatric asthma (17.2%). These personal measurements were compared with exposures predicted through a land use regression (LUR) model constructed from built environment and land use characteristics across the area to assess personal exposures in NO2 exposures within the cohort. Springfield, Massachusetts was chosen as the study location because of its elevated prevalence of pediatric asthma (19%) compared to the state average (11%) coupled with the recognized sensitivity of asthmatic children to traffic-related air pollutants. The exposure …

Ccure: Campus & Community United For Recovery Efforts, Alexandra Schmied

West Chester University Master’s Theses

The CCURE pilot program combats historical stigma and the current lack of support for students in recovery from Substance Use Disorder during their collegiate careers. Using the ideas of Paulo Freire and Michael Oakeshott, the author’s philosophy states education should be continual, communal, and accessible. The CCURE program intervention outlines a Living Learning Community in a six-bed recovery house on campus in conjunction with a seminar course taught by campus partners. Student development theories such as Schlossberg's Mattering and Marginality & Transition Theories; best practices found in public health, and at Rutgers University, Augsburg University, and the University of Delaware …

Parasitic Infections Represent A Significant Health Threat Among Recent Immigrants In Chicago, Jesica A. Herrick, Monica Nordstrom, Patrick M. Maloney, Miguel Rodriguez, Kevin Naceanceno, Gloria Gallo, Rojelio Mejia, Ron Hershow

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

Parasitic infections are likely under-recognized among immigrant populations in the USA. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate if such infections have health impacts among recent immigrants in Chicago and to identify predictive factors for parasitic infections. A total of 133 recent immigrants were enrolled, filling out a standardized medical questionnaire and providing blood and stool samples. Appriximately 12% of subjects (15/125) who provided a blood or stool sample for testing were found to have evidence of current or prior infection with a pathogenic parasite, of which Toxocara spp. (8 subjects, 6.4%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (5 subjects, 4%) were most …

Mother-Child Dyadic Influences Of Affect On Everyday Movement Behaviors: Evidence From An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study, Chih-Hsiang Yang, Jimi Huh, Tyler B. Mason, Britni R. Belcher, Martina Kanning, Genevieve F. Dunton

Faculty Publications

Background

Research has shown that affect is associated with everyday movement behaviors in children and adults. However, limited work to date has investigated dyadic influences of momentary affect on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time among children and their mothers using ecological momentary assessment (EMA).

Methods

Mothers and their children (eight to 12-years-old at baseline) from the Los Angeles metropolitan area participated in a longitudinal study with six semi-annual measurement waves across three years. During each measurement wave, mothers and children reported momentary negative and positive affect via a custom smartphone-based EMA application across seven days (randomly sampled up …

Why The Government Shouldn't Pay People To Get Vaccinated Against Covid-19, Ana Santos Rutschman

All Faculty Scholarship

As several pharmaceutical companies approach the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking authorization to bring COVID-19 vaccines to market, concerns about vaccine mistrust cloud the prospects of imminent vaccination efforts across the globe. These concerns have prompted some commentators to suggest that governments may nudge vaccine uptake by paying people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. This post argues that, even if potentially viable, this idea is undesirable against the backdrop of a pandemic marked by the intertwined phenomena of health misinformation and mistrust in public health authorities. Even beyond the context of COVID-19, paying for vaccination is likely to remain …

Chronic Liver Disease, Medha Singhal, Rajendra Prasad, Suresh Babu, Manthappa M

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

No abstract provided.

A Case Of Tetanus With Classical Presentations, Maaz Khan, Dr. Bhanukumar M

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

No abstract provided.

Airway Management In Case Of Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis, Dr. Pranay Penmetsa, Dr. Subramanian R

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

No abstract provided.

Multiple Sclerosis With Depression, Dr. Siri Gangadkar, Dr. Megha Tandure, Dr. Kishor M

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

No abstract provided.

Suicide Attempt In Relation To Covid-19 Crisis, Dr. Sreelakshmi Rajeev, Dr. Pranahith Reddy, Ms. Chinmayi K., Dr. Kishor M

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

No abstract provided.

A Rare Cause Of Hyponatremia, Dr. Tamanna Gupta, Dr. Pratibha Pereira

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

No abstract provided.

A Case Of Pancreatic Pseudocyst Following Acute Pancreatitis, Dr Hitha Suresh, Dr Madhu C P

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

No abstract provided.

Short-Term Effects Of Ambient Ozone, Pm2. 5, And Meteorological Factors On Covid-19 Confirmed Cases And Deaths In Queens, New York., Atin Adhikari, Jingjing Yin

Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Environmental Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, has been rapidly increasing in the United States. Boroughs of New York City, including Queens county, turn out to be the epicenters of this infection. According to the data provided by the New York State Department of Health, most of the cases of new COVID-19 infections in New York City have been found in the Queens county where 42,023 people have tested positive, and 3221 people have died as of 20 April 2020. Person-to-person transmission and travels were implicated in the initial spread of the outbreaks, but factors …