Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons^™

Unmet Medical Need Of Underserved Population In A Safety-Net Organization, Leslie Clem

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Safety net providers serve a large proportion of America’s uninsured and low income population. The purpose of this study is to determine if differences in unmet medical needs exist between the provisional and clinic populations, age groups, and sex and race categories. This research study provides information about the population that receives services from Good Neighbor House, a non-profit social service organization in Dayton, Ohio.

Methods: GNH created a survey to assess the unmet medical need of their clients. The instrument contains questions about routine medical care, unmet medical care in the last 12 months, medical bills, and demographic …

Socioeconomic And Environmental Causes For Respiratory Infection Death In Alaska Native Villages, Sarah Mcbeth

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objectives. This ecological study evaluates the association between community characteristics and death rates from pneumonia/influenza, tuberculosis, and infectious diseases in 196 Alaska Native villages.

Methods. Ecological variables studied included percentage of Natives in the population, age distribution, latitude, average household size, socioeconomic status, percentage of homes with complete plumbing and/or kitchens, type of heating fuel used, community alcohol restrictions, level of healthcare access, and residence in specific regions of Alaska. These data come from the 2000 U.S. Census, the Alaska Alcohol Beverage Control Board, and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. A stepwise analysis of variance using the Proc GLM …

Safe Choices: An Examination Of Contraceptive Choices Of The Patient Population Of Planned Parenthood Of Central Ohio, Chloe Williams

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: This study sought to evaluate the variation between racial groups and contraceptive methods chosen by women served by Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio (PPCO) in 2009 in order to better understand the issue of unintended pregnancy.

Methods: This two part study used administrative records provided by PPCO that included raw data for all women who were scheduled for an appointment to receive, or be consulted on contraception from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009 which included three PPCO clinic locations in Franklin County, Ohio. A chi-square analysis was performed with java-based mathematical software from the Math Beans Project …

Zoonotic Disease In Ohio: Surveillance, Preparation, And Response, Erik B. Balster

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

This paper examines the state of public health preparation and response capacity to zoonotic infectious disease in the state of Ohio. A comprehensive literature review of zoonotic disease emergence and re-emergence, the National Veterinary Stockpile (NVS), the One Health Initiative, emergency response, and Ohio policy was performed in conjunction with telephone interviews. This study shows that responsibilities and systems integral to disease preparedness, such as sentinel surveillance and reporting, vary significantly between two key departments: the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). Consistency and standardization of agency, mirroring the One Health Initiative, must be …

E-Therapy As A Means For Addressing Barriers To Substance Use Disorder Treatment For Persons Who Are Deaf, Dennis Moore, Debra Guthmann, Nikki Lynn Rogers, Susan Fraker, Jared A. Embree

Population and Public Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Persons who are deaf face a number of challenges with regard to vulnerability for substance use disorders. Moreover, accessible treatment for this condition can be difficult to establish and maintain. The Deaf community may be one of the most disenfranchised groups in America in regard to appropriate access to substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and treatment services. This article reviews
findings related to substance use disorder and treatment for this condition among persons who are deaf. It also reviews a promising approach for addressing treatment needs via e-therapy, and it highlights the challenges and concerns regarding e-therapy for this population. …

The Emergent Generation Gap In Attitudes Toward Khat Use In Urban Ethiopia, Nikki Lynn Rogers, Jared A. Embree, Yigzaw Kebede, Josephine Wilson, Mary J. Huber, Dennis Moore

Population and Public Health Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

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 …

Preterm Birth Rates In Pregnant Women With Sexually Transmitted Infections: Cincinnati Public Health Centers 2005 And 2006 Deliveries, Elizabeth Singhoffer

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: To evaluate the differences in prenatal maternal infections in women served by the City of Cincinnati health centers that have or have not had a preterm birth.

Methods: A retrospective and observational study of medical records of 738 patients seen at the City of Cincinnati health centers, who delivered in the years of 2005 and 2006. The usable data resulted in 668 total subjects. Data collected included types of health care visits prior to index pregnancy, if preconception/ reproductive health care was discussed, demographics, gestational age at first prenatal visit and at delivery, insurance at first prenatal visit and …

Evaluating Patient Compliance: Effect Of Appointment Reminder Systems On Attendance, Jacquelyn D. Phillips

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Currently, rising health care cost is an important topic on many agendas and platforms. In 2007, health care spending in the United States reached $2.3 trillion, and was projected to reach $3 trillion in 2011 (NCHC, 2007). Increasing health care cost is in direct relationship with the rise in the ageing population, chronic illness, and the uninsured lower socioeconomic population as well. The research on medical compliance and attendance (missed/kept appointment) behavior is an important area to explore because it is critical for all aspects of successful treatment, disease prevention, and health promotions that have direct correlation with health care …

The Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network: Overview And Recent Drug Trends, Robert G. Carlson, Russel S. Falck

Population and Public Health Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Soda: Seniors For Organ Donation Awareness “Increasing The Enrollment Of Senior Citizens (Age 65 Years And Older) In The Ohio Donor Registry”, Laurie L. Phillips

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Research Hypothesis: A targeted informational awareness program about organ and tissue donation to senior citizens (age >65 years) in Montgomery County, Ohio will produce an increase in the number of registered organ donors in the Ohio Donor Registry, hence, allowing more available organs for transplant for aging patients (50 years of age or older) in need across the region. Subsequently, another research objective is to identify and address underlying factors causing senior citizens to be the lowest number of registered donors in Montgomery County, Ohio, in fact, across the state. This information will assist in future public education efforts of …

Water System Preparedness For Pandemic Influenza, Phil Van Atta

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

This project involved an investigation of water utility preparedness and best practices for pandemic influenza. A pandemic could cause serious disruptions to the operations of critical infrastructure, including drinking water systems. These disruptions could be caused by staffing shortages, power disruptions, and shortages of chemicals and other supplies. Ensuring continuity of operations for drinking water systems is crucial to protect public health and safety, and to the economy of all communities. Literature searches, interviews, and a survey of Ohio water systems indicated that water systems in Ohio and across the United States are preparing for pandemic influenza. Pandemic influenza preparation …

The Public Health Implications Of Trafficking, Tami Ashbridge

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Trafficking in human beings is a serious and complex human rights issue. Trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation has grave public health implications. The vulnerability of women and children increases their risk of becoming victims of trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. Review of the literature on this subject demonstrates a direct link between the trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, STIs and Reproductive/Gynecological Issues, Mental Health, Violence, Abuse and Social Issues. This review supports the concept of human trafficking as a serious public health issue and the need for improved …

Emerging Trends In Cigarette Sales In Ohio During First Year Implementation Of The Smoking Ban, Megan Luse

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: The Ohio smoking ban was passed by Ohio voters on November 7, 2006 and took effect on December 7, 2006. The reporting of violations to the Ohio smoking ban began on May 3, 2007 with the implementation of the civil penalties for the violations. The purpose of this study is to look at emerging trends in cigarette sales change from 2006 to 2007 for the 88 counties in Ohio following implementation of the smoking ban on December 7, 2006 based on geographical location, violation level, and tobacco production.

Methods: Data was obtained from Claritas for the 2006 aggregate expenditure …

Clinical Skills Day: Preparing Third Year Medical Students For The Rural Rotation, Gwen Wagstrom Halaas, Therese M. Zink, Kathleen D. Brooks, J. Miller

Family Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: In order to prepare third year medical students in the Rural Physician Associate Program for a nine-month community-based continuity care experience in rural Minnesota, USA, a clinical skills day that featured human patient simulators and standardized patients was developed. Patients presenting with common urgent and routine primary-care problems were developed and presented using the objective structured clinical examination for teaching. The goals of the day were to: (1) distinguish urgent from non-urgent clinical presentation; (2) use clinical guidelines for making decisions; (3) communicate effectively in stressful situations; and (4) uncover a significant clinical issue with a different presenting complaint. …

Mrsa Prevention And Control In County Correctional Facilities In The Greater Dayton Area, Jeffrey Allen Webb

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Recently there has been an increasing number of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cases in correctional facilities around the country, including the Greater Dayton area. Considering the potential health impact of MRSA on correctional facilities it is important that facilities have prevention and control protocols in place. This study summarizes the prevention and control preparedness activities of county correctional facilities in the Greater Dayton area. The positive response rates for the control measures were 88.4% for screening, 83.6% for treatment, 80.6% for personal hygiene, 95.4% for environmental control, 80.4% for education and 84.3% for standard precautions. The study also compared rural …

Environmental Health Information Systems: More Than Just Gigabytes, Christopher R. Cook

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Environmental health professionals are concerned about bites. Animal bites, mosquito bites, and tick bites to name a few. But what about bytes of data? Environmental health information systems (EHIS) are often the "silent partners" in an environmental health (EH) department's daily protection of public health. By Webster's dictionary definition, a silent partner is a cohort that does not have the right to participate in an organization's management process. The purpose of this study was to encourage public health officials to make EHIS full partners in their EH departments. Through the use of five surveys, this study was designed to increase …

A Quality Assurance Initiative For Emergency Medical Services, Melissa Anne Howell

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Ohio Revised Code 4765.12 mandates the implementation of ongoing peer review and quality assurance (QA) programs for all emergency medical service (EMS) organizations in the State of Ohio. The purpose of implementing QA programs for EMS is to ensure delivery of quality care to the public. Public health core strategies are to assess systems and assure the implementation of policies and processes that improve community health. Involving public health in the development of a QA program provides technical assistance in developing valid methods that can be used to measure the performance of an EMS system. This study will use a …

Mechanisms Of Sickle Cell Anemia, Gary M. Onady, Lawrence Prochaska, John F. Donnelly, John Paietta, Dean Parmelee, Barbara Schuster

Family Medicine Faculty Publications

Team-based learning (TBL) is a well-defined instructional strategy that allows a single instructor to teach by conducting multiple small groups simultaneously in the same classroom. Learners actively participate in and out of class as they move through three phases: independent study assignments, readiness assurance testing, and group activities that force them to put knowledge into practice. Students prepare in advance by reading an assigned article. Class time is shifted away from learning facts and toward application and integration of information. The instructor retains control of content and acts as both facilitator and content expert. This TBL program is designed to …

Feasibility Of Gdaha Hospitals Meeting The Surge Capacity And Capability Requirements Of An Avian Flu Pandemic In The Miami Valley, Raymond P. Ten Eyck

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Hospital surge capacity is a crucial portion of disaster preparedness planning within a community. The demands generated by a disaster require additional capacity, in the form of beds, equipment, personnel, and special capabilities. The scope and urgency of these requirements must be balanced with a practical approach addressing cost and space concerns. The advent of new infectious disease threats, particularly an avian flu pandemic, have reinforced the need to be prepared for a prolonged surge, lasting six to eight weeks, in addition to the shorter duration surges required for industrial accidents, tornados, chemical disasters and terrorists. Using a standardized data …

Retrospective Comparative Analysis Of The Socio-Demographic Characteristics Of Pregnant Abortion-Minded Clients Versus Pregnant Non-Abortion-Minded Clients In A Crisis Pregnancy Center In Montgomery County, Ohio, Betsy Liliana Cote

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare socio-demographic characteristics of pregnant abortion-minded women versus pregnant non-abortion minded women who had consulted a crisis pregnancy center in Montgomery County, Ohio. The findings will be used to help develop public health prevention programs for unintended pregnancies.

Methods: A database sample of 581 records collected by a crisis pregnancy center in t Montgomery County was used for this study. Criteria for inclusion were women obtaining a positive pregnancy test, whose pregnancy intentions were assessed as being either abortion-minded or non-abortion-minded. Socio-demographic characteristics such as age, marital status, household income, education, religious …

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder And Substance Use Disorders: Prevalence And Treatment Outcomes, Carole J. Huddleston

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Attempts to improve substance use disorder (SUDs) treatment outcomes have been made by identifying subgroups of clients with psychoactive comorbidities and tailoring treatment approaches accordingly. This study sought to determine the prevalence of Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among admittees to a 28-day, residential program. It was hypothesized that ADHD screening and assessment would result in a higher prevalence rate when compared to the clinical record. It was further hypothesized that clients with ADHD would have higher, earlier unsuccessful terminations and higher overall unsuccessful terminations than non-ADHD clients. The differences in the prevalence rates (3.44% clinical record and 43.68% study psychologist) …

Community Health Outcomes Report: Phase 1, Bexar County Community Health Collaborative, William Spears, David W. Smith

Population and Public Health Sciences Faculty Publications

The 2006 Bexar County Community Health Assessment is a major initiative of The Health Collaborative, a cutting-edge, public-private model for solving community health issues. The mission of the organization is to improve the health status of the community through collaborative means. Partners include the major health systems in San Antonio, the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, Community First Health Plans, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, and a community representative. Major health systems represented are Baptist Health System, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care, Methodist Healthcare, and University Health System.

The Health Collaborative began informally in 1997 when several …

Development And Validation Of An Anthropometrically Based Prediction Equation For Estimating The Percent Body Fat Of Post-Menopausal Black Females, Leanne Petry, Lloyd L. Laubach, Peter W. Hovey, Nikki Lynn Rogers, Bradford Towne, William Cameron Chumlea

Population and Public Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Anthropometric equations developed specifically for the estimation of body composition parameters in Black females are limited. Data from the Lifespan Health Research Center were used to develop a new, easy to use equation to estimate the percent body fat of post-menopausal Black females using simple and easy to collect anthropometrics. The body composition of 72 post-menopausal Black females was measured by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). Validation (N=55) and cross-validation groups (N=17) were randomly assigned. Prediction models were developed using stepwise multiple regression analyses with percent body fat as the dependent variable and various anthropometrics as the independent variables. The …

Rural Methamphetamine Abuse: An Ethnographic Perspective, Rocky L. Sexton, Robert G. Carlson

Population and Public Health Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Stimulant Abuse In Ohio And The Rural South, Robert G. Carlson

Population and Public Health Sciences Faculty Publications

This paper summarizes the methods and findings from two NIDA-supported studies of methamphetamine (MA) abuse in rural Ohio, Kentucky, and Arkansas, conducted by researchers at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the University of Kentucky. In addition, patterns of MA abuse among young adult MDMA/ecstasy users in urban central Ohio are described. Finally, preliminary findings from the Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network on trends in methamphetamine abuse in Dayton, Ohio, are presented.

Parents' Perception Of Their Children's Asthma, 2002-2008: A Community-Based Study, John M. Pascoe, William Spears, Shalini Forbis, Jessica L. Saunders

Population and Public Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Childhood asthma is a chronic health condition that is one of the leading causes of hospitalizations and missed school days for children. It also affects the lives of both asthmatic children and their families.

How Should Health Departments Manage Prenatal Care?, Julianne Nesbit

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: To compare how health departments in the southwest district of Ohio manage prenatal care, defined as preventative care provided immediately preceding, during, and following pregnancy, to determine if there is a better management technique based on cost and/or characteristics of jurisdictions.

Design: Qualitative descriptive analysis of prenatal services at local health departments in the southwest district of Ohio for 2004.

Setting and Participants: Health Departments in the southwest district of Ohio.

Main Outcome Measures: Comparison of the types of services currently being used to provide prenatal care services (i.e., direct, contracted, combination, or no service) including budgeting and cost …

Injury Mortality In Texas And The Lower Rio Grande Valley, 1980-1998, Jan M. H. Risser, Carrie Shapiro, William Spears

Population and Public Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Aims: To compare age-adjusted injury mortality rates between Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) Hispanics, Texas Hispanics and Texas Whites. Methods: Using data from the Texas Department of Health, we examined deaths from injuries including: motor vehicle accidents, homicide, and suicide from 1980 through 1998. Results: Injury deaths are the fourth leading cause of death in Texas. Mortality rates for all-cause injuries among LRGV Hispanics were 25% lower than rates among Texas Whites. Traffic accident mortality were quite similar among the study groups. From 1980, the average mortality from traffic accidents per 100,000 persons was 21.9 among Whites and 27.2 among …

Client Preferences And Acceptability For Medical Abortion And Mva As Early Pregnancy Termination Method In Northwest Ethiopia, Mulatu A. Woldetsadik, Tegbar Y. Sendekie, Mary T. White, Desaleng T. Zegeye

Population and Public Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

Increasing access to safe abortion services is the most effective way of preventing the burden of unsafe abortion, which is achieved by increasing safe choices for pregnancy termination. Medical abortion for termination of early abortion is said to safe, effective, and acceptable to women in several countries. In Ethiopia, however, medical methods have, until recently, never been used. For this reason it is important to assess women's preferences and the acceptability of medical abortion and manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) in the early first trimester pregnancy termination and factors affecting acceptability of medical and MVA abortion services.

Methods

A prospective …