Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons^™

A Descriptive Study Of Undergraduate Contraceptive Attitudes Among Students At The University Of New Hampshire, Katrina Heisler, Danielle M. Van Eron

Honors Theses and Capstones

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine and to understand undergraduate students’ contraceptive attitudes and its effects on contraceptive use to further enhance the education regarding unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). DESIGN AND METHODS: A descriptive study to understand contraceptive attitudes while exploring demographics and sexual behaviors as well as the incorporation of the Contraceptive Attitude Scale (CAS). The researchers utilized an online survey system to distribute surveys electronically. RESULTS: Most students had a positive attitude regarding contraception. IMPLICATIONS: Nurses at college health facilities can focus on educating the college population since their age group is …

Sick With Fear: Popular Challenges To Scientific Authority In The Vaccine Controversies Of The 21st Century, Ellen Watkins

Annual Undergraduate Conference on Health and Society

In the 20th century, vaccines were heralded as one of the greatest medical inventions in history. In the late 1990’s, however, the myth of vaccine-caused autism caught fire. Despite mountains of evidence disproving the link, panicking Americans eschewed vaccines and turned against their physicians. Why did Americans turn their backs on doctors, scientists, and the health industry? This paper follows the vaccine controversy of the last thirty years, looking in particular at the relationship between science and the media. This paper analyzes the contrast between discussion of the hypothesized link in scientific circles and in popular news sources, seeking to …

Cancer Awareness In Alternative Settings: Lessons Learned And Evaluation Of The Barbershop Men’S Health Project, Cheryl L. Holt, Theresa A. Wynn, Katrina Debnam, Mark S. Litaker, Sanford Jeames, Yu-Mei Schoenberger, Penny Southward, Virgil Simons

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Prostate and colorectal cancer are two of the leading causes of cancer deaths among African American men. This study describes lessons learned from the development, implementation and evaluation of a culturally appropriate, barbershop-based intervention to improve prostate and colorectal cancer screening awareness among African American men. Working with an Advisory Panel of shop owners, barbers, and cancer survivors, local barbers were recruited and trained as Community Health Advisors to educate, motivate, and assist their clients in becoming more knowledgeable about prostate and colorectal cancer. Survey results reveal increases in prostate and colorectal cancer knowledge and self-reported screening among participants. Lessons …

Colorectal Cancer Screening Behaviors Among American Indians In The Midwest, Christine M. Daley, Niaman Nazir, K. A. Greiner, Aimee S. James, Won S. Choi

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Colorectal cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer among American Indians and is also the second leading cause of cancer death. We used a community-based participatory approach to conduct a mixed methods study to examine colorectal cancer screening behaviors. Here we report on the screening behaviors of our focus group participants (n=153). There were significant gender differences in the colorectal cancer screening rates for FOBT and colonoscopy. Although over 80% of participants reported having health insurance, only 35% of males over 50 years old and 57% of females reported ever having a colonoscopy. More research is needed to identify the …

Rates Of Iucd Discontinuation And Its Associated Factors Among The Clients Of A Social Franchising Network In Pakistan, Syed Khurram Azmat, Babar Tasneem Shaikh, Waqas Hameed, Mohsina Bilgrami, Ghulam Mustafa, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ishaque, Wajahat Hussain, Aftab Ahmed

Community Health Sciences

Background: Modern Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is very safe, highly effective reversible and inexpensive family planning method which offers 5-10 years of protection against pregnancy. The contraceptive use in Pakistan has been merely 30% for over a decade with IUCD being the least used method. Higher discontinuation rates are documented in developing countries; however no such data is available for Pakistan. Marie Stopes Society (MSS) established a social franchise outlets network branded as 'SURAJ' (Sun) in Pakistan to provide quality family planning services. This study attempts to determine IUCD discontinuation rates and its associated risk factors. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, …

A Health Needs Assessment Of Arab-Americans In The Washington, Dc Area, Reem N. Ghoneim, Amita N. Vyas

GW Research Days 2012 and Earlier

Although Arab-Americans often face various health challenges due to the stress associated with immigration, cultural conflict in the U.S., and limited knowledge of the complex U.S. health system, there is a paucity of research examining health risks and behaviors among this ethnic group. This cross-sectional study assessed the health needs among Arabs living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Participants were recruited to take the survey online, reporting on health care access and utilization, risk behaviors, and health status. It also measured for associations between reported depression, discrimination, acculturation, and health. Quantitative analysis showed correlations between age and current tobacco …

Application Of A Re-Aim Framework To Assess The Impact Of The Southwest American Indian Collaborative Network, Michelle Chino, Carolee Dodge Francis

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

In response to a Request for Proposals from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA) along with health care partners from the Phoenix Indian medical Center (PIMC) and academic partners from the Arizona Cancer Center (ACC) at the University of Arizona (UA), and the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) established a Community Network Program entitled the Southwest American Indian Collaborative Network (SAICN). The ultimate goal of the SAICN project was to “eliminate cancer health disparities by closing the gap between the health needs of the community and cancer prevention and control made possible by …

A Su Salud En Acción: Replicating A Model To Increase Utilization Of Cancer Screening Among Low Income Latinas, Amelie G. Ramirez Drph, Patricia Chalela, Lucina Suarez, Kipling J. Gallion

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Latinas suffer longstanding disparities in breast cancer survival and cervical cancer incidence and mortality compared to non-Hispanic white women. This study assessed the feasibility of replicating the theory-based A Su Salud En Acción communication model to impact cancer screening behaviors in two at-need Nevada clinics. The intervention significantly increased the number of mammograms and Pap smears among Latinas. Mammograms and Pap smear rates increased by 58.7‰ and 51.8‰ respectively in the pilot site (95% CI 40.1-49.1 and 47.1-56.5 respectively) and by 33.7‰ and 7.5‰ respectively (95% CI 15.6-51.9 and 4.3-10.6) in the replication site, among women ages 50-64.

This study …

Walking Increases Among African American Adults Following A Community-Based Physical Activity Intervention: Racial And Ethnic Approaches To Community Health, 2002–2005, I. W. Miles, J. Kruger, Y. Liao, S. A. Carlson, J. E. Fulton

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) 2010, a communitybased program, is a cornerstone of CDC’s efforts to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities. Six African American REACH sites implemented walking interventions as part of their plans to decrease health disparities. We evaluated changes in walking using annual evaluation assessments (2002–2005) from the REACH 2010 Risk Factor Survey. Walking was classified 3 ways: (1) any walking (≥ 10 minutes per week); (2) regular walking (≥ 30 minutes each day, ≥ 5 days per week); and (3) median minutes of walking per week. Any walking increased from 68.3% in 2002 …

Integrating Viral Hepatitis Screening And Prevention Services Into An Urban Chemical Dependency Treatment Facility For American Indians And Alaska Natives, Shelly Huffman, Rachel Brucker, John T. Redd, Maile Taualii, Cecile M. Town, Mei L. Castor, Crystal C. Tetrick, Ralph Forquera, Joanna Buffington

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) patients at an urban residential chemical dependency treatment center participated in a viral hepatitis prevention project. Project activities integrated into patients’ treatment programs included viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk factor screening, education and counseling, laboratory testing, and hepatitis A and B vaccination. Of 928 AI/AN admissions, 585 (63%) completed risk factor screening assessment. Of these, 436 (75%) received at least one vaccination, viral hepatitis testing, or both. Of 322 patients tested, 91 (28%) were hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody positive. Lack of pre-existing immunity to vaccine-preventable viral hepatitis infection was common: 132 (45%) …

T-Scores In African American Women, Catherine Meyer, Brooke L. Griffin, Kathy Komperda, Jill Borchert

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Many older bone densitometer (DXA) machines are programmed to calculate T-scores for African- American patients using peak African-American bone mass as reference standard.

This presents a problem because most data regarding fracture risk has been derived using Caucasian data (Binkley 2002). If the T-score for an African-American woman is calculated using a race-adjusted reference, the same absolute bone density will yield a lower T-score for an African- American than for a Caucasian woman. For this reason, the International Society for Clinical Densitometry has recommended that T-scores for all women, regardless of ethnicity, be calculated from Caucasian reference standards (ISCD 2007).

Responding To American Indian Communities: Southwest American Indian Collaborative Network (Saicn) Cancer Educational Activities, Naomi A. Lane, Kathleen Evans, Agnes Attakai, Catherine Witte, Maylynn Riding In-Warne, Kathryn Coe

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Developing educational materials and providing trainings in American Indian communities is a highly rewarding activity. However, to do so successfully a number of complex issues must be faced and cultural-tailored strategies to promote awareness must be developed based on the unique traditions of each tribe. In this paper we describe the educational activities conducted over a four year period by the Southwest American Indian Collaborative Network, a project funded by the National Cancer Institute’s Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities. Activities fell into two broad areas: dissemination of cancer information through trainings and workshops and development of culturally-tailored educational materials.

Role Of Community Health Centers In Providing Services To Low-Income Women, Peter Shin, Jessica Sharac

Geiger Gibson/RCHN Community Health Foundation Research Collaborative

Because of their location and ability to serve populations with complex health and social needs, CHCs reduce disparities in access to care and generate significant costsavings. This brief examines the role CHCs play in mitigating disparities for one population subgroup, low-income women of childbearing age (defined as age 15-44), and the challenges that they will need to overcome to build upon their success in delivering care to vulnerable populations. Key findings include:

• CHCs serve approximately one in five (21.5%) low-income women of childbearing age nationally.
• The number of women of child-bearing age receiving health center services at CHCs increased by …

The Positive Role Of Breastfeeding On Infant Health During The First 6 Weeks: Findings From A Prospective Observational Study Based On Maternal Reports, Roslyn Tarrant, Margaret Sheridan-Pereira, Katherine Younger, John Kearney

Articles

This study aimed to report on adverse infant and maternal clinical outcomes, and investigate the relationship between infant feedingpractice and such adverse clinical outcomes in infants during the first 6 weeks postpartum. From an eligible sample of 450 motherterminfant pairs recruited from the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital in Dublin, 27.1% of infants (n=122) werematernally reported to have had an illness during the first 6 weeks that necessitated the provision of prescribed medication ± generalpractitioner/paediatrician attendance ± hospitalisation. Of these, 90 infants had ≥1 episode of infection ± viral ± gastro-intestinalrelatedcondition. After adjustment, ‘any’ breastfeeding to 6 weeks was …

Community Health Centers: The Challenge Of Growing To Meet The Need For Primary Care In Medically Underserved Communities, Peter Shin, Sara J. Rosenbaum, Julia Paradise

Geiger Gibson/RCHN Community Health Foundation Research Collaborative

No abstract provided.

Chhs March 2012 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.

Examining Cancer-Related Pain And Study Enrollment Challenges In The Home Care Setting, Linda G. Alley Phd, Rn, Hannah D. Paxton Rn, Mph, Michelle D. Flores Bsn, Rn, Carol A. Foltz Phd, Jen Wike Mph, Mba, Vickie Cunningham Bsn, Rn, Jeffrey Etchason Md

Department of Community Health and Health Studies

No abstract provided.

Recent Proposals To Limit Medigap Coverage And Modify Medicare Cost Sharing, Kathryn Linehan

National Health Policy Forum

As policymakers look for savings from the Medicare program, some have proposed eliminating or discouraging “first-dollar coverage” available through privately purchased Medigap policies. Medigap coverage, which beneficiaries obtain to protect themselves from Medicare’s cost-sharing requirements and its lack of a cap on out-of-pocket spending, may discourage the judicious use of medical services by reducing or eliminating beneficiary cost sharing. It is estimated that eliminating such coverage, which has been shown to be associated with higher Medicare spending, and requiring some cost sharing would encourage beneficiaries to reduce their service use and thus reduce program spending. However, eliminating first-dollar coverage could …

Older Americans Act Of 1965: Programs And Funding, Carol O'Shaughnessy

National Health Policy Forum

This document offers a basic description of the Older Americans Act of 1965. The Act is considered the major vehicle for promoting the delivery of social services to the aging population. The Act's seven titles and multiple programs are described, along with a chart showing fiscal year 2012 federal appropriations.

Differences In Immunity Offered By The Influenza Vaccination Among Active Duty Us Air Force Personnel From 2007-2011, Billy D. Pruett

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential difference in vaccine effectiveness among Active Duty Air Force (ADAF) personnel vaccinated against influenza from 2007-2011. Particularly, to determine if any difference in the protection offered is based on sex, vaccine type, or both.

METHODS: The proposed study incorporated a cross-sectional design using the Department of Defense’s (DoD) comprehensive databases. Laboratory-confirmed influenza and other Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases were identified for each of the four influenza seasons of interest, vaccination status and history was then verified, and 2x2 tables were constructed in order to calculate odds ratios.

RESULTS: No consistent difference in vaccine effectiveness in …

Multi-Person Sex Among A Sample Of Adolescent Female Urban Health Clinic Patients, Emily F. Rothman, Michele R. Decker, Elizabeth Miller, Elizabeth Reed, Anita Raj, Jay G. Silverman

Prevention and Community Health Faculty Publications

Adolescent sexual activity involving three or more people is an emerging public health concern. The goal of this exploratory, cross-sectional study was to describe the prevalence, correlates, and context of multiple-person sex among a sample of adolescent females seeking health care from an urban clinic. Because sex involving multiple people may either be consensual (i.e., “three-ways” or “group sex”) or forced (i.e., “gang rape”), we use the term “multi-person sex” (MPS) to encompass these experiences. Subjects were 328 females, ages 14–20 years old, who utilized a Boston-area community- or school-based health clinic between April and December of 2006, and completed …

Hiv And Aids Education: The Tanzanian Case, Katherine Ellison

Social Sciences

This project takes a look at the cultural, religious, and socio-economic roles that affect the spread of education regarding HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. A personal experience in Zanzibar, Tanzania was the incentive to spark interest in teaching. HIV/AIDS is a powerful epidemic that has taken the lives away from millions. This article takes a deeper look at the transmission, stigmas, and pathways for change.

Insights From "Creating The Healthcare Workforce For The 21(St) Century" Conference., Amanda R Solis

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Health Status, Service Use And Cost Among Mainecare Children In Foster Care, Erika C. Ziller Phd, Tina Gressani, Catherine Mcguire Bs, Kimberley S. Fox Mpa, Kyra Chamberlain Ms, Rn

Population Health & Health Policy

The purpose of this study was to inform IHOC program planning with baseline data on the health care use and expenditures of MaineCare children in the foster care program in general and to compare use and costs for foster care children that receive comprehensive health assessments through the Edmund N. Ervin Pediatric Center’s Pediatric Rapid Evaluation Program (PREP), and those that do not. In 2011, other organizations including Key Clinic at Penobscot Pediatrics in Bangor and the Portland-based Spurwink Services program also began conducting comprehensive health assessments for children in foster care. However, because of the timing of this study, …

Moving Physical Activity Beyond The School Classroom: A Social-Ecological Insight For Teachers Of The Facilitators And Barriers To Students' Non-Curricular Physical Activity, Brendon Hyndman, Amanda Telford, Caroline F. Finch, Amanda C. Benson

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Non-curricular avenues such as active play during school breaks have been established as a major source for children’s physical and cognitive development, yet there is little information for teachers on the influences affecting primary and secondary school students’ non-curricular physical activity. During this study focus groups and drawing were used to explore the broader influences on primary (n=47) and secondary (n=29) school students’ physical activity behaviour beyond the classroom. Barriers and facilitators to children’s physical activity were categorised using a multi-level social-ecological framework incorporating intrapersonal, interpersonal, physical environment and policy factors. Based on the drawings, comparisons between students’ existing play …

Improved Cardiac Management With A Disease Management Program Incorporating Comprehensive Lipid Profiling., John F Mcana, Neil I Goldfarb, Joseph Couto, Michelle A Henry, Gary Piefer, George M Rapier

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the improved effectiveness of a disease management treatment protocol incorporating comprehensive lipid profiling and targeted lipid care based on lipid profile findings in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) or congestive heart failure (CHF) enrolled in a managed care plan. This retrospective cohort study, conducted over a 2-year period, compared outcomes between patients with a standard lipid profile to those evaluated with a comprehensive lipid profile. All adult members of the WellMed Medical Management, Inc. managed care health plan diagnosed with IHD or CHF, and continuously enrolled between July 1, 2006 …

Analyzing Healthy Lifestyle Initiatives For Seniors: A Descriptive Study Of Senior Centers In Montgomery County, Ohio, Abhinav Rajpal

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The population of the elderly is expected to rise due to an increase in life expectancy and the aging baby boomer population. This increase in the elderly population will likely cause a burden on the health care system. This burden can be mitigated by promoting healthy lifestyles such as increased physical activity, healthy eating, and tobacco cessation in the elderly. Additionally, by participating in healthy behaviors, seniors can significantly improve their quality of life. Senior centers are at the forefront of promoting healthy lifestyles for the elderly. By promoting physical, social, and mental well-being, senior centers act as a focal …

Health Enhancing Policies And Environments In Select Montgomery County Senior Centers, Stacey L. Gardner

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

As the baby boomer generation reaches elderly status, healthcare expenditures in the United States continue to rise. Contributing to healthcare costs is the high prevalence of chronic diseases caused by unhealthy habits of Americans such as tobacco use, lack of physical activity, and consumption of a poor diet. Many chronic diseases can be prevented by engaging in healthier behaviors. Communities and organizations can shift social norms and affect behaviors through policy intervention and environmental strategies. The purpose of this study was to describe policies and environments that foster healthy lifestyles in select senior centers in Montgomery County, Ohio. Specifically, this …

Patient Engagement: Patients As Partners In Their Own Health Care, Nancy L. Falk, Mary Jean Schumann

Nursing Faculty Posters and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Correlation Of Discharge Diagnostic Codes With Laboratory-Confirmed Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Bloodstream Infections At A Large Pediatric Hospital, Andrew J. Kreppel

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-specific hospital discharge codes were introduced in October 2008. The purpose of this project is to study the correlation of these codes with laboratory-proven pediatric MRSA bloodstream infections.

Methods: Laboratory and discharge databases were used to identify patientsChildren’s Hospital Medical Center from October 2008 through December 2010 with MRSA bloodstream infections. The laboratory database identified patients with a positive blood culture for MRSA, and the discharge database identified patients with an MRSA bloodstream discharge code (038.12 for MRSA sepsis or 041.12 for MRSA infection with either 790.7 for bacteremia or 771.81 for newborn sepsis or 771.83 …