Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons^™

Occupational Therapy's Role In Home Health, Irving Noche

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

My capstone experience was completed at CORE Health Company in Riverside, California under a privately owned home health care (HHC) staffing company. CORE Health provide in-home Occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) services for the adult and the older adult (ages 65 and over) population. Clients under private insurance, Medicare, hospice, or workers compensation can qualify to receive services. CORE Health proudly serves the Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. My site mentor for this capstone experience was Afshin Juybari, founder CEO of CORE Health and faculty mentor is Christina Kane, Ed. D., MS, OTR/L. I explored the Accreditation Council …

Improving Knowledge, Attitude, And Compliance Of Hand Hygiene Of Iranian Healthcare Workers: A Pilot Study Using Reminder Card, Zahra Chegini, Ifeoluwapo Kolawole, Prashant Singh, Farzaneh Alikhah, Yalda Rasti, Zahra Motazedi

Journal of Health Research

Background: Compliance rate of hand hygiene practice by healthcare workers has been observed to be universally low despite its importance, simplicity and cost-effectiveness in preventing the spread of infectious diseases in the healthcare settings. This study aimed to improve healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and compliance with hand hygiene by using reminder cards displayed by patients.

Method: This before-after interventional study was carried out in 2019 among healthcare workers of a hospital in Tabriz, Iran. The intervention was a ‘Reminder Card’ showed by patients to remind healthcare workers to clean their hands. Participants' knowledge and attitude about hand hygiene and …

On Epidemiology As Racial-Capitalist (Re)Colonization And Epistemic Violence, Ryan J. Petteway

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

This commentary reflects upon power-knowledge dynamics and matters of epistemic, procedural, and distributive justice that undergird epidemiological knowledge production related to racial health inequities in the U.S. Grounded in Foucault’s power-knowledge concepts—“objects”, “ritual”, and “the privileged”—and guided by Black feminist philosopher Kristie Dotson’s conceptualization of epistemic violence, it critiques the dominant positivist, reductionist, and extractivist paradigm of epidemiology, interrogating the settler-colonial and racial-capitalist nature of the knowledge production/curation enterprise. The commentary challenges epidemiology’s affinity for epistemological, procedural, and methodological norms that effectively silence/erase community knowledge(s) and nuance in favor of reductionist empirical representations/re-presentations produced by researchers who, often, have never …

Development And Modification Of A Culturally Tailored Education Program To Prevent Breast Cancer In Korean Immigrant Women In New York City, Jin Young Seo, So-Hyun Park, Sung-Eun Choi, Minkyung Lee, Shiela M. Strauss

Publications and Research

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in Korean American (KA) women. In view of its high prevalence in these women, their low screening rates, and the cultural influence of BC risk factors in their lifestyles, we developed a community-based culturally tailored BC prevention program, the Korean Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program (KBCRRP). Guided by the PRECEDE-PROCEDE and health belief models, the KBCRRP was developed to achieve four goals: (1) healthy weight, (2) physically active lifestyle, (3) healthy diet, and (4) BC screening and adherence. KBCRRP combines effective multicomponent strategies for BC screening and a group-based lifestyle intervention incorporating …

Evidence-Based Best Practice Toolkit For Social Determinants Of Health: A Program Evaluation Review, Bryleigh Berry

Student Scholarly Projects

Despite an increase in healthcare expenditure, racial and ethnic disparities remain a substantial concern among adult primary care patients in the United States. This is largely due to the focus on medical intervention and disregard for the underlying factors that contribute significantly to health outcomes such as economic stability, educational access and quality, healthcare access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context. The PICOT question that guided this program evaluation review project is: In adult clients seeking care at a primary care clinic (P), how does a SDOH toolkit based on the CDC framework (I) compared …

Quality Improvement: Piloting A Pediatric Obesity Prevention Screening Tool And Intervention In A Family Practice Setting., Erin Shaye Semeyn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Background: In the United States today, nearly one third of children fall into the category of overweight or obese. Because it is extremely difficult to treat childhood obesity once it occurs, prevention is the optimal approach to childhood overweight and obesity (Brown & Perrin, 2018; Cooper & Mandel, 2020). An ideal time to address obesity prevention health behaviors is during pediatric primary care visits. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the United States in 2019, visits to primary care offices, including visits to an urban university-based family practice clinic in Kentucky, dropped as some pediatric patients and their caregivers worried …

An Analysis Of Demographics And Risk Factors Associated With Increasing Syphilis Cases In Iowa, Eleanore H. Nelson

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Background:

Syphilis is easily detectable and treatable with the appropriate medical attention, yet national incidence rates have been on the rise since reaching an all-time low in 2000 (Shockman et al, 2014). Similar to HIV, men who have sex with other men (MSM), represent most syphilis transmission, yet in recent years, syphilis rates have concerningly increased among both genders and among all racial/ethnic groups (CDC, 2019).

Methods:

Surveillance data was collected on all syphilis cases reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) regarding demographics and risk factors of cases. Variables were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, …

Ada Trustee Report: Does The Ada Have A Long-Term Vision For Oral Health In America?, Michele Tulak-Gorecki Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This trustee report discusses the need for a long-term vision for oral health in America within the context of changing trends in dentistry. It highlights key questions related to evolving member value propositions, improving insurance coverage, expanding collaboration with primary care providers, and establishing dentistry as an essential part of the primary care system. A Board workgroup has been formed to explore potential actions and recommendations. The report underscores the importance of addressing these challenges. It encourages the dental profession to have meaningful conversations and work together to shape a future that aligns with new generations' evolving needs and expectations.

The Influence Of Recreation Engagement On Adolescent Health-Risk Behaviors, Krista Thomas

All Dissertations

The number of adolescents who engage in suicidality is staggering. Adolescence is a unique developmental period where engagement in health-risk behaviors is prominent. Factors influencing engagement in suicidality are vast and occur both internally and externally in the adolescent. Substance use during adolescence has shown an association with increased suicidality. Similarly, bullying, both cyberbullying and in-person bullying, have contributed to adolescent suicidality. Alternatively, recreation engagement has yielded benefits in both psychosocial and physical health for adolescents. However, limited research has identified that engaging in recreation can minimize suicidality. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore how substance use, …

Covid-19 Risk Perceptions And Health Behaviors In Puerto Rico, Charlie Vidal, Page D. Dobbs, Emily Herrman, Daniela Ameijeiras Mena, Ches Jones

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Preventative health behaviors were encouraged for all at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as the pandemic continued after 2020, some people stopped implementing all measures. It is unknown if people living in Puerto Rico continued to perform preventive health behaviors throughout the pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explore if the risk perceptions of COVID-19 were associated with preventative health behaviors among Puerto Ricans during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample from Puerto Rico (N = 285) was recruited from January to March 2021 to participate in a cross-sectional, online survey about health behaviors and risk …

Estimating The Health Effects Of Adding Bicycle And Pedestrian Paths At The Census Tract Level: Multiple Model Comparison, Ross J. Gore, Christopher Lynch, Craig Jordan, Andrew Collins, R. Michael Robinson, Gabrielle Fuller, Pearson Ames, Prateek Keerthi, Yash Kandukuri

VMASC Publications

Background: Adding additional bicycle and pedestrian paths to an area can lead to improved health outcomes for residents over time. However, quantitatively determining which areas benefit more from bicycle and pedestrian paths, how many miles of bicycle and pedestrian paths are needed, and the health outcomes that may be most improved remain open questions.

Objective: Our work provides and evaluates a methodology that offers actionable insight for city-level planners, public health officials, and decision makers tasked with the question “To what extent will adding specified bicycle and pedestrian path mileage to a census tract improve residents’ health outcomes over time?” …

Case Report: Axilla Fibroadenoma - An Atypical Presentation, Safna Naozer Virji, Lubna Mushtaque Vohra, Syeda Sakina Abidi, Romana Idress

Department of Surgery Docs

No abstract provided.

Role Of Community Leaders In Managing Covid-19 Pandemic In Indonesia, Nur Alvira Pascawati, Tri Baskoro Tunggul Satoto, Annisa Rizqa Alamri

ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement

Community leaders must understand their role in controlling COVID-19, such as monitoring misleading information and providing socialization, education, protection, monitoring, and evaluation activities in the community, due to the numerous limitations of local governments in managing large populations during this crisis. This study aimed to describe the role of Yogyakarta community leaders in increasing community engagement in managing the Covid-19 pandemic. This study uses a quantitative method with a cross-sectional approach, and the study sample includes all community leaders as many as 31 people at the levels of neighborhood and hamlet. The data analysis process uses frequency distribution values. Results …

Influenza Activity And Composition Of The 2022-23 Influenza Vaccine - United States, 2021-22 Season, Angiezel Merced-Morales, Peter Daly, Anwar Isa Abd Elal, Noreen Ajayi, Ekow Annan, Alicia Budd, John Barnes, Arielle Colon, Charisse N Cummings, A Danielle Iuliano, Juliana Dasilva, Nick Dempster, Shikha Garg, Larisa Gubareva, Daneisha Hawkins, Amanda Howa, Stacy Huang, Marie Kirby, Krista Kniss, Rebecca Kondor, Jimma Liddell, Shunte Moon, Ha T Nguyen, Alissa O'Halloran, Catherine Smith, Thomas Stark, Katie Tastad, Dawud Ujamaa, Dave E Wentworth, Alicia M Fry, Vivien G Dugan, Lynnette Brammer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Before the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, influenza activity in the United States typically began to increase in the fall and peaked in February. During the 2021-22 season, influenza activity began to increase in November and remained elevated until mid-June, featuring two distinct waves, with A(H3N2) viruses predominating for the entire season. This report summarizes influenza activity during October 3, 2021-June 11, 2022, in the United States and describes the composition of the Northern Hemisphere 2022-23 influenza vaccine. Although influenza activity is decreasing and circulation during summer is typically low, remaining vigilant for influenza infections, performing testing …

Association Of U.S. Birth, Duration Of Residence In The U.S., And Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among Asian Adults, Mahmoud Al Rifai, Sina Kianoush, Vardhmaan Jain, Parag H. Joshi, Miguel Cainzos-Achirica, Khurram Nasir, Anwar T. Merchant, Sunita Dodani, Zainab Samad, Salim S. Virani

Section of Cardiology

Introduction: Prior studies have shown a direct association between U.S. birth and duration of residence with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) though, few have specifically focused on Asian Americans.
Methods: We utilized cross-sectional data from the 2006 to 2015 National Health Interview Survey. We compared prevalent cardiovascular risk factors and ASCVD among Asian American individuals by U.S. birth and duration of time spent in the U.S.
Results: The study sample consisted of 18,150 Asian individuals of whom 20.5 % were Asian Indian, 20.5 % were Chinese, 23.4 % were Filipino, and 35.6 % were of other Asian ethnic groups. The mean …

On We Go, With Hope: Remembering Our Founding Editor-In-Chief, Dr. F. Douglas Scutchfield, Rachel E. Dixon, Randolph F. Wykoff

Journal of Appalachian Health

With the passing of our founding Editor-in-Chief, Dr. F. Douglas Scutchfield, the Journal of Appalachian Health team reflects on a life well lived and a monumental public legacy left behind. We thank "Scutch" for enriching the lives of so many, and we commit to growing the Journal in his honor.

Covid-19 Pandemic Impact On Essential Public Health Services And Online Health Communication—Appalachian Kentucky, March–December 2020, Margaret A. Riggs, Kenny Ortiz-Jurado, Keith Klein

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic posed many challenges for local health departments (LHDs). This study examines how stay-at-home orders impacted the provision of essential public health services and subsequent increased use of online health communication by LHDs for rural populations in Appalachian Kentucky during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A survey to gather information about provision of essential public health services was administered to five LHDs representing 13 counties between June 2020 and December 2020. Additionally, demographic and health-outcome data from LHD, state health department, and CDC websites were reviewed, alongside health communications posted on LHD social media …

Sars-Cov-2 (Covid-19) Vaccine Intentions In Kentucky, Kevin A. Pearce Md, Mph, Emily Messerli Dnp, Aprn, Mary E. Lacy, Brittany L. Smalls, Diane B. Francis, Sukruthi Yerramreddy, Marc Kiviniemi

Journal of Appalachian Health

Background: At the time of our writing, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause significant disruption to daily lives. In Kentucky, the burdens from this disease are higher, and vaccination rates for COVID-19 are lower, in comparison to the U.S. as a whole. Understanding vaccine intentions across key subpopulations is critical to increasing vaccination rates.

Purpose: This study explores COVID-19 vaccine intentions in Kentucky across demographic subpopulations and also investigates the influences on vaccine intention of attitudes and beliefs about COVID-19.

Methods: A population-based survey of 1,459 Kentucky adults was conducted between January 26 and March 20, 2021, with over-sampling of …

Assessing The Intention, Attitudes, And Social Influences On Covid-19 Preventive Behaviors Among Non-Rural Black And Rural Appalachian White Populations: A Faith-Based Community Study, Maria L. Gomez, Tofial Azam, Jean Edward, Hannah Bowman, Lovoria B. Williams

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had detrimental impacts in non-rural Black and rural Appalachian populations. Yet despite the pandemic’s magnitude, there is a scarcity of research exploring potential influences of attitudes and social influences within these populations on their adherence to COVID-19 public health preventive behaviors.

Purpose: This study examines the intention, attitudes, and social influences to adhere to COVID-19 preventive behaviors among non-rural Black and rural Appalachian congregants in Kentucky by integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).

Methods: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data was used to assess the association between the TPB constructs and four key public health …

A Commentary On The Healthy Community Stores Case Study Project: Implications For Retailers, Policy, And Future Research, Samantha M. Sundermeir, Megan R. Winkler, Sara John, Uriyoán Colón-Ramos, Ravneet Kuar, Ashley Hickson, Rachael D. Dombrowski, Alex B. Hill, Bree Bode, Julia Deangelo, Joel Gittelsohn

Urban Studies and Planning Faculty Research Publications

In the United States, low-income, underserved rural and urban settings experience poor access to healthy, affordable food. Introducing new food outlets in these locations has shown mixed results for improving healthy food consumption. The Healthy Community Stores Case Study Project (HCSCSP) explored an alternative strategy: supporting mission-driven, locally owned, healthy community food stores to improve healthy food access. The HCSCSP used a multiple case study approach, and conducted a cross-case analysis of seven urban healthy food stores across the United States. The main purpose of this commentary paper is to summarize the main practice strategies for stores as well as …

The Protective Effects Of Influenza Vaccination In Elderly Patients With Breast Cancer In Taiwan: A Real-World Evidence-Based Study, Szu-Yuan Wu, Ho-Jui Tung, Kuang-Hua Huang, Chiachi Bonnie Lee Lee, Tung-Han Tsai, Yu-Chia Chang

Health Policy & Community Health: Faculty Publications

In elderly patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer, clarity is lacking regarding the effects of influenza vaccines, particularly on clinical outcomes. This study conducted two nationwide, population-based, and propensity score-matched cohorts to estimate and compare the protective effects of influenza vaccine in elderly women and elderly patients with breast cancer. Data were derived from the National Health Insurance Research Database and Cancer Registry Database. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to compare outcomes between the vaccinated and unvaccinated cohorts. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were used to estimate the relative risks, and stratified analyses in the breast cancer cohort were performed …

Real-World Third Covid-19 Vaccine Dosing And Antibody Response In Patients With Hematologic Malignancies, Michael A. Thompson, Sigrun Hallmeyer, Veronica E. Fitzpatrick, Yunqi Liao, Michael P. Mullane, Stephen C. Medlin, Kenneth Copeland, James L. Weese

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: This study sought to describe the changes in immune response to a third dose of either Pfizer’s or Moderna’s COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (3V) among patients with hematologic malignancies, as well as associated characteristics

Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed pre-3V and post-3V data on 493 patients diagnosed with hematologic malignancies across a large Midwestern health system between August 28, 2021, and November 1, 2021. For antibody testing, S1 spike antigen of the SARS-CoV-2 virus titer was used to determine serostatus.

Results: Among 493 participants, 274 (55.6%) were seropositive both pre- and post-3V (+/+) while 115 (23.3%) seroconverted to positive …

Is Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Effective At Controlling Hypertension In African American Patients? A Clin-Iq, Rebecca Nye, Wilhelm Lehmann, Deborah Simpson

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

African Americans are disproportionately affected by hypertension, a modifiable contributor to multiple chronic diseases and premature death. Primary care physicians play an important role in hypertension control. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is an evidence-based method for confirming diagnosis and monitoring hypertension over time. Some studies have found that HBPM may lead to clinically relevant reductions in blood pressure when combined with additional interventions, but few studies have focused specifically on African American populations. Evidence of effectiveness could increase clinical recommendation of HBPM. This clinical inquiry examined whether HBPM improves blood pressure control in African Americans with uncontrolled hypertension. Reviewed …

Association Between Primary Care Provider Status And Preventive Health Care Among People Who Inject Drugs, E Katherine Nenninger, Katherine Sharp, Bianca Bustamente, Kim Murray, Kinna Thakarar

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: People who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk for preventable, communicable infections, such as hepatitis B. Preventive care, such as hepatitis B vaccination, is often delivered through primary care providers (PCPs). However, PWID may not have access to PCPs and, therefore, may receive preventive care through other sites. We aimed to characterize PCP and preventive care use among PWID in Maine.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of PWID hospitalized with infections associated with injection drug use in Maine from January 2019 to May 2020. Descriptive analyses were used to identify characteristics of participants, rates of screening, and …

Mental Health, Chronic Disease, And Substance Use: Findings From Rural Texas, Subi Gandhi, Ryan Glaman, Elizabeth Wachira, Muna Bashir, Sushma Sharma, Chelsea Mowles, Jasmine Luttrell

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

There are vital links among mental health conditions, chronic diseases, and substance use disorders. Simultaneous examination of the relationship among these three conditions is essential for providing well-integrated care to rural residents who have limited resources and for representing medically underserved areas. We aimed to assess the burden of behavioral health conditions and chronic diseases from a rural Texas community to garner context-specific insights and inform effective health promotion strategies in similar communities. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 181 residents from various zip codes in a rural Texas county. A self-administered, 18-item health-needs questionnaire was used to collect data …

Adaptation Of Diabetes Prevention Program For Chinese Americans – A Qualitative Study, Ming-Chin Yeh, Wincy Lau, Siqian Chen, Ada Wong, Grace X. Ma, Judith Wylie-Rosett

Health Policy & Community Health: Faculty Publications

Background: Studies have demonstrated that a culturally and linguistically tailored Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) can be effective in reducing diabetes risk in Chinese Americans. The purpose of this study was to explore the cultural and linguistic acceptability of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Prevent T2 curriculum in an online format in the Chinese American community in New York City (NYC). Methods: Three focus groups among a total of 24 Chinese Americans with prediabetes and one community advisory board (CAB) meeting with 10 key stakeholders with expertise in diabetes care and lifestyle interventions were conducted. Each focus group lasted …

What About Anosmia From Covid-19 ?, Sharanya S E Santhi, Sara Elnour, Steven B Lippmann

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

No abstract provided.

Life Matters, Marina Fischer

Dissertations

Problem: One of the challenges facing many primary care providers is managing hypertension. Hypertension contributes to cardiovascular disease events. Consequently, the high occurrence of hypertension related visits signifies a clinical practice gap in hypertension management resulting in substandard blood pressure outcomes. The purpose of this clinical scholarship project was to assess the difference of pre and post Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) scores in a hypertensive population.

Methods: This quality improvement project used a longitudinal, observational design with prospective data collection. The sample included newly diagnosed hypertensive adults ages 21 to 64 years old. The sample was administered the World …

The Mission System: An Electronic Health Record For Medical Treatment In Guatemala, Tawniece M. Curry

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem: The introduction of an electronic health record (EHR) system has become an essential component in monitoring and tracking patient information in most developed countries but are difficult to implement in underdeveloped countries. Guatemala is a country with poor health care and limited resources for patient tracking and monitoring. An organization in Guatemala, Nursing Heart Inc. (NHI), provides care to over 40 underserved rural communities but lacks the ability to monitor and track patient information. In order for NHI to properly monitor and evaluate their programs and track patients’ continuity of care, the introduction of an EHR system is …

Arab Health Promoters’ Perspectives On Religious/Cultural Challenges To Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours Among Arab Immigrants In Canada, Hussein Baharoon, Judy King

The Qualitative Report

Despite the importance of faith and cultural background in Arab immigrants’ lives, little is known about their role in preventing cardiovascular diseases. To understand the challenges among Arab immigrants related to acculturation and religiosity in adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours and managing stress, we conducted three face-to-face focus groups with 17 Arab health promoters who were members of the Canadian Arab Health Coalition. Averaging 80 minutes in length, the focus groups were conducted in Ottawa, Canada, in February and March 2018. Data were analyzed with an inductive thematic analysis approach; we identified four themes: “Culture first!”: dominant influence of home country …