Environmental Public Health Commons^™

Enhancing Public Health Strategies: Addressing The Rsv Burden In Alabama Through Clinical Treatment, Community Prevention, And Surveillance Approaches, Martha K. Findley Roper, Jennifer S. Dawson

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Introduction: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious pathogen driving morbidity, hospitalizations, and economic burden. This review uses the epidemiological triad and National Wastewater Surveillance System data to assess transmission, viral load spikes in Alabama, and strategies for treatment and prevention.

Methods: A review of literature on supportive care, vaccination, monoclonal antibodies, and emerging nanomedicine was reviewed to evaluate strategies for reducing viral burden and complications.

Results: Trends from December 2024–January 2025 were assessed with National Wastewater Surveillance System data. Primary prevention includes immunization, hygiene, air quality maintenance, and early diagnostics. Tertiary care addresses complications such as secondary …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Concerning Water, Sanitation, And Hygiene And Related Diseases Among University Students In Malaysia, Renee Ng Jeffrey, Aida Soraya Shamsuddin, Farah Diyana Ariffin, Aziemah Zulkifli

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices are fundamental components of public health, being crucial in preventing disease transmission and promoting healthy living environments. In this context, university students play an essential role as future professionals and community advocates in fostering proper hygiene behaviors and preventing disease outbreaks. Understanding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in regard to WASH among individuals, particularly university students, is crucial for promoting proper hygiene behaviors. This study aimed to assess the KAP in regard to WASH and related diseases among undergraduate students from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Methods: …

Health Implications Of Heavy Metal Contamination In Commercially Available Deodorant And Antiperspirant Products Sold In Benghazi, Libya, Maysson Yaghi, Khaled Elsherif

Al-Bahir

The extensive usage of deodorants and antiperspirants raises concerns about the potential health risks posed by heavy metal content. This study quantified the levels of five heavy metals: Aluminum, Zirconium, Lead, Cadmium, and Chromium in 22 commercial products widely used in Benghazi, Libya, and assessed the associated health risks. Samples, categorized into gel, stick, and roll-on formulations, were analyzed using iCAP TQ ICP-MS. Al and Zr showed the widest concentration ranges, reflecting their intentional use as active ingredients. Al levels ranged from trace amounts (0.032 mg/kg) up to a maximum of 99.10 mg/kg, while Zr was found exclusively in gel …

Disaster Risk Reduction In Rural Indonesia: Evaluation Of The Japan Red Cross Program In Pujiharjo Village, Meyralda Dara Adisa, Pujo Widodo, Anwar Kurniadi, Wilopo Wilopo

Preventia: The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

Pujiharjo Village in Malang Regency, Indonesia, is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. In 2021, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) partnered with the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) to implement a community-based disaster preparedness program. This study evaluates the program's effectiveness in terms of community participation, institutional support, and alignment with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. Using a qualitative case study, data were collected through document analysis of Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments (VCA), Community Action Plans (CAP), and local SOPs. Thematic analysis explored disaster risk perception, governance, mitigation investment, and emergency preparedness. The program successfully improved risk awareness, …

The Timing Of Pubertal Onset Affects Adults Anxiety Behavior In A Sex-Specific Manner, Evan Raubenolt

Honors Projects

This study aims to look at the relationship between the timing of pubertal onset and its long-term effects on adult anxiety behavior in rats. Though the topic of pubertal onset has been frequently discussed in developmental research, its exact effects have been inconsistent. Human models have shown that early and late maturing males are associated with a notable increase in adult anxiety behavior, while in rat models, similar sex-specific effects regarding anxiety have been demonstrated, though those studies focus on a causal relationship between exposure to stress and age of pubertal onset. This study first aims to examine that relationship …

Prevalence And Factors Associated With Alcohol And Illicit Drug Use Among Brazilian Youth: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study, Emerson Brito, Marina Bessel, Natalia Luiza Kops, Lucas Albrechet-Souza, Flavia Moreno, Alexis Koskan, Thayane Martins Dornelles, Ben Hur Graboski Pinheiro, Suelen Basgalupp, Eliana Wendland

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

This study examined alcohol and illicit drug use among Brazilian youth aged 16 to 25 during the transition to adulthood. A multicenter, cross-sectional survey was conducted between Sep-2016 and Dec-2017 across all 26 Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District. A total of 8,581 participants completed structured interviews on substance use and sociodemographic characteristics. Lifetime prevalence was 71.6% for alcohol and 30% for illicit drugs. Frequent alcohol use was more common among males, while the most used illicit substances were cannabis (27.4%) and cocaine (9.9%). Participants without a partner had higher rates of alcohol and hallucinogen use, while those with …

Through The Eyes Of Time, Shaneece Prince, Steven Indelicato

Publications and Research

Frames have been a staple throughout history, however in recent times, a trend of having multiple pairs of glasses opposed to one, life lasting pair, has emerged. As a result, frames have piled up in landfills contributing to the polluting of our environment. Through the analysis of previously recorded studies and statistics, conclusions of the eyewear industry's growing impact on society and the planet were formed.

Millions of frames are in constant circulation, studies show that up to 31% of spectacle wearers out of a group of 375, disposed of their eyewear in the trash. The lifespan of popular eyewear …

A Literature Review: Back Injuries Affecting Certified Nursing Assistants In Nursing Facilities, Nesta Nsembene-Ntoutoume

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are at a higher risk of back injuries in healthcare, particularly in long-term care settings. This literature review assessed the primary causes of these injuries and the efficacy of current interventions, particularly Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) programs. A total of 26 peer-reviewed articles were published between 2014 and 2025, including experimental simulations, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, quasi-experimental training interventions, and evaluations of SPHM programs. Across the literature, the primary contributors to back injuries included high physical workload, inadequate ergonomic design, limited access to assistive devices, and staff shortage.

Experimental and biomechanical studies have demonstrated …

Environmental Sanitation In Long-Term Care Facilities: A Focus On Regulations And Implementations, Ruwan Dissanayake Dissanayake Mudiyanselage

All Theses

Environmental sanitation is a fundamental component of infection prevention in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), where residents are at increased risk due to advanced age, underlying health conditions, and communal living arrangements. Despite its critical role, significant gaps remain in implementing environmental sanitation procedures and the regulatory frameworks that guide them.

This study combines two components: (1) an across-state regulatory review of environmental sanitation in LTCF regulations and (2) a cross-sectional survey assessing environmental sanitation characteristics of nursing homes (NHs) and assisted living facilities (ALFs) and Rural and Urban LTCF observation study in South Carolina (SC) . For the regulatory review …

Large-Scale Experimental Study On The Impact Of Air Cleaning & Ventilation On Indoor Air Quality And Student Illness-Related Absenteeism, Daud Nosham

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This large-scale randomized experimental field study investigated the effect of portable air purifiers (PAPs) on classroom’s air quality and student’s illness related absenteeism. PAPs were installed in 317 classrooms from various school districts located in Eastern Nebraska. The classrooms were randomly assigned into four conditions: three treatment conditions (T1, T2 & T3) and one control condition (device without any filter). T1 was equipped with HEPA filters, T2 added Activated Carbon (AC) layer to HEPA, and T3 further integrated Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) alongside HEPA and AC filters. The measured variables were carbon dioxide (CO2), fine particles (PN2.5) and coarse particles (PNcoarse), …

Emission Characterization And Health Risk Assessment Of Volatile Organic Compounds From Automotive Painting In Thailand, Vanitchaya Kultan, Sarawut Thepanondh, Jutarat Keawboonchu, Nattaporn Pinthong, Wissawa Malakan

Kesmas

The automotive industry is a significant source of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, particularly from solvent-based painting processes. This study evaluated VOC characteristics and distribution to assess associated health risks for workers and communities at varying distances from automotive painting facilities in Thailand, focusing on stacks and wastewater treatment plants that handle solvent-containing wastewater. The findings revealed aromatic compounds were predominant (66% of the total emissions), followed by oxygenated VOCs (26%). The stacks mainly emitted aromatics such as toluene and ethylbenzene, whereas the wastewater released oxygenated VOCs, particularly methyl isobutyl ketone and methyl ethyl ketone. The exposure concentrations in each …

Risk Assessment Of Salmonella Spp. Exposure Among Chicken Farm Workers In Phatthalung Province, Southern Thailand, Nutthajit Onmek, Nongyao Mueangdee

Kesmas

This study examined the risk of Salmonella spp. exposure among chicken farm workers by evaluating occupational health management practices. The probability of exposure was determined by assessing the number of contamination points. Sampling for Salmonella spp. contamination was conducted at 7 and 45 days of chicken batches across five areas, alongside evaluation of worker behaviors to assess exposure risk. Three of the 12 large closed-system farms, each housing >10,000 chickens, were selected. Results indicated that boots were the most contaminated items. Workers generally adhered to habitual boot-wearing, which reduced the risk of exposure. Moderate levels of workers' exposure prevention practices, …

Association Of Obesity Severity With Cardiometabolic And Renal Disease Burden In The United States, Florina Corpodean, Michael Kachmar, Shengping Yang, Steven B. Heymsfield, Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Philip R. Schauer, Michael W. Cook, Vance L. Albaugh

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Objective This study examined the association between obesity severity and cardiometabolic and renal disease, using BMI as a surrogate for obesity severity. Methods This is a cross-sectional study using data from the United States Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), 2011–2023. Survey-weighted logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) for the diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, kidney disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary artery disease among increasing BMI categories. Results Higher BMI was associated with increased odds of all conditions. For BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2, odds were notably elevated for diabetes (OR 8.32; 95% CI: 7.78–8.91), hypertension (OR 6.07; 95% CI: …

Elucidating The Relationship Between Water Quality And Antibiotic Resistance Of Rainwater Microbes Across Western Humboldt County, Theo P. Murphy, Eve Wendley, Justice Laskowski, Tyler Paredes

Humboldt Journal of Microbiology

Limited studies have been conducted regarding the fecal contamination and microbial dispersal through rainwater, with no known studies investigating the potential connection between antibiotic resistant microbes and water quality in rainwater. This study seeks to identify the presence of a correlation between water quality and incidence of antibiotic resistance in rainwater microbes. We hypothesize that there will be a correlation between these two variables. We additionally anticipate a high incidence of fecal contamination across rural and urban collection sites alike, with fecal contamination being more prevalent in rural areas than urban locals. To determine water quality, we measured the concentration …

Enhancing Food Security Sustainability Through Digital Information Extension Services In Rural Uganda: Maize Postharvest Evidence-Based Strategies, Jackline Estomihi Kiwelu, Patrick Ngulube

Libraries

Background Postharvest losses caused by poor drying and storage practices lead to maize waste, reduced food availability, unsafe food due to aflatoxin contamination, and income loss for farmers. This exacerbates food insecurity and threatens the livelihoods of rural communities. Leveraging digital solutions to provide quality maize postharvest handling information is critical to mitigating these challenges.

Objective This study examined maize postharvest handling extension information services provided by rural agricultural extension officers in selected districts of Uganda, focusing on how evidence-based practices supported by information sources, expert knowledge, and ICT infrastructure ensure the quality and relevance of the information delivered.

Methods …

The Battle Over Water Fluoridation Comes To New York City: Organized Dentistry Is Quick To Respond To Ill-Conceived Effort To End 60-Year Practice And Vows To Stay With It Until The Threat Passes., Lance Plunkett Jd, Llm

The New York State Dental Journal

Water fluoridation has been experiencing its woes lately, beset by an adverse court decision, questionable science, collapsing federal public health priorities and public suspicion often fueled by hysteria. Against all this, New York City stood strong as a pioneering large municipality safely fluoridating its water since 1965 for the benefit of the public and reducing dental caries significantly over decades.

From Listening To Action: Building Effective Community-Academic Partnerships In Environmental Health [Lightning Talk], Dani Mcbride

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

The slides from a lightning talk given at the Michigan Premier Public Health Conference in Muskegon, MI on October 28, 2025.

Persistent Chemicals In Particulate Matter (Pm) Near A Hazardous Waste Thermal Treatment Facility, Chuqi Guo, Martine E. Mathieu-Campbell, Thomas Blanchard, Lavrent Khachatryan, Md Abdullah Al-Mamun, Qingzhao Yu, Myron Lard, Oluwafeyikemi Ogunmusi, Brenda Vallee, Wilma Subra, Iriel Edwards, David Malone, Slawo Lomnicki, Stephania A. Cormier, Jennifer Richmond-Bryant

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Colfax, an overburdened community in central Louisiana, hosts the last commercially-operated open-burn/open-detonation (OB/OD) hazardous waste thermal treatment facility in the United States. Until December 2023 when their permit disallowed OB/OD, the facility processed military waste, fireworks, propellants, soils excavated from Superfund sites, and other hazardous materials. This community-engaged study measured ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5), environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), and metals using two high-volume PM2.5 samplers deployed 1.2 mi and 9.0 mi from the facility from April, 2022 through February, 2023. Elevated PM2.5 concentrations were recorded at both sites during spring and summer 2022. …

An Analysis Of The Diagnostic Age Of Skin Carcinomas Across Central Texas, Miguel A. Lopez, Natasha Quailes, Elias Arellano Villanueva, Hamaad Gohar, Maria Villegas

Research Colloquium

Patients seeking healthcare in medically underserved regions often require travel to larger metropolitan hubs across the state of Texas. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is home to many such patients who often travel to central Texas for care, which compounds expense and inconvenience. Pockets of central Texas have been reported to have an increased number of dermatologists per 100,000 people. Bexar county ranks among the five most populous counties in the state, with increased access to dermatologic care compared to nearby regions. Using data from the Texas Cancer Registry, this project aims to identify the mean (M) age of diagnosis …

A Case Study Of Long-Term Disease Burden In A Rural Community Near An Open Burn Facility, Arundhati Bakshi, Liana Baconguis, Md Abdullah Al-Mamun, Qingzhao Yu, Jennifer Richmond-Bryant, Stephania A. Cormier

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Open burning and open detonation (OB/OD) of explosive and hazardous wastes creates various toxic waste products, including particulate matter, that is released into the atmosphere and capable of generating significant health impacts upon exposure. The last commercially run OB/OD thermal treatment facility in operation in the United States is located near the rural community of Colfax in central Louisiana. To evaluate the community’s concerns about the potential health impacts from air pollution due to the facility’s regular open burning of explosive and hazardous wastes, we examined the disease burden in Colfax compared to the surrounding parish and state. In a …

Spatial-Temporal Variation Of Diarrhea Among Children Under 5 Years Old Between 2010-2020 In Rwanda, Amans Ntakarutimana Dr., Patrick A. Tschida Dr., Elias Nyandwi Dr.

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

We used secondary data from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Surveys of 2010, 2015, and 2020 to assess the spatial-temporal variation of diarrhea among children under 5 years old between the years 2010 and 2020 in Rwanda. Stratified descriptive statistics, pairwise comparisons, and logistic regression designs were used for data analysis in SPSS. A statistically significant variation of diarrhea among children under 5 years old was observed across districts, regions, and urban–rural areas but not at the national level between 2010–2020. Some districts of the Western region, including Nyabihu (OR = 2.5), Ngororero (OR = 2.3), and Karongi …

Exploring The Relative Effects Of Natural Gas And Biogas Cooking On Indoor Air Quality In Residential Kitchens, Wande Benka-Coker, Kailey Sipe, Dinela Dedic, Alexander Jones, Bramley Hawkins, Emily Lyons, Matt Steiman, Megan L. Benka-Coker

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Indoor air pollution from gas stove combustion remains a public health concern, given links to adverse cardiorespiratory health effects, yet few studies have characterized or compared the air quality impacts of different gas-based cooking fuels. We investigated kitchen-level concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in four homes in Central Pennsylvania that used natural gas and/or biogas fueled stoves. We conducted time-resolved kitchen monitoring and assessed pollutant concentrations during cooking and non-cooking periods. We applied linear mixed-effect regression models with kitchen-level random effects and time-varying covariates to estimate the influence of fuel type on indoor air …

Prevalence Of Screening Patients For Alcohol Use In West Virginia: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study, Bayan Abuhalimeh, Christopher Waters, R. Constance Wiener

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Consequences of alcohol consumption are well-established and compounded by physiological changes of aging (increased sensitivity; medication interactions; etc.). Alcohol screening for all ages is recommended, especially as most Americans believe moderate drinking is acceptable. Screening is important in high alcohol use regions, such as rural areas where isolation is more likely, especially for older adults. The Appalachian Region has a significant rural population of older adults. West Virginia (WV) is representative of Appalachia. It is a rural state, has many older adults, and all counties are Appalachian.

Purpose: The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine the likelihood …

Air Pollution And Diseases: Signaling, G Protein-Coupled And Toll Like Receptors, Isabella Cattani-Cavalieri, Katrina F. Ostrom, Jordyn Margolis, Rennolds S. Ostrom, Martina Schmidt

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Air pollution is a significant public health issue that impacts lung health, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Both natural and anthropogenic sources of air pollution give rise to a variety of toxic compounds, including particulate matter (PM), ozone (O₃), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Exposure to these pollutants is strongly associated with the development and exacerbation of respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Notably, early life exposure to pollutants such as …

Towards Accessibility In Healthcare For Individuals With And Without Hearing Loss: Evaluation Of Usability, Fit, And Communicative Effectiveness Of A Transparent N95 Mask Prototype, Samuel R. Atcherson, Brooklyn Schultes, Jeanne Hahne, Barbara Debaun, Chris Showell

JADARA

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the necessity of effective face masks in both public and healthcare settings for mitigating the spread of disease. However, traditional face masks impede communication, posing significant challenges for approximately 13% of the general population and 10% of healthcare and social assistance workers who have hearing loss and who rely on lipreading and other non-verbal cues. Traditional surgical masks and N95 respirator masks serve important roles in healthcare, but they differ in levels of protection. Currently, a transparent surgical mask is available, but not an N95 version. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the usability, fit, …

Potential Biological Hazards In Health Clinics: Key Strategies For Enhancing Worker Safety In Malaysia, Subki Ahmad, Normah Awang, Ermie Abdull Hamid, Anuar Ithnin, Nurul Farahana Kamaludin, Noraizah Muhd Nor

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Biological hazards in health clinics may lead to acute or chronic health issues for healthcare workers. This study aims to identify potential biological hazards within health clinics, with a focus on the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers, in order to improve their safety.

Methods: Samples from environmental surfaces were collected and cultured to identify bacterial pathogens. A cross-sectional study involving 203 healthcare workers was conducted using a questionnaire derived from CDC-adapted guidelines. Descriptive analysis and multivariate regression were used to assess KAP.

Results: Bacterial growth was observed in all clinics. The Kruskal-Wallis Test …

Risk Factors Of Acute Gastroenteritis And The Implementation Of Community-Based Total Sanitation In Banyuwangi, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Citra Al Karina, Juniastuti Juniastuti, Budi Utomo, I Made Dwi Mertha Adnyana

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: In Banyuwangi Regency, Indonesia, diarrhea remains a major health problem, even though the community-based total sanitation (CBTS) program has been implemented for ten years. This household survey study aimed to identify the risk factors of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and to evaluate the implementation of CBTS in Banyuwangi Regency.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Banyuwangi Regency. Characteristic data from patients with AGE were collected from the two primary healthcare working areas, followed by collecting data of their family members and CBTS in their houses. Data were obtained through interviews and direct observation. The CBTS evaluation results …

A Feasibility Study To Mitigate Arsenic Exposure In Well Water In Oregon, Christine Lucas-Woodruff, Veronic L. Irvin, Laura Nielsen, Meghan Megowan, Lilly Anderson, Julia Pavlosek, Molly Kile

Journal of Extension

Approximately 13 million households in the United States rely on private wells for their drinking water. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to manage the quality of water in their private wells. There are many toxic contaminants that can be present private wells that can negatively impact health. Extension Agents are well positioned to assist homeowners in understanding how to manage toxics in private wells. This study demonstrated the feasibility that motivational education provided by an Extension Agent’ trained in motivational interviewing techniques is able to help homeowners with private wells mitigate their exposure to arsenic by adopting appropriate water treatment.

Beyond Smoking: A Geospatial Investigation Of Factors Associated With Lung And Bronchus Cancer Risk In Pennsylvania, Tesla D. Dubois, Daniel Wiese, Kevin A. Henry, Shannon M. Lynch

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: While smoking is the leading cause of lung and bronchus cancer (LBC), additional exposures have been implicated and may explain the rise in LBC among never-smokers. To better understand the spatial distribution of LBC incidence and associated risk factors, this study aims to identify geographic areas with significantly elevated incidence rates in Pennsylvania and investigate the potential underlying risk factors.

METHODS: Using cancer registry data aggregated to the census tract level, spatial scan statistics were applied to detect areas of higher-than-expected LBC incidence across the state. Associations were then tested between census tract inclusion in a high-incidence area and …

Differential Mirna Expressions Linking Environmental Risk Factors To Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Stages At Diagnosis, Amjila Bam, Yawen Hu, Xiaocheng Wu, Meng Luo, Nubaira Rizvi, Luis Del Valle, Arnold H. Zea, Fokhrul Hossain, Denise Moore Danos, Jovanny Zabaleta, Augusto Ochoa, Lucio Miele, Edward Trapido, Qingzhao Yu

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive, molecularly heterogeneous subtype of breast cancer, accounting for approximately 10–15% of all cases. While reproductive and metabolic factors contribute to breast cancer development, growing concerns about environmental exposures, alongside biological and socio-cultural influences, underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies across diverse populations. Despite increasing evidence linking biological, socioeconomic, and environmental factors to TNBC outcomes, the molecular mechanisms underlying these relationships remain poorly understood. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs), which regulate gene expression and play critical roles in cancer development, have emerged as potential mediators between environmental exposures and TNBC progression. The goal of …