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Articles 121 - 150 of 3128

Full-Text Articles in Maternal and Child Health

Identifying And Prioritizing Essential Healthcare Services For A Private Start-Up Healthcare Hub In Laxmipasha, Bangladesh, Ferdous Ara Mostofa Jan 2026

Identifying And Prioritizing Essential Healthcare Services For A Private Start-Up Healthcare Hub In Laxmipasha, Bangladesh, Ferdous Ara Mostofa

Dissertations

This quantitative study identifies and prioritizes essential healthcare services for developing a private start-up healthcare hub in Laxmipasha, Bangladesh, a rural community with significant gaps in healthcare access. Using secondary data from national and international sources, the research analyzed disease burden, population characteristics, and service availability to determine the most urgent health priorities. A structured, evidence-based framework was used to evaluate services based on mortality and morbidity, service gaps, and potential health impact. The findings indicate that Maternal and Child Health (MCH), Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) management, and infectious disease control represent the most critical priorities for initial implementation. The study …


Characteristics Of Women Who Fast During Pregnancy: Findings From The Kuwait Birth Cohort Study, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Ali H. Ziyab, Reem Al Sabah, Ahmed N. Albatineh, James Blando, Majeda S. Hammoud Jan 2026

Characteristics Of Women Who Fast During Pregnancy: Findings From The Kuwait Birth Cohort Study, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Ali H. Ziyab, Reem Al Sabah, Ahmed N. Albatineh, James Blando, Majeda S. Hammoud

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Fasting during pregnancy is a widespread practice in Muslim communities, yet its health implications remain poorly understood. A lack of conceptual frameworks and limited understanding of the characteristics of women who fast during pregnancy have hindered research in this area. This study examines the differences in several nutritional biomarkers between women who fasted and those who did not and identifies factors associated with fasting behaviour. We analysed data from the Kuwait Birth Cohort in which information on fasting, sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviours was collected via structured interviews between 2017 and 2021. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted from medical …


The Association Between Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physician Density And Pregnancy Outcomes, Tetsuya Kawakita, Rula Atwani, Misa Hayasaka, Lindsay Robbins, George Saade Jan 2026

The Association Between Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physician Density And Pregnancy Outcomes, Tetsuya Kawakita, Rula Atwani, Misa Hayasaka, Lindsay Robbins, George Saade

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Objective

We sought to examine the association between maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) physician density and adverse pregnancy outcomes at the state level.

Study Design

This was a cross-sectional analysis of publicly available, state-level data from 2018 to 2021, including Natality, Multiple Cause-of-Death, and Fetal Death databases. The number of active MFM physicians per year was obtained for each state from the American Medical Association Masterfile. The primary exposure was the density of MFM per state, categorized into three groups: (1) low density (< 30 MFM physicians per 100,000 live births), (2) moderate density (30-59 MFM physicians per 100,000 live births), and (3) high density (≥60 MFM physicians per 100,000 live births). Our primary outcome was maternal mortality during pregnancy and up to 42 days postdelivery. Our secondary outcomes were pregnancy-related mortality up to 365 days postdelivery and stillbirth. We calculated adjusted incident rate ratios (aIRR) and average marginal effect (AME) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using multivariable negative binomial mixed effects regression models.

Results

Overall, there were 14,792,743 live births, 3,440 maternal mortalities, 4,980 pregnancy-related mortalities, and 90,848 stillbirths included. The …


Adjunctive Technologies To Electronic Fetal Monitoring: Promise, Pitfalls, And Lessons Learned, Rebecca Horgan, George Saade Jan 2026

Adjunctive Technologies To Electronic Fetal Monitoring: Promise, Pitfalls, And Lessons Learned, Rebecca Horgan, George Saade

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Despite widespread use, electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) has not demonstrably reduced perinatal morbidity or mortality, and likely contributed to the rise in cesarean delivery. To improve its utility, a number of adjunctive approaches have been introduced over the past three decades, including fetal pulse oximetry, ST segment analysis (STAN), and maternal oxygen supplementation. Each intervention was supported by strong physiologic rationale, yet none achieved widespread clinical adoption due to inconsistent evidence of benefit and, in some cases, potential harm. This review critically evaluates landmark studies on EFM adjuncts, highlights the limitations that have impeded progress, and outlines emerging innovations, including …


Mediating Effect Of Social Determinants Of Health Between Race And Phthalate Biomarkers In Pregnancy, Tetsuya Kawakita, Misa Hayasaka, Carole Barake, Trinity Soto, Jillian Fleming, Amir Lueth, Stevens Danielle, Alfred Abuhamad, Ann Pryzybylska, Elena Sinkovskaya, Kelly K. Ferguson, George Saade Jan 2026

Mediating Effect Of Social Determinants Of Health Between Race And Phthalate Biomarkers In Pregnancy, Tetsuya Kawakita, Misa Hayasaka, Carole Barake, Trinity Soto, Jillian Fleming, Amir Lueth, Stevens Danielle, Alfred Abuhamad, Ann Pryzybylska, Elena Sinkovskaya, Kelly K. Ferguson, George Saade

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Introduction

Prenatal phthalate exposure is linked to adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes and is consistently higher among non‐Hispanic Black compared to non‐Hispanic White pregnant individuals, yet the factors responsible for these disparities are poorly characterized. We sought to quantify Black–White differences in repeated urinary concentrations of phthalate biomarkers during pregnancy and to estimate the extent to which neighborhood‐level social determinants of health (SDoH) mediate these disparities.

Methods

This secondary analysis used data from the Human Placenta Project Study, a prospective observational cohort study conducted at two academic institutions between 2016 and 2018. Eligible participants had singleton pregnancies, were recruited before …


Importance Of Placental Evaluation In Pregnancies At High Risk For Placenta Accreta Spectrum: Expert Clinical Perspective, Rebecca H. Jessel, Alesha White, Hope Y. Yu, Amie L. Hollard, Meena Khandelwal, Carolyn M. Zelop, Jennifer Philips, Alireza A. Shamshirsaz, John C. Kingdom, Alfred Abuhamad, Christina L. Herrera, Pan American Society For Placenta Accreta Spectrum (Pas2) Jan 2026

Importance Of Placental Evaluation In Pregnancies At High Risk For Placenta Accreta Spectrum: Expert Clinical Perspective, Rebecca H. Jessel, Alesha White, Hope Y. Yu, Amie L. Hollard, Meena Khandelwal, Carolyn M. Zelop, Jennifer Philips, Alireza A. Shamshirsaz, John C. Kingdom, Alfred Abuhamad, Christina L. Herrera, Pan American Society For Placenta Accreta Spectrum (Pas2)

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Background

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a leading cause of obstetric morbidity and peripartum hysterectomy. Rising cesarean delivery rates, advanced maternal age, and assisted reproductive technologies have increased its incidence. Early, standardized diagnosis is essential for multidisciplinary planning and improved outcomes, yet formal screening guidelines are lacking.

Objective

To raise awareness of the importance of antenatal screening for PAS, summarize key clinical and imaging risk factors, and propose a standardized mid-trimester ultrasound protocol for high-risk patients.

Methods

An expert panel convened under the Pan-American Society for the Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS2) reviewed available evidence, risk stratification models, and prior consensus …


Osmotic Dilators Vs. Foley Balloons: Bayesian Secondary Analyses Of The Dilafol Trial, Antonio F. Saad, Elenir B. C. Avritscher, Claudia Pedroza, Xiao Han, George R. Saade Jan 2026

Osmotic Dilators Vs. Foley Balloons: Bayesian Secondary Analyses Of The Dilafol Trial, Antonio F. Saad, Elenir B. C. Avritscher, Claudia Pedroza, Xiao Han, George R. Saade

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Background: Dilapan-S, a synthetic osmotic dilator used for pre-induction cervical ripening, has proven to be as effective as the Foley balloon in terms of vaginal versus cesarean delivery and has been associated with increased patient satisfaction. Nevertheless, its ability to lower cesarean rates and its cost-effectiveness remain poorly studied.

Objectives: To estimate the likelihood that synthetic osmotic dilators reduce cesarean deliveries and to evaluate their health system costs (2026 US$) and incremental cost-effectiveness compared to the Foley balloon during cervical ripening.

Study Design: Secondary Bayesian analyses were conducted using data from the single-center DILAFOL randomized controlled trial, which enrolled 419 …


Understanding The Syphilis Resurgence Among Females Of Childbearing Age: Informing Prevention Efforts In New York State, Salvatore Currenti Jan 2026

Understanding The Syphilis Resurgence Among Females Of Childbearing Age: Informing Prevention Efforts In New York State, Salvatore Currenti

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum and transmitted through direct contact with infected mucosal lesions and via vertical transmission during pregnancy (i.e., congenital). Transmission of syphilis to an infant during pregnancy (i.e., congenital syphilis [CS]) can lead to early fetal death, stillbirth, neonatal death, preterm birth, low birthweight, and congenital infection in infants. The United States (U.S.) is experiencing epidemic increases in both females of reproductive age with syphilis and infants with CS. In New York State (NYS), these trends have also occurred, especially after COVID-19 emergence, and increases in reported cases and incidence rates are comparable to national statistics. …


Rurality, Infant Feeding Practices, And Perinatal Cardiovascular Health Behaviors, Elly Marie Marshall Jan 2026

Rurality, Infant Feeding Practices, And Perinatal Cardiovascular Health Behaviors, Elly Marie Marshall

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States, with higher rates in rural areas. While limited healthcare access contributes to this disparity, other factors remain unclear. Breastfeeding provides long-term protection against cardiovascular disease, but modern infant feeding practices are complex and may impact maternal cardiovascular health (CVH) in unexpected ways. Healthy CVH behaviors of sufficient sleep duration, adequate physical activity, a healthy diet, and nicotine avoidance can enhance protection against future cardiovascular disease risk. Therefore, the aims of this dissertation are to 1) assess associations between rurality and first trimester CVH behaviors; 2) synthesize …


Documenting Death: Maternal Mortality And The Ethics Of Care In Tanzania (Adrienne E. Strong 2020), Luluk Oktavia, Megawati Sukarno Dec 2025

Documenting Death: Maternal Mortality And The Ethics Of Care In Tanzania (Adrienne E. Strong 2020), Luluk Oktavia, Megawati Sukarno

Paradigma: Jurnal Kajian Budaya

In recent decades, global efforts to reduce maternal mortality have become a primary focus in health development agendas. However, challenges in providing quality healthcare remain complex, especially in resource-limited countries. Adrienne E. Strong’s book, Documenting Death: Maternal Mortality and the Ethics of Care in Tanzania, offers an ethnographic perspective on the relationship between bureaucratic structures, resource constraints, and healthcare practices in Tanzania. This review examines Strong’s key concepts, such as good enough care, documented care, and fierce care, which highlight the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare workers in delivering care under administrative pressures and limited facilities. The critique of the …


Understanding Breastfeeding Practices In Tennessee: Goals, Duration, And Reasons For Discontinuation, Amir Alakaam, Chia-Lin Chang, Hannah Jeffery Dec 2025

Understanding Breastfeeding Practices In Tennessee: Goals, Duration, And Reasons For Discontinuation, Amir Alakaam, Chia-Lin Chang, Hannah Jeffery

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal source of infant nutrition, offering many health benefits.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine goals, exclusivity, and duration of breastfeeding and explore factors that influence breastfeeding practices among individuals in Tennessee (TN).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals (N = 1,249). Participants were recruited and data were collected from June – September 2021. The data were entered and analyzed from September 2022 – March 2023. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and ANOVA were used to analyze the data and identify associations between variables.

Results: About 32% of the …


Evaluasi Keselamatan Alat Permainan Edukatif (Ape) Dan Penataan Area Bermain Outdoor Di Dua Taman Kanak-Kanak, Auri Willyado, Novrikasari Novrikasari, Mona Lestari, Dina Waldani, Desheila Andarini Dec 2025

Evaluasi Keselamatan Alat Permainan Edukatif (Ape) Dan Penataan Area Bermain Outdoor Di Dua Taman Kanak-Kanak, Auri Willyado, Novrikasari Novrikasari, Mona Lestari, Dina Waldani, Desheila Andarini

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Educational Play Equipment (APE) is one of the facilities provided by Early Childhood Education (PAUD) institutions to support the learning process through play. This study aims to assess the compliance of APE and the arrangement of outdoor play areas with the 2018 Guidelines for Managing PAUD Classroom Space, SNI 9169:2023, the Ministry of Education and Culture’s 2021 Safe APE Guidelines for Early Childhood, and Ministerial Regulation No. 3 of 2022. The study employs a qualitative design with a descriptive approach through facility observations, interviews with teaching staff, and a review of school documents. The data analysis process includes data reduction, …


Interventions To Promote Menstrual Health Among Adolescents In Lmic’S: Protocol For A Systematic Review, Precilla Dsilva, Sudhir Prabhu Dr, Prajna Kumari Dr, Baby S. Nayak Dr, Judith Noronha Dr Dec 2025

Interventions To Promote Menstrual Health Among Adolescents In Lmic’S: Protocol For A Systematic Review, Precilla Dsilva, Sudhir Prabhu Dr, Prajna Kumari Dr, Baby S. Nayak Dr, Judith Noronha Dr

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Background: Menarche brings out significant change in each girl’s life. Coping with the discomforts and adopting the body changes becomes a biggest challenge for every teen. Cost effective non pharmacological interventions will help to bring about improvement in the general wellbeing and quality of life in each adolescents life.

Objective: This review aims to determine the different menstrual interventions adopted by adolescent girls residing in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC’s). The Review question will be :What interventions are currently available, and how do they contribute in promoting menstrual health among adolescents from LMICs

Methods: This review will include …


Nyc Falls Behind In Climate Resources For Pregnant And Postpartum Moms, Jada Simon Dec 2025

Nyc Falls Behind In Climate Resources For Pregnant And Postpartum Moms, Jada Simon

Capstones

The U.S. still holds the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations around the world. While national rates have since seen a slight decrease, Black mothers still see high maternal death rates in comparison to white mothers, showing that racial disparities in maternal death rates are still apparent. In NYC, the reason for these disparities are not just unequal access to quality healthcare, but also the poor living conditions of neighborhoods in the city that are made up mainly of minoritized groups. So far, it has gone unconsidered that that the maternal mortality and climate crises are happening concurrently. This …


Assessing Education And Training Of Developmental Screening Tools Among Residents In A Southern Academic Medical Center, Paige Seabrook, Dustin E. Sarver, Susan Buttross Dec 2025

Assessing Education And Training Of Developmental Screening Tools Among Residents In A Southern Academic Medical Center, Paige Seabrook, Dustin E. Sarver, Susan Buttross

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Developmental disabilities are highly common. Early identification of developmental disabilities is critical, but many practitioners, including those in Southern U.S. states like Mississippi, do not utilize developmental screening tools.

Purpose: We aimed to identify modifiable targets within resident training experiences and their correlates using a quality improvement approach to serve as a baseline for intervention efforts.

Methods: Medical residents (N = 57) in pediatrics (n = 26), combined medicine-pediatrics (n = 12), and family medicine (n = 19) completed a survey assessing training, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers regarding using screening tools. Perceived barriers were …


Exploring The Prevalence And Determinants Of Self-Medication During Pregnancy Among Women From South Punjab, Pakistan, Madiha Madiha, Sehar Jabbar, Imran Masood Dec 2025

Exploring The Prevalence And Determinants Of Self-Medication During Pregnancy Among Women From South Punjab, Pakistan, Madiha Madiha, Sehar Jabbar, Imran Masood

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: For developing countries with high neonatal and maternal mortality rates, any practice that may threaten the maternal-fetal health must be gauged. This study evaluated the prevalence and contributing factors of self-medication during pregnancy among women opting for antenatal or postnatal care in South Punjab, Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. Data was collected from 424 women, selected through multi-stage sampling, who visited health care facilities located in six randomly selected cities of South Punjab. Outcomes reported by descriptive and inferential statistics (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of self-medication with different factors.

Results: Most of the women were involved in self-medication practice (38.9%) …


Standardizing The Use Of The Sinc Screening Tool In A Rural Clinic, Madison Foss Dec 2025

Standardizing The Use Of The Sinc Screening Tool In A Rural Clinic, Madison Foss

DNP Projects

Unmet contraceptive need represents a persistent quality gap in rural primary care, where reproductive health discussions are often inconsistently addressed. A rural primary care clinic in Shelbyville, Tennessee lacked a standardized, evidence-based process for screening women of childbearing age (15–44 years) for contraceptive needs. This quality improvement project evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing the Self-Identified Need for Contraception (SINC) screening tool to support routine, patient-centered care. The SINC tool consists of a single validated question designed to identify patients who wish to discuss contraception or pregnancy prevention during clinical visits. Plan–Do–Study–Act cycles were used to integrate the tool …


Matrescence: An Emerging Concept For Birth Worker Practice, Kelsey B. Green Dec 2025

Matrescence: An Emerging Concept For Birth Worker Practice, Kelsey B. Green

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

The maternal mental health (MMH) crisis, affecting up to 25% of birthing individuals, is exacerbated by significant gaps in perinatal support. While birth workers are uniquely positioned to provide care, they often lack specialized training beyond basic screening checklists to address the complex transition to motherhood, defined as matrescence. This clinical innovation proposal outlines a matrescence-informed educational curriculum, guided by the Comprehensive Model of Mental Health during the Perinatal Period. The intervention is designed to build tangible, implementable skills, training birth workers to: (1) operationalize matrescence as a psychoeducational tool to normalize distress; (2) use clinical differentiation to distinguish the …


Analisis Perbedaan Biaya Satuan Sectio Caesarea Tanpa Penyulit Dengan Tarif Ina-Cbgs Di Rumah Sakit Swasta Tipe D (X) Di Ternate Tahun 2022, Ummu Hani Mars, Prastuti Soewondo Dec 2025

Analisis Perbedaan Biaya Satuan Sectio Caesarea Tanpa Penyulit Dengan Tarif Ina-Cbgs Di Rumah Sakit Swasta Tipe D (X) Di Ternate Tahun 2022, Ummu Hani Mars, Prastuti Soewondo

Jurnal Ekonomi Kesehatan Indonesia

Cesarean section unit cost is an important component for hospital’s management to implement strategic efficiency steps in the future, especially for Rumah Sakit X which 90% of patients are Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional’s participant. Geographically, this hospital is one of hospitals which serve delivery and labor services in Ternate Island that can accommodate references from nearby islands. This resulting in high caesarean section rate, 55 % of all deliveries. The low JKN rate for caesarean section forced management to know the detailed cost component, so the efficiency strategies and the continuity of hospital services could be more increased. This research through …


Power, Interests, And Maternal Health Care: A Political Economy Analysis Of Service Delivery Redesign In Kenya, Jacinta Nzinga, Easter Olwanda, Kennedy Opondo, Hillary Kimutai, Jan Cooper, Brian Arwah, Benjamin Tsofa, Edwine Barasa, Kevin Croke Dec 2025

Power, Interests, And Maternal Health Care: A Political Economy Analysis Of Service Delivery Redesign In Kenya, Jacinta Nzinga, Easter Olwanda, Kennedy Opondo, Hillary Kimutai, Jan Cooper, Brian Arwah, Benjamin Tsofa, Edwine Barasa, Kevin Croke

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

The maternal and newborn health (MNH) service delivery redesign (SDR) in Kakamega County, Kenya, represents the country's first system-level reorganization of MNH services. The reform aimed to improve care quality and reduce mortality by centralizing delivery services at designated hubs. Using a political economy lens, we examined how ideology, political dynamics, and institutional structures shaped the agenda-setting, adoption, implementation, and sustainability of SDR. We drew on data from document reviews, stakeholder analysis, semi-structured interviews, and non-participant observation to assess the structural, contextual, and institutional factors influencing the reform. Ambiguity around SDR's purpose contributed to the community's uncertain engagement characterized by …


Across The Pond, Across The Waistline: A Comparative Look At The Childhood Obesity Crisis In The United States And United Kingdom, Samantha N. Eales Dec 2025

Across The Pond, Across The Waistline: A Comparative Look At The Childhood Obesity Crisis In The United States And United Kingdom, Samantha N. Eales

Honors College Theses

Childhood obesity is no longer just a local concern; it’s a global epidemic shaping the health of future generations. This paper compares how two similar nations with drastically different healthcare systems, the United States and the United Kingdom, tackle this growing crisis. Although both countries struggle with fast food culture, sedentary lifestyles, and targeted marketing, their health policy strategies differ dramatically. The U.S. leans on community programs and education, while the U.K. enforces stronger national regulations and advertising restrictions. By examining nutrition, physical activity, and policy, this thesis explores what each country does well and where they fall short. It …


Acceptability Of Corticosteroid Use In The Treatment Of Infant Bronchiolitis: Utilizing The Theoretical Framework Of Acceptability To Design Research Instruments, Caroline R. Smetanka Dec 2025

Acceptability Of Corticosteroid Use In The Treatment Of Infant Bronchiolitis: Utilizing The Theoretical Framework Of Acceptability To Design Research Instruments, Caroline R. Smetanka

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants under six months, yet treatment remains largely supportive due to clinical guidelines that discourage pharmacologic intervention. Recent research suggests that bronchiolitis is not a uniform condition, and a subgroup of infants (those classified within “Profile A”) may benefit from targeted corticosteroid therapy. However, these treatments remain outside current clinical guidelines, and their successful adoption depends on stakeholder acceptability. This Capstone project developed and refined four data collection instruments- two questionnaires and two interview guides- designed to assess how healthcare providers and caregivers perceive the acceptability of corticosteroid treatment for Profile A …


Evaluating Parent Workshops To Reduce Sexual Health Misinformation, Marshall Farrior Dec 2025

Evaluating Parent Workshops To Reduce Sexual Health Misinformation, Marshall Farrior

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project addressed the problem of sexual health misinformation among youth in Santa Cruz County, which stems from cultural factors, limited parental communication, and inadequate comprehensive sexual health education. Implemented through the Santa Cruz County Public Health Department’s Teen Health Outreach (THO) program, the project evaluated the effectiveness of parent workshops designed to build the capacity of adults’ knowledge and confidence to discuss sexual and reproductive health topics with youth. Serving primarily Hispanic/Latino communities in Watsonville and Freedom, THO collaborates with local schools and organizations to deliver workshops. The intervention aimed to reduce misinformation by empowering parents as trusted …


Identifying Barriers For Community Pharmacies As Vaccines For Children (Vfc) Providers In Rural Alabama: Opportunities For Solutions, Myra Bajwa Dec 2025

Identifying Barriers For Community Pharmacies As Vaccines For Children (Vfc) Providers In Rural Alabama: Opportunities For Solutions, Myra Bajwa

Honors Theses

Significant Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination disparities exist between rural and urban areas in the US. A primary contributor is low access to preventive care in rural areas. Among the most promising strategies to overcome this is increasing access through offering HPV vaccination in non-traditional, convenient health settings such as pharmacies. In rural areas, community pharmacies are trusted, convenient pillars of the community. In Alabama, community pharmacies are eligible for enrollment in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, a federally-funded program that provides free vaccines to children and adolescents under 18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, American Indian, or Alaska …


Determinants Of Utilization Of Skilled Birth Attendant Among Women Of Reproductive Age In Habeswein Ward, Wajir County, Kenya, Suada Hassan Dec 2025

Determinants Of Utilization Of Skilled Birth Attendant Among Women Of Reproductive Age In Habeswein Ward, Wajir County, Kenya, Suada Hassan

MSc in Advanced Practice Midwifery

Background: Maternal care provided by a skilled birth attendant (SBA) during pregnancy, at delivery, childbirth, and the postpartum period is vital for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. In sub-Saharan Africa, the overall prevalence of usage of SBA in a 2021 study was 63%. Tanzania recorded the lowest rate at 13.8%, while Kenya registered 89.3% in 2023. However, disparities exist within Kenyan counties, for instance, in Wajir County only 57% of births were assisted by skilled health providers, a disparity that could be due to socio-cultural differences.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the factors influencing the utilization of skilled …


Assessing The Impact Of Maternal Oral Health On The Risk Of Adverse Birth Outcomes, May Amr Salama Dec 2025

Assessing The Impact Of Maternal Oral Health On The Risk Of Adverse Birth Outcomes, May Amr Salama

Health Services Research Dissertations

Preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) are leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal periodontal disease (PD) has been increasingly linked to these adverse birth outcomes (ABOs), yet questions about causality and treatment effectiveness persist due to study design heterogeneity and potential unmeasured confounding. These gaps hinder the development of clear clinical and public health guidelines. This dissertation addresses these gaps through three interconnected studies assessing the relationship between maternal oral health and ABOs.

The first study employed a meta-epidemiological analysis of 62 original studies from nine systematic reviews to evaluate the impact of unmeasured confounding on …


Assessing Post-Pandemic Engagement In The Supplemental Nutrition Program For Women, Infants, And Children (Wic) In Northeast Tennessee, Christen Minnick Dec 2025

Assessing Post-Pandemic Engagement In The Supplemental Nutrition Program For Women, Infants, And Children (Wic) In Northeast Tennessee, Christen Minnick

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since 1974, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has provided healthy food resources, nutrition education, and provider referrals for families at risk for poor nutrition. Public health professionals have consistently presented evidence that WIC engagement reduces premature births and infant mortality, improves child health and development, and increases specialized care access for participants. While average monthly participation in WIC has increased since the program’s inception, trends indicate that only around half of eligible families have consistently engaged with the program since 2011. Research has linked declining WIC participation to administrative burden, citing learning, psychological, compliance, …


Understanding The U.S. Maternal Healthcare System At The Intersection Of Asian American Birth Outcomes And The Model Minority Stereotype: A Literature Review, Sophia Hevel Nov 2025

Understanding The U.S. Maternal Healthcare System At The Intersection Of Asian American Birth Outcomes And The Model Minority Stereotype: A Literature Review, Sophia Hevel

University Honors Theses

This thesis aims to explore the maternal healthcare system in the United States as it pertains to Asian American birthing people, the ways in which their racial, ethnic, and cultural identities are interacted with within the U.S. Healthcare system, and subsequently the detrimental effects of the medical system's devaluation of culturally specific birthing and postpartum practices have on Asian American birthing experiences. This will be accomplished through an exploration of the United States' maternal healthcare system, or rather, its crisis; how Asian Americans navigate a system that has not been structured to support their specific needs; and lastly, a discussion …


Nirsevimab Effectiveness Against Intensive Care Unit Admission For Respiratory Syncytial Virus In Infants - 24 States, December 2024-April 2025, Laura D. Zambrano, Regina M. Simeone, Margaret M. Newhams, Amanda B. Payne, Natasha B. Halasa, Amber O. Orzel-Lockwood, Jemima M. Calixte, Satoshi Kamidani, Hillary Crandall, Melissa A. Cameron, Jennifer E. Schuster, Aline B. Maddux, Kathleen Chiotos, Katherine Irby, Steven L. Shein, Mary Allen Staat, Lora M. Martin, Samina S. Bhumbra, Ryan A. Nofziger, Jigar C. Chauhan, Danielle M. Zerr, Shira J. Gertz, Judith A. Guzman-Cottrill, Michele Kong, Janet R. Hume, Bria M. Coates, Kelly N. Michelson, Tamara T. Bradford, Et Al Nov 2025

Nirsevimab Effectiveness Against Intensive Care Unit Admission For Respiratory Syncytial Virus In Infants - 24 States, December 2024-April 2025, Laura D. Zambrano, Regina M. Simeone, Margaret M. Newhams, Amanda B. Payne, Natasha B. Halasa, Amber O. Orzel-Lockwood, Jemima M. Calixte, Satoshi Kamidani, Hillary Crandall, Melissa A. Cameron, Jennifer E. Schuster, Aline B. Maddux, Kathleen Chiotos, Katherine Irby, Steven L. Shein, Mary Allen Staat, Lora M. Martin, Samina S. Bhumbra, Ryan A. Nofziger, Jigar C. Chauhan, Danielle M. Zerr, Shira J. Gertz, Judith A. Guzman-Cottrill, Michele Kong, Janet R. Hume, Bria M. Coates, Kelly N. Michelson, Tamara T. Bradford, Et Al

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and respiratory failure among infants (children aged < year) in the United States. In August 2023, CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, to protect against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection among all infants aged < 8 months born during or entering their first RSV season. Following licensure, nirsevimab effectiveness has been demonstrated against RSV-associated infant hospitalization, but evidence regarding effectiveness against RSV-associated critical illness is limited. In a 27-hospital case-control investigation, nirsevimab effectiveness against both RSV-associated infant ICU admission and acute respiratory failure (illness requiring continuous positive airway pressure, bilevel positive airway pressure, or invasive mechanical ventilation) after hospital admission was evaluated during December 1, 2024-April 15, 2025. Among 457 case-patients who received a positive RSV test result and 302 control patients who received a negative RSV test result admitted to an ICU with respiratory symptoms, 14% and 45%, respectively, had received nirsevimab ≥ 7 days before symptom onset. Nirsevimab was 80% effective (95% CI = 70%-86%) against RSV-associated ICU admission and 83% effective (95% CI = 74%-90%) against acute respiratory failure when received a median of 52 days (IQR = 32-89 days) and 50 days (IQR = 32-86 days) before onset for each respective endpoint. These estimates support the recommendation for use of nirsevimab as a prevention strategy to protect infants against severe outcomes from RSV infection.


Parentcoach: Designing An Mhealth Parenting App To Enhance Parental Involvement In Adhd Support, Franceli L. Cibrian, Nancy Herrera, Jesus A. Beltran, Lucas M. Silva, Mikaela Pulse, Kayla Anderson, Cassie Zeiler, Luc Rieffel, Daniel I. Lee, Sabrina E. B. Schuck, Kimberley D. Lakes Nov 2025

Parentcoach: Designing An Mhealth Parenting App To Enhance Parental Involvement In Adhd Support, Franceli L. Cibrian, Nancy Herrera, Jesus A. Beltran, Lucas M. Silva, Mikaela Pulse, Kayla Anderson, Cassie Zeiler, Luc Rieffel, Daniel I. Lee, Sabrina E. B. Schuck, Kimberley D. Lakes

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction: Parents play a vital role in supporting self-regulation and managing behaviors in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, many face barriers to accessing consistent, evidence-based support. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer a promising way to deliver flexible, low-burden guidance for parents on best practices and strategies to support their children's self-regulation. However, designing them is non-trivial.

Objective: This paper introduces ParentCoach, a mobile application designed to support parents of children with ADHD through brief daily lessons, reflection prompts, and skill-building activities.

Methods: ParentCoach was developed in two phases: (1) secondary analysis of qualitative data from over 30 families …