Public Health Education and Promotion Commons^™

Ethnicity Matters: Implications For Understanding And Acting Upon Disparities In Health Affecting Black Men In The United States, Helen V. S. Cole

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Compared to non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks have higher rates of mortality from heart disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and HIV/AIDS. Black men have a life expectancy approximately 4.7 years than the life expectancy of non-Hispanic white men, due in part to higher prevalence of chronic disease among black men. Many factors are hypothesized to contribute to disparities in health between races, including differences in socioeconomic status; culturally-linked behaviors such as diet, substance use, and physical activity; access to quality healthcare and other resources; and experiences of racism, both institutional and interpersonal. However, in public health research, race is usually treated as …

Educación Del Paciente Para El Auto Cuidado De La Diabetes En El Centro De Salud De Primaria Atención: Villa Verde En Partido De Pilar, Buenos Aires, Ethan Leigner

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Vivir con diabetes cambia toda la vida de una persona. Sin el conocimiento de su autocuidado, el paciente tiene poca oportunidad de seguir viviendo la vida que desean. Sin educación adecuada, los diabéticos probablemente desarrollarán complicaciones que pueden conducir a problemas de salud muy graves y costosos. La prevalencia de diabetes ha ido en aumento en Argentina, y una estrategia efectiva para educar a los pacientes en el autocuidado es más necesaria ahora que nunca. Con un proceso eficiente de orientar a los pacientes a través del autocuidado, Argentina puede manejar mejor a largo plazo el efecto de diabetes y …

A Model For Hiv Disclosure Of A Parent's And/Or A Child's Illness, Gary J. Burkholder Jr, Grace Gachanja

Walden Faculty and Staff Publications

HIV prevalence in Kenya remains steady at 5.6% for adults 15 years and older, and 0.9% among children aged below 14 years. Parents and children are known to practice unprotected sex, which has implications for continued HIV spread within the country. Additionally, due to increased accessibility of antiretroviral therapy, more HIV-positive persons are living longer. Therefore, the need for HIV disclosure of a parent's and/or a child's HIV status within the country will continue for years to come. We conducted a qualitative phenomenological study to understand the entire process of disclosure from the time of initial HIV diagnosis of an …

Assessment Of The Knowledge And Skills Of School Personnel To Respond To Diabetic Emergencies In Georgia Public Schools, Alesha Wright

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Diabetes is a common chronic disease that affects children in the United States. As children with diabetes attend school, the ability to appropriately manage their diabetes is essential to preventing life-threatening health complications. The purpose of the study was to assess school personnel’s knowledge of diabetes and perceived self-competence in performing diabetes management skills in response to a diabetic emergency. For the present study, a diabetic emergency was operationalized to include hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or diabetic ketoacidosis. A cross-sectional survey design, utilizing a fifty-two item self-administered questionnaire that accentuated the causes and symptoms of diabetes, definition of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and …

Análisis De Las Políticas Públicas De Prevención Del Cáncer De Cuello Uterino Vinculadas Al Control Del Virus Del Papiloma Humano (Vph) En Argentina / An Analysis Of Argentina’S Public Health Prevention Strategies Of Cervical Cancer Related To The Control Of The Human Papiloma Virus (Hpv), Caroline Seman

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

El objetivo general de este estudio es analizar las políticas públicas de prevención del cáncer de cuello uterino (CCU) basadas en la incorporación de nuevas tecnologías como el test de VPH (Virus del Papiloma Humano) y la vacuna contra el VPH en Argentina. Los objetivos específicos son 1) describir la implementación del test de VPH y la campaña de vacunación obligatoria contra el VPH como estrategias de prevención primaria del CCU a nivel nacional: 2) identificar los factores que las facilitan y las obstaculizan. El CCU es el segundo cáncer más diagnosticado en las mujeres de Argentina. Desde el año …

Prevalence Of Depression Among Active Tb And Tb/Hiv Patients In Kisumu County, Esther Lee

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people have been affected by a mental health disorder at one point in their lives.^[1] Kenya’s mental disorders account for 5.9% of the total global burden.[2] Mental disorders like depression is often comorbid with TB and HIV and disproportionately affects those with lower socio-economic income. Kisumu, a city in Nyanza province, has the highest HIV and TB prevalence in Kenya. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression among TB non-coinfected and TB/HIV co-infected patients at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) and the Clinical …

European Policies On Cardiovascular Disease Prevention And Health Promotion: A Comparative Study, Alison Council

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

As the number one cause of death, cardiovascular disease represents a threat to both the economic and social well being of European countries. As a result of a variety of coordinated efforts between the European Union (EU), national governments, nonprofits, private industry, and local communities, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been decreasing in most countries in recent years. Measures such as bans on trans fats in Denmark, social mobilization and prevention policy in Finland, and nutrition labeling in the United Kingdom have had major impacts on heart disease. For instance, Finland’s prevention programs have resulted in a 63% reduction in deaths …

Factors Associated With Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Younger African American Men: A Systematic Review, Charles R. Rogers, Patricia Goodson, Margaret Foster

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Of cancers affecting both men and women, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cancer killer among African Americans in the U.S. Compared to White men, African American men have incidence and mortality rates 25% and 50% higher from CRC. Despite the benefits of early detection and the availability of effective screening, most adults over age 50 have not undergone testing, and disparities in colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) persist. Owing to CRC’s high incidence and younger age at presentation among African American men, CRCS is warranted at age 45 rather than 50. However, the factors influencing young adult (i.e., age < 50) African American men’s intention to screen and/or their CRCS behaviors has not been systematically assessed. To assess whether the factors influencing young adult African American men’s screening intentions and behaviors are changeable through structured health education interventions, we conducted a systematic review, with the two-fold purpose of: (1) synthesizing studies examining African American men's knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors regarding CRCS; and (2) assessing these studies’ methodological quality. Utilizing Garrard’s Matrix Method, a total of 28 manuscripts met our inclusion/exclusion criteria: 20 studies followed a non-experimental research design, 4 comprised a quasi-experimental design, and 4, an experimental design. Studies were published between 2002 and 2012; the majority, between 2007 and 2011. The factors most frequently assessed were behaviors (79%), beliefs (68%), and knowledge (61%) of CRC and CRCS. Six factors associated with CRC and CRCS emerged: previous CRCS, CRC test preference, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, CRC/CRCS knowledge, and physician support/recommendation. Studies were assigned a methodological quality score (MQS – ranging from 0 to 21). The mean MQS of 10.9 indicated these studies were, overall, of medium quality and suffered from specific flaws. Alongside a call for more rigorous research, this review provides important suggestions for practice and culturally relevant interventions.

Improving Early Infant Hiv Diagnosis In Kenya: Study Protocol Of A Cluster-Randomized Efficacy Trial Of The Hitsystem., Sarah Finocchario-Kessler, Kathy Goggin, Samoel Khamadi, Brad Gautney, Jacinda K. Dariotis, Charles Bawcom, An-Lin Cheng, Niaman Nazir, Catherine Martin, Andrea Ruff, Michael Sweat, Vincent Okoth

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Early infant diagnosis among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed infants is a critical component of prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs. Barriers to early infant diagnosis include poor uptake, low retention at designated re-testing intervals, delayed test results, passive systems of communication, and poor linkage to treatment. This study will evaluate the HIV Infant Tracking System (HITSystem), an eHealth intervention that streamlines communication and accountability between the key early infant diagnosis stakeholders: HIV+ mothers and their HIV-exposed infants, healthcare providers, and central laboratory personnel. It is hypothesized that the HITSystem will significantly improve early infant diagnosis retention at 9 and 18 …

Convalescent Serum Therapy As Rapid Advance Treatment For Ebola In West Africa, J Bankole Thompson Md, Phd, Patricia F. Mejabi Msc., Olugbenga O. Mejabi Phd, S Ahmed Tejan-Sie Md

International Journal of African Development

The 2014 public health crisis in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone has brought Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) to everyone’s attention. Discovered in 1976, this deadly disease infrequently struck in remote areas of Africa. This article will critically review the literature and describe the pathobiology, transmission, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of EVDwhich, was predicted by the Centers for Disease Control to potentially infect 1.4 million persons in Liberia and Sierra Leone by January 2015 (“Questions and Answers”, 2014). Thankfully this worst case scenario did not occur and we may be experiencing natural burn out of the outbreak along …

Know Your Status: Alleviating Stigma From The Hiv Positive Community Of San Luis Obispo California, Mario Alberto Viveros Espinoza

Ethnic Studies

The purpose of this project is to alleviate stigma from the HIV community in San Luis Obispo, CA by creating an outreach program, “Know Your Status,” that raises awareness of HIV education and prevention. Research on HIV stigma and on ideologies for program development and implementation shows that HIV positive individuals face both internalized and externalized stigma. Program development and implementation can be effective by assessing and addressing the specific needs of those living within the community. This project includes the data needed for program development and implementation, collected through anonymous surveys from HIV positive community members, interviews with professionals …

Cus M! Let’S Go!: The Flourishing Of Bali’S Komunitas Gay In The Hiv/Aids Crisis, Ikaika Ramonès

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This paper draws on approximately one month of field research with two Indonesian Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), exploring how Bali’s komunitas gay has been affected by, reacted to, proactively combated, and even transcended the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic. This paper first situates the argument by explaining the uniqueness of Bali as a site of HIV/AIDS resurgence and centre of gay life in Indonesia. In this context, the paper discusses the observed phenomena, testimony of experiences from collaborators, and the role one of these NGOs plays in the community. This paper argues against the commonly-held static and victimizing notion that the HIV/AIDS crisis …

Why?-Abetes: Understanding Diabetes Management In Rural Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, Kyra Wicklund

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This project will investigate how diabetics, family members, and community members involved with diabetes relate to the disease and its continued management in a rural area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Although diabetes is an issue worldwide, it has been largely over-looked in sub-Saharan Africa. This study utilized interviews with diabetics, family members of diabetics, and clinic staff as well as personal observations to reveal the strategies, challenges, and stories of diabetes in this area. Conversations with local health experts verified that diabetes is a major issue in the area of this study. Topics of interest were support structures present; education; …

Permanence And Picnic Tables Perceptions Of Maji Safi Group’S Disease Prevention Center At Shirati Kmt District Designated Hospital, Sarah Muskin

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study conducted in Shirati village in the Rorya District of the Mara Region of Tanzania analyzed perspectives on the effectiveness of Maji Safi Group’s Disease Prevention Center at Shirati KMT District Designated Hospital. It took place from April 9th- 24th 2015. The sample frame was those affiliated with or using the Disease Prevention Centers resources. The sample populations were medical professional employed at Shirati Hospital (n = 15), Community Health Workers (n = 11) (CHWs) working for Maji Safi Group, and visitors (n = 113) to the Disease Prevention Center. This study utilized three main methods for data collection: …

Barriers To Prevention And Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Analysis Of Women In East Sikkim, India, Emily Applewhite

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects more people in India than anywhere else in the world (Ramachandran et. al., 2010). A recent national study concluded that Sikkim, a small northeastern state in the Himalayas, has the highest prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus compared to any other state in India. In order to determine why this is so, this study looks at the barriers women face when attempting to prevent and treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in East Sikkim. Fieldwork for this study was facilitated by The Volunteer Health Association of Sikkim, and took place in Gangtok and a …

The Clinical Breast Examination: A Useful Screening Tool?, Jennifer Lo

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

The standardization of the clinical breast examination as a screening tool for breast cancer has been a topic of controversy. Current recommendations vary significantly from organization to organization without consensus. There currently does not seem to be sufficient evidence regarding overall survival benefit of the clinical breast exam. However, as adjunct screening with mammography, it may help find earlier breast cancers and the up to 5–10% of cancers missed by mammography. The most appropriate standardized protocol may be that the clinical breast exam can be performed at the discretion of the provider and patient, with more inclination toward use in …

What Are The Recommended Timing And Screening Modalities For Women At Higher Risk Of Developing Breast Cancer? A Clin-Iq, Summer Jatala, Shawn Fitzgerald, Pamela Tietze, Kalyanakrishnan Ramakrisnan, Laine H. Mccarthy, Elizabeth Wickersham

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Early detection of breast cancer is desirable to prevent progression to advanced disease. This subject has been one of significant study and debate for women at normal risk, and recommendations continue to evolve. However, with regard to women at high risk, the recommendations from various health care professional organizations, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, are different and also inconsistent concerning when to begin screening and which modalities should be used. We review several randomized controlled trials and consensus opinions regarding when to begin screening for breast cancer and how to best screen women at high risk. Specifically, we …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Heart Improvement Toolkit Program: A Pilot Project, Cheryl L. Mitchell

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic, debilitating disease resulting in over one million hospitalizations with an estimated 30.7 million dollars in total health care cost per year (Go et al., 2014). Evidence shows that HF education programs that promote adherence to pharmacological and non-pharmacological provider recommendations are effective in reducing 30-day HF recidivism rates, increasing self-care behavior, and decreasing adverse clinical events. The purpose of this evidence-based project was to implement the Heart Improvement Toolkit (HIT) Program which is a one-on-one, comprehensive HF-specific education program, for patients with a HF diagnosis who have been admitted to non-cardiac specialty units. Program …

Alternative Therapy For Sickle Cell Disease, Huda Alsultan

Graduate Research Papers

Sickle cell disease can lead to serious complications, such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, organ damage, blindness, skin ulcers, gallstones and priapism. Additionally, patients with sickle cell disease usually have several pain crises during the year, which means they have to be admitted to the hospital a couple days or weeks in order to treat these crises by pain relievers through IV line or veins. This necessitates quite often that the patient would be absent from their jobs or schools. Frequent absences may cause people with sickle cell disease to experience stress which in turn leads to a …

The Effects Of Vitamin D Supplementation On Influenza, Jonah M. Spoerndle

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Recently the role of vitamin D in other non-classical capacities has been evaluated. One of these non-classical vitamin D roles is assisting in maintaining proper immune system health. One disease that has a great effect on the immune system is influenza. Vitamin D helps to prevent and limit influenza by moderating the inflammatory cytokines as well as promoting the production of monocytes that help destroy the invading materials. Through the use of vitamin D supplementation the recommended daily amount of vitamin D can be assured and optimal health could be achieved. The purpose of this project was to design a …

H.E.A.P.S. In Advances Towards A Healthier Samoa The Health Education And Promotions Section’S Role In Combating Non-Communicable Diseases, Kara Le

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

With an increase in the number of health issues within Samoa, specifically in relation to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), it is important to examine the efforts being made by government health officials to improve Samoa’s overall health status. This study explores the role of the Health Education and Promotion Section (H.E.A.P.S.) of the Ministry of Health in establishing and promoting healthier standards within the Samoan community. The current efforts of H.E.A.P.S. in combating NCDs through recently introduced projects and programs were explored in-depth. Further analysis of the design and effectiveness of these programs in changing the unhealthy habits of Samoan people …

Human Papillomavirus And The Gardasil Vaccine: Medicalization And The Gendering Of Bodies And Bodily Risk, Lauren Camara

Laurier Undergraduate Journal of the Arts

No abstract provided.

A Rhetorical Analysis Of The Rethinking Aids Website, Jennifer Dettmann

Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato

A group of scientists known as the Group for Scientific Reappraisal of the HIV-AIDS hypothesis created a web site title, Rethinking AIDS. The group behind the web site argues that AIDS is not a sexually transmitted disease. They even question the existence of the virus entity. My analysis is driven by the critical question: Does the web site construct a reality that affectively alters our perception of HIV-AIDS? In order to answer this question, Goodnight and Poulakos 1981 article, Conspiracy rhetoric: from pragmatism to fantasy to public discourse (Western Journal of Speech), will be utilized.

Investigating The Viability Of Two Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia Isolates After Air-Drying, Samantha Lane, Joanna Brooke

DePaul Discoveries

Abstract

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a water-borne infectious bacterium that is found in both clinical (hospitals) and non-clinical environments. This human pathogen is commonly recovered from respiratory tract infections. A recent study at a hospital in Taiwan suggested that dry patient charts can serve as a vehicle of transmission of this bacterium⁷. As S. maltophilia is not commonly isolated from dry surfaces, this current study tested the hypothesis that this pathogen can remain viable for some time on a dry surface. This study was designed to determine how long S. maltophilia could remain viable after air-drying by observing …

Acculturation And Cardiovascular Behaviors Among Adult Asian-Americans, Monideepa Bhattacharya Becerra

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: The World Health Organization recommends the promotion of positive cardiovascular behaviors (healthy diet and physical activity), while reducing negative ones (tobacco and alcohol abuse) as critical steps in reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases. Researchers have highlighted the role of acculturation in predicting such behaviors among immigrants, though similar studies among Asian-American subgroups are lacking. This study examines the putative relationship between acculturation and aforementioned cardiovascular behaviors among six Asian-American subgroups.

Methods: A secondary analysis of the California Health Interview Survey 2007, 2009, and 2011 public access data was conducted. Acculturation was assessed utilizing proxy measures of language spoken …

Case Study: Sick On A South American Sugarcane Plantation, Kevin M. Bonney

Publications and Research

A case study is presented that was designed to be used in high school and college level courses to familiarize students with chagas disease, its transmission, and effects in Central and South America. Noted objectives of the lesson include evaluating disease symptoms, examining socioeconomic factors related to the epidemiology, and creating visual aids with public health information. Questions are provided for discussing the a case of chagas disease at a Brazilian sugarcane plantation.

An Analysis Of Abnormal Electrocardiograms In First And Second Year Medical School Students, Molly Anne Kalish

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

The high stress level placed upon medical school students, particularly during their first and second didactic years, may have a negative effect on their health. Although surveys and subjective questionnaires have been used to evaluate the effects medical school has upon a student’s cardiovascular health, there has been little clinical data obtained to confirm this notion. The aim of this longitudinal study was to demonstrate whether any abnormal cardiovascular parameters, specifically QTc wave interval, cardiac axis vector and blood pressure abnormalities, could be documented to occur in two different classes of medical students during their first two years. Such information …

Dental Hygienists' Knowledge Of Hiv, Attitudes Towards People With Hiv And Willingness To Conduct Rapid Hiv Testing, Anthony J. Santella, B Krishnamachari, Susan H. Davide, Marilyn Cortell, Winnie Furnari, B Watts, Sarah C. Hayden

Publications and Research

This study was aimed to determine the dental hygienists' knowledge of HIV, attitudes towards people living with HIV and willingness to conduct rapid HIV testing.

Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) In Madagascar: A Case Study Of A Neglected Tropical Disease, Sarah Grace Sawyer

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Over 50% of Madagascar’s population is infected with intestinal or urinary schistosomiasis (Rollinson et al., 2012). The disease slowly debilitates infected persons, who are frequently children, resulting in lower productivity and reduced learning in school-age children. The disease involves a vicious cycle perpetuated by a number of environmental, psychological, and social factors. A multifaceted approach, involving mass treatment, biological control, environmental control, education, and disease surveillance, can lead to schistosomiasis control and elimination in Madagascar. This would yield many socio-economic benefits such as increased productivity, increased school attendance rates, and generally better welfare. Schistosomiasis is the most burdensome and deadly …

Gender Disparities In Access To Hiv Testing And Antiretroviral Treatment Services, Wyatt Lombard Smith

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Throughout a six-week practicum period at TASO Mulago in Kampala, Uganda and St. Francis Naggalama Hospital in Naggalama, Uganda, the researcher aimed to find methods to increase male engagement in all facets of comprehensive HIV/AIDS care. Women and children generally receive most global attention on the issue of HIV/AIDS in Uganda but men are beginning to demand more attention. Antiretroviral treatment has been critical in allowing countless people to live functionally with HIV but many research projects have hypothesized that delayed access to HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention methods has resulted in men exhibiting higher mortality rates upon initiation of this …