Health Psychology Commons^™

The Association Between Assorted Hormonal Contraceptive Methods And Advanced-Stage Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Review, Cheng Cheng

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Epithelial ovarian cancer, the most lethal of the gynecological cancers, is typically diagnosed at advanced stages. Women diagnosed with advance-staged (i.e., stage III and IV according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) epithelial ovarian cancer are more likely to have recurrent episodes within 18 months17. According to a 2012 2016 case analysis conducted by the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results, or SEER program, the incidence of ovarian cancer was 11.4 per 100,000 women in all races per year with the highest incidence in non-Hispanic whites, of 11.9 per 100,000 women and the lowest incidence in Asians / Pacific …

Depression, Anxiety, And Social Anxiety As Predictors Of Help – Seeking Behavior Among U.S. University Students, Priya B. Thomas

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Depression and anxiety are the top two mental health issues frequently cited by university students. Furthermore, the majority of students fail to seek professional help and may not find treatment useful. Many studies do not address the multiple factors that inhibit help seeking behaviors. This study aims to examine the associations between mental health issues and specific sociodemographic factors that may predict which students find seeking mental health treatment useful and are likely to seek help for their mental health issues over two semesters. Data from this study can be used to help develop strategies that help students maximize the …

Using S-Predixcan To Identify Associations Of Genetically Determined Gene Expression Levels With Carotid Intima Media Thickness, Andy Bryan A Castaneda

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The aim of the study was to identify associations between predicted gene expression levels using S-PrediXcan and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) in order to elucidate the etiology of atherosclerosis. Further, we wanted to compare our results to those from a transcriptome wide association study (TWAS) that used actual gene expression levels in whole blood. For our analysis we used summary statistics from a GWAS of cIMT from the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) consortium, tissue-specific gene expression profiles from the GTEx project, and S-PrediXcan prediction models. The TWAS of cIMT that we compared our …

Treatment Outcomes Associated With Implementation Of An Express Sti Testing Model In A Prep Clinic In Austin, Texas, Diane Chau

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

It is unknown whether express STI testing is as effective as comprehensive STI testing. The research aims of this study are: (1) to describe the patients who obtained a STI testing at the Kind Clinic between February 01, 2019 to January 31, 2020; (2) to determine the association between STI testing type and sociodemographic factors, clinically-relevant factors, and treatment outcomes; (3) to visualize time-to-treatment among STI type and testing types for comparison on a diagnosis-level and a patient-level. Electronic medical records were abstracted for 2,201 patients that received an STI test during February 01, 2019 and January 31, 2020 at …

Exploration Of Breastfeeding As A Protective Factor For Breast Cancer In South African Women: A Nested Case-Control Study, Quiera S. Booker

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

South African’s (SA) breast cancer incidence rate is continually increasing (39 per 100,000 (2012) versus 46.2 per 100,000 (2018) with trends towards later-stage diagnosis. In previous literature, breastfeeding has been assessed as a protective factor for breast cancer; however, the SA population experiences inconsistent breastfeeding trends, rates, and support services. Therefore, this study will evaluate the inverse association between breast cancer and breastfeeding history. Methods. Cases (breast cancer) and controls (mastalgia) were matched 1:1 on clinical visit from May-August 2019 at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. Breastfeeding history, breast carcinoma diagnosis, and clinically relevant …

Raft-Versus-Host Disease Occurrence Among Cord Blood Transplantation Recipients In Relation To Human Leukocyte Antigen Match Grade, Sarah Chowdhury

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation has been consistently found to have low rates of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), high rates of engraftment, and faster turnaround times in terms of finding suitable donors. In addition, it serves as a viable option for individuals with no matched donor options especially due to its flexible human leukocyte antigen matching criteria. Despite its advantages, there has been an overall decrease in UCB transplantation. However, its advantages emphasize the need for further research and investment in resources such as cord blood banking especially since pediatric populations are most likely to benefit from continued research due to …

Statistical Evaluation Of An Extension Of Linear Discriminant Analysis In Multiclass Settings With An Application For Detection Of Cervical Neoplasia, Frances A. Brito

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Although a pathologists’ review of Papanicolaou smear cell samples has been successful in decreasing cervical cancer incidence, it is often costly and time-consuming. Quantitative cytology is a promising semi-automated method that measures cell features for further analysis or classification. There have been several advancements in classification algorithms, but many do not account for the nested data structure seen in quantitative cytology. Further, histologic diagnoses are separated into five or more classes, yet, multiclass classification has not been investigated. Here, we compare the predictive performance of macrolevel discriminant analysis (MDA) to traditional discriminant analysis methods in multi-class settings on cervical quantitative …

The Health And Wellness Characteristics Of Food And Beverage Service Industry Workers In Austin, Texas: A Participatory Cross-Sectional Survey, Alexandria Abbott

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Food and beverage service industry workers are prone to tobacco use, alcohol abuse, illicit drug use, and mental health conditions. These workers are also highly likely to not have health insurance. Despite the poor health outcomes that stem from these conditions, little to no empirical evidence currently exists to explain the factors that contribute to the poor health condition of the service industry workforce. This study used a cross-sectional online survey to gather preliminary information on the health and wellness condition of service industry workers over the age of 18 in Austin, Texas. Survey respondents revealed high rates of alcohol …

Follow Up Care, Cancer Treatment Summaries And Patient Centered Communication, Ashleigh Gil

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The adolescent and young adult (AYA) age group is the cohort of individuals who have been diagnosed with and/or are survivors of cancer. It is recommended they receive lifelong follow up care to prevent or mitigate late health effects associated with cancer and treatment. However, AYAs are caught between the pediatric and adult healthcare systems and they may not be able to fully advocate for their healthcare needs. Some factors that may be associated with AYAs survivorship care are treatment summaries and where they receive follow up care. This study aimed to identify if receipt of a treatment summary and …

Managing Stress In A Constantly-Changing Workforce, Lorri Burch-Hubbard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

When staffing reductions occur in the workplace, staff left behind may face increased stress, may not be given the support they need to manage the feelings caused by the reduction. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of stress caused by staffing reductions has on medical technologists (MT), medical technicians (MLT) and respiratory therapists (RT), and to identify any common methods of stress management used by those staff who remain in the organization.

Literature research showed the negative impact stress can have on individuals when it is not addressed, such as decreased work performance, health issues, and even the …

Polysubstance Exposure And Its Relationship To Pharmacological Treatment Characteristics, Parker Miller

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) remains an ever-growing public health issue and a continued avenue for future research. The research question for this retrospective study was whether polysubstance exposure is related to the dose of medication the infant received or to the number of opioid-medications required to treat the infants’ withdrawal symptoms? The hypothesis for the retrospective study was there will be a significant relationship between polysubstance exposure and the dose of medication the infant received as well as the number of opioid-medications required to treat the infants’ withdrawal symptoms. A bivariate correlational indicated that there was not a significant association …

Patient, Hospital And State-Level Policy Characteristics Associated With Prevalence Of Treating Opioid Use Disorder In United States Emergency Departments, Rafeek Adeyemi Yusuf

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The opioid crisis in the United States was declared a public health emergency due to escalating and untoward human, financial, and systemic consequences and effects on the nation. Opioid use disorder (OUD) comprising opioid abuse and dependence is devastating because of its associated chronic relapsing nature, overutilization of healthcare services, rising morbidity and mortality rates, and high cost of care. Efforts to address this have not made significant positive impacts. It is thus imperative to reassess the influence of factors associated with OUD. This study answered the question, what patient-, hospital-, and state-level policy factors were associated with prevalence of …

Identifying Risk Factors For Chronic Kidney Disease Of Unknown Origin In Six Central American Countries And Houston, Texas, Erika Figueroa-Solis

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem that is recognized worldwide. The type of CKD in Central America does not fit the “usual” CKD encountered in countries with upper middle-income economies, and is also often referred to as CKD of undetermined cause (CKDu). Evidence suggests that CKDu is a disease of occupational origin that can be brought on by a combination of exposures: hot environments, high physical job demands, inadequate hydration protocols, and effects of other nephrotoxic agents. Many gaps remain in knowledge related to CKDu and its putative risk factors, geographic distribution, distributions of renal function in …

Perceptions Et Attitudes Face À La Conduite Automobile Dans Un Contexte De Travail Chez Les Policiers En Fonction Et Les Aspirants Policiers, Martin Lavallière, François Bellavance

Rapports de recherche scientifique

La conduite automobile représente une composante importante du travail policier. De la patrouille à la conduite en situation d’urgence, le policier se doit d’être constamment à la recherche d’informations pour lui permettre de préserver sa sécurité derrière le volant et celle de la population qu’il dessert. Des études sur les accidents routiers au travail ont montré que les policiers ne sont pas à l’abri des collisions routières et que celles-ci, lorsqu’elles surviennent, sont potentiellement mortelles. L’objectif de cette étude est de 1) documenter les perceptions et les attitudes face à la conduite automobile en fonction de l’appartenance à un groupe …

Comparing Individual Perceptions Of Food Desert With Quantitative Measures In Omaha, Nebraska., Hector N. Samani, Bradley Bereitschaft

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Food deserts have been linked to an increase in chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, due to lower access to affordable and healthy foods. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) outlines various methods and variables for defining food deserts, in attempts to standardize what constitutes a food desert or their characteristics. The USDA identifies the state of Nebraska as having both rural and urban food deserts, with an increase of food insecurity from 1.1% – 3.0% between 2007 and 2012 and warns of further increase of food deserts and its impact if measures are not taken. However, there …

Incapacité Due À Un Trouble Musculosquelettique : Les Inquiétudes Liées À L'Environnement De Travail, Marie-France Coutu, Marie-José Durand, Iuliana Nastasia, Fergal O'Hagan, Patrick Gosselin, Marie-Élise Labrecque, Sara Pettigrew, Djamal Berbiche

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Environ une personne sur trois dans le monde vivrait avec un trouble musculosquelettique (TMS) persistant. Plusieurs auteurs soulignent l’influence significative des facteurs psychosociaux, dont l’anxiété, sur le développement de l’incapacité prolongée. Associées à l’anxiété, des inquiétudes excessives ont été documentées chez des travailleurs ayant une douleur persistante d’origine musculosquelettique. Les inquiétudes ne favorisent pas l’adaptation en contexte d’une situation problématique. Cependant, aucune étude n’a jusqu’à présent tenté de comprendre ces inquiétudes, en lien avec l’environnement de travail. Une meilleure compréhension de ce phénomène semble un incontournable pour offrir une action mieux ciblée aux travailleurs ayant une incapacité au travail prolongée. …

Identifying Behavioral Differences Between People With And Without Previous Cancer Diagnosis, Kyle Anderson, Lisa Sparks, Jianwei Zhang, Cyril Rakovski

Communication Faculty Articles and Research

We undertake a study to determine and assess the effects of the statistically significant predictors of the behaviors and notions that are associated with a cancer diagnosis using the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data. We implemented a new and extensive logistic regression modeling using stepwise variable selection and jackknife parameter estimation that identified the best explanatory model. Our results show that age, average time spent watching TV or playing games, usage of sunscreen, fruit intake intent, and the opinion-based variables for behaviors affecting high blood pressure, as well as the participant preference of not knowing the chance …

The Intersection Of Social Stress, Mental Well-Being, And Sexual Health Among Black Women In Emerging Adulthood, Brandi Galloway

Theses and Dissertations

With an estimated 37,000 new HIV infections each year, HIV continues to be a major public health concern. HIV affects some populations more than others. Young Black women, in particular, are disproportionately affected by HIV. While being a woman does not typically increase a person’s HIV risk, being Black and being a woman does.

Data indicate that individual-level factors do not fully address the differences in HIV and STIs between Black emerging adult women and their White counterparts. Thus, it is critical to better understand contextual factors such as social stress and mental-wellbeing which might better account for these disparities. …

Health Behaviors And Pandemics, Jay E. Maddock, Anna E. Greer

Public Health Faculty Publications

Human health behaviors are essential to reducing the spread and impact of pandemics. However, most behavioral scientists do not work in the area of pandemics given the infrequency of their occurrences. This editorial examines relevant health behavior theories, in particular the precaution adoption process model, and how these apply to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Predictors Of Kidney Transplant Receipt And Medicare Costs For Patients, Parisa Asgarisabet

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Background: The objectives of this study were to first understand whether a dialysis center’s ownership status modified the association between informing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients about transplantation options and patients’ transplantation status; and second, to understand whether Medicare’s Prospective Payment System (PPS) implementation affected the cost of care for ESRD patients from Medicare’s perspective.

Method: This study used the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) data containing information on all ESRD patients in the US, linked to Medicare claims. To address the first objective, a multi-level analysis using mixed effect multinomial logistic regression model was conducted with …

The Relationship Between Intensity Of Fitness Tracker Usage And Motivation, Rachel Cannata, Abigail C. Daugherty, Madison O. Dirocco, Julianne Green, Pial Dasgupta

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Many college students engage in unhealthy behaviors which may contribute to diseases. Additionally, some students may lack motivation to rectify these behaviors to improve their long-term health. This study assessed the relationship between intensity of fitness tracker usage and motivation among health professions students at a large, public Midwestern university. This non-experimental, correlational study used convenience sampling and a theoretical framework based on Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory. Online recruitment announcements were emailed and included links to the consent form and survey. Motivation was measured with Deci and Ryan’s modified self-determination tool. Intensity of tracker usage was measured using a scale …

A Phenomenological Photovoice Exploration Of Female Exercisers’ Experiences Of Their Body In Fitness Center Environments, Katherine E. Fairhurst

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

For many women, the relationship with their body and exercise is complex. Exercise can have positive effects on body image, however, not all women appear to benefit positively from all types of exercise. To date, body image research has focused on exercise as an activity and less so on the context in which exercise is performed. Women frequently exercise in fitness centers as young adults which, unfortunately, is associated with body dissatisfaction. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach with Photovoice methodology, we explored young adult women’s lived body experiences while exercising in fitness centers. A purposive sample of 11 …

Changing Weight Management Self-Efficacy Among Obese Puerto Rican Adults: A Quantitative Study Using A Health Coaching Intervention, Richard Valentin Ayala, Josh Bernstein

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Obesity and associated healthcare-related issues continue to increase. The prevalence of obesity is on the rise, which has led many health professionals to find ways to improve health interventions. Health coaching can be a viable tool to reduce the obesity epidemic. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the effects of an 8-weekhealth coaching intervention in obese individuals from Puerto Rico and to determine if self-esteem and body image influence weight managementself-efficacy. Method: A pretest-posttest design using a weight management self-efficacy scale helped the researcher evaluate the effectof the coaching sessions. In addition, body image …

Swipe Right For Condoms And Testing: Differences In High-Risk Sexual Behavior And Sexual Health Beliefs Among Dating App Users Compared To Non-App Users, Shelby A. Smout

Theses and Dissertations

Millions of Americans are currently using smartphone dating applications (apps) to socialize and meet with others. In some cases, app-based conversations lead to sexual interactions. Previous research examining the relationship between the use of dating apps and sexual behaviors has found that individuals who use dating apps and meet with partners from the app are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors such as having multiple partners and inconsistent condom use. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 are the group most likely to be using dating apps compared to other age groups and are a high-risk group …

“Is Therapy For Me?” Perceptions Of Therapy Inclusivity And Willingness To Seek Help Among Black Emerging Adults, Randl B. Dent

Theses and Dissertations

Mental health issues are prevalent among Black emerging adults; however, they tend to underutilize mental healthcare services. The goals of the current study were to examine whether: (1) perceived therapy inclusivity would predict willingness to utilize mental healthcare services and (2) the relationship between perceived therapy inclusivity and willingness would be moderated by two indices of racial identity (i.e., centrality and private regard). Results provide evidence that greater perceptions of therapy inclusivity are associated with greater willingness to seek mental health services even after controlling for factors, such as gender, self-stigma, and previous mental healthcare utilization. Additionally, there was no …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Caregiver Goals For Urban Children With And Without Asthma, Megan M. Carlson

Theses and Dissertations

Pediatric asthma is a major public health concern that disproportionately affects children of color and youth living in low-income, urban areas. The implications for public health, child health, and family functioning necessitates our understanding and addressing experiences by families who are facing barriers within their socio-demographic context in addition to the stressors associated with managing pediatric asthma. The current study applied qualitative methods to interviews with caregivers of children with and without asthma in an effort to more deeply connect with caregivers’ experiences and yield richer information about the intersection of identities as Black caregivers living in an urban setting …

The Correlation Between Maternal Postpartum Depression And Child Psychopathology, T'Keyah I. Vaughan

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a phenomenon that affects nearly 10-15% of pregnancies in the US. It is characterized by depressed mood or anhedonia and lasting for more than 2 weeks. PPD changes how moms interact with family members and child-rearing behavior. Depression is a phenomenon that is also known to affect the psychopathology of children. However, the specifics of how postpartum depression impacts children remains controversial. Many studies do not control for major depressive disorder which makes it difficult to disentangle the impact depression has within the first year of life. Furthermore, other PPD risk factors may be confounding …

Development And Validation Of A Mindful Food Parenting Instrument To Assess The Relationship Between Parent Food Practices And Children’S Dietary Outcomes, Su-Nui Escobar

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

American children’s diets are commonly recorded as deficient in nutrient rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Such diets often exceed amounts of unhealthy items such as added sugars and sweetened beverages. In addition, 23% of children are considered overweight or obese. Mindfulness techniques in parents have been correlated with improved dietary outcomes in children and a healthier family eating environment.

The primary aim of this study was to develop and validate an instrument that reflects the theoretical framework drawn from current models of mindful eating, mindful parenting and mindful food parenting. The instrument is a practical tool …

The Relationship Between Social Media Engagement And Psychological Well-Being In College Students At The University Of New Hampshire, Emily G. D'Antonio

Honors Theses and Capstones

Social media use has increased substantially in recent years, and for the college-aged population, social media is often the leading method of communication. Research indicates this reliance on digital connection could have a negative impact on the health of young adults (Bagroy et al., 2017). The college years are a time of personal growth and defining actions, yet can also be burdened by mental health issues related to stress, anxiety, and depression (Hunt & Eisenberg, 2010). Acknowledging these trends, the current study explores how college students’ specific frequency and intentionality while interacting on social media relates to their psychological well-being. …

A Five-Sample Confirmatory Factor Analytic Study Of Burnout-Depression Overlap, Renzo Bianchi, Irvin Sam Schonfeld, Jay Verkuilen

Publications and Research

Objective: It has been asserted that burnout—a condition ascribed to unresolvable job stress—should not be mistaken for a depressive syndrome. In this confirmatory factor analytic study, the validity of this assertion was examined.

Methods: Five samples of employed individuals, recruited in Switzerland and France, were mobilized for this study (N = 3,113). Burnout symptoms were assessed with the Shirom–Melamed Burnout Measure, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)—General Survey, and the MBI for Educators. Depressive symptoms were measured with the PHQ‐9.

Results: In all five samples, the latent factors pertaining to burnout’s components correlated on average more highly with the latent Depression …