Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons^™

Prevalence Of Low Back Pain Among Adolescents In Relation To The Weight Of School Bags, Fatemah Akbar, Muneera Albesharah, Jumana Al-Baghli, Farah Bulbul, Dana Mohammad, Bann Qadoura, Abdullah Al-Taiar

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background

The association between the weight of school bag and Low Back Pain (LBP) amongst students remains under intense debate worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of LBP amongst public high school students (14 to 19 years) in Kuwait and to investigate the association between LBP and the weight of school bags.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional study using multistage cluster random sampling with probability proportional to size was conducted on a total of 950 public high school students from all governorates. Data on LBP were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. A 0–10 Numeric Pain Rating …

Elbow Injury Prevention In Youth Dominican Baseball Players: A Training Intervention Pilot Study, Chelsey Erbaugh Franz, Dawn Hall-Bibb, Myra Stockdale, Aliya Thompson, Bailey Biggs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Research suggests deficits in shoulder and elbow strength and flexibility may explain the role of elbow injuries in overhead athletes, specifically ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury in baseball players. Significant damage to this ligament typically requires operative care for continued activity in the sport. Several studies have demonstrated the success of rehabilitation programs post-surgery; however, few studies have examined the role of UCL injury prevention programs. A recognized upper extremity (UE) injury prevention method is the Thrower’s Ten Program. This program may create elbow stability when pitching and throwing, theoretically reducing the risk of UCL injury. Purpose: The purpose …

Blood Pressure Screening Practices Among Dental Hygienists, Mariah Sullinger

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

“There is consensus on the importance of early detection and treatment of hypertension and dental care is one of the few medical services which involves a considerable proportion of the population returning for routine check-ups” (Berne, Engstrom, Gahnberg, & Svardsudd, 2011, p 194). Little is known about the frequency and consistency of blood pressure screening practices or barriers affecting these procedures. Research findings may support efforts to increase or routinize scope and frequency of this preventive procedure among dental healthcare providers or make it a standard of care. Data from the survey was used to assess what type of setting …

The Relationship Of Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring And Hypertension Control, Durga Mishra

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this structured literature analysis is to review the relationship of blood pressure self-monitoring and hypertension control. Blood pressure self-monitoring can help reduce the high blood pressure burden among people with hypertension, minimize the risk of heart disease and related complications. Self-care is an important component in managing chronic illness. Self- monitoring of blood pressure may allow people with hypertension to be concerned about their long-term health. Furthermore, blood pressure self-monitoring may lead to lifestyle modification behaviors and adherence to treatment. The positive relationship of blood pressure self- monitoring and hypertension control may help people to understand the …

Incentive-Use In Worksite Wellness Programs In Mn Government Agencies, Sandra Bromley

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

We used a digital email-based survey to collect information on WWP in government agencies in Minnesota. In terms of associations between incentive-use and success rates, results were inconclusive. Due to limitations in responses on the survey we are unable to draw a correlation between incentive-use and cost savings outcomes for agencies surveyed. Survey results did provide other information that can be useful by health educators to improve and grow WWP. Results showed that compared to national rates, government agencies in Minnesota may not be utilizing additional funding resources for WWP. Future research on the use of grant and insurance company …

Assessing Knowledge, Attitude And Practices Of Hand Hygiene Among University Students, Linda Afia Mbroh

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Objective: Proper hand hygiene is the key to reducing occurrence of infectious diseases in many different types of communities, including the healthcare settings, daycare centers, and grade schools. College students have been found to inadequately wash their hands, which increases their chances of contracting infectious diseases. The purpose of this research is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of hand hygiene among students at a large midwestern university.

Participants and Methods: Using a cross- sectional survey, and three self-reported questionnaires, data were collected from 406 undergraduate students, ages 18 years of age and above enrolled at Minnesota State University, …

The Impact On Cost, Quality, And Patient Satisfaction When Delivering Care To Acutely Ill Adults In An At-Home Care Model Versus An Inpatient Hospital Setting., Franchesca M. Adams

Honors Theses and Capstones

The impact on cost, quality, and patient satisfaction when delivering care to acutely ill adults in an at-home care model versus an inpatient hospital setting. Hospital level care for certain acute conditions can be safely delivered in the patient’s home while lowering the cost per episode of care, maintaining or improving patient experience, and improving safety and patient/care giver education as well as care coordination, at the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) level.

Spirit Checklist, Myopia Outcome Study Of Atropine In Children (Mosaic): Design And Methodology, Saoirse Mccrann, Daniel Ian Flitcroft, John S. Butler, James Loughman

Articles

Purpose

The Myopia Outcome Study of Atropine in Children (MOSAIC) aims to explore the efficacy, safety, acceptability and mechanisms of action of 0.01% atropine for myopia control in a European population.

Methods

MOSAIC is an investigator-led, double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial (RCT) investigating the efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action of 0.01% atropine in myopia progression management. During Phase 1 of the trial, 250 children aged 6-16 years with progressive myopia apply eye drops once nightly in both eyes from randomisation to month 24. No treatment is given during Phase 2 from month 24 to 36 (washout period) for those …

Myopia Outcome Study Of Atropine In Children (Mosaic): Design And Methodology, Saoirse Mccrann, Daniel Ian Flitcroft, John Butler, James Loughman

Articles

Purpose

The Myopia Outcome Study of Atropine in Children (MOSAIC) aims to explore the efficacy, safety, acceptability and mechanisms of action of 0.01% atropine for myopia control in a European population.

Methods

MOSAIC is an investigator-led, double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial investigating the efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action of 0.01% atropine eyedrops in myopic progression management. During phase 1 of the trial, 250 children aged 6-16 years with progressive myopia apply eye drops once nightly in both eyes from randomisation to month 24. No treatment is given during phase 2 from month 24 to 36 (washout period) for those …

Sexual Behaviours Of Adolescents In Creek Town, Cross River State, Nigeria, Kabiru K. Salami, Rowland E. Edet

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

Risky sexual behaviors of adolescents in Creek Town have not been fully profiled. This study investigated the sexual behaviors of adolescents and their various dimensions in Creek Town, in Cross River State, Nigeria. This cross-sectional survey design adopted multi-stage sampling procedure to administer a 112-items questionnaire to 422 adolescents, to elicit information on their sexual behaviors and practices. Four focus group discussion sessions were also conducted with in-school and out-of-school adolescents. The mean age of adolescents was 17 years. Majority (65.4%) of the adolescents were sexually active. The mean age at sexual debut was 15 years for both male and …

Improving Access To Clean Water In Rural Ecuador: The Connection Between Willingness To Pay And Population Health, Micalea Leaska

Capstone Collection

Climate change is affecting social and environmental determinants of health through access to safe drinking water, safely managed sanitation systems, and access to health care services and the ability for individuals to break free from unsuitable circumstances. Ecological disturbances such as those caused by climate change can cause a shift in host vectors or a change in habitat that results in a greater likelihood of the pathogen coming in contact with humans. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services and their accessibility to populations can directly impact a community’s vulnerability to diseases and limiting factors to increase economic growth. If rural …

Occupational Health And Safety Implementation Issues In Egypt / مشكلات تطبيق الصحة والسلامة المهنية في مصر, Nihal Hatem Said, Nourhan Fahmy, Ossama Hanafy

Papers, Posters, and Presentations

This policy paper addresses the current OHS implementation issues in Egypt and situates them within a global context that comprises agreed upon international safety regulations, conventions and management systems as well as international certification such as the ISO. Through a review of the implementation process of OHS in Egypt, complex legal, institutional and technical issues arise, illuminating the deficiencies present in the current OHS policy framework. This paper delves into the shortcomings present in the documentation and inspection processes that represent a cornerstone of the overall implementation of OHS standards whether by the government or the private sector.

What Influences Our Decision To Vaccinate? The Social Amplification Of Risk Framework And Vaccination, Laura B. Carper

International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference

The current study applies the social amplification risk framework to the anti-vaccination movement, specifically to the social factors that influence the likelihood to vaccinate. A total of 264 participants were recruited using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk engine and students from a large southern university. Participants responded to questions about their personal, friend, and family experiences with vaccines, their discussion about vaccines, and trust in vaccine literature (CDC, Facebook, family, etc.). Lastly, participants responded to a modified Duke’s social support scale. Results indicated that the likelihood to vaccinate is impacted by several social factors and that those factors can be amplified based …

Tweeting To Prepare: An Examination Of Government And Organizational Messages During National Preparedness Month, Jenna L. Currie-Mueller

International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference

Each year, disasters have devastating consequences in the United States. Consequences are long term and extend beyond the disaster’s immediate impact area. Establishing a culture of preparedness is necessary for the U.S. A prepared populace responds more effectively to disasters and is less stressful on community infrastructure and resources during the response phase. One of the ways government organizations and non-government organizations can encourage preparedness actions is via social media. This study examined preparedness messages existing independently of an emerging event disseminated on Twitter by government and non-government organizations. A total of 6,374 tweets were analyzed from data collected during …

A Lifestyle Intervention To Decrease Risk Of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In A Rural Population, Amanda Culp-Roche

Theses and Dissertations--Nursing

Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at risk for developing life-threatening comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). As a consequence, T2DM is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and decreased quality of life, thus highlighting the importance of prevention of T2DM. Further, the prevalence of T2DM is substantially greater in rural populations compared to urban populations, making rural individuals particularly appropriate targets for T2DM prevention.

T2DM is a largely preventable disease that is associated with modifiable risk factors such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. Lifestyle interventions to improve these modifiable risk factors have been used to …

A Pilot Study Of A Multiple Health Behavior Change Intervention For Smokers, Srihari Seshadri

Theses and Dissertations--Clinical and Translational Science

Background: Being both obese and a smoker increases the probability of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, diseases that impact Kentucky residents disproportionately. Kentucky (KY) has a high incidence of obesity (34.2%) and smoking (24.5 %). Weight gain associated with smoking cessation also can undermine health benefits of quitting, and may lead to smoking relapse.

Aim: The aim of the pilot study was to implement and evaluate a Multiple Health Behavioral Change (MHBC) program that combines Cooper Clayton Method to Stop Smoking (CCMSS) and the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for weight control.

Method: A 15-week intervention was administered …

The Impact Of A Fruit And Vegetable Farmers' Market Voucher Prescription Program On A Low-Income Rural Population, Kevin Anthony Richie

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Objective: Measures the impact of the Farmers’ Market Voucher program on weight, body mass index, waist circumference, during the 2016 summer on a rural, low-income population residing in Appalachian Kentucky.

Background: Rural communities often have limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables (FV) which contributes to low levels of consumption. FV are calorie poor, nutrient dense and are inversely associated with inflammation markers, obesity, hypertension, and high blood glucose levels. Appalachian rural communities have a higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes, strokes, and death by heart attack when compared to the U.S. Farmers’ markets

Methods: Pre-experimental intervention design examining FV consumption …

A Comparison Of Post-Concussion Neurocognitive Test Results Of Recently Concussed High School Athletes To Their Neurocognitive Baseline Test Results Prior To Returning To Play, Karen Powers

DNP Projects

PURPOSE: In 2017, an estimated 2.5 million U.S. high school students reported having suffered at least one concussion while participating in sports or physical activity during the previous year. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of concussion among high school athletes and compare the athletes’ post-injury neurocognitive function to their baseline test results prior to returning to play.

METHODS: A retrospective records review of neurocognitive test scores of high school athletes during the June 2017 – June 2018 sport season was conducted. The records of 696 high school athletes were reviewed, including 30 post-injury test scores. …

Beta-Lactam Plus Macrolide Vs Fluoroquinolone For Empiric Therapy Of Hospitalized Patients With Cap: Results From The University Of Louisville Pneumonia Study, Vidyulata Salunkhe, Stephen P. Furmanek, Forest W. Arnold

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Background

Current guidelines recommend a β-lactam plus a macrolide or fluoroquinolone monotherapy as initial empiric antibiotic therapy for treatment of patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Multiple studies have shown different results comparing the two regimens for the treatment of CAP. Our objective, in a city-wide prospective study, was to compare outcomes among hospitalized patients with CAP who received empiric treatment either with a β-lactam plus a macrolide or fluoroquinolone monotherapy.

Methods

This was a propensity score matched case-control study of the University of Louisville Pneumonia Study. It was a prospective population-based cohort study of all hospitalized adults with CAP. …

Association Of Health Departments’ Completion Of A Community Health Assessment, Community Health Improvement Plan, And Strategic Plan With Better Population Health Outcomes, Kelora T. Cofer

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Promoting health and well-being requires a strong public health infrastructure. This study examined the association of engagement of local health departments (LHDs) in accreditation and its pre-requisites with health outcomes in LHD jurisdictions such as the prevalence of premature death and tobacco use in the counties they serve. Two data sets, The 2016 National Profile of Local Health Departments and 2018 Community Health Rankings were linked using deterministic linkage approach, based on county FIPS codes as a unique identifier. Descriptive and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS Version 25. The results showed that having recently completed a community …