Public Health Commons^™

The Nutritional Value Of Children's Menus In Chain Restaurants In The United Kingdom And Ireland, Michelle Young, Tara Coppinger, Sue Reeves

Publications

Objective: Obesity in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland is rising, as is the frequency of eating out in restaurants. The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional quality of children's menus in restaurants. Design: Cross-sectional review of menus aimed at children from 20 popular chain restaurants in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Main Outcome Measures: Total energy, fat, saturated fat, and salt were collected from every food item on the menu in each restaurant. All potential meal combinations were created. A total of 39,266 meals were analysed. Analysis: Meals were compared with UK nutritional guidelines. …

Behavioral And Neural Correlates Of Aging Effects On Temporal Predictive Mechanisms During Speech Production And Limb Movement, Karim Joharikhatoonabad

Theses and Dissertations

Existing evidence suggests that the brain facilitates motor responses to temporally predictable sensory inputs by generating more robust predictions about the timing of incoming stimuli to better estimate the next state of movement. In this context, previous studies have shown that motor responses are generated with faster reaction time in response to sensory stimuli with predictable compared to those with unpredictable temporal dynamics. However, our understanding of the underlying behavioral and neural mechanisms of temporal predictive mechanisms during movement production has remained limited by several factors. First, studies regarding temporal predictive mechanisms have mainly examined limb movement as a target …

Prenatal Opioid Maintenance In The U.S. And Its Effect On Neo-Natal Abstinence Syndrome: The Case Of West Virginia's Opioid Epidemic, Morgan Ruley, Alberto Coustasse

Management Faculty Research

In 2017, West Virginia’s opioid epidemic was the cause of about 1000 deaths. Opioid abuse has become an issue among pregnant mothers and has increased the effects of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in infants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the participation of prenatal opioid maintenance to determine if it has decreased the amount of treatment needed for NAS in infants in West Virginia. The methodology utilized a literature review complemented with a semi-structured interview. Thirty-six sources were referenced for this literature review. It was found that Buprenorphine Maintenance Therapy had the most positive effect on NAS after …

Association Between Snps In The Vitamin D Binding Protein, Vitamin D Status, And Aggressive Prostate Cancer By Race, Diana Diaz

Theses and Dissertations

Prostate cancer incidence and mortality have been decreasing in recent years, but it remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men. Racial disparities exist in prostate cancer with African Americans (AAs) having notably higher rates of incidence and mortality, lower survival rates, and are more likely to be diagnosed with a highergrade cancer compared to European Americans (EAs). Genome-wide association studies have revealed several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the vitamin Drelated GC gene that may be associated with prostate cancer aggressiveness. In addition to SNPs, previous research has suggested that low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) may be related …

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) For Hiv Prevention: A Mixed-Methods Study Of Sexual Risks And Knowledge, Perceptions, And Willingness Of Prep Use Among African American Women In The South, Jamie Troutman

Theses and Dissertations

There are approximately 1.1 million people living with HIV in United States, with nearly 40,000 new diagnoses annually. Significant regional and racial disparities are associated with HIV diagnoses — with the South experiencing the greatest burden of HIV and African American women accounting for 60% of new diagnoses among women. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been designated as an effective tool to prevent HIV transmission among individuals who may be at risk of HIV infection. Earlier PrEP research has focused mainly on at-risk groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM). Previous PrEP research involving African American women included …

Role Of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback In Cognitive Performance, Chronic Pain, And Related Symptoms, James P. Winstead

Theses and Dissertations

Over-modulation of the sympathetic nervous system and reduced heart rate variability (HRV) are commonly overlooked components of pain, poor cognition (decreased attention, recall, and cognitive processing), depression, stress, and fatigue. HRV Biofeedback (HRVB) training induces HRV coherence to balance the autonomic system. Paced breathing (~6 breaths/minute) increases HRV coherence. This randomized, controlled intervention trial tested the hypothesis that HRVB would improve HRV coherence, pain (severity, interference, and catastrophizing), cognitive performance, and reduce depressive, stress, and fatigue symptoms and pain medication use in veterans. Participants were randomized to previously established HRVB or control protocols. Each participant completed a Baseline Assessment, 6 …

Disparities In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer In The United States: An Examination Of Treatment, Survival, And Access To Care, Cassie Lewis Odahowski

Theses and Dissertations

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States with a 5-year survival rate of only 18%. Differences in access to care and treatment utilization may play a role in observed survival disparities among rural patient populations. This dissertation aimed to examine rural disparities in all-cause and lung-cancer specific survival, time to treatment initiation, and utilization of surgical treatment among non-small cell lung cancer cases.

We utilized comprehensive cancer registry data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program linked with Medicare billing claims (SEER-Medicare) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients diagnosed between 2003-2011. We …

Disparities In Colorectal Cancer: Measuring Spatial Accessibility, Screening, And Surveillance Outcomes In South Carolina, Michele J. Josey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation project is to add to the growing literature about the multi-faceted aspects of colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention and related disparities. We focused on the spatial distribution of facilities performing screening services to identify areas that underutilize colonoscopy screening. Next, we examined how the food and physical activity environment affects precursors of CRC by considering plausible pathways. Finally, we explored if access to health insurance reduced the racial disparity of receiving a timely surveillance colonoscopy after a CRC diagnosis.

We utilized the SC Ambulatory Surgery Discharge Database, an all-payer, population-based outpatient dataset with colonoscopy records from …

Effect Of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback On Sleep, Joshua Mercadel

Theses and Dissertations

Healthy amounts of sleep is vital for normal human functions such as daily learning, memory, emotional state and cardiovascular function. Studies conducted previously have shown sleep deprivation to be associated with increases in sympathetic activity contributing to autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation. HRV biofeedback (HRVB) training induces HRV coherence, a condition that maximizes HRV and facilitates autonomic and cardiorespiratory homeostasis. This randomized, controlled, intervention trial will test the hypothesis that HRVB can improve HRV coherence and increase overall sleep quality. Patients are randomized to previously established HRVB or sham protocols (n=40 each, total planned enrollment N=80). Each participant completes a …

The Plant-Based And Soul-Full Study (Pass): Examining How Owners Of Local Vegan Soul Food Restaurants Promote The Consumption Of Vegan Foods In The African American Community, Anthony Crimarco

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Obesity remains a prevalent public health epidemic and African American (AA) adults are disproportionately affected by obesity more than any other ethnic group. There are also disparities in obesity by location, with the South having the highest rates compared to other geographic regions in the United States. Addressing poor dietary habits is important for improving obesity rates among AAs, but there has been limited research that has focused on specifically developing culturally-tailored interventions. With a recent number of soul food restaurants serving exclusively vegan meals opening up across the country to appeal to AAs and others interested in eating …

Exploring Breast Cancer Care Variation In Coc-Accredited Facilities, Sarah Grace Barron

Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: While improvements have been made in reducing breast cancer incidence and mortality over the past twenty years, disparities in breast cancer mortality remain. Understanding systematic differences in breast cancer treatment and quality of care remain at the epicenter of understanding breast cancer disparities. Needle biopsy is a less invasive and less expensive diagnostic test for breast cancer (as compared to excisional biopsy) and permits diagnosis while avoiding unnecessary surgery. This study was conducted to 1) examine how the National Quality Forum (NQF)-endorsed needle biopsy utilization measure varies geographically (i.e. state and region) and 2) determine the patient- and/or health …

Social Networks, Social Support, And Contextual Factors That Affect Blood Glucose Control Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Urban Ghana, Marian O. Botchway

Theses and Dissertations

This study used primary data from Kumasi, Ghana, to examine whether social networks, social support, diabetes-related stigma, religion, and traditional medicine affected blood glucose (HbA1c) control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). First, the study evaluated whether three social network characteristics (kin composition, household composition, and network density) were directly or indirectly (via social support) associated with HbA1c. Kin composition and household composition were significantly associated with social support. Neither network characteristics nor social support were associated with HbA1c, which suggests that social network characteristics may operate through mechanisms other than social support to affect HbA1c among study …

Prevalence Trends Of Victimization Among High School Students By Race, Ethnicity, And Gender – Yrbss 2009-2017, Carlos Avalos

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Students who are victimized at school are more likely to report mental health, behavioral, and academic problems. Bullying and electronic bullying are types of victimization that are prevalent in US schools, with prevalence varying by race and ethnicity, gender, and age. Additionally, due to increases in bias-based harassment (such as being targeted due to race, ethnicity, or religious beliefs) in the country over the last few years, it is of interest to see how victimization behaviors in schools may have changed from 2015 to 2017.

Objective: To analyze trends of overall bullying, school bullying, electronic bullying, and other forms …

Sociocultural Factors Influencing Cervical Cancer Prevention And Control Behaviors In Cusco, Peru, Venice Elizabeth Haynes

Theses and Dissertations

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer; however, it continues to pose significant health challenges for women in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in Peru. Studies previously conducted in Peru have examined factors associated with cervical cancer screening, screening access, availability, and geographical determinants on cervical cancer incidence and mortality. These studies have suggested the need to explore sociocultural factors and the roles of men and women in screening decisions associated with excessive cervical cancer burden and low rates of screening among Peruvian women. The goal of the dissertation research was to explore influences of …

Evaluating Impacts Of A Multilevel Resilience-Based Psychosocial Intervention On Mental Health Of Children Affected By Parental Hiv In China, Yanping Jiang

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Children affected by parental HIV are commonly exposed to multiple risk factors, including parental illness and death, other traumatic life events, HIV stigma, and poverty, all of which in turn put them at elevated risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes. Previous research has suggested the promise of psychosocial interventions in improving mental health for children affected by parental HIV through an integrated and multilevel resilience-based approach. However, there are few multilevel resilience-based interventions for this group, and the efficacy of such interventions on mental health outcomes has not been fully examined. Furthermore, very few studies have examined whether …

Increasing Actual And Perceived Burden Of Tick-Borne Disease In Maine, Robert P. Smith Md Mph, Carol A. Mccarthy Md, Susan P. Elias Phd

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: The burden of tick-borne disease (TBD) in Maine has steadily increased since the first case of Lyme disease was reported in the late 1980s. The emergence of five different agents of TBD in Maine has been challenging and confusing for clinicians and the public.

Methods: We reviewed the ecology of emerging of tick -borne disease, then reviewed risk factors for tick bites and tick-borne disease in Maine. We then compared the burden of TBD versus community-acquired comparison infections in terms of hospitalizations, deaths, and media attention.

Results and Discussion: In Maine, risk of exposure to bites from the vector …

Using Physician Champions To Extend The Reach Of The Let’S Go! 5-2-1-0 Obesity Prevention Program In Clinical Practice, Michael Dedekian, Jackie Vine, Jonathan Fanburg, Naomi Anderson Schucker, Victoria Rogers

Journal of Maine Medical Center

ABSTRACT

Introduction: There is limited evidence for large scale interventions to address childhood obesity. Let’s Go! is a Maine-based obesity prevention program that deploys a consistent message across multiple community settings to encourage children and families to make healthy choices. This report describes implementation of Let's Go! in primary care offices.

Methods: Consideration for physician champion recruitment included previous involvement with Let’s Go! and ensuring statewide geographic coverage. Champions received standardized training and became local leaders in obesity prevention and treatment. 13 champions engaged 99 practices at baseline; 71 practices were engaged all 4 years (2012-2015). Data were analyzed on …

Death By Contamination, Syeda Sana Batool

MSJ Capstone Projects

This research was conducted by Centre for Excellence in Journalism, IBA, Karachi during 2019 as a capstone project for Master of Science in Journalism. The data and information regarding water contamination was obtained and compiled through a thorough reporting, researched articles and documents provided by concerned organization.

The water which is used for the drinking purpose in Karachi is the most polluted and contaminated one as compare to the other cities of Pakistan. The reason behind this water contamination is the industries disposition of waste, which has ruined the environment by polluting the water bodies with its toxic effluent.

The …

The Suffering Of Schizophrenia: Stigma, Enigma And The Search For A Cure, Fatima Sheikh

MSJ Capstone Projects

Patients suffering from Schizophrenia, a severe mental illness, firmly believe in their delusions due to a loss of connection with reality and creation of an imaginary world. Generally, diagnosis and treatment of the mental disorder have been ignored due to cultural and social setup in Karachi. Schizophrenia cannot be cured but manageable with lifetime medicines and rehabilitation after each lapse. The purpose of my investigative piece is to highlight the stigma attached to Schizophrenia along with a search for its treatment.

Quality Of Life Of Road Traffic Injury Survivors Aged 15-44 Years Suffered From Moderate And Severe Head Injuries In Karachi, Pakistan, S A. Abbasi, Tazeen Saeed Ali, Shafquat Rozi, Uzma Rahim Khan, Rashid Jooma

Community Health Sciences

Background: Most of Road traffic injuries are predicted to be the third leading contributor to the global burden of disease by 2020 and patients end up into head injuries which leave devastating impacts on individual and society. Quality of Life After Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) is a specific tool that measures quality of life in head injury patients.
Methods: This was a cross sectional study among 300 patients aged 15-45 years, attended emergency department of the Aga khan University Hospital. Structured questionnaire included demography, injury details, QOLIBRI, GOSE and WHO Disability Assessment Scale (WHODAS 12 items). Severity of injury was determined …