Browsing by Subject "Tarrant County"
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Item A Cost Analysis of Tuberculosis and its Prevention in Tarrant County, Texas(2007-05-01) Miller, Thaddeus L.; McNabb, Scott; Hilsenrath, Peter; Pasipanodya, JotamMiller, Thaddeus L. A Cost Analysis of Tuberculosis and its Prevention in Tarrant County, Texas. Doctor of Public Health (Health Management and Policy), May 2007, 232 pp., 29 tables, 2 illustrations, bibliography, 274 titles. Tuberculosis cost has been incompletely described as the cost arising from acute illness and treatment. The societal cost of tuberculosis arises from infection, suspicion of infection, acute and preventive responses, the sequalae of illness (including acute morbidity, drug induced hepatitis, mortality, and disability), and the compounding effects of transmission. This societal cost in unknown however the variable portion of this cost is equivalent to the savings made possible by averting tuberculosis, This study measured the societal cost of tuberculosis in Tarrant County, Texas, for the year 2002. Societal costs were estimated as the sum of known or estimated expenditures and health losses related to tuberculosis and discounted at 3%. Current and future costs will accrue to an estimated net $33.9 2002 USD million for the year 2002 in Tarrant County, Texas. An average of 1.4 QALYs net of 3% social discount were lost per incident case. The greatest burdens of tuberculosis, when analyzed by either cost or health quality, can be averted only by case prevention. Forty-three and 44% of societal cost was generate by secondary transmission and chronic impairment associated with pulmonary tuberculosis. Neither factor is routinely considered in discussions of tuberculosis cost. Acute treatment, hospitalization and direct medical care account for only 2.4% of societal cost. Any intervention that prevents one tuberculosis case will prevent at least a net $295,182 (2002 USD) and individual health quality losses averaging 1.4 net QALYs.Item A Descriptive Analysis of Adolescent Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes in Tarrant County, Texas(1999-08-01) Omoloh, Wilfred J.; Ramirez, Gilbert; Rene, AntonioOmoloh, Wilfred, J., A Descriptive Analysis of Adolescent Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes in Tarrant County, Texas. Master of Public Health, August 14, 1999, 110 pp, 19 tables, reference list, 68 titles. A descriptive study of adolescent pregnancy and birth outcomes in Tarrant county, Texas between 1991 and 1995 was conducted to evaluate the effect of maternal age on infant birthweight and mortality among White, African American, and Hispanic adolescent mothers nineteen years and older. The age of the mother was not a significant predictor of infant birthweight and mortality, but mother’s ethnicity, weight gain, and gestational age were found to be strong predictors of infant birthweight and mortality. The Hispanic ethnic group came out much better than White and Black mothers but no difference between White and Black mothers regarding birthweight was found. The results from the data analysis demonstrated that teenage pregnancy may not be a serious problem in Tarrant County, Texas as was previously though.Item A Health Assessment of Refugee Children From Former Yugoslovia in Tarrant County(2001-12-01) Podgore, John K.; Marshall, Murial; Rene, Antonio; Sandhu, RaghbirThis study was conducted to provide an assessment of the health status and health care utilization of children from former Yugoslavia living in Tarrant County. Additionally an assessment of barriers and problems encountered by these families in obtaining health care for their children was presented. One hundred thirteen households of refugee families arriving in Tarrant County from 1998 through 2000 participated by answering a 79 item health information questionnaire. The results revealed that most of the refugee families had no regular health care provider to assure continuity of medical care. Lack of access to dental care and inappropriate utilization of hospital emergency facilities were also identified as problems. Insufficient understanding of health insurance issues and inability to access health information were additional problems. Addressing these problems by local and state health care agencies may help to improve health care delivery for these and future refugee children.Item Association Between Air Pollution and Daily Mortality in Two Texas Counties(2005-05-01) Espinosa, Isabel Y.; Gratton, Terry; Bae, Sejong; Rene, AntonioEspinosa, Isabel Y., Association of Air Pollution and Daily Mortality in Two Texas Counties. Master of Public Health (Environmental Health), May 2005, 36 pp., 11 tables, 2 illustrations, references, 36 titles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between ozone and specific daily mortality in two United States counties, Bexar and Tarrant County, Texas. Daily specific mortality, one hour ozone levels, average temperatures, and Air Quality Index values were obtained for both counties. The results from this study suggest that no association is present between air pollution and specific daily mortality in Bexar County. Further statistical analysis is needed to determine if an association is present in Tarrant County as factors inherent in the collected data could be affecting the results. Investigating the association between ozone levels and hospitalization rates may provide a better description of the relationship and should be considered as a future study.Item Barriers to Health Care Access Among Vietnamese Refugees in Tarrant County, Texas.(2004-05-01) Le, Tuan D.; Hsu, Chiehwen Ed; Lurie, Sue; Sandhu, RaghbirLe, Tuan D., Barriers to Health Care Access among Vietnamese Refugees in Tarrant County, Texas. Master of Public Health (Health Management & Policy), May 2004, 88 pp., 17 tables, 11 illustrations, bibliography, 56 titles. The refugee community is the most vulnerable community due to existing medical conditions without proper treatment and many barriers in accessing the health care system, including different language, cultural conflict, legal restrictions, and socioeconomic status. The purpose of this study is to determine the nature of these barriers that keep the Vietnamese refugees from accessing the health care system in Tarrant County. The study found that 45.8% have no health insurance, 17.4% received Medicaid, 53.7% have no primary care physician, and 57.14% of Vietnamese elderly refugees, who have been living in the U.S. between seven and ten years, and have lost SSI and Medicaid. These findings are significant at p [less than] .001. Vietnamese refugees perceived factors that kept them from accessing the health care system as major barriers, including language (14%), legal issues (17%), misunderstanding of the medical system (15%), lack of insurance (14%), and different culture (11%). These results may assist social service providers, health care providers, and policy activists to enhance their services and advocate for legal issues, in order to remove these barriers and help refugees to access health care better.Item Barriers to Women's Cardiovascular Risk Knowledge: A Tarrant County Study(2004-05-01) Liewer, Linda J.; Lykens, KristineLiewer, Linda J., Barriers to Women’s Cardiovascular Risk Knowledge: A Tarrant County Study. Master of Public Health (Health Management and Policy), May 2004, 71 pp., 19 tables, 6 illustrations, 36 references, 17 titles. Women’s death rate from cardiovascular disease is greater than the death rate from all cancers. Awareness and knowledge of a disease are key to dealing with it, yet many women are still unaware of their CVD risk. The purpose of this study is to identify the barriers to knowledge about cardiovascular disease risk in women in Tarrant County. Interviews with administrative personnel in 10 community organizations confirmed the lack of awareness of CVD. Barriers included: women in caregiver roles advocate effectively for their family members, but less effectively for themselves; physician communication with women regarding CVD is often suboptimal; women fear breast cancer far more than CVD; a program deficiency exists in Tarrant County; lack of a visible woman champion and heart disease is still seen as a man’s disease.Item Current Endeavors to Support the Homeless Population of Fort Worth(2017-03-14) Alavi, Michael; Burgess, Lauren; Dolan, Kathryn J.; Phillips, KaitlinPurpose: The aim of this research was to identify and explore current solutions in supporting the homeless population in Fort Worth, Texas, particularly through the services provided by local non-profit organizations. Methods: We identified the terms of eligibility, services provided, service access, and barriers to effective outreach provided by five local non-profit organizations, including John Peter Smith Health Network, Tarrant County Samaritan Housing, Arlington Life Shelter, Salvation Army DFW, and Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County. Results/Conclusions: Frequent terms of eligibility include valid U.S. identification and proof of low-income or homeless status, and common service access methods include hospital referrals, word of mouth, and flyers in well-populated public areas. Services provided included shelter, aid in employment search, navigation to health services, and a variety of supportive services to integrate those who have been recently homeless into society. These organizations have encountered multiple barriers to effective outreach, such as client mental illness, client lack of appropriate paperwork, shortage of affordable housing, and transportation difficulties. Non-profit organizations in Fort Worth provide varying degrees of support for the homeless population and have identified areas for improvement that that citizens, volunteers, local government, and the organizations themselves can consider in broadening their outreach.Item Disability-Adjusted Life Years Lost Due to Adult Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Tarrant County, 2005-2006: An Analysis of the Role of Post Tuberculosis Impairment(2008-05-01) Pasipanodya, Jotam Garaimunashe; Bae, Sejong; Lykens, Kristine; Hilsenrath, PeterPasipanodya, Jotam G. Disability-Adjusted Life Years lost due to adult pulmonary tuberculosis in Tarrant County, 2005-2006: An analysis of the role of post tuberculosis impairment. Doctor of Public Health (Health Management and Policy), May 2008. 145 pages, 18 tables, 11 illustrations, 135 references. Pulmonary impairment after tuberculosis treatment (PIAT) is not yet incorporated in assessing burden of tuberculosis. Previous global and national TB burden estimates therefore did not fully reflect the consequences of surviving tuberculosis disease. This study was conducted to assess burden of TB in Tarrant County, Texas, using Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY). DALY is a composite measure of premature mortality and disability that equates years of healthy life lost. DALY, stratified by gender and race were calculated for 118 adult TB subjects seen between July 2005 and October 2006. Years of Life Lost (YLL) were calculated from the difference between standard life expectancy and age at death from TB, summed across county population. Years Lived with Disability (YLD) were derived from age and gender-specific disease incidence weight-adjusted for impairment levels; using disability weights obtained from literature. Three percent discount rate per year was used. One hundred and eighteen subjects lost 444.25 DALY during the study period. Years of life lost to premature mortality (YLL) contributed 159.62 (36%) and years of life lived with disability (YLD) contributed majority of total DALY. Pulmonary impairment after tuberculosis (YLD PIAT) contributed 234.6 (53%), while YLD Acute contributed only 50.03 (11 %) of total DALYS. Contrary to previous estimates; disability contributes more than mortality to TB burden in areas with low TB adult and child mortality. PIA T contributes significantly to TB burden, but was previously unrecognized. These findings suggest that the greatest health savings will be achieved through strategies to prevent tuberculosis from developing rather than strategies to shorten treatment once it has developed.Item Evaluation of Mental Health Association of Tarrant County's School Based Mental Health Curriculum: Focus Group and Results(2005-04-01) Nanji-Bhai, Anila K.; Lurie, Sue; Coggin, Claudia S.; Lykens, KristineNanji-Bhai, Anila K., Evaluation of Mental Health Association of Tarrant County’s School Based Mental Health Curriculum: Focus Group and Results. Master of Public Health (Community Health), April 2005, 31 pp., references. There are presently numerous research findings that indicate the need for mental health education among the adolescent population within the United States. In the last decade, tragedies such as the Columbine school shooting, and most recently the Red Lake school shootings in Minnesota point to the fact that adolescents are facing mental pressures and need assistance. In this study, a mental health curriculum, developed by the Mental Health Association of Tarrant County, was examined through the use of focus groups. The group was asked to analyze and comment on the curriculum, as to the age-appropriateness, the “appeal,” and to suggest improvements or revisions. The qualitative data that was gathered was analyzed using NVivo. Results showed a strong opposition to this type of program being brought into the school setting. As the focus group sessions continued however, the curriculum was adapted based on the participants’ comments and suggestions. In the end, the curriculum was accepted by the participants as a program that would be welcomed in schools. Conclusions were that when the proposed curriculum was modified according to the focus group participants’ comments and suggestions; particularly concerning TEKS objectives, the curriculum became more acceptable and a viable opportunity for the school districts.Item Geospatial and Molecular Clustering of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Tarrant County, TX, 1993-2000(2002-05-01) Moonan, Patrick Kevin; Bayona, Manuel; Quituga, Teresa N.; Oppong, JosephMolecularly clustered cases are assumed to be the result of recent transmission of those in the cluster. An intervention that targets clustered cases with recent transmission, such as identifying contacts of active cases, could be effective as a programmatic control measure. The purpose of this study is to identify areas of recent transmission, whereby determining the contribution of geospatial and molecular clustering to the local tuberculosis morbidity. Tuberculosis cases due to recent transmission have important implications for tuberculosis control programs. They suggest that current methods of case-finding, investigations of susceptible contacts, and the provision of preventive therapy are ineffective in interrupting some transmission. This study utilized molecular strain characteristics and GIS technology to uncover geographical links to on-going transmission, where tradition public health surveillance methods are failing. Risk behaviors such as illicit drug use, crack-cocaine use, jail experience, and sexual relations with a prostitute were strongly associated with on-going transmission. Place factors, specifically where patients reside, was also found to be significantly associated for certain zip codes in Tarrant County. Cases in urban zip codes 76102 [OR=3.954; 95% CI=1.803, 8.671] and 76105 [OR=3.135; CI=1.254, 7.835] were strongly associated to infection with a clustered strain when compared to the rest of the county. The use of Geographical Informational Systems (GIS) technology and molecular strain typing provides a proactive approach that may be used to initiate traditional surveillance investigations. As an application utility, this project will be used to develop more effective means of tuberculosis control within Tarrant County.Item Health Care Access Patterns in Relation to Ethnic/Racial and Health Insurance Status at an Osteopathic Hospital for 1998 through 2001(2003-12-01) Mego, Charles B.W.; Lurie, Sue; Balcazar, Hector; TrevinoMego, III, Charles B.W., Health Care Access Patterns in Relation to Ethnic/Racial and Health Insurance Status at an Osteopathic Hospital for 998 through 2001. Doctor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences), December 2003, 106 p.p., 25 tables, 5 illustrations, references, 44 titles. The patient population of the Osteopathic Health System of Texas (OHST), an academic health center with a 256-bed teaching hospital, was analyzed for health care access as measured by health services utilization in 1998 through 2001. This study explored the question of whether there was less health care access among minorities than among the White non-Hispanic majority within the patient population at OHST. The Tarrant County population was compared to OHST’s population demographics. This assessment determined which Ethnic/Racial groups had the highest medical services utilization and their payment methods. Patient data obtained from the OHST’s Meditech database was analyzed using Epi-Info. White non-Hispanics made up over fifty percent of the Emergency Room (ER), Inpatient and Outpatient service utilization in 1998 through 2001. The Outpatient component made up just over fifty percent of the OHST’s patient. African-Americans were over represented in the ER, Inpatient, and Outpatient service components relative to the Tarrant County demographics for 1998 through 2001. The Hispanic ER Managed Care category increased 7% and confirmed a growth rate of 29% more ER Managed Care in 2001, as compared to 1998 (URR=1.29, [1.24-`.35], x2 = 142.49, p [less than] .01). The Hispanic ER Medicaid category decreased 4.1% and indicated a reduced growth rate of 17% less ER Medicaid in 2001 as compared to 1998 (URR = 0.83, [0.79-0/87], x2 = 57.69, p,.01). The Hispanic Inpatient Managed Care category increased 13.2% and revealed a positive growth rate with 52% more Inpatient Managed Care in 2001 as compared to 1998 (URR=1.52, [1.44-1.61]. x2 = 224.92, p [less than] .01). The Hispanic Inpatient Medicaid category decreased 14.4% and showed a reduced growth rate of 38% less Inpatient Medicaid in 2001 as compared to 1998 (URR=0.62, [0.59-0.66], x2=274.58, p [less than] .01). The Hispanic and the Other groups relied heavily upon ER Self Pay, with a general decrease in Medicaid coverage and an increase in Managed Care. The Hispanic and Other groups have medical needs that are being neglected at OHST, and may lead to serious health problems that could be more costly if still treatable.Item Perceptions Regarding Tarrant County's Preparedness for a Bioterrorism Attack Involving Smallpox(2003-05-01) Michael, Donald T.; Blakley, Sally; Atkinson, SamuelMichael III, Donald T., Perceptions Regarding Tarrant County’s Preparedness for a Bioterrorism Attack Involving Smallpox. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), May 2003, 51 pp., 10 tables, bibliography, 26 titles. Perception and knowledge of risk of a bioterrorist attack are important factors in determining public response and anxiety level. A telephone survey of residents of Tarrant County, Texas was conducted to determine public perception regarding Tarrant County’s preparedness to respond to an intentional release of the smallpox virus as an act of terrorism. Although a low response rate limits the ability to generalize the findings of this survey, frequency and chi-squared analysis of survey responses revealed a public desire for more information about the county’s preparedness, access to smallpox vaccine, and identified a potential gap between objectively measured and public self-assessment of knowledge about bioterrorism and smallpox concepts. Increased efforts toward information dissemination and education of the Tarrant County community are needed to address these concerns.Item Population Characteristics Suggest Modifications to Proposed Pediatric Asthma Intervention Program(1998-08-01) DeMoss, Margaret W.; Ramirez, Gilbert; Urrutia-Rojas, Ximena; Coggin, ClaudiaDeMoss, Margaret W., Population Characteristics Suggest Modifications to Proposed Pediatric Asthma Intervention Program. Master of Public Health, August, 1998, 57 pp., 4 tables, 1 illustration, 2 appendices, reference list, 46 titles. Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease affecting almost 5 million children in this country. The children most as risk for developing asthma come from low income, minority, and urban families. This studies examines a proposed pediatric asthma intervention program targeting Tarrant County area Medicaid clients. The purpose of this study is to define different subgroups and preferences among those clients and to recommend modifications that are likely to improve program outcomes. Recommendations were based on information gathered from interviews with 70 families, all having at least one child with asthma. Specific interests in learning more about asthma as well as learning preferences are tested for association with a variety of family characteristics. Although no statistically significant results were determined for subgroups, descriptive findings reveal that a large minority of respondents are interested in more information about asthma, but not necessarily by the means proposed. The study also suggests special needs for families with very young children, for those with adult asthma, and for Hispanics.Item Syndromic Surveillance System: A Review and a Community Assessment in Tarrant County, Texas(2005-05-01) Breaux, Lynn Gray; Lurie, Sue; Gonzalez, Adela; Blanck, Ronald R.Breaux, Lynn G., Syndromic Surveillance Systems: A Review and a Community Assessment in Tarrant County, Texas, Doctor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Science), May 2005, 56 pp., 3 appendices, bibliography 116 titles. A comprehensive overview of Syndromic Surveillance Systems (SSS) is provided in Chapter I including history and threats to a SSS. Current state of SSS and SSS implementation considerations are detailed in Chapter II. A community assessment comprised of selected Tarrant County, Texas key stakeholders is included utilizing an open ended questions format detailed in Chapter III with results in Chapter IV. Introductory letters preceded the subjective, qualitative survey and obtained opinions and needs concerning SSS and implementation strategies. A broad range of responses was assessed based upon stakeholder knowledge of SSS and the part they feel they play in any implementation. Several central themes emerged, including stakeholder desire for involvement in SSS implementation and the request for the health department to answer any questions concerning this implementation. All central themes are discussed in Chapter V along with questions regarding use of the survey data and future interface between community partners.Item TARRANT COUNTY ADDICTION SERVICES(2013-04-12) Haselhorst, AlexandriaPurpose: This research study delves into the addiction issues and disparities within the Tarrant County Community. Addiction is a disease that physically and emotionally grasps the life of an individual, their friends, and family. There are many environmental, social, and genetic predispositions of addiction and each case is unique to the individual. Our focus was on the different services that patients could use as a resource in finding help for their addiction. Methods: The "Blue Book: Directory of Community Resources" was the main reference in finding the addiction resources available to patients in the area of Tarrant County. Results: During our evaluation we discovered that Tarrant County has high risk populations more prone to addiction than others. Many of services offered in Tarrant County focus on these groups. Mental Health and Mental Retardation of Tarrant County (MHMR) is an access point for many of these populations. Services provided under the MHMR umbrella, include Addiction Recovery Center, Billy Gregory & Pine Street Center, Community Addiction Treatment Services, Tarrant Youth Recovery Campus, and the Liberty House. Aside from county services under MHMR, North Texas Addiction Counseling and Education, Inc, Recovery Resource Council, Cenikor Foundation, Texas Challenge of Fort Worth, and Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center additionally focus their efforts to help heal the debilitation of addiction. Conclusions: Ultimately, an abundance of resources are available for the citizens of Tarrant County, regardless of age, creed or socioeconomic status; while, others cater to special high risk populations such as veterans and homeless.Item TARRANT COUNTY RESOURCES FOR PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE(2014-03) Septien, Spencer J.; David, Jonathan; Kjolhede, Lauren; Sims, MeaganThe purpose of this investigation was to identify comprehensive community resources available in the Tarrant County area for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is a debilitating illness that requires lifelong care and support. There is currently no cure for AD making community resources an invaluable asset to any person afflicted with the disease. Our goal was to educate the community on the basics of AD and to identify local resources which could help patients and their families cope with the effects and burdens of AD. Our group conducted research using http://www.tarrantcounty211.org/ to locate organizations within Tarrant County that offer a variety of comprehensive resources for individuals with AD. We analyzed the services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association- North Texas Chapter, Memories in the Making, James L. West Alzheimer’s Center, and the Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium. The Alzheimer’s Association- North Texas Chapter should be the primary resource for local residents afflicted with AD. The organization offers support, education, and programs such as TrialMatch and professional training. TrialMatch is a free program designed to locate clinical trials for people suffering from AD using one’s unique diagnosis and symptoms. Professional training for medical personnel helps educate caretakers on the proper way to care for this unique subset of the population. Memories in the Making is an organization that offers a therapeutic outlet for AD patients by allowing individuals to express themselves through art and exercises that stimulate creativity. The James L. West Alzheimer’s Center is a comprehensive care center offering activities, education, and specialized care for any stage of the disease. The Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium is a large statewide research project that strives to better understand the disease by examining the potential role of genetic factors and phenotypic characteristics of subjects in the epidemiology and pathology of AD. Tarrant County has a variety of services available to patients and families coping with Alzheimer’s disease and its effects. These services are aimed at education, support, and research with the ultimate goal of decreasing the morbidity and mortality of those individuals suffering with Alzheimer’s disease.Item The Tarrant County Diabetes Collaboration: A Case Study of a Community Diabetes Coalition(2001-08-01) Sammer, Christine; Lykens, Kristine; Lurie, Sue; Gonzalez, AdelaSammer, Christine, The Tarrant County Diabetes Collaboration: A Case of a Community Diabetes Coalition. Master of Public Health (Health Administration), August, 2001, 66 pp., 2 tables, 1 figure, bibliography, 20 titles. This study considers the characteristics of a diabetes coalition that are necessary for coalition maintenance beyond the formation and building stages. A case study was done of the Tarrant County Diabetes Collaboration (TCDC). Data were collected through recorded interviews and a review of documents. The concepts of collaboration identified were: composition, ownership, value, governance, operational map, fiscal structure, and domain. These concepts are presented in a conceptual model. Conclusions made were that the two main strengths of the TCDC were composition and member’s perception of value. Opportunities for growth included defining member roles, developing strong leadership, operating by an operational map and fiscal plan, and becoming recognized as a force for diabetes in the community.Item Transmissions of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Dallas and Tarrant Counties: The Use of RFLP to Evaluate MTB Control Programs(2001-05-01) Kosterman, Edward Donald; Weiss, Stephen E.; Gratton, TerranceKOSTERMAN, EDWARD DONALD; MASTERS OF PUBLIC HEALTH; MAY 19, 2001 TRANSMISSION OF Mycobacterium tuberculosis IN DALLAS AND TARRANT COUNTIES: THE USE OF RFLP ANALYSIS TO EVALUATE MTB CONTROL PROGRAMS; 108 PAGES; 3 TABLES; 39 REFERENCES Dallas and Tarrant Counties are adjacent, similar counties in North Central Texas. Each county manages MTB patients under similar contracts with the Texas Department of Health. In Dallas county culture positive patients MTB are treated with Selective Directly Observed Therapy. Patients with culture positive MTB in Tarrant county are treated with Universal Directly Observed Therapy. RFLP IS6110-based RFLP analysis revealed that more strains were clustered in Dallas county than Tarrant county. Significantly more drug resistant isolates and drug resistant isolates in clusters were observed in Dallas county. These results suggest that DNA typing methods may be used to assess the efficacy of MTB control programs in areas where traditional epidemiological analysis may be ineffective.Item Women & Stress: Investigating the Female Stress Syndrome(2006-05-01) Oden, Melissa Standord; Lurie, SueOden, Melissa Stanford, Women & Stress: Investigating the Female Stress Syndrome. Master of Public Health (Community Health), May 2006, 47 pp., bibliography. Research indicates that women experience long-term effects of stress that appear to be not only different from, but possibly more harmful than the long-term effects of stress in men. This situation creates the possibility of more chronic illness for women as well as the possibility for higher mortality rates. The purpose of this project is to investigate the effects of stress on professional women in Tarrant County based on meanings and interpretations women give to the stress they experience. It will also provide additional information about the effects of Female Stress Syndrome to contribute to the research literature on this topic.