Browsing by Subject "Texas"
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Item A Comparative Study of Texas and Other States Regarding School Health Educator Qualifications(2009-05-01) Gonzalez, Rosa Emma; Dr. Kristine LykensQualified school health educators are critical in educating the youth about diseases and disease prevention. The School Health Profiles, School Health Policies and Programs Study 2006, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Legislature Online were used to compare Texas with other states in terms of school health educator qualifications, continuing education, and who teaches health education in schools. Texas should model policies that states, such as Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Utah, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, have implemented. These states have polices in place that require health education teachers to obtain the Certified Health Education Specialist credential (CHES). The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing requires CHES to obtain health specific continuing education training.Item A Cost Analysis of Tuberculosis and its Prevention in Tarrant County, Texas(2007-05-01) Miller, Thaddeus L.; Scott McNabb; Peter Hilsenrath; Jotam PasipanodyaMiller, 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 Cross-Sectional Study on Factors Affecting Maternal Trust in Texas Government to Make Good Decisions About Newborn Screening and Dried Bloodspot Storage(2015-12-01) Nguyen, Huy David Dang; Robert T. Mallet; Peter B. RavenNewborn screening (NBS) results in a surplus of blood samples in the form of dried bloodspots (DBS). Texas’s “opt-in” policy requires mothers’ permission for the state to store DBS samples for research. A cross-sectional study was performed on post-partum mothers in North Texas to determine the effect of the mothers’ demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and decisions about NBS and DBS storage on trust in Texas’ ability to make good decisions regarding bloodspot research. The aforementioned trust in the Texas government was strongly associated with trust in Texas to keep the babies’ information private, belief that using DBS for public health was beneficial, and trust in Texas to de-identify their babies’ DBS. Medicaid coverage also showed a slight association with this trust. Overall, mothers who are supportive of public health research using de-identified specimens such as DBS are more confident in the Texas’s ability to make the right choices regarding DBS storage.Item A Descriptive Analysis of Adolescent Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes in Tarrant County, Texas(1999-08-01) Omoloh, Wilfred J.; Gilbert Ramirez; Antonio ReneOmoloh, 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 Faith Based Approached to Cervical Cancer Screening in Latina and Vietnamese Women: Outcome Analysis(2005-05-01) Perez, Robin Z.; Gonzalez, Adela; Lykens, Kristine; Galvan, RobertPerez, Robin Z., A Faith Based Approach to Cervical Cancer Screening in Latina and Vietnamese Women: Outcome Analysis. Master of Public Health (Health Management and Policy), May 2005, 34pp., 4 tables, 3 illustrations, bibliography, 6 titles. A secondary data analysis study of the cervical cancer screening collaboration hosted by the St. Joseph Health Care Trust through six area Catholic churches was conducted to describe a program that has been recognized as a best practice for serving minority communities in Texas. The objectives of the study were to list demographic characteristics associated with the screening participants; to review culturally sensitive programming and approaches to serving both Latina and Vietnamese women. The results of this study will assist in implementation of similar interventions. The conclusions demonstrate that interventions that are tailored to specific communities may influence program participants and increase screening turnout.Item A Novel Approach to Inquiry-Based Learning Models in the Sciences: Utilization of Case Presentations and Patient Encounter Workshops in High School Life Science Classrooms(2004-07-01) Whitaker, Lekeisha R.; Rustin E. Reeves; Victoria Rudick; Rouel RoqueA Novel Approach to Inquiry-Based Learning Models in the Sciences: Utilization of Case Presentations and Patient Encounter Workshops in High School Life Science Classrooms. Lekeisha R. Whitaker. Abstract. A novel approach to inquiry-based learning models is needed in a curriculum that reflects changing demographics, societal demands, and diverse cultural background. The proposed module which is designed to teach the urinary system to Fort Worth Independent District high school biology students as outlined in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) guide, represents application of this novel tool in the classroom. It is designed to be implemented in inquiry-based learning classrooms that function to encourage the natural process of inquiry throughout grade levels. The proposed module takes advantage of media resources, introductory case reports, and patient encounter workshops that outline diet, disease, and health disparities as a way to capture student interest in content relevant material, engage students in the daily lessons, and invoke long-term retention of basic life science concepts. Through future research and testing of module design and effectiveness in the classroom, the proposed approach to inquiry-based learning may serve to optimize student understanding of fundamental science concepts and diet and disease as it relates to normal body function, with implications that may affect change in lifestyle. Furthermore, the proposed learning module, if effective, may also serve as a template to be used to teach other life science subjects.Item A Six-Year Analysis of the Distribution of Time to Death Among Colorectal Cancer Patients in the State of Texas(2000-05-01) Williams, Vanessa P.; Antonio A. Rene; Thomas J. Fairchild; Sally BlakleyWilliams, Vanessa P., A Six-Year Analysis of the Distribution of Time to Death Among Colorectal Cancer Patients in the State of Texas. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), May 2000, 55 pp., 11 tables, 9 figures, references, 52 titles. The cancer experience of Texans differs substantially by race/ethnicity. Among Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic men and women, colon cancer is either the second or third leading type of cancers among Texans. The distribution of time to death over a six-year period were assessed from a cohort of African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian men and women diagnosed with colon cancer in 1992. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference in the overall death time distribution and tumor histology among African Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasian men and women who were diagnosed with colon cancer in 1992 in the state of Texas. Analysis results indicated that Hispanic females (65.59%) and Caucasian males (65.52%) had higher survival times among the race/ethnic groups. African American males (53.85%) and females (56.40%) experienced lower survival time for the cohort. For overall distribution of time to death among deceased subjects, African American males and Hispanic females experienced the lowest distribution times among the subjects. The overall distribution of time to death for all histology types were the same for each type.Item A Sun Awareness Pilot Project(2002-05-01) Franklin, Gillian A.; Claudia Coggin; Kristine A. Lykens; Doug A. MainsFranklin, Gillian A., A Sun Awareness Pilot Project. Masters of Public Health (Health Management and Policy), May 2002, 53 pp., 7 tables, bibliography, 48 titles. The most common cancer in the United States today is skin cancer; it is also the most preventable. At least 90% of all skin cancers is caused by sun exposure. Americans have a one in six lifetime risk of developing skin cancer and in Texas the rate is one in three. The purpose of this pilot project was to increase the level of sun protection knowledge and awareness in parents who brought their children in for a six-month immunization visit. The project was modeled after the Australian Cancer Council’s “Slip! Slop! Slap!” campaign. Data was collected from five pediatric clinics in this pretest/posttest design study. Multiple variables regarding demographics, skin type, knowledge, beliefs, sun-protective practices, and attitudes were included. Overall, parental sun protective knowledge and awareness increased. The information obtained from this pilot project may influence future public health decisions regarding education and prevention of skin cancers.Item Acculturation and Psychological Distress in Mexican-American Health Fair Participants(2004-12-01) Bereolos, Nicole M.; Coggin, Claudia; Franks, Susan; Simpkins, JamesBereolos, Nicole M., Acculturation and psychological distress in Mexican-American health fair participants. Master in Public Health (Health Behaviors), December 2004, 20 pp., 3 tables, 23 titles. Immigrants who have integrated into their host culture along with maintaining their cultural identity have better psychological well-being. Greater degrees of psychological distress in less acculturated immigrants may occur due to stressors associated with the transition. This isolation has prevented providers from addressing their mental health needs. This project studied psychological well-being as its relates to acculturation. Self-report questionnaires were offered at the Hispanic Health Fair in Fort Worth, Texas. Psychological distress was significantly higher for the low acculturated (LA) than the moderately acculturated (MA). Specifically, a higher degree of anxiety for the LA group was found compared to the MA. The difference in depression was not significant, however results suggest that mild psychological distress is likely prevalent in the LA. Results underscore the importance of gaining knowledge about the needs of Mexican-Americans that are rarely seen within traditional health service.Item Administration Accountability, Fiscal Year 2011(2011-01-01)Item An Analysis of Osteoporosis-Related Hip Fractures, Using Hospital Discharge Data(2001-12-01) Rubin, Bernard; Antonio A. Rene; Douglas Mains; Muriel MarshallThe purpose of this study is to assess whether a current physician practice may inadequately diagnose osteoporosis in a high risk population of postmenopausal women who have sustained a hip fracture. A review of all patients discharged from Texas hospitals during calendar year 1999 was analyzed, using the Public Use Data File provided through the Texas Health Care Information Council. A total of 13,628 women over the age of 55 were admitted to hospital with a fractured hip. Only 2,233, or 16.3%, of women were also coded with the diagnosis of osteoporosis (P [less than] 0.001). Forty to fifty percent of postmenopausal women have osteoporosis. Therefore, women presenting with a fragility fracture form an even more at-risk subset of the population, such that one would expect a majority of these women to carry a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Percentages of Caucasian, non-Hispanic women in each group were comparable. The age distribution in each group was comparable, implying that the coded diagnosis of osteoporosis was not related to the age of the women when admitted to the hospital. In conclusion, physicians practicing in Texas during calendar year 1999 inadequately diagnosed osteoporosis in a high risk population of postmenopausal women who were admitted to hospital with fractured hip. Future analysis of subsequent analysis databases will be able to identify whether or not continuing medical education efforts will cause physicians to diagnose osteoporosis in this high risk population more frequently.Item An Analytical Study of the Perceptions, Prevention Strategies, Treatment and Economic Impact of Equine West Nile Virus(2004-06-01) Galvan, Robert; Lurie, Sue; Singh, Karan; Gonzalez, AdelaGalvan, Robert, M.P.H., M.S. An Analytical Study of the Perceptions, Prevention Strategies, Treatment and Economic Impact of Equine West Nile Virus. Doctor of Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences, June 2004, 109 pp., 16 Tables, 15 Figures, 47 Titles. Since the introduction of the West Nile Virus (WNV) in the United State in 1999, WNV has been the cause of disease and deaths in humans, wild birds, zoo birds, and horses. In 2002, more than 15,000 equines in 40 states were diagnosed with illness associated with WNV. Approximately one third of those horses died or were euthanized (Campbell et al, 2002). Horses are infected with the WNV more often than humans or any other mammal. It is becoming on e of the fastest growing health threats to horses nationwide. Texas responded to the discovery of WNV by expanding their surveillance systems in the eastern counties of the state (Texas Department of Health, 2003). Positive reports for WNV were announced in 2002, which prompted an increase in public education and equine vaccination recommendations. Although much has been reported on the economic impact WNV has on human health and hospital care facilities, documentation is lacking on these issues in the equine population. Understanding the biology, epidemiology, economic impact, and how WNV affects the equine industry are important aspects to public health programs and prevention activities. The objectives of this study are to: (1) examine WNV cases in the equine population in Texas in order to better understand the distribution of clinical disease, signs, treatments and outcomes; (2) to provide information regarding the perceptions, knowledge, concerns, and treatment of the WNV by Texas veterinarians; and (3) to determine the economic impact of the WNV on the equine population in the state. A 14 question survey was mailed to licensed veterinarians in Texas in an effort to gather information about their perceptions and beliefs of the WNV, recommended treatment preferences, and the estimated cost of treatment. Outcomes included case fatality rate, descriptive data, veterinarians’ knowledge of WNV, veterinarians’ beliefs/perceptions of WNV, and the economic impact of WNV. Descriptive analyses were performed by using SPSS version 11. The methods used for analysis of WNV data were primarily simple descriptive statistics including summations and frequencies. A cross-tabulation was performed between the results of Questions 1, 2, and 3 and a variable created to approximate the number of veterinarians that actually treated cases of WNV (treat). A cross-tabulation and Chi-square analysis was performed between the treatment variables (treat) and derived variables of Questions 1, 2, and 3 to examine differing beliefs and knowledge between veterinarians who had treated WNV and those who had not. Seven hundred of 4,177 surveys returned yielded a response rate of 16.8 percent. Among the veterinarians, 73.4% (514/691) believed that they are receiving or received enough training and/or education concerning WNV. The vaccination regimen is believed to be effective and reliable by 56.1% (393/691) of the respondents. There were 1,256 cases of equine WNV reported confirmed via laboratory testing. There were also 766 cases reported that were not confirmed via laboratory testing. Among the 2,022 diagnosed cases, 257 were vaccinated against WNV prior to illness; and, 159 cases were vaccinated after signs of illness. A total of 441 horses died as either a direct cause of the disease or by owner or veterinarian elected euthanasia. The most common criteria used to decide euthanasia in these horses was prolonged recumbency as reported by 44.2% (87/197) or the veterinarians. Fifty-two percent (233/488) of the veterinarians did not recommend prevention strategies to equine owners. The cost of vaccination regimen was reported by 63% (269/434) of the veterinarians to be $25 or less. The results of the survey suggest that there could be a need for WVN education among veterinarians in areas of prevention, control, and treatment. Future studies should be conducted to examine owner perceptions, knowledge and beliefs of WNV vaccinations and prevention strategies. Values for lost horses were not solicited in the survey, thus, a total economic impact could not be completely estimated. However, a formula to approximate the aggregate economic impact of the WNV on the Texas equine industry was employed.Item An Assessment of Treatment Outcomes and Perceptions of Care Amongst a Female Dual Diagnosis Population in Texas(2005-05-21) Garza, Monica J.; Doug A. Mains; T.J. Fairchild; Kristine LykensGarza, Monica J., An Assessment of Treatment Outcomes and Perceptions of Care Amongst a Female Dual Diagnosis Population in Texas. Master of Public Health (Management and Policy), May 2005, 109 pp., 42 Figures, 62 bibliography titles. The purpose of this study was to examine substance abuse services for the female population in Texas to ascertain whether a relationship existed between treatment settings, the severity of specified populations, and reported attitudes/perceptions of care. The study assessed sixty-four variables using an IRB-approved four-page survey instrument completed by 239 women receiving substance abuse treatment at outpatient and residential treatment settings. Statistical analyses included independent sample t-tests, correlations, and descriptive findings. The study found that the outpatient population of women surveyed a greater level of treatment satisfaction. Both study hypotheses were rejected. These evaluations will help Texas policy analysts, acknowledge a greater need for substance abuse trend studies.Item Application of the Theory of Reasoned Action to Female Adolescent Sexual Behavior(2000-05-01) Gilbert-Cronen, Vanessa S.; Rene, Antonio; Goldfarb, Ronald H.; Urrutia-Rojas, XimenaGilbert-Cronen, Vanessa S., Application of the Theory of Reasoned Action to Female Adolescent Sexual Behavior. Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences), May, 2000, 143pp., 25 tables, 8 illustrations, references, 170 titles. Objectives. This study evaluated the Theory of Reasoned Actions for its effectiveness in the prediction of the sexual intercourse intentions of a group of female high school adolescents. An expanded model which included a self-esteem measure was also assessed for its contribution to the model. Additionally, six-month follow up data was used to determine whether sexual intercourse intention predicted reported sexual behavior at follow-up. Methods. Data from the National Urban Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program (NUAPPP), a longitudinal study conducted in 1997 and 1998 was used for this study. Tenth grade adolescent high school females (n=235) from two sites in Texas were selected to conduct a partial test of the Theory of Reasoned Action. The TRA model constructs attitudes and subjective norm were operationalized so that beliefs about sexual intercourse, attitudes towards pregnancy, perceived sexual beliefs about friends and parental communication beliefs were evaluated for their individual and combined effectiveness in the prediction of sexual intercourse intention. Results. Logistic analysis of individual model components showed significant associations between sexual beliefs (OR=5.75; 95% CI = 2.75, 11.98), pregnancy attitudes (OR=3.14; 95% CI=1.53, 6.44) perceived friend’s beliefs (OR=3.97; 95% CI = 1.57, 10.04) and sexual intercourse intention. When combined as a model, only sexual beliefs remained a significant predictor of intention (OR=4.02; 95% CI=1.79, 9.04). Evaluation of external variables showed past behavior to be a significant predictor of sexual intercourse intention (OR=32.59; 95% CI=12.56, 84.53). Conclusions. This study found the Theory of Reasoned Action to be inadequate in the prediction of adolescent female sexual intercourse intentions. The facts that individual constructs were significant predictors indicates a need for further research to understand the relationships between attitudes, beliefs, intention and behavior.Item Association Between Air Pollution and Daily Mortality in Two Texas Counties(2005-05-01) Espinosa, Isabel Y.; Terry Gratton; Sejong Bae; Antonio ReneEspinosa, 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 Asthma Mortality and Toxic Release in Texas - An Ecological Study 1980-2001(2004-05-01) Maddipatla, Sreeram; Manuel BayonaMaddipatla, S., Asthma Mortality and Toxic Release in Texas - An Ecological Study 1980-2001. Master of Public Health (Environmental Health) April 2004, 97 pp., 4 tables, bibliography, 94 titles. There is a lack of literature examining how the spatiotemporal trend of asthma may have impacted different ethnic/racial compositions of Texans. The present study sought to evaluate the geographic-temporal variations in asthma mortality in Texans over a 22-year period, retrospectively, and examine whether the trend of environmental Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) concentrations and their spatiotemporal persistence might place an uneven burden on particular racial groups. The study concentrates on the time period between 1980-2001 and first evaluates geographic excess of asthma mortality in different racial groups at the county level and characterizes the excess burden by spatiotemporal variations. After this assessment, the impact of TRI on asthma mortality over this period of time is analyzed. Based on these two analyses, this would identify which racial/ethnic groups in which Texas regions might have been affected the most by regarding mortality over time, and suggested priority geographic areas for policy intervention. At the end of this study, it could be said that there might be an association between the TRI release and increased asthma mortality in the Black male population.Item Bacterial microbiomes of Ixodes scapularis ticks collected from Massachusetts and Texas, USA(BioMed Central Ltd., 2019-06-24) Thapa, Santosh; Zhang, Yan; Allen, Michael S.BACKGROUND: The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is the primary vector of the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi in North America. Though the tick is found across the eastern United States, Lyme disease is endemic to the northeast and upper midwest and rare or absent in the southern portion of the vector's range. In an effort to better understand the tick microbiome from diverse geographic and climatic regions, we analysed the bacterial community of 115 I. scapularis adults collected from vegetation in Texas and Massachusetts, representing extreme ends of the vector's range, by massively parallel sequencing of the 16S V4 rRNA gene. In addition, 7 female I. scapularis collected from dogs in Texas were included in the study. RESULTS: Male I. scapularis ticks had a more diverse bacterial microbiome in comparison to the female ticks. Rickettsia spp. dominated the microbiomes of field-collected female I. scapularis from both regions, as well as half of the males from Texas. In addition, the male and female ticks captured from Massachusetts contained high proportions of the pathogens Anaplasma and Borrelia, as well as the arthropod endosymbiont Wolbachia. None of these were found in libraries generated from ticks collected in Texas. Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter and Mycobacterium were significantly differently abundant (p < 0.05) between the male ticks from Massachusetts and Texas. Anaplasma and Borrelia were found in 15 and 63% of the 62 Massachusetts ticks, respectively, with a co-infection rate of 11%. Female ticks collected from Texas dogs were particularly diverse, and contained several genera including Rickettsia, Pseudomonas, Bradyrhizobium, Sediminibacterium, and Ralstonia. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the bacterial microbiomes of I. scapularis ticks vary by sex and geography, with significantly more diversity in male microbiomes compared to females. We found that sex plays a larger role than geography in shaping the composition/diversity of the I. scapularis microbiome, but that geography affects what additional taxa are represented (beyond Rickettsia) and whether pathogens are found. Furthermore, recent feeding may have a role in shaping the tick microbiome, as evident from a more complex bacterial community in female ticks from dogs compared to the wild-caught questing females. These findings may provide further insight into the differences in the ability of the ticks to acquire, maintain and transmit pathogens. Future studies on possible causes and consequences of these differences will shed additional light on tick microbiome biology and vector competence.Item Characteristics of Primary Care Physicians Serving in Texas Medically Underserved Areas(2006-08-01) Lancaster, Scott Bradley; Kristine Lykens; Russell Gamber; Jeffrey TalbertLancaster, Scott Bradley, Characteristics of Primary Care Physicians Serving in Texas Medically Underserved Areas, 2005. Master of Public Health (Health Management and Policy), May 2006, 63 pp., 13 tables, bibliography, 59 titles. Primary care physician demographics were examined to determine if subgroups differed in choice of practice location in urban and rural Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) in Texas. Compared with the overall proportion of physicians practicing in rural MUAs (8.8%), subgroups that significantly differed were Dos (13.5%), males (10.6%), general practitioners (19.4%), family physicians (12.4%), and graduates of medical school prior to or during 1960 (18.8%) and from 1961-1970 (11.2%). Compared with the overall proportion of physicians practicing in urban MUAs (23.2%), subgroups that significantly differed were females (25%), Blacks (29.7%), and Latinos (38.7). Binary logistic regression showed that Asian ethnicity, general practice specialty, and graduate year of 1961-1970 predicted MUA practice location. The statistically significant differences observed underscore the importance of further study to examine potential differences between rural and urban MUAs. Public policy that provides incentives for more equitable physician distribution should be based on sound research.Item Defining the Prostate Cancer Population in Texas Using Hospital Discharge Data(2004-05-01) Manuel, Christopher J.; Karan Singh; Antonio A. ReneManuel, Christopher J., Defining the prostate cancer population in Texas using hospital discharge data. Masters of Public Health (Biostatistics), May 2004, 25 pp., 6 tables, bibliography, 35 titles. The Texas Health Care Information Council (THCIC) was created by the 74th Texas Legislature in 1995. THCIC’s primary purpose is to provide data that will enable Texas consumers and health plan purchasers to make informed health care decisions. This data also serves the purpose of providing information about disease trends and hospital discharges. The purpose of this study was to describe the disease status of prostate cancer in the state of Texas. Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous male malignancy and ranks as the second cause of cancer-related mortality among men in the United States. Epidemiologic data was extracted from the data set for analysis looking at disease trends based on a variety of factors such as age, race, and insurance.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; Sejong Bae; Kristine Lykens; Peter HilsenrathPasipanodya, 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.