Browsing by Subject "prevention"
Now showing 1 - 10 of 10
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item A Review of the Literature on Faith-Based Organization's HIV/AIDs Care and Prevention Efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa(2005-05-01) Rojas, Zeida G.; Lurie, Sue; Urrutia-Rojas, XimenaRojas, Zeida G., A Review of the Literature on Faith-Based Organization’s HIV/AIDS Care and Prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa. Master of Public Health (Community Health), May 2005, 83 pp., 20 diagrams, bibliography, 10 titles. The thesis assesses the role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) involved in HIV/AIDS related care and prevention activities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Do FBOs have the ability to address the multi-faceted syndrome that HIV/AIDS brings to an individual, their family and community? Can FBOs be effective partners to carry out prevention and care initiatives? Faith-based organizations are generally overlooked as potential partners and leaders in the fight against HIV/AIDS. FBOs are often the only genuine nongovernmental organizations in many rural parts of poor countries, or at a minimum, they are the strongest and most influential. Due to their organizational networks, FBOs are able to mobilize people and resources, and to reach rural or isolated areas. Evidence of current FBO efforts demonstrates that FBOs have the ability to address the multifaceted effects of HIV/AIDS and can become indispensable partners for government health agencies and NGOs.Item Activities of Daily Living and Cardiovascular Risk Factors' Impact on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Cognitive Functioning: A Three Stage Longitudinal Model(2005-05-01) Bozo, Ozlem; Guarnaccia, Charles A.; Hall, James; Kelly, KimberlyBozo, Ozlem, Activities of Daily Living and Cardiovascular Risk Factors’ Impact on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Cognitive Functioning: A Three Stage Longitudinal Model. Doctor of Philosophy (Health Psychology), May, 2005, 122 pp., 23 tables, 4 figures, references, 50 titles. The purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal relationship of daily living (ADL), cardiovascular risk factors, and cardiovascular diseases to predict the future cognitive functioning of older Americans who are between the ages of 51 and 61 at the time of initial assessment. Three waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) database between the years of 1992 and 2002 were examined with path analysis. The longitudinal hypotheses of the study were that (1) ADLs would positively predict future cognitive functioning, (2) ADLs would negatively predict future cardiovascular risk factors, (3) ADLS would negatively predict future cardiovascular diseases, (5) cardiovascular risk factors would negatively predict future cognitive functioning, (6) cardiovascular disease would negatively predict future cognitive functioning, (7) cardiovascular risk factors would mediate the relationship between ADLS and cardiovascular disease, and (8) cardiovascular disease would mediate the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive functioning. The results of the analyses indicate that there was no effect of cardiovascular disease on cognitive functioning; however, there were significant effects of cardiovascular risk factors on cognitive functioning that ranged between B=-/021 and B=-/145. Moreover, it was found that cardiovascular risk factors mediate the relationship between ADLs and cognitive functioning, while cardiovascular disease does not. These results suggest that addressing cardiovascular risk factors may be more important than addressing existing cardiovascular disease to protect future cognitive functioning. This shows the importance of primary/secondary prevention versus tertiary interventions.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 Determining Perceived Self-Efficacy for Preventing Dengue Fever in Two Climatically Diverse Mexican States: A Cross-Sectional Study(MDPI, 2022-03-28) Annan, Esther; Angulo-Molina, Aracely; Yaacob, Wan Fairos Wan; Kline, Nolan; Lopez-Lemus, Uriel A.; Haque, UbydulKnowledge of dengue fever and perceived self-efficacy toward dengue prevention does not necessarily translate to the uptake of mosquito control measures. Understanding how these factors (knowledge and self-efficacy) influence mosquito control measures in Mexico is limited. Our study sought to bridge this knowledge gap by assessing individual-level variables that affect the use of mosquito control measures. A cross-sectional survey with 623 participants was administered online in Mexico from April to July 2021. Multiple linear regression and multiple logistic regression models were used to explore factors that predicted mosquito control scale and odds of taking measures to control mosquitoes in the previous year, respectively. Self-efficacy (beta = 0.323, p-value = < 0.0001) and knowledge about dengue reduction scale (beta = 0.316, p-value =< 0.0001) were the most important predictors of mosquito control scale. The linear regression model explained 24.9% of the mosquito control scale variance. Increasing age (OR = 1.064, p-value =< 0.0001) and self-efficacy (OR = 1.020, p-value = 0.0024) were both associated with an increase in the odds of taking measures against mosquitoes in the previous year. There is a potential to increase mosquito control awareness and practices through the increase in knowledge about mosquito reduction and self-efficacy in Mexico.Item Eating Disorders: Best Age for Education and Prevention(2004-05-01) Chasmawala, Jayshri R.; Susan Franks; Susan Eve; Muriel MarshallChasmawala, Jayshri R., Eating Disorders: Best Age for Prevention and Education. Master of Public Health (Dual Degree D.O./M.P.H.), May 2004, 22 pp., 11 tables, 6 illustrations, references, 16 titles. Objective: This study attempts to determine the best age to design a prevention program to prevent the development of eating disorders based on adolescents’ behavior and attitudes towards eating disorders. Methods: Forty students aged 11-17 answered a self-reported questionnaire regarding dieting and weight, identification of emotional states, and general awareness of eating disorders. Age group divided the sample: 13 years of age and younger; and 14 years of age and older. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine existence of any differences between the populations. Results: An overall difference in the age groups exists with statistic significance. The difference in mean values of interoceptive awareness is statistically significant between the age groups. Conclusion: Interoceptive Awareness, not awareness level of eating disorders, is more indicative of the best age for prevention. Younger age children may benefit more from prevention due to lack of emotional maturity which leads to higher risk of development of eating disorders.Item Effect of 2018 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guideline Change on Statin Prescription for People Living with HIV(Elsevier B.V., 2023-03-28) Pan, Meng; Agovi, Afiba Manza-A.; Anikpo, Ifedioranma O.; Fasanmi, Esther O.; Thompson, Erika L.; Reeves, Jaquetta M.; Thompson, Caitlin T.; Johnson, Marc E.; Golub, Vitaly; Ojha, Rohit P.The American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines were updated in 2018 to explicitly recommend statin use for primary cardiovascular disease prevention among people living with HIV (PLWH), but little is known about the effect of this guideline change. We aimed to assess the effect of the 2018 ACC/AHA guideline change on statin prescription among PLWH. We used data from an institutional HIV registry to identify PLWH aged 40-75 years, engaged in HIV care between June 2016 and May 2021, had a LDL cholesterol between 70 and 189 mg/dl, 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score >/=7.5%, no prior statin prescription, and no history of diabetes or ASCVD. Our outcome of interest was a new statin prescription within 12 months of eligibility. We estimated standardized risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence limits (CL) by comparing prescription probabilities before and after guideline change. Our study population comprised 251 PLWH (171 before, 80 after the guideline change), of whom 57% were aged <55 years, 82% were male, and 45% were non-Hispanic black. The standardized 12-month statin prescription risk was 43% (95% CL: 31%, 60%) after the guideline change and 19% (95% CL: 13%, 26%) before the guideline change (RD = 25%, 95% CL: 9.1%, 40%). Our results suggest that the 2018 ACC/AHA guideline change increased statin prescription among PLWH, but a sizable proportion of eligible PLWH were not prescribed statin. Future studies are needed to identify strategies to enhance implementation of statin prescription guidelines among PLWH.Item Factors that Motivate Hispanics to Attend Church-Based Health Interventions(2006-05-01) Sanchez, Mary-Katherine; Gonzalez, Adela; Lykens, Kristine; Lurie, SueSanchez, Mary-Katherine, Factors that Motivate Hispanics to Participate in Church-Based Health Interventions. Doctor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences), May 2006, 80 p.p., 1 table, bibliography, 62 titles. One of the most important demographic trends taking place in the United States today is the rapid growth of the Hispanic/Latino population (Kostin, 2004). Hispanics are the fastest-growing minority group in the United States (Documet Sharma, 2004; United States Census Bureau, 2003). This rapid growth will have a major impact on social, political and economic issues as well as on the health of the people in the United States (Kostin, 2004). Throughout the country, church-based health interventions are being offered to individuals of differing cultural and ethnic backgrounds, however, retention of participants is often low. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to determine the roles that social and behavioral factors play in motivating Hispanics to attend church-based health interventions. The study used qualitative methods. Focus groups were conducted at two church sites that were participants in the fall 2005 American Heart Association De Corazon a Corazon program with the highest retention rate of participating parishes. Both focus groups were audio-recorded, and recordings and field notes were then used to translate and transcribe the collected data. All data were entered into NVivo and coded to identify important themes and concepts. Results identified key identified motivating factors that included familiarity with setting, desire to improve health, need to gain information, knowing others in the group, social and motivational factors, monetary benefits such as free health screenings and workshops and questions being answered in Spanish. It was determined that social factors play a major role in motivating Hispanics to attend church-based health interventions. Through increasing our knowledge of motivational factors and influences on Hispanics to attend a church-based intervention, more effective health prevention and intervention programs can be designed and implemented in an effort to better reach this growing minority population and lessen the burden of minority health disparities. This is an area of research that needs to be further examined in order to prevent growing health disparities among the Hispanic population.Item Heterotopic Ossification: A Recurrence Model and Novel Approach to NSAID Prophylaxis(2018-05) Juarez, Jessica K.; Reeves, Rustin E.; Rickards, Caroline A.; Wenke, Joseph C.; Rivera, Jessica C.; Gwirtz, Patricia A.Heterotopic ossification (HO) describes aberrant bone formation in soft tissue such as joints and muscle tissue, and is a complication of traumatic injury. The pathogenesis of HO is poorly understood, however, a common complication is chronic inflammation, which is also implicated in the osteogenic cascade. The current standard of care for trauma-patients with HO is excision and administering prophylactic radiation therapy and systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Treatments are based on several factors, including severity of trauma and ectopic bone formation potential. Systemic NSAID delivery reduces the inflammatory response but interferes with wound healing, and results in gastritis which can contribute to patient non-compliance. Following excision, HO recurrence is also a possibility. We hypothesized that local NSAID delivery would prevent primary ectopic bone formation when delivered at the time of injury in a rat tibialis anterior, and that local NSAID delivery would prevent recurrent HO following excision of established HO. The major findings of this study were that 1) locally delivered NSAIDs did not prevent primary HO when delivered at the time of injury, and 2) recurrence of HO was not observed in either the control or NSAID treatment groups following excision of established HO. We conclude that local NSAID delivery at the time of induction does not prevent primary HO formation. Additionally, recurrence is not observed in either control or treatment groups following partial excision of established bone treated with locally delivered NSAIDs. However, bone volume reduction is observed four weeks following NSAID delivery in both treatment and control groups. Further investigation into treatment timing, treatment dose, and delivery vehicle is warranted for both primary HO prevention and recurrence following excision.Item HIV AND NUTRITION IN A COMMUNITY SETTING(2014-03) Leber, Julie; DeHaven, MarkPurpose (a): A balanced diet and good nutrition help maintain a strong immune system for resisting disease and contribute to improved quality of life. Weight loss, wasting, and malnutrition are common problems which can contribute to HIV disease progression. With recent advances in effective antiretroviral medications, good nutrition can help those infected with HIV to better process their many medications. Diet (and exercise) may help control other symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue, and other metabolic abnormalities such as high blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides. The purpose of this project was to assess the behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes related to modifiable lifestyle factors for improving health outcomes among residents of an HIV/AIDS living facility in Fort Worth (Samaritan House). This study will provide the baseline for understanding the potential value in making future nutritional interventions within the living facility. Methods (b): The Samaritan House in Fort Worth is dedicated to creating a supportive community providing housing and resources for positive change in the lives of persons living with HIV/AIDS and other special needs. A conglomerate of validated questionnaires was administered to Samaritan House residents in order to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors with regards to nutrition, physical activity, depression, and smoking. Results (c): Results showed that residents intake patterns did not meet the dietary recommendations with regards to fat, fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and that the majority of residents worry considerably about their health but do not change their eating habits because of it. The majority of residents answered that motivations for healthy behavior were driven by internal rather than external factors. 64% screened positive for depression. 54% were active smokers, but 41% had tried to quit in the past year. With regards to physical activity, 33% of residents had a high level, 33% had a medium level, and 33% had a low level. Conclusions (d): Nutritional and lifestyle renovation are a potential source of improvement at Samaritan House. This results of this study will be used to provide a foundation by which later studies can be conducted that examine the effects of dietary interventions (through education and influence of the charitable donations providing food) on the holistic health of this population, which will serve to improve the quality of life and prevention of disease.Item Use of Clinical Practice Guidelines and Quality Metrics to Assess Primary Care Management of Osteoporosis(Sage Publications, 2023-10-03) Camp, Kathlene; Hartos, Jessica; Atanda, AdenikeBackground: Clinical practice guidelines and quality measures provide recommendations for physicians addressing osteoporosis management. This study explored the alignment of osteoporosis clinical practice in a primary care geriatric clinic with recommended guidelines. Methods: This retrospective chart review included 388 patients 65 or older from a primary care geriatric clinic diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, with or without a fragility fracture. Data included history of falls and use of DXA scans, FRAX(R) fracture risk assessment tool, osteoporosis medication, and fall risk mitigation plans. Results: For age-related primary fracture prevention, 68% of women and 87% of men had documented DXA scans, and 45% of patients diagnosed with osteoporosis and 42% determined at high risk were prescribed osteoporosis medication. For secondary fracture prevention, 72% of women aged 67 to 85 had DXA scans and 21% were prescribed osteoporosis medication. Only 10% of patients with a history of falls had documented fall risk management plans. Conclusion: Although showing higher rates of primary and secondary prevention outcomes than did research results from general primary care, gaps were identified for high fracture risk patients and fall risk management documentation. Medical record review may not provide sufficient data to capture factors influencing decision-making for fracture prevention.