Browsing by Subject "public health"
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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 Adult Women and Coronary Heart Disease: Studies on Surgical Procedures and Perception(2010-12-01) Schlorke, Patricia; Bae, Sejong; Biswas, Swati; Chen, OliveSchlorke, Patricia J., Adult Women and Coronary Heart Disease: Studies on Surgical Procedures and Perception. Doctor of Public Health (Biostatistics), December 2010, 124 pp., 12 tables, 3 figures, bibliography, 95 titles. Coronary heart disease (CHD) was the number one cause of death in the United States. The main CHD symptom was a heart attack. The most common form of a heart attack was chest pain and shortness of breath, which occurred in men. However, women did not usually have chest pain, but other symptoms such as abdominal pain or indigestion. This could lead women to perceive or believe that they would not have heart disease or heart attacks. This thought could lead women to not obtaining health care, such as surgical procedures, for CHD. Health professionals knew the signs and symptoms of CHD in men, but they may be uncertain in their diagnosis in women. This could lead to women not asking their health care professional about heart attacks or other symptoms. The purpose of this dissertation analyzed CHD in two areas in all women 18 years and older. These two areas were: (a) comparing hospital length of stay between men and women who had either coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA); and (b) women’s perceptions about CHD. Data for the surgical procedures study came from the 2006 National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) and for the perception study came from the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The results showed for the surgical procedures men and women had increased hospital days of care (DOC) for all surgical procedures. The results for the perception study showed women varied by age, race-ethnicity, education, income, and other factors in heart attack symptom knowledge. These two studies had the following conclusions. The results for increased hospital DOC had implications, such as increased health utilization, for present and future hospitalizations. The results for heart attack symptom knowledge showed a need for more awareness and communication of heart attack symptoms among all women across the United States.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 Associations Between Socioeconomic Statuses and Behavioral Risk Factors and Self-Reported Health Status(2005-05-01) Wu, Gang; Daisha Cipher; Shande Chen; Sejong BaeWu, Gang, Association Between Socioeconomic Statuses and Behavioral Risk Factors and Self-Reported Health Status. Master of Public Health (Biostatistics), May 2005, 70pp., 5 figures, 4 tables, references, 58 titles. Socioeconomic statuses (SES) and behavioral risk factors determine more than 70% of overall health outcome of American population. The effects of SES and behavioral risk factors on self-reported health status (SRHS) were studied using binary logistic regression models. Age group, education level, ethnicity, physical activities, cholesterol intake, smoking status, and drinking status were identified as significant predictors (p [less than] 0.05) to SRHS based on overall model. Significant predictors for each ethnic group varied based on the same model separated by ethnicity: White (insurance coverage, physical activities, smoking status, and drinking status), Black (gender, vegetable intake, and Hispanic (cholesterol intake). Ethnic disparities in SES and behavioral risk factors were discussed. The findings may have potential importance in public health intervention.Item Barriers to Health Care Access Among Vietnamese Refugees in Tarrant County, Texas.(2004-05-01) Le, Tuan D.; Chiehwen Ed Hsu; Sue Lurie; Raghbir SandhuLe, 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 Breast Health 101: A Workshop Designed for the University Setting(1998-06-06) Foster, Wednesday; John Licciardone; Gilbert Ramirez; Claudia CogginFoster, Wednesday, Breast Health 101: A Workshop Designed for the University Setting. Master of Public Health, June 6, 1998, 81 pp., 18 tables, 1 figure, bibliography, 43 titles. A study of 18-25 year old female undergraduates was conducted to describe their level of breast health awareness, evaluate changes in awareness after a breast health workshop, and determine the effectiveness of the education. Variation in responses were evaluated using a pre/post-questionnaire design. Participants scored lower at baseline on knowledge and proficiency variables. The knowledge/proficiency score was significantly higher at post-questionnaire in both study groups. Lack of skill was identified as a barrier to breast self-examination, but fear, embarrassment, and forgetfulness were not. Lack of knowledge was not a barrier of BSE frequency. BSE skill and frequency were significantly higher in the intervention group post-intervention.Item Brownell, Blaine, Ph.D(1994-02-28) Brownell, Blaine; Hailey, BlakeUNT Provost, Dr. Brownell, discusses his background, his take on the collaboration between North Texas and TCOM and TCOM's transition into the Health Science Center. Interviewed by Blake Hailey, February 28, 1994Item Characterization of MRSA Infection at Childrens Medical Center, Dallas, January 2005-June 2005(2006-05-01) Okoro, Ngozi M.; Raghbir Sandhu; Claudia S. Coggin; Sejong BaeOkoro, Ngozi M., Characterization of MRSA infection at Childrens Medical Center, Dallas, January 2005-June 2005. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), May 2006, 33p., 14 tables, 10 illustrations, bibliography, 13 titles. MRSA infection is increasingly emerging in patients without the established risk factors hence the term CAMRSA. This study is a descriptive secondary data analysis from an ongoing study at UTSM/CMCD and describes the CMCD patients with MRSA infection. Data analysis showed a consistent increase in the incidence rate of the infection with slight female preponderance. Race distribution showed that blacks were the majority. Most children were less than 2years, used Medicaid, had superficial infections and community-acquired infections. All (100%) isolates were susceptible to Vancomycin and Linezolid while many (92.2%) were resistant to Erythromycin. The increasing incidence in CAMRSA infection remains a challenge for public health professionals and the resistant pattern a potential problem to the pharmaceuticals.Item Child Nutrition and Hygiene Practices Related to Dental Caries in Preschool Children(2006-08-01) Sterba, Jennifer A.; Urrutia-Rojas, Ximena; Coggin, ClaudiaSterba R.D.H., B.S., Jennifer A. Child Nutrition and Hygiene Practices Related to Dental Caries in Pre-School Children. Master of Public Health (Community Health), August 2006, 50 pp., bibliography, 22 titles. Dental caries is a significant public health issue among low income children. Head start is a child developmental program that provides education and health services for low income families. One hundred and thirty seven children, age’s three to six, and their parents/guardians enrolled in four sites at Head Start Greater Dallas, Inc. participated in this study. Fifty-three percent of all children had evidence of early childhood caries. In this study, parents/guardians reported adequate nutrition and hygiene practices of their child’s oral health, but children still show a high incidence of caries. Therefore, preventive educational services provided by a dental professional would be beneficial to the Head Start families to improve children’s oral health.Item Clinical Symptoms of Arboviruses in Mexico(MDPI, 2020-11-19) Ananth, Sushmitha; Shrestha, Nistha; Treviño C., Jesús A.; Nguyen, Uyen-Sa; Haque, Ubydul; Angulo-Molina, Aracely; Lopez-Lemus, Uriel A.; Lubinda, Jailos; Sharif, Rashed Md; Zaki, Rafdzah Ahmad; Sánchez Casas, Rosa María; Cervantes, Diana; Nandy, RajeshArboviruses such as Chikungunya (CHIKV), Dengue (DENV), and Zika virus (ZIKV) have emerged as a significant public health concern in Mexico. The existing literature lacks evidence regarding the dispersion of arboviruses, thereby limiting public health policy's ability to integrate the diagnosis, management, and prevention. This study seeks to reveal the clinical symptoms of CHIK, DENV, and ZIKV by age group, region, sex, and time across Mexico. The confirmed cases of CHIKV, DENV, and ZIKV were compiled from January 2012 to March 2020. Demographic characteristics analyzed significant clinical symptoms of confirmed cases. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the association between clinical symptoms and geographical regions. Females and individuals aged 15 and older had higher rates of reported significant symptoms across all three arboviruses. DENV showed a temporal variation of symptoms by regions 3 and 5, whereas ZIKV presented temporal variables in regions 2 and 4. This study revealed unique and overlapping symptoms between CHIKV, DENV, and ZIKV. However, the differentiation of CHIKV, DENV, and ZIKV is difficult, and diagnostic facilities are not available in rural areas. There is a need for adequately trained healthcare staff alongside well-equipped lab facilities, including hematological tests and imaging facilities.Item Doctors, Patients, and Adherence to HIV Medication: Findings of the Communication, Communities, and Health Study(2008-05-01) Seater, Margaret; Kimberly Fulda; Kathryn CardarelliThis study is about whether doctors have the potential to influence adherence by forming a solid patient-doctor relationship. This study is also about health disparities; specifically, if racialized life experiences have any association with either adherence or the formation of a solid patient-doctor relationship. Self-reported racial discrimination was shown to be a risk factor for non-adherence (OR 4.725, p-value [less than] 0.05), while compassionate behavior on the part of the clinician predicted adherence (OR 0.062, p-value [less than] 0.1 trend). Future directions include applying for extramural funding to conduct a clinical trial emphasizing communication as a way to eliminate health disparities. In the long term, the goal of medical educators should be to recruit more non-white physicians in order to further eliminate health disparities.Item Epidemiological Modeling of a Bioterrorism Event in a Noncombat Environment(1999-07-01) Perkins, Christopher J.; Antonio Rene; Mains; Gilbert RamirezPerkins, Christopher J., Epidemiological Modeling of a Bioterrorism Event in a Noncombat Environment. Master of Public Health (Biomedical Sciences), July, 1999, 60 pp., 8 tables, 4 illustrations, references, 31 titles. The challenge to government, medical and public health officials is to advocate for American citizens the safest environment possible to live and work. A threat to the safety of all Americans has initiated preparations from national, state, and local jurisdictions in an attempt to counter the probability of biological terrorism. Bioterrorism is not only a threat to humans but also a threat to the nation’s water and food supplies. Epidemiological Modeling of a Bioterrorism Event demonstrates the importance in preparations to reduce the number of casualties and fatalities. Using Epidemiological Modeling of bioterrorism events will aid public health and medical personnel in the planning and initiation of appropriate public health actions and medical therapies should such events occur.Item Fecal Coliforms in the Rio Grande: A Risk to Human Health(2004-12-01) Tompkins, Erin L.; Thomas Vaughan; Claudia S. CogginTompkins, Erin L., Fecal Coliforms in the Rio Grande: A Risk to Human Health. Master of Public Health (Environmental Health), December 2004, 45 pages, bibliography, 33 titles. The Rio Grande around Laredo, Texas/Nuevo Laredo, Mexico was designated for primary contact reaction by the EPA. However, monthly sampling over a ten-year period in this section of the river may show otherwise. Fecal contamination of the Rio Grande in this area may be a source of illness to the population. Four sites in Laredo area were tested for fecal coliform density and rate of flow. Rainfall data from the USGS was used for comparisons. The rate of flow of the Rio Grande had an impact on fecal coliform density at one site measured. Rainfall in Laredo had an impact on fecal coliform density at two measured sites, and was a significant predictor of density at these sites as well. A review of the designation for this river segment is recommended. More research is needed to determine the exposed population, and effects of high coliform densities on downstream communities.Item Health Games: Questions and Answers from Free Online NLM Resources(2016-11-01) Gibson D. Lewis Health Science Library; Sheldon, Lorraine; Smith, Jacqui E.This document is a printable card game for children and youth that provides samples of questions from health games online. Print double sided and cut on dotted lines. The purpose of this document is to promote the National Library of Medicine as part of Gibson D. Lewis Library’s function as a Resource Library.Item Integrating Public Health and Informatics into Undergraduate Medical Education: Utilization of an Innovative Bioterrorism Awareness Training Module(2003-08-01) Lippolis, L. CharoletteLippolis, L. Charolette, Integrating Public Health and Informatics into Undergraduate Medical Education: Utilization of an Innovative Bioterrorism Awareness Training Module. Master of Public Health (Dual-Degree, DO/MPH), August 2003, 19 pp., 5 tables, references, 15 titles. On October 4, 2001, the first case of inhalation anthrax in U.S. history due to an intentional human act was diagnosed; convincing even the most skeptical American that bioterrorism is a real and present threat in this country. Despite its emergence as an important medical and public health issue, a serious deficit in bioterrorism preparedness training has been recognized throughout the medical community, particularly in undergraduate medical education. In the face of the established need for bioterrorism awareness training, an overriding issue facing medical educators is how to incorporate more information into already over-packed curricula. The sheer volume of medical knowledge is becoming too vast to be taught by “traditional methods”. Integration of multiple subject areas, using a variety of presentation formats, is the key to providing medical students with the breadth and depth of skills and knowledge necessary to become competent physicians in the 21st century. This paper describes a unique adaptable, bioterrorism awareness training module designed for preclinical medical students that is inexpensive and will easily integrate into a wide variety of existing curricula. This course serves not only to educate students about bioterrorism and weapons of mass destruction, but in addition will increase their understanding of the Public Health system and disease reporting requirements, while providing experience in utilizing on-line resources for knowledge acquisition. The format for this course is based upon educational data derived from two different bioterrorism preparedness training modules presented to the first year osteopathic medical students in the academic years 2001-02 and 2002-03.Item Neuroprotective effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-y) ligands against oxidative stress(2003-12-01) Aoun, Paul; Simpkins, James W.; Dillon, Glenn; Gracy, RobertAoun, Paul Neuroprotective effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-y) ligands against oxidative stress. Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacology and Neurosciences), December, 2003, 254 pp., 37 figures. Diabetes mellitus is a significant public health problem in the United States and the world resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality. Diabetes complications, i.e., neuropathy, are common and almost triple the annual cost of managing diabetes. In our studies, we investigated the role that insulin sensitizers currently used for the treatment of diabetes, the PPAR-y ligands, might play in protecting neurons against oxidative stresses. We showed that two PPAR-y ligands, 15 deoxy-PGJ2 and troglitazone, protected, in a dose-dependent manner, HT-22 mouse hippocampal and RGC-5 retinal ganglion cell lines against various oxidative insults. Further, we demonstrated that neuroprotection by 15deoxy-PGJ2 and troglitazone was independent of the PPAR-y receptor. Our findings brought to light an important role of PPAR-y ligands in preventing neuronal complications from diabetes. Moreover, the studies reported herein provide valuable insights into the development of novel therapeutic compounds that improve insulin sensitivity while preventing neurological, and possibly other complications of diabetes.Item North Texas Health & Science - 2011, Issue 2(University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 2011-01-01)Item Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Factors for Diabetes in United States - 2005(2007-04-01) Tomer, Vikas; Sejong Bae; Karan Singh; Raghbir SandhuTomer, Vikas, Prevalence of obesity and associated factors for diabetes in United States –2005, Master of Public Health (Biostatistics), May 2007, 27 pp, 9 tables. Diabetes is one of the major public health problems in the United States. The purpose of this research is to explore whether there is a relationship between obesity and diabetes and to understand the effects of some other associated factors on diabetes in the United States in the year 2005. The data studied is from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2005. A univariate analysis for frequency distribution was used to evaluate and edit the data. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of diabetes and the variables through crude and adjusted odd ratio. The result of the study showed significant association between diabetes and obesity and the associated factors among US adults. The prevalence of diabetes has been found to be highest among African Americans followed by Hispanics and Others. Our results indicate that being an obese non-Hispanic black with low income level over the age of 65 years is indicative of being at the highest risk for diabetes. Therefore, for preventive measures to decrease the risk of being overweight and obesity healthy eating habits and regular exercise are recommended. As, income level increases, there is a significant decrease in the diabetes population. The strongest predictor of all appears to be obesity followed by age. Age, gender, income level, race and BMI all had significant effect on diabetes.Item Synergy 2008: Annual Research Report(2008-01-01)Item The human toll and humanitarian crisis of the Russia-Ukraine war: the first 162 days(BMJ Publishing Group Ltd., 2022-09-28) Haque, Ubydul; Naeem, Amna; Wang, Shanshan; Espinoza, Juan; Holovanova, Irina; Gutor, Taras; Bazyka, Dimitry; Galindo, Rebeca; Sharma, Sadikshya; Kaidashev, Igor P.; Chumachenko, Dmytro; Linnikov, Syvatoslav; Annan, Esther; Lubinda, Jailos; Korol, Natalya; Bazyka, Kostyantyn; Zhyvotovska, Liliia; Zimenkovsky, Andriy; Nguyen, Uyen-Sa D.T.BACKGROUND: We examined the human toll and subsequent humanitarian crisis resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022. METHOD: We extracted and analysed data resulting from Russian military attacks on Ukrainians between 24 February and 4 August 2022. The data tracked direct deaths and injuries, damage to healthcare infrastructure and the impact on health, the destruction of residences, infrastructure, communication systems, and utility services - all of which disrupted the lives of Ukrainians. RESULTS: As of 4 August 2022, 5552 civilians were killed outright and 8513 injured in Ukraine as a result of Russian attacks. Local officials estimate as many as 24 328 people were also killed in mass atrocities, with Mariupol being the largest (n=22 000) such example. Aside from wide swaths of homes, schools, roads, and bridges destroyed, hospitals and health facilities from 21 cities across Ukraine came under attack. The disruption to water, gas, electricity, and internet services also extended to affect supplies of medications and other supplies owing to destroyed facilities or production that ceased due to the war. The data also show that Ukraine saw an increase in cases of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and Coronavirus (COVID-19). CONCLUSIONS: The 2022 Russia-Ukraine War not only resulted in deaths and injuries but also impacted the lives and safety of Ukrainians through destruction of healthcare facilities and disrupted delivery of healthcare and supplies. The war is an ongoing humanitarian crisis given the continuing destruction of infrastructure and services that directly impact the well-being of human lives. The devastation, trauma and human cost of war will impact generations of Ukrainians to come.