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Title: Local Health Department Adoption of Health Information Technology and Its Impact on Population Health.
Creator: Yeung, Tina, Wan, Thomas, Cortelyou-Ward, Kendall, Liu, Albert Xinliang, Dziegielewski, Sophia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Since the enactment of the HITECH Act in 2009, the US has invested billions in building a robust health information technology (HIT) infrastructure that is secure, capable of the electronic transfer of data and allows for real-time access of patient medical data, among others. This empirical study explored the driving forces (coercive, mimetic, and normative) in the adoption of HIT (i.e. EHRs and HIEs) by local health departments (LHDs) and how it has impacted the population health of...
Show moreSince the enactment of the HITECH Act in 2009, the US has invested billions in building a robust health information technology (HIT) infrastructure that is secure, capable of the electronic transfer of data and allows for real-time access of patient medical data, among others. This empirical study explored the driving forces (coercive, mimetic, and normative) in the adoption of HIT (i.e. EHRs and HIEs) by local health departments (LHDs) and how it has impacted the population health of counties in the US. The researcher conducted a cross-sectional, quantitative study using secondary data sources. The study included data on 505 local health departments and 433 counties' population health data. Institutional theory guided this research and generalized estimating equations, logistic regression, and multiple linear regression were utilized to analyze health IT adoption by LHDs and its impact on county-level health outcomes. Results showed that normative forces, measured by the employment of IS specialists was most impactful in the adoption of both EHRs and HIEs. Mimetic forces, measured by the completion of a CHA and coercive forces measured by the implementation of the HITECH Act were not found to be statistically significant in the adoption of EHRs or HIEs. Finally, EHR adoption was statistically significant at improving population health at the county level. This research study has contributed in three areas: 1) to fill a knowledge gap on the impact of health IT adoption by LHDs on health outcomes; 2) to formulate a theoretically grounded framework to study population health and its variability; and 3) to identify target areas for public health interventions. In conclusion, a substantial amount of resources dedicated in creating a robust health IT infrastructure requires close analysis of the impact health IT has on the population health of our nation.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006825, ucf:51801
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006825

Title: Wealth Over Health? An Analysis of Macro-Level Factors That Influence Public Opinion on Health Care Policy.
Creator: Reiss, Jacquelyn, Hinojosa, Ramon, Hinojosa, Melanie, Huff-Corzine, Lin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Currently, the U.S. reports some of the worst health outcomes while spending the most money on health care when compared to other developed countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 2018, Americans took out $88 billion in debt to cover the cost of medical care and approximately 28.5 million individuals remained uninsured. Despite poor health outcomes across the country, health care reform is a highly controversial issue and has been for the last...
Show moreCurrently, the U.S. reports some of the worst health outcomes while spending the most money on health care when compared to other developed countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 2018, Americans took out $88 billion in debt to cover the cost of medical care and approximately 28.5 million individuals remained uninsured. Despite poor health outcomes across the country, health care reform is a highly controversial issue and has been for the last century. Historically, elites in the Republican party have aligned themselves with New Right political philosophies, which stand for a privatized health care system with minimal government involvement. Elites in the Democratic party have aligned with Pluralist political philosophies, which is an orientation that encourages government oversight to protect the health of its citizens. Recently there has been a rise in political polarization that has stemmed from the asymmetric movement of the Republican Party further to the right escalating the controversy around health care reform. In addition to growing polarization, recent studies have found that politicians are more responsive to the affluent classes while concurrently accumulating an influx of wealth. When neglecting to vote with the majority of their constituents, politicians have tried to change public opinion rather than address it. These short-term manipulation strategies have been found to confuse constituents more than mobilize them, contributing to the controversy around health care reform today. This project aims to understand how macro level structures affect public opinion on government funding of health care utilizing the thermostatic model and the works of Nicos Poulantzas and Michel Foucault as theoretical frameworks to understand how political structures influence public opinion and how political structures are shaped within Capitalistic societies. Specifically, the current study examines how the political leaning of Congress and the Presidency, total lobbying dollars contributed by the top five medical industries, and the number of health care bills passed per year affects public opinion on government funding of health care between 1986 and 2018. The data were accumulated from multiple sources including the General Social Survey, OpenSecrets.org, GovTrack.us, and the Senate, House, and White House websites. After completing bi-variate and multi-variate autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models the only variable that was found to impact public opinion was the political party of the Presidency.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007713, ucf:52453
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007713

Title: RACE AND HEALTH BEHAVIORS: A STUDY OF DIABETES AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN ADULTS.
Creator: Towns, Tangela, Rivera, Fernando, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This project assesses the effects certain variables have on African American adults that suffer from diabetes. These include behaviors of African Americans that contribute to diabetes such as; diet behavior and physical activity. Thus, the focus of this study is to examine the effects of these health behaviors on the likelihood of having diabetes among African Americans. This assessment will be used to provide insights as they pertain to African Americans and diabetes.
Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002620, ucf:48269
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002620

Title: ANALYZING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WOMEN'S DECISIONS TO USE CONTRACEPTION AND THEIR PARTNERS' PERCEPTIONS OF PREVENTATIVE BEHAVIORS.
Creator: Gayle-Campbell, Kayla, D'Amato-Kubiet, Leslee, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A majority of adolescents and young adults report inconsistent use of safe sexual behaviors and contraception methods due to a variety of influencing factors. These practices can lead to limited future reproductive choices and can spread communicable disease in the population. The purpose of this study was to determine if a woman's decision to use a specific type of contraceptive method is influenced by her partner's attitude toward preventive sexual health practices. A secondary purpose was...
Show moreA majority of adolescents and young adults report inconsistent use of safe sexual behaviors and contraception methods due to a variety of influencing factors. These practices can lead to limited future reproductive choices and can spread communicable disease in the population. The purpose of this study was to determine if a woman's decision to use a specific type of contraceptive method is influenced by her partner's attitude toward preventive sexual health practices. A secondary purpose was to analyze women's attitudes towards safe sex and contraceptive practices as independent entities of disease and pregnancy in the reproductive cycle. A literature review was conducted from the following databases: CINAHL, ERIC, Medline, and PsycInfo. Initial search criteria terms included �contraception', �male partner', �influence', �decision-making', �intimacy', and �relationship'. Results were limited to scholarly journals/peer reviewed articles published no earlier than 1996. Overall, findings were inconclusive if a relationship exists between women's choice of contraceptive method and their partner's attitude towards safe sex and preventative health practices. In conclusion, further research analyzing intimate partner relationships and their influence on sexual health practices can provide insight into creating a plan of preventative care tailored to each individual.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004856, ucf:45472
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004856

Title: Factors Influencing unmet Medical Need among U.S. Adults: Disparities in Access to Health Services.
Creator: Khanijahani, Ahmad, Wan, Thomas, Malvey, Donna, Liu, Albert Xinliang, Anderson, Kim, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Inequities in access to health services has negative consequences on individual well-being, and imposes financial and emotional burden on patients, families, health care systems, and the public. Inequities engendered from differences in socioeconomic status, health insurance coverage, race, and other characteristics can engender disparities. This study aimed to identify the potential predictors of unmet medical need among the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. adults. Inability to receive...
Show moreInequities in access to health services has negative consequences on individual well-being, and imposes financial and emotional burden on patients, families, health care systems, and the public. Inequities engendered from differences in socioeconomic status, health insurance coverage, race, and other characteristics can engender disparities. This study aimed to identify the potential predictors of unmet medical need among the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. adults. Inability to receive needed medical care or receiving medical care after a delay, due to the associated costs, constructed unmet medical need. This study used a four-year (2014-2017) National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data (sample size: 296,301 adults) and implemented a conceptual framework to study disparities in access to health services and estimate the relative importance of predisposing, enabling, and need factors as the predictors of unmet medical need. Findings from machine learning and logistics regression models highlight the importance of health insurance coverage as a key contributing factor of health disparities. About 60% of variation in unmet medical need was predictable, with over 90% accuracy, solely with health insurance coverage status. Self-rated health status, family structure, and family income to poverty ratio were other statistically significant predictors. Even after controlling for a wide variety of sociodemographic and health status variables such as age, gender, perceived health status, education, income, etc., health insurance remains significantly associated with unmet medical need (OR: 5.03, 95%CI: 4.67-5.42). To ensure precise national estimates, proper survey data analysis methods were incorporated to account for the complex sampling method used by NHIS. Furthermore, the enabling factors (health insurance and income) exert much more weight on unmet medical need than predisposing factors and need factors. The findings raise the concerns about the existence and magnitude of disparities in health care access and provide a comprehensive framework to a target population for understanding the sources of health inequities with data-driven evidence. Results can be utilized to address potential areas for designing public policy and program interventions by identifying the relative vulnerability of different population groups for lacking access to affordable health services. Future studies using longitudinal panel data are necessary to establish a causal relationship between the predictors and unmet medical need.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007477, ucf:52686
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007477

Title: THE ROLE OF THE INTERNET AS A TOOL TO AID IN U.S. ADULT CONSUMERS' WEIGHT LOSS.
Creator: Kirby, Jaclyn, Matusitz, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis focuses on ways the Internet can positively influence and educate U.S. Americans to become healthier and eventually lose weight. Throughout the past 30 years, the percentage of overweight and obese adults in the U.S. has increased immensely, resulting in a nationwide epidemic (American Association for Public Opinion Research, 2006; Center for Disease Control, 2006; Goodman, 2005; The Obesity Society, 2008). The research question for this thesis is the following: What are the...
Show moreThis thesis focuses on ways the Internet can positively influence and educate U.S. Americans to become healthier and eventually lose weight. Throughout the past 30 years, the percentage of overweight and obese adults in the U.S. has increased immensely, resulting in a nationwide epidemic (American Association for Public Opinion Research, 2006; Center for Disease Control, 2006; Goodman, 2005; The Obesity Society, 2008). The research question for this thesis is the following: What are the perceptions of U.S. adult consumers regarding the positive influence the Internet has on weight loss? In order to determine the influence of the Internet on U.S. adults, a qualitative method of interviewing was conducted with fifteen U.S. adults. Upon completion of listening to the audiotapes and transcribing the health narratives, six key themes emerged as the most relevant to the author's research question: (1) Weight Loss Support Rooted in Social Networking, (2) Internet as an Exercise Motivator, (3) Lack of Trust in Internet Sources for Health Information, (4) Meaningfulness of Health Seeking, (5) Internet as a Teaching Tool, and (6) Uses and Gratifications of Online Health Seeking. Overall, based on this small sample, the researcher concluded that U.S. adults have often turned to the Internet as an aid in their weight loss journey. U.S. adults have a positive perception of the Internet and feel that most adults would benefit from using it to find health information.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002567, ucf:48262
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002567

Title: Women, Work, and Time: Food work politics of self defined healthy men.
Creator: Barredo, Juan, Carter, Shannon, Anthony, Amanda, Grauerholz, Liz, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study examined the way gender operates in relation to time within the food work spectrum discussed in 19 narratives. The 19 narratives came from individual open ended face-to-face interviews with self-defined healthy men who shop at healthy food stores. This study's examination of how gender operates in the narratives was based on how the men constructed their experiences with women and work in relation to time through the food work spectrum. Women mentioned in the sampled narratives...
Show moreThis study examined the way gender operates in relation to time within the food work spectrum discussed in 19 narratives. The 19 narratives came from individual open ended face-to-face interviews with self-defined healthy men who shop at healthy food stores. This study's examination of how gender operates in the narratives was based on how the men constructed their experiences with women and work in relation to time through the food work spectrum. Women mentioned in the sampled narratives taught the men how to shop and eat in a healthy manner but women still did the cooking. Work wise the findings split the men into two groups, the majority were the men who did not eat at work and the minority were the ones who did. Both of these sets of findings illuminate that how the men constructed their experiences of the food work spectrum depended on gendered relations of power.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005922, ucf:50834
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005922

Title: BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS TO ACCESSING AND UTILIZING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR HOMELESS YOUTH: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
Creator: Lapinski, Abbygail P, Dever, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Homelessness in the youth population is associated with elevated rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and suicidality compared to the housed population in the United States (Berdahl, Hoyt, and Whitbeck, 2005; Hodgson, Shelton, Van den Bree, 2014; Hughes et al., 2010). With a survival-focused perspective, exacerbating issues, stigmatization, and transience housing; homeless youth require special consideration to meet their diverse health needs. When barriers impede homeless youth's access...
Show moreHomelessness in the youth population is associated with elevated rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and suicidality compared to the housed population in the United States (Berdahl, Hoyt, and Whitbeck, 2005; Hodgson, Shelton, Van den Bree, 2014; Hughes et al., 2010). With a survival-focused perspective, exacerbating issues, stigmatization, and transience housing; homeless youth require special consideration to meet their diverse health needs. When barriers impede homeless youth's access to necessary health resources, their health concerns are left untreated and impound until emergency services are required. This review of literature is focused on identifying and synthesizing barriers and facilitators for homeless youth to access and utilize mental health care services. When untreated mental illness reaches a crisis point, it becomes more expensive to treat (Taylor, Stuttaford, and Vostanis, 2006). For youth experiencing homelessness, various factors influence their decisions to wait until a crisis to reach out to emergency services. Within the literature, barriers and facilitators were bracketed into personal, social, and structural factors. These factors ranged from financial concerns, communication with health care providers and between health care service locations, stigmatization, lack of awareness, and administrative requirements. While further research is required, evidence from the literature shows promise in developing and altering interventions and communication to meet homeless youth's mental health and substance abuse needs.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000468, ucf:45860
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000468

Title: HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS' PERSPECTIVES ON MALE INVOLVEMENT IN THEIR SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE NEEDS.
Creator: Milanes, Lilian, Mishtal, Joanna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Young men are at the greatest risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) within the U.S. male populations, yet are the least likely to make a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care visit. Clinical approaches in these areas that include the outreach to and the involvement of male partners of female patients can prove particularly useful in expanding SRH care to men and can also improve health outcomes for women who have sex with men. In this study I examined UCF's healthcare...
Show moreYoung men are at the greatest risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) within the U.S. male populations, yet are the least likely to make a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care visit. Clinical approaches in these areas that include the outreach to and the involvement of male partners of female patients can prove particularly useful in expanding SRH care to men and can also improve health outcomes for women who have sex with men. In this study I examined UCF's healthcare provider's approaches to educate and involve men (between the ages of 18 and 30) and male partners of female patients in their SRH needs. I conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with 18 health care providers at the Student Health Center; including physicians, physician assistants, and registered nurses. This study found that there were significant differences in perception of men's SRH risk behaviors among the providers. In addition, this study revealed issues that might deter male students from accessing care, specifically how patients are required to state to the operator (who is also an undergraduate student) their name, PID and exactly why they are scheduling a visit to the clinic, thus many men say they have cold symptoms instead of issues with SRH. This study is significant because it can contribute to improvements in the delivery of SRH care to male students on campus.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004225, ucf:44954
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004225

Title: INTENTION TO USE A PERSONAL HEALTH RECORD (PHR): A CROSS SECTIONAL VIEW OF THE CHARACTERISTICS AND OPINIONS OF PATIENTS OF ONE INTERNAL MEDICINE PRACTICE.
Creator: Noblin, Alice, Wan, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A personal health record (PHR) allows a patient to exert control over his/her healthcare by enhancing communication with healthcare providers. According to research, patients find value in having access to information contained in their medical records. Often a glossary is required to aid in interpreting the information and understanding the content. However, giving patients the ability to speak with providers about their medical conditions empowers them to participate as informed healthcare...
Show moreA personal health record (PHR) allows a patient to exert control over his/her healthcare by enhancing communication with healthcare providers. According to research, patients find value in having access to information contained in their medical records. Often a glossary is required to aid in interpreting the information and understanding the content. However, giving patients the ability to speak with providers about their medical conditions empowers them to participate as informed healthcare consumers. The majority of patients (75%) at Medical Specialists expressed their intention to adopt the PHR if it is made available to them. Although the perceived usefulness of a PHR was a significant determining factor, comfort level with technology, health literacy, and socioeconomic status were indirectly related to intention to adopt as well. Perceived health status was not found to be a significant factor in this population for determining intention to adopt a PHR. The majority of patients in each category of gender, age, marital status, and race/ethnicity (except American Indian/Alaska Native) expressed interest in adopting a PHR, with most categories being above 70%. Findings indicate a broad acceptance of this new technology by the patients of Medical Specialists. Improvement of adoption and use rates may depend on availability of office staff for hands-on training as well as assistance with interpretation of medical information. Hopefully, over time technology barriers will disappear, and usefulness of the information will promote increased demand.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003046, ucf:48334
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003046

Title: EXPLORING THE THERAPEUTIC ROLES OF SANTERIA FOR LATINX LIVING IN FLORIDA.
Creator: Santiago, Amaris J, Mishtal, Joanna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Mental health services within Latinx communities in the United States has been greatly underutilized. Seekers of mental health support face many barriers including internalized stigmas, misconception of mental health serves and low general knowledge of mental health and wellness. For many Latinx, culturally competent mental healthcare has lacked important elements to how Latinx interpret mental healthcare services. The use of Santer�a in many in Florida and the United States has supplemented...
Show moreMental health services within Latinx communities in the United States has been greatly underutilized. Seekers of mental health support face many barriers including internalized stigmas, misconception of mental health serves and low general knowledge of mental health and wellness. For many Latinx, culturally competent mental healthcare has lacked important elements to how Latinx interpret mental healthcare services. The use of Santer�a in many in Florida and the United States has supplemented gaps left by formal mental healthcare services. Santer�a has its own stigmas within Latinx communities were its practiced, forcing many Santeros and seekers to practice in private. Lack of public knowledge of Santer�a allows Latinx with mental illness to freely seek mental healing without the worries of negative judgment and stigma. The purpose of the is thesis is to analyze how mental health services are viewed within Latinx communities in central Florida. This work also examines the various reasons why Latinos generally underutilize mental healthcare services. My research investigates the uses of Santer�a in Latinx community in Central Florida as both a religious and informal therapeutic practice. Specifically, my research examines the extent to which Santer�a practitioners fill this gap as informal therapists and counselors; representing both culturally acceptable form of mental health services as well as reflecting the thoughts and perspective of Latinx towards formal mental healthcare.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000127, ucf:45935
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000127

Title: THE IMPACT OF DEMOGRAPHIC AND PERCEPTUAL VARIABLES ON A YOUNG ADULT'S DECISION TO PURCHASE HEALTH PRIVATE INSURANCE.
Creator: Cantiello, John, Fottler, Myron, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Each year the number of uninsured individuals in the United States continues to grow. This unfortunate occurrence creates negative consequences for those who are uninsured, but also for those who are covered by health insurance plans. Through cost-shifting practices, hospitals and other healthcare organizations are increasing the cost of other healthcare services to help subsidize the care they must provide for those who cannot pay for that care. There have been attempts to solve this problem...
Show moreEach year the number of uninsured individuals in the United States continues to grow. This unfortunate occurrence creates negative consequences for those who are uninsured, but also for those who are covered by health insurance plans. Through cost-shifting practices, hospitals and other healthcare organizations are increasing the cost of other healthcare services to help subsidize the care they must provide for those who cannot pay for that care. There have been attempts to solve this problem, but a successful solution has not been implemented. Rather than attempt to study the entire uninsured population, this study seeks to determine precisely why young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 are the largest segment of our population that does not purchase health insurance. Socioeconomic status, perceived health, cost, gender, race, and perceived need are all examined in order to determine what type of relationship each one has with a young adult's decision to purchase private health insurance. Structural equation modeling is used to analyze data obtained from the 2005 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. This study is unique because is includes latent variables and examines a variable that is not often included in health insurance studies that exist in the literature, perceived need. The results of the study indicate that being uninsured is largely a matter of having a higher socioeconomic status and being a non-minority. Perceived health, cost, gender, and perceived need were not shown to have a significant relationship with the dependent variable, private health insurance coverage.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002147, ucf:47527
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002147

Title: ACCULTURATION FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREVALENCE OF OBESITY IN IMMIGRANT CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS.
Creator: Desir, Suzeline, Quelly, Susan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Childhood obesity (CO) is a significant public health issue in the United States, including the immigrant populations. Obese children and adolescents are at increased risk for multiple preventable comorbidities that affect their physical health and psychological well-being. The perception exists that the immigrant child population may possess protection against CO, but this group also experienced an increased prevalence of CO. Acculturation, or the adaptation to American culture and...
Show moreChildhood obesity (CO) is a significant public health issue in the United States, including the immigrant populations. Obese children and adolescents are at increased risk for multiple preventable comorbidities that affect their physical health and psychological well-being. The perception exists that the immigrant child population may possess protection against CO, but this group also experienced an increased prevalence of CO. Acculturation, or the adaptation to American culture and lifestyles, has been shown to be associated with the increased obesity rate among immigrant children and adolescents. Understanding the association between acculturation factors and CO is necessary to effectively combat obesity among children and adolescents in immigrant populations. The purpose of this literature review is to analyze the association of acculturation factors on the prevalence of CO among U.S. immigrant children and adolescents. Only articles that examined CO and at least one aspect of acculturation were included in this review. Twelve articles meeting the criteria were retrieved from CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, Academic Search Premier, and ERIC. The review identified the following acculturation factors to be associated with CO: parental immigration factors, child immigration factors, country of birth, generational status and primary home language, parental level of acculturation, and CO related lifestyle practices. There is modest evidence to suggest that a combination of acculturation factors is associated with increasing CO rate in immigrant populations. This review enhances the knowledge and awareness of public and pediatric healthcare professionals to develop targeted interventions that promote healthy weight in immigrant children and adolescents at increased risk for obesity.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004776, ucf:45357
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004776

Title: THE POLITICS OF MENTAL HEALTH: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF POLICY ADOPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION IN GERMANY AND JAPAN.
Creator: Campos, Luis Diego, Turcu, Anca, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In the aftermath of World War II, the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan followed Germany�s blueprint in fashioning a universal health coverage system. Comparisons to Germany�s welfare state during this same time period reveal markedly different social and mental health policy practices, as Germany�s Christian Democratic Union and Social Democratic Party cooperated toward progressive policies while the Liberal Democratic Party largely neglected social welfare expansion. The effect of these...
Show moreIn the aftermath of World War II, the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan followed Germany�s blueprint in fashioning a universal health coverage system. Comparisons to Germany�s welfare state during this same time period reveal markedly different social and mental health policy practices, as Germany�s Christian Democratic Union and Social Democratic Party cooperated toward progressive policies while the Liberal Democratic Party largely neglected social welfare expansion. The effect of these practices is reflected in budgetary provisions, institutionalization practices, and mental health epidemiology. This research finds that a favorable economic climate allowed the Liberal Democratic Party to politically isolate the Social Democratic Party and focus on economic productivity as opposed to welfare expansion. In contrast, West Germany�s competition with East Germany forced cooperation of its two largest political parties to balance economic policy and social progress, which is today reflected in mental health outcomes and policies markedly more favorable than those of Japan.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000029, ucf:45588
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000029

Title: ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN POSITIVE HEALTH BEHAVIORS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS.
Creator: Monroig, Marlaine, Bedwell , Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research examining the relationship between psychological distress and health behaviors is limited, as most of these studies examine one type of psychological distress and relate it to one type of health behavior. To address this limitation, an exploratory study was conducted that included online self-report measures of a wide range of positive health behaviors (Health Behavior Checklist; HBC) and a wide range of different types of psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory; BSI)....
Show moreResearch examining the relationship between psychological distress and health behaviors is limited, as most of these studies examine one type of psychological distress and relate it to one type of health behavior. To address this limitation, an exploratory study was conducted that included online self-report measures of a wide range of positive health behaviors (Health Behavior Checklist; HBC) and a wide range of different types of psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory; BSI). Participants were 762 undergraduate students from the University of Central Florida (55% female). Results revealed that the total BSI score showed statistically significant negative correlations with the HBC total score and all four HBC subscales. Thus, participants reporting more overall psychological distress reported that they engaged in fewer positive health behaviors, across all health behavior subtypes. Stepwise regressions that examined the nine BSI subscales and their relationship with the HBC total score revealed that the Hostility subscale of the BSI was the strongest and most consistent predictor of positive health behaviors (in a negative direction). Stepwise regressions also revealed additional relationships of the BSI subscales of Depression and Phobia to particular HBC subscales. The results of this exploratory study provide an initial model on the relationships of particular types of psychological distress that are related to particular types of health behaviors, which will inform future studies on this important topic area.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003854, ucf:44700
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003854

Title: EFFECTS OF ABORTION ON COLLEGE WOMEN'S MENTAL HEALTH.
Creator: Bologna, Estefany, Fouty, Homer Edward, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Since the legalization of abortion, some research studies have argued that abortion has a neutral effect when considering other coexistent factors (e.g. Adler et al., 1990; Major et al., 2000; Steinberg & Russo, 2008). Other studies have concluded that abortion has a negative influence on women's psyche (e.g. Congleton & Calhoun, 1993; Cougle, Reardon, & Coleman, 2005; Hamana et al., 2010). College populations have been generally excluded from abortion research, even though, in 2007, 57% of...
Show moreSince the legalization of abortion, some research studies have argued that abortion has a neutral effect when considering other coexistent factors (e.g. Adler et al., 1990; Major et al., 2000; Steinberg & Russo, 2008). Other studies have concluded that abortion has a negative influence on women's psyche (e.g. Congleton & Calhoun, 1993; Cougle, Reardon, & Coleman, 2005; Hamana et al., 2010). College populations have been generally excluded from abortion research, even though, in 2007, 57% of women obtaining abortions were between the ages of 20 and 30 years (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). This study intended to measure the influence of induced abortion on the current mental health status of college women and describe the characteristics of women obtaining abortions. An online survey was administered to female college students (N= 46). The participants were divided into two pregnancy outcome groups: (1) women who reported a history of fetal deliveries, and (2) women who reported a history of abortion. Each group was asked if abortion or fetal delivery contributed to their current mental health status. Independent variables included the participants' pregnancy outcome (abortion vs. delivery) and establishing if abortion/fetal delivery contributed to current mental health (yes/no answer). The dependent variables included current psychological distress symptoms as measured by the nine primary symptom dimensions of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. The data were analyzed using a two-way mixed-design MANOVA. Evidence indicated that psychological symptoms were not dependent on respondents' perception of whether or not current mental health was affected by pregnancy outcome. This study does not support public policies or practice based on the belief that abortion emotionally harms women. Further research should concentrate in strategies to prevent unwanted pregnancy in order to reduce the need for abortion.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004421, ucf:45101
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004421

Title: No Way Out: The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Homelessness and the Consequences of Poor Health Outcomes.
Creator: Bryant, Kristina, Jasinski, Jana, Reckdenwald, Amy, Hinojosa, Melanie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: IPV victimization leads many women who suffer from unstable housing into homelessness. These victims are in danger of severe negative health outcomes that are already prevalent in the homeless community, as well as seen in victims of IPV. This study seeks to explore the impact that IPV victimization has on negative health outcomes in the homeless community, compared to the negative health outcomes that homeless women face who are not homeless because of IPV victimization. This study...
Show moreIPV victimization leads many women who suffer from unstable housing into homelessness. These victims are in danger of severe negative health outcomes that are already prevalent in the homeless community, as well as seen in victims of IPV. This study seeks to explore the impact that IPV victimization has on negative health outcomes in the homeless community, compared to the negative health outcomes that homeless women face who are not homeless because of IPV victimization. This study hypothesized that women who are homeless because of IPV victimization face more severe negative health outcomes. The data for the current research is from the Florida Four-City Study of Violence in the Lives of Homeless Women project (Jasinski et. al., 2010) and includes 737 respondents. There was statistically significant findings to support the hypothesis in the health outcomes for the current episode of homelessness for being treated at a clinic for mental problems, self-reported depression, and self-reported anxiety for women who blame their current episode of homelessness on IPV victimization.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007159, ucf:52301
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007159

Title: Examining Gender in Pharmaceutical Rhetoric Through a Cultural Studies Lens: A Case Study on the Gardasil Vaccine.
Creator: Fickley, Jennifer, Bowdon, Melody, Scott, John, Bell, Kathleen, Delorme, Denise, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: On June 8, 2006, Merck announced the debut of Gardasil, the world's first vaccine found successful in preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, a sexually transmitted infection that is one of the main causes of certain cancers in men and women, including cervical, vulvar, penile and anal cancers. To promote the vaccine's release, Merck launched Gardasil's (")One Less(") advertising campaign that included television commercials, print ads and a consumer-focused website (www.Gardasil...
Show moreOn June 8, 2006, Merck announced the debut of Gardasil, the world's first vaccine found successful in preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, a sexually transmitted infection that is one of the main causes of certain cancers in men and women, including cervical, vulvar, penile and anal cancers. To promote the vaccine's release, Merck launched Gardasil's (")One Less(") advertising campaign that included television commercials, print ads and a consumer-focused website (www.Gardasil.com), each promoting the message that (")you(") could now be (")one less woman(") affected by cervical cancer ((")One Less(") campaign). The vaccine, tested and approved only for females age 9-26, was advertised to this age group, as well as parents or guardians responsible for making medical decisions for female minors. As the campaign launched, commercials depicted females laughing and enjoying hobbies while mentioning the positive decision they made to receive the Gardasil vaccine. Many commercials also included portrayals of mothers talking happily about their decision to get their young daughters vaccinated. Interestingly, male figures were completely left out of Gardasil's (")One Less(") campaign ads, despite the fact that in reality, males administer the vaccine as medical professionals, transmit the infection as sexual partners, and suffer cancers as HPV-infected patients. Males were even left out of the ads as parents, who were always portrayed by women in the ad campaign. Informed consumers may have expected all this to change on Oct. 16, 2009 (-) three years after Gardasil's debut (-) when the Food (&) Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine for use in males age 9-26 to protect against HPV-caused genital warts. Though Merck's vaccine was now accessible to more consumers than ever, the advertising that surrounded this medical breakthrough changed very little. Television commercials for the vaccine still promoted Gardasil primarily to women for the purpose of preventing HPV-related cervical cancer. Again, men were not featured in commercials as medical professionals, parents, guardians, romantic partners, or even as patients able to get the vaccine. Males did begin appearing on the vaccine's official website, however these depictions were limited to showing only young boys, who appeared standing with a mother's protective arm around them. Males that represent the older age range (up to age 26) were never shown. What effect does the lack of male representation have on the verbal and nonverbal message these ads are sending consumers about who fits in the target consumer group, as well as who is at risk for an HPV infection? On a broader level, how does gender representation as a whole affect pharmaceutical advertisements and the adoption of the potentially life-saving products they promote? How does a pharmaceutical technology become (")gendered(")? How do specific gender portrayals impact the educational aspects of pharmaceutical ads, which may shape a consumer's opinion of who is at risk for an illness, and who is responsible for its treatment or prevention? And how do these gender portrayals connect with, reflect or reinforce dominant cultural beliefs about the roles males and females play in protecting themselves and others from disease? In this study, I investigate these questions using a blended cultural studies/social sciences research perspective, first looking at the controversial history of direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising and the gender stereotypes that traditionally exist in this form of rhetoric. I then test the affect Merck's gender portrayals has on its ad message in a blind study done with a small sample population, which provides evidence that Merck's ads are confusing and exclusive of certain populations, particularly men. I then investigate how Merck's existing gender portrayals, and strong focus on women, reflect larger historical beliefs on the roles that males and females play in health care and in the family. I show how, through advertising, Gardasil has become (")gendered(") as a pharmaceutical technology for female children. From here, I will show how pharmaceutical companies, such as Merck, have both reflected and reinforced the belief that women are the primary caregivers to children, how this stereotype is both damaging and statistically incorrect, and how using it targets Gardasil ads to a very narrow population of consumers, miscommunicating the message of who is at risk for illness contraction and perhaps even damaging sales in addition to prevention. I later provide evidence that Merck's current Gardasil ad series and other actions in the marketplace are dangerously misleading certain populations regarding the nature of the HPV virus, the protective abilities of the vaccine, and the populations responsible for accessing Gardasil. I then provide the argument that gendering Gardasil as a (")women's technology(") is done intentionally by Merck, which has a history of making profits a priority over responsibly treating patient health. I conclude by providing detailed suggestions on how Merck can augment their current ad series to de-gender Gardasil to become more medically responsible, and break out of the cycle of portraying men and women using damaging and outdated stereotypes. Instead, my suggestions for changes to Gardasil's advertising approach would make the vaccine's messages appeal to all audiences at risk.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004304, ucf:49486
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004304

Title: PROTOTYPE OF AN EDUCATIONAL GAME FOR KNOWLEDGE RETENTION IN YOUTH HEALTH EDUCATION.
Creator: Vogel, Jennifer, Montagne, Euripides, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: There is some debate about the most effective and least controversial means of sex education in schools. In several states, state law does not require education about Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (STDs and HIV/AIDS.) There is also debate about the effect and pervasiveness of sexual situations in video games and its effect on the healthy sexual development of adolescents. This research therefore aims to try to solve...
Show moreThere is some debate about the most effective and least controversial means of sex education in schools. In several states, state law does not require education about Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (STDs and HIV/AIDS.) There is also debate about the effect and pervasiveness of sexual situations in video games and its effect on the healthy sexual development of adolescents. This research therefore aims to try to solve these two problems and answer the following question: Is it possible to represent sex in a more realistic and educational way through a video game while teaching more medically accurate and necessary information? The completion of this study will be able to provide some insights on the feasibility and benefits of widespread implementation of serious video games for health education in the United States and also point to the necessity of future research into this topic.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004656, ucf:45257
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004656

Title: Interaction between income, health insurance, and self-rated health: A path analysis.
Creator: Ashley West, Atalie, Unruh, Lynn, Malvey, Donna, Gau, Jacinta, Martin, Lawrence, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The political focus of equitable health outcomes in the United States have long centered on access to medical care. However, there is compelling evidence that access to medical care is only the bare minimum necessary to achieve health, and the true influence of health insurance on health is still unclear. Widely accepted models of health estimate that less than 20% of health outcomes can be attributed to clinical care, while greater than 50% is related to social and economic determinants of...
Show moreThe political focus of equitable health outcomes in the United States have long centered on access to medical care. However, there is compelling evidence that access to medical care is only the bare minimum necessary to achieve health, and the true influence of health insurance on health is still unclear. Widely accepted models of health estimate that less than 20% of health outcomes can be attributed to clinical care, while greater than 50% is related to social and economic determinants of health, with income being the most consistent predictor. As a result, this study investigated whether earned income is related to insurance status on the one hand and self-rated health on the other; whether the association between income and self-rated health is indirectly influenced by the presence of health insurance (-)namely private health insurance; whether there are differences in self-rated health between the privately insured, the publicly insured, and the uninsured; and if duration of uninsurance was inversely associated with self-rated health. As hypothesized, higher income was associated with having health insurance, and in particular private insurance. Among all included predictor variables, higher income and private insurance are the strongest predictors of higher self-rated health, and lower income and Medicaid were the strongest predictors of lower self-rated health. This study affirms that the health of persons with Medicaid is more similar to persons who are uninsured, and the health of persons with private insurance is more similar to those with Medicare. The association between income and self-rated health is indirectly influenced by health insurance. Age and education exerted the strongest overall influence on self-rated health: older respondents had lower self-rated health, and more educated respondents had higher self-rated health. And as uninsurance duration increased, self-rated health decreased. Additional studies are recommended to improve health insurance policy.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007308, ucf:52151
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007308

health (22)	+ -
mental health (13)	+ -
Structural Health Monitoring (9)	+ -
Damage Detection (5)	+ -
gender (5)	+ -

mHealth (5)	+ -
stress (5)	+ -
Mental Health (4)	+ -
depression (4)	+ -
health care (4)	+ -
health outcomes (4)	+ -
mental illness (4)	+ -
Diabetes (3)	+ -
HPV (3)	+ -
Health (3)	+ -
Structural Identification (3)	+ -
alcohol (3)	+ -
counselor education (3)	+ -
education (3)	+ -
health disparities (3)	+ -
health literacy (3)	+ -
public health (3)	+ -
Abortion (2)	+ -
Adolescent (2)	+ -
Central Florida (2)	+ -
Health Disparities (2)	+ -
Health Insurance (2)	+ -
Public Health (2)	+ -
SF-36 (2)	+ -
SHM (2)	+ -

ETD Collection (124)	+ -
Honors Collection (43)	+ -

University of Central Florida (164)	+ -
Wan, Thomas (18)	+ -
Mishtal, Joanna (9)	+ -
Barden, Sejal (7)	+ -
Carter, Shannon (6)	+ -

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