Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 176-206).

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 39-45). Also available in print.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 1974.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--Marshall University, 2002. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains iii, 28 p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 13-15).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Available also from UMI Company.

published_or_final_version / Public Health / Master / Master of Public Health

Child maltreatment—a serious public health problem—is a global phenomenon. Parenting programs are considered effective approaches to preventing child maltreatment; however, comprehensive understanding is still lacking of the effectiveness of such programs in all areas of outcomes and the way parenting programs work. This thesis consists of two parts: a quantitative synthesis of high-level evidence about program effects and a qualitative integration of program process. The thesis employs two research methods: meta-analytic review and systematic review. I searched 11 electronic databases to identify studies published between 2000 and 2012. Forty-two studies meeting the eligibility criteria were included in the systematic review, and 21 of these were included in the meta-analysis. The total random effect size was 0.338. The research found that parenting programs successfully reduced substantiated child maltreatment reports. The programs also reduced risk factors and enhanced protective factors associated with child maltreatment. However, program effects began to decrease in the first year after program completion. Parenting programs function by remediating parental cognition, thus changing parenting behaviors and enhancing parent-child relationships. The successful program components include teaching child-rearing knowledge, improving parenting skills and changing parents’ inappropriate attitudes towards children. Parenting programs are demonstrated to be effective public health approaches to avoiding child maltreatment. Parenting programs could produce positive effects in both low- and middle-income countries, as well as high-income countries. The study recommends a longer-term intervention beginning prenatally or at an early age of the children and involving more male caregivers. The evidence-based service of parenting programs could be widely adopted in future practices. The research also indicates that parenting programs could be applicable within the Chinese context, where such programs have not been widely used to date. / published_or_final_version / Social Work and Social Administration / Master / Master of Philosophy

Background: Adult obesity is a major public health issue for both developed and developing countries. Apart from diet and physical activity, evidence suggests that child abuse may also be a possible risk factor associated with the adult obesity. Methods: The objectives in this review are to systematically identify from 2 electronic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) and investigate the association between child abuse and adult obesity. The impact of using different self-reported questionnaire to evaluate the abuse experience in childhood are assessed and discussed. Quality and limitations of this review were also emphasized. This systematic review includes articles from various groups of population and explores the different types of abuse. Results: Studies consistently show that child abuse is more likely to be a risk factor of adult obesity after adjustment for age, sex, race, psychological risk behavior, health risk behavior (exercise), and social economic status. During the past decades the association between child abuse and adult obesity has been well explored. Consistent with the inclusive papers, some identified potential and common confounding factors sex, race, age, social economic status, health behavior (exercise), psychosocial risk factors, and mental health is summarized for further study. Discussion: Limitations include reporting and information bias, where child abuse can be assessed self-administered questionnaire, face-to-face interview or child services records. Publication bias is another concern that the null findings are less likely to be publish. Although, the measurement suffers several bias, it did help evaluate the abuse situation in childhood and generalize the association between into a standardize form. Due to the prevalence of child abuse and economic burden related to obesity in China, studies in the developing or recently transitioned setting are needed to clarify the relevance of evidence from Western studies to policy making and public health interventions in China. According to recent studies, polices should consider screening of child abuse to better identify the target population and provide effective interventions that help people who are at high risk of obesity due to the child abuse. / published_or_final_version / Public Health / Master / Master of Public Health

Background Traditional medication therapy and psychotherapy are commonly used for treatment drug abstinence syndrome. Because of the side effects of traditional medication therapy (MT), acupuncture therapy (AT) is under investigation for treating abstinence syndrome, particularly for heroin detoxification. This project aims to review different randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of heroin detoxification treatment by acupuncture, and retrieve relevant data so that appropriate suggestions can be made to the Narcotics Division (ND), the Department of Health (DH), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and related local public health institutes for the anti-drug services of heroin and opioid drugs. Methods A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to retrieve 13 relevant articles of randomised clinical trials (RCTs) in English and Chinese conducted from 2000 to 2014. These RCTs contained data of heroin-dependent patients, details of assessment of abstinence syndrome and treatments; and comparison of efficacy of AT with MT, such as side effects, severity and relapse of heroin abstinence in physical and psychological aspects. Results 13 articles were included. All treatments were conducted in clinics or hospitals. Different intervention strategies were included, comparing AT with MT, AT plus MT with MT alone, AT with no treatment as well as true AT with superficial AT. All trials have reported better therapeutic effects in the heroin abusers with AT, regardless the use of medication, age and sex. Improved treatment effects were demonstrated in reducing psychological effect of heroin abstinence, such as anxiety and depression, sleep quality, relapse and heroin craving. Also, improved treatment of physical effects of abstinence was shown by increasing body weight, improved liver and kidney functions, improved immunity and lower adverse effects than conventional MT. No adverse effect was reported in 3 trials (23%) or mentioned in 9 trials (69%), mild adverse effects was reported in 1 trial. Conclusions ND, DH, NGOs and other local public health institutes should conduct further studies in Hong Kong to obtain primary local data of the therapeutical effects of AT, and implement AT as an adjunct to the traditional MT and psychotherapy for treating heroin abstinence syndrome due to it high efficacy, safety and low side effects. / published_or_final_version / Public Health / Master / Master of Public Health