West African immigrants appear to carry a heavier burden of hypertensive heart disease than the native-born African Americans in the United States. In this study, I used the socioecological model theory as a guide to examine the association between perceived stress, length of stay in United States, smoking status, housing conditions, and the risk of hypertensive heart disease among West African immigrants, ages 18 - 54 years in DeKalb County, Georgia. In this quantitative, cross-sectional design, self-reported data were collected from a sample of West African immigrant (N=107) in the DeKalb County of Georgia, using a demographic data/screening sheet and the Perceived Stress Scale. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between hypertensive heart disease and perceived stress, smoking status, length of stay in the United States, and housing condition, having adjusted for the modifying variables age and education. Results indicated that length of stay in the United States [p =.019, Phi =.331], housing condition [p=.156, R2 =.019], smoking status [p=.050, R2 =.036] and experienced perceived stress experienced [p=.312, R2=.010] are associated with risk of developing hypertensive heart disease. There was a statistically significant association between age [p=.002] and the development of hypertensive heart disease. The result of this study can contribute to positive social change by helping public health agencies to target some of the identified risk factors for hypertensive heart disease in foreign born African American population so as to mitigate the adverse health outcomes associated with hypertensive heart disease.

The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of a natural disaster on the mental health of a rural Maya community in the Philippines. Specifically, the study assessed how an individual’s housing conditions, the household size, and general utilities can have an impact on a person’s mental health. The study used a quantitative survey design with self-administered questionnaires. Center for Disease Control and Prevention Modified Community Assessment survey was used for this research investigation. A total of 84 participants completed the survey. Participants were asked of their perceptions regarding the habitability of their own homes, the safety of their homes, whether there was mold or water damage, the size of the household, whether the household was harboring guest and the presence of general utilities such as: running water, electricity, garbage pickup, natural gas, sewage service, and cell. Descriptive (e.g. mean and frequency,), chi-squares tests, and t-test were used to analyze the data. Findings of the study showed that there was a relationship between safety of the home, the presence of mold, water damage, and running water and whether one develops symptoms of anxiety/stress. The study also found a relationship amongst garbage pickup, sewage service and whether one develops symptoms of agitated behavior. Findings of the study suggest a need for advocacy to implement mental health programs as a relief effort to disaster victims.

This practicum examined Indigenous planning as the theoretical framework and foundation of this project. Literature reviews on First Nations on-reserve housing conditions were examined to understand the struggles Indigenous communities face when it comes to housing. Based on the literature reviews, it was determined that housing has been an issue in many First Nation communities, perpetuating a demand for planning to explore remedies to minimize or eradicate this social concern. From understanding Indigenous planning practices, the practicum explored the Indigenous community of Swan Lake First Nation (SLFN) and the housing challenges they experience. Through planning with SLFN community members to determine methods that would address the housing challenges, the development of a community housing plan was suggested. The process and development of SLFN community housing plan was documented in this practicum.

This practicum examined Indigenous planning as the theoretical framework and foundation of this project. Literature reviews on First Nations on-reserve housing conditions were examined to understand the struggles Indigenous communities face when it comes to housing. Based on the literature reviews, it was determined that housing has been an issue in many First Nation communities, perpetuating a demand for planning to explore remedies to minimize or eradicate this social concern. From understanding Indigenous planning practices, the practicum explored the Indigenous community of Swan Lake First Nation (SLFN) and the housing challenges they experience. Through planning with SLFN community members to determine methods that would address the housing challenges, the development of a community housing plan was suggested. The process and development of SLFN community housing plan was documented in this practicum.

No description available.