Magister Public Health - MPH / The study aimed to describe the knowledge and awareness of HPV infection and vaccine of female university students and to determine the predictors of vaccine acceptability. The study found that 70% of the participants were sexually active. Awareness and knowledge on HPV/vaccine were poor; with only 22% being aware of HPV and that a HPV vaccine was available in South Africa. A greater proportion (80%) reported willingness to be vaccinated. Being aware of the existence of a pap smear, higher knowledge about HPV, higher perceived vaccine effectiveness and higher perceived severity of HPV infection were significantly associated with increased willingness to be vaccinated. / South Africa

Purpose: The systematic review summarised the research investigating potential risk factors for impulsive behaviours in forensic populations. The empirical study examined the predictive utility of clinician rated, self-report and behavioural measures of impulsivity in detecting violence and antisocial behaviour in forensic mental health inpatient settings. Method: The review is comprised of 9 studies identified through electronic database searches using a structured search strategy and predetermined inclusion criteria. The empirical study employed a cross-sectional design using retrospective and prospective statistical analysis. Forty-three participants were recruited from secure forensic mental health inpatient settings across Scotland and data collected from clinician rated, self-report and behavioural measures of impulsivity. Results: The review found original evidence to suggest that traumatic brain injury, substance and alcohol misuse, trauma and sleep as possible predictors of impulsive behaviour in forensic populations. The empirical study found a relatively consistent relationship between impulsive behaviour and violent or antisocial behaviour in a sample of forensic mental health inpatients. Conclusions: The systematic review identified a limited number of risk factors thought to influence impulsive behaviour in forensic populations. The review highlights the need for future research with improved methodological design to further explore contributory factors for increased levels of impulsivity. Findings from the empirical study reveal clinician rating of impulsive behaviour to be the most sensitive in predicting future incidents of violent and antisocial behaviour, which may be supplemented by the addition of a self-report measure.

This thesis follows the research portfolio format and is carried out in part fulfilment of the academic component of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Edinburgh. An abstract provides an overview of the entire portfolio thesis. Chapter One contains a systematic review of published research exploring staff attitudes towards computerized cognitive behavior therapy (cCBT). Chapter Two is an empirical study examining a range of potential predictor variables on well-being outcomes from cCBT. Chapter one is prepared for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, whereas chapter two is prepared for submission to the journal, Behaviour Research and Therapy. Both chapters follow the relevant author guidelines. Background: Evidence suggests that computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) is both effective and efficacious in treating depression and anxiety. Numerous barriers to its implementation and uptake have been identified, however, including attitudinal variables and high patient attrition rates. Research examining predictors of response from cCBT have tended to adopt the pathological model of distress, focussing on symptom reduction rather than the promotion of well-being. Furthermore, exploration of possible predictors has tended to focus on a narrow range of factors (e.g. age, gender), neglecting key psychosocial variables (e.g. social identification, baseline distress) that could be exerting an effect. Aims: A systematic review examined staff attitudes towards cCBT for depression, anxiety, and comorbid depression and anxiety, focussing on three attitudinal domains: Perceived acceptability of cCBT; staff's self-reported intention to use cCBT in the future, and perceived advantages and disadvantages of cCBT for depression and/or anxiety. An experimental study was subsequently conducted, examining a range of potential predictors on well-being outcomes from a cCBT intervention utilising Beating the Blues. Method: A systematic search across five databases was conducted, followed by manual searches. Strict search criteria were applied, resulting in the identification of 15 studies. These were subjected to quality assessment, data extraction and synthesis. For the empirical study, data from 1354 participants was collected, with subgroup-analyses conducted on those completing measures of life and mental health satisfaction, functioning and well-being. Key potential predictors of interest were level of group identification, baseline distress, and socioeconomic deprivation. Results: Findings from the systematic review indicated that staff held relatively positive attitudes towards cCBT, with some ambivalence emerging in relation to perceived advantages and disadvantages of the intervention. The empirical study obtained significant effects of group identification on life and mental health satisfaction. A mediating impact of group identity on baseline distress emerged, whereas a moderating effect of baseline distress on deprivation was obtained for the functioning model. Discussion: The current findings demonstrated both positive and negative aspects of staff attitudes towards cCBT for depression and/or anxiety, whereas the empirical project established a clear link between social identification, baseline distress, and well-being. Results from both studies are discussed in terms of clinical implications relating to the uptake of cCBT.

Group B Streptococcus, or GBS, is a gram positive bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal, genital and urinary tract of healthy adults. Between 10% and 30% of all pregnant women are colonized with GBS in the vagina or rectum. While GBS colonized mothers typically show no symptoms or adverse health effects, the bacteria can be passed to their child during labor and delivery. Although significant progress has been made in the identification and treatment of GBS, it remains the leading infectious cause of Page 14 2014 Appalachian Student Research Forum morbidity and mortality among newborns in the United States. The current guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and endorsed by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) is to test pregnant women for GBS colonization between 34-37 weeks of gestation. The current gold standard for identification of GBS colonization is the use of selective enrichment broth (SEB) followed by culture and biochemical testing. Identified concerns with the culture procedure are: 1) the length of time it takes to get the results, 2) the lower sensitivity if the SEB step is left out to improve turn-around-time (TAT) and 3) the limited number of qualified technicians available to perform the complex test. Recently, several semi-automated molecular assays have been developed for identification of GBS which are marketed as having equivalent sensitivity and specificity to SEB followed by culture. The goals of this study were to: 1) validate the sensitivity and specificity of an FDA approved GBS molecular assay (Illumigene, Meridian Bioscience) and 2) evaluate a new testing strategy utilizing SEB followed by the Illumigene GBS assay to see if it offers an improvement in TAT when compared to SEB culture in our in-house microbiology lab and to those sent out to a national reference lab for GBS DNA assay. During the validation process, 20 consecutive samples were submitted to SEB followed by simultaneous in-house culture and Illumigene assay for GBS. The method validation experiments were analyzed using the EP Evaluator version 11 statistical software (Data Innovations). Comparison of TAT was evaluated utilizing a blinded report generated from our Laboratory Information System (Harvest, Orchard Software) for a 2 month period for the GBS tests performed using the SEB followed by Illumigene molecular assay (n=73), in-house SEB followed by culture (n=50) and send-out reference lab GBS DNA assay (n=43) procedures. The TAT (hrs) for each method (Mean±SEM) were determined from the time of collection until result approval. The Illumigene assay had a high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (100%) when compared to SEB followed by culture for identification of GBS. Utilization of the Illumigene assay following SEB significantly (p

No description available.

Students who graduate from a practitioner program in prosthetics & orthotics must achieve certification in order to obtain licensure and practice independently in 16 states. In states where licensure is not mandatory, graduates may choose to pursue certification in order assure patients that they are practicing at the highest level as well as to differentiate themselves from competitors. While studies have been carried out extensively regarding predictors of success on the certification exams in other professions, no such study has been carried out to date in prosthetics. The American Board for Certification in Prosthetics, Orthotics, & Pedorthics (ABC), established in 1948, historically has been the organization whose standards states adopt when wishing to implement licensure law. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine if statistically significant relations exist the ABC prosthetics certification pass or fail rates as well as the 3 exams which comprise certification based on specific predictor variables: gender, Carnegie ranking of the institution from where the candidate received the degree, and whether the candidate is extending credential. As it specifically relates to this study, credential extension refers to adding the certified prosthetist (CP) credential after already possessing the certified orthotist (CO) credential. A quantitative, retrospective, secondary data analysis of de-identified prosthetic resident data provided by the American Board for Certification in Prosthetics, Orthotics, & Pedorthics (ABC) and the National Commission on Orthotic & Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) was used to test the following research questions: Is there a relationship between gender, institution type, and/or credential extension and (1) success in achieving ABC prosthetics practitioner certification, (2) performance on the ABC prosthetics Written Multiple Choice exam, (3) performance on the ABC prosthetics Written Simulation exam, and (4) performance on the ABC Clinical Patient Management practical exam? Chi-square analysis, independent t-tests and logistic regression were used for data analysis in question 1. In research questions 2, 3, and 4 independent t-tests were used for analysis with two-level categorical independent variables and ANOVA was used for the three-level categorical independent variable, institution type. Linear regression was used for the models in research questions 2, 3, and 4. Statistically significant relations were found in each research question between the credential extension predictor variable and the dependent variables, with candidates who were extending credential performing better on each of the three examinations and, thus, greater success obtaining certification. This study was the first of its kind conducted regarding predictors of success in prosthetics certification, conducted with the variables of interest currently available. It served as a first step in filling the existing gap regarding this topic in the prosthetics literature. It informed the profession of the relationship between available predictors and variables of interest related to the ABC prosthetics certification exam. Further, it informed the profession of its status concerning collecting additional variables of interest that would permit analysis of more robust information, including grades on specific courses of interest, various GPAs and time between residency completion and exam date. Additionally, it informed the profession of its status concerning such research compared to other health professions with which it seeks to keep pace. Repeating this study with additional variables and an expanded sample size could potentially produce significant results, as has occurred in other professions. Further, additional analysis following stabilization of the new Master's degree and accreditation standards is warranted. This line of research has the potential to inform practice and policy in prosthetics education and certification. Finally, it will help the prosthetics profession keep pace with the other health professions and become a leader in best educational and clinical practices in managing patients who utilize prosthetic technologies.

Mental illness among homeless populations is a significant public health issue. Community-based programs that assist the homeless are most often developed to meet local housing needs, not the needs of mental health populations. Transitional housing, a model frequently utilized to address homelessness in communities, provides program-based housing with supportive services. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between participant- and program-level factors on the utilization of community-based transitional housing by homeless veterans diagnosed with a mental illness. The study tested a revised framework of the behavioral model of utilization for vulnerable populations theory. The sample was comprised of male homeless veterans diagnosed with a mental illness who participated in community-based transitional housing programs in 2004 and 2005 (n = 2,502). Data were collected on 288 programs throughout the United States, operated by local nonprofit or local government agencies and monitored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Programs. Success was defined as either completion of a course of treatment as determined by a master's prepared clinician, or if housing was obtained upon discharge, as reported by the participant. Initial bivariate results indicated that both demographic and situational variables predicted success in transitional housing. However, upon further statistical analyses, limited predictors were revealed. Participants were more likely to be successful if they were white, reported combat experience, were interested in the program prior to admission, and were enrolled in cognitive behavioral models. Participants were more likely to be housed upon discharge if they were white, received some type of public support, were homeless less than 30 days before admission, and showed interest in the program at the time of the initial interview. Participants were less likely to be successful if they were diagnosed as schizophrenic. There was an indication that participants enrolled in programs designated as faith-based were less likely to be housed than those enrolled in secular programs. No statistically significant associations were found between the level of services offered in the transitional housing programs with either successful completion or participants' housing upon discharge.

In Lebanon, estimates of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use among college students are not available. CAM practices are not well regulated and some products contain unsafe substances. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and predictors of CAM use among Lebanese college students using the health belief model. A quantitative cross sectional research design was used. An online survey was administered to 126 Lebanese college students with the aim of determining the most important predictors of CAM use. A majority (89%) of surveyed students reported the use of CAM in the last 12 months. Based on the findings of a multiple logistic regression analysis, perceived susceptibility (OR = 1.781), perceived barriers (OR =.809), and cues to action (OR = 1.650), 95% CIs [1.185, 2.678], [.658, .995], [1.049, 1.821], respectively, significantly predicted CAM use. Results indicate that people who perceive themselves more susceptible to diseases, who do not perceive barriers to CAM use, and who follow more cues to action are more likely to use CAM than others. These factors provide pathways for facilitating positive social change by developing stricter governmental policies to ensure consumer safety and to promote high quality products, and by driving the development of public awareness interventions about CAM use and related health risks.

This study investigates two variables, number of investors and an intangible assets/revenue ratio, that are potential industry-specific predictors of deal failure in technology M&A. I document that number of investors has a significant ability to predict deal failure in all M&A transactions: an increase in number of investors decreases deal failure rates. However, I find that neither variable is able to significantly predict deal failure differently for transactions involving technology targets and those involving non-technology targets. Broadly, my findings suggest that technology M&A and non-technology M&A may share more similarities than previously expected in the ultimate goal of properly evaluating them.

Tides are the rise and fall of water level caused by gravitational forces exerted by the sun, moon and earth. Understanding sea level variation and its impact currents is very important especially in coastal regions. With knowledge of the tide-generating force and boundary conditions, hydrodynamic models can be used to predict or model tides in coastal regions. However, these models are not sufficiently accurate, and in-situ tide gauge data may be used to improve them in coastal regions. The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) tidal data bank consists of over 4000 tide gauge stations scattered all around the globe, most of which are in coastal regions. These tide gauge data are very valuable for tidal predictions. One drawback of the IHO data is that a considerable number of stations are located in rivers or near man-made structures or small-scale, complex topographic features. Another drawback is the unknown accuracy of the IHO data. To avoid these drawbacks, quality control has been done in the present study. Each IHO tide gauge station has been categorized according to its proximity to rivers, lagoons, man-made harbors, and other factors that may influence tidal elevation. Quantitative metrics such as water depth, distance to the continental shelf break, and horizontal length scale of station site morphology have been computed. Comparisons among IHO data, the output of O.S.U. Tidal Inversion Software (OTIS), and other data sources, such as Global Sea-Level Observing System (GLOSS) data, have been done to test the quality and accuracy of IHO data. Moreover, the characteristics of stations with large error have also been examined. The good comparison of IHO with duplicate GLOSS stations shows that, as far as can be determined, IHO data are reliable and ought to be used in improving coastal tide models. The non-Gaussian character of the errors suggests that further improvements in tidal modeling will require advances in data assimilation which are robust to non-Gaussian data error.