Public Health Degree Research Articles

Removing the Graduate Record Examination as an Admissions Requirement Does Not Impact Student Success.

Background: The predictive validity of components of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) on student success is inconsistent, and the test itself has been shown to be a barrier for prospective students historically underrepresented in graduate programs. Policy Options and Recommendations: We analyzed three admissions cycles for the Master of Public Health degree at the Boston University School of Public Health before (2016, 2017, 2018) and after (2019, 2020, 2021) eliminating the GRE for diversity and quality of applications, student success, and employment outcomes. We observed increases in diversity (e.g., 7.1% and 7.0% self-identified as African American/Black and Hispanic before eliminating the GRE as compared to 8.5% and 8.2% after), but no loss of quality, as measured by undergraduate grade point averages (GPAs) (e.g., median undergraduate GPA before and after eliminating the GRE of 3.4). We also saw no difference in performance in required core courses (e.g., more than 93.5% of students earned passing grades in required courses before and 94.5% after eliminating the GRE) and graduate employment (i.e., 93.1% employed within 6 months of graduation before and 93.8% after eliminating the GRE). We recommend removing the GRE as an admission requirement for the MPH as a step toward diversifying the public health workforce. This change alone is necessary but insufficient. We also need to develop support programs, tailored specifically to the needs of our future students, to ensure their success. Conclusion: Eliminating the GRE as an admissions requirement for prospective students does not result in loss of student quality or worse program performance.

Infusing high-impact practices in undergraduate public health curricula: Models, lessons learned, and administrative considerations from two public universities.

High-impact practices (HIPs) can improve the rigor, quality, and outcomes of undergraduate education. Several high-impact practices are explicitly woven into the overarching goals, learning objectives, and curricular competencies for undergraduate public health degree programs, while others are natural fits. However, capitalizing on the value of HIPs for public health undergraduates requires a conscious effort in the process of curriculum design, course delivery, and administration of these programs. In this paper, we discuss both conceptual approaches and practical steps involved in the integration of HIPs in curriculum design and implementation. We discuss two exemplars of undergraduate programs that incorporate high-impact practices, illustrating how the same practices can be developed and implemented in different but equally effective ways across programs. We close with practical suggestions for designing or refining an undergraduate program to maximize the inclusion and effectiveness of high-impact practices.

Aconselhamento para atividade física realizado por profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and examine the correlates of physical activity counseling by primary health care professionals in Florianopolis, state of Santa Catarina. A face-face survey was carried out with 587 professionals from 49 Health Centers. Physical activity counseling was evaluated in the last 12 months. The correlates explored in the association were sociodemographic, training and professional performance, knowledge of physical activity recommendations and physical activity level. The prevalence of physical activity counseling was 86.2% (95%CI=83.2-88.8%). The professionals most likely to provide counseling were those with graduate degrees in Public Health (OR=3.71; 95%CI: 1.69-9.37), who had academic experiences in primary health care (OR=2.68; 95%CI: 1.32-5.92), who belonged to the Family Health Support Center (OR=4.52; 95%CI: 1.31-28.50), who participated in meetings of physical activity (OR=1.91; 95%CI: 1.08-3.44) and were physically active (OR=1.80; 95%CI: 1.01-3.27). The results show that aspects of training and professional performance and the physical activity level of professionals contribute positively to counseling for physical activity in primary health care.

HRSA's Investment in Public Health Training Centers.

HRSA's Investment in Public Health Training Centers.

Physical activity counseling in Primary Health Care.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and examine the correlates of physical activity counseling by primary health care professionals in Florianopolis, state of Santa Catarina. A face-face survey was carried out with 587 professionals from 49 Health Centers. Physical activity counseling was evaluated in the last 12 months. The correlates explored in the association were sociodemographic, training and professional performance, knowledge of physical activity recommendations and physical activity level. The prevalence of physical activity counseling was 86.2% (95%CI=83.2-88.8%). The professionals most likely to provide counseling were those with graduate degrees in Public Health (OR=3.71; 95%CI: 1.69-9.37), who had academic experiences in primary health care (OR=2.68; 95%CI: 1.32-5.92), who belonged to the Family Health Support Center (OR=4.52; 95%CI: 1.31-28.50), who participated in meetings of physical activity (OR=1.91; 95%CI: 1.08-3.44) and were physically active (OR=1.80; 95%CI: 1.01-3.27). The results show that aspects of training and professional performance and the physical activity level of professionals contribute positively to counseling for physical activity in primary health care.

Barriers and Opportunities for Palliative Care Development in Pakistan

Cohesive Journal of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Barriers and Opportunities for Palliative Care Development in Pakistan Noureen* Master’s degrees in Public Health and Political Science, Quiad-e-Azam University, Pakistan *Corresponding author: Noureen, Master’s degrees in Public Health and Political Science, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan Submission: August 10, 2022; Published: August 26, 2022 DOI: 10.31031/CJMI.2022.06.000630 ISSN 2594-0190 Volume6 issues1

PCR Swab Examination Flow Model for People with COVID Symptoms / Close Contact with COVID Patients at the Cilincing District Health Center

The Indonesian MOH mentions the vital role of District Health Center where the service prioritizes efforts to improve health and prevent disease, to achieve the highest public health degree. The increase in new positive cases of COVID-19 in Jakarta, which has begun to touch the number of 1000 per day, deserves attention from all elements, both from the government and the community. The community is expected to continue to apply health protocols wherever and whenever it must be maintained properly, correctly and sustainably. For residents of DKI Jakarta, who have symptoms/contact with COVID-19 patients, don't hesitate to check with the Cilincing District Health Center as an effort to anticipate the spread and transmission of the virus. This study is a qualitative study using interview, observation and document review techniques regarding the flow of PCR swab examinations for people who have symptoms or are in contact with COVID-19 patients. Informants in this study were the Contact Tracer and patients who had complaints or symptoms of COVID-19 and were registered at the Cilincing District Health Center. The study was conducted in January 2022. Where the process of checking the PCR Swab at the Cilincing District Health Center is very easy, starting from registration online via the site or scanning the barcode to determine the schedule, coming according to the set time, for results can be checked via a device from home, so there is no need to come back to the hospital. health centers so that examinations are fast, safe and comfortable

Training the MCH workforce: the Time for Change is now

IntroductionMaternal and child health (MCH) services are critical for vulnerable populations. Workforce shortages, poor retention, and gaps in necessary trainings impede the capacity of public health systems to address needs. This manuscript characterizes the current MCH workforce, MCH program applicants and graduates, and describe findings within a national context to devise elements of a recruitment and retention strategy.MethodsData were obtained for public health program applicants, first-destination employment outcomes, and worker perceptions and demographics. Data were stratified according to the MCH and total public health workforce and by local, state, and national totals. Data were characterized by degree type, discipline, demographics, and employment outcomes.ResultsMCH staff constitute 11% of the state and local governmental public health workforce. MCH staff are approximately as diverse, have higher educational attainment, and are more likely to hold nursing degrees than the rest of the public health workforce. Yet, just 14% of MCH staff hold any type of public health degree. The MCH pipeline from academia appears modestly sized, with approximately 5% of applicants between 2017 and 2021 applying to a MCH master’s degree.DiscussionThe MCH workforce has a lower proportion of formal training or degrees in public health, though trends seem to indicate improvements. However, it is critical that a multi-faceted recruitment and retention strategy be coordinated by a broad range of stakeholders. These efforts will serve to improve the capability and capacity of the public health system to address critical needs of increasingly diverse MCH populations.SignificanceIn order to modernize and reimagine the academic-public health pipeline, it is critical to better understand how many applicants and graduates exist within Maternal and Child Health programs across the US, and their characteristics. This manuscript connects that information with the most recently available public health workforce information on demographics, workplace perceptions, and intent to leave among staff at state and local health departments. Data presented in this paper allow the most comprehensive characterization of the MCH academia->practice pipeline to-date, identifies a fundamental disconnect in those career pathways, and offers options to repair that break.

Prevalence and characteristics of advocacy curricula in Australian public health degrees.

Public health advocacy is a fundamental part of health promotion practice. Advocacy efforts can lead to healthier public policies and positive impacts on society. Public health educators are responsible for equipping graduates with cross-cutting advocacy competencies to address current and future public health challenges. Knowledge of the extent to which students are taught public health advocacy is limited. To determine whether advocacy teaching within public health degrees matches industry needs, knowledge of pedagogical approaches to advocacy curricula is required. This study sought to understand the extent to which advocacy is taught and assessed within Australian public health degrees. Australian public health Bachelor's and Master's degrees were identified using the CRICOS database. Open-source online unit guides were reviewed to determine where and how advocacy was included within core and elective units (in title, unit description or learning outcomes). Degree directors and convenors of identified units were surveyed to further garner information about advocacy in the curriculum. Of 65 identified degrees, 17 of 26 (65%) undergraduate degrees and 24 of 39 (62%) postgraduate degrees included advocacy within the core curriculum, while 6 of 26 (23%) undergraduate and 8 of 39 (21%) postgraduate offered no advocacy curriculum. Australian and international public health competency frameworks indicate advocacy curriculum should be included in all degrees. This research suggests advocacy competencies are not ubiquitous within Australian public health curricula. The findings support the need to advance public health advocacy teaching efforts further.

“Unprecedented Times:” Experiences of Social Work and Public Health Professionals during Times of Public Crises

ABSTRACT Social workers and public health professionals in the U.S. were profoundly impacted by COVID-19, systemic racism, and the 2020 U.S. presidential election. This study examined their external job support, burnout, and job satisfaction in the context of these circumstances. The findings suggest respondents, who had graduate degrees in social work or public health, overemphasized their job satisfaction and underemphasized their burnout. While social work and public health professionals felt satisfied with their labor, not acknowledging burnout limits the amount of support they may access to effectively continue the work. Interestingly, participants who had more administrative functions reported higher job satisfaction scores and lower burnout scores. Traditionally, those in administrative positions have more control over their schedule and work responsibilities. Findings suggest that more training, opportunities for self-care, and discussions about safety and systemic racism are needed in the workplace for social workers and public health professionals.

Withdrawn as Duplicate: Public Health competences: Prioritisation and leadership

Since in his Viewpoint ‘Public Health competences: from potential to action,’ Anders Foldspang calls for ‘the continued discussion in the professional public health associations of European countries,’ I would like to put forward a few considerations related to the European Public Health Core Competencies Project (EPHCCP) which include (i) consensus, (ii) one size fits all, (iii) the need and (iv) public health leadership. Although the breadth and diversity of the public health workforce greatly contributes to the effective delivery of public health services, it also presents a formidable challenge for public health educators, leaders and public health workforce themselves, when it comes to state their identity. ASPHER’s EPHCCP and its subsequent phases constitute the set of consensus-driven competencies which can be used for the development of academic degrees in public health. By identifying these core competencies, ASPHER aims to raise the bar for consistent quality of public health education providing the guidance to the Schools and Departments of Public Health (SDPH) on how to highlight the credibility of their degrees. Since, this product constitutes a point of reference for public health discipline and academic support in the strive for professionalistaion, the question arises whether we have done enough …

Pengaruh Mutu Pelayanan terhadap Tingkat Kepuasan Pasien Rawat Inap di Puskesmas Lapai Kabupaten Kolaka Utara

Public services in the health sector can be carried out in hospitals and health centers throughout Indonesia. Community Health Center is a service facility that organizes public health efforts and first-level individual health efforts, by prioritizing promotive and preventive efforts, to achieve the highest public health degree in its working area. The purpose of the study was to influence service quality on the level of satisfaction of inpatients at the Lasusua Public Health Center, North Kolaka Regency in 2021. The type of research used was an analytical survey research with a "cross-sectional" design, where all observed variables were measured simultaneously. when the research took place. The results show that physical evidence affects the level of patient satisfaction with a value of value (0.000) Reliability affects the level of patient satisfaction with a value of value (0.000) Responsiveness affects the level of hospitalization satisfaction with a value of value (0.001), Guarantee affects the level of satisfaction patient satisfaction with a value of value (0.013) Empathy affects the level of patient satisfaction with a value of value (0.000) and the most dominant variable on the level of satisfaction of inpatients at the Lapai Health Center, North Kolaka Regency is physical evidence with an Exp (B) or OR value of 107,823. Suggestions in research are to become information and input for the health office to improve the quality of health services at the puskesmas, can be input for the puskesmas to always continue to improve the quality of services provided to patients in order to achieve patient satisfaction and become reference material and information for research. The next is related to the quality of service to patient satisfaction

Improving Communication of Public Health Bachelor's Degree Programs Through Visual Curriculum Mapping.

Undergraduate students balance course requirements for the university, college, school, and major. Each set of requirements, including degree-specific curriculum, is intended to promote synergistic interaction of competence, skills, and knowledge, beyond serving as a collection of individual courses. Understanding of curriculum is important for program recruitment as undergraduate students are more informed when deciding between bachelor's degrees options. Among cohorted programs, this understanding is also helpful in communicating and promoting common intellectual experiences. Comprehension of curriculum is especially important for persistence when students are better able to articulate the connections between course and competencies needed to advance in coursework. To improve universal design for learning within program advising, visual curriculum maps were created as infographics to support student understanding of Bachelor of Arts in Public Health degree requirements and specific capstone course pathways. This map is printed as a small booklet and has been pilot tested among prospective students with positive feedback, then implemented in routine advising sessions. Visual maps of capstone requirements were well-received in concept, however constructive student feedback during pilot testing necessitated further revision. Student feedback also encouraged the application of culturally appropriate visuals and analogies to celebrate student diversity. Visual aids such as these may improve access to information among students through universal design, and also improve recruitment, retention efforts, and student buy-in to degree curricula.

The Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Service-Learning Experiences Among Undergraduate Public Health Students in Hawai'i.

Service-learning is a high-impact educational practice at the core of the undergraduate public health degree at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM). This practice provides an invaluable learning experience and professional opportunity for students to collaborate with community partners and make significant contributions in the field. The COVID-19 pandemic halted or disrupted service-learning experiences as community partners adapted to shifting mandates and emergency orders. Surveying the rapidly evolving landscape of partner organizations to support service-learning is a challenge. Assessing changes to the program mentorship or satisfaction is the first step to developing protocols to ensure standardization of service-learning during times of crisis. This study will address if and how the pandemic impacted students' satisfaction with required service-learning experiences. Furthermore, authors hope to create a comprehensive list of practicum partnering organizations, both focused on pandemic response and, more generally, of the service-learning students at UHM, with the intent to increase students and community partners in local service-learning. Assessments were conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 on undergraduate students' experiences with service-learning through use of a program exit survey. The authors hypothesized pandemic-related adjustments would not affect student satisfaction or skill development. Despite challenges associated with the pandemic and emergency online transitions, students persisted in personal and professional growth associated with service-learning. This developed resilience supports students as they graduate and enter a workforce adapting to remote work demands and community needs.

Guides to Heavenly Mother

Guides to Heavenly Mother

Nutrition Programs of Higher Education in the Occupied Palestinian Territories: A Descriptive Snapshot

This report stresses the importance of promoting capacity building and training of nutritionists and dietitians as vital strategies in addressing nutrition-related health problems and improving health outcomes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). Higher education institutions play a vital role in this process. The report identifies degree-granting nutrition programs available in OPT in both Arabic and English by carrying out an electronic review of universities and college websites, department web links, and academic program home pages. Out of the 52 accredited institutions in the OPT, 10 offered nutrition degree programs of which four are located in the Gaza Strip and six in the West Bank. Nutrition-affiliated programs included bachelor’s degrees in nutrition sciences and public health, health nutrition, nutrition and food technology, nutrition and dietetics, therapeutic nutrition, and nutrition and food processing. Two universities offered a master’s degree in clinical nutrition in addition to a bachelor’s program. None of the selected educational institutions offered a doctoral degree program. The number of universities in OPT offering bachelor’s degree in nutrition affiliated programs is relatively high as compared to neighboring Arab countries. Additional development of graduate programs to strengthen the dietetics/nutrition profession in OPT is warranted.

Garbage Sorting as an Important Rural Problem: Descriptive Study of Priority Health Problems in Pantai Cermin Village, Langkat Regency

In planning efforts to improve public health degrees, it is necessary to plan the first steps to find out what health problems are prioritized to be addressed effectively, efficiently, and on target. This community service, therefore, aim to to find health problems in order to find the right intervention so that the health problems contained in Teladan Hamlet do not become serious problems that cause other health problems. This research was conducted in Teladan hamlet of Pantai Cermin Village, Tanjung Pura Subdistrict using descriptive research methods, univariate analysis was conducted to determine the priority of health problems from the results of self-aware surveys. Prioritization of health problems was carried out qualitatively using the Focus Group Discussion method with USG (Urgency, Seriousness, Growth) criteria scoring. The nine highest health problems found were the low number of couples who did not use contraception, low infant weight, itching, hypertension, national health insurance, smoking behavior, kitchen waste disposal, garbage sorting, and eradication of mosquito nests. The results of the Focus Group Discussion agreed that the priority of health problems in Teladan hamlet is the low behavior of waste sorting, so that interventions are carried out in the form of counseling and provision of facilities and infrastructure in the form of garbage cans in some public places in order to increase public knowledge and community behavior in sorting waste. Efforts that can be made by local governments are to support and supervise the community to implement good and correct waste sorting and processing behavior in a sustainable manner

Preparing Students for the Public Health Workforce: The Role of Effective High-Impact Educational Practices in Undergraduate Public Health Program Curricula.

There are several institutions of higher learning in the United States that award degrees in public health to undergraduate students. While these institutions serve as potential pipelines for the public health workforce, it is unclear if the curricula and training students receive from these institutions, really prepare them for the public health workforce or higher education. The questions sometimes asked are whether the programs offered by these institutions exist to provide students with a good understanding of public health issues so they can become good citizens for building a responsible society, or if it is to prepare students for graduate school. Regardless of what the goals are, students in undergraduate public health programs need to be exposed to curricula that adequately prepare them to enter well-defined careers in public health. Thus, institutions of higher learning offering degrees in public health to undergraduate students need to understand the market, assess, and understand the needs of public health agencies, and tailor course curricula to match those needs. Georgia State University established its undergraduate public health program in 2016. Since then, over 200 students have graduated from the program. The purpose of the study was to assess student perception of the role of high impact educational practices such as study abroad, signature experience, and undergraduate research curricula in preparing them for careers in public health.

Author Biographies

Author Biographies

Public Health Student's Attitudes Toward Research.

Research is able to improve the lives of big populations by investigating effective interventions and then implementing those through public health policies. Whilst research on the inclination of Medical or Science undergraduate and postgraduate students has been conducted, little is known about what students pursuing a Masters degree in Public Health perceive the purpose of research to be. Their perceptions and inclinations will shape their research pursuits and career directions, which impacts the health outcomes of the community. Our findings suggest MPH students see improving the lives of the community as the most important purpose of research. Student's had more inclination to pursue research when influenced by a mentor however, many students still claimed that they either lacked confidence and skills in completing research or had no intention of pursuing research beyond their degrees, which suggests the need for curriculum adjustments.