Department of Epidemiology

Graduate


November 24, 2020

Environmental Enteropathy and Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 are associated with early childhood growth in Bangladesh

Chronic undernutrition, marked by stunting (low height for age), is associated with increased child morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current intervention strategies are often ineffective at preventing or reversing stunting; while some children grow in response to nutrition programs, many do not. This dissertation aims to improve understanding of two major challenges in the prevention and…


Changing etiologies of childhood acute febrile illness: implications for management in an era of declining malaria

Background: Acute febrile illness (AFI) is a common syndrome among children presenting to a healthcare facility in resource-limited settings and a substantial contributor to childhood mortality. In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria has historically been a leading cause of childhood AFI but malaria incidence and mortality have declined dramatically over the past decade. At the same time,…


Gender Based Violence and HIV Risk: Mediating Pathways and Strategies for Prevention

The studies within this dissertation address gender-based violence (GBV) and its relationship with risk factors for HIV acquisition in African women. Women exposed to GBV have a higher risk of HIV infection, but the mechanisms for this association are not well understood, and the mechanisms may differ according to the patterns of violence experienced. Therefore,…


Heterogeneity in survival among adult cystic fibrosis patients with low lung function in the United States

Background Lung transplantation (LTx) is frequently considered for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) when FEV1 reaches <30%. This study estimated transplant-free survival for patients with CF and FEV1 <30% and identified predictors of transplant-free survival. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry, 1/1/2003-12/31/2013. Adult patients (≥18 years) with…


Intimate Partner Violence among HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative Pregnant Women Receiving Partner Services in Kisumu, Kenya: Correlates and Incidence during Postpartum

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most common form of violence amongst women. IPV experienced during pregnancy can expose women and their babies to fatal and non-fatal adverse outcomes. This study assessed socio-demographic factors associated with current or past intimate partner violence to better identify women who are at risk or those currently experiencing…


Role of Support Persons in Adolescent and Young Adult Voluntary HIV Testing and Counseling in Kenya

University of Washington Abstract Role of Support Persons in Adolescent and Young Adult Voluntary HIV Testing and Counseling in Kenya Jillian Neary Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Jennifer Slyker, MSc, PhD Assistant Professor, Global Health Adjunct Assistant Professor, Epidemiology Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYA) are the only age stratum in which HIV incidence and…


Sex-specific Associations of Maternal Birthweight with Offspring Birthweight in the Omega Study: The role of pre-pregnancy body mass index

Background: Birth weight is an indicator of fetal growth and development, important determinants of life course health. Maternal birthweight (BW) is one of the strongest predictors of offspring BW, perpetuating generational cycles of poor health and risk for adverse birth outcomes. However, potential non-linear relationships or modifying or mediating factors of maternal and offspring BW…


Using HIV Surveillance Data for Public Health Evaluations and Interventions: Common Challenges & Proposed Methodological Solutions

In the United States (U.S.), the purpose of HIV surveillance and related data systems is changing. Evolving programmatic priorities and complicated care needs of an aging population has led to greater demand for timely, accurate, and detailed data. My dissertation evaluates three prominent data systems: (1) National HIV Surveillance System (NHSS), (2) Medical Monitoring Project…


Association between depressive symptoms, risk factors for sexually transmitted infections, and nongonococcal urethritis

BACKGROUND: Depressive symptoms and urethritis are common, and may be associated with one another. Severe depression may lead to different risk behaviors than more moderate depression. Therefore individuals with moderate depression may be at increased risk for engaging in certain risk factors and for acquiring nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) compared to individuals with severe depression. METHODS:…


Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, associated factors, and colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND – Recent research has pointed to a possible key role of gut microbial communities (GMC) in understanding the link between obesity, chronic inflammation, and the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) [1]. While some studies have demonstrated a strong association between obesity and circulating levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) [2-5], an endotoxin which is found on…



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