Degree Name
DrPH (Doctor of Public Health)
Program
Public Health
Date of Award
5-2024
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Megan Quinn
Committee Members
Bethesda O'Connell, David Shoham
Abstract
Background: Public health interventions are any activity with the objective of improving human health such as preventing or curing disease, reducing the severity or duration of a disease, or assisting in regaining function after a disease or injury. These interventions are known to be impactful; however, those living with the highest burden of disease such as individuals in low- and middle-income countries have limited money and resources to successfully implement these interventions. Southeast Asian countries are among some of the middle-income countries effected by the lack of affordable interventions. The aims of this study were to assess cost saving and resource limited interventions and understand how sociodemographic and housing characteristics predict knowledge and attitudes of health and social issues.
Methods: A scoping review was completed to synthesize literature regarding cost saving and resource limited global public health interventions following the PRISMA ScR guidelines. Data from the Demographic and Health Survey were used to conduct multivariable linear and logistic regression to assess the association of knowledge and attitudes of different health outcomes. Lastly, a pre- post- intervention analysis was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a solar light distribution program in a rural area of the Philippines.
Results: The results from the scoping literature review highlighted the importance of handwashing as a cost saving and resource limited Water and Sanitation Hygiene intervention and that more researched should be conducted on interventions associated with access to light and women’s safety. The Demographic and Health Survey study found that there were statistically significant differences in people’s attitudes and knowledge chronic and infectious disease, water and sanitation hygiene and women’s safety based on their sociographic and housing characteristics. Finally, while the study sample size was too small to determine statistical significance of the overall program, participants did report improved outcomes after the solar light intervention in the Philippines.
Implications: The findings from these studies highlight the need for additional cost saving and resource limited interventions in Southeast Asia. Continued research needs to be conducted to advance public health in underserved countries and communities.
Document Type
Dissertation - embargo
Recommended Citation
Blackwelder, Amanda, "Cost Saving and Resource Limited Public Health Interventions in Southeast Asia" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4393. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4393
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Epidemiology Commons, International Public Health Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Women's Health Commons