Texas Cities and the Economic Development Sales Tax

Competition to lure corporations has become an enormous issue between states. Smaller communities feel unable to participate in economic development opportunities since their budgets do not provide the necessary funding. In 1979, the Texas state legislature passed the Development Corporation Act in an attempt to aid the smaller communities' quest for economic development. The Act allowed for the creation of local development corporations; however, it did not provide a sufficient funding source to assist the corporations. Therefore two local sales options were established. This paper reports the findings of an analysis of per capita income and employment changes after the adoption of an economic development sales tax. The analysis showed no statistically significant impacts on cities adopting an economic development sales tax when compared with non-adopting cities

2018 GUIDE Summer Research - Breast Cancer

This research poster details the relationship between cancer treatments and alternative approaches, such as mindfulness. The purpose of this study was to determine the methodology used by doctors to treat breast cancer and their willingness to try a holistic approach. This study was conducted on site at the UIC Cancer Center as well as remotely within hospitals around the Chicagoland area. We determined that mindfulness is in fact a worthwhile asset to breast cancer patients and that the field of oncology could support further research

Approaches to Engaging Low-Income Communities in Improving Their Diabetes Health: A Review of the Literature Published in the 21 st Century

Diabetes is a serious health condition and can lead to a variety of health complications and increase

Racial/ethnic and geographic differences in access to a usual source of care that follows the patient-centered medical home model: Analyses from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data

This study examined racial and geographic differences in access to a usual source of care (USC) and it further explored these differences among individuals who had a USC that followed the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model. Using cross-sectional data from the Household Component of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2008-2013), our sample consisted of non-institutionalized US civilians ages 18-85 (n= 146,233; weighted n = 229,487,016). Our analysis included weighted descriptive statistics and weighted logistic regressions. Although 76% of the respondents had a USC, only 11% of them had a USC that followed the PCMH model. Among respondents who had a USC that followed the PCMH model, 80% were White, 13% Black, 5% Asian, and 12% were of Hispanic ethnicity. Across U.S. regions, 88% percent of those who had a USC that followed the PCMH model resided in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), 22% resided in the West, 26% in the Northeast, 25% in the Midwest, and 27% in the South. Results from logistic regression analyses indicated that race and ethnicity were not significant predictors of having a USC that followed the PCMH model. Northeastern U.S. residents (OR: 1.30; 95% CI:1.06-1.61) were more likely to have a USC that followed the PCMH model compared with southern residents. In conclusion, only a small percentage of respondents in our sample had a USC with the PCMH model. Further, race and ethnicity were not predictors of having a USC with the PCMH model

Discovering Perspectives on Health and Well-Being from Parents and Teachers of Preschool- Aged Children

Background: This study explores the concept of health and well-being as perceived by teachers and parents of preschool-aged children in the specific context of a child day care facility. The study also identifies the barriers parents and teachers encounter and the supports they require in promoting the health and well-being of preschool-aged children. Method: A qualitative phenomenological research design combined with a projective technique of Photovoice was used for data collection. A total of eight participants, four teachers and four parents of preschool-aged children from a child day care facility, participated in the study. Results: Several themes were identified related to barriers that parents and teachers face and the supports they require in promoting the health and well-being of preschool-aged children. Conclusions: This study discusses a potential role for occupational therapy practitioners in collaborating with administrators and teachers and parents of preschool-aged children to develop a program to promote the health and well-being of preschool-aged children

Exploring cancer health disparities among formerly incarcerated African Americans

Incarcerated populations have a higher burden of chronic disease and elevated risk factors for cancer (BJS, 2012). In 2013, cancer (31%) and heart disease (26%) accounted for over half of all prisoner deaths. The Genomics Research Program of the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (2016) identified incarcerated persons as an understudied population about which there is limited data regarding cancer risks and outcomes. A majority of studies on corrections populations focus on health issues associated with reduction of infectious diseases such as HIV, Tuberculosis, and Hepatitis. Scant research has been conducted on issues associated with cancer prevention and control among African Americans with a history of incarceration. This qualitative, participatory, pilot research study explores the domains of cancer health disparities among African American men and women who were formerly incarcerated in Illinois prisons. Four qualitative focus groups will be conducted. The primary purpose of the focus groups is to collect and qualitatively analyze preliminary data on the barriers to access, utilization and treatment of cancer. This presentation seeks to: (1) describe the need for enhanced access to cancer care and treatment, (2) advocate for the inclusion of best practices in cancer care in corrections systems and, (3) identify policy recommendations and initiatives aimed at reducing cancer disparities among incarcerated and formerly incarcerated persons

Diabetes Complication Prevention among Individuals with Cognitive Limitations

Diabetes is a debilitating chronic disease that, if not properly managed, can result in various health complications. Individuals must efficiently self-manage the disease in order to mitigate diabetes complications. Individuals who have cognitive limitations are faced with a number of challenges including taking care of their health. For individuals with cognitive limitations, it becomes especially difficult to manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes; thus, it is important to examine disparities in health behavior that prevent diabetes complications among this population of individuals with diabetes who also have a cognitive limitation

Health Disparities Among Children with Disabilities

Dr. DeLawnia Comer-Hagans, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Health Administration & Dr. Zo Ramamonjiarivelo, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Health Administration. This presentation addresses some of the health disparities that exist among children with disabilities. For example, children with disabilities experience higher rates of obesity and diabetes than children without health disparities. The presenters will also discuss the impact of health policies within the health care system on children with disabilities

Physical Health, Mental Health & Service Use in Youth with Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose of this study is to address gaps in the literature by using national, parent-report data on youth with intellectual disabilities. We conducted a descriptive epidemiological study focused on the prevalence of youth’s experiences with physical and mental health conditions and service use. We also examined demographics and developmental stages. We addressed the following research questions: (1) To what extent do youth with developmental and intellectual disabilities experience physical and mental health conditions? (2) What percentage of youth with intellectual disabilities participate in services

The Characteristics of Individuals Who Access Health Care at a Full vs. Partial Patient-Centered Medical Home: A Patient Perspective

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model has been promoted and supported by the Affordable Care Act. It is expected to improve health care quality, enhance patient experience, and reduce costs. The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of individuals who access health care at a full versus partial PCMH from patients’ perspective. This study used pooled cross sectional data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) from 2008 to 2013. Our sample consisted of all American adults\u3e18 years old who have a usual source of care (n = 103,676; weighted n=174,630,895). We constructed a dichotomous dependent variable coded “1” if the individual has access to a full PCMH and coded as “0” if the individual has access to a partial PCMH. Our independent variables consisted of individual’s characteristics that may affect access to PCMH. We used weighted logistic regression, based on the weight provided by MEPS. We found that compared with individuals aged between 18 and 24, individuals aged between 25 and 44 (OR=0.85,