Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

12-2017

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health

First Committee Member

Chandran Achutan

Second Committee Member

Veenu Minhas

Third Committee Member

Nicole Engelbart

Abstract

Since 1992, Women, Infants, and Children at the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department has provided supplemental food benefits, nutrition information, breastfeeding support, immunization referrals, and dental services to support low-income families and their children. However, statewide, the retention rate has been dropping since 2009, and if this continues, it can result in adverse health outcomes. As part of the Service Learning activities, this study aims to evaluate current services on clients’ experiences and improve their satisfaction by conducting the WIC participant-centered services survey. This cost-effective intervention program has been working successfully, however it does not provide the information of environmental health.

To understand WIC enrolled families’ home environment, as part of the Capstone Experience we conducted the indoor air quality survey to investigate existing indoor air contaminants and related health problems. This survey was a questionnaire designed to collect information of sources of air pollution in homes (cleaning practices, natural and forced ventilation, lead, mold, tobacco smoke, etc.) and resident’s respiratory symptoms. The data was collected by face-to-face interviews at the two WIC clinics, LLCHD and satellite office, from 50 individuals who have lived in their current residence more than six months. The results were used to identify present residential air contaminants that can cause respiratory symptoms. Health effects caused by indoor air pollution is preventable by good maintenance and housekeeping practices.

The goal of the project is to increase the mother’s knowledge about indoor air quality in low-income communities and support them to reduce contaminants for better health outcomes. Ultimately, the information collected by surveys can be used to plan a support program that increases mother’s awareness of air pollutants and prevention.

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