Previous Projects
Playing With Fire:
An Investigation into the Causes of America’s Designer Drug Problem and How to Fix It
Senior Thesis for Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy
ABSTRACT:
New
psychoactive substances (NPS) are recreational
drugs that are not internationally controlled, but which may pose a public
health threat. The last five years have seen an alarming proliferation in rates of harm caused by
these substances, resulting in increased international attention. Due to their
legal status, widespread availability, low cost, and high appeal as an
alternative to illegal drugs, American young adults are using these substances
at an increasing rate and are subsequently suffering from increasing harm as a
result. Because of the ease with which the chemical composition of these drugs
can be altered to circumvent drug laws and meet rising demand, current laws are
proving to be an ineffective means of ameliorating the problem. As a result,
new NPS are emerging faster in the United States than anywhere else in the
world. This study uses a mixed methods approach of quantitative surveying of 217
University of Chicago students as well as qualitative interviews of five U of C
students to analyze the current attitudes and behavior of subjects 18 to 24
years old with regards to current drug law and designer drugs. This report
reviews the major literature about NPS, explores national and international
drug policies, and employs novel data and analysis to seek solutions for
reducing the harm caused by these substances. It then presents recommendations
for a multi-faceted approach that combines increased documentation and research
of the substances, improved education, and a reduction in legislation banning
these substances that would be most effective at decreasing the overall harm
caused by these drugs in this high-risk age group.
Factors Contributing to Patient Awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease
Contributors: Rachael Nass, Sharon Kim, Milda Saunders, MD, MPH
2014 Albert C. Svoboda Fellowship in Public Policy
ABSTRACT:
This study investigated characteristics of 590 CKD patients and their correlation to patient awareness of their CKD. Using data a large-scale ongoing study of hospitalized patients at the University of Chicago, patients who were aware or unaware of their disease were analyzed for many factors, including age, sex, education, and race. Patient addresses were also linked to Census Track data from the NHGIS system and then analyzed in terms of neighborhood percent poverty and median household income. The study found no significant correlation between the poverty rate and median household income of patient’s neighborhood and their awareness but did see an increased likelihood of being unaware of CKD in patients with low stage CKD, aged 80+ years, or who had 4+ doctor’s visits a year.
2014 Albert C. Svoboda Fellowship in Public Policy
ABSTRACT:
This study investigated characteristics of 590 CKD patients and their correlation to patient awareness of their CKD. Using data a large-scale ongoing study of hospitalized patients at the University of Chicago, patients who were aware or unaware of their disease were analyzed for many factors, including age, sex, education, and race. Patient addresses were also linked to Census Track data from the NHGIS system and then analyzed in terms of neighborhood percent poverty and median household income. The study found no significant correlation between the poverty rate and median household income of patient’s neighborhood and their awareness but did see an increased likelihood of being unaware of CKD in patients with low stage CKD, aged 80+ years, or who had 4+ doctor’s visits a year.
No comments:
Post a Comment