Date of Award
2024
Degree Type
Open Access Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
First Advisor
Jason Miller
Second Advisor
Michael Ballard
Third Advisor
Michelyn W. Bhandari
Abstract
Public health involves the organized efforts of society to prevent disease, prolong life, and promote health. These efforts are exemplified through partnerships across various public and private sectors, including academia, which are crucial in addressing complex public health challenges. The concept of an Academic Health Department (AHD) embodies a formal collaboration between academic institutions and public health practice organizations, aiming to integrate public health practice with academic training, research, and service delivery. Despite the documented benefits of the AHD model, there is a knowledge gap regarding local health departments' (LHDs) awareness, attitudes, and practices related to the model, particularly in Kentucky. This study aimed to fill this gap by exploring the current state of AHD awareness, attitudes, and practices among LHDs in Kentucky. This understanding is crucial given Kentucky's specific public health challenges, such as fiscal constraints and ranking among the least healthy states in the United States. The study employs a modified Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) model to answer four research questions, providing insights into how LHDs are aware of the AHD model and perceived attitudes and practices toward the AHD model. Using a quantitative descriptive-comparative research survey design, data were collected through a 29-item questionnaire and analyzed using Jamovi software. Descriptive statistics summarized the data and generated awareness, attitudes, and practices scores, while comparative analyses, including independent sample t-tests, were conducted to compare awareness of the AHD model between Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB)-accredited and non-PHAB-accredited LHDs. Results indicated poor awareness (47%), neutral attitudes (74%), and poor practices (34%) regarding the AHD model. Statistically significant differences (p < .05) were found in awareness levels of the AHD model between PHAB-accredited and non-PHAB-accredited LHDs, with effect sizes calculated using Cohen’s d. These findings highlight critical areas for intervention and improvement in promoting the AHD model. The study underscores the need for increased efforts to raise awareness and foster positive attitudes towards the AHD model to fully leverage its potential impact for improving public health outcomes in Kentucky. By enhancing collaboration between public health practice and academia, the AHD model offers a strategic approach to addressing public health challenges and improving health outcomes through research, service delivery, and training/teaching.
Recommended Citation
Vorbeck, Jonathan Dunham, "Exploring The Academic Health Department Model: A Study Of Awareness, Attitudes, And Practices In Kentucky's Local Health Departments" (2024). Online Theses and Dissertations. 834.
https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/834
