Date of Award

Spring 2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

Public Health

Director of Thesis

Dr. Elizabeth Crouch, Ph.D.

First Reader

Joshua Sellner, MSPH, PhD(c)

Second Reader

Joshua Sellner, MSPH, PhD(c)

Abstract

This study aims to provide an in-depth view of septicemia mortality and incidence in the state of South Carolina through the lenses of socio-economic factors, access to healthcare, and behavioral health factors. This study was conducted using data from the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, utilizing their Hospitalization, Inpatient, Emergency Department, and Outpatient data both separately and combined depending on the data point, along with additional data sources for support (see works cited). We hypothesize that the higher rates of septicemia mortality and incidence in the southeastern United States, as well as in South Carolina in particular, could be associated with rurality, low socio-economic status, and risky behavioral health choices. Bivariate analyses were conducted with SAS 9.4. We found higher rates of septicemia mortality among residents in rural areas, minority residents, and areas with high economic inequality.

First Page

1

Last Page

41

Rights

© 2021, Raeann Vossberg

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