South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

About: South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is a government organization based out in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 334 authors who have published 315 publications receiving 11187 citations.

A population-based estimate of the health care burden of obstructive sleep apnea using a STOP-BAG questionnaire in South Carolina

Abstract: Study Objectives:Population based estimates of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) frequency and health impact are incomplete. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of risk factors for ph...

A Case History of the Science and Management Collaboration in Understanding Hypoxia Events in Long Bay, South Carolina, USA

Abstract: Communication of knowledge between the scientific and management communities is a difficult process complicated by the distinctive nature of professional career goals of scientists and decision-makers. This article provides a case history highlighting a collaboration between the science and management communities that resulted from a response to a 2004 hypoxia, or low dissolved oxygen, event in Long Bay, off Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A working group of scientists and decision-makers was established at the time of the event and has continued to interact to develop a firm understanding of the drivers responsible for hypoxia formation in Long Bay. Several factors were found to be important to ensure that these collaborative efforts were productive: (1) genuine interest in collaboratively working across disciplines to examine a problem; (2) commitment by agency leadership, decision-makers, and researchers to create successful communication mechanisms; (3) respect for each others’ perspectives and an understanding how science and management are performed and that they are not mutually exclusive; (4) networking among researchers and decision-makers to ensure appropriate team members are involved in the process; (5) use of decision-maker input in the formulation of research and monitoring projects; and (6) commitment of resources for facilitation to ensure that researchers and decision-makers are communicating effectively.

Targeting Persons With or At High Risk for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by State-based Surveillance.

Abstract: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey is used to estimate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence and could be expanded to describe respiratory symptoms in the general population and to characterize persons with or at high risk for the disease. Tobacco duration and respiratory symptom questions were added to the 2012 South Carolina BRFSS. Data concerning sociodemographics, chronic illnesses, health behaviors, and respiratory symptoms were collected in 9438 adults ≥ 35 years-old. Respondents were categorized as having COPD, high risk, or low risk for the disease. High risk was defined as no self-reported COPD, ≥ 10 years’ tobacco use, and ≥ 1 respiratory symptom (frequent productive cough or shortness of breath (SOB), or breathing problems affecting activities). Prevalence of self-reported and high-risk COPD were 9.1% and 8.0%, respectively. Overall, 17.3%, 10.6%, and 5.2% of all respondents reported activities limited by breathing problems, frequent producti...

Experimental Evaluation of a Drive‐Point Ground‐Water Sampler for Hydraulic Conductivity Measurement

Abstract: Drive-point ground-water samplers, designed to enable delineation of the vertical and areal extent of a contaminant plume, have been modified to obtain an in situ measurement of hydraulic conductivity in aquifers. The multlevel drive-point sampler (MLDPS) consists of a 30-cm long screen pushed to a desired depth within a retractable outer sleeve and a pressure transducer to monitor the rate of fill within a sample chamber. The accuracy and variability of a MLDPS to measure hydraulic conductivity was evaluated in a 50-m3 laboratory aquifer comprised of a uniform medium sand. Twelve measurements were performed using the MLDPS followed by duplicate slug tests performed at identical locations and depths within the aquifer. MLDPS and slug test data were analyzed using the method of Widdowson et al. (1990). The MLDPS provided an estimation of hydraulic conductivity at least one order of magnitude below slug test-derived hydraulic conductivity and the range of hydraulic conductivity associated with a medium sand. MLDPS-derived hydraulic conductivity values also show greater variability and range relative to the slug test-derived values. Hydraulic conductivity ranges from 0.072 to 2.3 m/d using the MLDPS (coefficient of variation = Cv= 1.3) compared to a range of 10 to 16 m/d (Cv= 0.14) for the slug test values. Variability and magnitude of the MLDPS-derived hydraulic conductivity is attributed to disturbance of aquifer material and experimental factors inherent to the design of the instrument.