Hazardous Waste Increases the Risk of Adverse Health Table

Hazardous Waste Increases the Risk of Adverse Health Table

EHS 52018: Environmental Health Concepts
Review of the Literature using the Matrix Method. (100 points)
Summary of Assignment
Students will perform a search of the peer-reviewed scientific literature about a specific
environmental health (EH) problem or issue for an identified population, use the matrix method
to dissect and synthesize the literature about this topic, and write a 1-2 paragraph, brief narrative
synthesis of the findings. Primary studies will be entered into the provided matrix document and
dissected according to major components of scientific research. The matrix method allows users
to see trends in the literature, across studies, over time, with collective synthesis occurring by a
glance through the major components of the research that have been dissected in the matrix. It is
recommended that you review the 5-minute short tutorial video from the KSU library located in
the toolbox for this assignment titled, How to Perform a Literature Review using the Matrix
Method. Matrixes are used commonly for systematic analysis and synthesis of literature for
professional practice, research, and non-scientific purposes. You will use the newly gained
knowledge and insights from this assignment to support an opinion that promotes population
health expressed in a written Opinion Editorial (Op-Ed), that will be due as a subsequent
assignment.
The following criteria are required for submitted for the Assignment:
I. Basic literature search information (10 points):
1. A statement of the exact Environmental Health problem or issue in a specific
population that was searched in the literature review.
II. Matrix Tables (45 points):
1.Matrixes must contain a minimum of seven column headings, with the
following titles and information:
a “references” column that contains a reference for each study including the
Author (s) name, article title, journal name, volume and page numbers; (2) a
column containing the year of article publication listed by the oldest published
studies first; (3) a column containing the type of study design; (4); a column
containing the recruitment process with the final number enrolled; (5) a
column containing the major statistical results; (6) a column containing study
limitations, (i.e., potential sources of bias); and (7) a column containing
implications for population health (See matrix template for assignment usage).
2. Students will be required to abstract in their matrix tables a minimum of 7
peer-reviewed published scientific articles within the prior 15 years, with at
least 3 of these studies published within the prior 5 years that are analytic
(causal designs).
3. In general, stronger study designs that consist of analytic (causal) study
designs, such as randomized controlled trials, cohorts, case controls, or quaziexperimental studies are preferred to studies from which causation cannot be
inferred, such as cross sectional and ecological study designs. If published
research consisting of causal studies are not available due to the nature of your
environmental health topic, please note this in the written narrative for the
literature review.
III. Written Narrative Synthesis of Major Findings (45 points):
1. The matrix will be accompanied by an approximate 250 word or 1-2
paragraph, written summary that will discuss the major collective findings
across the literature that were dissected and synthesized through your literature
review using the Matrix as a tool. The summary will include the following
components.
2. Collective (shared) trends of findings seen across the studies over time with
major understandings gained about the selected EH issue or problem.
Specifically, this will include collective trends seen across types of study
designs, major statistical findings, and limitations. A final requirement includes
a description of the major implications of the studies taken together with respect
to the EH issue or problem as applied to public health professional practice,
policy, and future research, which is needed to more effectively promote
population health in the specific topic of your literature review.