Vol. 57, No. 2, Fall/Winter 2019


SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF CANCER SURVIVORS’ ACCESSIBILITY TO

EXERCISE PROGRAMS DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THEIR NEEDS

(p. 1-15)


R. Todd Bartee

Department of Kinesiology and Sports Sciences

University of Nebraska-Kearney


Paul R. Burger

Department of Geography

University of Nebraska-Kearney


Kate A. Heelan

Department of Kinesiology and Sports Sciences

University of Nebraska-Kearney


Ava Coughlin

Department of Kinesiology and Sports Sciences

University of Nebraska-Kearney


H. Jason Combs

Department of Geography

University of Nebraska-Kearney


Abstract


This study employs geographic information science (GIScience) to analyze accessibility

between cancer survivors and the nearest exercise program and general fitness facility

designed for their needs in a metropolitan statistical area (MSA), a micropolitan

statistical area (μSA), or rural area. Initial findings indicate that approximately 59

percent, 19 percent, and 22 percent of survivors respectively, reside in counties designated

as MSA, μSA, or rural. Survivors living in an MSA had a mean distance of 16.1

± 28.8 miles from the nearest exercise program and 3.2 ± 5.2 miles from the nearest

exercise facility. Survivors living in a μSA had a mean distance of 149.3 ± 113.7

miles to the nearest exercise program for cancer survivors and 6.4 ± 8.4 miles to the

nearest exercise facility. Rural survivors had a mean distance of 164.6 ± 115.7 miles

from an exercise program and 24.9 ± 19.6 miles from the nearest exercise facility. Using

GIScience to spatially evaluate exercise facilities finds that they are accessible to

cancer survivors throughout Nebraska, however, for many cancer survivors exercise

programs are not located within reasonable distances to rural survivors. Strategies

are needed to address rural access to fitness programs and facilities among cancer

survivors.



MODELING GEOGRAPHIC BARRIERS TO OVARIAN CANCER

CLINICAL TRIALS IN PENNSYLVANIA

(p. 16-31)


Moira Conway

Department of Geography

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania


Diana Malandruccolo

Department of Public Health

Arcadia University


Jennifer Hinkel

Centre for Evidence Based Medicine

University of Oxford


Abstract


Although clinical trials offer the best management of cancer patients according to

National Comprehensive Cancer Network, patient participation in trials remains low.

Multiple barriers to trial participation exist; one barrier documented in the literature

is geographic. This barrier may present a greater hurdle for cancer patients in rural

areas. We assess geographic accessibility to oncology treatment trials through a state

and county-level lens in one state (Pennsylvania) and one tumor type (ovarian cancer),

applying a methodology replicable to other states and disease areas. GIS methods

are used to map and rank counties based on four variables. These were combined

to determine each county’s overall vulnerability. Results from the suitability analysis

show that the most vulnerable counties are rural. Quantifying geographic and socioeconomic

hurdles to clinical trial participation may illuminate potential changes to

policy or practice that could improve rural access. Counties with vulnerability can be

targeted for intervention.



A CENSUS TRACT GEOGRAPHY OF CHILDREN’S BLOOD LEAD LEVELS

IN BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

(p. 32-51)


Robert C. Ziegenfus

Department of Geography

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania


Abstract


At the author’s request, the Pennsylvania Department of Health provided blood lead

data for the 90 census tracts in Berks County. The 27 tracts in Reading had the largest

absolute number and percent of children with elevated blood lead levels. Housing and

socioeconomic variables common in the lead literature were examined to determine

their relationship to the elevated lead levels. Pennsylvania needs to greatly expand the

number of children tested to obtain a more accurate picture of the lead problem.



POOR SITE SELECTION DECISIONS PUT SUBDIVISION FAMILIES AT RISK

(p. 52-67)


Mary K. Kilmer

Department of Biology and Environmental Health

Missouri Southern State University


Hubert B. Stroud

Department of Criminology, Sociology, and Geography

Arkansas State University


Justin R. Gibson

Department of Criminology, Sociology, and Geography

Arkansas State University


Abstract


This paper examines problems associated with poor site selection decisions that were

made years ago by the developers of Cape Coral, Florida. Poor site selection and inadequate

environmental planning have created significant problems for a city that

now exceeds a population of 180,000. Rapid growth and development have put a

large segment of the population at risk of flooding during intense thunderstorms and

hurricanes. Although options are limited, the city continues to work to improve its

emergency management response and is looking for ways to enhance the protection of

its citizens in the future.




The Pennsylvania Geographical Society exists to promote effective geographic teaching, research, and literacy.


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