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Date Available
6-22-2026
Year of Publication
2026
Document Type
Graduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Public Administration
College
Graduate School
Department/School/Program
Public Administration
Faculty
Catherine Annis
Committee Member
Hope Harvey
Faculty
Joe Benitez
Abstract
Kentucky has significantly poorer outcomes than peer states across key women's health indicators. This capstone focuses on lung cancer, maternal mortality, and obesity to evaluate the structural and policy factors behind these disparities. Using a quantitative comparative research design, the study analyzes secondary data from sources including CDC WONDER, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), America’s Health Rankings, and the March of Dimes. Data were analyzed in Excel to create comparative figures, benchmarking Kentucky’s outcomes against the U.S. average and four regional peer states: Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, and Virginia. These states were chosen for their demographic and geographic similarities to Kentucky, as well as differences in legislative frameworks, to ensure that policy recommendations are realistic and actionable for the Kentucky Commission on Women.
Initial findings indicate that Kentucky experiences increased rates of lung cancer, maternal mortality, and obesity compared to both national benchmarks and comparable states, reflecting persistent disparities across key health indicators. Comparative policy analysis highlights key differences in tobacco control policies, maternal health programs, and healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. These patterns suggest that policy variation across states plays a critical role in shaping health outcomes, particularly in areas such as prevention, early detection, and access to maternal care. Addressing these gaps is essential to improving health equity for women in Kentucky.
Based on these findings, this study highlights key policy areas linked to better outcomes: preventive screenings, strong maternal health systems, rural healthcare investment, and mitigation of environmental risks, such as radon exposure. By linking health outcomes to policy differences across states, this study offers evidence to guide the Kentucky Commission on Women in advancing policies that improve women's health across the Commonwealth.
Recommended Citation
Rucker, Destiny M.; Lawson, Rhonda M.; and Olmstead, Trinity, "A Comparative Policy Analysis of Lung Cancer, Maternal Mortality, and Obesity" (2026). MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects. 482.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/mpampp_etds/482
