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Association Between Intimate Partner Violence And Mentally Unhealthy Days In Women In The U.S., Danielle Broadnax, Reinetta Thompson Waldrop, Mechelle D. Claridy, Elaine Archie Booker, Ernest Alema-Mensah

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: In the United States (U.S.), intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health concern, mainly affecting the health and well-being of women. The objective of this study was to identify the IPV and socio-demographic factors associated with mentally unhealthy days among women in the U.S. of ages ≥18 years.

Methods: Data for this study were obtained from the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Multivariable analyses were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for factors associated with IPV and 14 or more mentally unhealthy days per month. Analyses were conducted using …

The Association Of Stress With Anxiety And Depression: Evidence From A Community Health Needs Assessment, Nicole La Tournous, Grace Bagwell-Adams

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Mental illness affects approximately 1 in 5 Americans, making mental health an important area of study for public health. Much research has been conducted on two of the most prevalent mental health disorders, anxiety and depression. However, the association of stress with these disorders, especially specific types of stress (e.g., financial, health, relationship), has been under-studied at the local level. This study aimed to gain insight into the relationship between stress, anxiety, and depression in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia.

Methods: Data collected in the 2015 Athens-Clarke County Community Health Needs Assessment were analyzed using linear regression models to explore the …

Sexual Risk-Taking Among At-Risk Alcohol And Drug Users Presenting To Emergency Departments, Rebecca Howell, Aaron Johnson

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Alcohol use is linked to increased sexual risk-taking, including unprotected sexual contacts, and illegal drug use is associated with an increased likelihood of sexual risk-taking and at-risk alcohol use. Risky sexual behavior is co-morbid with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. The purpose this study was to identify factors associated with sexual risk-taking among adult, at-risk alcohol or drug users presenting to emergency departments (EDs).

Methods: Data were derived from self-report surveys conducted with a random sample of ED patients screening positive for at-risk alcohol or drug use. As part of an alcohol and drug assessment completed by a health …

The Association Between Obesity, Depression, And Anxiety: Evidence From A Community Health Needs Assessment Survey, Grace B. Adams, Angela Murcia

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The obesity epidemic has garnered much attention as a public health crisis. In order to make progress, it is necessary to understand the factors associated with obesity. One area of research needing more development is the link between obesity and other chronic health conditions. The objective of the present study was to further understand the relationship between obesity and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Athens-Clarke County in northeast Georgia.

Methods: Data from the 2015 Athens-Clarke County Community Health Needs Assessment (n=1234) were used to assess the relationship between obesity and the prevalence of anxiety and depression among …

Association Of Religious Commitment And Perceived Stress Levels In College Students, Brianna N. Carter

Honors College Theses

Background: College students report a higher level of stress related to daily functioning (Kreig, 2013). First year students who report feeling overwhelmed has doubled in current years while colleges have reported an increase in the use of on-campus counseling services (up 8% over the past three years) (Kreig, 2013; American Psychological Association, 2014). Previous studies in older adult populations link religiousness to better mental health (Moreira-Almeida, Neto, & Koenig, 2006), suggesting that religion can be used as a coping resource when faced with stressful events (Hood, Hill, & Spilka, 2009). Utilizing the Transactional Theory of Stress and Coping, this study …