Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Mentorship Matters: Promising Results From Vpha’S Pilot Mentorship Program, Ashley Tharpe, Stacey B. Plichta, Anna R. Robertson, Kim Baskette

Virginia Journal of Public Health

Purpose

The Virginia Public Health Association (VPHA) Pilot Mentorship Program seeks to support public health students, early career professionals, and career switchers throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia in their growth as public health professionals. The program provides opportunities for participants to gain job-seeking and professional communication skills through live webinars, to connect with each other through online networking events, to manage stress through wellness webinars, and to interact with experienced public health professionals.

Methods

VPHA formed a volunteer committee to develop and implement the program in Fall 2022. Initially, the program was envisioned as a traditional one-to-one mentoring program; however, …

Describing Trends In Virginia's Dentist And Dental Hygienist Workforce: Challenges And Opportunities, Shillpa Naavaal, Yetty Shobo, Barbara Hodgdon

Virginia Journal of Public Health

Purpose: Regular assessment of the dental workforce is essential to improve the population's oral health. This analysis aimed to understand the trends in the distribution of dentists and dental hygienists (DHs) in Virginia.

Methods: Annual survey data (2013-2022) of dentists and DHs from the Virginia Department of Health Professions Healthcare Workforce Data Center was used to examine the trends in provider distribution by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and geography across Virginia.

Results: In 2022, there were 5,720 dentists and 5,290 DH licensees in Virginia. In the dentist workforce, there was a high representation of those aged ≥60 years (23%), males (58%), …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Rural Texas School Counselors Working With Students’ Mental Health After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Lanessa K. Allman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of rural Texas counselors when working with students’ mental health in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to answer questions of what school counselors describe as the mental health environment for students in rural Texas schools prior, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic and the changes in the mental health environment of rural students. Most existing research has been focused on how COVID-19 changed school counselors’ roles and responsibilities and how the pandemic affected students’ mental health. The current study concentrated on the …

Assessing Health Needs In A Dominican Republic Community During An Interprofessional Service-Learning Trip, Gabriela Andonie, Hanna Rotundo, Ashanti Jones, Logan Dugas, Shylon Francis

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: International medical missions may increase access to medicines and care, but international teams must understand local needs to implement appropriate services. In 2023, a multidisciplinary team from our institution partnered with a nonprofit organization in the barrio of Cienfuegos, Dominican Republic with the goal of strengthening local health services. The primary objective of this study was to identify health-related needs in Cienfuegos from the perspective of community members and local health care workers.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted as part of a service-learning initiative. After obtaining informed consent, the investigators conducted individual semi-structured interviews facilitated by multi-lingual interpreters. …

The Covid-19 Vaccine Challenge Innovation Sprint: The Utility Of Active Learning In Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration In The Hypothetical Development Of A Covid-19 Vaccination Campaign, Jennifer Shaffer Foster, Gabriel N. Attallah, Ritika Bhajiawala, Steven J. Gabriel, Ray Huang, Parveen Attai, Maisha Rahman, Maia Weiss, Sadia M. Rifah, Oluwademilade Daniel Aguda, Dean S. Seneca, Lina Mu

The SUNY Journal of the Scholarship of Engagement: JoSE

In this paper, we discuss the design, goals, and outcome of the COVID-19 Vaccine Challenge Innovation Sprint, which provided an extracurricular, active learning opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students in Fall 2020. The design of the competition drew elements from both innovation sprints, commonly employed in technology and entrepreneurship, and global health case competitions which are largely used in academic settings. Interdisciplinary, multi-level teams of students were tasked with advancing an equitable (and at the time, hypothetical) COVID-19 immunization program with the goal of reaching as many people as possible in the region surrounding the university. We provide student participants’ …

Using College Students As Peer Leaders In A Tobacco Prevention Program And The Effect On Student Participant Smoking Beliefs And Social Influence Leadership, Elizabeth A. Kleitz, Namuna Sunar, Greenlee Rigby

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

This study evaluates the effectiveness of using college students as peer leaders in an after-school tobacco prevention program for upper elementary students. Thirty-three students and three counselors participated in a six-week intervention, focusing on social influence and active-learning strategies. The program aimed to improve students' smoking outcome expectancies and their ability to influence peers against tobacco use. Despite following best practices, the study found no significant changes in students' smoking beliefs or observed leadership abilities. These results suggest that while initial anti-tobacco beliefs remained strong, the short duration and structured setting may have limited opportunities for significant behavioral changes. This …

Mainehealth Cancer Care Network Ticket Intake Process, Lauren Couture, Brett Cropp, Gavin Carr, Ashok Kunche, Heather Boulier, Evelyn Taylor

Operations Transformation

The MaineHealth Cancer Care Network informatics team is manually submitting most reporting tickets for oncology customers. The current intake ticket process includes various communication channels to the business intelligence developers [BID] when a reporting need is identified resulting in workflow deficiencies and redundancies. As of FY23, MaineHealth has moved to a new ticket reporting system called ServiceHub which includes new customer self-service tools that have not yet been utilized.

Creating Capacity To Accommodate Additional Cardiac Catheterization Procedures, Kristin Anthony

Operations Transformation

Patient access to diagnostic outpatient (OP) cardiac catheterization is limited by a perceived lack of capacity. Outpatient cardiac cath pts flow through the ACU for pre/post procedure care. Current schedule limits pts that may be scheduled through the ACU to two OP procedures/day. Cardiologists request the ability to schedule beyond the two procedures/day allowed. Significant variation in pre/postoperative care orders exist amongst cardiologists resulting in variability in length of stay. Cardiac procedures are booked either as 60/90/120 minutes – Epic case averaging technology is not active in the cath lab. As a result, the case minutes in the cath lab …

The Use And Effectiveness Of Diet And Physical Activity As Interventions For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. A Review., Caroline C. Jones, Jinkyung Park

The Corinthian

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that is common among women who are of reproductive age, most commonly in ages between 15 and 44 years of age (Moran et al., 2010). While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, it is widely believed by many experts that genetic factors including excess levels of insulin and excess androgen are attributing factors (Moran et al., 2010) . Women with PCOS experience several different signs and symptoms including; infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods leading to infertility and the development of cysts (Iatrakis et al., 2006). Some other common symptoms of PCOS …

Artistic Expression Of Medical Experiences Of Mothers Of Color: Perspectives Using Art Therapy, Lauren Barrett

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine perspectives of mothers of color living in the US and their experiences in the healthcare system through art therapy. The study aimed to further identify personal narrative experiences of mothers of color navigating the healthcare system, promote individual voices, and acknowledge disparities impacting those within marginalized communities. The participants in this study included a total of eight identified mothers of color (non-White) living in the US. Participants took part in four weeks of consecutive art therapy sessions either in 60-minute group or individual virtual meetings. One art therapy directive was provided …

Impact Of Temperature On Children’S Nutrition: A Comparative Study Of Three Ecological Regions Of Nepal, Prakriti Shakya

Master's Theses

Nutrition obtained during the growth period of childhood significantly influences long-term well-being and overall productivity, ultimately contributing to the economy of a society. However, weather shocks can wreak havoc by damaging crops, changing yields of important crops and disrupting market access, which directly impacts the food intake of both adults and children. When these adverse events occur during childhood, short term and long term inadequacy in nutrition as well as disease incidence can cause malnutrition leading to stunted growth and cognitive impairment that may persist into adulthood, affecting the labor market and increasing health expenditure. To address this issue, we …

Lyme Disease In The Northeast: The Unintended Consequence Of Suburban Development, Hayden Neubert

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper addresses the role of suburban development in the suburbs of the Northeastern United States in increasing human Lyme disease infection. Over the past 50 years, Lyme disease has become the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. In 2021, the two states with the most Lyme disease cases were New York and New Jersey, with a collective 6,524 cases, with Connecticut still representing 541 total cases. It is not a coincidence that case numbers are concentrated in suburban areas with high forest fragmentation. Chapter 1 of this essay analyzes how human land development disrupts bioregulatory ecosystem actors …

What Is The Effect Of Telehealth And The Internet Of Medical Things (Iomt) On Outcomes When Used In At-Risk Pregnancies: A Scoping Review Of The Components Of Remote Maternal Monitoring For Hypertensive Disorders That Can Successfully Be Done Via Digital Technology?, Leighton Pitter

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

IoMT (Internet of Medical Things) is an emerging technology that facilitates individualized remote e-health services to improve patient's quality of life and satisfaction while decreasing healthcare expenditures. The objective of this scoping review is to explore the usage of IoMT and remote patient monitoring (RPM) in at-risk pregnancies for hypertensive disorders to mitigate pregnancy-related complications. IoMT and other devices in an intelligent health system can meaningfully ameliorate maternal care management in the United States (U.S.). Wearables and nearables, subcategories of IoMT, can be utilized to facilitate patient-centered care and promote excellence in health maintenance/management through a holistic continuum of care …

The Impact Of Female Political Leadership On Intimate Partner Violence In India, Khushboo Patel

Master's Theses

Abstract:

This study employs an instrumental variable approach to examine the impact of female political leadership on women’s experiences of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). It finds that in rural areas with more female leaders, incidents of sexual and psychological IPV increase. The analysis investigates the drivers behind this impact, revealing that entrenched gender norms and expectations, such as a husband’s preference for more sons, may exacerbate IPV. Additionally, despite the increase in female leaders, attitudes toward violence remain largely unchanged. These findings highlight the need for research and policy initiatives that not only encourage female political participation but also specifically …

Matrilineal Ethnic Affiliation And Female Empowerment: Investigating Attitudes Towards Female Autonomy And Health In Ivorian Households, Martine Hind Stølan

Master's Theses

Kinship structure is a fundamental aspect of anthropology, however, there is still a gap in literature on its impact on economic research, particularly regarding female autonomy and health. This study aims to address this gap by examining the influence of matrilineal ethnic affiliation on attitudes towards female autonomy and health within Ivorian households. Using data from the 2011 IPUMS Demographic and Health Survey for the Ivory Coast, using female responses, this study investigates the complex dynamics shaping attitudes towards female autonomy and access to health care. Analysis on these aspects is done using ordinary least squares (OLS) and logistic estimations. …

Crafting Community Solar Programs To Alleviate Energy Burdens And Empower Communities In Virginia, Elizabeth Anne Sekelsky

Master's Projects and Capstones

Low to moderate-income (LMI) groups usually suffer from high energy burdens and community solar is a renewable energy strategy that can save LMI groups on their monthly electricity bills. This research explores the intersection of renewable energy and energy justice, specifically the potential for community solar, energy efficiency, and home weatherization to alleviate Virginia's energy burdens. Included is an analysis of incentives, programs, and Greenhouse gas emission goals for the state, investigations on how low-income groups are receiving aid and what is available to them from programs and utilities, suitable sites for solar based on groups in need, and comparisons …

Supporting South Korea’S Aging Population: How Ai And Iot Acceptance Connects The Young And Old, Bobby Im

Master's Projects and Capstones

In 2024, South Korea surpassed every other nation by becoming the country with the lowest fertility rate (below 0.7%). Population decline will hinder future ability to care for their aging population and although the government and private corporations are investing millions of dollars on developing Artificial Intelligence-Internet of Things (AI-IoT) devices to support the aging, the acceptance levels and the amount of family support required is undervalued. By examining AI-IoT’s current use and role in South Korea’s public health system this paper shows how intergenerational support helps optimize existing procedures and equipment, increases the level of acceptance and use, and …

Medical-Legal Partnerships: Clinician And Lawyer Collaboration To Address The Social Determinants Of Health, Anne Mcdermott, Theresa C. Brabson, Daniel Taylor, Kelly Courts, Noah Buboltz, Hans Kersten

St. Chris Research Day

No abstract provided.

Adolescent Mothers In South Africa: Examining Their Stigmatization And Violence, Tahiyya Khan, Allison Groves Dr, Ana Martinez-Donate Dr

St. Chris Research Day

No abstract provided.

Transition To Adult Care For Bleeding Disorders: Building A Multidisciplinary Tool, Leslie Larson, Ekaterina Funk, Dana Grass, Felicia Munster, Eric Larsen, Louise Baca, Glen Roy, Sara Artinyan

Operations Transformation

Youth with chronic illnesses often have poorer health outcomes after transitioning to adult care. Maine Health Bleeding Disorders is a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant funded Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) that serves patients with congenital bleeding disorders. We provide multidisciplinary specialty care throughout the lifespan which includes pediatric and adult hematologists, family nurse practitioners, nurses, physical therapists, social worker, dietitian, genetic counselor, and research coordinator. In 2022, HRSA mandated all federally funded HTCs increase by 25 percent from baseline the number of individuals ages 12 to 26 years seen in a comprehensive clinic that have a health care …

Implementation Of Lymphedema Education Toolkit For Nurse Coordinators, Heather Gee

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Lymphedema is a chronic condition that develops secondary to cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical removal of affected lymph nodes. This swelling in patient’s limbs can cause discomfort and limit mobility, however lymphedema is often not detected until later stages, delaying treatment and patient education.

Context: This quality improvement project was conducted at Hospital S Women’s Cancer Center, an outpatient center specializing in advanced treatments for breast and gynecological cancers. This center has a multidisciplinary team focusing on both the medical and surgical aspects of oncology treatment.

Interventions: An evidence-based lymphedema education toolkit was created for nurse …

Provider Use And Comfortability With Standardized Mental Health Screeners At The Center For The Urban Child, Elisa Vengalil, Yehudit Yuhjtman, Riley Weidle Babich, Shelby Shajimon, Jordan S. Wilson, Prayag Shah, Renee Moore, Noah Buboltz

St. Chris Research Day

No abstract provided.

Experiences Of Families With Children/Youth With Special Health Care Needs In A Focused Emergency Preparedness Intervention, Franklin King

St. Chris Research Day

No abstract provided.

Multilevel Factors Affecting Food Choices Among Families With Low Incomes During The Covid-19 Crisis, Tyler Munn, Maggie Beverly, Taylor Young, Matt Janetti, Kelly A. Courts, Eliza W. Kinsey, Amy Carroll-Scott, Félice Lê-Scherban

St. Chris Research Day

No abstract provided.

Frequencies And Types Of Unmet Needs Of Families With Children And Youth With Special Health Care Needs Undergoing A Preparedness Intervention, Braden Bubarth, Jennifer Griffin, Zekarias Berhane, Renee Turchi

St. Chris Research Day

No abstract provided.

“Heat Mapping” Of Pediatric And Adolescent Gun Violence In An Urban Center: Is Targeted Intervention One Possible Solution?, Emerson Rowe, Abbey Glover, Martin J. Herman

St. Chris Research Day

No abstract provided.

Addressing Fire Safety As Part Of A Home Preparedness Intervention For Families With Children And Youth With Special Health Care Needs, Manya Mittal, Jennifer Griffin, Zekarias Berhane, Renee Turchi

St. Chris Research Day

No abstract provided.

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy: An Analysis Of Caregiver Influences On Pediatric Covid-19 Vaccination Decisions, Neiki Rokni, Shu Zhao Md, Matthew Nguyen, David Liu, Harrison Jordan Do, Jory Parson, Sidharth Sahni Do, Tanner Walsh Md, Ashley Henderson Md, Jennifer Higgins Md

St. Chris Research Day

No abstract provided.

Associations Of Adverse Child Experiences And Positive Childhood Experiences With Self-Reported Sleep Disturbances In The West Philadelphia Promise Neighborhood, Fahamida Khanam Mph, Matthew Jannetti Ms, Erikka Gilliam Ms Mph, Amy Carroll-Scott Phd,Mph, Félice Lê-Scherban Phd, Mph

St. Chris Research Day

No abstract provided.

An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Exploring African American Women’S Perceptions Of Access To Healthcare In The Midwest, Ramona D. Benson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological study was to explore access to healthcare through the lens and lived experiences of African American Women (AAW) in Midwestern towns throughout the United States. African American women and other people of low socio-economic backgrounds continue to live with poorer health outcomes than many of their counterparts African American Women experience barriers to healthcare from a unique perspective than their White counterparts. Although medical professionals endeavor to attain equal treatment among each of their patients, significant healthcare disparities are prevalent among AAW Commonly recognized ethnic stereotypes are not always intentionally supported, however, their mere …