Public Health Commons^™

Exploring Hypertension Prevalence Among Ill-Housed Individuals In Urban Environments, Lia Goldberg, Sameer Shah, Nikhila Archakam, Murod Khikmatov, Kesha Choksi, Anddee White

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This study explores the interrelations of hypertension, homelessness, and access to healthcare in urban ill-housed populations. It was found that conditions such as heart disease and diabetes significantly exacerbate hypertension, which remains highly prevalent due to the population's limited access to consistent medical care. Homelessness further complicates the management of hypertension due to unstable living conditions, making adherence to treatment and follow-up with healthcare providers challenging. Additionally, factors like higher rates of substance abuse and malnutrition among homeless populations contribute to worsening hypertension, which, if untreated, can lead to severe health crises including heart attacks and strokes.

The research underscores …

Cut The Pressure: Blood Pressure Screening In A Community Based Setting, Harold Kareem Knight Jr., Katharine Milani

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This study addresses the pressing issue of cardiovascular health disparities in African American males through community-based interventions, specifically blood pressure screenings and surveys conducted in a local barbershop setting. Despite a preference among participants for clinical settings, an overwhelming 97.7% expressed high comfort levels in the community-based environment, highlighting the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in healthcare delivery. With 92.5% indicating willingness to return for future screenings, the study underscores the efficacy of non-traditional settings in fostering healthcare engagement. Findings suggest the potential for broader impact through scalable, community-centric initiatives, offering promising avenues for improving health outcomes in underserved populations.

The Effects Of Circadian Misalignment On Astrocyte Morphology In The Nucleus Tractus Solitarius, Kush C. Patel, Mina Shenouda, Diana Martinez

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Circadian misalignment, as experienced by shift workers, was found to increase the number of astrocytes in the nucleus tractus solitarius (nTS) - a brain region crucial for autonomic control of blood pressure. Sprague Dawley rats subjected to a 6-hour light-dark phase delay every 2 days to simulate shift work exhibited a significant increase in astrocyte cell bodies compared to control rats, both at 9am and 9pm timepoints. The increase in astrocytes may lead to greater glutamate uptake, reducing extracellular glutamate levels in the nTS. Decreased glutamatergic neurotransmission in this region has been linked to the development of hypertension. These findings …

Community Health Worker: High Risk Stabilization Study, Benjamin Infosino, Richard Jermyn, Jaimy Jabon

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Hypertension is a common health concern among Americans of all age groups. Unregulated hypertension can lead to complications such as atherosclerosis that contributes to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The identification of individuals with hypertensive blood pressures allows for the targeted distribution of health management advice and resources.

Methods: Blood Pressure measurements are obtained by Community Health Workers at public events through free health screenings

Results: Assessing the efficacy of CHW’s efforts to direct high-risk individuals to proper resources for control of their blood pressure relies on the presence of follow up BP measurements that can …