Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons^™

Gut Feelings: A Literature Review On The Gut-Brain Axis And Its Potential Influence On Mood, Grace Johnson

University Honors Theses

In recent decades, research on the gut-brain axis has evolved due to an increasing interest in the connection between gut health and mental health. The gut-brain axis presents a new frontier of health for both medical professionals and psychologists as there is expanding evidence illustrating the comorbidity of gut disorders and mood disorders. Due to the complex nature of studying the gut-brain axis and the myriad of influences on mood disorders such as depression, research has yet to find significant results definitively tying the two together. Nonetheless, the current body of literature on the topic provides a promising outlook on …

Proyecto Interconexiones: A Pilot Test Of A Community-Based Depression Care Program For Latina Violence Survivors, Christina Nicolaidis, Angie Mejia, Marlen Perez, Anabertha Alvarado, Rosemary Celaya-Alston, Yolanda Quintero, Raquel Aguillon

Chicano/Latino Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Latina intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors often face great barriers to depression care. We sought to use a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to create and evaluate a community-based depression care program for Latina IPV survivors.

Methods: We created a multifaceted, culturally tailored intervention, based on principles of chronic illness management. A promotora provided case management services and led 12 weekly group sessions. Participants completed surveys at baseline and 6 months and participated in open-ended exit interviews.

Results: Ten Spanish-speaking Latina women participated in the intervention. The program had excellent attendance, with 100% of women attending …