Public Health Education and Promotion Commons^™

Zika Virus Microcephaly: Predicting The Symptoms Of Microcephaly So Families Can Prepare, Eleanor J. Wind

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

Microcephaly is a rare congenital defect where the circumference of an infants head is smaller than average. The cause is unknown and the risk factors and symptoms of microcephaly are wide ranging. One risk factor is exposure during pregnancy to viruses such as the Zika virus.. A recent study was conducted on infants who were born with Zika virus Microcephaly following the Zika outbreak in Brazil. The researchers conducted MRI scans and developmental testing. Then an algorithm to predict behavioral outcomes of Zika Virus Microcephaly was successfully created. This research will benefit caretakers of infants with Zika virus Microcephaly by …

Pastoral Leaders’ Perception Of Obesity And Their Role Within Faith-Based Organizations, Darren D. Moore, Clinton E. Cooper, Charles Williams

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of pastoral leaders regarding obesity and health within faith-based organizations (FBOs). In this study, the authors focused on gaining additional insight regarding how pastoral leaders conceptualize and make sense of their roles in terms of health promotion within FBOs. Utilizing a qualitative research methodological approach, specifically Qualitative Description, authors administered a qualitative survey to 12 participants which yielded three emerging themes: (1) perceived scope, (2) understanding and use of resources, and (3) defining obesity through pastoral leaders’ perspectives. In the study, investigators discuss clinical implications and provide recommendations.

Influence Of Apathy And Grit On Exercise Adherence For Persons With Parkinson’S Disease: A Cohort Study, Erica J. Kiernan, Evan M. Pucillo, Christopher M. Wiedman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States. A preponderance of evidence supports exercise and physical activity as an effective intervention to slow the progression of motor symptoms in persons with PD. However, less study has been given to the influence of non-motor symptoms of PD, such as apathy and grit, on adherence to therapeutic exercise programs. The primary aim of this study was to characterize levels of apathy and grit in individuals with PD and explore any relationship to adherence in a community exercise program. Due to the importance of caregiver interaction, …

Understanding Mental Health As Public Health, Christi M. Navarro

Faculty Proceedings, Presentations, Speeches and Lectures

In this interactive workshop, we will utilize a multi-level public health framework to illustrate factors of risk and prevention that influence mental health and well-being. We will discuss shifting the narrative of mental health as an individual issue to the responsibility of society, culture, and environment. Participants will reflect on their role and level of influence in this model as well as their potential for action and positive impact.

Community Awareness Of Youth Sport Related Concussion: A Neuropsychological Perspective, Ryan D. Bennett, Claire Stafford, Shanna K. Williams, Vijay Bajnath, Chris Burley, Alison Datoc, Alexis Hartman

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

There continues to be growing public awareness regarding concussions and the detrimental effects sustaining such an injury can have on one’s life. Of increased importance is the understanding of how concussions impact children and adolescents, particularly as a result of sport engagements. Contact sports involving youth account for 41% of the concussions seen in emergency departments (Waltzman et al., 2020). Of note, hospital estimates tend to underrepresent the total number of sport-related concussions as they do not factor patients treated in a community setting (Bazarian et al., 2020). In consideration of this public health epidemic, there is a current projection …

Food Insecurity Among Deaf And Hard Of Hearing: A Scoping Review, Rylea Saunders, Laportia Jackson, Julia Vandermolen

JADARA

The authors employed a scoping review to examine peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2017 and 2020 focusing on the relationship between food insecurity among deaf and hard of hearing (DHOH) populations and language barriers using American Sign Language (ASL). Four databases yielded 257 peer-reviewed articles during the initial search. Four peer-reviewed articles were included in the review to explore the relationship between food insecurity among DHOH populations and language barriers using ASL. Multiple contributing factors create a food-insecure individual. Results indicate that income level, mental health status, and caregiver communication are all predictors of food security for DHOH. One of …

The Current Youth Sport Culture And Its Impact On Sport Participation Experiences Of Low Socioeconomic Status Families, Mayrena I. Hernandez, Elena C. Miller, Laura A. Prieto, Luis Columna, Kevin M. Biese, David R. Bell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The rise of sport specialization can jeopardize the opportunities for families of low socioeconomic status (SES) to participate in organized sport. However, obtaining an athletic scholarship may be a motivating factor for low SES youth to sport specialize. Yet, the experiences of low SES athletes in sport participation are not well known. Method: We used an Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore experiences of low SES families with children participating in sport and how this may be impacted by the current youth sport culture that promotes sport specialization. We engaged in semi-structured interviews with 12 low SES parents. Results: …

Sources Of Stress, Burnout, And Career Decisions Of Male Health And Nursing Professionals: A Qualitative Inquiry Of The Challenges During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Luis Miguel Dos Santos

The Qualitative Report

The human resources and workforce shortage of registered health and nursing professionals has been a long-term problem in health systems internationally, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many health and nursing professionals face stress and burnout, which may influence their career decisions and long-term human resources development. The purpose of this study is to investigate and understand the relationship(s) between sources of stress and the reasons why male health and nursing professionals decide to leave the profession within the next six months. With the employment of the social cognitive career and motivation theory and general inductive approach with 40 male health …

Preparing For The Next Disaster: Lessons Learned From The Early Experiences Of Autistic Adults During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Amber Pomponio Davidson, Cecilia Feeley, Beth Pfeiffer, Mark Salzer

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Disasters, such as the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, create significant disruptions for individuals and their communities. Understanding these disruptions is a first step towards planning for future events and disaster recovery. This research aims to explore how the initial COVID-19 restrictions, including lockdowns, impacted adults with Autism (ASD). Method: Using semi-structured interviews to understand how individuals with ASD experienced the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, twelve participants were interviewed: six individuals with ASD (ages 20-38), three parents of individuals with ASD, and three support staff for individuals with ASD. Analysis: Grounded theory methods were used to analyze the impacts …

Attitudes Toward Covid-19 And Covid-19 Vaccinations Among Athletic Trainers, Stephen A. Cage, Paul Mcgaha, Monica Matocha, Michelle Crum, Phd, Cathy Fieseler, Laurel Trail, Brandon J. Warner, Diana M. Gallegos

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Following the beginning of the pandemic brought about by the novel coronavirus which causes COVID-19, the first COVID-19 vaccination received emergency use authorization in the United States of America in December of 2020. Current research has shown the authorized COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations and death have a good safety profile. Additionally, the side effects associated with these vaccines are typically mild to moderate while the protection against hospitalization and severe disease is substantial. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/adverse-events.html). At the time of this study, there appears to be a paucity in the research related …

Correlates Of Caffeinated Energy Drinks, Substance Use, And Behavior Among Adolescents, Lauren N. Maziarz, Lauren A. Dial, Bradley Fevrier, William Ivoska

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Caffeinated energy drinks (CCEDs) are frequently consumed by adolescents aged 10-19, yet the effects of consumption on adolescent behavior are not well understood. Previous research has identified positive associations between CCED use and other substances such as alcohol and marijuana but studies among adolescents are lacking. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis using data collected from the 2019 Alcohol, Drug Addition, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board/Wood County Educational Service Center’s youth survey. Ten public schools in Wood County, Ohio participated (n=6,152). Results: CCED use was common among our sample (43.4% overall). Reported consumption increased with age and was …

Postpartum And Pediatric Education Program For Mothers, Lacie T. Ellithorpe

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

My capstone experience included the focus area(s) of Clinical Practice Skills and Education. The aim of this capstone project was to create an ergonomic education program to address new motherhood and their occupations of health management and maintenance, sleep and rest, breastfeeding and other baby care, community mobility, and leisure. My Capstone Mentor was Dr. Kari Rasmussen, OTD, OTR/L. Becoming a new mother is considered a major life event, due to significant role changes that impact a mother’s everyday occupations. The population I served was new and expectant mothers in order to provide ergonomic education as they relate to the …

Abuse Of Benzodiazepines Among The Elderly Population, Sofia A. Padilla

College of Pharmacy Student Research

Throughout the years, benzodiazepines are safe drugs to treat several conditions among the elderly population, including anxiety, mixed anxiety-depression, and insomnia. However, inappropriate use of this drug, together with known risks such as cognitive impairment, delirium, and falls, is on the rise in these recent years, making the elderly population more inclined to suffer adverse effects when using them. The literature review paper will examine the use of benzodiazepines among the elderly population and their abuse through various published articles that addressed these concerns. The paper will also examine some potential solutions that will reduce the inappropriate use of benzodiazepine …

African-American Lay Pastoral Care Facilitators’ Perspectives On Dementia Caregiver Education And Training, Nik M. Lampe, Nidhi Desai, Tomeka Norton-Brown, Alexandra C. H. Nowakowski, Robert L. Glueckauf

The Qualitative Report

The African-American Alzheimer’s Caregiver Training and Support Project 2 (ACTS 2) is a faith-integrated, skills-training and support program for distressed African American family caregivers of persons living with dementia across Florida. Caregivers participate in a 12-week, telephone-based, skills-building and support program led by faith community workers (i.e., lay pastoral care facilitators) who provide volunteer services to their denominations. In this case study, we examined facilitators’ perspectives and recommendations for supplementary audiovisual and written training materials to optimize group process and goal-setting skills. Utilizing a qualitative approach, we explored facilitators’ needs, experiences in using current training materials, and recommendations for supplementary …

Athletic Trainers’ Hand Hygiene Behaviors During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Olivia Jackson, Matthew J. Rivera, Kenneth E. Games, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Hand hygiene (HH) is a cost-effective public health intervention to prevent infectious disease transmission, including COVID-19. Health care professionals have shown poor adherence to HH best practices, and little is known about athletic trainer (AT) HH. ATs typically work in dynamic, unpredictable environments, creating barriers to HH compliance. The purpose of this study was to understand the self-reported behaviors and challenges with adherence to HH of secondary school ATs, particularly related to mitigating infection transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this qualitative study, we conducted 11 semi-structured interviews with secondary school ATs actively engaged in direct patient care …

The Importance Of Explicit And Timely Knowledge Exchange Practices Stemming From Research With Indigenous Families, Elizabeth J. Cooper, S Michelle Driedger

The Qualitative Report

Ethical research practice within community-based research involves many dimensions, including a commitment to return results to participants in a timely and accessible fashion. Often, current Indigenous community-based research is driven by a partnership model; however, dissemination of findings may not always follow this approach. As a result, products may not be as useful to participants who were motivated to be involved in the research process. We conducted a seven-week workshop on three occasions with different First Nations and Metis women and girls (age 8-12) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The workshop explored participants’ perspectives around health, safety, and family wellbeing using a …

Final Culminating Project: Program Development, Erin Helms

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This 16-week capstone project was completed at Parker Place, a children’s health, and wellness center, with a focus on program development and advocacy with additional work related to leadership and administration. The overall goal of the capstone project was to determine the benefit of using an occupation-based approach to enhance health outcomes for the patients at Parker Place. The capstone student provided education about the role of occupational therapy in a non-traditional setting, created a program to help patients acquire sustainable healthy habits, developed a workshop for families struggling to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and provided resources about picky eating …

Parental Awareness Of Early Intervention For Hispanic Children With Communication Disorders, Ruth Crutchfield, Sonya N. Salinas, Roy K. Chen

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Children at risk of delayed speech and language development and speech-language disorders come from a broad range of demographic backgrounds, including ethnicities, sexes, and socioeconomic statuses. A vast body of research in speech-language pathology has demonstrated that early intervention is crucial for helping children acquire the necessary communication skills they need to become effective communicators, successful students, and ultimately accomplished adults. Currently, commercials, billboards, online sources, and personal referrals are the methods most often used to promote awareness of early childhood intervention services. Method: This study aimed to identify whether the current promotional methods used to increase parental awareness …

Increasing Physical Activity In Older Australians To Reduce Falls: A Program Evaluation, Kristy Robson, Nazmul Ahasan, Carly Barnes, Kylie Murphy, Rodney Pope

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As people age, they are at greater risk of injurious falls. Falling has a significant impact not only on the individual but also the wider community. Undertaking physical activity is effective in reducing the rate of falls in this population. Therefore, providing targeted education during group-based falls prevention programs may increase the awareness and amount of physical activity older people undertake to assist in reducing their risk of falling. Methods: A longitudinal cohort design involving a pre-post intervention survey was conducted over an eight-month period with community-dwelling older adults who participated in a fall-prevention program. Participants were N = …

Addressing Health-Related Myths In The Culturally Diverse African American Population: A Call To Action, Lucson Joseph

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

African Americans (AAs) experience numerous challenges that socially, economically, and physically affect their communities. Recent studies have found that a diverse array AAs encounter many struggles as they navigate the United States (U.S.) healthcare system to access care and receive healthcare services. AA communities are significantly affected by the burden of chronic diseases. They face considerable barriers to healthcare services that contribute to adverse health outcomes. This paper explains the daily struggles many AAs face within their communities to access and navigate the healthcare system due to culturally held myths and barriers. This paper discusses commonly held myths among Afro-Caribbean …

Epidemiology And Pathophysiology Of Common Skin Diseases In West Africa: An Immunodermatological Framework, Osazomon Imarenezor

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

This capstone reviews the common skin diseases on a global scale. With these dermatoses being further funneled into Africa and then magnified into common West African dermatoses, the meta-analyses of literature available paints a clear picture of the epidemiological & pathological factors and their contribution to the skin disease. Each article analysed in this analysis was taken from a 20-year span of January 2000 to December 2019. The selection of articles was fine-tuned by identifying the distribution of skin disease, revealing the populations affected (age, gender, ethnicity, etc), the main causes, country of origin, the prognosis of disease, and the …

Tuberculosis Medication Nonadherence—A Qualitative Case Study, Karthick Swaminathan, Lalitha Ramakrishnan, C. S. G. Krishnamacharyulu

The Qualitative Report

India is grappling with the problem of controlling tuberculosis nearly for the past 50 years. The problem of nonadherence to treatment regimen has also worsened the situation of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in India. This article explores the factors behind nonadherence among erstwhile TB defaulters in a rural district in India. In-depth interviews with seven chronic defaulters and with healthcare professionals were conducted at a government-run Chest Clinic. In addition to in-depth interviews with defaulters and healthcare professionals, medical records and government orders related to TB control were examined extensively. Participants were also observed to understand their interaction with healthcare …

Changing Weight Management Self-Efficacy Among Obese Puerto Rican Adults: A Quantitative Study Using A Health Coaching Intervention, Richard Valentin Ayala, Josh Bernstein

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Obesity and associated healthcare-related issues continue to increase. The prevalence of obesity is on the rise, which has led many health professionals to find ways to improve health interventions. Health coaching can be a viable tool to reduce the obesity epidemic. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the effects of an 8-weekhealth coaching intervention in obese individuals from Puerto Rico and to determine if self-esteem and body image influence weight managementself-efficacy. Method: A pretest-posttest design using a weight management self-efficacy scale helped the researcher evaluate the effectof the coaching sessions. In addition, body image …

Doctor-Patient Communication: The Experiences Of Black Caribbean Women Patients With Diabetes, Rosanne Paul-Bruno

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to examine the verbal and non-verbal communication experiences of Black Caribbean diabetic women patients with their doctors, in order to provide a better understanding of the essential aspects of doctor- patient communication and their experiences as they managed their condition. Black Caribbean women have been disproportionately impacted by medical conditions such as diabetes. It has been a documented fact that minorities experience disparities in the health care system at different levels and doctor-patient communication is no exception. Poor doctor-patient communication has been known to hinder patients’ health outcomes, and therefore warrants such studies to increase …

Hope, Courage, And Resilience In The Lives Of Transgender Women Of Color, Nadine Ruff, Amy B. Smoyer, Jean Breny

The Qualitative Report

There is a lack of qualitative and strengths-based knowledge about the lived experience of transgender women of color in the US. To address this research gap, a Photovoice project was undertaken with five transgender women living in a small urban area. Thematic analysis of the participants’ discussion of their photographs identified three major themes: hope, courage, and resilience. Analysis suggests a framework for understanding these women’s lived experiences and the psychosocial tools that they use to negotiate their daily lives and persevere in the face of interpersonal and structural oppression.

A Qualitative Phenomenological Exploration Of The Experiences Of Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease Engaged In A Boxing Program, Bradley Maccosham, Evan Webb, Jessica Oey, Francois Gravelle

The Qualitative Report

Boxing has emerged as a beneficial form of physical activity (PA) for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Research typically emphasizes the physical benefits of boxing for individuals with PD but neglects other aspects that could promote long-term engagement in such programs. This study qualitatively explored the experiences of individuals with PD who are engaged in a boxing program. A qualitative phenomenological methodology was utilized. Twelve participants took part in a semi-structured interview. Data were thematically analyzed. Analysis revealed that participants experienced a variety of physical, social, and psychological aspects. Findings suggest that participants perceived increases in physical abilities and concentration …

Clinic Exploration Of Care Processes To Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening In Rural Accountable Care Organization Clinics: A Qualitative Case Study, Sarbinaz Bekmuratova, Jungyoon Kim, Hongmei Wang, Lufei Young, Daniel J. Schober, Li-Wu Chen

The Qualitative Report

It is essential to have an effective care process to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) screening particularly in rural areas. Primary care health care providers may have a significant impact on improving CRC screening rates among rural residents through systematic screening processes in their clinics. In this qualitative study, we aimed to explore the whole clinic processes of recommending and referring CRC screening in the rural accountable care organization (ACO) primary care clinics. We collected qualitative data through 21 semi-structured in-depth interviews with healthcare providers in rural primary care ACO clinics in Nebraska. We audio recorded and transcribed the interviews and …

“Do I Need Exercise?” A Qualitative Study On Factors Affecting Leisure-Time Physical Activity In India, Shalini Garg, V Raman Kutty

The Qualitative Report

Physical activity can reduce the risk of premature mortality from various chronic diseases. Previous research in Kerala, India indicates several barriers which can impact physical activity levels. Perceptions about the importance of health-promoting physical activity were examined among adults in Kerala and various facilitators, motivators and barriers to physical activity were identified using focus group discussions and interviews with key informants. At present, the attitude of people and health professionals is that physical activity has to be taken up when diagnosed with a disease (obesity, diabetes) and advised by a health professional. Men were more likely to start exercising after …

Prevalence Of Alcohol Use: A National Survey Of Deaf Adults In The United States, Poorna Kushalnagar, Traciann Hoglind, Abbi N. Simons, Debra Guthmann

JADARA

Objective: Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances in the United States. Alcohol consumption has been linked to several sociodemographic and social characteristics in the general population. Research is needed to understand the prevalence of and characteristics related to alcohol use in Deaf adults. Our study purpose was to determine nation-wide prevalence of alcohol use and investigate characteristics related to alcohol consumption in Deaf adults in the United States.

Methods: Secondary data were drawn from the Health Information National Trends in American Sign Language (HINTS-ASL). Self-reported data from 1272 Deaf adults (56% female) were used to …

Development Of A Healthy Eating And Lifestyle Program (Help) Online Website For Filipinos: A Case Report, Noelle Lyn C. Santos

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background and Purpose: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major public health problem in the Philippines and around the world. Preventive measures to reduce its continuous rise require improvement in the health system. Utilization of information and communication technology-(ICT)-based tools will allow dissemination of evidenced-based information in the population. This case report contains the description of the development process of a Web-based nutrition Website.

Case Description: ICT-based tools were explored as means of communicating nutrition information to the public because of the increasing access and usage of the Internet among Filipinos. An iterative process with five major phases were followed …