Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Mortality In Medicine, Maren Dougherty

Honors Projects

Practitioners in the medical field attend to health issues across one’s lifespan from birth to death and everything in between. A common conflict in today’s practice of medicine is establishing the true function of medicine. The complete reliance on medicine to ward off death proliferates the biomedicalization of natural life processes, like death. Biomedicalization is the process in which medical authority and its accompanying technology begin to control other aspects of daily life. With medicine’s ultimate goal being to cure disease and fight death, it interferes with the inevitability of human mortality. End-of-life treatment can be taken too far without …

Illness Perceptions And Health-Promoting Behaviors: The Buffering Role Of Resilience In Adults With Congenital Heart Disease, Taylor Rose Eldridge

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are one of the most prevalent genetic abnormalities, impacting the lives of millions of children, teens, and young adults. Conservative diagnoses estimate that 2.4 million children and adults are living with CHD in the United States (Gilboa et al., 2016). CHD requires consistent cardiac support with multiple surgeries and hospitalizations expected throughout the lifetime, which significantly impacts psychological health. Specifically, patients present with a host of extra-cardiac conditions that impact their quality of life. With advancements in medical technology, mortality rates continue to improve for this population; however, individuals face a number of consequences that impact …

Understanding The Perspectives And Attitudes Of 12-Step Participants Towards Medication-Assisted Treatment, Christopher Scott

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: The effects of living with a substance use disorder (SUD) are vast. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has grown increasingly popular as a recovery tool among substance users but does not align with the popular 12-step model, which demands complete abstinence from narcotics and mind-altering substances. Objective: The primary aim of this phenomenology study was to explore the perspectives and attitudes towards MAT among 12-step participants. The secondary aim was to compare the responses of treatment and non-treatment professionals. Methods: This study used non-probability sampling methods to recruit participants who reported regular participation in a 12-step program. Semi-structured …

Therapeutic Use Of Music For Geriatric Dementia Patients, Katelynn Roscioli

Scholar Week 2016 - present

Dementia impacts millions of individuals and their families worldwide, yet many caregivers remain untrained, unpaid, and unable to maintain their own health while caring for their patients. Despite the need for support, limited resources exist to aid these caregivers in combatting this progressive, debilitating disease. One possibility lies in practices rooted in music therapy, which have been shown to restore memory retention, personhood, and quality of life in dementia patients. However, individuals outside of music therapists, especially those with limited musical backgrounds, may not consider implementing music therapy within their care plan. To make this approach more accessible, a website …

Family Medicine’S Role In Addressing The Intersections Of Redlining And Climate Change, Daryl O. Traylor, Eboni E. Anderson, Brianna Clark, Alex M. Smith, Cooper K. Allenbrand

Journal of Sustainable Social Change

Redlining, the practice of discriminating against specific neighborhoods based on race and socioeconomic status, leads to persistent environmental hazards and socioeconomic inequalities that have lasting adverse health effects on their populations. Health disparities are further exacerbated through the concentration of environmental hazards, as well as the escalating impact of climate change, which poses an increased risk of respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, mental health issues, heat-related illness, infectious diseases, food insecurity, and socioeconomic difficulties in redline neighborhoods.

This paper examines the interplay of redlining, climate change, and health disparities, with an emphasis on the enduring consequences for these marginalized communities. Through …

Inter-Institutional Analysis Of Skin Of Color Representation In Dermatological Lecture Content At Md And Do Medical Schools, Oluwafunke Oluwatosin Ogunremi, Blake Fredericksen, John Komas, Sana Ismail, Siri Knutsen-Larson Md, Valeriy Kozmenko Md, Afia Albin Do

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

The purpose of this study was to analyze the lecture materials provided in medical schools through a diversity lens. Skin pathologies manifest distinctively on various shades of skin and physicians must be equipped with the proper knowledge to identify and diagnose these conditions accurately and promptly. For most medical students, images in prominent textbooks and lecture slides are their first encounter with disease presentations. Therefore, it is important to analyze the diversity of skin tones in the content that is being delivered. Specifically, the use of images featuring darker skin tones compared to those depicting lighter skin tones. This study …

Best Screening: Introducing The Neonatal Assessment Visual European Grid To Nicus In Tennessee, Gabrielle Sledge

OTD Capstone Projects

Blind Early Services Tennessee (BEST) is an early intervention agency that serves children ages 0-5 with visual impairments across Tennessee. BEST serves over 200 children and families across the state offering early intervention (BEST Start), parent empowerment (BEST Advocate), and family support (BEST Together) programming. The purpose of this project was to assist in the implementation of an early identification initiative (BEST Screening) using the Neonatal Assessment Visual European Grid (NAVEG). The NAVEG is a newborn vision screening shown to identify neurological risk for visual impairments. The long-term goal of this program is to promote the screening and early identification …

Childhood Cancer Survivorship: Navigating A New Normal In Middle Tennessee, Karli M. Beaumont

OTD Capstone Projects

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in partnership with Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center offers REACH for Cancer Survivorship, a pediatric cancer survivorship clinic. REACH provides a full range of follow-up care designed to meet the physical, emotional, and practical needs of survivors and continuous surveillance of deleterious effects of cancer and its treatments. The purpose of this project was to meet population and agency needs through research of long- and late-term sequela while advocating for occupational therapy’s role in the oncology population through the proactive therapy and prospective surveillance models. The process of creating this project included synthesizing the literature, …

The Mda’S Michigan Donated Dental Services (Dds) Program: How To Serve The Elderly And Disabled In Your Community And Build Your Team (Without Leaving Your Office!), April Stopczynski

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

April Stopczynski, MDA Manager of Access and Prevention, sheds light on the Michigan Donated Dental Services (DDS) program, elucidating its impact on individuals through poignant patient narratives and dentist testimonials. The article illustrates how DDS bridges the gap in dental care for the elderly, disabled, and financially compromised individuals in Michigan. The program not only restores smiles but also transforms lives by providing much-needed dental treatment through volunteer dentists and labs. This article presents the value of DDS for patients, providers, dental team members and the greater community. Information is provided on how to participate in this transformative program.

Governmental Affairs Update: Dental Medicaid, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA spearheads an initiative to enhance Medicaid anesthesia services reimbursement, aiming to address the disparity between current rates and commercial standards. Despite recent improvements in Medicaid dental benefits, access to care remains hindered by low anesthesia reimbursement rates. The MDA advocates for a substantial investment to increase reimbursement to 85% of commercial rates, garnering support from various medical associations. This collaborative effort marks a significant stride towards achieving equitable Medicaid reimbursement. Grassroots advocacy is pivotal in influencing state budget decisions, urging constituents to engage with legislators via MDA text alerts.

Sprint Performance Following Plyometric Conditioning Activity In Elite Sprinters, Kinga Huminska-Lisowska, Aleksandra Strońska-Pluta, Aleksandra Suchanecka, Myosotis Massidda, Grzegorz Trybek, Carla Maria Calò, Agata Rzeszutko-Bełzowska, Remigiusz Recław, Anna Grzywacz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This study investigates an association between the human dopamine receptor 2 gene DRD2 Taq1D rs1800498 polymorphism and personality traits among athletes, exploring the genetic underpinnings of sports performance and psychological characteristics. It aims to understand how genetic factors related to dopamine reception influence athletic predispositions and behaviors. Materials and Methods: An association study was conducted with 391 male participants, comparing 159 sports subjects with 232 non-trained controls. Personality traits were assessed using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, while the DRD2 Taq1D rs1800498 polymorphism was genotyped through real-time PCR. Results: Significant differences in the DRD2 Taq1D rs1800498 genotype and allele frequencies …

Sprint Performance Following Plyometric Conditioning Activity In Elite Sprinters, Michal Krzysztofik, Mateusz Jopek, Dariusz Mroczek, Aleksander Matusiński, Adam Zając

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Considering the significance of the ankle joint for sprinting with the spring-like properties of the Achilles tendon, it seems that plyometric activating exercises could significantly potentiate maximum velocity sprinting. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of specific plyometric exercises engaging the ankle joint, called stiff-legged hops as a conditioning activity (CA) on countermovement jump (CMJ) and sprinting performance evaluated over a distance of 50m in elite female and male sprinters that differ in athletics level. Material and methods: Thirty-two sprinters of the Polish National Team were assigned into experimental and control (CTRL) groups, while …

How Does Rest Interval Duration Affect Performance? An Experiment On High-Intensity Sprint Exercises, İbrahim Orkun Akcan, Cengiz Ölmez

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of interval and high-intensity sprint training (RST) with different rest intervals on the respiratory function, aerobic and anaerobic power. (2) Materials and Methods: The study involved the voluntary participation of 20 male participants. The participants were divided into two groups: 2IRG (2-minute rest between repeated sprints) and 4IRG (4-minute rest between repeated sprints). The changes in the respiratory function, aerobic, and anaerobic power parameters were examined in the 2IRG and 4IRG athletes who performed two training sessions per week for 4 weeks. (3) Results: The findings indicated that there …

The Effects Of Complex Elastic Band Training On Physical Fitness Components In Junior Female Handball Players, Mehrez Hammami, Ryland Morgans, Piotr Zmijewski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 10-week complex elastic band training (CEBT) program on athletic performance in junior female handball players. Methods: Participants (16.2 ± 0.5 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG; n = 16) or control group (CG; n = 14). The IG group performed CEBT twice a week during the 10-week intervention, which included eight 35-minute sessions, progressing in number of sets and band resistance for each specific exercise. The CG maintained regular in-season training. The modified T-test (T-half), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump …

The Impact Of Physique On Strategy And Performance In The 400 M Hurdles Race Among Elite Male Athletes, Janusz Iskra, Subir Gupta, Krzysztof Przednowek, René V. Best, Arkadiusz Stanula

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: the objective of this study was to assess the impact of physique on the stride pattern and performance of elite male 400-m hurdles runners. Materials and Methods: this study is based on the analysis of the performance of 297 male 400-m hurdlers in 13 Olympic games, 16 world championships, and 15 European championships. The hurdlers were divided into 4 groups, based on their height and body mass index (BMI) – taller and heavier (TH), taller and lighter (TL), shorter and heavier (SH), and shorter and lighter (SL). Times taken to complete various phases of the 400-m hurdles race – …

Benefits Of Pilates Exercises On Functional Fitness And Quality Of Life In Older Men: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Mohammad Khazaei, Jolanta Marszałek, Reza Aminzadeh, Elham Dehghani, Bahador Azizi

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: As age increases, declines in basic motor skills are observed in older men. Limited physical activity-based interventions, such as Pilates exercises, focus on enhancing these basic motor skills. This study aimed to identify the benefits of Pilates exercises on functional fitness and the quality of life in older men.

Material and Methods: Older men were randomly assigned to either a Pilates exercises group or a control group. Balance, strength, flexibility, and agility were tested using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). The Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (SF-36) assessed the quality of life before and after 6 weeks of Pilates exercises. Differences over …

Relationship Between Functional Movement Screen Scores And Postural Stability In Football Players: An Asymmetrical Approach, Yücel Makaracı, Kazım Nas, Kerem Gündüz, Mehmet İleri

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Unilateral preference is dominant due to the intensive use of sport-specific movements in football. However, little is known about the possible correlation between unilateral functional movement and the center of pressure-based postural performance. The main aim of this study is to examine the correlation between functional movement screen (FMS) and postural stability in football players from an asymmetrical perspective. Materials and Methods: Fifty professional football players (male n = 25; age 21.40 ± 1.94 years; female n = 25; age 21.04 ± 1.24 years) volunteered for this study. All subjects completed a FMS test consisting of seven items and …

Adaptive Changes In Young Football Players Working In A Modified Tactical Periodization Model Based On The Example Of Endurance., Marta Szymanek-Pilarczyk, Michał Jakub Nowak, Jacek Wąsik

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Adequate endurance is a critical element of success in football, both at professional and amateur levels. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of training based on a modified wave (repeating) periodization model on the endurance of players aged 12–16 at the RKS Raków Academy in 2018–2022.

Material and Method: The analysis involved football players aged 12 to 16 with 4–8 years of training experience, involved in a program called "wave periodization". Two tests were performed each year, one in June (Test A) and the other one in December (Test B). Maximal Aerobic Speed (MAS) and Velocity Intermittent …

A Systematic Review Of The Social Determinants Of Health In Shoulder Arthroplasty Outcomes, Allison Boland, John Pum, Michael Gaudiani, Matthew A. Gasparro

Medical Student Research Symposium

This systematic review investigates the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on outcomes in shoulder arthroplasty (SA). SA, a common orthopedic procedure, has seen an increasing focus on SDOH influencing postoperative results. The study aims to comprehensively assess this impact on both surgical and patient-reported outcomes.

Through a systematic search of databases, 34 studies (2011-2021) met the inclusion criteria, involving 4,825,547 patients. Explored SDOH included insurance status, race/ethnicity, age, sex, income, social support, and veteran status. Outcomes considered were length of stay, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, total SA rates, revision rates, complication rates, and discharge status.

Findings …

Racial Disparities In Palliative Care Utilization In The Covid-19 Pandemic, Margaret S. Bove, Benjamin Huber, Myles Hardeman, Daniel Harris, Areeba Jawed, Amber Comer

Medical Student Research Symposium

BACKGROUND

Palliative care is a vital resource for the critically or terminally ill. It has myriad benefits such as improved quality of life, reduced depressive symptoms, and decreased scarce resource utilization. Self-identified Black/African patients, however, are less likely to utilize advanced care directives or engage in hospice/comfort care measures and are more likely to prefer intensive treatment at the end of life. There is no research, however, on how the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected these trends.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of patients who experienced in hospital mortality or in hospital hospice due to COVID-19 between March 2020 – …

Quality Indicators In Surgical Oncology: Systematic Review Of Measures Used To Compare Quality Across Hospitals, Megan Mcleod, Kari Leung, C S. Pramesh, Peter Kingham, Miriam Mutebi, Julie Torode, Andre Ilbawi, Jade Chakowa, Richard Sullivan, Ajay Aggarwal

General Surgery, East Africa

Background: Measurement and reporting of quality indicators at the hospital level has been shown to improve outcomes and support patient choice. Although there are many studies validating individual quality indicators, there has been no systematic approach to understanding what quality indicators exist for surgical oncology and no standardization for their use. The aim of this study was to review quality indicators used to assess variation in quality in surgical oncology care across hospitals or regions. It also sought to describe the aims of these studies and what, if any, feedback was offered to the analysed groups.

Methods: A literature search …

Assessing The Influence Of Covid-19 Lockdown Measures On Cognition And Behavior In School Age Children In Arba Minch Health And Demographic Surveillance Site, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Befikadu Tariku Gutema, Eshetu Zerihun Tariku, Zeleke Aschalew Melketsedik, Bruno Levecke, Stefaan De Henauw, Amina Abubakar, Souheila Abbeddou

Institute for Human Development

Ethiopian schools were closed for nearly 40 weeks as a measure to control the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of COVID-19 pandemic’s restrictive measures on cognition and behavioral difficulties of schoolchildren in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in November 2019 (pre-COVID-19-lockdown) and November 2020 (post-COVID-19 lockdown). Data were collected both at the school and homes of the children. Cognitive development of the children was assessed using digit span, Raven’s coloured progressive matrices (RCPM) and Visual search using cancellation task. Behavioral difficulties score of the children was …

Psilocybin With Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (Act) For The Treatment Of Social Anxiety Disorder (Sad), Aspen E. Allred

University Honors Theses

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a debilitating mental health condition characterized by an overwhelming fear and anxiety of social rejection that can lead to chronic patterns of social behavioral avoidance. Despite the existence of traditional efficacious treatments, a significant number of individuals either do not respond to treatment or experience a recurrence of symptoms over extended periods, spanning 10-12 years. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a form of acceptance-based behavioral therapy considered part of the "third wave" of cognitive behavioral therapies, has shown promising results in early studies, comparable to those of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that is considered the …

Integrating Primary Care, Shared Decision Making, And Community Engagement To Facilitate Equitable Access To Multi-Cancer Early Detection Clinical Trials, Cheryl L. Thompson, Adam H. Buchanan, Ronald E. Myers, David S. Weinberg

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Effective implementation of cancer screening programs can reduce disease-specific incidence and mortality. Screening is currently recommended for breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer. However, initial and repeat adherence to screening tests in accordance with current guidelines is sub-optimal, with the lowest rates observed in historically underserved groups. If used in concert with recommended cancer screening tests, new biospecimen-based multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests could help to identify more cancers that may be amendable to effective treatment. Clinical trials designed to assess the safety and efficacy of MCED tests to assess their potential for reducing cancer mortality are needed and many …

Gait Analysis Of Male Professional Boxers, Jacek Perliński, Joanna M. Bukowska, Łukasz Rydzik, Wojciech Wąsacz, Dariusz Kruczkowski, Tadeusz Ambroży, Wojciech Czarny, Jarosław Jaszczur-Nowicki

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Gait plays a crucial role in both daily life and sports performance. This study analyzes professional boxers’ gait, as it is essential to understand its influence on performance and injury risk. However, there is a need to comprehend the effects of boxing training on gait and the occurrence of asymmetries between limbs. Research Question: Does the gait of professional boxers exhibit significant differences between limbs, and what are the potential implications of this asymmetry? Materials and Methods: The study involved 36 professional boxers, and the Gaitway 3D Pressure treadmill was used to collect data. The analysis was performed using …

The Effect Of A Single Cycle Of Ischemia On Bar Velocity During Bench Press Exercise, Marta Bichowska-Pawęska, Dawid Gaweł, Robert Trybulski, Jakub Jarosz, Kinga Łosińska, Krzysztof Fostiak, Joao Guilherme Vieira

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The main goal of this study was to investigate the effects of a single cycle of ischemia applied before the bench press exercise on acute bar velocity changes. Materials and Methods: Twelve physically active males participated in the study. The experiment followed a rando-mized, cross-over design under two testing conditions. The experimental condition involved the application of a single cycle of ischemia (5 minutes; 80% arterial occlusion pressure [AOP]) before the first set of bench press exercise (2 sets at 60% 1RM). The control condition did not use ischemia. The peak and mean bar velocities were measured using a …

Effectiveness Of Antibiotic Stewardship For Healthcare Providers At Urgent Care Clinics, Helen T. Adewole

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine; however, the overuse in urgent care and primary care significantly contributes to the global burden of infections resistant to available antimicrobial medicines. Approximately 30% of the antimicrobials prescribed in acute care settings are unnecessary. Patient demand for antibiotics has seemingly skyrocketed following the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Practitioners must be knowledgeable about antibiotic stewardship initiatives, such as the wait-and-see approach, to reduce antibiotic overuse and improve the trajectory of antibiotic resistance and patient health outcomes. The gap in practice was the limited awareness of scientific evidence-based tools to partner with patients and improve antibiotic prescription patterns. …

Diversity In Osteopathic Medical School Admissions And The Compass Program: An Update, Nadege Dady, Steven Toplan, Jeffrey Gardere, Robin Moore, Lorreen Agandi, Ulcha Fergie Ulysse, Aida Aminpour, Mckensie Gelvin, Jemima Akinsanya, Kenneth Steier

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Faculty Scholarship

In the United States, the 40 colleges of osteopathic medicine and 157 schools of allopathic medicine face challenges in recruiting candidates who are underrepresented in medicine (URiM), and gaps in racial disparity appear to be widening. In this commentary, the authors provide an analysis of the data collected from 8 years of conducting a URiM recruitment and welcoming social events. The event is sponsored by a student special interest group called Creating Osteopathic Minority Physicians Who Achieve Scholastic Success (COMPASS) at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - New York (TouroCOM-NY). The results of the 8-year data analysis supports the …

Exploring The Role Of Information And Communication Technologies In Allergic Rhinitis In Specialist Centers: Patient Perspectives On Usefulness, Value, And Impact On Healthcare, Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda, Jean Bousquet, Zouina Sarfraz, Azza Sarfraz, Monica Rodriguez Gonzales, Anna Bedbrook, Nelson Rosario, Benjamin Zepeda-Ortega, Guillermo Guidos, Ulbio Alcivar Molina

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Introduction: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) improve patient-centered care and are routinely used in Allergic Rhinitis (AR), but patients' preferences and attitudes are unexplored. This study examines AR-related information preferences and ICT use by AR patients.
Methods: A survey-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Ecuador from July to September 2019 in seven centers of reference for allergic disease. Participants were 18 years or older, diagnosed with AR and had access to ICT and the Internet. Descriptive and binomial logistic regressions were performed. A value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: 217 patients were included. 47% (n …

The Hiv/Aids Epidemic In Miami: Perspectives Of Stakeholders And Frontline Providers, Tracy Pugh, Carrigan L. Parish, Pedro C. Castellon, Allan Rodriguez, Michael A. Kolber, Lisa R. Metsch

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Miami, Florida persists as an epicenter of HIV/AIDS nationally and has been more delayed than other areas with high HIV burden in implementing public health measures that mitigate transmission risk. These issues among other social and structural-level determinants have complicated progress in addressing HIV/AIDS in Miami.

Purpose: The stagnated progress in improving HIV outcomes in Miami necessitated a more comprehensive understanding of the experiences and insights of stakeholders within the system. We used a stakeholder analysis approach to understand the complexity of driving factors and key challenges facing this HIV epidemic.

Methods: A stakeholder analysis was conducted …