Addressing The Black Maternal Mortality Rate, 2024 Rowan University
Addressing The Black Maternal Mortality Rate, Kennedy Sanders, Venkateswar Venkataraman, Kate Whelihan
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
Introduction: As of 2021, the Black maternal mortality rate in the United States was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births as compared to the national average of 32.9 and the White American average of 26.61. It has been demonstrated that this discrepancy is not fully explained by socioeconomic status. Doulas are professionals who provide support and guidance throughout pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. Encouraging the use of doulas may be an effective approach to improve the birth experience for Black mothers. Methods: A literature review was performed using PubMed and the following search strings: maternal mortality rate (+race, +race +ethnicity, …
Cva In Patient With Systemic Sclerosis On Aspirin Therapy: A Case Report, 2024 Rowan University
Cva In Patient With Systemic Sclerosis On Aspirin Therapy: A Case Report, Rahyan Mahmud, Bianna Koutsenko, Kenneth Goich, Usaid Hasan
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
Introduction
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by microvascular damage and multiorgan fibrosis. These patients have a higher risk of cerebrovascular events, but it is difficult to develop strategies for prevention due to limited understanding of underlying pathophysiology.
Case Presentation
A 76-year-old female with a history of systemic sclerosis presented to the emergency department with acute onset slurred speech, facial droop, and left arm pain with a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale of 1. She was outside the thrombolytic window. Other history includes hypertension and hyperlipidemia; both were well controlled. MRI confirmed right frontal lobe ischemic stroke …
Relationship Between Caregiver Burden And Socioeconomic Status, 2024 Rowan University
Relationship Between Caregiver Burden And Socioeconomic Status, Nikitha Pappachen, Maithri Goud
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
In this study, caregiver burden measures the psychosocial strain a caregiver experiences as a result of caring for a person with autism. In addition, this study focuses on the effect of socioeconomic status on caregiver burden. A previous study found an association between lower primary caregiver education level and more sleep problems for children with autism3. Thus, the finding focuses on the child with autism as opposed to the caregiver burden. Other studies focus on elements that affect caregiver burden such as sleep quality, mental health, and cultural aspects. If it is known that socioeconomic status significantly affects …
Health Disparities Among Adults With Disabilities, 2024 Rowan University
Health Disparities Among Adults With Disabilities, Kirsten Carlberg, Madison Plone, Chrismely Castro, Nayarith Lopez
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
Background: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 27% of adults in the United States (US) live with a disability. These disabilities are often accompanied by poorer health outcomes with adults with disabilities reporting higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This review aims to characterize rates of disability among young adults in Camden County, New Jersey.
Methods: Data was collected from the CDC and United States Census and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 365.
Results: In 2022, 9.7% of residents of Camden County aged 18-34 were reported as disabled while the rate was 8.3% of US residents nationwide. …
A Hiccup In The Road: Omm In The Medically Complex, 2024 Rowan University
A Hiccup In The Road: Omm In The Medically Complex, Catherine F. Alapatt
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
Many patients in the hospital require multiple medications to treat their medical concerns. While medications may be highly effective, they can cause a variety of side effects. Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) can be used as an adjuvant therapy, potentially decreasing the number of medications that patients are on and their side effects. We present a unique case of a patient with intractable hiccups who could not be solely managed with medications alone. OMM was used in this patient’s treatment plan, reducing the number of medications. The implications of this case demonstrate the need for OMM to be used more frequently …
Overcoming Disparities In The Treatment Of Alzheimer’S Disease, 2024 Rowan University
Overcoming Disparities In The Treatment Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Christian Gamboa, Tribhuvan Lanka, Elaine Flowers, Nayarith Lopez
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
Background: Deaths due to Alzheimer’s have been increasing at an exponential rate for the last 24 years, with an astounding 145% increase between the years 2000-2024. Early detection is key to slowing down the rate of decline. Unfortunately, Latino and African American individuals delay seeking care, which predisposes them to worse outcomes. To date, socioeconomic limitations are the main factors leading to delayed care in Latino and African American communities. A service project was developed with the aim of addressing limitations that result in delays to seeking care within Latino and African American communities.
Methods: A systematic review of available …
Exploring Hypertension Prevalence Among Ill-Housed Individuals In Urban Environments, 2024 Rowan University
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 …
Gut Microbiome And Nutrition Interplay In Regulating And Improving Autism Spectrum Disorder Related Social Symptoms, 2024 Rowan University
Gut Microbiome And Nutrition Interplay In Regulating And Improving Autism Spectrum Disorder Related Social Symptoms, Irenonsen Juliet Eigbe, Christian Moya Gamboa, Jana Gjini, Jaydeep Mukherjee, Susrut Dube
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
The composition of the gut microbiome has been shown to play a role in the onset of neurological disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD). A small variety of recent research articles identify a possible link between onset and severity of ASD related behaviors and the composition of the gut microbiome. The purpose of this review is to identify gaps in the current understanding of the role that nutrition plays in changing the gut microbiome and subsequently altering the onset and severity of behavioral phenotypes in children with ASD. Inclusion criteria comprises peer-reviewed publications relating to children with autism. Exclusion criteria consists …
The Impact Of Vitamin Supplementation (D, B12, B9) On Behaviors Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder, 2024 Rowan University
The Impact Of Vitamin Supplementation (D, B12, B9) On Behaviors Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rohan Mehra
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
Background: One in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although heritability of the condition ranges from 40 to 80%, other factors such as vitamin levels, may have a significant impact on the risk of development. These vitamins include D, B12, and B9.
Purpose: To assess the impact vitamin supplementation has on behaviors associated with ASD, and to determine which specific aspects of ASD may be improved with vitamin supplementation.
Methods: A literature review was performed. The search was utilized PubMed, JSTOR and Web of Science. Keyword strings included: “Vitamin D B12 B9 folate …
Cut The Pressure: Blood Pressure Screening In A Community Based Setting, 2024 Rowan University
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.
Community Health Worker: High Risk Stabilization Study, 2024 Rowan University
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 …
Waiting For A Cure: Factors Influencing Melanoma Treatment Delays, 2024 Rowan University
Waiting For A Cure: Factors Influencing Melanoma Treatment Delays, Lisa Huang, David Rubin, Lothar Vidal, Jordan Riser, Christopher Jones, Samantha Hiester
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
Melanoma, with a five-year survival rate of 94% in early-stage diagnosis, drops significantly when diagnosed at later stages, making identifying barriers to timely treatment crucial. This literature review examines factors influencing melanoma treatment wait times and their impact on patient outcomes. Elderly, male, and Medicare patients, along with those with higher Breslow thickness and severe melanoma stages, experienced longer wait times. Patients receiving intervention within 30 days had better survival rates. Lack of knowledge and misconceptions about melanoma contribute to delayed care, particularly in communities with lower incidence rates. Black patients faced longer waits from diagnosis to surgery, indicating disparities. …
Insurance Status And Its Effect On Mothers With Postpartum Depression In The United States, 2024 Rowan University
Insurance Status And Its Effect On Mothers With Postpartum Depression In The United States, Sanjana Davuluri, Lillian J. Alonzo, Nikita Paranjape, Akshad Thirugnanam, Alexander Youssef
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant health issue in the US today: 1 in 8 new mothers experience symptoms of PPD. Understanding how social determinants of health impact the short and long-term health outcomes of patients with PPD is key to providing interventions that are effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered. In this literature review, we aimed to shed light on the association between discrepancies in health outcomes of mothers with PPD and their insurance status. A search was conducted across PubMed and ProQuest Central databases focusing on literature from 2014 onwards. Studies that explored factors contributing to PPD, the impact …
Singh Thattha Beard Covering Technique And Quantitative Fit Testing Of A Tight-Fitting Filtering Facepiece (Ffp3), 2024 Rowan University
Singh Thattha Beard Covering Technique And Quantitative Fit Testing Of A Tight-Fitting Filtering Facepiece (Ffp3), Harmann Singh, Allen Ecker, Todd Schachter, Thomas Boyle, Matthew Vanek
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Singh Thattha beard covering technique when quantitatively fit testing tight-fitting filtering face masks (N95 respirators) on male members of the Sikh religious group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sikh healthcare workers faced the difficult decision of either shaving their unshorn beards to continue their profession or finding alternative solutions to maintain adequate respiratory protection. The study used a quantitative fit test method to measure the number of particles inside and outside the mask, calculating a fit factor. Participants performed exercises while wearing an N95 respirator and then repeated the exercises with a …
A Literature Review Of Current Treatments For The Hypermobility Subtype Of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, 2024 Rowan University
A Literature Review Of Current Treatments For The Hypermobility Subtype Of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, John Gericke, Mary Zsolway, Chelsea Reyes, Pooja Patel, Saad Ahmed, Julia Hwang, Venkateswar Venkataraman
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare pharmacologic intervention, neurocognitive therapy, physical therapy, and orthotics in treating the hypermobility subtype of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and determine which has the most positive effect on symptoms.
Introduction: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is an inheritable connective tissue disorder which results from a genetic mutation that alters the body’s ability to produce collagen. The most common subtype of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is hEDS, which leads to hypermobility and hyperextensibility and can cause frequent joint dislocations.
Methods: A review of literature was performed to compare each treatment based on reported results. The types of studies reviewed …
Unplanned Pregnancy As An Independent Risk Factor For Antepartum Si In A Post Roe Vs. Wade World, 2024 Rowan University
Unplanned Pregnancy As An Independent Risk Factor For Antepartum Si In A Post Roe Vs. Wade World, Rianna Mcnamee
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
Abstract: The objective of this literature review is to determine whether unplanned pregnancy is an independent risk factor for developing antepartum SI. Background: The Supreme Court of the United States of America recently ruled that the constitution of the United States does not confer a right to abortion to its citizens. As of October 2023, twenty-one states had developed full or partial bans on abortion, resulting in millions of Americans residing in areas where terminating unplanned pregnancy is not a viable option. There is evidence that indicates antepartum suicidal ideation (SI) is higher than that of the general population, however …
Improving Primary And Gynecological Care In Transmasculine Patients, 2024 Rowan University
Improving Primary And Gynecological Care In Transmasculine Patients, Alison N. Mautner, Joanna Petrides
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
Introduction: This study aimed to assess the healthcare experiences of transmasculine individuals in primary and gynecological care settings. An online, anonymous survey was conducted to gather insights into positive and adverse encounters, factors influencing care-seeking behaviors, and strategies for improving care delivery in this population.
Methods: A survey was administered between June 1st and July 23rd, 2023, recruiting participants from three LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare offices in South Jersey and via Reddit. Data analysis involved SPSS to gain information from 499 valid responses.
Results: The majority of participants (55%) were aged 18-24, with 51% identifying as transgender men. Over two-thirds (68.5%) …
Outcomes Of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (Tevar) Procedure In Octogenarians, Nonagenarians And Centenarians: A Population-Based Study, 2024 Rowan University
Outcomes Of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (Tevar) Procedure In Octogenarians, Nonagenarians And Centenarians: A Population-Based Study, Dakota B. Pastore, Tony Elias, Rafail Beshai, Kyrillos Girgis, Maziyar Daneshvar, Keith Anacker
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
Introduction: Limited data exists for patients undergoing a thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) procedure who are older than or equal to 80 years old (YO). This study sought to examine the national inpatient sample (NIS) database to describe in-hospital outcomes among these older patients.
Methods: The NIS was searched for hospitalizations of adults who underwent a TEVAR procedure in 2019 and 2020. The study compared those aged 80 YO and over to those younger than 80 YO. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges (TOTHCG).
Results: This study included …
Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Youth Depression Prevention Program In Improving Life Satisfaction, 2024 Rowan University
Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Youth Depression Prevention Program In Improving Life Satisfaction, Roshani Patel, Steven M. Brunwasser, Alissa Hochman
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, known as the global burden of disease. Incident cases from 1990 to 2017 have increased by 49.86%. Additionally, rates have been seen to dramatically rise in adolescents aged 18-25 (17%) compared to rates in individuals aged 10-14 (1.1%). This makes it beneficial to have prevention programs for middle school aged children. The Penn Resiliency Program (PRP) is a youth depression prevention program focused on cultivating healthy thinking styles and behavioral coping skills. In our study, we used archival data from a randomized control trial of PRP to evaluate whether the program led …
Accessibility To Gender Affirming Treatments For Transgender Patients In New Jersey, 2024 Rowan University
Accessibility To Gender Affirming Treatments For Transgender Patients In New Jersey, Tara Young, Tara Pellegrino
Rowan-Virtua Research Day
Background: The literature clearly indicates that gender affirming treatments, such as gender reassignment surgery, counseling, exogenous hormones, and feminization/masculinization surgery, are highly effective and beneficial for transgender patients.
Purpose: The purpose of this review was to assess the barriers to accessing gender affirming treatments in New Jersey.
Methods: This review utilized the PubMed database and Google searches to gather information. The search terms included LGBTQ healthcare, LGBTQ Medicaid, transgender treatment, transgender healthcare, top surgery New Jersey, New Jersey Medicare and Medicaid, and transgender Health Insurance in New Jersey.
Results: New Jersey State Medicaid covers both gender affirming surgery and …