Community Health Commons^™

Institutional Responses To The College Mental Health Crisis: A Critical Systems Review, Angel Huerta

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

The mental health crisis among U.S. college students continues to escalate, exposing structural, cultural, and systemic failures within higher education. This review synthesizes evidence on institutional responses, drawing on Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and Critical Theory, to examine how policies, faculty interactions, campus climate, and resource distribution influence student mental health outcomes. Findings reveal persistent gaps between policy intentions and practice, insufficient counseling capacity, inconsistency in faculty accountability, and inequities affecting marginalized student groups. The review highlights how organizational structures can unintentionally reinforce power imbalances and reproduce harm. Recommendations include system-level alignment of policies and practices, mandatory faculty training, enhanced …

The Cannabis Motivation Spectrum: Comparing Medical, Recreational And Dual Intent Users, Addyson Domian, Jacob Borodovsky

Wetterhahn Science Symposium Posters

There is a lack of a standardized definition of “medical” cannabis use in the healthcare industry, which has led to an informal, user-reported definition of medical use. Consequently, individuals who use cannabis for both medical and recreational reasons (dual intent) are not always differentiated from pure medical or pure recreational users. This study compares self-defined medical only and dual intent motivational groups relative to recreational only users to better understand how these groups differ by analyzing sociodemographic and use patterns, clinically relevant factors, and claimed cannabis-related benefits. Using data from the Qualtrics Cannabis Exposure Index survey instrument of 8836 adult …

Lessons Learned In Providing Infant And Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Rashele Wade

Journal of Global Awareness

Access to quality childcare is a protective factor from lifelong issues such as school failure, school drop-out, and incarceration. Conversely, preschool suspension and expulsion are significant risk factors. Evidence-based interventions, such as Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation, aim to reduce and eliminate the incidence of preschool suspensions and expulsions. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted access to quality childcare for many children across the country and globally. This study utilized a qualitative action research approach and generic qualitative inquiry to examine the research question, “How can we improve Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation through lessons learned during the …

Caring For The Carers: Exploring The Mental Wellbeing Of Informal Palliative Caregivers Of Cancer Patients In Kenya, James Kariuki, Rose Njiraini

Journal of Global Awareness

Cancer cases have been on the increase globally, and this has led to economic burden on the affected households. One way of reducing the cost of care is through home-based care by informal palliative caregivers who include family members, friends, and other people assigned by the family members to take care of the patient. The objectives of this study were to assess the status of the mental wellbeing of palliative caregivers of cancer patients; to examine the relationship between the ability of the patient to cope with cancer diagnosis and the mental wellbeing of the caregiver; and to investigate the …

Prenatal Care, Pregnancy Risk, Birth Outcomes And The Role Of Neighborhood Characteristics, Monica Garcia-Perez Phd, Randy Huard Phd, Christopher Thoms Phd, David Tilstra Md

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

This study links 2024 CentraCare Health birth records with neighborhood census tract conditions from the National Neighborhood Data Archive (NaNDA, 2020/2021) to examine how place, prenatal care, and clinical risks influence birth outcomes in Central Minnesota. Neighborhood factors are standardized and paired with measures of prenatal-care adequacy and pregnancy-risk indicators in a series of multivariate linear models to explore their effect on birth outcomes. Analyses adjust for maternal demographics and clinical risks to identify independent neighborhood effects. A privacy-preserving, tract-linked dataset is also created to help local partners target high-need prevention areas.

Re-Painting Motherhood: A Community-Based Expressive Arts Project Exploring Motherhood’S Myths, Realities, And Hopes Through A Narrative Therapy Lens, Lauren Grignaffini-Morris

Expressive Therapies Theses

This thesis examines how socially constructed ideals of motherhood shape maternal identity, distress, and isolation, and explores the potential of addressing these experiences through a community-based expressive arts project. Drawing on motherhood studies, expressive arts therapy, and narrative therapy, the project highlights the potential benefits of utilizing expressive arts in a community setting to ease the tension between romanticized cultural narratives and the lived realities of mothers. Conducted with a support group for mothers in rural Vermont, the project used visual art, movement, creative writing, and collaborative mixed-media painting to examine problem-saturated motherhood stories, connect through embodied experience, and explore …

Golden Steps: A Dance-Based Program To Improve Balance In Older Adults — A Feasibility And Acceptability Study, Ramyr Bognot, Sophia Botelho, Nolan Caberto, Lauren Valerio, Joshua Yu, Jason Zeidman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background

Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence among older adults. Evidence-based programs such as Otago and Tai Ji Quan reduce fall risk, yet barriers to access and adherence remain. Dance-based interventions may offer a practical, enjoyable approach to engage older adults in balance training.

Purpose

This formative pilot study aimed to develop four dance routines grounded in evidence- based balance principles and evaluate their feasibility and acceptability among older adults, including factors influencing enjoyment and willingness to continue participation, to inform future clinical and community implementation.

Methods

Four routines (Polka, Country, Rockabilly, Salsa) were developed …

Quantifying Black Carbon Concentrations In Georgia And Analyzing Associated Public Health Risks, Khloe R. Osborne

Honors Theses

Quantifying Black Carbon Concentrations in Georgia and Analyzing Associated Public Health Risks

One of the most daunting challenges of the industrial world is air pollution. Within this broad spectrum, there is an inhalable particle group named PM2.5, which contains black carbon. Black carbon has evidence that supports the generation and worsening of adverse health impacts, which may include birth complications, cognitive deficits in children, pulmonary aggravation, asthma, cardiovascular issues, neurological degenerative patterns, and cancer risk. This is especially seen in vulnerable populations, like children, elderly, and those who already suffer from weakened health, many of which reside in the southern …

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy With Patient Education, Belle Grady, Victor Huber

Scholarship Pathways Program

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy with Patient Education

Belle Grady, MD | Mentor: Victor Huber, PhD

Background: Vaccine hesitancy is a complex global issue, exacerbated by pandemics and social media. In addition to hesitancy, state policies loosening childhood vaccine requirements and alternative vaccination schedules may contribute to recent vaccine-preventable illness outbreaks in the United States. In South Dakota alone, kindergarten vaccination rates have gradually declined over the past decade. Such vaccine hesitancy and decreasing vaccination rates is a public health concern and must be addressed. Accessible patient education resources on the topic are necessary to increase vaccination rates.

Project Description: This project …

Refeeding Syndrome In A Person Experiencing Homelessness: A Case Report, James Espinosa, Jose Gerald Aragon, Md Fateha, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Refeeding syndrome (RFS) is a potentially life-threatening metabolic disturbance that occurs following nutritional reintroduction in severely malnourished individuals. It is characterized by rapid intracellular shifts of electrolytes—most notably hypophosphatemia—driven by insulin-mediated metabolic changes. Although commonly associated with eating disorders and chronic illness, RFS may also occur in socially vulnerable populations.

We report the case of a 64-year-old male experiencing homelessness who presented to the emergency department with weakness, muscle cramps, and confusion after resuming regular meals at a local shelter following prolonged minimal intake. Laboratory evaluation revealed severe hypophosphatemia (0.7 mg/dL), hypokalemia (3.0 mmol/L), and hypomagnesemia (1.2 mg/dL). Electrocardiogram demonstrated …

Demographic Disparities In Contraceptive Use: Insights From Female Nsfg Respondents, 2015–2023, Adira Brenner

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Disparities in contraceptive use persist in the United States despite expanded access to family planning services. Historical policies and ongoing social determinants of health (SDOH) are significant drivers of the continued inequality in reproductive healthcare access and utilization. This study examines demographic trends in contraceptive use using data from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) between 2015 and 2023.

Data were obtained from the NSFG and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) datasets. A cross-comparison was conducted, focusing on variables such as age, race/ethnicity, and educational attainment.

The consensus was that contraceptive use increased to approximately 65% in …

Barriers To Accessing Mental Healthcare Among Refugee Populations In Southern New Jersey, Paul Cardillo, Hijab Zaidi, Jacob Trainer, Alison Mancuso Do, Facofp

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This project examines barriers to accessing mental healthcare among refugee populations in Southern New Jersey, with a focus on individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). Using a narrative review of peer reviewed studies and government reports, key challenges were identified, including language barriers, cultural stigma, and limited familiarity with the U.S. healthcare system. Findings show that refugee populations experience significantly higher rates of mental health disorders, including PTSD and depression, driven by trauma, structural inequities, and social disadvantage. Effective interventions emphasize culturally competent care, integration of bicultural staff, and community based approaches. Addressing these barriers is essential to improving equitable …

A Cross-Cultural Investigation Of Consumer Hoarding Behavior During Covid-19: Differences Between Sweden And The United States, Christy M. Cook, Pia A. Albinsson, James E. Stoddard

Atlantic Marketing Journal

This study is a cross-cultural exploration of consumer hoarding behavior during Covid-19; specifically, a comparison between Sweden and the United States. This research analyzes whether Swedish and American consumer hoarding behavior factors of prosocial orientation, consumer resilience and consumer risk-taking propensity reflect identical relationships during less predictable environmental forces (i.e., Covid-19 or global pandemic). Results from Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) show that consumer prosocial orientation is negatively related to consumer hoarding and prosocial orientation is positively related to consumer resilience. In turn, both prosocial orientation and consumer resilience exhibit a positive relationship towards consumer hoarding. Consumer resilience is …

Building The Foundation For Equitable Diabetes Education: Examining Trust And Digital Access In Rural And Unreserved Population, Niasia Hazelton Smalls

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Disparities in patient portal use undermine equitable chronic disease management, particularly for adults with diabetes in rural and historically underserved communities. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study examined the associations among trust in the healthcare system and patient portal use among U.S. adults, using nationally representative data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2023 (N = 3,711), supplemented by semi-structured interviews with frontline healthcare providers. Bivariate analyses revealed that adults with diabetes reported lower trust (83% vs. 86%, p = 0.003) and lower portal use (62% vs. 66%, p = 0.014) compared to those without a diagnosis. Multivariate logistic …

Chit-Chat With Hats: Addressing Mental Health Decline Through Art Therapy And Community Engagement, Zoe G. Mendez-Sosa

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone addresses the prominent social issue of mental health decline in Central Pacific California driven by lack of support systems for individuals. In partnership with Health Advocacy Team Support (HATS), “Chit-Chat with HATS was developed as a peer to peer group with art therapy techniques to promote emotional resilience and community connection. The primary objective of the program was to provide individuals struggling with mental health with tools to help them manage their feelings and thoughts.

The program was structured with check-ins, mindfulness techniques, and opportunities of creative expression through art therapy techniques to help participants with processing complex …

Cultivating Connection: A Culturally Responsive Mental Wellbeing Curriculum For Latine Youth In Santa Cruz County, Suzzy Landeros

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Latine adolescents experience high rates of stress, depression, and stigma surrounding mental health, in part due to limited access to culturally responsive support and safe spaces for connection. The purpose of this internship project was to develop and implement a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, mental wellbeing curriculum to address barriers related to stigma, limited culturally responsive support, and disconnection, while supporting emotional awareness, connection, and use of grounding strategies among youth. The project was implemented through United Way Santa Cruz County in partnership with Watsonville High School and Soquel High School and served high school-aged youth. Development of the curriculum included …

A Qualitative Exploration Of How Spanish-Speaking Latino Parents Communicate With Their Adolescent Children About Substance Use, Diana Karina Diaz

Doctoral Dissertations

Substance use during adolescence remains a significant public health concern, particularly within Latino communities where cultural values, family dynamics, and communication patterns play a central role in youth development. This qualitative study explored how Latino parents communicate with their adolescent children about substance use, the strategies they use for prevention, and the cultural and contextual factors that shape these conversations. Using a focus group design, data was collected from four focus groups consisting of two groups of Latino mothers (n = 10) and two groups of Latino fathers (n = 9). A thematic analysis revealed six primary themes: (1) parent–child …

Abortion Politics And Policy: Stigma And Access In The Silver State, Celene Fuller

Lincy Institute Events

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) overturning Roe V. Wade, states have taken divergent paths in regulating access to abortion services. In 2024, Nevada voters overwhelmingly passed Question 6 proposing to codify abortion rights into the state constitution. In November 2026, Question 6 will again be on the ballot for final confirmation. If it passes, these rights will be protected from future legislative action.

Despite Nevadans’ strong support for abortion rights, the state’s dearth of abortion providers limits access to these services. As this lecture explores, both providers and individuals seeking abortions, …

Silent Struggles: A Qualitative Study On Mental Health Stigma And Help- Seeking Among African Individuals In The U.S, Ololade Ekwere

Dissertations

Approximately one-third of African Americans and Caribbean Blacks who require mental health services seek and utilize them (Evans & Sheu, 2019). Research has shown that stigma surrounding mental health treatment contributes to lower rates of professional help-seeking among Black Americans (Pederson, 2023). Despite the growing diversity within the Black community, limited research exists on how stigma influences professional mental health help-seeking among Africans living in the United States.

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the effect of public stigma on the mental health help-seeking behaviors of Africans living in the United States. Demographic data were collected, …

Rural Health In Pike County: A Richard & Magnolia Community Health Needs Assessment, Victoria Bracey

Honors Theses

Rural communities across the United States suffer from poor health outcomes due to lack of resources and other compounding factors that make access to quality healthcare difficult. Mississippi is a predominantly rural state, and in the southwestern region of Mississippi lies the community of Magnolia and the community of Richard within Pike County. To better understand the health needs of Pike County, a community health needs assessment was conducted. This study aimed to assess the needs of Pike County in southwest Mississippi through the use of a community health needs assessment using focus groups. Two focus groups, with a total …