Digital Commons Network^™

Mitigating Food Insecurity-Related Stigma: A Review Of Intervention Strategies, Evyn Y Appel, Mckenna M Halverson, Valerie A Earnshaw, Tania Cruz Cordero, Maya Rozin, Raquelle Powell, Grace Sands, Nithila Chrisostam, Sarah E Katz, Shreela V Sharma, Allison Karpyn

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: To characterize intervention strategies addressing food insecurity-related stigma implemented in federal nutrition programs (e.g. SNAP, WIC) and emergency food programs (e.g. food pantries, food cupboards) within high income countries.

Methods: Six databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, Dissertations and Theses Global) and the Internet were searched through September 2024. Data on study characteristics and stigma intervention characteristics were extracted with a structured template. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used.

Results: The review found 46 intervention strategies across 18 articles. The majority of articles were based in the United States (89.9%) with the remaining portion from …

Sexual Activity And Functioning After Breast Cancer Treatment: Perspectives On The Importance Of Pleasure From A Radiotherapy Cohort, Melanie Besculides, Lauren Carney, Ksenia Gorbenko, Sheryl Green, Melissa Brito, Jezelle Lynch, Carly Feldman, Cindy Munoz, Madhu Mazumdar, Deborah C. Marshall

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer affects millions of women and while treatment can be lifesaving, it also has numerous side effects, including those related to sexual function, which often impact the ability to experience pleasure from sex. This study aimed to understand how breast cancer survivors define sexual activity, identify important aspects, and ascertain perceived impacts of treatment on sexual activity and function, particularly related to pleasure.

METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who were breast cancer survivors at least one-year post-radiation. Priority populations were oversampled (racial/ethnic/sexual/gender minorities, those aged over 65 or under 45). The sample included 23 participants: 11 …

The Ruling Relations Of Care: An Institutional Ethnography Of High-Risk Prenatal Care Experiences, Nicole L. Harris

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Disrespect during pregnancy, labor, and delivery is common in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that approximately one in five women overall, and over 30% of Black women, report being ignored, dismissed, or verbally mistreated during their care. Public health efforts have primarily focused on individual-level interventions to improve patient-provider communication or reduce provider bias; however, these strategies have been critiqued for their limited scope and effectiveness in shifting outcomes. Instead, researchers and advocates have called for an examination of the structures that shape clinical encounters, including policies, protocols, workflows, and organizational culture. This …

Advancing Sex Education And Health Outcome: The Impacts Of Education And Support Program In Cambodia, Natepy Vann

Public Health: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Abstract

Context:

In most countries, early pregnancies are one of the most public health issues, particularly in a developing country like Cambodia. This problem is leading those young mothers to face mental health breakdowns and limited socioeconomic opportunities. Beyond that, they also face the disruption of education and overall health risks in the long term. This research paper answers and delves into doubts related to the question: How does early pregnancy affect the mental health and future socioeconomic opportunities, including education, career prospects, and social mobility, of teenage mothers in Cambodia?

Methods:

This literature review focuses on psychological …

Professional Development Program: Sexual And Gender Minorities Education And Training, Aiden Echols, Bs, Madison Via, Bs, Audrey L. Zapletal, Otd, Ms, Otr/L, Cla, Chse, Karla A. Bell, Pt, Dpt, Phd, Fnap

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background

LGBTQ+ communities experience health care and health disparities; some reasons include:

• barriers in care
• negative attitudes
• lack of awareness by healthcare providers.

Studies have found healthcare professionals are not adequately trained in LGBTQ+ care

Educators benefit from professional development related to LGBTQ+ inclusivity in higher education.

Social Vulnerability Associations With Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma Treatment And Prognostic Disparities, Camaren M. Cuenca, David M. Bruss, David J. Fei-Zhang, Jill N. D'Souza, Anthony M. Sheyn, Jeffrey C. Rastatter, Daniel C. Chelius

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Objectives: Prior studies investigating the impacts of social determinants of health (SDoH) on hypopharyngeal cancer have only assessed the impact of individual factors on patient outcomes. This study uses the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and a national patient cohort to examine how the interrelational influence of SDoH affect hypopharyngeal cancer prognosis, treatment, and follow-up. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed patients from 1975 to 2017 with a diagnosis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma in the NCI-SEER database. Net social vulnerability and its contributions from 15 SDoH variables were ranked and scored across all US counties, yielding a SVI. SVI scores were …

Community Factors And County-Level Cancer Screening, Prevalence, And Mortality, Alexandra R. Drake, Eric W. Christensen, Augusto C. Ochoa, William Small, Jinel Scott, Elizabeth Y. Rula

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

IMPORTANCE Cancer screening, prevalence, and mortality vary across US counties; the broad set of community factors associated with these differences are not well understood. OBJECTIVE To assess the relative importance of diverse community measures for explaining county-level variance in cancer screening, prevalence, and mortality rates for breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This geospatial cross-sectional analysis across all US counties used random forest algorithms to estimate the relative importance of 24 community measures—including health behaviors and lifestyle, socioeconomic, and environment factors—as explanatory factors for cancer screening, prevalence, and mortality. For each cancer, county-level cancer screening and …

2025 Celebration Of Scholarship, Creativity, And Engagement, Todd Bruns, Jaime Pedigo, Jennifer Smith, Patty Watson, Heather Wohltman, Amanda Wolf

Programs

Each year, Eastern Illinois University proudly recognizes the outstanding achievements of our faculty in research, creativity, and engagement. This collection of accomplishments reflects the dedication of an engaged faculty committed to excellence and the continual pursuit of knowledge. Many of these successes were made possible through meaningful collaboration with our students, who contribute as co-authors, research assistants, and partners in bringing ideas to life. Some of these professional milestones represent years of effort, demonstrating remarkable persistence and determination. We offer our heartfelt congratulations on this wide range of achievements, which bring distinction to our departments, colleges, and the University as …

Impact Of An Educational Workshop On Occupational Therapy Students’ Perceptions Of People With Experiences Of Addiction, Averie E. Robertson, Bianca A. Chapa, Samantha J. Dooley, Jillian K. Paguiligan, Emily K. Simpson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As a result of stigma, people with experiences of addiction are subjected to discrimination by health professionals and students, including within occupational therapy (OT). Education and exposure can improve care and empathy. The purpose of this study was to determine if a workshop for OT students impacted their attitudes towards people with experiences of addiction. Methods: Electronic surveys were conducted with OT students before (n=58) and after (n=22) the workshop and included questions on knowledge and attitudes. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. Two focus groups (n=5) were also conducted. Results: There were significant changes in …

An Authentic Leader Never Dies: Lessons Learned From The Seminal Work Of Elizabeth Yerxa, Daniel Cezar Da Cruz

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This Opinion in the Profession is based on the enduring legacy of Elizabeth June Yerxa, a pioneering leader in occupational therapy and occupational science, following her passing in December 2024. Rather than a traditional "in memoriam," the author uses the present tense to emphasize Yerxa's ongoing influence. The paper highlights four key themes from Yerxa’s work: the commitment of occupational therapy to social change, the importance of an occupation-centered education, the term “engaging in occupation”, and the establishment of occupational science as a foundational discipline. Yerxa’s advocacy for critical thinking, holistic perspectives, and the integration of diverse fields …

Promoting Sense Of Belonging Among First-Generation Students In Occupational Therapy, Pola Ham

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

First-generation students in occupational therapy programs face unique challenges that can impact their sense of belonging and academic success, potentially hindering efforts to diversify the profession. There is limited data on occupational therapy students who identify as first-generation students. However, the literature has noted improved efforts toward a sense of belonging in higher education among students leads to feeling a sense of connectedness with their peers and faculty, aiding in overall well-being, academic performance and retention. In contrast, a lack of these efforts can lead students to experience a diminished sense of belonging to the institution. This article examines the …

Diversity In Aquatics:4th Special Issue, Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D., Angela K. Beale-Tawfeeq, Steven N. Waller Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The theme of this special issue is “Building a Community of Champions.” The purpose of this theme is to highlight and promote a civic engagement perspective that engages, advocates, and supports communities of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in addressing the national, regional, and local evolving health-related issue of drowning. Aquatic Settings have been a pivotal focal point of social justice, water safety, and public health, not only in the past but also in our present day (Beale-Tawfeeq, Quash, et al, 2023 and Waller and Bemiller, 2023). Diversity In Aquatics (DIA) strives to positively impact the field of aquatics …

Teaching Swimming To Children With Disabilities: A Qualitative Analysis Of Swim Instructorstea, Stephanie S. Garcia-Hidalgo, Martin E. Block

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

When teaching children with disabilities, swim instructors need to be able to assess the unique strengths and needs of each child to determine modifications needed to instruction, equipment, and the setting and then be flexible enough to make changes in real-time to ensure success for the child. Unfortunately, many swim instructors only work seasonally and have the occasional child with a disability, and as a result are likely to have limited training and experiences with children with disabilities. The purpose of this pilot qualitative study is to examine backgrounds, training, and experiences of six swim instructors who work with children …

Promising Practices For Increasing The Number Of Equity-Owed Lifeguards In Canada And The United States Of America, Sofia Pantano, Audrey R. Giles

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Currently a shortage of lifeguards exists in Canada and the United States (US) (Frommer, 2023; Santucci, 2024), and those who are working as lifeguards often do not reflect the diversity of the communities they serve (Martinez, 2020). Increasing the number of lifeguards from equity-owed groups is a potential way of increasing the lifeguard workforce and decreasing the shortage of workers in these important roles, as well as a moral imperative. In this paper I explore challenges to and promising practices aimed at increasing the representation of members equity-owed groups in lifeguarding. I begin with an overview of lifeguarding in Canada …

Adopting Stuart Hall’S “Race, The Floating Signifier” As A Conceptual Framework Within Aquatic Research And Education, Kurt J. Cordice

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

During his 1997 lecture at Goldsmiths College in London, Stuart Hall, renowned for his contributions to sociology and cultural studies, offered his argument that the concept of race functions as a Floating Signifier. In this essay, Stuart Hall’s Race, the Floating Signifier is presented as a strong conceptual framework to support more accurate and effective positioning of race as an important consideration within aquatic research and education. Evidence from a range of disciplines, including historical research, is presented to establish both the importance and challenge of race within aquatic research and education. This evidence is also used to demonstrate …

Upholding The Social Contract In A Profit-Driven System, Kamyar Sartipi

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The Ozar-Hasegawa Annual Student Ethics Award recognizes an outstanding scholarly submission in dental ethics, published annually in the Journal of the American College of Dentists (JACD). This article highlights the winning work, selected for its significant contribution to advancing ethical reflection and professional responsibility in dentistry.

J Am Coll Dent 2022 89 1

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The Journal of the American College of Dentists (JACD) publishes scholarly articles, editorials, essays, and reflections addressing the ethical, professional, and social dimensions of dentistry. The Journal serves as a forum for advancing ethics, professionalism, leadership, and excellence within the dental community. By fostering dialogue across disciplines and perspectives, JACD provides readers with insights that encourage ethical, professional practice, lifelong learning, and service to the public, reinforcing dentistry’s commitment to advancing oral healthcare and the common good.

J Am Coll Dent 2018 85 2

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The Journal of the American College of Dentists (JACD) publishes scholarly articles, editorials, essays, and reflections addressing the ethical, professional, and social dimensions of dentistry. The Journal serves as a forum for advancing ethics, professionalism, leadership, and excellence within the dental community. By fostering dialogue across disciplines and perspectives, JACD provides readers with insights that encourage ethical, professional practice, lifelong learning, and service to the public, reinforcing dentistry’s commitment to advancing oral healthcare and the common good.

An Examination Of The Experiences Of An African American Male Diver On A Power Four Swim Team: An Elite Interview, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Despite the incremental increase in the number of Black people who are learning to swim, the number of Black divers has not kept pace. In the NCAA Database, swimmers and divers were not segmented; thus, they all appear in the category of “swimming” by race and sex. When viewing the 2024 Division I NCAA Demographics Database, 89 (.02%) of 4307 student-athletes participating in swimming were Black women. For men, the data is equally dismal, revealing that 81 (.03%) of 2,608 student-athletes who were identified as swimmers were Black. The purpose of this research note is to examine the developmental experiences …

Adult Adhd Is Linked To Higher Illicit Drug Use And Prescription Drug Misuse, Andrew S. London, Kevin M. Antshel, Joshua Grove, Iliya Gutin, Shannon M. Monnat

Population Health Research Brief Series

Adolescents and young adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are more likely than their peers without ADHD to use illicit drugs and misuse prescription drugs. This brief summarizes findings from a study that used data from the National Wellbeing Survey (NWS) to describe differences in lifetime and past-year use of 7 illicit drugs (marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and hallucinogens) and misuse of 4 categories of prescription medications (opioids, tranquilizers, sedatives, and stimulants) between U.S. adults ages 18-64 with and without self-reported healthcare provider-diagnosed ADHD in 2023. The authors find that adults with ADHD are 1.6 to 3.3 times …

Faculty Perceptions Of Interprofessional Education To Prepare Physical Therapy Students For The Workforce, Marianne Hanover, Heather Pederson

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) aims to enhance patient care by improving outcomes. Interprofessional education (IPE), a teaching approach for IPC, is now mandated in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curricula. Although faculty perceptions of IPE in other healthcare fields are documented, studies exploring faculty attitudes in entry-level DPT programs remain limited. In this qualitative study, we investigated how DPT faculty perceive IPE as a means to prepare students for clinical practice. Using Rogers’s Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory as a guide, we collected data during interviews with PT faculty in DPT programs. Study findings suggest that the advancement of IPE in …

Identifying And Examining Access And Barriers To Healthcare For The Transgender And Nonbinary Individual, Allison Gould

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of transgender and nonbinary (TNB) individuals related to their access to basic healthcare. Currently, the TNB population is experiencing disparities in accessing general and preventative healthcare in comparison to their cisgendered counterparts. I developed the research questions to explore how TNB individuals describe their access to general and preventative healthcare, identify what were perceived as barriers in seeking basic healthcare, and describe what was subjectively identified as a positive healthcare experiences. My personal and professional interest as a physical therapist combined with a thorough literature review, and …

Gender Diversity, Substance Cognitions, And Alcohol, Nicotine/Tobacco, And Cannabis Use Among Youth, Luisa Kcomt, Philip T. Veliz, John Jardine, Rebecca J. Evans-Polce, Jennifer Clift, Sean Esteban Mccabe, Cynthia Arslanian-Engoren

Social Work Faculty Publications

Purpose: We aimed to classify youth using a longitudinal, multidimensional construct of gender, and examine associations of gender subgroups with substance cognitions and substance use.

Methods: We used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (N=11,868 youth ages 9-10 years at baseline [2016-2018] through the year 4 follow-up [ages 13-14 years, 2020-2022]) to conduct latent class models using measures of gender identity, felt gender, gender expression, and gender non-contentedness. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess associations of gender classes with curiosity to use, intention to use, and use of alcohol, nicotine/tobacco, and cannabis, respectively, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. …

Higher Mortality Following Sars-Cov-2 Infection In Rural Versus Urban Dwellers Persists For Two Years Post-Infection, A. Jerrod Anzalone, Michael T. Vest, Makayla E. Schissel, Bradley Price, William B. Hillegass, Ronald Horswell, San Chu, Clifford J. Rosen, Lucio Miele, Susan L. Santangelo, Gordon S. Smith, Sally L. Hodder, Christopher G. Chute

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Previous studies demonstrated higher short-term mortality among rural compared with urban residents infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, whether this difference persists remains uncertain. This retrospective cohort study analyzed two-year post-COVID-19 mortality by rurality using the National Clinical Cohort Collaborative COVID-19 Enclave, a United States-based longitudinal electronic health record repository. We analyzed mortality among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 between April 2020 and December 2022, with follow-up until December 2024. Patients were categorized into urban, urban-adjacent rural (UAR), and nonurban-adjacent rural (NAR) groups based on residential ZIP Code. Mortality differences were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and weighted multivariable Cox regression, with weights derived …

Nevada's Healthcare And Education Workforce Pipelines, David Damore, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Policy Briefs and Reports

With ongoing workforce shortages in K-12 education, healthcare, and mental and behavioral health—occupations central to the HEAL (health, education, administration, and literacy) economy—this brief utilizes the Nevada P-20 to Workforce Research Data System (NPWR) and data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to explore the current and projected landscape for these workforces in Nevada. Examining the demographic characteristics of those participating in focused career and technical education training and those earning relevant postsecondary credentials illuminates gender disparities in Nevada’s healthcare and education workforce pipelines. After reviewing the current state of these workforces and assessing the available NPWR data, we …

Lived Experiences Of Obese Women In Mississippi Concerning The Role Of Psychosocial Factors In The Development Of Obesity, Temitope Olabode

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

One of the highest rates of obesity in the United States is in Mississippi, where middle- aged obese women deal with a variety of social, cultural, and personal issues, including shame, discrimination, and stigma based on weight, mental anguish, cultural norms, financial limitations, and restricted access to healthcare. This study investigated the psychosocial factors that contribute to obesity in women aged 40- 60 years, and the effects of obesity on body image, self-esteem, health behaviors, and quality of life. A qualitative phenomenological study using the social ecological model (SEM) framework looked at the individual, interpersonal, and policy levels of the …

Physical Activity, Cultural Tourism And Social Inclusion For Persons With Down Syndrome, Dana Ioana Cristea, Anca Cristina Pop, Corina Florina Tătar, Raluca Buhaș, Dariusz Jacek Olszewski-Strzyżowski, Mirela Ștef

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) need customized attention. By providing an inclusive environment and tailored cultural support, meaningful and enjoyable tourism experiences can be created for them. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the daily energy expenditure of DS individuals after undertaking a walking tour and the impact on their physical activity level. Methods: In the current study, three questionnaires were completed by the DS participants and their parents to assess the walking tour satisfaction level and social integration, the daily energy expenditure as a result of walking depending on an adapted cultural route, and the …

Stay Independent: Enhancing Healthy Aging In Iowa And Louisiana, Sarah L. Francis, Elizabeth Gollub, Savannah Schultz

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This evaluation study assessed the impact of Stay Independent participation on topic familiarity and the likelihood of making a recommended behavior change among community-residing older adults. Stay Independent focuses on the nutritional needs of older adults, emphasizing Whole Person Wellness and the Health Belief Model. It was initially created in Iowa for community-residing adults aged 60 and older and has been adapted for cultural appropriateness in Louisiana. Stay Independent is a healthy aging program consisting of six standalone food and health modules. It is offered both virtually and face-to-face (F2F) in Iowa and Louisiana. Participants who attended Stay Independent between …

What Do Rural Caregivers Need? Implications Of Formal Service Usage And The Role Of Cooperative Extension Systems, Naomi R. Meinertz, Jeong Eun Lee, Erin L. Martinez, Leacey Brown, Chelsey Byers, Sara Richie, Kathy Tutt

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The well-being of caregivers in the U.S. is a public health crisis. Caregivers experience greater rates of depression, chronic disease, and social isolation; however, the context of rural and urban living experiences creates different caregiving realities. Using two representative datasets of caregivers in the North Central and Northeast regions of the U.S., this paper examined the experiences of rural and urban caregivers in using formal support services. Rurality was negatively related to formal support service usage. Results from a multiple regression revealed a positive association between formal service utilization and caregiver well-being. These findings suggested that formal services can play …

Intergenerational Creative Movement Program: A Social Connection Intervention To Foster Health And Well-Being, Claire M. Reardon, Mohammad Khalilian, Amy F. Kostelic, Susan Thiel, Anthony R. Bardo

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

A sense of connection and belonging is widely recognized to be essential for mental health. Yet, since the COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness, social isolation, and mental health problems have remained elevated across America. Transitions into young adulthood and older age, while distinct, similarly challenge social connectedness, especially among women. Our multi-lesson education program connected first-generation female college students with college-educated forty-plus women to foster belonging and improve mental health. The program integrated dance as a creative physical activity, promoted intergenerational engagement through a humanistic focus on generativity, and used a social network approach to gauge the development of connections among participants …