Digital Commons Network^™

Unpacking Violence: Examining Socioeconomic, Psychological, And Genetic Drivers Of Gun-Related Homicide And Potential Solutions, John Menezes, Kavita Batra

Department of Plastic Surgery Faculty Research

Background: Gun-related homicide remains a persistent public health crisis in the United States, with over 48,000 firearm-related deaths reported in 2022, including 19,651 homicides and 27,032 suicides. Despite frequent calls for tighter gun control, firearm access alone does not explain the complexity of violence. Objective: This commentary aims to unpack the socioeconomic, psychological, and biological drivers of gun-related homicide and propose integrative, evidence-based solutions that extend beyond legislative reform. Methods: We synthesized data from peer-reviewed literature, national crime and health databases (e.g., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Federal Bureau of Investigation), and international reports. We examined patterns related …

Deconstructing Professionalism: The Role Of The Dress Code, Klaire Brumbaugh, Lauren Wright-Jones

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

Professionalism is a complex construct that is difficult to measure. Oftentimes in graduate training programs, adherence to a dress code is coupled with professionalism and professional behavior. This manuscript reviews dress codes in various graduate training programs. Strategies are provided for university faculty and administrators to lead their programs in developing culturally responsive practices by beginning to deconstruct dress code from the concept of professionalism.

The Relationship Between Health Status, Physical Activity, And Employment On Life Satisfaction In Adults, Lau Hung Yin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Life satisfaction is influenced by various factors such as health, physical activity, and employment status, emphasizing the multidimensional nature of well-being. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study is to examine the relationship between health status, physical activity level, and employment status on life satisfaction among adults in the U.S. The importance of this study focused on understanding how these factors influence life satisfaction. The research question focused on assessing the interconnectedness of these variables. The participants of the study are non-institutionalized civilian adults residing in the fifty states and the District of Columbia. The study involved a total sample …

Do Repeating Interprofessional (Ip) Courses Stimulate To Increased Development Of Ip Competencies?, Anders Baerheim, Ingunn Johanne Ness, Reidun Lisbeth Skeide Kjome, Merethe Hustoft, Sissel Johansson Brenna, Ane Johannessen

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

The aim of this study was to elucidate whether acquired interprofessional (IP) competencies increased with repeated IP courses. Methods. We used a cross-sectional survey including students from four IP courses at two Norwegian higher educational institutions. One site had a 1-2 weeks on-campus training for their bachelor students at the start of each of the three academic years, whilst the other site arranged a workplace-based course for final year health and social care students from both educational institutions. Students from the first site complete all three on-campus courses and the workplace-based course before completion of their education, while students …

The Impact Of Functional Disabilities On The Quality Of Life Of Older U.S. Adults, Bernadette Lavender

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Among older U.S. adults, functional disabilities are critical determinants of quality of life (QoL), influencing mobility, social engagement, and independence. Despite growing evidence of these impacts, limited research examines how healthcare access, social support, and socioeconomic factors moderate this relationship. This quantitative study explored the effects of functional disabilities on QoL, operationalized through self-reported health, while examining the moderating roles of key social determinants. Using a cross-sectional design, secondary data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were analyzed. The sample included 42,405 participants aged 60 years and above from all 50 states. Multiple regression analyses and ANOVA were employed …

Engagement In Responsible Conduct Of Research: A Descriptive Case Study Of The Factors Of Organizational Culture And Implementation Drivers That Influence Research Integrity Practice, Cortni Beth Romaine

Doctor of Philosophy in Translational Health Sciences Dissertations

This qualitative descriptive case study investigates the relationship between organizational culture and the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) across multiple research institutions. Utilizing elements of the Cultural Dynamics Model and the Implementation Drivers Framework, the study examines how institutional structures and cultural norms shape research integrity practices. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students, as well as an artifact review of institutional policies, training resources, and guidance for research best practices.

Findings revealed three key themes: (1) Microculture Experiences, where RCR engagement is largely dictated by localized lab cultures, with principal investigators (PIs) playing a …

How Can Tattoos Be Understood As Intermodal Expressive Arts Therapy?: Integrating Visual Art, Personal Narrative, And Embodied Experience: Development Of A Method, Rachel S. Hall

Expressive Therapies Theses

This paper explores the inherent intermodal nature of tattoos through the lens of expressive arts therapy, demonstrating how tattoos integrate visual art, personal narrative, and embodied experience. A group intervention was designed and implemented in an outpatient setting, drawing on existing literature and the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) to examine how tattoos function as therapeutic tools that support identity formation, emotional healing, and self-expression. The intervention guided participants through an intermodal process that began with reflective writing on identity-forming experiences, followed by visual art-making and somatic engagement. This approach illuminated the transformative potential of tattoo conceptualization within a therapeutic context, …

"La Vida Es Un Carnaval": An Exploration Of Cuban Identity And Nostalgia Through Dance/Movement Therapy - A Community Engagement Project, Maria Fernanda Mendez Mendoza

Expressive Therapies Theses

“La Vida Es Un Carnaval” is a community engagement project and thesis that explores how identity and nostalgic resilience show up through dance/movement therapy with Cuban immigrants living in the United States, specifically Massachusetts. This project brought together six Cuban-born participants, ages 26 to 67, each with their own unique migration stories; from the Rafter Balsero Crisis of 1994, to the “Wet-Foot/Dry-Foot” policy, and family reunification. Through a mix of in-person and online sessions, participants explored their experiences using intermodal activities including dance/movement therapy techniques, conversation, journaling, artwork, and music. Themes of cultural pride, “Cubanía” – Cuban-ness, culture shock, and …

Shifting To A Culture Of Inclusion By Design: Applying A Mixed-Methods Approach To Advance Accessibility Of Public Health Emergency Information & Communication Technology, Jessica L. Franks, Erin Vinoski Thomas

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience inequities in access to timely, accurate, and understandable information and communication technology (ICT), which increases risk for public health emergency (PHE)-related health disparities and impedes opportunities to achieve optimal health. This study assessed federal COVID-19 webpage accessibility levels and explored existing knowledge of and experience with filing accessibility complaints for federal ICT among adults with IDD. Through a mixed-methods approach, we evaluated compliance with accessibility standards for 18 federal agencies’ COVID-19 webpages (study 1) and interviewed 16 adults with IDD about experiences accessing federal webpages and filing accessibility complaints (study 2). We …

Generative Ai For Thematic Analysis In A Maternal Health Study: Coding Semistructured Interviews Using Large Language Models, Shan Qiao, Xingyu Fang, Junbo Wang, Ran Zhang, Xiaoming Li, Yuhao Kang

Faculty Publications

Study Objectives: The coding of semistructured interview transcripts is a critical step for thematic analysis of qualitative data. However, the coding process is often labor-intensive and time-consuming. The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) presents new opportunities to enhance the efficiency of qualitative coding. This study proposed a computational pipeline using GenAI to automatically extract themes from interview transcripts. Methods: Using transcripts from interviews conducted with maternity care providers in South Carolina, we leveraged ChatGPT for inductive coding to generate codes from interview transcripts without a predetermined coding scheme. Structured prompts were designed to instruct ChatGPT to generate and summarize …

Nurturing The Future: Understanding Maternal Knowledge Of Child Development In Oman, Watfa Al-Mamari, Ahmed B. Idris, Saquib Jalees, Muna Al-Jabri, Mohammed A. Mirghani, Dina Al Khalili, Asila Al Yarubi, Jamana Al Zadjali, Zahra Al Lawati, Ayat Al Lawati, Ahmed Al Saidi, Kamila Al Alawi, Sathiya Murthi, Wafa S. Al-Maamari

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the knowledge of Omani women of childbearing age concerning infant developmental care. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1,006 Omani women of childbearing age, recruited from outpatient clinics at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (response rate = 71%). Their knowledge was evaluated using the Knowledge of Infant Development Inventory (KIDI), a validated self-report questionnaire. The KIDI scores were analysed to identify associations with demographic variables such as women’s age, education level, employment status and number of children. Data were collected from June 2023 to October 2023. Results: The mean age of the participating women was 31.6 …

Climate Change Impacts On Drinking Water Security: A Comparative Study In Australia’S Remote Central Australia And Torres Strait Islands, Nina Lansbury, Julia Bradford, Sandra J. Creamer, Geoffrey Evans

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are well adapted to the many different environments in which they have lived for thousands of years. However, their environments and communities are highly vulnerable to impacts of anthropogenic climate change, including increasing threats to the security of drinking water supplies. Climate change is intensifying the significant social and economic disadvantage Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities face from poverty, poor housing, and poor health including high exposure to infectious and other diseases. Lack of sufficient safe, clean, drinking water could force Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to leave their homelands, adding …

Centralising Local Aboriginal Language And Culture In Healthy Skin Books On The See Treat Prevent (Stop) Trial In The Kimberley Region Of Western Australia: A Process And Impact Inquiry, Tracy Mcrae, Kelli Mcintosh, Hannah Mm Thomas, Stephanie Enkel, Abbey Ford, John Jacky, Slade Sibosado, Marianne Mullane, Alexandra Whelan, Rebecca Dalton, Juli Coffin, Jonathan R. Carapetis, Roz Walker, Asha C Bowen

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Language is significant for communicating knowledge across cultures and generations and has the power to attribute meanings and alter our worldviews. More than 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders languages were spoken in 1788. This number has diminished to approximately 110 languages spoken in 2016, of which 90% were considered endangered in 2019. Language custodians and speakers across Australia are working to preserve and ensure languages are strongly spoken into the future. Language revitalisation initiatives can facilitate (re)connection to Country, cultures and communities and be recognised as acts of reconciliation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In a health …

Observed And Reported Outcomes Following Experiential Cultural Capability And Clinical Yarning Training For Clinicians Treating Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People With Persistent Pain, Stuart Ekberg, Renata F. I Meuter, Ivan Lin, Roslyn Rowen, Angela Kinnell, Eva Malacova, Tania Waring, Kushla Houkamau, Marayah Taylor, Matthew Bryant, Jermaine Isua, Andrew Claus, Paul Gray, Joseph Kluver, Christina M. Bernardes, Greg Pratt

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Communication is recognised as crucial to culturally safe healthcare, and poor communication remains a major reason that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people do not access healthcare. This pragmatic, pre-post comparison study employed mixed methods to evaluate cultural capability and clinical yarning training delivered to 57 clinicians supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at three persistent pain management services in Queensland, Australia. Observable outcomes of the training were evaluated by video recording clinicians’ training experiences and seven consultations with patients that occurred either pre- or post-training. Reported outcomes were evaluated by using a modified Cultural Safety Survey (CSS), which …

From Oversight To Insight: Enhancing Vte Prophylaxis Through System-Level Improvements, Nehar Damle, Jessica Cobb, Jordan Feingold, Yunisse Gonzalez, Lamya Jaigirdar, Sheraz Qamar, Claire Ketchem

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Background

- Hospitalized patients – particularly those with prior venous thromboembolism (VTE), reduced mobility, severe sepsis, and operative procedures - are at significantly elevated risk for recurrent VTE events^1-4

- Although clinical evidence supports use of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis in highrisk patients, gaps in delivery remain common (highlighted below):

• Miscommunication between managing teams
• Unclear documentation
• Lack of standardized peri-procedural protocols
• Challenges in care coordination

- Missed or delayed VTE prophylaxis represents a frequent and preventable threat to inpatient safety

- We present a near miss event involving a hospitalized patient with severe sepsis and history of pulmonary embolism within …

Utility Of Community Partnership And Sustainable Street Outreach, Daniel Lee, Hannah Klinghoffer, Mallika Kodavatiganti, Luke Benedict, Kelsey Van Housen, Ashley Wetzel, Lele Yang, Alisha Agarwal, Shane Nieves, Charlotte Harris, Jessica Lely, Vinh Dang, Ivel Morales, Md

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Background

• 14,088 individuals experience homelessness (IEH) across the state of Pennsylvania, with over 50% concentrated in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia¹
• In late 2021, only 4 medical school programs existed that conducted street outreach to support individuals experiencing homelessness in Pennsylvania before the pandemic.² None existed at the undergraduate level.
• Street outreach has been linked to increased motivation of IEH to seek services by removing stigma via positive, nonjudgmental relationships.^3,4

Visiting Medical Student Stipends In The Us | An Analysis Of Equity Within Physiatry, Ashley Otto, Do, Mbs, Jeffrey Gray, Md, Summer Nestorowicz, Md, Adrian Oppong, Md, Ms, Oluseye Raymond, Md, Andrew Walrond, Md, Alexis Tingan, Md, Marisa Moreta, Do

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Introduction & Aims

Health inequities are ubiquitous throughout medicine especially pertaining to accessibility, affordability, and availability. These challenges disproportionately affect minorities- both patients and providers alike [3,4]. Patient outcomes have been shown to improve when treated by physicians of similar backgrounds [3,4,7]. The journey to improve outcomes begins with pre-residency rotations; medical students who can complete audition rotations have an increased opportunity to matriculate into said residency program. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R), like many specialties, is disproportionately represented by men and Caucasians [1,5, 8] with the greatest drop in URM representation occurring between applicants and residents [Escalon]. This project …

The Effect Of Targeted Outreach To Improve Cpap Adherence In Patients With Socioeconomic Disparities, Henry Ideker, Md, Ethan Zheng, Ba, Stephen White, Md, Ritu Grewal, Md

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Introduction

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is first line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults given its high efficacy; however, it is limited by poor patient compliance
• Socioeconomic disparities are known to be associated with significantly worse health outcomes and adherence to therapy¹
• Area deprivation index (ADI) is a validated tool that highlights populations with high socioeconomic disparities on a neighborhood level.² Prior research in our department in 2022 demonstrated significantly worse CPAP adherence in OSA patients with higher ADI scores.³
• Initial CPAP use has been shown to predict long-term adherence, and strategies to maximize …

Framing The Future: A Community Health Analysis Of The Pee Dee Region, Stephen Borders, Jean Anton, Rian Fontaine, Donielle Phillips, Treyton Ringer, Jessica Robinson, Caitlin Thompkins

Public Health

This report presents a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of community health across South Carolina’s Pee Dee region, encompassing Florence, Darlington, Chesterfield, Marlboro, Marion, and Dillon Counties. Using tract-level data from CDC PLACES, the U.S. Census, and the National Provider Identifier registry, it assesses chronic health conditions, health behaviors, and social determinants of health. The analysis incorporates the South Carolina Healthy Communities Index (SCHCI) and a Suitability Analysis to identify the region’s most disadvantaged communities. The findings highlight persistent disparities, particularly in rural counties, where high rates of poverty, chronic disease, and unmet basic needs intersect with limited access to care. Despite …

“Invisible Populations”: A Policy Brief Approach To Address Housing Data Needs In Vulnerable Communities, Kristin E. Moser

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background: Dependent adult children with severe mental illness (ASMI) living with aging parents have been an increasing population over decades due to lack of supportive housing and services in the community. ASMI living with aging parents is a high-risk group for housing instability and future homelessness. Local Problem: A limited amount of literature and data exist to determine the size and needs of the population of ASMI living with aging parents. A collaboration with University of San Francisco (USF) and non-profit, Solutions for Supportive Homes (S4SH) of San Mateo County (SMC) formed to disseminate information and quantify the “invisible …

Group Therapy For Young Adults With Intellectual Disabilities And Anxiety, Rayah Secrist

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

The purpose of this Ed.S. project is to propose a therapy group for individuals with intellectual disabilities who are struggling with anxiety. This paper will explore the literature on social and emotional barriers, mental health access inequality, and evidence-based practices in therapy for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Drawing on the research, this paper aims to provide clinicians with a guide for leading effective therapy groups tailored to this specific demographic.

How Returning To Work And Sense Of Belonging Influence Acquired Brain Injury Survivors: A Descriptive Case Study, Shaina Saribay-Talana

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose. This capstone project explored the experiences of an individual with acquired brain injury (ABI) returning to work (RTW), highlighting their sense of belonging (SoB) in the workplace. While literature emphasizes SoB's importance for mental health and quality of life, its impact on workplace reintegration for ABI individuals is underexplored. This project intended to address the gap in understanding ABI individuals' workplace belonging, potentially enhancing OT practices and outcomes for reintegration.Methods. A descriptive single case study approach using a qualitative phenomenology methodology, including semi-structured interviews and site observations, was used to gather insights from an individual who has re-entered the …

Unmasking Masculinities In Counseling: From Conformity To Connection, Kyle R. Rose

Dissertations, 2020-current

This dissertation explored the entanglements of professional counseling and masculinities across three manuscripts, to contribute to (1) healthier forms of gender expression within and beyond the spectrum of masculinities for individuals, (2) the counseling profession’s role in transforming hegemonic masculinity within communities, and (3) larger movements to subvert the patriarchy throughout society. The first manuscript is a conceptual article that presented the Relational Cultural Privileged Identity Counseling (RCPIC) model, an integrative framework designed to help counselors address hegemonic masculinity within the therapeutic relationship. Drawing from Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) and Privileged Identity Exploration (PIE), this model provided a roadmap for compassionate …

"Bridging Research, Outreach, And Care: Advancing Community-Driven Cancer Solutions", Rachel M. Ceballos Phd​, Angie Fausett Agnp-C, Dnp​, Allison Foust Mha, Mches​

Utah Conference on Community Engagement

"This panel will provide an overview of Huntsman Cancer Institute’s (HCI) collaborative efforts to enhance cancer care through innovative community outreach and local treatment programs, with a specific focus on rural outreach and care. Panelists will discuss HCI’s approach to fostering partnerships with community champions, integrating regional outreach through initiatives like the Mountain West Cancer Collaborative (MWCC), and expanding local treatment options to increase accessibility and equity in care, especially in rural areas. By highlighting how these initiatives align with HCI’s mission to reduce cancer disparities, the panel will emphasize strategies for improving cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship in underserved …

Strengthening Community Health Through Dementia Listening Sessions, Raven Albertson

Utah Conference on Community Engagement

"This session explores innovative strategies for strengthening community health through dementia listening sessions and engagement, equipping community partners with the knowledge to make informed decisions regarding dementia care and support. Participants will gain insights into effective partnership-building, impactful dementia education delivery, and strategies for fostering meaningful community involvement through community listening sessions and collaboration. Through a live listening session workshop, attendees will participate in interactive discussions, inform efforts in Utah communities, and acquire practical tools to drive sustainable, community-led improvements in dementia care and support."

Asking About Gender Identity In Pediatric And Adolescent Gynecology Clinic: Patient, Family And Provider Perspectives (The Reflective Study), Madeline Ross, Hariye Sema Baghaki, Hannah Suffian, Lauren Roth, Jeanette Higgins, Tazim Dowlut-Mcelroy

Research Days

Background

The provision of medical and psychosocial support requires the identification of gender diverse individuals in health care settings. However, in primary care settings, some adolescents and parents expressed that gender identity screening (GIS) was offensive and clinicians expressed that GIS negatively affected their workflow. We sought to assess the acceptability and feasibility of GIS in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (PAG) clinics of a large tertiary care children’s hospital in the United States (US) Midwest.

Methods

A GIS survey developed in the US West Coast was modified with permission. After IRB approval, the anonymous single-site cross-sectional survey was administered to …

Assessment Of The Risk Factors Affecting Diabetes Outcome In Kumasi Metropolis Of Ghana, Audrey Jacobs

Honors College Theses

This paper examines Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana risk factors for diabetes outcomes, considering the prominent determinants such as geographic location, income, and educational level. Such determinants play a role when it comes to shaping health outcomes, with research indicating positive correlation between per capita expenditure on healthcare and life expectancy. In spite of that, inequalities do occur, even in developing nations such as Ghana, where minimal health care investment impacts poor health outcomes. Socioeconomic factors, including low living conditions, poor access to healthcare, and illiteracy, reinforce health disparities, especially in rural areas. Informed by a review of past research, we hypothesized …

Sevier County Adventures - Poster Presentation, Jori Kloosterman, Anna Gilliam

Utah Conference on Community Engagement

"The Sevier County Adventures is a community engagement series of events that are fun for all and center on 4 community-identified needs; mental health, substance abuse, suicide, and parenting/family relationships. Once a quarter in 2025, the USU Sevier County Extension Office and the Central Utah Health Department, in conjunction with other entities, will hold community events to provide resources and information that highlight a specific need from the 4 community-identified needs. 1-Mental Health Game Night – Participants will be given a resource packet with information on local providers and teams will play an escape room game box. 2-Home Run for …

Exploring The Landscape Of Animal Advocacy In Egypt: Insights Into Stray, Wildlife, And Farmed Animal Rights, Yara Moussa, Wasseem Emam

General - Animal Protection

This article examines the landscape of animal advocacy in Egypt, a nascent and growing field in one of Africa’s largest economies and most densely populated countries. It focuses on three types of animal advocacy: 1) stray animal welfare, 2) wildlife conservation, and 3) farmed animal welfare. The paper critically analyses current practices and trends in each of these areas, highlighting the main challenges and opportunities facing the growth of the movement. Our research draws on insights from interviews with active animal welfare organizations, situating their practical experiences, daily operational struggles, as well as instances of success, within Egypt’s wider socio-economic …

Program Evaluation Of The Behavioral Interventions Monitoring Assessment System-2 For High School Students In Rural Nebraska, Laura Burnett, Lakin Braman

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Behavioral and mental health issues among adolescents in rural areas often go unrecognized due to limited access to screening and intervention. This study evaluated the efficacy of the BIMAS- 2 tool in identifying at-risk high school students in a rural Nebraska high school. Methods: A retrospective cohort program evaluation was conducted over two years with 263 students in grades 9-12. The BIMAS-2 assessment was administered electronically each semester, followed by in-person mental health interviews. Descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square tests assessed the tool’s sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value. Results: The BIMAS-2 demonstrated high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (96.15%), with a …