Digital Commons Network^™

[Review Of The Book The Prescription-To-Prison Pipeline: The Medicalization And Criminalization Of Pain, By M. Smirnova], Hayley Jackey

Sociology & Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

[Introduction] Smirnova’s The Prescription-to-Prison Pipeline offers a critical examination of the impacts of prescription drugs as well as the over-policing and policies created to push individuals into the carceral system rather than providing other options for assistance. Smirnova further captures the social inequalities of race and class of those encased in this pipeline. Within this understanding of the detriment that the system, medical providers, and society place on those who use substances, Smirnova’s use of interviews allows for a clear understanding of how these systems work in conjunction to uphold the pipeline.

Effects Of Differential Stress And Mental Health On Substance Use Among College Students, Avdi S. Avdija, Arif Akgul

Sociology & Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

Substance use among college students is often seen as a coping mechanism for some students who are prone to extreme stress, depression, or anxiety. Multiple forms of stress become the leading factors that push students toward substance use. This study tests the effects of college stressors, depression, and anxiety on substance use among college students. The results are based on the data that were collected using a 101-item questionnaire administered to 302 college students at a public university in the Midwest U.S.A. Using Logistic Regression as the primary data analysis technique, the findings of this study show that social stressors …

“Being Treated As The Expert:” A Blueprint For A Community Advisory Board Approach To Elevate The Voice Of People With Living Experience With Substance Use In Academic Research, Trevor Moffitt, Survivors Union Of The Bluegrass, Bryson Henson, April M. Young, Sharon L. Walsh, Rachel Vickers-Smith, Junior Cruz, Jeremy Byard, Brook West, Amanda Fallin-Bennett

Nursing Faculty Publications

Introduction: Researchers have traditionally engaged Community Advisory Boards (CABs) to meaningfully involve community members in the research process. However, CABs are often formed only after a grant is funded, leading to criticisms of functioning merely as “ethical approvers.” For substance use researchers, the inclusion of people with living experience (PWLE; current experience with drug use) across all stages of research is especially important as they have historically been the experts in the needs of their community.   Methods: In response to this need for community engagement in research, the University of Kentucky, in partnership with a local recovery community center (RCC; …

Emotionally Healthy Black Men: Guidelines For Supporting Mental Health Treatment For Black Men In Ohio, Eira Nichell Yates

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study examines the barriers that prevent Black men in Ohio from seeking treatment for depression and other mental health conditions and explores strategies to improve engagement and outcomes. Although depression is the most prevalent mental health disorder in the United States, it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated among Black men, contributing to persistent mental health disparities. The limited body of research addressing help-seeking behaviors within this population necessitated the use of a Delphi methodology to obtain expert consensus on key challenges and promising practices. A panel of subject-matter experts in mental health, social services, and culturally responsive care participated in …

Navigating An Uncharted Path: Chief Diversity Officer Challenges In Creating And Implementing A Dei Strategy Plan Within Major Hospital Systems, Diane Shines Mcdaniel

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This qualitative phenomenological study investigated the major challenges Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) face when creating and implementing DEI strategy plans within major hospital systems in the United States. The study was guided by one research question: What are the major challenges that Chief Diversity Officers face in creating and implementing a DEI strategy plan within major U.S. hospital systems? A phenomenological design was used to examine the challenges of six Chief Diversity Officers serving in major U.S. hospitals as they led DEI strategy planning and implementation. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews consisting of eight open-ended questions designed to elicit …

Association Between Internet Use For Health Information And Alzheimer’S Disease Diagnosis Among Older Adults With Diabetes In The United States: Examining Racial And Gender Disparities, Henry M. Zeidan

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study uses data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) Round 13, collected in 2024, to examine whether internet use for health information is associated with Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis among older adults with diabetes in the United States. Given the rising adoption of digital health, understanding who benefits from online health resources is increasingly important. The research also examines whether these associations differ across racial and gender groups, offering insight into potential disparities in digital health engagement and cognitive outcomes. Findings from this study will inform clinical practice, public health programming, and strategies to ensure equitable access …

Role-Playing For Rehabilitation: Enhancing Empathy Among Juveniles In Correctional Facilities, Nina Permatasari, Muhammad Arsyad, Muhammad Andri Setiawan, Hendro Yulius Suryo Putro, Muhammad Fajar Riva’I, Wiwik Widyanti

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study examines the effectiveness of role-playing-based counseling services in enhancing empathy among children at Juvenile Rehabilitation Center Class I Martapura. Employing a quantitative approach, the research utilized a one-group pre-test post-test experimental design to measure changes in empathy levels before and after the intervention. A total of 32 children participated in the study. Data were collected using two instruments: the Empathy Scale and the Role-Playing Engagement Questionnaire. The intervention consisted of structured role-playing sessions designed to improve both cognitive and affective components of empathy. Data analysis using paired sample t-tests revealed a statistically significant increase in empathy scores, with …

Bibliometric Analysis: Publish Or Perish And Vosviewer For Research Trends On Online Violence (2023–2025), Indriyana Rachmawati, Widya Juwita Sari, Sesya Dias Mumpuni

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

Cases of online violence have become increasingly widespread since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which individuals began to grow dependent on the digital world. The digital realm has become a fundamental aspect of human life, bringing with it new forms of online violence. Online violence such as threats, hate speech, harassment, and bullying has emerged as a new weapon to control, isolate, and even torment affected victims. However, only a small body of literature has explored the changing nature of online violence following COVID-19. This study aims to review the literature on patterns of online violence post-pandemic, focusing …

Stigmatization And Healthcare Inequity Perceived By Individuals Served By Homeless Shelters In An Appalachian City, Molly Powney, James M. Mears, Reagan Sharp, Lisa Calderwood

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: People experiencing homelessness are medically vulnerable and suffer disproportionately from chronic physical and mental health conditions. Evidence-based standards to inform decisions surrounding care would be valuable for this population. Studies exploring how homeless individuals in Appalachia perceive their interactions with the healthcare system remain limited, however.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess perceptions of the healthcare system among homeless individuals served by temporary housing shelters in an Appalachian city.

Methods: A voluntary anonymous survey was administered to residents at three shelters in Charleston, West Virginia (WV) from September 2023 – March 2024. Responses were collected utilizing …

Best Integrated Writing Fall 2025 - Complete Edition, Wright State University School Of Humanities And Cultural Studies, Tracy Smith, Kristie Mckiernan

Best Integrated Writing

Best Integrated Writing includes excellent student writing from Integrated Writing courses taught at Wright State University.

Workplace Violence: A Paradigm Shift, Ann Marie Hutchens

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Workplace violence (WPV) has reached epidemic proportions. WPV poses devastating results on the healthcare industry: affecting quality of care and patient outcomes, contribute to the development of physical and psychological conditions for nurses, and reduce the healthcare teams’ level of job satisfaction and organizational commitment. The United States is already facing a nursing shortage due to baby boomers retiring and an increase chronic disease and the elder population. Although strongly prevalent, WPV is significantly underreported. It is believed that the low rate of reporting is a consequence of apathy that violence is an occupational hazard, and that nothing will change. …

Reducing Opioid Overdose Harm Through Narcan Access And Education, Shane Alexander Role Alihan, Jared Timothy Chua, Siwapond (Taylor) Yuen, Matthew Reynon

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

Background: The overuse of opioids has led to an epidemic that affects the health of young adults in Sacramento, CA. Social and economic factors have influenced the use of opioids which has led those individuals to acquire an addiction and dependency to such drugs. This age group is typically engaged in college and career-minded endeavors. Thus, the impact on this age group is substantial, requiring impactful interventions.

Aim: The purpose of this intervention is to provide a foundation for educating those affected by opioid overdose. This strategic goal is to equip students at the University of the Pacific’s Entry-Level …

Help-Seeking Among Early Adolescents Who Use Physical Peer Violence, Kelli Franco, Elizabeth Baumler, Leila Wood, Heidi Adams Rueda, Jeffrey R Temple

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Despite accumulating research on help-seeking among violence victims, little is known about help-seeking among youth who use violence. In a racially and ethnically diverse sample of early adolescents (N=2,676; 50.3% female; Mage=12.67), participants self-reported physical bullying, physical fighting, physical dating violence perpetration, and help-seeking intentions over the past year. T-tests and one-way ANOVAs examined help-seeking by sex and race, respectively. Prevalence and comparisons of help-seeking across youth with and without any violence were examined. Youth who used any physical peer violence (n=965) reported lower help-seeking intentions than their peers, and among violent youth, males reported …

Enhancing Adherence To Veterans Affairs/Department Of Defense And American Psychiatric Association Clinical Guidelines For Alcohol Use Disorder, Corinna M. Trevino

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Alcohol use disorder continues to be significantly undertreated within outpatient behavioral health settings, particularly concerning pharmacological interventions. Despite the presence of robust national clinical guidelines recommending medications such as naltrexone for individuals with moderate to severe dependence, the rates of prescribing these medications remain modest owing to inconsistent screening procedures, limited referral practices, and provider follow-through barriers. This project was implemented at a substance use treatment center in a large metropolitan area to improve adherence to clinical practice guidelines. The purpose of this project was to increase prescribing of naltrexone and improve referral for patients with moderate to severe alcohol …

Black Women’S Experiences Accessing Health Care And Law Enforcement After Intimate Partner Violence: A Qualitative Pilot Study, Kaylen M. Moore, Linda M. Wesp, Jeneile Luebke, Peninnah M. Kako

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background:

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health issue impacting millions of people each year. Black women constitute 14% of the US population but alarmingly comprise 31% of homicides resulting from IPV. African American women survivors of IPV experience intersecting impacts of racism, sexism, and historical mistrust. This research aimed to raise awareness about their experiences of violence and perceptions of institutional support.

Objective:

This study sought to explore African American women’s experiences with IPV and navigation of health care and law enforcement after experiences of violence.

Method:

Critical ethnography was used as an approach for this qualitative …

Unraveling The Links Between Substance Use And Academic Motivation In Higher Education, Melissa Lynn Goins

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

Self-Determination Theory (SDT) posits that the quality of students’ motivation regulation (i.e., autonomous versus controlled) shapes both learning and health behavior, yet few studies have examined the relations among motivation regulation, alcohol and cannabis use, and achievement. In this study, I surveyed 459 undergraduates at a mid-sized public university in the southeastern United States. Participants completed the Academic Motivation Scale-College version 28 to assess autonomous and controlled motivation regulation, a typical-week alcohol grid, a seven-day cannabis grid, and self-reported grade point average (GPA). Results indicated that autonomous academic motivation was uniquely related to GPA; however, neither motivation variable related to …

Exploring The Impact Of Identity-Based Bullying On Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors Among 6th-12th Grade Youth In Virginia, Camille N. Johnson

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) are a growing public health concern among youth. Bullying victimization is a robust risk factor for STBs and identity-based bullying (IBB) or bullying that occurs due to a person’s actual or perceived social-identity/identities that is ingrained in discrimination, prejudice, or bias, has been found to be more strongly associated with STBs compared to bullying that was unrelated to identity. The current study used data from the Virginia School Survey of Climate and Working Conditions (N=399,493) to examine associations between general bullying, adult-perpetrated bullying, and IBB with depression and STBs among 6th-12th grade youth. This study …

Post-Release Health Insurance Utilization Among Ex-Prisoners: A Scoping Review, Icha Khaerunnisa, Megah Andriany, Luky Dwiantoro

Kesmas

The lack of health insurance coverage after prison release significantly reduces access to essential healthcare services, hindering the continuity of care during community reintegration. The evidence on studies of health insurance use following prison release is limited. This scoping review aimed to summarize research on health insurance utilization after release from prison. Literature searches were conducted across databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus. Relevant articles were selected through a two-stage screening process. Data were extracted from the included studies and presented in tabular and descriptive formats. The keywords used were "health insurance AND post-release" and "inmates OR prisoners." This scoping …

Transdisciplinary Perspectives On Ai: The Fourth Annual Conference Of The European Culture And Technology Laboratory, Connell Vaughan, Ioana Madalina Moldovan, Silivan Moldovan, Noel Fitzpatrick

Books/Book Chapters

The fourth annual conference of the ECT Lab+ was hosted by Technical University of Cluj-Napoca over two days in October 2024 at the Cluj Innovation Park. The conference brought together experts from the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Technology, and other fields to discuss and reflect on the advent of Artificial Intelligence and how the associated technologies are transforming how we live, work and study. Under the title Transdisciplinary perspectives on AI: Alternative Histories, Current Practices and Possible Futures the conference moved beyond simplistic technophila and technophobia to consider whether we can co-evolve with these new technologies which combine machine learning …

Prior Incarceration And Dental Insurance Trajectories Throughout Older Adulthood, A Testa, L Mijares, D B Jackson, V Maroufy, R Samper-Ternent, A C Neumann, R Mungia, K T Ganson, J M Nagata, T Oates

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objectives: This study examines the relationship between prior incarceration and dental insurance trajectories throughout older adulthood.

Methods: A nationally representative sample of adults aged 55 y and older who participated in the 2012-2020 Health and Retirement Survey was analyzed (n = 6,383). Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify distinct patterns of dental insurance coverage across the 8 survey waves. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the association between prior incarceration and dental insurance trajectory group membership.

Results: Four dental insurance trajectories were identified: persistent dental insurance (30.0%), intermittent high insurance (16.4%), intermittent low insurance (20.4%), and no …

Psychopharmacologic Management Of Serious Mental Illness In State Prisons, Clarel Neuvieme

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project focused on developing and evaluating an evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the psychopharmacologic management of serious mental illness (SMI) in a state correctional health system. The project explored a critical practice gap: the unavailability of standardized, evidence-based prescribing and monitoring protocols for incarcerated individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder with psychotic features, or bipolar disorder. The evidence-based project was structured around the central question: “Will an interprofessional team achieve consensus on updating the clinical practice guideline for psychopharmacologic management of serious mental illness in state prisons, thereby improving consistency and quality …

Volume 5 November '25 Full Issue, Donna Williams

Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association

No abstract provided.

Data Driven Policies: An Ideal For Louisiana's Juvenile Justice System, Stephen Phillippi, Sara Juneau, Kelsey Witmeier, Victoria Sacco

Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association

Background: Data collection and monitoring efforts among juvenile justice agencies have grown exponentially in the United States over the last 50 years. Despite widespread recognition that reliable data is essential to developing strategic evidence-based policies, there are still considerable gaps among the states and locally. In Louisiana, legislators and decision-makers have worked towards advancing juvenile justice policy reforms in recent decades, though the resulting outcomes remain unclear. The goals of the current study were to identify existing data reporting strengths and gaps within the Louisiana juvenile justice system (JJS) and examine how such reports might be better used in data-driven …

Pediatric Firearm Injuries In A Major Urban Louisiana City: A Deadly Public Health Issue, Morgan Brown, Jenny Stevens, Jose Cruz Ayala, Claudia Leonardi, Alison Smith, Fabienne Gray

Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association

Background: In 2019, firearm injuries surpassed motor vehicle collisions as the leading cause of pediatric death in the US. In Louisiana, firearm injuries represent the leading cause of pediatric death since 2013. A more comprehensive understanding of risk factors associated with pediatric firearm injury is needed to improve outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review from 2016-2023 of pediatric trauma patients presenting to a Level I Adult Trauma Center & Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in a major urban Louisiana city was performed. Demographics, mechanism of injury, and injury intent were evaluated. Results: Among 8,832 patients, 1,116 (12.6%) sustained firearm injuries. Among …

Understanding The U.S. Maternal Healthcare System At The Intersection Of Asian American Birth Outcomes And The Model Minority Stereotype: A Literature Review, Sophia Hevel

University Honors Theses

This thesis aims to explore the maternal healthcare system in the United States as it pertains to Asian American birthing people, the ways in which their racial, ethnic, and cultural identities are interacted with within the U.S. Healthcare system, and subsequently the detrimental effects of the medical system's devaluation of culturally specific birthing and postpartum practices have on Asian American birthing experiences. This will be accomplished through an exploration of the United States' maternal healthcare system, or rather, its crisis; how Asian Americans navigate a system that has not been structured to support their specific needs; and lastly, a discussion …

Separating The Wheat From The Chaff: A Quantitative Pilot Study Of Biblical Christian Spirituality As A Regulator Of Dark Triad Personality Traits, Patricia L. Elston

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of the psychological literature on Christianity as a regulator of Dark Triad personality traits over the last 25 years revealed just a handful of quantitative and qualitative studies that relied exclusively upon long-standardized constructs drawn from cultural Christian ideology. Such constructs remain in direct contrast to biblical tenets to opine that Christianity has no important impact upon the development and persistence of highly aversive Dark Triad social attributes. The current quantitative pilot study was conducted in a small sample (n=26) of adult male and female born-again members of an international Evangelical Christian motorcycle ministry whose primary recruitment is …

A Credibility-Driven Evaluation Of A Community-Based Perinatal Substance Use Disorder Collaborative Care Model, Christina M. Jäderholm, Teshanee T. Williams, Brad M. Wipfli, Lynne C. Messer, Liana B. Winett

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Introduction:

Effectively treating substance use disorder (SUD) during pregnancy is critical to preventing adverse health outcomes for both parents and children, including overdose death and family separation. Although evidence supports investing in parental recovery through comprehensive care and support, these approaches remain under-examined, with community perspectives often marginalized due to evaluation challenges. This study evaluated the Substance Use Network (SUN) program, a community-based perinatal SUD recovery model in North Carolina.MethodsWe used a patient-focused journey mapping approach to assess participant engagement, health outcomes, and alignment between participant and provider experiences. The evaluation used a mixed-methods approach, incorporating participant medical record review …

Book Review: "Take Your Own Advice" By Jeffrey Marsh, Kristy Carlisle

Journal of Human Services Scholarship and Interprofessional Collaboration

This review examines Take Your Own Advice by Jeffrey Marsh as a teaching tool for cultivating ethical presence, mindfulness, and professional identity in human services and counseling education. Grounded in compassion-based, trauma-informed principles, Marsh’s eight guiding rules invite readers to shift from control and perfectionism toward authenticity, acceptance, and values-based living. These concepts directly reflect mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) practices and expound upon self-compassion, boundary awareness, and cultural humility. Through workbook activities, students find ways to practice emotional regulation and ethical reflection. Drawing connections to the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) and Council for …

Telepsychiatry For Veterans Who Are Homeless, Vivian J. White

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This project was a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for mental health providers to expand telepsychiatry services to veterans who are homeless in a day treatment center. The practice problem was the lack of a standardized approach to increase access to mental health care. This CPG supports nurses in implementing evidence-based interventions to reduce mental health disparities and promote equitable care delivery for veterans who are homeless. The guideline was aimed to ensure safe, effective, and coordinated mental health care through integration with interprofessional teams. The project question was: Does the evidence support development of a CPG for provision of telepsychiatry …

The Progression Of Deinstitutionalization And Its Effects On The American South: A Judicial Analysis Of 20th-Century United States Supreme Court Decisions, Eva-Marie V. Jones

Honors College Theses

This thesis explores the effects of four landmark Supreme Court cases on the deinstitutionalization movement in the American south. Previous literature frequently discusses the legislative implications of this era; however, no law is applicable without the interpretation and application of the judiciary, which so often contextualizes the greater public perspective. Rarely has an analysis of judicial decisions involving psychiatric care merged with regional focus, and certainly not in a format accessible to the average individual.

From unmarked graves to abandoned infrastructure, the legacy of historic psychiatric care in the United States has been largely obscured – yet its consequences continue …