Digital Commons Network^™

Gestational Diabetes And Social Determinants Of Health In Black Women, Darianne Greenwood

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) poses significant health risks, specifically increasing the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes post-delivery, as well as increasing the risk of adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes. Black women, in particular, experience disproportionately higher rates of GDM incidence, severity, and complications in comparison to White women. Biological factors alone do not account for these disparities, necessitating a deeper examination into how systemic factors, particularly the social environment, influence these inequitable health outcomes. The purpose of this comprehensive literature review is to answer the question: “How do the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), such as residential segregation, food …

A Literature Review Of Estrogen Synthesis And Metabolizing Enzymes Produced By The Human Gut Microbiome And Their Correlation With Cancer, Rebecca Cederberg

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

The link between estrogen and cancer initiation or progression has been well established; such that the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO IARC) has classified several estrogen therapies and estrogenic compounds as group 1 carcinogens. Estrogen and/or its receptors have been associated with reproductive cancers such as breast, ovarian, endometrial, and prostate, as well as lymphomas, lung, and colon cancers. Additionally, elevated levels of estrogen and altered gut microbiomes are also associated with increased rates of breast cancer. More recently, microbial genes that are capable of synthesizing estrogen and deconjugating estrogen metabolites have been identified, and …

Health Disparities In El Paso's Low-Income Hispanic Communities: A Mixed-Methods Analysis Of Acculturation, Obesity Metrics, And Socio-Cultural Determinants, Karen Del Rio

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Health disparities among low-income Hispanic immigrants in the United States are shaped by complex interactions between acculturation, structural inequality, and socio-cultural determinants that behavioral and epidemiological models have not fully explained. This dissertation examines the relationship between acculturation and obesity-related outcomes among uninsured and low-income Hispanic adults of Mexican descent in El Paso, Texas, using a three-article, sequential, explanatory, mixed-methods design grounded in Latina/o Critical Race Theory (LatCrit).Article 1 presents a systematic review of 20 peer-reviewed studies examining acculturation and obesity among Mexican Americans, finding consistent evidence that longer U.S. residence is associated with increased BMI and obesity prevalence, mediated …

Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) Vaccine Acceptance: A Mixed-Methods Study And Randomized Controlled Trial Examining Messengers Of Hpv Vaccine Information Among Hispanic Parents, Alyssa Andrea Martinez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Hispanics make up 19.5% of the U.S. population, making them the nation's largest ethnic minority. Hispanics are disproportionately impacted by health outcomes, including many different types of cancers that are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). An HPV vaccine is available that can prevent 90% of HPV associated cancers. The purpose of this mixed-methods study and randomized experiment is to develop and test data-driven digital health messages to promote the HPV vaccine in Hispanic parents. Four specific aims were conducted among three major studies. Aim 1 (Study 1): A cross-sectional survey was conducted to obtain preliminary evidence on trusted messengers …

The 2026 Mda Award Winners: Recognizing Outstanding Service, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article lists the recipients of the 2026 MDA awards, highlighting their contributions to the dental profession and public health. Notable winners include Dr. Christopher Smiley, recipient of the Meritorious Award for a lifetime of achievement in dental journalism and leadership, and Dr. Charles Burling, honored as Dentist Citizen of the Year for his community service. The feature also recognizes educators, legislative advocates, and volunteers in the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program who provide care to vulnerable populations.

Observation And Reflection Of Neighborhood And Community 2026: Food Access, Housing, Religious Community, And Health Care Access Reflection, Celene Philip, Michaela Kizy, Haley Montgomery, Akash Dantuluri, Josh Hailo, Abdel Kareem Hilo, Shadi Charara, Sarah Schenck

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

Miserly Thinking: Understanding The Factors Shaping Public Support Towards Project Wolbachia In Singapore, Shirley S. Ho, Agnes S. F. Chuah, Fiona J. W. Goh, Nova Mengxia Huang, Mengxue Qu, Hye Kyung Kim, Sonny Rosenthal

Research Collection College of Integrative Studies

Project Wolbachia is a vector control method that releases male Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes to curb dengue transmission in Singapore. While research has primarily focused on its efficacy, few studies have examined public opinion. This study draws upon the cognitive miser model and scientific literacy model to examine the factors shaping public support for Project Wolbachia. A nationally representative door-to-door survey was conducted in Singapore (N = 1,000) using multi-stage stratified random sampling. Our findings revealed that while knowledge about Project Wolbachia explains public support, laypeople may often rely on cognitive shortcuts, such as value predispositions, media attention, and pre-existing perceptions, …

The Flourishing Child: Study Protocol For An Acceptability And Feasibility Trial Of A Digital Early Childhood Flourishing Intervention, Zenobia Talati, Jack Kennare, Natasha L. Bear, Lisa Y. Gibson, Robyn Power, Van Zyl Kruger, Desiree Silva, Susan L. Prescott, Jacqueline A. Davis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Globally, rates of children with physical and mental health problems are increasing. Health issues in early childhood often persist into adulthood, highlighting the need to ensure children are supported to flourish from the start of life. Objectives: This protocol describes methods used to test the acceptability and feasibility of a novel digital Flourishing Intervention (designed to empower parents and promote child wellbeing), comprising a Flourishing Check (a newly developed online questionnaire) and a Pathway Tool (an online directory of high-quality, evidence-based programmes and resources). Methods: Using a randomised feasibility trial, participants (N = 600 parents of children aged 0–5 …

Ligand-Based Pharmacophore Modeling And Structure-Based Virtual Screening For Identifying Potential Therapeutic Agents Targeting The Sars-Cov-2 Spike Protein-Ace2 Receptor Interaction, Timoteo Delgado-Maldonado, Gilberto Vargas-Salas, Debasish Bandyopadhyay, Adriana Moreno-Rodriguez, Eyra Ortiz-Pérez, Gildardo Rivera-Sanchez

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains a global health concern due to its high mortality and morbidity. In this study, we combined ligand-based pharmacophore modeling (LBPM) with structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) to identify novel inhibitors targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Ligands from the MolPort database were screened via docking and molecular dynamics simulations at the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Four compounds showed promising docking scores (-8.7 to -6.4 kcal/mol) and dynamic stability (root mean square deviation < 5 Å). In vitro assays confirmed that compounds C3 (IC50 = 0.03 µM) and C4 (IC50 = 10.4 µM) effectively inhibited spike-ACE2 binding with low cytotoxicity (CC50 > 100 µM). These findings show the efficacy of the LBPM technique and highlight 1H-pyrazol-5-ol derivatives as potential building blocks for developing new antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2.

Show And Tell: Integrating The Arts Into Transdisciplinary Public Health And Community Organizing Education, Bree L. Hemingway, Margaret Hawkins

The Transdisciplinary STEAM+ Journal

This field note examines the integration of arts-based pedagogy into a transdisciplinary graduate course that brings together students from public health, medicine, the social sciences, humanities, education, technology, and the arts. Central to the course is the Show and Tell assignment, in which students select and present a work of art connected to a social movement. Over three years and 42 student submissions, this assignment has served as an accessible entry point for exploring how artistic expression shapes activism, fosters community, and deepens understanding of justice-oriented work. Through an inductive content analysis of student-selected artworks and presentations, five major thematic …

Occupational Stressors And Health Impacts Among First Responders, Mason N. Roach

Honors College Theses

The United States 911 emergency response system is an interconnected web of public services that seeks to provide its community with care, resources, and safety in times of need. However, the impact of this support on the employees providing the service often goes unnoticed. This review identifies and analyzes the unique strains on first responders' physical and mental health using the Job Demand-Control Model and the Allostatic Load Model. A review of available research literature supports the conclusion that occupational-related stress, including trauma exposure, shift work, poor leadership, and inadequate communication, can have long-lasting negative impacts on provider health.

The Relationship Between Consumption Frequency And Energy Intake Of Ultra-Processed Food And Obesity Based On Body Fat Percentage Among Fph Ui Students In 2025, Sarah Keisya Budiargo, Triyanti Triyanti, Asih Setiarini, Dieta Nurrika

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Obesity is the accumulation of excessive body fat and increases the risk of various non-communicable diseases. Obesity prevalence among FPH UI students based on health examination data in 2022-2024 has reached 13.6%, exceeding the public health concern threshold and requiring more accurate measurement than Body Mass Index. This study aimed to determine the relationship between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption frequency and energy intake with obesity incidence based on body fat percentage among 147 FPH UI students in 2025. This cross-sectional study utilized the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) based on NOVA classification to assess UPF intake. Body fat percentage was …

The Relationship Between Parenting Styles And Breakfast Habits With Adolescent Eating Behavior, Nailul Nufarohah, Siti Soraya, Hilda Carmitha Panjaitan

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Adolescence is a critical transitional period requiring adequate and balanced nutrition to support optimal physical growth and psychosocial development. However, unhealthy Eating Behaviors such as skipping breakfast, consuming unbalanced diets, and frequent intake of foods high in sugar, salt, and fat are still commonly observed. Parenting styles and breakfast habits are considered important factors influencing adolescents’ Eating Behavior. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between parenting styles and breakfast habits with Eating Behavior among adolescents. This study employed a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design conducted at SMK Negeri 62 Jakarta, South Jakarta. The population consisted of 578 active …

The Relationship Between Obesity Among Children And Adolescents With Dietary Intake And Physical Activity: A Scoping Review, Devi Dwi Yolani, Tania Okta Wardhani, Rani Aqilah Ni’Matul Maula, Almira Sitasari, Tri Siswati

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Childhood and adolescent obesity remain a significant public health issue worldwide. This review summarizes research on the relationship among obesity, physical activity, and diet. This study aims to investigate the relationship between children's and adolescents' obesity, their physical activity levels, and diet. A scoping review was conducted by assessing 81 research journal articles from 2014 to 2023 from electronic databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed. The search strategy used Boolean operators as follows: (“child*” OR “adolescent”) AND (“obesity”) AND (“diet” OR “food intake”) AND (“physical activity”), selected based on the inclusion criteria of children and adolescents aged 1-18 years …

The Association Between Racial Discrimination And Pregnancy-Related Hypertension Among Department Of Health And Human Services Regions Between 2016 And 2022, Emily Chew

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This quantitative study examined the association between racial discrimination and pregnancy-related hypertension among women age 18–40 in the United States, and how this relationship is modified by age and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regions (states). Guided by the social ecological model, this research measured whether race, place, and lived experiences of discrimination contributed to disparities in maternal health outcomes. The study utilized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data set (2016–2022) which represented 81% of United States live births (n=249,970). The independent variable was self-reported racial discrimination during pregnancy, delivery, …

Oral Health Behaviors And Oral Health Status In Elementary School Children In East Kalimantan, Indonesia, Lia Hapsari Andayani, Amabelle Elisanditya, Abdul Gani Soulisa, Sri Lestari

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Background: Children's oral health can be influenced by various factors, including health behaviors, dietary patterns, and oral health knowledge. This study aimed to determine the correlation between oral health behaviors and oral health status in elementary school children.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 182 elementary school children in Bontang, East Kalimantan, taken by convenience sampling. Health behavior data were acquired by 12-item questionnaires based on the WHO guideline. Examination of dental and oral health status was done by using the DMFT Index and OHI-S. Chi-square was used to determine the correlation between oral health behaviors and oral health …

Food Fortification Strategies To Address Micronutrient Deficiencies In Cambodia: A Scoping Review Of Policy Implementation, Industry Capacity, And Public Health Outcomes, Sokha Yem, Sreypeov Tun, Sokunthea Kem

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies remain a major public health challenge in Cambodia, with iron deficiency anaemia, iodine deficiency disorders, zinc deficiency, and vitamin A deficiency disproportionately affecting women of reproductive age and children under five. Food fortification—the deliberate addition of essential micronutrients to commonly consumed foods—has been widely recognised as a cost-effective population-level intervention to address nutritional gaps. Objective: To systematically map and synthesise existing evidence on food fortification strategies in Cambodia, focusing on policy implementation, industry production capacity and compliance, regulatory enforcement, and public health outcomes. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework and …

Enhancing Provider Engagement Through Peer-To-Peer Coaching: The Provider Ambassador Program, Jason Vallee, Jodi Stewart, Sam Verkhovsky, Steve Del Giudice, Janet Aug, Amanda Higgins, James Perry, Alice Kennedy, Brant Oliver

Patient Experience Journal

Provider burnout and disengagement are associated with diminished patient satisfaction, reduced clinical quality, and adverse organizational outcomes. Peer-to-peer coaching has emerged as a promising, scalable intervention to support provider engagement and improve the patient care experience. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Provider Ambassador Program, a structured peer-to-peer coaching initiative designed to improve patient satisfaction by enhancing provider communication, professional behavior, and patient engagement skills. A pre-post quasi-experimental design was used to assess changes in provider CG-CAHPS ``Provider Overall'' top-box scores following coaching. Eligible providers (n = 83) across five BLANK Health locations were identified based on top-box scores …

A Hybrid Coaching Model In A Multi-Center Networked Care Experience Learning Collaborative, Elizabeth Rizzo, Victoria Adams, James Perry, Nicole Szalay, Samuel Verkhovsky, Megan Morse Holthoff, Alice Mae Kennedy, Brant Oliver

Patient Experience Journal

Coaching teams and leaders conducting quality improvement (QI) has shown to be an effective method for project success. Our coaches were well versed in Lean Six Sigma and IHI Model for Improvement methods. Certified Lean Six Sigma Blackbelts coaches were assigned to project teams. Routine participation in project team meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions reenforced tools necessary to complete improvement work. Additionally, coaches met with one another to discuss their methods, work through challenges, and celebrate successes. Fourteen improvement teams led work in Care Experience related projects. Eleven project leaders certified in Lean Six Sigma methodology through the Value Institute …

Documentation And Dashboard Driven Quality And Safety Improvement In Interpreter Services For Limited English Proficient Patients, Richard T. Dillehay, Samuel Verkhovsky, Andrew Bohm, Harley Friedman, Dawn Welshman, Ann Morong, Vidya Karthikeyan, Jessica Dampier, Amanda Racine, Brant Oliver

Patient Experience Journal

Limited English Proficiency is known as an independent driver of disparities in patient's access to healthcare and their healthcare outcomes. The Joint Commission standards require that health systems document language services delivery to patients with limited English proficiency in a systematic way. Our health system had not historically utilized a methodical system for documenting language services utilization prior to the launch of this initiative. By utilizing a Lean Six Sigma approach, a project team comprised of leaders from interpreter services, operations, data analytics, and data informatics codesigned an Epic SmartForm data collection instrument and series of Tableau dashboards to monitor …

``We'll Be Right With You'', Improving Patient Experience With Complaint Management Within A Learning Health System Collaborative, James J. Perry, Mackenzie Hahn, Angela Kmiec, Brant J. Oliver

Patient Experience Journal

An improvement team at Cheshire Medical-Dartmouth Health participated in the Care Experience Collaborative aimed at enhancing the patient and workforce experience. Utilizing a hybrid Lean Six Sigma DMAIC approach alongside modified Institute for Healthcare Improvement learning techniques, local teams were coached by quality improvement specialists. The project's focus was on improving the complaint management process to boost hospital ratings and recommendations. Initial assessments revealed significant inefficiencies, such as delays in response times and poor tracking of complaint resolutions. Implementing a new digital monitoring system in conjunction with standardized training resulted in substantial improvements: complaint resolution times decreased by 53%, while …

From Talking The Talk To Walking The Walk: Reflection On Dartmouth Health's Care Experience Week, Rosie Bartel, Corey Kimpson, Tanya Lord, Victoria Lyons, Tony Serge, Brant Oliver

Patient Experience Journal

This article explores the participation of expert members from the Beryl Institute's Global Patient and Family Advisory Board (GPFAB) during Dartmouth Health's Care Experience Week, under the theme ``From Talking the Talk to Walking the Walk.'' This week aligns with the national Patient Experience Week. The Patient Family Advisor (PFA) presenters and authors of this article have shared their lived experience locally, nationally, and internationally through conferences, webinars, podcasts, videos, blogs, white papers, journal articles, books, and in many other ways for and as PFA members of a multitude of healthcare organizations co-create change that improves outcomes for all human …

Patient Engagement In Developing Radiology Patient Education Materials, T Arleo, Harrisd Harrisd, J Hislop, J Moon, H Li, N Kadom

Patient Experience Journal

Purpose: This initiative aimed to engage patients in the process of developing patient education materials (PEM) on the major imaging modalities at our institution. Materials and Methods: PEM were created for computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US), fluoroscopy, and radiography. Content was sourced from various sources, consolidated into a draft, and iteratively updated: They were simplified using a ChatGPT-4.0 prompt designed to achieve a 7th grade reading level; they were reviewed for accuracy by subject matter experts (SME); they were assessed for readability and understandability using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) and the Patient Education Materials Assessment …

Utilization Of Visual Metaphors For Improving Health Literacy, Kadir Alp Özler, Morgan Dressel, Madeline Weiner, Robert D Lucito, Alice Fornari

Patient Experience Journal

Health education is practiced in patient encounters via verbal communication and educational pamphlets. However, these techniques are faulty and do not provide true patient comprehension of their conditions and treatments reform is necessary to prevent the mortality and hospitalization rates that are linked to poor health literacy. Visual aids and metaphors are individually known to be powerful educational tools. A student organization at Stony Brook University, Artists in Medicine, has sought to synergize these tools to create visual metaphors artwork that links everyday concepts to patient illnesses to facilitate comprehension of this information. For example, one project “Aortic Dissections” depicts …

Patient Experience (Px) In Low- And Middle-Income Countries (Lmics): A Scoping Review, Yara Abou Harb, Geoffrey A. Silvera

Patient Experience Journal

Patient Experience (PX) is a growing subject in the healthcare industry due to its association with improved clinical outcomes, patient safety, and business motives. While PX is well studied in high income countries, little is known about the state of PX in Low and Middle-income countries (LMICs). Objective: The study aims to examine literature on PX and related concepts in LMICs. Methods: This study executes a PRISMA literature review of academic databases (Ovid Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and Google Scholar) as well as hand searching of PX related websites from 2005 to 2024. Results: 67 references met search criteria. Four themes …

Multilevel Factors Shaping The Patient Experience With Health Services In Torbat Heydarieh, Iran, Fatemeh Pourhaji, Mohammad Hossein Delshad

Patient Experience Journal

Background: One of the main aims of public health is to ensure that health services are used and available. However, access alone does not guarantee a positive patient experience, which is critical to achieving optimal health outcomes and ensuring health equity. Aims: The objective of this study is to analyse in a comprehensive way the multiple factors influencing the patient experience and subsequent use of healthcare services by households in Torbat Heydarieh, Iran, by examining the independent and interactive contributions of individual, household and environmental (community) determinants using THUMS data. Methods: This analytical study, which covered a 1-year period, looked …

Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction In Health Services: A Cross-Sectional Study In The Holy City Of Najaf, Ahmed Abdul Hasan Mohsin, Lamees A. Abdul-Lateef, Noor Ismeal Nasser

Patient Experience Journal

The healthcare system in the city of Najaf works to improve the quality of services provided to patients. Since patient satisfaction serves as a key measure of service quality, this study was designed to identify the potential factors that influence satisfaction within these facilities. cross-sectional study was conducted for 300 patients using public healthcare services in Najaf. the selection of patients based on the stratified random sampling across hospitals and primary health centers. Data were collected using a 24-item structured questionnaire that measured four domains: accessibility, staff attitude, service quality, and physical environment, rated on a four-point Likert scale. The …

Nursing Staff Attitude Towards Nurse-Physician Collaboration In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit In Al Ahsa City, Saudi Arabia, Makarim Taqi Al Helal, Yaqoub Yousef Al Mousa

Patient Experience Journal

Objective: Effective nurse-physician collaboration is fundamental to ensuring quality healthcare delivery, particularly in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), where patient outcomes rely heavily on coordinated teamwork. This study aimed to assess nursing staff attitudes toward nurse-physician collaboration in NICUs, examine the influence of demographic and professional characteristics, and provide evidence-based recommendations to strengthen interprofessional collaboration. Methods: A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to June 2024 in the NICU of Maternity and Children's Hospital, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. A total of 180 nurses with at least one year of NICU experience participated. Data were collected using the …

Do Allied Health Professionals' Workplace Experiences Affect Their Decisions To Stay? A Quantitative Investigation Into The Relationship Between Wellness And Employee Retention In United States Hospitals, Dina Jarjees, Lihua Dishman

Patient Experience Journal

Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) are university-trained practitioners with specialized skills essential for preventing, diagnosing, and treating health conditions. AHPs play a vital role in comprehensive healthcare, including hospitals, where they comprise a significant portion of the workforce and recurrent health expenditures. However, AHPs experience considerable burnout and emotional distress, negatively impacting retention. This issue worsens workforce shortages and limits access to care, which jeopardizes patient safety. This national, cross-sectional, quantitative study examined the relationship between AHPs' wellness dimensions (physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual) and AHPs' retention in United States hospitals. A self-developed survey instrument included 10 demographic and 25 …

Investigating The Effectiveness Of Different Modalities In Interprofessional Training, Rose Ann Mathai, Sean Lopez, Maureen Emlund, Jim Scherrer, Elisa Buzinski, Julia Sonnichsen, Myra Carew

Patient Experience Journal

Background: Interprofessional education (IPE) highlights the importance of values and ethics, teamwork, communication, and roles and responsibilities for healthcare professionals. Different modalities have been used to teach these skills. The most effective teaching modality must be determined to enhance the collaborative learning experience. Purpose: This study evaluated the changes in student perceptions on each interprofessional competency with respect to the teaching modality. Two groups were evaluated for this study. One was taught using a hybrid curriculum and the other in-person. Methods: This study utilized the Students' Perceptions of Interprofessional Clinical Education (SPICE-R2) survey to determine the changes in student …