Digital Commons Network^™

Bringing Pandemic Science To The Classroom: Building Public Health Capacity At A Rural Kentucky High School, Sahar Alameh, Anna G. Hoover, James W. Keck, Scott M. Berry, Sagan Goodpaster, Savannah Tucker, Ashley Goodin

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Faculty Publications

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a multidisciplinary team at the University of Kentucky developed an interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and environmental health unit—the Wastewater Assessment for Coronavirus in Kentucky: Implementing Enhanced Surveillance Technology (WACKIEST) Unit—for high school students in summer 2022. This case study outlines the WACKIEST Unit, which focused on wastewater surveillance and COVID-19, the obstacles faced during development and recruitment, and implementation of the WACKIEST Unit in conjunction with a rural wastewater surveillance initiative. The unit was implemented in spring 2023 at a rural high school in Kentucky, spanning 12 days and engaging 190 students. …

Chinese Athletes’ And Parents’ Motivations For U.S. Collegiate Sports Participation, Wenting Sun, Russell D. Ravert, Simran Kaur Sethi

Kinesiology and Health Promotion Faculty Publications

To gain an understanding of international student recruitment and retention in collegiate athletics, this study examines the motivations and decision-making processes of Chinese high school athletes and their parents in pursuing U.S. collegiate sport opportunities. Using the push–pull framework and an ecological perspective, it explores how individual aspirations, family priorities, institutional resources, and national policies shape transnational mobility. Semistructured focus group discussions with 10 athletes and eight parents revealed six key motivational themes and highlighted the influence of recent collegiate sport-related policy changes in China. The findings suggest that while both groups value U.S. sport pathways, athletes and parents may …

The Development And Pilot Evaluation Of An Out-Of-Hospital Immersive Birthing Simulation Training Application For Paramedics And Ambulance Officers Using Virtual-Reality Technology, Michella Hill

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Out-of-hospital births (OOHBs) are births which occur outside a hospital setting. This includes planned home births attended by midwives, or unplanned OOHBs where the intention was to birth in a hospital or maternity centre, however, occurs in an unintended location. Prehospital clinicians, inclusive of registered paramedics and volunteer ambulance officers (VAOs) infrequently attend OOHBs, as most births occur in maternity wards as anticipated. OOHBs comprises < 1% of emergency ambulance requests and requires specialised skills for prehospital clinicians to competently manage birthing and potential complications. As exposure to birthing is so rare, these specialised skills and knowledge are underutilised and subject to rapid decay. Compounding the problem, obstetrics is infrequently taught across undergraduate education, in-service training, or within individual clinician’s continuing professional development. Placements shadowing midwives are scarce due to nursing and medical students receiving priority. Previous research regarding OOHBs is limited, nonetheless suggests prehospital clinicians are underprepared to manage an OOHB, which has serious patient safety implications. The present research sought to explore prehospital clinicians’ preparedness and confidence in managing OOHBs. It also investigates whether a digital training solution such as virtual reality (VR) simulation may reduce the theory-practice gap and assist in competency retention.

Publication one provides a comprehensive methodology outline which is applied to Study One; a scoping review of prehospital clinician and birth parent experiences with OOHBs. Risk factors, complications and interventions provided by prehospital clinicians, as …

Investigating The Association Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos) And Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (Iih): A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Savannah L. Adams

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) are chronic conditions that disproportionately affect women of reproductive age and share several metabolic risk factors, including obesity, insulin resistance, and hormonal dysregulation. Despite growing clinical interest in a potential relationship between these conditions, limited research has examined awareness, knowledge, symptom presentation, and barriers to healthcare among young adult populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate awareness, knowledge, perceived healthcare barriers, and potential associations between PCOS and IIH among college-aged individuals. A cross-sectional survey was administered to students aged 18-25 at the University of Central Florida through classroom recruitment …

Between Tradition And Transition: Cultural Negotiations And Contraceptive Perceptions Among Ghanaian Students In The United States, Beatrice Amissah

Theses and Dissertations

As global mobility continues to rise, international students often encounter new cultural norms and health practices that differ from those in their home countries. While some studies have focused on contraception within the context of gender and types, less focus has been placed on diasporic populations, especially how students navigate tensions surrounding contraception within new cultural environments. This study explores how Ghanaian students in the United States interpret, negotiate, and respond to contraceptive messaging while navigating the cultural transition between their heritage and host societies. Drawing on Berry’s (1980)  Acculturation Theory, the study examines the tensions students experience, the strategies …

No Pass Culture Lowers Patient Fall Incidence, Marie Camille Austria

Covenant Nurses Week 2026

No abstract provided.

Improving Patient Outcomes Through Structured Nursing Safety Huddles In Acute Care Settings: An Integrative Research Review (Irr), Brandon Everard Thomas

Covenant Nurses Week 2026

No abstract provided.

Optimalisasi Rekam Medis Elektronik Berbasis Artificial Intelligence, Ikhwan Rinaldi, Wahyu Sulistiadi

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Electronic medical records (EMRs) are essential to modern healthcare systems, yet their implementation continues to face challenges such as disruption of doctor–patient communication, administrative burden, and documentation structures misaligned with clinicians’ clinical reasoning processes. This narrative review aims to assess the limitations of conventional EMRs and examine the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve documentation efficiency, accuracy, and overall clinical performance. The literature indicates that AI technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing, can automate documentation, streamline workflows, enhance decision support, and reduce physician burnout, thereby allowing clinicians to devote more attention to patient care. Nevertheless, …

A Study Of Perceptions, Readiness, Benefits, And Barriers Related To Exoskeleton Adoption In New Jersey’S Warehousing Sector, Terry Asante

Theses

The warehousing industry in New Jersey remains a vital component of the region's logistics network, employing more than 200,000 workers who routinely engage in lifting, bending, overhead reaching, and other physically demanding activities. These exposures contribute to musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) rates that exceed national averages, particularly affecting the low back and shoulders. Nationally, MSDs account for an estimated $420 billion in combined direct and indirect costs each year, underscoring the need for interventions that can effectively reduce biomechanical strain. Industrial exoskeletons have emerged as a potential solution, with prior research demonstrating reductions in muscle activation, perceived exertion, and fatigue during …

Health Risk Assessment (Hra) In Home-Based Ironing Businesses: Risk Identification, Intervention, And Evaluation In Johar Baru District, Central Jakarta, Heru Alfares, Irawadi Darmaputra, Marsen Isbayuputra, Muhammad Ilyas

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Home-based ironing businesses in Johar Baru District, Central Jakarta, are part of the informal sector, vulnerable to health risks due to suboptimal working conditions. This study aims to identify, assess, and control health risks through a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) approach.

Methods Research methods include direct observation, interviews, environmental measurements, health screenings, and ergonomic surveys using the BRIEF (Baseline Risk Identification of Ergonomic Factor) instrument.

Results The results indicate that the temperature in the ironing area reaches 33°C, exceeding the comfort standard, and that 80% of workers have dark yellow urine, indicating a high risk of dehydration. Risk assessment …

Returning To Work On Chef With Graves’ Disease: A Case Report, Izzatul Abadiyah, Dewi Sumaryani Soemarko

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Graves’ disease has adverse effects on quality of life, because of somatic psychiatric symptoms and an inability to work. Chefs face many occupational hazards that can aggravate certain medical conditions, worsen the disease, and pose safety risks at work. This case report aims to assess the returning-to-work evaluation and program for a chef with Graves’ disease.

Case Description A forty-seven-year-old Indonesian male who was diagnosed with Graves’ disease from characteristic clinical features and biochemical abnormalities was admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath. TSH concentration was 0.001mU/L, FT4 concentration was 2.85 ng/dL, hemoglobin level was 10.6 g/dL, and …

Comparative Analysis Of Groundwater Quality Based On Chemical Parameters Around Final Disposal Sites Using Open Dumping And Sanitary Landfill Methods, Shiesil Rizqia Amadia, Mika Vernicia Humairo

Preventia: The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

The main environmental issue at landfill sites is the seepage of leachate into the ground, which contaminates surrounding aquifers. Communities residing within one kilometer of landfill sites are at high risk of environmental pollution. This study aimed to analyze differences in groundwater quality around landfills applying open dumping and sanitary landfill methods, and to compare groundwater quality at safe and unsafe distances from these sites. The research was conducted around the Cipayung landfill in Depok (open dumping) and the Talangagung landfill in Kepanjen (sanitary landfill). The study adopted an analytical observational approach using a cross-sectional design. The independent variables included …

From Medical Check-Ups To Risk-Based Health Governance: Reframing Fitness-For-Work And Preventive Health In Modern Health Systems, Kasyunnil Kamal, Iqbal Mochtar

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

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Associations Between Health-Seeking Behaviors And Social Support For Adult Black Women In The United States, Patricia Saint Cyr-Hager

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A persistent gap exists involving health outcomes for Black women in the United States, regardless of socioeconomic status when compared to Black men and White women. This qualitative case study involved exploring the influence of social support on health-seeking behaviors among Black women. Sixteen participants, between ages 22 to 49 from nine states, were recruited. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews based on the social support theory. An analysis of the network composition showed that family members (including mothers, fathers, sisters, and partners), friends, community support groups not connected to social media, and online community support groups were the most …

Uji Kelayakan Teknis Dan Performa Auvest: Rompi Pendingin Otomatis Berbasis Wearable Thermoelectric Cooler Untuk Mitigasi Risiko Heat Stress, Muchammad Adam Wildan, Amelia Avril Rayhana, Nadia Hanifan Nabila, Bian Shabri Putri Irwanto

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Heat stress is a serious threat to construction workers that can reduce productivity and even threaten lives. Existing cooling vest innovations still have limitations, such as weight, manual systems, and the risk of leakage. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the Automatic Vest (AUVEST), an automatic cooling vest based on Wearable Thermoelectric Cooler and the Internet of Things (IoT), in preventing the risk of heat stress. The method used is experimental with trials on one construction worker in indoor and outdoor environments. AUVEST is equipped with temperature sensors (DS18B20, TMP102) and humidity (DHT11), whose data is processed by …

What Bereaved People Have Found Helpful Following Death Of A Loved One In A Hospital: A Survey Study, Jon Swanson Phd, Mindy Flanagan Phd, Rachel Pfafman Mph, Mba

Other Specialties

Given the individual and public health impact of bereavement, discovering what people perceive as helpful after loss can improve interventions. In contrast to national projects, this project focused on two hospitals in a Midwestern hospital system.

A survey was developed to assess the work of chaplains with next of kin following a death, to assess the awareness and helpfulness of persons and organizations in the community, and to ask what people had done, said, or given that was helpful, or what respondents wished people had done. From a list of 283 people invited to respond, 52 completed the survey.

Survey …

Assessing The Impact Of Substance Abuse On Occupational Injuries Using Workers Compensation Claims In Ohio, Samson Agboola

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Occupational injuries remain prevalent across various industries, resulting in significant financial burdens for both organizations and employees through increased workers’ compensation claims. One potential contributing factor is substance use in the workplace, which has been linked to decreased productivity, impaired judgment, and workplace conflict. Despite these risks, the relationship between substance use and occupational injuries remains underexplored. As such, grounded in constructivism and interpretivism, this study investigated the extent to which substance use influences injury outcomes and whether its role is underestimated in workplace incident reporting by analyzing worker’s compensation claims in Ohio. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a …

Hubungan Antara Personal Hygiene, Kondisi Sanitasi Lingkungan, Dan Kepadatan Hunian Dengan Kejadian Penyakit Berbasis Lingkungan Pada Warga Binaan Di Lembaga Pembinaan Khusus Anak Kelas Ii Jakarta, Zihan Kamila Maharani, Laila Fitria, Budi Hartono

Jurnal Nasional Kesehatan Lingkungan Global

Environmental-based diseases are often found in environments with poor sanitation and low personal hygiene, including in Lembaga Pembinaan Khusus Anak (LPKA). This study aims to examine the relationship between personal hygiene, environmental sanitation conditions, and housing density with the incidence of environmentally based diseases among the residents of LPKA Kelas II Jakarta. This research employed a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 31 participants selected using a total sampling technique. Data were collected through questionnaires and observation, and analyzed using the chi-square test. The results showed a significant relationship between length of stay and the incidence …

Socio-Demographic Determinants Of Hospitalization Severity Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-Related Hospitalization Visits In Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Of Using Bpjs Health Secondary Data, 2023, Nadia Putri, Asri C. Adisasmita, Fitria Fitria, Sely Anggraini

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease with high prevalence and contributes significantly to the burden of inpatient care in Indonesia. The severity of T2DM-related hospitalization as classified under the INA-CBGs system, is an important indicator for assessing disparities in access to care and the health system’s response to vulnerable populations. This study aims to analyze the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and the severity of T2DM-related hospitalization visits based on 2023 Social Security Administering Body for Health (BPJS Health) data. This study employed a cross-sectional design using secondary data from the 2023 BPJS Health Sample Data. The unit …

Mental Health And Beliefs About Abortion Access Following Changes To Reproductive Healthcare Laws In 2022: Findings From Oklahoma, Munjireen Sifat, Laili K. Boozary, Tina N. Le, Julia Mcquoid, Brittany Zaring-Hinkle, Sarah Tonkin, Lizbeth Benson, Bingjing Mao, Motolani Ogunsanya, Ruosi Shao, Amy M. Cohn, Allyson Shortle, Darla E. Kendzor

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data was conducted to characterize beliefs about abortion access in Oklahoma, measure stress associated with the overturn of Roe vs. Wade (2022), and evaluate the potential relationship between post-Roe stress (PR stress) and mental health.

METHODS: From August through September 2022, adult Oklahomans (N = 1793) were surveyed about their sociodemographic characteristics, beliefs about abortion access, frequency of past-month stress related to the overturn of Roe vs. Wade, and mental health. Beliefs about abortion access were characterized overall and within sociodemographic groups. The relationship between PR stress and mental health was evaluated, and …

Knowledge Of Cpr And Code Status Discussions In Traumatically Injured Older Adults: Does Health Literacy Matter, Mokunfayo O Fajemisin, Ashna S Karpe, Stephanie Martinez Ugarte, Gabrielle E Hatton, Krislynn Mueck, Lillian S Kao, Martin L Blakely, Gina H Khraish, Aanand Naik, Shreyans Sanghvi, Jessica L Lee, Thaddeus J Puzio

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Code Status Discussions (CSDs), CPR understanding, and health literacy is understudied in traumatically injured older adults. We hypothesized that traumatically injured older adults and their families would have limited understanding of CPR and code status, and that lower health literacy would be associated with reduced advance care planning knowledge. We surveyed injured adults ≥65 or their surrogates to assess baseline code status, health literacy, and CPR discussions. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted. Among 201 respondents 55% had low health literacy. Only 38% had discussions about CPR, and 21% were asked about code status during admission. Surrogates similarly overestimated CPR …

Efikasi Diri Dalam Melakukan Diet Sehat Pada Masyarakat Desa Cipacing, Sumedang, Hilmi Khairun Nisa, Neti Juniarti, Adelse Prima Mulya

Perilaku dan Promosi Kesehatan: Indonesian Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior

Background. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for 57 million deaths (71%) worldwide and 73% of all deaths in Indonesia. Eating habits are one of the factors contributing to the incidence of NCDs. In the process of improving a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, self-confidence or self-efficacy in maintaining a healthy diet is necessary.

Objective. This study aims to identify the level of self-efficacy in maintaining a healthy diet among the community in Cipacing Village, Sumedang.

Methods. This study was conducted using a quantitative descriptive research design among the community of Cipacing Village, Sumedang Regency, West Java. The sample was …

Perbedaan Faktor Lingkungan Sosial Dan Perilaku Seksual Pranikah Pada Siswa Sma Perkotaan Dan Perdesaan Di Samarinda, Syaniah Syaniah, Annisa Nur Rachmawati, Lies Permana, Nur Rohmah, Rina Tri Agustini

Perilaku dan Promosi Kesehatan: Indonesian Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior

Background. Based on the 2023 GSHS data, 7.1% of adolescents aged 13–17 in Indonesia have had sexual intercourse, of which 66.2% are male and 33.8% are female. Adolescent premarital sexual behaviour is influenced by internal and external factors. Differences in social determinants may lead to behavioural variations between groups within a population.

Aim. To identify differences in peer influence, parental roles, and mass media (as social environmental factors), as well as premarital sexual behaviour among urban dan rural high school students in Samarinda

Method. This comparative cross-sectional study involved 274 respondents, consisting of 206 respondents from three urban high schools …

Hurricane Helene, One Year Later: Lived Experience, Geraldine A. Miller

Journal of Appalachian Health

Ashe County is located in the northwestern corner of North Carolina (NC), bordered by Virginia and Tennessee. The county is isolated, mountainous, and historically has lacked good highway access. Hurricane Helene, a category 4 hurricane at landfall, struck Western NC on September 27, 2024, resulting in flooding and wind damage that destroyed local communities in terms of land, homes, bridges, water, electricity, etc. with a damage of $59.6 billion.⁶ One year later, the recovery from the hurricane continues draining individuals and communities of their time, energy, and money. Geri Miller reflects on her hurricane impact experiences a year later. …

Associations Between Social Media Usage, Physical Activity And Flourishing In Rural University Students, Anna Dysart, Minu Sara Thomas

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Most adolescents and young adults report significant use of social media.^1-3 However, there is limited research on the effect of social media use, specifically on physical activity and flourishing.

Purpose: This pilot research study examines the correlation between social media usage and the physical activity and flourishing levels of college students at a rural university in Appalachia.

Methods: The authors conducted a survey including the validated Secure Flourishing Index and Stanford Leisure-Time Activity Categorical Item, containing questions on social media use and demographics. Spearman’s rho was used for nonparametric correlations. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the correlation …

Is It Rape Or Consent? College Men Just Don’T Know, Stephanie A. Navarro Silvera, Eva S. S. Goldfarb, Amanda S. Birnbaum, Lisa D. Lieberman

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

Introduction: Women and LGBTQ+ undergraduates face higher rates of sexual assault and rape compared to cisgender male peers—the overwhelming majority of perpetrators. Federal policies have aimed to curb campus sexual violence, yet questions remain about the efficacy of consent education, particularly among cisgender heterosexual men. Methods: This study surveyed 1567 undergraduate students at a large Northeastern public university in 2017 and 2022. Responses to a nine-item consent scale were analyzed by gender, sexuality, and demographic factors. Results: Cisgender heterosexual (cis-het) men had poorer understanding of consent compared to women and LGBTQ+ students, both in 2017 and 2022. Cis-het men’s consent …

Lost In Translation: How Health Literacy Impacts Pharmaceutical Transactions From Healthcare Professionals To Patients, Grace Nwaege

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

Health literacy is a core element of public health, involving the ability to access, understand, evaluate, and use information to maintain well-being. In the United States, it aligns with an average reading level of about an eighth grader, which continues to decline over time. As pharmacists serve as the final point of contact in most outpatient settings, their ability to communicate effectively at this literacy level is crucial. This study examines how pharmacies address this challenge using qualitative methods, including health literacy assessments of patient consent forms and stakeholder interviews with pharmacy technicians about resource use. Findings show materials higher …

From Policy To Practice In Deaf Education: American Sign Language And Spoken English Outcomes Of Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Children In Kansas, Jena Mcdaniel, Shreyas Teegala, Rebecca Maloney, Angie Walker, Mary S. Dietrich, Matthew L. Hall, Leah C. Geer, Julie Bustos

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Purpose: In the context of the recent expectation for state Early Hearing Detection and Intervention programs to track language milestones of deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children, we examine how to leverage statewide assessment programs for improving language outcomes of DHH children. We present the degree to which DHH children in Kansas are meeting their language milestones for American Sign Language (ASL) and English and the influence of two measurement features.

Method: Performance on the ASL/English Language Milestones for 198 children who were DHH (aged 1 to 8) was analyzed for attainment of age-expected language skills and …

Dementia In Downs Syndrome – A Case Report, Clarita Shynal Martis Ms, Elsa Sanatombi Devi Dr, Panambur Venkataraya Bhandary Dr

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Down syndrome, is a chromosome 21-related genetic condition, frequently manifests as intellectual difficulty, growth retardation, and distinctive facial traits. People with Down’s Syndrome usually develop Dementia, a major cause of cognitive impairment, impaired judgment memory loss in their midlife. The present report describes a case study of a female diagnosed with dementia in Down’s Syndrome. The report explores the challenges her parents faced in securing appropriate care when diagnosed with dementia and Down's syndrome. It aims to inform caregivers about the best practices for home care in such cases. It follows the woman's history from birth until her dementia was …

The Aftermath Of Overturning Roe V. Wade: A Review Of Legal, Social, And Health Implications, Eden Parks M.D.

Transformative Medicine

Roe versus Wade occurred in 1973 and was a landmark case in the United States. It guaranteed the right to abortion until 2022, when the Dobbs versus Jackson case was decided and the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe. This abolished the right to abortion and left it up to the states. The Dobbs decision has reshaped the framework for reproductive rights in the United States. This paper focuses on the multifaceted outcomes of the Dobbs decision, highlighting the legal, social and health implications. Through a study of recent research, legal analyses, and public health reports, this article assesses the …