Digital Commons Network^™

Comparison Of Outcomes Among Neurovascular Patients Managed In Dedicated Neurological Intensive Care Units Vs. General Intensive Care Units, Joanna Roy, Basel Musmar, Nassos Tziviskos, Saarang Patel, Roberto Deleon, Ashley Thommana, Shady Mina, Stavropoula Tjoumakaris, Michael Gooch, Robert Rosenwasswer, Pascal Jabbour

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: Patients with neurovascular conditions often require multidisciplinary management to optimize recovery. Our systematic review identifies literature comparing outcomes among neurovascular patients managed at dedicated neurological intensive care units (ICUs) compared to general ICUs. Methods: PubMed was searched to identify articles that reported outcomes among patients managed at dedicated neurological ICUs versus general ICUs. Articles that reported outcomes among patients with neurovascular conditions were included. Articles that reported outcomes among patients managed at stroke units were excluded. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess for risk of bias across individual studies. Results: After a title and abstract screen …

Empowering Underserved Mandarin-Speaking Communities Through Medical Student-Led Culinary Education, Amy Lin, Qihua Sun, Nathan Huang, Virginia Uhley, Misa Mi

Posters

No abstract provided.

What Are The Minimum Dimensions In A Marketing Plan Required For Starting Or Improving Marketing In A Small, New Home Health Agency?, Patrick Baker

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To fulfill an unmet need for practical, parsimonious assistance for examples of a practical marketing plan for new, small home health care agencies. The home health (HH) care industry needs customized marketing plans tailored to the unique requirements of small, emerging HH agencies. These plans are essential for navigating the competitive market driven by an aging population and technological advancements. However, the industry's emphasis on this specific aspect is significantly lacking.

Methodology: We reviewed the published literature, numerous books and websites and selected sources that provided practical, small-scale approaches to marketing for health care organizations. We identified specific marketing …

Heavy Metals In Spices From Lancaster, Pa: Arsenic, Cadmium, And Lead Exposure Risks And The Need For Regulation, Andrew Huff, Hoi Lam, Anuj Ghimirey, Jay Goldring, Michelle Pimentel, Harriet Okatch

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

Heavy metal exposure is associated with adverse health effects in children including impaired cognitive functioning. Studies have identified spices as a potential source of heavy metals. However, in Lancaster, PA no such studies have been conducted. Hence the aim of this study was to quantify arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in spices from Lancaster, PA. Spices were either purchased from stores in Lancaster or obtained as donations from families in Lancaster. As, Cd, and Pb were quantified using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the median heavy metal concentrations in store-purchased …

Food Insecurity And Childhood Obesity: College Students' Past And Present Eating Habits, Morgan A. Schmidt

Honors Thesis

Childhood obesity rates have become an increasing concern in the United States. It has been declared an epidemic due to the increasing number of children who are affected by obesity every year. While many factors can cause obesity, the primary factor is an individual’s dietary choices. This paper presents a literature review on eating habits and the long-term effects of childhood dietary choices on an individual’s body mass index (BMI), specifically among college students. It includes survey results that quantify college students' current eating habits compared to childhood ones. Additional factors influencing eating habits were evaluated, including the National School …

Age–Period–Cohort Effects Of Adult Cigarette Smoking In The United States, 1971–2020, Dinko Kranjac, Ashley W. Kranjac

Sociology Faculty Articles and Research

The rates of cigarette use among American adults have dropped substantially throughout the last six decades, yet smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. It is crucial to identify the putative time-varying population-level factors of age, period, and cohort that influenced the decrease in smoking prevalence so we can maintain the downward trend. We used 49 years of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and hierarchical age–period–cohort (HAPC) analysis to examine lifecycle, historical, and generational distribution of smoking among Americans aged 18–74 years old. The prevalence of smoking has …

Risk Factors Of Self-Reported Prediabetes Status In New York State, Kari Ann Hunter Thompson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prediabetes affects over 4 million people in New York State and increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Prior research identified risk factors such as poor diet, inactivity, obesity, hypertension, and smoking; but no studies examined these collectively or assessed their interactions. This quantitative, cross-sectional study analyzed a sample of 289 non-institutionalized adults aged 18 or older with landline or cellular phone, from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The study examined relationships between prediabetes and 16 factors in five categories: demographic (age, race, sex, education), socioeconomic (income, employment), behavioral (fruit intake, vegetable intake, physical activity, smoking), physiological (hypertension, BMI), …

Liposomes As Imaging Agents Of Inflammation And Oxidative Stress In Bone Implants, Delia Danila, Patricia S Pardo, R Devesh Kumar Misra, Aladin M Boriek

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Liposomes are tiny, spherical vesicles made from cholesterol and natural phospholipids that are promising imaging agents for detecting medical complications. They can carry fluorescent markers or other imaging agents, making them effective for medical imaging. Furthermore, liposomes can target specific cells involved in inflammation, such as macrophages, and accumulate at inflammation sites when injected. Additionally, liposomes can be designed to respond to oxidative stress, which is often associated with bone implant complications. By detecting areas of stress, liposomes provide valuable information about implant health. However, challenges such as rapid clearance from the body, precise targeting, immune reactions, and high production …

Evidence-Based Alternative Pain Management Techniques For Chronic Pain, Alise Williams Condie, Ashley Yaugher, Kira Swensen, Maren Wright Voss

All Current Publications

Chronic pain and opioid use have become topics of importance as opioid overdose deaths have risen to epidemic proportions throughout the nation. Chronic pain lasts for long periods of time and can be caused by a past injury or have no known cause. Opioids have been utilized to treat pain in the past, but it has been discovered that opioids are better used to treat acute pain and not chronic pain. Opioids can have negative consequences including changes to the brain, depression, increased pain, constipation, sedation, and even death. This fact sheet reviews and explains some of the most successful …

Air Temperature And Gastroenteritis Among Rohingya Populations In Bangladesh Refugee Camps, Takuya Takata, Xerxes Seposo, Nasif Hossain, Kayo Ueda

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

Importance

The Rohingya displaced population in Bangladesh is the largest stateless population in the world. Infectious diseases, such as gastroenteritis, respiratory infections, and fever, are among the major health problems the Rohingya population has faced. Although associations between gastroenteritis and air temperature have been reported in various regions, no study has yet been carried out among the displaced populations.

Objectives

To evaluate the association between air temperature and risk of gastroenteritis among the forcibly displaced Rohingya population in refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cross-sectional study, daily time series data derived from facility-based case reports were …

Investigating The Spatial Distribution Of Food Insecurity And Its Associated Factors Across Mississippi Counties, Elizabeth C. Swindell, Riley Morgan, Dylan Barker, Ruaa Al Juboori

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Mississippi has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the United States, with many counties experiencing significant disparities in access to healthy food. Therefore, understanding the spatial distribution of these disparities is essential for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the spatial distribution of food insecurity and its associated social and health factors across Mississippi counties to identify areas in need of intervention.

Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted using publicly available datasets to examine food insecurity and its associated factors at the county level. Pearson correlations and bivariate Moran’s I were used to …

The Impact Of An Iron-Rich Diet On Fatigue In Menstruating Women With Non-Anemic Iron Deficiency, Meagan Seraydar, Lauren Latimer, Sam Miragliatto

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Fatigue without diagnosed anemia is prevalent in menstruating women, with iron deficiency being a potential contributor. While iron supplementation is a standard intervention, dietary sources of iron may offer a sustainable alternative. This study aims to assess the impact of an iron-rich diet on fatigue levels in menstruating women. A 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted, assigning participants to either an iron-rich diet group or a control group following their usual diet without specific iron recommendations. Fatigue will be measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks, alongside iron status biomarkers, including …

Student Perceptions On Career Decision Making Skills In Relation To The Covid-19 Pandemic, Emily G. Oliver

Honors College Theses

The Covid-19 pandemic had major ramifications on all areas of the professional world as well. As mandatory quarantines and shutdowns were implemented, the negative effects were widespread and everyone was impacted. People from all different career fields faced unforeseen circumstances that caused anxiety about their income and workplace stability. With all of these changes in the world, students who were in high school and first years of college still had to make a decision about their future and what they wanted to do for an occupation one day. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on …

A Qualitative Inquiry Of Exercise Preferences Among Hispanic Adults With Multiple Sclerosis, Stephanie L Silveira, Robert W Motl, Tania Ontiveros, Victoria Flores

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This study aimed to identify the components of an ideal exercise training program for Hispanics with multiple sclerosis (MS), cultural adaptations, and avenues for dissemination of information to this population. Online, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 adults with MS who identified as Hispanic. A deductive content analysis approach was applied for assessing necessary and desired components of an exercise program. Participants articulated preferences for "what," "when," "where," and "who" of exercise programs. All participants expressed an interest in aerobic training (n = 27) and need for resistance (n = 14), flexibility (n = 8), and neuromotor components (n = …

Using The Healthy Native Youth Implementation Toolbox To Provide Web-Based Adolescent Health Promotion Decision Support To American Indian And Alaska Native Communities: Implementation Study, Amrita Sidhu, Ross Shegog, Stephanie Craig-Rushing, Nicole Trevino, Michelle Singer, Cornelia Jessen, Gwenda Gorman, Sean Simpson, Melissa Peskin, Belinda Hernandez, Christine Markham

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth experience numerous health inequities, including those in sexual, reproductive, and mental health. Implementation of culturally relevant, age-appropriate evidence-based programs may mitigate these inequities. However, numerous barriers limit the adoption and implementation of evidence-based adolescent health promotion programs in AI/AN communities.

Objective: This study examines user reach and engagement from 2022 to 2024 of web-based decision support (the Healthy Native Youth [HNY] website and the embedded HNY Implementation Toolbox), designed to increase the implementation of evidence-based adolescent health promotion programming in AI/AN communities.

Methods: Promotional strategies were designed for optimal geographic reach to …

Dysphagia And Covid-19 In Adults: A Prospective Clinical Trial With Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation Of Swallowing, Gökhan Can Törpü, Müberra Tanrıverdi, Nahide Öztoprak, Ömer Faruk Çalım, Orhan Özturan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is distinguished by its impact on various tissues and organs across the body. It is known that COVID-19-related conditions are associated with swallowing function. This prospective study aimed to investigate the correlation between COVID-19 and dysphagia in adults. Methods: Adults who applied to the swallowing disorders outpatient clinic participated in this study. According to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, participants were divided into two groups: COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 group. Swallowing disorders were evaluated using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and scored with the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS). PAS score > 1 was considered as dysphagia. Oral …

Health Risk Assessment Of Heavy Metal(Loid)S Intake From Beverages In The United States, Hannah T.V. Stoner, Tewodros Rango Godebo, Pornpimol Kodsup Taylor

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Heavy metals in beverages can pose health risks in an exposure-dependent manner, however, few studies in the United States have evaluated their metal content and health risks. This study determined the concentrations of eight metal(loid)s, As, Al, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, in 60 beverages via inductively coupled plasma[sbnd]mass spectrometry (ICPMS). The highest median concentrations (µg/kg) were found in mixed fruit juices for Ni (45.7), Cr (14.8), and As (4.5); tea for Mn (5,300), Al (730), and Pb (1.4); and plant-based milk for Zn (835) and Cd (1.1). Chronic daily intake (CDI) across age groups was calculated using …

Impact Of Cde Referral On A1c Control In Adult Type 2 Dm Patients., Alivia Watts Bsn, Rn, Yesica Sanchez Bsn, Rn, Morgan Hilliard Bsn, Rn, Laura Reed Dnp, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Type II Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic health condition impacting many adults in Tennessee. Certified Diabetic Educators (CDEs) are specifically trained in educating and addressing the health care needs of patients with diagnoses of Type I or Type II Diabetes. Research has shown that education conducted by CDEs leads to improved outcomes and self- care in those with diabetes (Bowen, et al., 2016, King et al., 2019). Not only are CDEs cost effective services leading to a decrease in healthcare costs, but they also aid in the improvement of hemoglobin A1C (Hgb A1C) levels and decrease complications associated with Type …

Universal Health Care, Oregon, Jennifer S. Arnold, Bethany Clouse, Alec Martin

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Annual Conference

Historically, the US has chosen not to fund universal health care at every opportunity, leaving our nation as the only industrialized country without some system of health coverage for our citizens and with the worst health care outcomes of any high-income nation in the world. Health care in Oregon is no exception. Our current health care system is financially unsustainable, harmfully complex, and socially unjust, as well as inequitably delivered. Too many Oregonians, because of their race, age, income, geography, or insurance, endure vastly different health care access, varied health care quality, and wide-ranging health outcomes. In 2019, the Oregon …

The Intersecting Association Of Speaking A Non-Dominant Language And Lower Healthcare Access On Self-Reported Depression Among U.S. Adults: A Cross Sectional Study Using Nhanes Data (2015-March 2020), Vincenzo J. Cornacchione, Corey Linver

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Annual Conference

Objective: This analytic study examined the joint and independent associations between language preferences and healthcare access on moderate to severe depression among non-institutionalized adults living in the U.S., using data from the 2015 to March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods: In this cross-sectional study design, we analyzed a nationally representative data set comprised of 11,051 participants. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the joint and independent associations between our dual exposures and moderate to severe depression, adjusting for key demographic variables based on our theoretical framework. We created categorical measures of preferred language (speaking …

Primary Place To Go For Health Care And Its Association With Hpv Prevalence In Us Adults: Results From Nhanes 2013-2016, Amy L. Mcveety, Miyuki Sun

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Annual Conference

Background: While access to health care is a known risk factor for many infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted infections, little research has investigated the relationship between access to primary care services and prevalent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Given HPV’s prevalence in the general population and lack of available treatments, it is necessary to understand possible risk factors to identify areas for intervention. This study uses primary place to go for health services as a proxy measure for access to care, in order to understand which sources of health care are serving patients with the highest prevalence of HPV infections and …

Building Bridges: A Community Health Worker Training Course, Taylor A. Ramsey, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Phd, Otd, Otr, Dr. Sharita Ambrose, Dhed., Mph, Ches, Chwi

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Building Bridges: A Community Health Worker Training Course is a comprehensive 20-hour continuing education course designed for community health workers (CHWS) who work with Black pregnant women. This training course was developed for and in collaboration with Allure Alliance Incorporated, a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of Black women through community programming, education, and advocacy. This training course reflects an interprofessional collaborative approach to addressing the racial disparities in the Black maternal health population in the U.S. The course includes evidence-based strategies and health management interventions derived from the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, 4th Edition (OTPF-4), …

The Association Of Sleep Quality And Depression On Having Three Vs. All Five Diagnostic Criteria Of Metabolic Syndrome, Nina Pollard

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Metabolic syndrome is increasing in prevalence in the United States. To be diagnosed, three of the five diagnostic criteria must be met. There is a higher risk of metabolic syndrome due to lifestyle and social factors, with increased criteria occurring as an individual has unmet social determinants of health. This quantitative quasi-experimental/quasi-comparative study examined the association between education level, with sleep quality and depression as moderators, on a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome with all five criteria versus three criteria using a binary logistic regression while controlling for age, race, gender, income, employment, and marital status. Bronfenbrenner’s social ecological theory served …

Clinical Practice Guideline For The Improvement Of Care Compliance Of Children Affected By Obesity, Denise Vaz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Childhood obesity is diagnosed in children with a weight that is above the normal levels for their age and height. This diagnosis can be made if the child's body mass index (BMI) percentile is equal to or above 95% for age and sex. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; 2024), BMI, an anthropometric index of weight and height, is calculated by dividing a person's weight (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in meters), is used to assess if a child is underweight, overweight, obese or of healthy weight. The Cleveland Clinic (2024) noted that BMI …

Growing The Good: A Communal Garden Case Study Among Marginalized, Rural Populations, Claire Barbier

LSU Master's Theses

Community and Communal gardens (CG) have been documented as early as the late 1800s during periods of economic recessions and high food insecurity (The MIT Press Reader, 2022). However, C.G. adoption rates are expanding on a global scale as communities and municipalities see the potential for the tool to bring relief to environments in dire need of additional resources. Utilizing a communal garden can be used to address a surplus of systemic barriers a community faces; it has a significant opportunity to bring forth the interconnected tiers of public health altogether (Twiss et. al, 2003). Modernized C.G projects bring forth …

Oral Hygiene And Cardiovascular Health, Md. S. Zaman, S. M. Golam Alam, Mohammed S. Razzaque

School of Medicine Publications

The human oral microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining oral and systemic health. This diverse microbial community includes over 700 bacterial species, some of which are implicated in developing systemic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Research highlights a strong association between periodontal disease and increased cardiovascular risk, suggesting that good oral hygiene practices may reduce the incidence of CVDs. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum drive chronic inflammation in periodontal disease; these bacteria can extend beyond the mouth and contribute to systemic inflammatory responses. The inflammatory factors, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukins (IL-1, IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), damage …

Research Priorities For Drivers Of Food Choice For Food System Transformation In South Asia: Proceedings Of A Collaborative Workshop, Christine E. Blake Ph.D., Rd, Sunny S. Kim, Edward A. Frongillo Ph.D., Purnima Menon

Faculty Publications

Agrifood systems in South Asia are highly productive, but substantial challenges including poverty, climate change, and environmental degradation complicate progress toward achieving sustainable healthy diets for all. The dynamics of food systems and the consequence of their rapid transformation for food choice behaviors that contribute to healthy and unhealthy diets are not well understood. Food choice is defined as a decision-making process through which individuals and households consider, acquire, prepare, distribute, and consume foods and beverages. Understanding drivers of food choice (DFC) is important for achieving sustainable healthy diets, but evidence is lacking. This article outlines collectively derived priorities for …

Food For Thought: The Impact Of The Gut-Brain Axis On Mental Health, Emily S. Miiller

Honors Thesis

Research regarding the role of the human microbiome has grown over the years as professionals develop a better understanding of the gut-brain axis. New studies and expanding knowledge on the relationship between the nervous system and gut microbiome promote a deeper understanding of the impact of diet on mental health. Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance between the gut and the brain. Incorporating nutritional modulators, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and vitamins, is crucial for supporting the gut-brain axis by influencing neurotransmitter production, managing inflammation, and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. On the other hand, …

Physiotherapy In Community-Based Rehabilitation In Middle And Low-Income Countries: A Scoping Review, Er D. Petil Jr., Napoleon R. Caballero

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is a widely recognized approach to address the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Physical therapy (PT) plays a crucial role within CBR programs. This study aimed to synthesize the current state of literature regarding the integration of PT in CBR programs in LMICs across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, examining key characteristics, reported outcomes, and challenges to implementation.

Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was conducted, focusing on studies published in the past decade. Data were extracted and synthesized in matrix format to compare and contrast findings across the …

Dental Disparities: An Analysis Of Dental Caries Risk Factors Promoting Disparities Between Rural And Urban Communities In Nebraska, Nick Lounsbery

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The prevalence of dental caries in the United States remains a public health concern, as it is one of the most common chronic conditions across people of all ages. Research shows that preventative measures including brushing, fluoridated water, and regular checkups are effective strategies to mitigate tooth decay. However, there appears to be a divide between rural and urban populations, as the presence of dental cavities is significantly greater in remote areas in the State of Nebraska. Research methods used in this analysis included analyzing accredited academic literature to illustrate how cavities form from a biochemical perspective. Research methods also …