Digital Commons Network^™

Start With What They Know: Using Motivational Interviewing To Create A Cooking Class, A Culinary Intervention For Teens (Autistic And Non-Autistic), Gwendolyn S. Tedder

LEND Trainee Presentations

Autistic teens are at greater risk for having heart disease and diabetes as adults. Food particularity, sensory issues, fixed mindset, and anxiety over trying new things can slow down their interest in preparing food for themselves. Nurturing basic cooking skills and gently encouraging trying new foods would provide more nutritional options to teens as they move into adulthood. A cooking class preceded by Motivational Interviewing (MI) developed further interest in preparing food afterward in teens, both autistic and non-autistic, and in trying new foods for autistic teens with food concerns.

The Effects Of Body Mass Index On Fertility And In Vitro Fertilization, Morgan R. Kidd

Honors College Theses

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most widely used type of assisted reproductive technology for treating infertility arising from a number of conditions. As obesity rates continue to climb in the United States, infertility has been discovered to have a direct correlation. Individuals that fall below or above the healthy body mass index range are found to have disrupted regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in diminished reproductive health. Those that are diagnosed as infertile due to conditions caused by the effects of low body mass index or high body mass index may seek assisted reproductive technologies to intervene in achieving …

A Comparative Analysis Of Group Care: Trust, Professional Identity, And Health System Structure In The United Kingdom And The Netherlands, Samantha J. Kohlmann

Senior Theses

Group prenatal care (Group Care) has been associated with improved maternal experiences and select clinical outcomes, yet less is understood about how it functions within high-resource health systems and what mechanisms underlie its impact. This study examines how Group Care is implemented in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, with particular attention to professional roles, relational dynamics, and health system context.

I employed a qualitative, comparative design and conducted four semi-structured interviews with midwife researchers involved in Group Care implementation in both countries. Data were analyzed thematically, with attention to cross-context similarities and differences.

Findings indicate that Group Care operates …

Obesity In The Rio Grande Valley: Applying An Evidence-Based Public Health Approach, Erika Pineda-Horta

Posters - 2026

What structural and social determinants drive elevated adult obesity rates in the Rio Grande Valley, and what evidence-based interventions can reduce adult obesity prevalence in Hidalgo County by 5% by 2030?

Objective: This study applies an EBPH framework to (1) characterize the burden and structural determinants of adult obesity in the RGV, and (2) propose a culturally responsive, evidence-based intervention targeting adults aged 18+ in Hidalgo County.

Adult obesity is clinically defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² in adults aged 18 and older (CDC, 2022). It is a chronic, multifactorial non-communicable disease shaped by structural, social, and …

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: A Narrative Review Of Disparities Between Black And White Women In The United States And Strategies For Improvement, Lynne Li, Jessica Schlewitt

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an inflammatory syndrome of the upper female reproductive organs caused by infection, most commonly via Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis, spreading to one or more reproductive organs. With PID responsible for many of the major morbidities of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain, the urgency is high to mitigate the impacts of untreated PID, especially in higher-risk populations. This paper discusses the current disparities in PID diagnosis, treatment, and management between Black and white women and proposes interventions to reduce health inequalities involving PID. To conduct this narrative review, …

Beyond Parallel Programmes: A Roadmap For Operational Integration Of Family Planning And Nutrition In Low- And Middle-Income Countries, Marleen Temmerman, Samuel Ojong

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

No abstract provided.

Beyond Parallel Programmes: A Roadmap For Operational Integration Of Family Planning And Nutrition In Low- And Middle-Income Countries, Marleen Temmerman, Samuel Ojong

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

No abstract provided.

Eating Disorder Prevention And Early Intervention In U.S. Higher Education – A Comparative Benchmarking Study, Jake R. Arcement

Senior Theses

Eating disorders (EDs), including anorexia nervosa, have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness, yet remain underrecognized relative to their severity and treatment burden. Because the period of peak onset aligns with the college years, institutions of higher education are uniquely positioned to play an important role in prevention, early identification, and referral to specialized care. However, limited research has examined how colleges and universities structure ED prevention and treatment resources. This thesis applies a comparative benchmarking framework to assess current institutional practices across U.S. colleges and universities. A national survey of student health and counseling centers examined staffing, …

A Review Of Yellow Fever: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical Manifestations, Treatment, Prevention, And Prognosis, Farah Ebrahim, Samina Somji, Reena Shah, Salim Surani

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV), a member of the Flaviviridae family. Despite the availability of an effective live-attenuated vaccine, the disease remains endemic in regions of Africa and South America. Transmission occurs primarily via an infected mosquito called Aedes aegypti, with distinct urban, sylvatic, and intermediate transmission cycles. Clinically, infection ranges from mild febrile illness to severe disease, which is characterized by jaundice, hemorrhage, and multiorgan failure. Pathogenesis involves viral replication in hepatocytes, immune-mediated injury, and dysregulated inflammatory responses, leading to characteristic hepatic mid-zone necrosis. Diagnosis relies on molecular detection …

Length And Framing Of Anti-Junk Food Ads Impact Inclinations To Consume Junk Food Among Normal Weight, Overweight, And Adults With Obesity, Ross C. Hollett, Brennen Mills, Stephanie L. Godrich, Julia Butt, Gina S.A. Trapp

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Unrestricted junk food advertising increases the risk of short-term junk food consumption among viewers. We aimed to estimate the impact of junk food and anti-junk food advertisements differing in length and framing on junk food consumption inclinations. Methods: Adult participants (N = 505) were exposed to a randomly selected junk food advertisement or anti-junk food advertisement and reported their immediate craving and consumption intentions. These responses were separately analysed for two groups based on Body Mass Index (BMI): participants classified as within the normal range (18.5–25), and a combined group with BMI values indicating either overweight (25+) or obesity …

Using Social Network Analysis To Visualise Place-Based Partnerships For Systems Change In Regional Australia, Stephanie L. Godrich, Isabelle Chiera, Melissa Stoneham, Jess Doe, Amanda Devine, Emily Humphreys

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issue Addressed: Social network analysis (SNA) is a novel approach to investigating food security systems change in regional and remote communities. With short-term, siloed food security solutions often proving ineffective, this study used SNA to visualise how organisations across a vast area in Western Australia (WA) were working in partnership to support systems change and identify where these partnerships could be strengthened. Methods: One hundred and one food security initiative leaders, representing 148 initiatives, participated in semi-structured interviews. The number and type of regional partnerships were measured, and region-based partnership network typologies determined. Results: Most regions’ partnership networks were ‘Scattered …

Combined Effect Of Sarcopenia And Impaired Respiratory Function On All-Cause Death: A Nationwide Cohort Study, Chutao Wu, Dan Wu, Mu Li, Senrong Lu, Yukai Wang, Yulong Lan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Respiratory fitness and sarcopenia status have been reported to be cross-sectionally linked with each other and increase mortality risk. However, little is currently known regarding the connection between impaired respiratory function and sarcopenia and their joint effect on future death risk. Methods: This study included 12 027 participants (50.8% were women; mean [SD] age, 58.9 [9.3] years) from a nationwide, prospective cohort in China (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study). Respiratory function was assessed by peak expiratory flow (PEF). Sarcopenia status was assessed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS 2019) criteria. Time-to-event survival analyses and …

Preoperative Health During A Pandemic: An Observational Study Assessing Lifestyle Changes In Patients Associated With Covid-19 In Western Australia, Nadine Radin, Dana Hince, Jim Codde, Paola Chivers, Dale W. Edgar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and Aim: Healthcare service disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic led to substantial changes in surgical pathways across public hospitals in Western Australia (WA). These disruptions, compounded by restrictions and containment measures, influenced the health and lifestyle behaviours of the WA community, including patients awaiting surgery. This study aimed to assess changes in self-reported modifiable lifestyle risk factors among patients during COVID-19. Methods: This observational study analysed hospital patient data across three seasonally matched calendar periods: Period 1 (January–March 2019 vs 2020), Period 2 (March–July 2019 vs 2020), and Period 3 (July–December 2019 vs 2020). Multivariable regression models were …

Farmers Markets And Produce Purchasing Behaviors Among University Faculty And Staff, Kritika Gupta, Laurel Lambert, Jangwoo Jo, Selby Rebecca Entrekin, Georgianna Mann

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: This study explores produce purchasing criteria (PPC) and produce purchasing frequency (PPF) among university faculty and staff, a population often underrepresented in dietary behavior research.

Purpose: To identify distinct PPC profiles among university faculty and staff and examine how these profiles are associated with PPF and farmers market usage, while also assessing the role of demographic and behavioral factors in shaping these relationships.

Methods: Using a 29-item online survey administered to faculty and staff at a southern United States university (N = 175), three distinct PPC clusters were identified: health/label conscious, utilitarian, and no-specified-criteria consumers. Statistical analyses — including …

Impact Of Tropical Cyclones On Food And Nutrition Security: A Global Scoping Review And Thematic Analysis, Patience M. Chiotha, Budi Haryanto

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

The increasing frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones driven by climate change pose growing threats to food and nutrition security. Globally, an estimated 80–90 tropical cyclones occur annually, affecting approximately 119 million people. Evidence regarding their impact on food systems, dietary patterns, and nutritional status remains fragmented. This scoping review aimed to map global evidence on the impacts of tropical cyclones on food and nutrition security, identify key pathways of impact, and examine affected indicators at household and individual levels. The review followed Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and PRISMA-ScR. Searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google …

Risk Factors Of Leptospirosis Among Agricultural Workers In Southeast Asia: Literature Review, Ronggo Adi Wibowo, Wawa Najwa Nurzakia, Meirany Sasitha Kirana, Yulia Arthemisia Wijaya, Jasmine Ayumaharani Sekaryudha, Dwi Sarwani Sri Rejeki, Rosita Dwi Jayanti

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

The agricultural sector is the primary source of livelihood for communities in Southeast Asia; however, these activities increase the risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases, particularly leptospirosis. Southeast Asia is one of the regions with the highest incidence of leptospirosis in the world. This literature review aims to identify risk factors for leptospirosis among agricultural workers in Southeast Asia. The search for research articles utilized three databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect) using a descriptive approach based on literature review and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 9,800 articles were screened for …

Factors Associated With Stunting Among Children Aged 6 – 59 Months Attending Integrated Health Post (Posyandu) In Selapajang And Kedaung Wetan Villages, Neglasari Sub-District, Tangerang City: A Matched Case-Control Study, Michael Alexander Solang, Joue Abraham Trixie, Gloria Semula, Tiona Simamora, Conny Tanjung

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Stunting is a problem in Indonesia. In 2022, Kedaung Wetan and Selapajang Villages in Neglasari sub-district, Tangerang City, were identified as a priority. This study aimed to identify factors associated with stunting among children (6 – 59 months) in these villages. A matched case-control study consisting of 214 children (107 cases and 107 controls) was conducted, with individual matching based on age, sex, and prematurity at birth. Cases were children with height-for-age (H/A) measurement less than -2SD (according to WHO standard), while controls were children with H/A equal to or greater than -2SD. Conditional logistic regression was used for the …

The Effects Of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption On Cancer Development, Bailey G. Ottmann

Emerging Writers

The dramatic rise in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption worldwide has sparked growing concerns about its impact on cancer development and human health. UPFs contain high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, chemical additives, dyes, and toxic compounds formed during cooking and processing. This study investigates the relationship between UPF consumption and cancer through a review of primary and secondary sources, alongside an observational survey conducted among 15 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and nursing educators. Survey findings indicate that 53% of participants observed higher cancer prevalence in patients consuming large amounts of UPFs, with colorectal cancer most frequently reported. The …

Determinants Of Stunting Among Under-Five Children (0–59 Months) In Central Sulawesi Province, Marchell Bamba, Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, Ratna Djuwita, Helwiah Umniyati

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Stunting is caused by chronic malnutrition which can be caused by various factors including poverty, poor nutritional intake and maternal health, and inappropriate infant feeding. This study was conducted to determine what factors cause stunting in Central Sulawesi Province. This study was conducted using a cross-sectional observational analysis method using secondary data from the Survei Kesehatan Indonesia (SKI) 2023. The analysis was carried out using logistic regression. The sample used was 2179 respondents. The dependent variable is stunting while the independent variables are age, gender, area of residence, gestational age, provision of PMT, exclusive breastfeeding, maternal occupation, maternal education, and …

The Relationship Between Smartphone Screen Time Duration And Individual Chronotype: A Systematic Literature Review, Diego Sergio Giasia Lumbantobing, Thalia Altamilano Pramudya

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

The rapid increase in smartphone use over the past decade led to prolonged screen time across age groups, particularly during nighttime hours. Exposure to artificial light and pre-sleep digital activities was associated with circadian rhythm disruption and alterations in individual chronotype. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize empirical evidence on the relationship between smartphone screen time duration and individual chronotype across all age groups and to identify key moderating factors influencing this association. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect for studies published between 2015 and 2025. …

Examining Predictors For Surgical Site Infection Following Abdominal Hysterectomy Among Women In New York, Nicole Henry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain one of the most frequent and preventable complications following abdominal hysterectomy. Existing literature has focused on clinical and procedural risk factors, while less is known about how social conditions shape surgical outcomes. This gap is especially concerning for women in New York State (NYS) where differences in income, marital status, primary payer, rurality, and county-level food insecurity may influence postoperative outcomes and subsequent care. The socioecological model provided the foundation for this retrospective cohort study by examining how social drivers of health (SDoH) are associated with SSI incidence following abdominal hysterectomy, and whether food insecurity …

Patterns Of Multimorbidity Among Low-Income Adults Who Smoke With Implications For Tailored Interventions: A Cluster Analysis Using A Mixture Of Bernoulli Model, Monique T. Cano, Michael R. Lindstrom, Oscar F. Rojas Perez, Ricardo F. Muñoz

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Introduction: Smoking cigarettes remains a leading modifiable risk factor for preventable health conditions. In the United States, the health burden of smoking disproportionately impacts low-income individuals. Multimorbidity is common in this group, complicating treatment and worsening outcomes. Identifying multimorbidity clusters can support targeted, individualized interventions. This study aimed to identify multimorbidity clusters among individuals who smoke and experience economic hardship and provide clinical recommendations to enhance health outcomes.

Method: Individuals who smoke and experience economic hardship (N = 60) were recruited from the San Francisco Health Network (SFHN) and were assessed for physical and mental conditions. Cluster analysis was …

Association Between The Dietary Index For Gut Microbiota (Di-Gm) And Colorectal Cancer In The Plco Cohort, Bezawit E. Kase, Angela D. Liese Ph.D., Jiajia Zhang Ph.D., Elizabeth Angela Murphy, Susan E. Steck Phd, Mph, Rd

Faculty Publications

Objectives: The study aimed to examine the association between a dietary index for gut microbiota (DI-GM) and the risk of incident colorectal cancer (CRC). Clarifying the role of diet-induced alterations in the composition and function of gut microbiota on the development of CRC can contribute to prevention efforts. Methods: Participants from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening trial enrolled in the intervention arm and who completed baseline assessments were included in the analysis (n = 55,685). The DI-GM is a literature-derived index used to score diet quality in terms of maintaining healthy gut microbiota. A time-dependent Cox model …

Association Between The Dietary Index For Gut Microbiota (Di-Gm) And Colorectal Cancer In The Plco Cohort, Bezawit E. Kase, Angela D. Liese, Jiajia Zhang, Elizabeth Angela Murphy, Susan E. Steck

Faculty Publications

Objectives: The study aimed to examine the association between a dietary index for gut microbiota (DI-GM) and the risk of incident colorectal cancer (CRC). Clarifying the role of diet-induced alterations in the composition and function of gut microbiota on the development of CRC can contribute to prevention efforts. Methods: Participants from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening trial enrolled in the intervention arm and who completed baseline assessments were included in the analysis (n = 55,685). The DI-GM is a literature-derived index used to score diet quality in terms of maintaining healthy gut microbiota. A time-dependent Cox model …

A Livelihood Intervention Improved Nutritional, Mental Health And Sexual Health Outcomes Among Hiv-Affected Adolescents In Western Kenya: Results From The Shamba Maisha Randomised Controlled Trial, Sheri D. Weiser, Lila Aziz Sheira, Pauline Wekesa, Jennifer Monroe Zakaras, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Elly Weke, Jason M. Nagata, Amy A. Conroy, Marguerita Lightfoot, Torsten B. Neilands, Lisa M. Butler, Elizabeth A. Bukusi, Craig R. Cohen, Maricianah Atieno Onono

Faculty Publications

Introduction Interventions that address household-level factors, including food insecurity (FI) and poverty, may reduce HIV risk and improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW).

Methods This cluster randomised controlled trial in Kenya assessed AGYW living in households of adults enrolled in Shamba Maisha (SM). SM was a multisectoral agricultural livelihood intervention designed to improve HIV health. At the trial end, we used linear and logistic regressions to compare differences between the intervention and control arms in FI, and mental health among AGYW-caregiver pairs and SRH outcomes among the AGYW, accounting for clusters with robust …

Predictors Of Employment Attrition In Lebanon During Multifaceted Crises: The Role Of Chronic Diseases – A National Cross-Sectional Study, Myriam Dagher, Ali Abboud, Ghada E. Saad, Rita Itani, Rindala Fayyad, Hala Ghattas Ph.D., Stephen J. Mccall, Jocelyn Dejong, Malak Ghezzawi, Nisreen Salti, Sasha Fahme, Serena Canaan

Faculty Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic and Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis exacerbated existing workforce and health disparities. This study explored the predictors of employment attrition during Lebanon’s concurrent crises and examined the association between chronic conditions and employment attrition. This cross-sectional study recruited adults aged 19–64 years residing in Lebanon through random digit dialing (January – July 2024). Data collected included socio-demographics, household characteristics, employment history and characteristics, and self-reported chronic conditions. The outcome was loss of paid employment (employment attrition) during the crises. Predictors were identified through a Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, and model discrimination and calibration were …

Engagement Patterns With #Naturalremedies On Tiktok: Formative Analysis, Apeksha Mewani, Corey H. Basch, Keanu Renne-Glover, Vincent Jones Ii, Cristiana Cordero, Adea Gutiqi

Publications and Research

This research letter provides formative evidence from a cross-sectional analysis of 118 TikTok videos under #NaturalRemedies, identifying content formats and expertise cues associated with higher engagement, while also demonstrating the feasibility of using engagement metrics and thematic coding to analyze health narratives on emerging platforms such as TikTok.

Exploring The Impact Of Education On Cardiovascular Health In Women: Sex Disparities, Symptom Recognition And Attribution, And Preventive Measures, Sydney Totten

Best Integrated Writing

Totten examines sex disparities in cardiovascular disease among women, emphasizing gaps in symptom recognition, treatment, and health education. Through a literature review and educational intervention, it demonstrates that targeted, nurse-led education can significantly improve women’s understanding of risk factors, symptoms, and disease management, ultimately supporting better health outcomes.

Dietary Inflammatory Index And Objective Disease Activity In Ibd: No Association Found, Rúbia Moresi Vianna De Oliveira, Ana Carolina Junqueira Vasques, Stefhani Andrioli Romero, Nitin Shivappa Mbbs, Mph, Ph.D., Michael David Wirth, James Hébert Scd, Glaucia Fernanda Soares Ruppert Reis, Cristiane Kibune Nagasako

Faculty Publications

Background

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves genetic and environmental factors, but the relationship between disease activity, adiposity, and diet remains unclear.

Objective

To investigate the association between endoscopic/radiological activity of IBD, body adiposity, and the Dietary Inflammatory Index with or without adjustment for energy density (E-DII or DII).

Method

An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out. Endoscopic activity was defined by an endoscopic Mayo score >2, Crohn’s Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS) > 5, and/or the presence of a deep ulcer in any intestinal segment. Body adiposity was estimated using the body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio (WHR). …

Circulating Levels Of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (Igf-I) And Risk Of Multiple Myeloma: An Observational And Mendelian Randomisation Study, Yolanda Benavente, Sara Hermosa, Nikos Papadimitriou, Alyssa I. Clay-Gilmour Ph.D., Elizabeth E. Brown, Jonathan N. Hofmann, Nathaniel Rothman, Qin Lan, Sonja I. Berndt, Demetrius Albanes, Mark Purdue, Mitchell J. Machiela, Stephen J. Chanock, Parveen Bhatti, Wendy Cozen, Aaron Norman, Susan L. Slager, James R. Cerhan, Vincent Rajkumar, Et. Al.

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.