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Addressing Dermatologic Concerns And Teledermatology In Undomiciled And Sheltered Populations, Kennedy Gallagher, Sahithi Talasila, Anna Bistline, Rebecca Krain, Leena Ramani, Elizabeth Jones

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Homelessness in the United States is a significant public health issue, with dermatologic disease being the most prevalent health concern among the undomiciled and sheltered populations. Despite a growing need for dermatologic care, the supply of dermatologists remains insufficient, contributing to disparities in healthcare access for this vulnerable group. This review aims to detail the spectrum of dermatologic conditions experienced by homeless individuals, identify barriers to adequate care, and explore teledermatology as a potential solution to bridge these gaps. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing studies and reports on dermatologic issues prevalent among the homeless population and the efficacy …

Exploring The Impact Of Maternal Early Life Adversity On Interoceptive Sensibility In Pregnancy: Implications For Prenatal Depression, Paul W. Savoca, Laura M. Glynn, Molly M. Fox, Misty C. Richards, Bridget L. Callaghan

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Purpose

Pregnancy is a sensitive period of development in adult life characterized by massive changes in physical, emotional, and cognitive function. Such changes may be adaptive, e.g., facilitating adjustment to physical demands, but they may also reflect or contribute to risks inherent to this stage of life, e.g., prenatal depression. One cognitive ability that may undergo change during pregnancy and contribute to mental wellness is interoception - the ability to perceive, integrate, and model sensory information originating from the body. Strong interoceptive abilities are associated with lower rates of depression in non-pregnant adult populations, and interoception is generally weaker in …

Relationship Between Parental Involvement And Infant Bonding Among Families Of Barangay Tambacan, Tubod, And Santiago, Iligan City, Samantha Colegado Templado, Jezneel C. Cale, Ian C. Abordo Phd, Donna Belle P. Sumugat Rn, Man, Ma. Almira P. Nebres Rn, Man, Phd, Angelica N. Sarsaba

Pacific Journal of Health

Background and Aim: This study explored and assesses the extent of parental involvement and its relationship to infant bonding. It aimed to determine how varying levels of engagement from parents influence the development of a strong bond with their infants.

Design: We employed a descriptive correlational design and utilized questionnaires to collect data from 150 families living in Iligan City. Respondents were specifically from squatter areas of Iligan City.

Results: The findings of this study reveal that fathers tend to show indirect care that happens monthly, which relates to the infant’s soothing level. Mothers generally understand their infants' basic mental …

Internalizing Mental Health Symptoms And Nicotine Use Among Adolescents In Canada, England, And The Us From 2020-2022, Emily E. Hackworth

Theses and Dissertations

Background: There is a well-established bi-directional relationship between cigarette smoking and internalizing mental health (IMH) symptoms (e.g., symptoms of depression, symptoms of anxiety). However, it is unclear whether IMH symptoms are associated with using different types of nicotine products among adolescents, as adolescents are using a variety of nicotine products, including combustible products (cigarettes), non-combustible products (e-cigarettes), or combinations of both types of products. This dissertation examines associations between IMH symptoms and current use of various types of nicotine products across three countries from 2020-2022.

Methods: Data come from the 2020-2022 waves of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Adolescents Tobacco …

The Role Of Telehealth And Obstetrics Capacity On Maternal Health Care: A Mixed Methods Approach, Shanikque L. Barksdale

Theses and Dissertations

Background: The United States (US) is experiencing a maternal health crisis, with rising severe maternal morbidity and mortality rates and persistent racial, ethnic, and geographic disparities. While telehealth can address access challenges, there is limited evidence of its impact on access to maternity care and outcomes among rural and minoritized communities. The overall objective of this study was to analyze the disparities in maternal outcomes and user satisfaction by hospital-based telehealth and obstetric care availability.

Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods approach was used. A multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze whether the changes in the proportions of hospitals …

Impacts Of Covid-19 And Taliban Takeover On U.S. Afghan Refugee Women’S Mental Health: A Socio-Ecological Approach To Resilience Resources, Atefeh Aghaei

Theses and Dissertations

In response to the escalating global refugee crisis, intensified by ongoing conflicts and environmental changes, this dissertation research focuses on the mental health of Afghan refugee women in the United States (U.S.), particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 Taliban takeover. With over 114 million people displaced globally, Afghan refugees, notably women, encounter heightened mental health risks due to violence, deprivation, systemic persecution, and the challenges of migration. This vulnerability is exacerbated by recent mass traumatic events, including the pandemic and political upheaval in Afghanistan. Our study, conducted through semi-structured interviews with Afghan refugee women and …

Nutrition And Mental Health Related Factors Across Historically Black College And University Students, Nancy Anai Uriegas

Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence of food insecurity across college campus in the United States has been widely explored, with the primary focus placed on large, 4-year, primarily White institutions. Less is known about the prevalence of food insecurity and the impact it may have on health behaviors among minority serving institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Young adults attending college, and more specifically student-athletes (SAs), are typically in a new place, facing new stressors and high rates of food insecurity, which in turn may play a critical role in their current health status as it pertains to meeting their energy …

The Effect Of Covid-19 Restrictions On The Social Support Experiences Of Black Women Giving Birth In South Carolina Hospitals During The First Year Of The Covid-19 Pandemic (2020) As Compared To A Previous Birth, Tiffany Eva Byrd

Theses and Dissertations

The United States is experiencing a maternal health crisis, which disproportionately affects Black women. Black women die from pregnancy-related causes two to three times as often as their White counter parts, and the majority of maternal death are preventable. In recent years, public health and national governing authorities have devoted resources to monitoring the health crisis and raising the public’s knowledge of warning signs; however, maternal mortality rates continue to rise. Noted contributors to Black maternal mortality include, but are not limited to, racism, delayed treatment and response to health emergencies, and lack of social and emotional support during childbirth, …

Secondary Trauma Amongst Emergency Shelter Volunteers: An Intervention To Identify, Assess, And Respond To Secondary Trauma Exposure, Ashlyn K. Yokom

Master's Projects and Capstones

Purpose: Emergency shelter volunteers are experiencing secondary traumatic stress (STS) symptoms during their deployments. The purpose of this paper is to create an intervention that protects the volunteers from developing STS.

Design: Questionnaires were distributed to current and previous emergency shelter volunteers along with conducting interviews. This design allowed important information to be collected that was used to determine the level of STS symptoms experienced by the volunteers.

Trends: Three STS symptoms were focused upon, intrusion, avoidance, and arousal. It was determined that intrusion symptoms were experienced more frequently than avoidance and arousal symptoms.

Summary: It was determined that emergency …

Personalized Nutrition: Tailoring Dietary Recommendations Through Genetic Insights, Saiful Singar, Ravinder Nagpal, Bahram H. Arjmandi, Neda S. Akhavan

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

Personalized nutrition (PN) represents a transformative approach in dietary science, where individual genetic profiles guide tailored dietary recommendations, thereby optimizing health outcomes and managing chronic diseases more effectively. This review synthesizes key aspects of PN, emphasizing the genetic basis of dietary responses, contemporary research, and practical applications. We explore how individual genetic differences influence dietary metabolisms, thus underscoring the importance of nutrigenomics in developing personalized dietary guidelines. Current research in PN highlights significant gene–diet interactions that affect various conditions, including obesity and diabetes, suggesting that dietary interventions could be more precise and beneficial if they are customized to genetic profiles. …

Association Between High Health Literacy, Doctor's Recommendation, And Prostate Cancer Screening Among Men In The United States, Felicia Njideka Akunna

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

To efficiently identify and prevent the advancement of prostate cancer and decrease mortality rates, it is crucial to examine the impact of health literacy. Despite potential advantages associated with enhanced health literacy and early detection, the United States continues to witness a significant rise in both new prostate cancer cases and mortality rates, emphasizing the severity of the condition. However, it is unclear if those with high health literacy are discouraged from participating in prostate cancer screening due to the risks associated with screening. Based on the stimulus organism response model, 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data were analyzed …

The Worry Of Food Insecurity And The Manifestation Of Generalized Anxiety In Relation To Perceived Health Status, Ramona Lynnette Taylor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study examined the association between the worry of food insecurity and the manifestation of generalized anxiety, and how these factors related to perceived health status among adults aged 18 years and older in the U.S. The study controlled demographic factors such as gender, age, race, and education. Utilizing data from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a binomial logistic regression analysis was employed. The findings indicated a significant association between those persons who often worry about food insecurity, severe (OR = 7.324, p < .001) and frequent generalized anxiety (OR = 5.185, p < .001) suggesting that individuals who worry about food insecurity have higher odds of experiencing severe and frequent (more than 3 times per week) generalized anxiety. Furthermore, both the worry of food insecurity in persons not sure (OR = 0.120, p = 0.004) and generalized anxiety (OR = 0.623 for severe anxiety, p = 0.009) were found to be significantly associated with lower perceived health status. These results suggest a potential association between worry about food insecurity and negative impacts on mental health and perceived overall well-being. Overall, these findings underscore the significant impact of food insecurity on mental health. Further research, including experimental and longitudinal studies, is necessary to elucidate the causal relationship between food insecurity and the manifestation of generalized anxiety in order to impact positive social change.

A Social Media Game To Increase Physical Activity Among Older Adult Women: Protocol Of A Randomized Controlled Trial To Evaluate Challenge, Michael C Robertson, Maria Chang Swartz, Karen M Basen-Engquist, Yisheng Li, Kristofer Jennings, Debbe Thompson, Tom Baranowski, Elena Volpi, Elizabeth J Lyons

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Older adult women often do not engage in sufficient physical activity (PA) and can encounter biological changes that exacerbate the negative effects of inadequate activity. Wearable activity monitors can facilitate PA initiation, but evidence of sustained behavior change is lacking. Supplementing wearable technologies with intervention content that evokes enjoyment, interest, meaning, and personal values associated with PA may support long term adherence. In this paper, we present the protocol of an NIA-funded study designed to evaluate the efficacy of CHALLENGE for increasing step count and motivation for PA in insufficiently active older women (Challenges for Healthy Aging: Leveraging Limits …

A Systematic Review: Longevity And Quality Of Life In Blue Zones, Salmaan Mulla

Theses and Graduate Projects

Ikaria, Loma Linda, Sardinia, Okinawa, and Nikoya. These 5 cities around the world are famed for their increased longevity and quality of life and are termed “Blue Zones”. Blue zones are areas around the world noted for their population of centenarians, overall long life expectancy and high quality of life compared to the average population. Studying these communities offer insights into the commonalities they share to better understand the unique aspects of living a healthy, fulfilling and long life. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, with the search terms “Ikaria, Greece longevity; Loma Linda, California longevity; Sardinia, …

Caregiver To Caregiver: An Exploratory Case Study In Adult Family Caregiving Experiences, Tamara Brocks, Kaye Bender

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Adult family caregiving is a national public health issue which is more prominently recognized since the COVID pandemic. The National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers (2022) highlights more than three hundred federal government actions in support of family caregivers and more than 150 actions that can be addressed at other levels of government with their partnerships to build a caregiver support system. A partnership between the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), the Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA) and AARP MS is working to address many of the issues related to the heathy aging ecosystem in Mississippi. This case study …

Personality Profile Of Rural-Dwelling Older Adults With Hoarding Disorder, Mary E. Dozier, Caitlyn A. Nix, Hilary L. Deshong

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Hoarding in late life represents a major barrier to aging in place, particularly for rural-dwelling older adults. One risk factor for hoarding disorder in late life may be underlying personality factors. However, there has not yet been an investigation of late life hoarding and possible maladaptive personality factors from the continuous five-factor model perspective in a sample of individuals diagnosed with hoarding disorder. Thus, we evaluated the five-factor personality profiles of older adults enrolled in treatment studies for hoarding disorder in rural Mississippi. Raw scores on the International Personality Item Pool-NEO-60 were converted into categories of Low (<1SD from …

Association Of Self-Report Measures With Salivary Biomarkers In Post-Menopausal Women, Laree M. Hiser, Karen Arrant, Jung Hye S. Lee, Lei Zhang

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Symptoms of menopause include inadequate sleep, depression, and anxiety. Studies of healthy aging frequently use self-report tools that are unverified by objective measures.

Purpose: To investigate the correlation between self-report measures of sleep or affect and salivary biomarkers in a small (n=32) sample of post-menopausal women.

Methods: Salivary cortisol and a-amylase were quantified by laboratory tests. Self-report data included hours of sleep and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS^®) tools for sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression. Correlation analyses were conducted between self-reported measures and biomarker concentrations.

Results: No statistically significant correlations were found between cortisol …

Cycle Syncing: Optimizing Women's Quality Of Life, Megan Francois

Theses and Graduate Projects

A woman’s hormones are in constant fluctuation throughout the menstrual cycle. This 28-day, on average, fluctuation can cause major shifts in mood, cognition, exercise tolerance, and nutrition needs. Because of this, there is potential to optimize quality of life if each phase is synced with diet, exercise, and complementary medicine utilizing holistic methods. Implications for further research include a need for additional longitudinal and prospective studies. Factors that need to be addressed include further analysis of the windows of vulnerability over the menstrual cycle according to female hormone fluctuations, effects of hormonal contraceptives, and effects of pathology on the cycle.

The Mental Effect Of Obesity On Active-Duty Service Members In The United States: A Phenomenological Approach, Tegan M. Quigley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological research was intended to explore the impact that obesity has on the mental health of soldiers in the U.S. military. The U.S. military has stringent physical fitness standards that must be met by each soldier regardless of sex. These standards can be challenging to maintain. Obesity is an increasing issue in the United States, and soldiers are not immune. Research regarding the physical issues that occur from obesity has been performed, but this study aimed to explore the behavioral or mental health effects that obesity can have within the military community. This study explored the following questions: In …

The Impact Of Minimally Processed High Fat Meals On Postprandial Glucose, Lipids And Metabolic Index In Pre-Diabetics, Oluwafemi Ayoola

Masters Theses, 2020-current

There is an increasing global prevalence of prediabetes, commonly diagnosed through increased fasting glucose (GLU). Elevated levels of GLU and triglycerides (TRG) have also been linked with more severe diabetes-related complications. Even a single high-fat meal (HFM) may result in adverse metabolic outcomes, in healthy individuals and prediabetics, which are a better predictor of disease risk than measuring fasting levels. Therefore, reducing these metabolic outcomes after a typical HFM often consumed in the Western diet is of critical importance to reduce chronic disease risk. The aim is to determine whether incorporating polyphenols and dietary fiber into an HFM would reduce …

Foundational Patient Experience: Analyzing 10 Years Of Patient Experience Research, Geoffrey A. Silvera Phd, Mha, Courtney Haun Phd, Mph, Varun Natarajan

Patient Experience Journal

In this study, we seek to provide a critical examination of the field of Patient Experience (PX) by using citation analysis to determine the foundational keystones of the PX knowledge base. This study will employ a systematic citation analysis to evaluate the articles published in the Patient Experience Journal (PXJ), focusing on citation frequency as evidence of impact on the field. To achieve this, we examine the entire corpus of article citations published in the PXJ from 2014–2023 (Volumes 1–10). By examining a corpus consisting of 515 independent articles (N=515) that include over 12,000 references (n=12,712) over the course of …

Patient Experience And Virtual Reality: The Use Of An Mri Exam Simulator, Jaqueline Maria Da Silva Jms, Marcus Antonio Medeiros De Souza Mams, Mônica Augusta Reis Dos Santos Mars, Milena Loureiro De Melo Mlm, Lorena De Fátima Lucena Almeida Lfla, Alayde Ricardo Da Silva Ars, Êmilly Vitória Dos Santos Vieira Evsv, Alessandra Nascimento Pontes Anp, Jandson De Oliveira Soares Jos

Patient Experience Journal

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a safe diagnostic method of high accuracy detection and characterization of various pathological conditions. However, due to the very closed aspect of the apparatus, the high sound amplitude emitted and the need to remain motionless for a significant time, some patients experience discomfort and high levels of anxiety, compromising time and image quality management that can impair the clinical outcome of the patient or even give up the performance of this procedure. Therefore, this study aimed to validate, with patients, the use of Virtual Reality (VR) as a humanized practice of exposure to magnetic resonance …

Accompanying People Affected By Cancer In Their Return To Life After Treatment: A Report On An Experiment Conducted In Canada, Christine Arsenault, Saskia Hazout, John Calogerinis, Françoise Poirier, Louise Normandin, Cécile Vialaron, Monica Iliescu Nelea, Marie-Pascale Pomey

Patient Experience Journal

This study aims to assess family doctors' perceived needs for improved patient follow-up post-acute treatment in oncology departments, specifically focusing on the Patient Oriented Discharge Summary (PODS) for individuals living with cancer. A cross-sectional quantitative survey targeted family doctors, and a before/after exploratory study was conducted with patients to measure their needs pre- and post-PODS implementation. Twenty-one out of 42 family doctors participated in the survey (50%). Patient data was collected at three points in time: prior to PODS implementation (T1, n = 20/30; 77%), one month later (T2, n = 20/26; 77%), and six months later (T3, n = …

Investigating The Perceived Impact Of Surgeons' Burnout On Surgical Physician Associates' Wellness In United States Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Rhionna J. Smith, Lihua Dishman, John W. Fick, Kathleen M. Thomas

Patient Experience Journal

Surgeons are the de facto leaders of surgical teams with surgical physician associates (SPAs) as integral members who function in all areas of the peri-operative environment. Surgeons often supervise SPAs. Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) provide patients with same-day diagnostic and preventive procedures as more convenient alternatives to hospital-based outpatient procedures. This qualitative, national, and cross-sectional study explored the perceived impact of surgeons' burnout on SPAs' wellness in U.S. ASCs during global health crises. Primary demographic and qualitative data were collected using a self-developed, three-section survey instrument: (1) information regarding informed consent; (2) 10 short demographic questions; and (3) two open-ended …

The Perceived Usefulness Of Patient Narrative Feedback In Primary Care Settings, Sasmira Matta, Yuna S.H. Lee, Rachel Grob, Mark Schlesinger, Ingrid Nembhard

Patient Experience Journal

Research suggests that insights from patient narratives – stories about care experiences in patients' own words – contain information that can be used to improve care. However, assessments of narratives reported by clinical personnel have been mixed. This is the first study, to our knowledge, to systematically measure how useful personnel in primary care perceive patient narratives to be. We surveyed 276 clinical and administrative personnel in nine primary care clinics in a large health system in the United States. We found that perceived usefulness of patient narratives is generally high, but varies by individual characteristics such as level of …

Research Imitates Life: Researching Within Your Lived Experience, Bethany Donaghy, Delane Linkiewich

Patient Experience Journal

This personal narrative article seeks to bring awareness to and provide an overview of the various aspects that come with being a lived experience researcher including the host of benefits and challenges that come with conducting research within one's own area of lived experience. Throughout this narrative, we (Bethany Donaghy, an autistic person, and Delane Linkiewich a person living with chronic pain) share our perspectives on what it is like to be lived experience researchers. Our narratives discuss how the many identities we hold both improve the impact and relevance of our research while also posing challenges for us like …

Five A Day, The Rainbow Way: A Nutrition Education Toolkit For Elementary School Aged Children, Sasha Menard

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Learning Outcome: Develop a nutrition educational toolkit based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) for obesity prevention among elementary school-aged children by improving determinants of fruit and vegetable intake.

Background: Poor consumption of fruits and vegetables is a major contributing factor to childhood obesity, increasing the risk for chronic diseases later in life. There is a need for multicomponent nutrition educational tools to influence children to improve their eating behavior by increasing their awareness and self-efficacy. The current project describes the development of a 3-component toolkit for improving participants’ knowledge and values related to fruit and vegetable intake among 6-11-year-olds.

Methods: …

Effects Of Misinformation And Disinformation On Vaccine Hesitancy And Routine Vaccine Uptake, Cindy Chen

Master's Projects and Capstones

This literature review was conducted to identify the role misinformation and disinformation plays on the rates of vaccine hesitancy and vaccine uptake for routine immunization among the child and adult populations of the United States. Fifteen articles between 2018-2024 were extracted from PubMed and Google Scholar databases. As shelter-in-place and social distancing protocol wanes, the risk of common vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) reemerges, especially in populations that have not kept up with routine immunization schedules. Current efforts to restore mass vaccination campaigns are underway, but do not provide the necessary modifications to include social, behavioral, and cultural factors that influence …

Disparities And Protective Factors In Pandemic-Related Mental Health Outcomes: A Louisiana-Based Study, Ariane L. Rung, Evrim Oral, Tyler Prusisz, Edward S. Peters

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a wide-ranging impact on mental health. Diverse populations experienced the pandemic differently, highlighting pre-existing inequalities and creating new challenges in recovery. Understanding the effects across diverse populations and identifying protective factors is crucial for guiding future pandemic preparedness. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the specific COVID-19-related impacts associated with general well-being, (2) identify protective factors associated with better mental health outcomes, and (3) assess racial disparities in pandemic impact and protective factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of Louisiana residents was conducted in summer 2020, yielding a sample of 986 Black …

Exploring Lived Experiences Of Mothers Raising Children With Down Syndrome In Western Nigeria, Vivian N. Aruwajoye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Having a child with Down syndrome (DS) negatively impacts mothers’ health and well-being. Families raising a child or children with DS encounter significant financial burdens, inadequate support services, and cultural influences, which have adverse effects on the families. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to understand the accessibility and utilization of support services through the lived experiences of Western Nigerian mothers raising children with DS. The study involved 10 mothers who were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews via Zoom and observational notes. Thematic analysis was guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological model. NVivo …