Digital Commons Network^™

The Motherhood Penalty On Health: Evidence From China, Ang Sun, Fang Xia, Xuan Zhang

Research Collection School Of Economics

Understanding women’s physical and mental well-being following childbirth is critical for informing policies on labor market equity, family support, and fertility. Using event study methods and panel data from China, we document a persistent motherhood penalty in both physical and mental health, whereas the health impacts on fathers are minimal. While mothers experience a temporary reduction in paid work hours, they face a sustained increase in unpaid domestic labor — housework and childcare — resulting in a net increase in total work time. This additional workload likely contributes to deterioration in health. Mothers are also more likely to engage in …

Southeast Asia Higher Education Changes And Emerging Futures, Muhammad Hali Aprimadya, Lily Kong, Angel Calderon, Hamish Coates

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

This paper unpacks recent developments and future directions in Southeast Asian higher education. It takes stock of higher education systems in three selected countries, Australia, Indonesia and Singapore. It sketches these systems, distils several changes around 2024, and discusses emerging directions for education, research and universities. The paper concludes by looking at what is required to catalyse transformations likely to impel future progress.

A Spanish-Language Adaptation Of The Brief Wisconsin Inventory Of Smoking Dependence Motives Among Mexican And Mexican-American Adults Who Smoke, Yessenia Castro, Jose E. Velasquez, Zully C. Guerra, Tatiana Londoño, John R. Moore, Nazanin M. Heydarian

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

Introduction: The smoking pattern of Latino smokers differs from non-Latino white smokers such that physical dependence may not be a strong motivator for smoking among Latinos. Multidimensional measures of dependence may be more useful, but there is a lack of psychometrically sound multidimensional Spanish-language measures. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of a Spanish-language adaptation of the Brief Wisconsin Inventory of Dependence Motives (Brief WISDM) for use among Spanish-speaking Latino smokers in the U.S.

Methods: 287 Spanish-speaking Mexican-origin smokers in the U.S. responded to a revised set of Spanish Brief WISDM items. Confirmatory factor analyses and model trimming procedures were …

Tassel Turning Versus Tossing In The Towel: An Analysis Of Undergraduate Student Persistence And Challenges, Josie Ambur

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Pamela McMullin-Messier, Bernadette Jungblut

Completing college is no easy feat. All higher education has barriers and obstacles students must face and overcome. Observations have been used to gather various student perspectives that have been compiled alongside research in the field to create a picture of what student barriers look like at Central Washington University specifically. Some of these barriers include navigating academic requirements, challenges with academic advisors, unique challenges first-generation students face, and financial challenges including balancing employment and academics. Within the personal lives of students, there are several internal factors that impact their success such as their …

From Old English Genitives To Modern English Possessives: Tracing Grammar Evolution Through Biogrammar And Grammatical Biology, Charles X. Li

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Charles X. Li, PhD

This paper presents a biologically grounded and historically informed framework, Biogrammar, as a means to explain grammatical evolution and cognitive processing. It compares Biogrammar with two foundational theories in the study of language: the Nature-Nurture Hypothesis and Chomsky’s Universal Grammar. As a case study, the paper examines the historical evolution of English plural and genitive constructions, focusing on morphological developments such as the -as/-es mergers, his-genitives, group genitives, and the rise of the of + noun phrase pattern. These diachronic changes are interpreted as evidence of grammar functioning as a biologically adaptive system shaped …

The Limits Of Snap In Addressing Older Adult Food Insecurity, Colleen M. Heflin, Madonna Harrington Meyer

Population Health Research Brief Series

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to address the economic roots of food insecurity. However, SNAP participation rates among older adults substantially lag behind those of other age groups. Based on the book, Food for Thought: Understanding Older Adults Food Insecurity, this brief describes how SNAP is not well designed for older adults in three respects: (1) the high levels of administrative burden associated with eligibility, certification, and benefit-determination processes, (2) the low value of SNAP benefits compared with the high costs associated with redeeming them, and (3) the high levels of state variation in SNAP policies …

Self-Management And Support Needs Of Patients Experiencing Persistent Symptoms Consistent With Hypothyroidism: A Qualitative Study, Marike De Reuver-Schuurman, Esther C. Bakker, Lilian Lechner, Liset Van Dijk

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: To gain insight into the self-management and support needs of patients experiencing persistent symptoms consistent with hypothyroidism, despite thyroid laboratory values within the normal range.

Methods: A qualitative study using the phenomenological approach was conducted. Semi-structured interviews including 19 patients diagnosed with persistent symptoms consistent with hypothyroidism, despite receiving adequate replacement therapy, were performed. Respondents were recruited using purposive sampling via Schildklier Organisatie Nederland (Dutch Thyroid Organization) (www.schildklier.nl). After transcription and coding, a thematic analysis was performed.

Results: All respondents reported that the persistent symptoms reduced their quality of life. The patients’ main focus was on finding the cause …

Paws And Effect: Canine Companionship And Outcomes In The Chronic Health Condition Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Kimberley C. Schenke, Joanna Foster, Danielle Stephens-Lewis

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Emerging research suggests canine companions may support the management of health conditions, yet evidence within complex, long-term conditions like hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) remains limited. hEDS is a multifaceted condition often associated with social withdrawal. Thus, the current research provided a high-powered investigation into whether the nonjudgmental support of canine companions could improve health and well-being outcomes for individuals with hEDS. An online survey of 401 participants was utilized to compare differences in health and well-being among individuals with hEDS who have a canine companion to those who do not. Results revealed that participants with canine companions experienced fewer difficulties …

Program Evaluation: Best Practices And Examples For Nonprofits, Erica Bassett, Faith M. Manchester

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

No abstract provided.

Life Course And Cohort Patterns In Screen Time Among School-Aged Children In The United States, Ashley W. Kranjac, Dinko Kranjac

Sociology Faculty Articles and Research

Objective

Study design

Results

Collaborative Anti-Racist Perinatal Care: A Case Study Of The Healthy Birth Initiatives–Providence Health System Partnership, Roberta Hunte, Susanne Klawetter, Monique Gill, Desha Reed-Holden, Kevin Cherry

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

This article describes a case study of the partnership between Healthy Birth Initiatives, a community-based organization (CBO) and Black-led public health nurse home visiting program, and the maternal health division of the Providence Health System located in the Pacific Northwest. This study’s purpose was to explore the formation, significance, and impact of this partnership from the perspectives of staff and leadership members from both organizations. We conducted a case study through qualitative interviews with staff, participant observation, and debrief of leadership meetings. We completed a hybrid deductive–inductive thematic analysis of the data, followed by member checking with study participants and …

Strengthening Climate Empowerment In Pharmacy Education And Practice: A Literature Review, Hend Ahmed

COP30

Pharmacists are increasingly acknowledged as essential contributors to climate resilience as climate change poses ever-increasing challenges to global health. Within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) provides a framework that is focused on capacity building, public engagement, and education. The application of ACE principles to pharmacy practice and education to advance sustainability is examined in this article. It looks at national projects that support ACE objectives like Kerala's pharmacy-led waste management campaign and the Greener-NHS programme. The review finds gaps and opportunities for incorporating climate action into pharmacy through …

Boosting Carbon Sequestration In Agri-Food Systems Through Nature-Based Solution(Nbs) For People, Planet And Prosperity., Carlos Colorado

COP30

In 2015, 195 United Nations’ Parties adopted the Paris Agreement at COP21, marking a historical milestone in the Climate Negotiations to limit global warming to well below 2°C above the pre-industrial levels by 2030. Since then, countries have committed to present their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to tackle the rise of global temperatures. Achieving the 1.5°C climate target demands transformative climate action, especially in the Agri-Food System, as it is both, one of the major contributors and victims of Climate Change, accounting for up to 13-21% of total Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emission annually. In this context, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) appear …

Industries, Self-Rated Health, And Status Characteristics: An Exploration Of Health In Industries At The Intersection Of Race/Ethnicity, Gender, And Disability, Emmanuel Legarreta

Dissertations and Theses

While industries, occupations, and health outcomes have been widely studied, research has neglected self-rated health (SRH) and the intersectionality of different status characteristics in various industries. Using an IPUMS version of the Current Population Survey, this study explores the possible relationships between industries and SRH. More specifically, it seeks to find if workers' disability status, racial minority status, or gender moderates (i.e., differentiates) the relationship between their industry and SRH. Findings show that certain industries are significant predictors of SRH, and that women with disabilities working in Mining and Construction, and Business and Repair Service have significantly worse SRH than …

Adverse Childhood Experiences: How They Shape Employees' Perceptions, Experiences, And Performance In The Workplace, Marcia A. Beasley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The influence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has been well researched, and the lifelong consequences of medical conditions have been documented. Recently, research has linked mental health concerns to ACEs, including depression, anxiety, and health risk behaviors. ACEs occur during important stages of childhood development and can disrupt these stages, leading to children learn maladaptive coping skills. The resultant maladaptive behaviors that are developed as a response to maltreatment may also hinder social relationships in adulthood. Given this, research is lacking on the influence of ACEs on perceptions in the workplace, especially from the employee’s perspective. This qualitative phenomenological study …

What Motives Influence Parents’ Commitment To Their Children’S Sport Participation In The United States?, Katherine N. Alexander, Daniel J. M. Fleming, Mitchell Olsen, Travis E. Dorsch, Kat V. Adams

Human Development and Family Studies Student Research

Background: The public often places value on youth sport involvement in the United States due to its potential to foster positive outcomes for participants. Although sport parents are key socializers and provide access to appropriate participation opportunities for children, less is known about how their perceptions of their child’s motives influence their sport commitments. Purpose: Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to understand how parents’ perceptions of their child’s motives for sport participation were associated with time/travel sport commitments. Methods: Participants (N = 1250) were parents in the United States reporting on their child’s youth sport participation. Measures …

Better Together: Rural Community Collaboration In North Carolina's Cape Fear Region, Luke Santore, Lillie Greiman, Rayna Sage

Independent Living and Community Participation

The disAbility Resource Center of North Carolina (dRC) has served the Cape Fear region of NC since 2008. The dRC holds to the philosophy that every individual has the right to maximize their abilities, live as independently as possible, and participate fully in their community. In rural NC, the delivery of formal support requires informal trust across people, places, and organizations. In this sense, dRC is a trust broker, facilitating relationships between informal rural support networks and the network of public and nonprofit service providers in the area. dRC does this through being embedded in rural places, earning trust person …

Gathering At The Table: Using Food To Heal On One’S Grief Journey, Jamie B. Daugherty, Jada Staat, Julie Rachford

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This research study explored the registered dietitian nutritionist’s (RDN) role and impact while supporting those on their grief journey. Data collection methods included a focus group, journaling, workshop evaluations, and photo elicitation. Qualitative data analysis highlighted three themes emerging from a six-week culinary nutrition education support workshop: providing intention, building community, and showcasing RDNs as encouraging companions, by contributing their skills of nutrition education and hands-on culinary applications, supporting individuals continuing to grieve.

Carry On: A Multi-Campus Faculty Perspective On The Barriers And Facilitators To Implementing Service Learning Curriculum During A Global Pandemic, Adrianne Widaman, Kirsten Leisses Tuck

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Service learning (SL) faculty faced substantial and unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explore SL faculty perspectives during the crisis. Higher education faculty who taught SL designated courses during 2020/2021 identified and prioritized challenges and strategies to teaching SL courses without direct person contact. A total of 144 unique responses were collected from 16 faculty from 5 universities using the nominal group technique, a qualitative and quantitative method. Highly ranked themes included the emotional burden felt by the faculty, decreased student learning, a lack of faculty time, the need for alternative assignments, and …

Promoting Healthy Aging Through An Intergenerational Service-Learning Course, Tricia Pierce, Eric Hubbard, Shalini Persaud

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This case study examines combining service-learning (SL) with an intergenerational exercise program using undergraduate kinesiology students. The purpose was to explore how SL increases confidence, social responsibility, and leadership growth while addressing community needs. Students led biweekly exercise sessions for older adults over six weeks. Reflections demonstrated mutual benefits, including improved activity levels, reduced social isolation, and strengthened community connections.

Building Community One Structure At A Time: A Partnership Between Social Work And Landscape Architecture Students, Kenya M. Cistrunk, Elizabeth P. Tofte, Juriel A. Rogers

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Experiential learning is invaluable when promoting interdisciplinary approaches to teaching complex issues. This article reports on a five-week collaboration between undergraduate stu-dents in social work and landscape architecture courses, project impetus being a common-reading text. Students (n=54) constructed three-dimensional models of children’s playgrounds and prepared academic posters describing restorative interventions based on their service-learning experiences with community partners. Projects were displayed at university-sponsored workshops. Participation in common reading programs has promising implications for interdis-ciplinary collaboration.

Sharing A Vision With An International Partner Through Photographs, Leah S. Dunn, Diane Ceo-Difrancesco, Rakhi Srivastava

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

The purpose of this study was to establish a shared vision between the academic program and the international service-learning partner. Through the use of photovoice (Collier & Collier, 1986), we conducted a needs assessment to determine the partner’s priorities. Analysis of inter-view transcripts and photos yielded themes representing the partner’s needs and were the basis of the shared vision, adding clarity to the purpose of the experience.

Nonfinancial Factors Shape Food Insecurity Among U.S. Older Adults, Madonna Harrington Meyer, Colleen M. Heflin

Population Health Research Brief Series

Nonfinancial factors such as poor physical and mental health, lack of access to healthy food, and transportation challenges make it more difficult for older adults to obtain, prepare, and consume healthy food. Based on the book, Food for Thought: Understanding Older Adults Food Insecurity, this brief summarizes how nonfinancial factors function as both causes and consequences of food insecurity in old age.

Impact Of Service Learning On Pharmacy Students’ Empathy Toward Patients, Autumn L. Stewart, John R. Tomko, Holly C. Lassila

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of a pilot service learning project with indigent patients on pharmacy student empathy. Previous research has demonstrated a decline in empathic behavior during schooling. Effective strategies that prevent or reverse this change may exist and should be explored. The Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy, a validated instrument for measuring empathy, was used before and after participation in a service learning experience with indigent patients. A significant increase in the degree of empathy was observed (mean difference=3.778, 95% CI 0.008 to 7.548, p=0.05) demonstrating that service learning with indigent patients has …

Champions For Outreach And Advocacy For Campus And Community Health: A College-Based Peer Health Coach Program, Vanessa Duren-Winfield, Kimya Nance, Elijah O. Onsomu, Peggy Valentine, Michael Mckenzie, Arthur Roberts

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Few studies have investigated the role Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) students can play in addressing chronic diseases among themselves, their peers, and local community. An overview of a peer health promotion education strategy is provided. Ten students completed an eight-week health disparities curriculum while providing health information and screening to 1,525 campus and community residents. A description of the program and recommendations are provided. Findings support the need for peer student health educators in HBCUs as a model to improve campus and community health outcomes.

The Day One Leadership Program: Engaging Campus In Community Hunger Issues Through Service-Learning, April K. Heiselt, Chiquita A. Briley

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Hunger issues continue to be a major part of both the United States’ and the global health agenda. The “War on Hunger” is an initiative that engages college students in the solution to fight hunger. Using Mississippi State University’s Day One Leadership Community as a case study, this article details how freshmen students in a first-year, living-learning community participated in a service-learning project with their local food pantries in order to better understand the issues of food insecurity and domestic hunger. Elements of the program as well as challenges and benefits for the students and food pantry community partners are …

Evaluating The Impact Of Seed Money Grants In Stimulating Growth Of Community-Based Research And Service-Learning At A Major Public Research University, Judith A. Jetson, Mary E. Evans, Wendy Hathaway

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

At a major research university, community engagement must intersect with research productivity and attract external funding to be well-regarded. At USF, community engagement increased its value to the institution by using seed grants for community-based research and service-learning projects. Between 1998 and 2006, 132 projects received $1.65 million in seed money from general revenue and local government funds, bringing over $9 million in grants to USF, a return on investment of approximately 6-to-1.

One Is The Loneliest Number: The Impact Of Social Isolation On Blaberus Discoidalis, Jaden Jackson

Student Theses and Dissertations

Isolation in humans and its consequences has been documented by researchers as early as the 1700s (McNeil et al., 1984). More recently, interest in the impact of social isolation has been renewed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the studies covering social isolation and the COVID-19 pandemic rely on self-report measures obtained through questionaries or interviews. Studying social isolation experimentally is difficult due to risk factors associated with isolating one from conspecifics. This is particularly true when studying humans. Animal models of social isolation are important as they allow for implementation of necessary controls needed to establish …

Engaging The Somali Diaspora: A Case Study Of One Agency’S Community Programming Approach, Farhia Abdi

The Journal of Social Encounters

This case study investigates how a local community agency engages with the Somali diaspora to design and implement culturally responsive services, such as the Settlement and Integration Program. It also explores the potential of fostering meaningful dialogue with community members to inform the development of culturally sensitive programming. The research question guiding this study was developed by findings from previous research, which highlighted the significance of community engagement, sustained dialogue, and the necessity for agencies to design clearly defined programs. These programs should prioritize active participation from community members in both the creation and implementation of tailored initiatives.

Interleukin-6 (Il-6) Mediated Pathways In Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Nafld) And Its Implications On Magnesium And Zinc Mineral Deficiencies: A Scoping Review, Marianne Koleng, Leann Nguyen

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

The prevalence and incidence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is rising. In the United States alone, the prevalence of NAFLD is currently 38% and there has been a 50% increase over the last three decades. The present study investigated the role of ultratrace mineral deficiencies, specifically magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn), and if so, what nutritional interventions could be made to ameliorate or protect against the development of NAFLD. The role of trace and ultratrace minerals in pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways contributing to NAFLD, specifically Interleukin-6 (IL-6), were investigated. IL-6 is produced by hepatocytes and plays a crucial role in …