Digital Commons Network^™

The Relationship Between Self-Reported Mental Health And Body Mass Index Among Adults In The United States Using The 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (Brfss), Madhur Pandey

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Objective

This study investigated the link between frequent mental distress (FMD) and body mass index (BMI) in 2021 among U.S. adults, while considering sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

Methods

Using 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, we analyzed the association between BMI as the dependent variable and FMD as the independent variable, considering the sociodemographic factors and lifestyle variables. Logistic regression models were applied.

Results

In our sample, 30.7% had a normal BMI, while 69.3% were outside the normal range. Of these, 85.1% reported infrequent mental distress, whereas 14.9% reported FMD. Those with FMD were more likely to have …

Examining The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Covid-19 Vaccine Status Using 2022 Brfss Data: A Cross-Sectional Study, Cristhian A. Chau-Valdivia

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Abstract:

Objective.To determine the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) scores with COVID-19 vaccination outcomes before and after adjusting for demographic variables.

Methods. Data were from 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys regarding 13 categories of ACEs, COVID-19 vaccination, and demographic variables. Data was weight adjusted for survey respondent data. This complex design combined the core and optional modules. Participants who received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine were categorized as vaccinated. The sample size is 12,514.

Results. Participants who were female (OR=1.35, 95% CI: [1.19,1.52]), greater than or equal to 65 years old (OR=4.76, 95% …

A Cross-Sectional Analysis Of Adverse Childhood Experience Exposure On Cancer Diagnosis Utilizing The 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey Data, Emma Zipperer

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Objective: To determine the association between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and cancer diagnosis based on ACE exposure levels.

Methods: We utilized data collected in the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. The study population (n=54,148) was restricted to states that reported on the optional model of experiencing ACEs and those who responded about cancer diagnosis. A univariate analysis, bivariate analysis and a multivariate logistic regression were performed. Odds of cancer diagnosis among those with differing ACE exposure levels were calculated.

Results: High ACE exposure had 20% higher odds of cancer diagnosis when compared to low ACE exposure. White, …

Examining The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces) On Breast And Colorectal Cancer Screening Behaviors In Adulthood, Meagan A. Kraft

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Objective: To investigate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and screening for breast and colorectal cancer in adulthood.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized nationwide survey data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Data regarding ACEs and compliance with breast and colorectal cancer screening guidelines were analyzed from 12 states. Weighted logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between ACEs and breast cancer screening compliance in a population of 18,369 women, and colorectal cancer screening compliance in a population of 30,884 men and women. Screening compliance among those with a high ACE score was compared …

A Muscle Exercise Research Revolution Powered By -Omics At Single Cell And Nucleus Resolution, Kevin A. Murach, Charlotte Peterson

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

In the last few years, single cell and single nucleus RNA-sequencing technologies have been leveraged in exercised adult skeletal muscle to reveal complex cell type-specific regulation of muscle plasticity. Expanding -omics technology at single cell resolution, complimented by advanced computational approaches, promise to rapidly accelerate our understanding of how exercise confers its numerous beneficial effects, paving the way for cell type-specific and targeted therapeutics to increase exercise responses during aging and in the face of chronic disease.

A Strategic Solution To Staffing In The Operative Setting, Tammy Straub Msn, Rn, Aprn, Cnor, Stacey Colatosti Rn, Msn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Androgen Receptor: A Complex Therapeutic Target In Breast Cancer, Sarah Tinuade Asemota

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Breast cancer is classified based on the expression of three markers estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2). Breast cancers that express these targets are classified as hormone receptor (HR) positive breast cancer and the tumors that lack the expression of these markers are classified as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Though HR-positive breast cancer is treated with hormonal and cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 targeted therapies, the cancer relapses and becomes resistant to the treatment options. Androgen receptor (AR) that is expressed in over 90\% of ER-positive breast cancer and in 20\% of TNBC is a …

Cortical Tracking Of Syntax In Post-Stroke Aphasia: An Eeg Investigation Of Disrupted Sentence Comprehension, Matthew Blake Rafferty

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Purpose. People with aphasia following stroke commonly exhibit marked difficulties in sentence comprehension, referred to as receptive agrammatism. However, theories of receptive agrammatism differ in their assumptions regarding the underlying mechanisms of impairment. Representation-based theories ascribe receptive agrammatism to a loss of grammatical knowledge. Processing-based theories suggest that individuals with receptive agrammatism have intact grammatical knowledge but may possess insufficient neurocognitive resources to apply this knowledge within cognitively demanding contexts. In this study, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate whether these perspectives may be disambiguated by the neural activity profiles of people with aphasia during comprehension. For this purpose, we …

The Therapeutic Role Of Lm11a-31 (A P75ntr Modulator) In The Outcome Of Ischemic Stroke And Hiv-1 Pathogenesis, Golnoush Mirzahosseini

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The objective of this research project is to explore the potential therapeutic role of LM11A-31 in both ischemic stroke and human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection. There are limited treatment options for ischemic stroke, with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) being the only effective medication and a narrow administration window, which is also accompanied with the high incidence of ischemic stroke in HIV-1 infected individuals. Therefore, it is critical to explore an effective therapeutic agent to address the urgent medical need. LM11A-31 is a p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) modulator and is orally bioavailable, and it can penetrate the intact blood-brain barrier (BBB). …

The Long-Term Cognitive And Psychological Effects Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (Mtbi), Leah L. Somerville

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), commonly referred to as a concussion, is a prevalent injury in the United States, with several million occurring every year. Many of these injuries take place while playing a sport, particularly in those activities that have higher rates of impact with another person, such as hockey, soccer, or football. While most recover quickly from an mTBI, some individuals may have longer term effects. Recent literature has provided some evidence for long-term dysfunction in head injured individuals, with these dysfunctions appearing as changes in cognition or psychological well-being. Some of the most frequently reported cognitive symptoms …

Design And Synthesis Of Novel Small Molecule Drugs For The Treatment Of Cancer And Osteoporosis, Hanxuan Li

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Cancer and osteoporosis are two commonly diagnosed disease around the world which poses major health threat. In this thesis, we provide the background information to two types of cancers, namely ovarian cancer and liver cancer, as well as osteoporosis, and our approach for the treatment of the diseases. In chapter one, we discussed the background information about the diseases. The cause and the current treatment options are discussed, providing the basis for the chapters written later. In chapter two, we focused on the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. To construct the drug, we utilized a technique called small molecule drug conjugate, …

Shifting Emergency Department Utilization Patterns Among Vulnerable Populations During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Leigh A. Mccormack

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Background: COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As of March 10, 2023, the virus infected nearly 104 million Americans. Many individuals were wary of seeking medical attention for issues unrelated to COVID-19 for fear of infection inside healthcare facilities. This hesitation caused a drop in emergency department (ED) visits for non-COVID-19 conditions. It is essential to ensure that individuals with critical healthcare needs receive the care they require and to mitigate the potential long-term consequences of delayed or deferred care. Objectives: The primary aim of this study is to examine …

Impact Of Medicaid Expansion On Adherence To Antidiabetic Medications Among Low-Income Adults, Okoia Stoddard

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Purpose. Low-income adults are disproportionately afflicted with diabetes and are more likely to suffer from advanced forms of diabetes related sequelae. Uninterrupted therapy on antidiabetic medications can postpone or prevent the damaging and costly complications associated with the progression of diabetes; however, many low-income individuals face significant barriers adhering to drug regimens. Medicaid, the primary source of health insurance among low-income people, mitigates access and cost barriers by providing access to health services and prescription drugs at a reduced cost. In 2014, Medicaid expansion, a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), would have had the potential …

Exogenous Mitochondrial Transfer And Il-6: Modulating Adipocyte Metabolism In Obesity-Associated Dysregulation, Soumi Mazumdar

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Obesity, a global health epidemic, poses significant challenges to public well-being due to its complex interplay of metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, and associated comorbidities. Mitochondria, central to ATP production, lipid metabolism, and thermogenesis, play a crucial role in modulating white adipose tissue metabolism. This thesis explores an innovative strategy for addressing mitochondrial dysfunction in obesity which is a critical aspect of this multifactorial problem. The research findings presented herein uncover the impact of introducing exogenous mitochondria into NIH3T3-L1 adipocytes on various aspects of adipocyte function. The key discoveries of this study include a remarkable upregulation of energy expenditure genes, notably Ucp1, …

Investigating Potential Quantitative Trait Loci For Susceptibility To Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In The Bxd Family Of Mice, Margaret Caroline Danehy

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that causes disability, axonal damage in the central nervous system, and eventual paralysis. One of the main risk factors for developing MS is genetics, with recent studies identifying multiple risk alleles associated the major histocompatibility complex. By utilizing the BXD family of mice, we investigated genetic factors that affect a BXD strain’s susceptibility to EAE, an inducible disease model for MS. We induced EAE in several BXD mice strains via an emulsion of complete Freund’s adjuvant and MOG35-55, and then measured disease severity in each strain. From there, we measured incidence rate of …

Experimenting With Transparency: A Mixed Methods Approach To Assessing Crisis Communication Messaging, Melissa Greco Lopes

Education Doctoral

This study sought to add to the body of research on transparency in crisis communication messaging in a higher education setting through the lens of Coombs’ (1995) situational crisis communication theory. Using a mixed methods explanatory sequential experimental design, the study collected quantitative data via an experiment to determine how specific elements of a message might result in more positive perceptions of message and organizational trust, transparency, and reputation. Next, the study collected qualitative data through four focus groups to provide a deeper understanding of which elements of the message readers found most transparent and how it might have impacted …

Student-Veteran Transition Strategies From The Military To Higher Education, David L. Gardner

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and describe the strategies that student veterans employed as they transitioned from active-duty military engagement to civilian college classrooms. Transition theory drove this study as it explored military-veteran transitions from the military to undergraduate programs. The research questions were, What thoughts, incidents, or people associated with your military service stand out for you? How did your military service and transition affect your college experience? and What thoughts or feelings stand out as you think about your transition? Transcendental phenomenological methodology was used for this study as it followed structured data collection …

The Retention Of Newly Tenured Faculty Of Color At A Community College In New York State, Jacqueline Goffe-Mcnish

Education Doctoral

Given the lack of retention of employees of color from 1991 to 2001, this qualitative descriptive case study investigated the benefits of, barriers to, and strategies for the retention of faculty of color at a community college in New York State. The participants were five administrators and eight faculty members who self-identified as people of color and as White people. Each participant was interviewed using semi-structured questions via Zoom and all interviews were recorded. A notebook was created, and participants’ interviews were transcribed and coded.

Six categories were identified through the coding process, which included the social, psychological, physical, intellectual, …

From There To Here: How Black Women From Areas Of Black-Concentrated Poverty Understand, Generate, And Use Social Capital To Influence Economic Mobility: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, Tatiana C. Parker

Education Doctoral

This qualitative, interpretative phenomenological study investigated how Black women, with experience residing in areas of concentrated Black poverty in Syracuse, New York between the ages of 25 and 34, understood, generated, and utilized the social capital within their networks. The research also sought to understand these women’s perspectives regarding the role of network social connections in their economic mobility. Four one-on-one interviews were conducted and, through the lens of networking social capital theory, revealed significant themes, including the role of proximity in relationship dynamics, access points such as educational institutions and workplaces, and the influence of guidance and character congruency …

Identifying Research Practices Toward Achieving Health Equity Principles Within The Cancer Prevention And Control Research Network, Prajakta Adsul, Jessica Islam, Perla Chebli, Julie Kranick, Sarah Nash, Hannah Arem, Stephanie Wheeler, Melissa Lopez-Pentecost, Victoria Foster, Rashmi K. Sharma, Tisha M. Felder Phd, Msw, Betsy Risendal, Enmanuel A. Chavarria, Simona Kwon, Rachel Hirschey, Chau Trinh-Shevrin

Publications

PURPOSE

Although there is national recognition for health equity-oriented research, there is limited guidance for researchers to engage partnerships that promote health equity in cancer research. The Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network's (CPCRN) Health Equity Work Group developed a toolkit to guide researchers in equitable collaborations.

METHODS

The CPCRN's Health Equity Work Group collectively outlined health and racial equity principles guiding research collaborations with partners that include communities, community-based organizations, implementing partners in the clinical setting including providers and health care organizations, and policy makers. Using a network-wide survey to crowdsource information around ongoing practices, we leveraged and integrated …

Unbearable Suffering While Working As A Nurse During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Chloé Littzen-Brown, Hanne Dolan, Angie Norton, Claire Bethel, Jennifer T. May Phd, Rn, Anp-Bc, Jessica Rainbow

Publications

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in negative consequences for nurse well-being, patient care delivery and outcomes, and organizational outcomes.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of nurses working during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States.

Design: This study used a qualitative descriptive design.

Setting(s): The setting for this study was a national sample of nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States over a period of 18 months.

Participants: Convenience and snowball sampling were used to recruit 81 nurses via social media and both national and state listservs.

Methods: Using a single …

Investigating The Relationship Between Foster Care And Sex Trafficking: What Factors Are Maintaining The Cycle Of Abuse, Shannon M. Budgell

Student Theses

Sex trafficking is a global crime and human rights issue that benefits abusers at the detriment of vulnerable groups, including children involved in the United States welfare system. This meta-synthesis explored the risk factors present within the United States foster care system that expose children to potential victimization. Using qualitative research, the purpose of this study was to review sex trafficking exploitation and analyze the current policies creating this vulnerability in the nation’s child welfare services. Upon completing a systematic literature search, nine studies were included by meeting the following criteria: qualitative or quantitative research studies published in English any …

Determinants Of Wage And Employment Disparities For Tvet And High School Graduates, Sean Kirstin E. Benzon, Sabine Noelle Co Chan, Joshua Tristan Navarro Dita, Arianne Navarro Pastrana, Maria Fe Carmen Dabbay, Lawrence B. Dacuycuy, Gerardo L. Largoza

Angelo King Institute for Economic and Business Studies (AKI)

Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was institutionalized by the Philippine government in order to fill in the gaps left by the higher education system in transitioning students to the formal workforce. However, recent studies suggest that TVET graduates have a difficult time gaining employment and wage increases because of skills supply and demand mismatches and the devaluation of TVET degrees. The mismatch is observed through the high unemployment rates of TVET graduates and various job availabilities that could not be filled up by these graduates due to the incompatibility of skills formation with job requirements which is evident in …

Trends In Female Genital Mutilation In Kenya: Insights From Further Analysis Of The Kenya Demographic And Health Surveys, 2003–2022, Dennis Matanda, Francis Obare, Samuel Kimani, Stella Muthuri, Chi-Chi Undie

Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights, and Choices

Highlights and recommendations:

• From 2003 to 2022, Kenya has experienced a commendable reduction in FGM prevalence among women aged 15–49 years at the national level. However, this progress is not uniform: regional disparities exist, with counties such as Mandera, Wajir, Samburu, and Isiolo consistently posting high FGM prevalence across the years.
• FGM prevalence has remained stubbornly high among women with no education, women in the poorest households, women of the Islamic faith and those from the Somali ethnic group.
• There is a concerning trend indicating a shift to younger ages at which FGM is performed, particularly with an observed increase …

In This Issuereview Articleoriginal Articles

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Enhanced External Counterpulsation Increases Coronary Flow Reserve In Coronary Microvascular Disease, Qian Wang, Jia Hao, Wenjun Jiang, Qiang Tan

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To investigates the outcomes of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) among coronary microvascular disease (CMD) patients. Methods: Coronary microvascular disease patients were separated into the EECP (n=41) and control cohorts (n=42). Prior to and following the 4-week EECP program, coronary flow reserve (CFR) was recorded using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. The serum endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) contents were analyzed by ELISA. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina class. Results: After four weeks, CFR was substantially enhanced in the EECP versus control cohort ( p <0.05). Endothelin-1 was strongly diminished whereas eNOS was considerably upregulated in the EECP cohort. EECP also enhanced patients’ SAQ scores and decreased the CCS angina class. Conclusion: Enhanced external counterpulsation may improve CFR and enhance the CMD patient QoL.

Building Efficacy In Special Educators: An Examination Of Basic Readiness Factors, Clarice Wright Edwards

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study examined the perceptions of self-efficacy of elementary special education teachers (SETs) providing services for students with disabilities (SWD) in the general education classroom setting. Additionally, this study explored the effect of job-embedded supports and the skill sets deemed essential to meet the needs of SWDs. Understanding methods that can enhance the skill sets and pedagogical knowledge of SETs beyond teacher preparation can provide schools and school districts with opportunities to build highly efficacious teachers and improve student outcomes. Participants were asked about the perceived impact of teacher preparation programs on the self-efficacy of practicing SETs and about …

Basic Needs Housing Advocate Program, Loyce Jewell Bryant

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) students are severely impacted by high priced housing costs. This paper will demonstrate how imperative it is that Basic Needs implements a separate housing infrastructure to help support students with their housing needs during and upon graduation. CSUMB currently houses over 55% of their students and still many students have housing insecurities. To assess the micro-level housing insecurity problem; CSUMB students work with case managers to evaluate their needs. To assess the macro-level housing insecurity problem, a survey was distributed to random students throughout the campus. Of the 6,577 currently enrolled students; 60 students …

The Importance Of Teaching Social-Emotional Skills To Young Children, Stephanie Valdez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

My capstone project enhances the social-emotional skills of preschool children, which are fundamental for relationships, emotional management, and empathy. Children lacking these skills may struggle in learning, behavior, and socializing when they progress to elementary school. Studies have shown that social-emotional competence and cognitive competence are critical predictors of academic accomplishment (Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Student Benefits: Implications for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Core Elements, n.d.). Children in preschool who lack these skills may experience difficulties in learning, behavior, and socializing as they progress to elementary school (Amy Morin, 2019). A significant issue arises when children encounter obstacles …

Workforce Housing Needs In Monterey County, Charlie Rosales

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

There is an ongoing housing crisis all over the state of California. Each city is struggling tremendously to make sure there is affordable housing available to the average individual. However, it is a lot more difficult to make housing affordable since the cost of living has increased over the years. As well with there being a low supply of homes available this created a bidding war for property, thus the concept of supply and demand. Specifically in Pacific Grove, the ongoing issue is that there is not enough housing due to the natural environmental barrier next to them which is …