Digital Commons Network^™

Leveraging Community Health Worker’S Deep Community Knowledge To Address Food And Nutrition Security In Appalachia, Alexis Kimbro Scott, Melissa D. Olfert, Dawn Brewer, Makenzie Barr, Julie Plasencia

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Community health workers (CHWs) are trusted professionals in communities because of the deep understanding and cultural insights learned from their lived experiences. In Appalachia, CHWs are embedded in the community, giving them a unique understanding of how social determinants, like food and nutrition security, impact health outcomes.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the professional characteristics and knowledge of CHWs while identifying culturally sensitive practices around food insecurity.

Methods: This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study used an online survey and in-depth phone interviews with CHWs in the Appalachian Region to examine their professional characteristics and knowledge on food security in their …

Stigmatization And Healthcare Inequity Perceived By Individuals Served By Homeless Shelters In An Appalachian City, Molly Powney, James M. Mears, Reagan Sharp, Lisa Calderwood

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: People experiencing homelessness are medically vulnerable and suffer disproportionately from chronic physical and mental health conditions. Evidence-based standards to inform decisions surrounding care would be valuable for this population. Studies exploring how homeless individuals in Appalachia perceive their interactions with the healthcare system remain limited, however.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess perceptions of the healthcare system among homeless individuals served by temporary housing shelters in an Appalachian city.

Methods: A voluntary anonymous survey was administered to residents at three shelters in Charleston, West Virginia (WV) from September 2023 – March 2024. Responses were collected utilizing …

Geospatial Analysis Of Breast Cancer Incidence, Mortality, And Access To Screening In Rural And Appalachian Virginia, Jennifer Osher, Caleb Brown, Phillip Nichols, Tariq Ayubi, Jeremy Powers

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in the United States (U.S.), despite recent survival rates improving nationally. However, rural and Appalachian regions have experienced slower mortality declines. These communities face unique health care-related challenges that may contribute to observed disparities.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess differences in breast cancer incidence, mortality, and mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) between Appalachian and non-Appalachian counties, as well as rural and non-rural counties in Virginia (VA). Furthermore, we aim to evaluate whether availability of mammography is associated with these differences.

Methods: County-level breast cancer incidence and mortality data …

Influence Of Family Health History And Parental Education On Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, And Lipid Levels In 5th Grade Children: A Secondary Data Analysis Of The Cardiac Project, Madha Rani Das, Lee A. Plyes, Eloise Elliott, Christa L. Lilly

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Childhood obesity and related cardiovascular risks reflect the interplay of genetic predispositions and socioeconomic adversity. Appalachia’s poverty, limited health care, and educational gaps worsen family health risks, driving early cardio-metabolic problems in children, highlighting the need for effective interventions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the association of family health history and parental education with BMI, BP, and lipid profiles among 5^th grade children in West Virginia (WV).

Methods: The study used WV CARDIAC data from 2006–2009. Outcomes were BMI, SBP/DBP, and fasting lipids (HDL, LDL, TG). Predictors were parental education and family health history …

Understanding Breastfeeding Practices In Tennessee: Goals, Duration, And Reasons For Discontinuation, Amir Alakaam, Chia-Lin Chang, Hannah Jeffery

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal source of infant nutrition, offering many health benefits.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine goals, exclusivity, and duration of breastfeeding and explore factors that influence breastfeeding practices among individuals in Tennessee (TN).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals (N = 1,249). Participants were recruited and data were collected from June – September 2021. The data were entered and analyzed from September 2022 – March 2023. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and ANOVA were used to analyze the data and identify associations between variables.

Results: About 32% of the …

Replanteando Wash: Vías Innovadoras Para Abordar El Agua, La Salud Y La Pobreza, Erica L. Jensen, Emma Indart, Faith Manchester, Sebastian Dorantes, Isabelle Stoddard

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

El acceso al agua potable y a un saneamiento adecuado (WASH) es un tema fundamental para la salud global y la dignidad humana, pero millones de personas aún carecen de estos servicios esenciales (National Geographic Society, 2025). En 2024, UNICEF estimó que aproximadamente tres cuartas partes de la población mundial tienen acceso a servicios de agua potable "gestionados de forma segura", dejando a unas 2,100 millones de personas sin agua potable confiable(UNICEF, 2025). La cobertura de saneamiento está aún más rezagada, ya que aproximadamente 3,400 millones de personas carecen de servicios de saneamiento gestionados de forma segura y 1,700 millones …

Nonprofit Spotlight: Humanculture, Erica Jensen

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

No abstract provided.

Access To Water And Sanitation - Joni Full Issue December 2025, Erica Jensen, Angie Holzer

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

No abstract provided.

The Trauma-Informed Supervision Model (Tism), Melissa Luke, Sarah Litt

Trauma Counseling and Resilience

Trauma-informed counseling is an increasingly important component of contemporary counselor training and practice, but it remains under-represented in supervisory models and frameworks. As supervision is identified as the primary and signature practice for the training of all mental health professionals, we developed a conceptual and integrative supervision model grounded in the theoretical and research support for trauma-informed counselor training. Extending the discrimination model, we present the second-generation trauma-informed supervision model (TISM), a six domain by three foci by three role model to address this gap. We illustrate each of the 54 domain-foci-role combinations with trauma-informed supervisory examples that can inform …

Conflict Resolution Styles In Intimate Relationships Of College Students With Adverse Childhood Experiences, Huijuan Li, David K. Duys, Byeolbee Um

Trauma Counseling and Resilience

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), as potentially traumatic early-life experiences, can influence how individuals relate to others, often leading to challenges in intimate relationships. During the transition to adulthood, college students engage in identity development while also navigating the critical skill of conflict resolution necessary for fostering and maintaining intimate relationships. In this study, we collected data from 434 college students at a Midwest university regarding their ACEs and conflict resolution styles using the 10-item ACEs questionnaire and the Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory (CRSI). Results showed significant differences in ACEs scores based on demographic factors such as gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual …

The Emotional Landscape Of Cult Involvement From Recruitment To Disaffiliation: A Grounded Theory Study Of Survivor Experiences To Inform Trauma Counseling, Yaroslaba Garcia, Suzanne M. Dugger, Jackie Greene

Trauma Counseling and Resilience

This study used a constructivist grounded theory design to explore survivors’ unwanted emotions across the recruitment, retention, and disaffiliation phases of cult involvement. Through inductive analysis, the researchers developed a theoretical model grounded in participants’ experiences to explain the persistence and impact of these emotions. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 15 U.S.-based cult survivors of diverse types of cults and with varying lengths of membership. Participants completed three onehour interviews, each focused on unwanted emotions during a specific phase of cult involvement. Data analysis included iterative coding, bracketing meetings, and memo-writing. Analysis revealed 16 categories of unwanted emotions, with …

Letter From The Editor, Tara S. Jungersen

Trauma Counseling and Resilience

No abstract provided.

Positive Psychology Interventions For Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) Among Earthquake Survivors In Nepal, Niusha Karki, Melissa C. Henry, Mark M. Leach

Trauma Counseling and Resilience

Natural disasters produce both community and individual trauma; Nepal’s 2015 and 2023 earthquakes exemplify this enduring impact. Previous literature has discussed the effects of PTSD and other mental health concerns post-disasters, providing some context to the difficulties in providing counseling services to those in need. However, little is known about unique psychological, cultural, and contextual factors in Nepal and how their influence and understanding may result in modifying traditional PTSD counseling interventions found in much of the existing professional literature. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to propose a culturally responsive, strengths-based framework that integrates positive psychology interventions, positive …

Navigating Collective Trauma Following A Workplace Mass Shooting, Rebecca Cowan, Vanessa Qualls, Shari Andreasen

Trauma Counseling and Resilience

Public mass shootings occur most frequently in workplace settings, yet little is known about the experiences of survivors, co-victims, and first responders of these incidents and how they cope with this shared trauma. This collective case study examined the experiences of 14 survivors, co-victims, and first responders affected by a single workplace mass shooting. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed four main themes: (1) the spectrum of suffering, (2) ripple becomes wave: the spread of trauma, (3) forgotten in recovery, and (4) the healing power of shared experience. This study offers insight into the collective nature of impact and recovery, and how …

Introduction To The Special Section: Disaster Mental Health, Tara S. Jungersen

Trauma Counseling and Resilience

No abstract provided.

Under The Influence: New York’S Crisis Of Addiction, Exploitation, And Drug Policy Within Depression-Era Films, Simone White

Rushton Journal of Undergraduate Humanities Research

During the 1930s, New York City stood at the center of media innovation and cultural influence. It was also the center of the continuing opioid epidemic and a pivotal site for the reception and promotion of addiction films. This article argues that Depression-era films, The Struggle (1931), Narcotic (1933), and Assassin of Youth (1938), reflected economic, political, and moral anxieties surrounding drug abuse. Using National Board of Review records, studio pressbooks, and contemporary periodicals, this study examines how cinematic portrayals of addiction influenced ideologies, criminalized users, and deepened social stigma.

Beyond Artificial Intelligence: Emerging Paradigms Redefining Scientific Publishing, Punnya V Angadi

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

The realm of scientific publishing is undergoing transformation owing to rapid technological advancements, shifting ethical norms, and changing expectations of funders, institutions, and the general public. While artificial intelligence (AI) has captured global attention as a disruptive force, it represents only one component of a broader and interconnected shift. This editorial puts forth the view that the true redefinition of scientific publishing lies beyond AI, driven instead by a confluence of evolving outlooks concerning transparency, reproducibility, ethics, interdisciplinarity, and societal relevance. These emerging paradigms, rather than AI alone, are fundamentally reshaping the making, evaluation, and dissemination of science. This editorial …

Factors Affecting The Length Of Stay In Psychiatry In-Patient Unit Of A Tertiary Care General Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study, Bheemsain Tekkalaki, Revati Katti, Nanasaheb M Patil

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Backgroud: The state of existing mental health services in low- and middle-income countries are inadequate, inequitable and inefficient.One of the ways to ensure effective health care service utilization is by analyzing the length of stay.

Objectives: 1. To assess the length of stay in psychiatry in-patient unit in a general hospital psychiatry unit. 2. To assess the various soil-demographic and clinical factors affecting length of stay.

Materials and methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study. Study sample was formed by all patients who were above 18 years of age, admitted into psychiatry in-patient unit. Data was collected from the case …

Acquiring Teaching Skills During The Postgraduate Residency: A Pivotal Component Of Post-Graduate Medical Education, Soumick Ranjan Sahoo

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

No abstract provided.

The Musculoskeletal Syndrome Of Menopause: An Orthopaedic And Physiological Imperative For Proactive Care, Shrihari L Kulkarni, Harpreet Kour

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

No abstract provided.

Reclaiming Wholeness In Medical Education: Integrating Darshan In The Curriculum, Deep Pankaj Shah

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Modern medicine has made remarkable progress in understanding the body, yet often misses the deeper human experience of illness, healing and meaning. This perspective calls for reimagining medical education by integrating Indian philosophical systems particularly Darshan, such as “Sankhya” into the curriculum. These ancient frameworks offer a holistic view of the human being as a dynamic blend of body, mind and consciousness, moving beyond the “body-as-machine” model. Rather than replacing science, this is about enriching it with vision and depth. By including such perspectives, we can help future doctors engage not just with disease, but with the person behind it; …

Intramuscular Hemangioma Of The Flexor Digitorum Brevis Of Foot Presenting As A Dermoid Cyst: A Rare Case, Dr Puneet Mallikarjun, Dr Kale Ajay P, Dr. Akshay Kumar, Dr Pradeep S Shindhe, Dr Ramesh Killedar

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Introduction: Intramuscular hemangiomas (IH) are rare, benign vascular tumours that account for less than 1% of all hemangiomas, with the plantar region being an extremely uncommon site. Their clinical presentation often mimics other soft tissue lesions, leading to diagnostic challenges.

Case Presentation: We report a case of a 57-year-old female presenting with a 25-year history of progressive swelling on the plantar surface of the left foot, initially diagnosed as a dermoid cyst based on clinical examination and ultrasonography. Surgical exploration revealed a vascular lesion originating from the flexor digitorum brevis, and histopathology confirmed it to be an intramuscular hemangioma. Complete …

Synchronized Fistula-In-Ano- Rare Entity Managed Using Apamarga Ksharasutra: A Rare Case Series, Manisha Mansukh Kapadiya

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Synchronous fistula-in-ano, a rare entity with multiple fistulous tracts opening and closing simultaneously, presents significant diagnostic and surgical challenges. Conventional management may risk sphincter injury and recurrence. Ayurveda describes Ksharasutra therapy, a para-surgical intervention, which offers simultaneous cutting, drainage, and healing of fistulous tracts while preserving anal sphincter function. This case series includes three patients who presented with pain, swelling, and pus discharge from the perianal region. After detailed clinical and radiological evaluation, partial fistulectomy was performed, and Apamarga Ksharasutra was applied using the railroad technique. Postoperative care included Panchavalkala Kwatha sitz bath, Apamarga Kshara Taila dressing, Eranda Bhrishta Haritaki …

Bilateral Symmetrical Hip Dislocation With Bilateral Comminuted Posterior Wall Acetabular Fractures: A Rare Case Report, Manjunath Daragad, Shrihari L. Kulkarni, Manjunatha Mahamani, Arvind D. Patil

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Introduction: Bilateral posterior hip dislocations are extremely rare, particularly when symmetrical. These injuries can be easily overlooked during initial assessment. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of bilateral symmetrical posterior hip dislocation with bilateral posterior wall acetabular wall fracture.

Case Presentation: A 50-year-old female presented to the emergency department following a high-velocity injury sustained while traveling in an auto-rickshaw. Patient had bilateral posterior hip dislocation along with posterior acetabular wall fracture. Both hip joints were unstable following closed reduction due to fracture, which was managed with internal fixation of bilateral posterior acetabular wall via Kocher-Langenbeck approach. Following …

All Disc Swellings Are Not Papilledema, Vivek B Wani, Chaitra C. Shekhar, Deepashri Mutalik, Arvind Tenagi

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Bilateral optic disc edema is called papilledema when it results from increased intracranial pressure. It is important to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain to rule out lesions that obstruct or alter the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If the MRI is normal, other organic causes of bilateral disc swelling are excluded, and a diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is considered, particularly in young female patients. Such patients are usually started on treatment for IIH. We report a case of bilateral optic disc swelling that was initially diagnosed as IIH and treated accordingly, but the swelling was …

A Conceptual And Theoretical Framework Of Implementing An Integrated Teaching Program In Dental Education, Vasanti Lagali-Jirge, Anjana Bagewadi, Alka Kale

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

This paper describes the conceptual underpinnings and implementation process of an integrated teaching program for dental undergraduate students over a decade, incorporating diverse subjects across different years of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) curriculum. Conceptual frameworks can help ‘illuminate and magnify’ ideas and provide a roadmap. The integration was guided by Kotter’s Change Management Model and Kern’s Six-Step Approach to curricular change. Additionally, learning theories, particularly social learning theories, were employed to enhance knowledge retention and application. This paper provides a systematic overview of the curriculum integration process and the challenges faced, offering a roadmap for other institutions.

Role Of Microteaching In Medical Education: A Narrative Review, Santosh Kumar Swain

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Microteaching is an important tool in medical education training program. It is a pedagogical tool developed for teacher education. Effective use of audiovisual tools, presentation techniques, and lesson planning are all components of microteaching. It makes it easier to comprehend the intricacies of the educational process.Microteaching sessions can help medical teachers develop the teaching abilities they need to effectively transfer their knowledge. Now, the microteaching in medical education is practiced globally that helps teachers to enhance their teaching skills by improvement of different tasks called teaching skills. In addition to problem solving, critical thinking, and reflective teaching, microteaching benefits teachers’ …

Reverse Pharmacology In Ayurveda: Scope And Success Stories In Dravyaguna Research, Aman Singhal, Vanshika Sharma

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Reverse pharmacology (RP) represents a novel “experiential-to-experimental” research approach that begins with clinical experiences and traditional usage, progressing systematically to preclinical investigations and mechanistic validation. In the context of Ayurvedic Dravyaguna Vigyana (pharmacology), RP offers a pragmatic model to integrate classical knowledge of medicinal plants with contemporary scientific methods for drug discovery and validation. This paradigm emphasizes safety, efficacy, and translational relevance, while preserving the essence of historical therapeutic practices. The present review explores the scope of RP in Ayurveda and illustrates its application through key success stories, including Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Nimba), Curcuma longa L. ( …

The Spectrum Of Renal Biopsy Findings In Patients With Diabetes Mellitus, Gnanapriya Vellaisamy, Dheepa Senthilkumar, Anuradha Ananthamurthy, Renuka Malipatel, Prashanth G Kedlaya

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Background: Diabetic nephropathy(DN) is one of the most common causes of End-stage renal disease. Diagnosing Nondiabetic renal disease(NDRD) is important as it leads to a specific change in therapy however, the usefulness of pathological diagnosis in predicting the prognosis of diabetics is still questionable. Materials and Method: This is a combined retrospective and prospective study for a period of 5 years. The biopsies were divided into three subgroups: DN, DN with superimposed NDRD and NDRD. Results: In this study of 109 Type 2 Diabetic patients, 48.6% had DN alone, 29.4% had DN with superimposed NDRD and 22% had NDRD alone. …

Antibiotic Use And Mdr-Tb Management In Primary Health Centers: A District-Wide Survey From Karnataka, India, Bilkees Javeed, Junaid Mushtaq, S J Nagaveni, Arunkumar K

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical threat to global health, with India experiencing one of the highest burdens of resistant infections. Primary Health Centers (PHCs) serve as frontline facilities where Medical Officers and Pharmacists play crucial roles in antimicrobial stewardship. However, comprehensive data on antibiotic utilization patterns and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) management in Karnataka’s PHCs remain limited. This study aimed to characterize antibiotic prescribing and dispensing practices, assess AMR knowledge, and evaluate MDR-TB management across all PHCs in Gadag District. A cross-sectional survey employing complete enumeration was conducted across all 42 PHCs in Gadag District, Karnataka. All Medical Officers (n …