Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Combating Long-Term Care Isolation Through Healing Touch, Veronica J. Butts

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Loneliness is defined as feelings of disconnectedness, lack of belonging, and perceived isolation that can manifest as a physical or psychological state. In long-term care facilities, this sentiment can develop into social isolation in which residents are disconnected from family, removed from familiar environments, and suffer from various cognitive conditions that cause them to socially withdraw. Various clinical studies seek to identify the connection between isolation, loneliness, and lack of human touch with worsening health conditions and outcomes, determining that there is a correlation between this feeling of discontent. To combat this, healing touch has been a rising topic of …

Assessing Onu Students Perspective On Sexual Health, Dakota L. Roberts

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Background: It is important for college students to understand sexual health to prevent sexually transmitted infections, help to plan future pregnancies, and support overall well-being. The American College Health Association (ACHA) has released guidelines titled “Best Practices for Sexual Health Promotion and Clinical Care in College Health Settings” as guidance for universities and services to provide. However, it is not known what students at Ohio Northern University know about sexual health and whether they are aware of or desire helpful/useful sources on campus to improve knowledge and ensure the best outcomes.

Methods: A 10-question survey was developed and designed based …

Pharmacists Provision Of Non-Dispensing Services In Health Professional Shortage Areas, Haley L. Kessinger, Emily R. Landis

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Background: Individuals living in primary care health professional shortage areas (PCHPSAs) experience health inequities. Community pharmacists are healthcare professionals with an opportunity to provide care to underserved populations. The objective of this study was to compare non-dispensing services provided by Ohio community pharmacists in PCHPSAs and non-PCHSPAs.

Methods: An electronic, IRB-approved 19-item survey was sent to all community pharmacists practicing in full PCHPSA counties and a random sample practicing in non-PCHPSA counties in Ohio (n=324). Questions assessed current provision of non-dispensing services as well as interest and barriers regarding such services.

Results: Seventy-three usable responses were received (23% response rate). …

Implementing A Healthy Recipe Book In A Rural Area To Promote Healthy Lifestyles, Avery Ballinger, Han Pham

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Nutrition and obesity were leading health indicators included in Healthy People 2020¹. In Hardin County, 21.7% of residents live in poverty, ⅓ of residents are considered overweight, and 44% of residents are at risk for high blood pressure². The purpose of this project is to improve health promotion in a group of adults in a rural setting, as these environments have been found to have high rates of obesity and chronic disease risks. This study will evaluate the impact of a comprehensive recipe book on nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy, and willingness to adjust health-related behaviors such as lifestyle changes in diet …

Impact Of A Novel Interdisciplinary Online Course: Student Perspectives Related To Pandemics And Covid-19, Anna Russ

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Misinformation regarding COVID-19 has clouded the judgment and perspectives of many individuals. At Ohio Northern University, a new interdisciplinary online elective course offers students the opportunity to gain evidence-based insight about the far-reaching implications of pandemics and COVID-19. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the impact that this course has made on student perspectives relating to various topics about pandemics and COVID-19.

This semester-long online elective course was taught in an interdisciplinary fashion by professors from different departments and disciplines within Ohio Northern University. Topics covered included: the history of pandemics; public health and healthcare response; COVID-19 transmission, …

Improving Cough And Cold Otc Medication Use For Children In Hardin County, Kelly M. Kern, Molly Lipson

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Background: Ohio struggles with high infant mortality rates. This project was designed to combat incorrect use of cough and cold over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Parents or caregivers, especially those with low health literacy, often use these medications incorrectly in infants, sometimes leading to a fatal outcome.

Methods: Utilizing a three-pronged approach, this IRB-approved project addresses the issue of incorrect cough and cold OTC medications use for infants in Hardin County. Passive education was provided to community members via social media/flyers, educational interventions were performed with community members (virtual or in-person), and continuing professional development (CPD) was provided to pharmacists and pharmacy …

Honors Capstone: Healthcare Disparities In Pharmacy Curriculum, Molly Ryan

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Due to the prevalence of disparities within the United States healthcare system, this Honors Program Pharmacy Capstone project is filling the opportunity to enhance the curriculum. The project is focused on improving the educational opportunities for the Raabe College of Pharmacy related to health disparities relevant to the profession of pharmacy. This information will include the history of healthcare abuses to minority groups throughout United States history. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy includes academic goals for pharmacy curricula regarding health disparities. The pharmacy accreditation body (ACPE) sets standards that include educating student pharmacists about health disparities. Congruent with …