Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Jiann-Ping Hsu College Of Public Health Magazine, Georgia Southern University

College of Public Health: News & Publications

• Message from the Dean: Stuart H. Tedders, PhD
• JPHCOPH Research
• Our AHEC Work
• Passing the Torch: Mentor to Innovator
  • Dr. Joseph Telfair
  • Dr. Tilicia Mayo-Gamble
• The MHA is BACK
• Life After JPHCOPH
• College Milestones
• CAR: Center for Addiction Recovery
• CPHPR: Center for Public Health Practice & Research
• Office of Practice and Research: Continued Strong Funding for in FY 2024
• Eagles Talking about the Public's Health (ETAPH)
• Georgia Southern Student Scholars Symposium (GS4)
• Congratulations to our Students of the Year!

Protein Subunit Vaccines: Promising Frontiers Against Covid-19, Vivek P. Chavda, Eswara Naga Hanuma Kumar Ghali, Pankti C. Balar, Subhash Chauhan, Nikita Tiwari, Somanshi Shukla, Mansi Athalye, Vandana Bharat Patravale, Vasso Apostolopoulos, Murali Yallapu

School of Medicine Publications

The emergence of COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented global health crisis, challenging the healthcare systems worldwide. Amidst the rapid development of several vaccine formulations, protein subunit vaccines have emerged as a promising approach. This article provides an in-depth evaluation of the role of protein subunit vaccines in the management of COVID-19. Leveraging viral protein fragments, particularly the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2, these vaccines elicit a targeted immune response without the risk of inducing disease. Notably, the robust safety profile of protein subunit vaccines makes them a compelling candidate in the management of COVID-19. Various innovative approaches, including reverse vaccinology, virus …

Optimizing The Community Health Worker (Chw) Program In Belize And Understanding Its Unique Intermediary Position Within The Health System: Perspective From The World Health Organization (Who) Health Systems Approach, Andrei R. Chell

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Human resources for health (HRH) are the backbone of a well-functioning and resilient health system. Issues related to HRH recruitment, retention, planning, leadership and governance have been amplified by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and have posed additional and unprecedented challenges in many countries. Community health workers (CHWs) in particular, are uniquely positioned to be frontline health care workers (HCWs) that are considered a vital link between communities and the formal health system. Globally, the benefits of CHW programs have been well documented, and there is substantial evidence of the efficacy and effectiveness of these programs. However, countries are …

Ribosome Hibernation Factor Induces Antibiotic Persisters Of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis In Neutrophil-Rich Lung Lesions, Jamie Corro

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the etiological agent of tuberculosis, is a prescient global health threat and the leading cause of death by an infectious agent. Treatment of Mtb infection involves administering 2-4 antibiotics for a minimum of 6 months. This extended drug regimen is required to target a subpopulation of persistent bacilli. As their name implies, these bacteria can “persist” by acquiring nonhereditary and transient antibiotic tolerance. Although the precise mechanism is unknown, it’s often attributed to slowing cellular growth and metabolic processes. During zinc deprivation, bacteria can remodel their ribosomes by replacing their zinc-binding paralogues containing the CXXC motif (C+) …

The Effect Of Presenting Concerns On Providers’ Assessment Of Patients' Suicide Risk, Alexandria Brunkow

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Objective: Suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death in the U.S. with nearly 50,000 people per year dying by suicide. Public health approaches to suicide prevention focus on screening people in primary and mental health care settings and offering treatment to those who screen positive. Research shows that mental health providers may not recognize risk factors for suicide and miss opportunities to screen patients who may be at risk. Providers’ mental representations of suicide risk may be influencing their perception of patient risk and contributing to low screening rates. This study used an experimental vignette case design to …

Assessing Associations Between Emergency Room Visits For Respiratory And Cardiovascular Diseases And Criteria Air Pollutants Exposure In New York State, Tamba Solomon Lebbie

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Abstract

Air pollution is a major environmental health hazard for the general population. Approximately 90% of the global population is at risk of both indoor and outdoor air pollution, and it accounts for an estimated 7 million premature deaths every year according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Multiple studies including epidemiological and molecular analyses have confirmed the negative effects of air pollutants on human health even at levels within the WHO guidelines. This study examines the health impacts of releases of criteria air pollution from point sources in New York State (NYS). There is evidence from population studies that …

A Descriptive Analysis Of Depressive Symptoms And Body Image By Race/Ethnicity And Nativity Status Among Adolescents, Radhika Prasad

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Previous research on the immigrant health paradox among children and adolescents show a mental health advantage yet it is unclear if this applies in a similar magnitude to females (Fillion et al., 2018; Zarei et al., 2023). Immigrants may be exposed to stressors related to immigration and acculturation. Some research suggests that females respond more to stress through internalizing symptoms relative to males (Hall-Lande et al., 2007; Adkins et al., 2009). Given these gender differences in stress response, female immigrants may be particularly vulnerable to the psychological consequences of immigration related stressors. The immigrant health paradox has also overlooked subjective …

Peer Support To Enhance Safe Alcohol Use In University Students: A Quality Improvement Project, Kerri Reynolds

DNP Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND: College is a period of transition to adulthood where many students experiment with alcohol consumption. Peer educators can bring access to evidence-based alcohol consumption education through student-centric strategies. This quality improvement project aimed to implement an evidence-based training program for college peer educators followed by the delivery of campus alcohol education in a six week period. Feasible ideas for sustainable college peer educator training were generated at this medium-sized public university. The impact of training on six peer educators’ self-reported professional leadership skills, knowledge, and confidence was measured.

METHODS: The Certified Peer Educator (CPE) training program (NASPA) was used …

The Impact Of Multidisciplinary Just-In-Time Training On Confidence In The Delivery Of Care In The Humanitarian And Disaster Response Environment, Jennifer Verstreken

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: Team Rubicon International deploys emergency medical teams with little targeted training on the health and illness patterns common to the geographic region and the type of disasters to which they respond, such as cholera, malaria, and malnutrition. These high-risk, low-incidence illnesses are infrequently seen in Western medical practices. Medical, nursing, and paramedical training programs address these illness patterns in the curriculum. Still, a lack of consistent exposure to the care and treatment of patients with these illnesses can lead to a lack of knowledge and confidence in delivering appropriate care.

Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to determine if …

Enhancing Safety Surveillance During Clinical Trials: The Development Of A Safety Data Review Handbook To Support Pharmacovigilance Clinicians, Lauren Wilson

DNP Scholarly Projects

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pharmacovigilance (PV) Sciences include activities related to safety surveillance of pharmaceutical products, and is critical for developing safe and effective medications, vaccines and medical devices. Safety monitoring starts with preclinical research and continues through clinical trial and post marketing phases. PV scientists ensure patient safety during clinical trials through regular review and analysis of safety data. Regulations have become increasingly complex, leading to inadequately defined methods for reviewing large clinical trial safety datasets. Inconsistent safety data review (SDR) practices can result in delayed detection of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or safety signals.

METHODS: This quality improvement project used …

Risk Factors Of Under-Five And Infant Mortality: An Umbrella Review Of Systematic Reviews And Meta-Analyses, Bereket Kefale, Jonine Jancey, Amanuel T. Gebremedhin, Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu, Daniel G. Belay, Gavin Pereira, Gizachew A. Tessema

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Ensuring child survival is a critical global challenge, requiring a robust and comprehensive understanding of the risk factors contributing to under-five mortality (U5M). We aimed to synthesise and summarise the current available evidence on risk factors of U5M and infant mortality worldwide to inform global child health programmes.

Methods: We searched six major databases (Embase, Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Global Health) and repositories of systematic reviews, as well as grey literature sources to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses that examined the associations between risk factors of U5M and infant mortality between 1 January 1990 and 4 …

Plant But Not Animal Sourced Nitrate Intake Is Associated With Lower Dementia-Related Mortality In The Australian Diabetes, Obesity, And Lifestyle Study, Anjana Rajendra, Nicola P. Bondonno, Liezhou Zhong, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Kevin Murray, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Samantha L. Gardener, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Dianna J. Magliano, Jonathan E. Shaw, Robin M. Daly, Kaarin J. Anstey, Joshua R. Lewis, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Catherine P. Bondonno

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Dietary nitrate is potentially beneficial for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and nervous systems due to its role as a nitric oxide (NO) precursor. Increased nitrate intake improves cardiovascular health and therefore could protect against dementia, given the cardiovascular-dementia link. Objective: To investigate the association between source-dependent nitrate intake and dementia-related mortality. As individuals with diabetes are at higher risk of dementia, a secondary aim was to investigate if the associations between nitrate and dementia varied by diabetes mellitus (DM) and pre-diabetes status. Methods: This study involved 9,149 participants aged ≥25 years from the well-characterised Australian Diabetes, Obesity, and Lifestyle (AusDiab) Study …

Specific Vegetable Types Are Associated With Lower Long-Term Risk For Late-Life Dementia: The Perth Longitudinal Study Of Aging Women, Negar Ghasemifard, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Simon M. Laws, Helen Macpherson, Emma Stevenson, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Richard L. Prince, Joshua R. Lewis, Marc Sim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study examined the relationship between total vegetable intake, including specific vegetable types with long-term late-life dementia (LLD) risk in older Australian women. 1206 community-dwelling older women aged ≥70 years were included. Consumption of total vegetable intake and vegetable types (yellow/orange/red [YOR], cruciferous, allium, green leafy vegetables [GLV], and legumes) were estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline (1998). LLD was considered any form of dementia occurring after 80 years of age. LLD events (comprising hospitalisation and/or death) were obtained from linked health records. Associations were examined using restricted cubic splines within multivariable-adjusted (including APOE4 genotype) Cox proportional …

Lessons Learned: Drive-Through Covid-19 Clinic Testing During An Adaptive Epidemic Response And A Point-Of-Care Test Assessment Of A Computer-Read Rapid Lateral Flow Immunoassay With Fluorescence-Based Detection, Leah Rankine-Wilson, Teresa Oncken, Irshan Basrewan, Courtney Jeffery, Todd M. Pryce, Rebecca Wake, Aus A.L. Molan, T. F. Paton, Tim J.J. Inglis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated a need for robust SARS-CoV-2 test evaluation infrastructure to underpin biosecurity and protect the population during a pandemic health emergency. Gap statement. The first generation of rapid antigen tests was less accurate than molecular methods due to their inherent sensitivity and specificity shortfalls, compounded by the consequences of self-testing. This created a need for more accurate point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 detection methods. Aim. Here we present the lessons-learned during the COVID-19 emergency response in Western Australia including the detailed set-up, evaluation and operation of rapid antigen test in a state-run drive-through sample collection service during the COVID-19 …

Associations Between Flavonoid Intake And Subclinical Atherosclerosis: The Mesa, Nicola P. Bondonno, Benjamin H. Parmenter, Kevin Murray, Catherine P. Bondonno, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Alexis C. Wood, Wendy S. Post, Matthew Allison, Michael H. Criqui, Joshua R. Lewis, Jonathan M. Hodgson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Flavonoids may play a role in mitigating atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, with evidence suggesting effects may differ between vascular beds. Studies examining associations with subclinical markers of atherosclerosis between subpopulations with different underlying risks of atherosclerosis are lacking. METHODS: Among 5599 participants from the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), associations between dietary flavonoid intakes (estimated from a food frequency questionnaire) and subclinical measures of atherosclerosis (ankle-brachial index, carotid plaques and intima-media thickness, and coronary artery calcification) were examined using repeated measures models. Exposures and outcomes were measured at exam 1 (2000-2002) and exam 5 (2010-2011). Stratified analyses and interaction terms …

Midwest Food Community: Snapshot Report, Isabelle Chiera, Jess Doe, Amanda Devine, Melissa Stoneham, Stephanie L. Godrich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Food security refers to the adequate physical, social, and economic access to healthy food at all times. The Midwest Food Community project aimed to identify, map, evaluate and strengthen food security initiatives across the region, to support food security action. This report outlines the findings from the Midwest Food Community project, detailing the different types of food security initiatives operating within the region. It provides a summary of how Midwest initiatives are contributing to food security systems change, and how they are working in partnership to deliver their food security initiatives. Based on these findings, region-based recommendations are provided to …

Kimberley Food Community: Snapshot Report, Isabelle Chiera, Jess Doe, Amanda Devine, Melissa Stoneham, Stephanie L. Godrich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Food security refers to the adequate physical, social, and economic access to healthy food at all times. The Kimberley Food Community project aimed to identify, map, evaluate and strengthen food security initiatives across the region, to support food security action. This report outlines the findings from the Kimberley Food Community project, detailing the different types of food security initiatives operating within the region. It provides a summary of how Kimberley initiatives are contributing to food security systems change, and how they are working in partnership to deliver their food security initiatives. Based on these findings, region-based recommendations are provided to …

Pilbara Food Community: Snapshot Report, Isabelle Chiera, Jess Doe, Amanda Devine, Melissa Stoneham, Stephanie L. Godrich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Food security refers to the adequate physical, social, and economic access to healthy food at all times. The Pilbara Food Community project aimed to identify, map, evaluate and strengthen food security initiatives across the region, to support food security action. This report outlines the findings from the Pilbara Food Community project, detailing the different types of food security initiatives operating within the region. It provides a summary of how Pilbara initiatives are contributing to food security systems change, and how they are working in partnership to deliver their food security initiatives. Based on these findings, region-based recommendations are provided to …

Goldfields Food Community: Snapshot Report, Isabelle Chiera, Jess Doe, Amanda Devine, Melissa Stoneham, Stephanie L. Godrich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Food security refers to the adequate physical, social, and economic access to healthy food at all times. The Goldfields Food Community project aimed to identify, map, evaluate and strengthen food security initiatives across the region, to support food security action. This report outlines the findings from the Goldfields Food Community project, detailing the different types of food security initiatives operating within the region. It provides a summary of how Goldfields initiatives are contributing to food security systems change, and how they are working in partnership to deliver their food security initiatives. Based on these findings, region-based recommendations are provided to …

Modeling The Effect Of Observational Social Learning On Parental Decision-Making For Childhood Vaccination And Diseases Spread Over Household Networks, Tamer Oraby, Andras Balogh

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

In this paper, we introduce a novel model for parental decision-making about vaccinations against a childhood disease that spreads through a contact network. This model considers a bilayer network comprising two overlapping networks, which are either Erdős–Rényi (random) networks or Barabási–Albert networks. The model also employs a Bayesian aggregation rule for observational social learning on a social network. This new model encompasses other decision models, such as voting and DeGroot models, as special cases. Using our model, we demonstrate how certain levels of social learning about vaccination preferences can converge opinions, influencing vaccine uptake and ultimately disease spread. In addition, …

How Individuals’ Opinions Influence Society’S Resistance To Epidemics: An Agent-Based Model Approach, Geonsik Yu, Michael J. Garee, Mario Ventresca, Yuehwern Yih

Faculty Publications

Background: Protecting public health from infectious diseases often relies on the cooperation of citizens, especially when self-care interventions are the only viable tools for disease mitigation. Accordingly, social aspects related to public opinion have been studied in the context of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. However, a comprehensive understanding of the effects of opinion-related factors on disease spread still requires further exploration. Methods: We propose an agent-based simulation framework incorporating opinion dynamics within an epidemic model based on the assumption that mass media channels play a leading role in opinion dynamics. The model simulates how opinions about preventive interventions change over …

Reflections On Channelling Innovation Through Learning Development Support In Business Education In A Pandemic Landscape, Roisin Donnelly

Journal Articles

The pandemic has undoubtedly challenged higher education (HE) in a multitude of ways but bringing lessons forward from that time can enable HE institutions and their staff to not lose sight of what innovative practices emerged that had a positive influence on student learning. Discussed from the perspective of a Head of Learning Development in a Business College which is now located in what is a new Technological University in Ireland, this reflective narrative discusses supporting staff across the diversity of Business disciplines during the impact of, and response to, the pandemic. The focus of the piece is on supporting …

Using Education To Confidently Identify And Report Concerns Of Child Abuse And Neglect: A Qualitative Improvement Initiative Through Staff Development, Sarah E. Neilson

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND: Pre-licensure education on child abuse and neglect is crucial for nurses in the healthcare field. It helps to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively identify, report, and intervene in cases of child abuse and neglect. Having this education available and understanding the signs and effects of child abuse and neglect, empowers nurses to take quick and decisive action in early intervention and prevention. Within the microsystem of a local Operating Room (OR), this quality improvement (QI) project will determine the muchneeded addition to the healthcare curriculum.

METHODS: The Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) framework was …

Improving Discharge Education Quality In Urgent Care Settings: A Quality Improvement Project, Brielle N. Patscheider

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND:

Effective discharge education is vital for improving patient care by enhancing health outcomes and reducing hospital readmission. When patients receive thorough and personalized discharge instructions, they are better able to manage their health, follow treatment plans, and identify symptoms needing further attention. This not only boosts patient satisfaction and safety but also reduces the strain on healthcare systems by decreasing preventable readmissions.

LOCAL PROBLEM:

Urgent care facilities serve diverse populations with a range of common, non-emergency ailments. The rapid service and walk-in availability often lead to a high volume of patients with diverse and complex medical needs. To eliminate …

Using Education To Improve Glycemic Management Within An Emergency Department, Rebecca Olson

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) frequently visit acute care facilities for a variety of reasons. Proper management of this comorbidity increases patient safety, satisfaction, and quality care. Patients with persistent dysglycemic events in acute care facilities have an increased risk of complications and death during their stay. Lack of education can contribute to gaps in proper management within this population and therefore must be improved for better patient outcomes.

Methods: The Plan-Do-Check-Act design from the A3 Problem Solving model was used to guide a quality improvement project which focused on improving staff education and confidence surrounding glycemic management. The …

The Benefits Of Prenatal Education Via Virtual And Mobile Applications Before, During, And After Pregnancy: A Quality Improvement Project, Lindsay Farland

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: The advancements of technology has led to a substantial increase in the use of pregnancy applications among expecting parents. Studies indicate that a majority of pregnant individuals utilize virtual education platforms for various purposes, including accessing information on nutrition, exercise, baby development, and pregnancy symptoms. Despite the potential benefits, participation in these platforms remains low, emphasizing a need for enhanced resources and engagement strategies. Research shows that engagement with antenatal education through mobile applications can lead to improved maternal and fetal outcomes, such as reduced rates of caesarean births and fewer complications related to hypertension or preeclampsia.

Methods: …

Wellness In Motion: A Quality Improvement Initiative To Support Resident Mobility And Reduce Falls., San N. Pham

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Falls are a significant concern in community living centers for older adult veterans. Promoting physical activity and resident engagement is crucial for reducing fall risk among this population.

Local Problem: A specific microsystem within this setting has a fall rate of 3 falls per month. This discrepancy underscores the need for targeted interventions to effectively address this issue.

Methods: This study measured key metrics related to falls and resident engagement in mobility programs both before and after the implementation of an exercise program within the microsystem.

Intervention: The "GIMME 10" exercise program, grounded in evidence-based practices and emphasizing resident-centric …

Differing Impacts Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Farmers And Intermediaries: Insights Into The Ecuadorian Cocoa Value Chain, Guillermo Zambrano, Lina M Tennhardt, Moritz Egger, Karen Ramírez, Adriana Santos, Byron Moyano, Michael Curran

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic generated diverse impacts and responses in agricultural value chains worldwide. Cocoa is a key crop for Ecuadorian exports, and the analysis of effects the pandemic had on value chain actors contributes to the understanding of their individual capacities to coping with a major shock. The purpose of this study was to assess the number and severity of impacts and responses implemented by two links in the cocoa value chain to the pandemic, based on a survey of 158 cocoa farmers and 52 cocoa intermediaries from the main cocoa-producing provinces of the northern coast of Ecuador in 2021. …

Association Of Perceived Neighborhood Air Quality Problems With Attempt To Quit Cigarette Smoking: A Cross-Sectional Study In Texas, Monalisa Chandra, Joel Fokom Domgue, Robert Yu, Sanjay Shete

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Cigarette smoking is the major preventable cause of premature deaths in the United States. Attempting to quit smoking is an important step toward smoking cessation. Although it has been studied extensively, limited information on the association between attempts to quit smoking and neighborhood air quality problems is available. Therefore, we examined the association between attempts to quit smoking in the past year and perceived neighborhood air quality problems among adult Texans who smoke.

Methods: In 2018, a cross-sectional multistage area probability design-based survey was administered to collect sociodemographic, behavioral, and health-related information from a representative sample of 2050 Texas …

Accelerate Vaccine Development Using Seamless Phase 2/3 Trial Designs, Jia-Ying Yang, Guo-Chun Li, Ying Yuan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Traditional vaccine development, often a lengthy and costly process of three separated phases. However, the swift development of COVID-19 vaccines highlighted the critical importance of accelerating the approval of vaccines. This article showcases a seamless phase 2/3 trial design to expedite the development process, particularly for multi-valent vaccines.

Research design and methods: This study utilizes simulation to compare the performance of seamless phase 2/3 design with that of conventional trial design, specifically by re-envisioning a 9-valent HPV vaccine trial. Across three cases, several key performance metrics are evaluated: overall power, type I error rate, average sample size, trial duration, …