Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Development And Piloting Of Patient Education Material On Pharmacogenomic Testing, Louise Limoges

Human Genetics Theses

Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing is increasingly utilized in patient care, with the potential to personalize the use of medication for individual patients. However, many barriers stand in the way of PGx testing becoming standard-of-care, including a lack of resources for patient education. The objective of this study was to develop and pilot a pre-test educational tool for clinical PGx testing and gather patient input. We designed a one- page, printed PEM which was piloted at a genetic counseling clinic in Cincinnati, Ohio. In total, 53 participants read the PEM and provided their feedback through a survey. The survey was designed to …

Stopping The Bleed At Uri, Emily Lefebre

Senior Honors Projects

The number one cause of preventable death is uncontrolled bleeding from traumatic injury. From the unlikely scenario of a school shooting, to a campus car accident or an injury during a sports or club event, possessing skills to effectively stop a life-threatening bleed becomes a matter of life or death. The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT) STOP THE BLEED® program is a campaign to teach communities how to respond effectively and efficiently to life-threatening bleeding in emergencies. STOP THE BLEED® aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to stop severe bleeding by tourniquet application, …

The Role Of Soft Infrastructure In Developing Sustainable Volunteer-Based Healthcare For Transient Migrants In The El Paso-Ciudad Juárez Border Region, Daniel Avitia

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Lived Experience Of Self-Care In Young Adults With Type 2 Diabetes, Holly Berry-Price

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction

The prevalence of prediabetes in adults aged 18 or older was as high as 38% between 2017-2020. Youth-onset T2DM is a more aggressive phenotype than T2DM that occurs later in life. Young adults with T2DM have poorer health outcomes, lose an average of 15 years of life, all resulting in significant economic burden impacting the person. Current self-management interventions do not improve health outcomes in young adults with T2DM.

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to explore the self-care experiences of young adults living with T2DM.

Methods

Existential hermeneutic phenomenology informed the research. Inclusion criteria as follows: adults …

Examining The Relationship Between Mass Incarceration, Gender Norms, And Hiv Vulnerability For Formerly-Incarcerated Black Men Who Have Sex With Men And Women., Adrienne B. Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In 2018, Black Americans represented 42% of new HIV diagnoses, despite comprising only 13% of the population. Moreover, Black men accounted for three-quarters of new HIV cases in 2016, with Black gay/bisexual men contributing to the majority of incidence among Black Americans. Existing literature suggests that individual behavior alone cannot explain these racial inequities in HIV rates. This study aims to explore the role of the criminal legal system (CLS) as a structural determinant of health, given its historical racial implications that disproportionately affect Black Americans. Additionally, the study examines masculinity’s influence as a predictor of risky sexual behavior. This …

Reimaging Safety After Sexual Violence: A Qualitative Exploration Of Survivors' Experiences With Formal And Informal Crisis Response Networks., Hallie Ruth Decker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sexual violence (SV) is a highly prevalent public health and human rights concern impacting communities across the United States. SV is associated with a myriad of adverse physical, reproductive, sexual, mental, behavioral, financial, and social health outcomes which may be acute or chronic. Health challenges associated with post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic stress disorder are particularly common among victims and survivors of SV. Engagement in early psychological/psychosocial intervention strategies may prevent or reduce PTSD-related symptomatology after experiencing an SV encounter. Despite the availability of crisis response and support options to support individuals who have experienced SV, significant barriers exist across social …

Impact Of Medicaid Redetermination On Underserved Populations In Region 7 States: A Review, Brianna Parr

Capstone Experience

When the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended in May of 2023, Medicaid began the process of redetermination across the states and returned to its original eligibility rules. Because of this, the healthcare status of many Americans was affected, resulting in the loss of healthcare coverage for millions of people. Of those who have lost coverage, children make up almost half of the total. This paper assesses the negative effects of Medicaid redetermination on children and other underserved populations in communities across the four states in Region 7 (Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas) and identifies programs that these states can implement …

Exploring Influencing Factors On The Adoption Of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions During Pandemics: Covid-19 As An Example., Ahmed Abdulmohsen I Alobaydullah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Pandemics are associated with loss of life, hospitalizations, and disruption to people’s social and economic lives. As the 2019 pandemic illustrates, COVID-19 can be prevented by pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Recommended measures such as wearing a mask, washing hands, social distancing, and self-quarantine have been proven to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Identifying the factors associated with adherence to NPIs is the first step in understanding which levers of change to pull when designing health promotion interventions such as health communication campaigns. This dissertation explores these factors and proposes a health communication framework during pandemics. Research Questions: …

A Comparative Analysis Of Hiv/Aids In France And The United States: Historical Context And Preventative Actions, Rebecca A. Liebsack

Honors Theses

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is the result of transmission of a zoonotic disease known as simian immunodeficiency virus. The pandemic has had profound social and economic consequences and continues to be present today. France and the United States’ response to the discovery of HIV will be compared and the impact that HIV/AIDS had on their countries and future responses. They had rather similar responses, however, the United States had a slower initial response compared to France. Both had similar takeaways such as aiming at improving prevention and utilizing tactics developed during the start of the pandemic like frequent testing and vaccines.

Toward A Politics Of Care: Southeast Asian Refugee Organizing, Kinship, Care, And Reunion, James Huỳnh, Victoria Huỳnh, Mads Lê, Sheila Sy

Student and Faculty Publications

From a critical refugee studies orientation, our article redefines care within the context of myriad forms of state violence impacting Southeast Asian post-war refugee communities. Research reveals how harm is compounded at every step of Southeast Asian refugee journeys: war, forced displacement, resettlement, family separation, inherited health conditions, and generational trauma. How do we reckon with refugee trauma without conceding to it as an unchangeable fact of our lives? What knowledge might we gain by attending to the everyday work of survival in refugee communities? To answer these questions, the authors conceptualize care through (a) abolitionist organizing, (b) queer kinship …

Substantial Increases In Healthcare Students’ State Empathy Scores Owing To Participation In A Single Improvisation Session, Brian D. Schwartz, Shane L. Rogers, Nicole Michels, Lon J. Van Winkle

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: To determine whether the 12-item state empathy scale could be modified reliably to measure empathy in healthcare professions students and to detect changes in their empathy owing to a single improvisation (improv) session. Methods: Three cohorts of students from two healthcare professions programs (total = 165 students) participated in an improv session. During the session, one of the researchers (BS) tasked the students with several improv activities. Participants’ self-reported state empathy scores were assessed at three time points (pre-improv, post-improv, and end of semester) using revised, in-class paper versions of the State Empathy Scale. Results: The exploratory factor analysis …

A Randomized Controlled Study Of The Effects Of Targeted Health Education On Uptake Of Contraceptives Among Women Of Reproductive Age In Nnewi City, South-East Nigeria, Yanmeer Tyotswam, Rosebella Iseme-Ondiek, Eliphas Makunyi

Population Health, East Africa

Objective: There is a need for contraception uptake among people to enable them to fulfil their right to determine the timing, number and spacing of their children. In regions with poor contraceptive prevalence rates, lack of effective education has been largely implicated, and Nigeria falls among such regions. Thus, the present study is designed to examine the impact of an educational intervention on uptake of contraceptives among women aged 18–49 years seeking care at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi.

Methods: Being an interventional study to underscore the effect of targeted health education on uptake of contraceptives, …

Assessment Of Sociodemographic Status, Self-Awareness, And Risk Factors Affecting Patients With Prediabetes In Bangladesh: Cross-Sectional Study, Farhana Sultana, Muhammed Mohibul Islam, Aparajita Das, Md Hasan Shahriar Rahman, Nandita Islam Pia, Md Kayes Mahmud, Md. Saqline Mostaq, Saadullah Saadullah, Md. Saddam Hossain, Saikat Fakir, Mohammad Nurul Amin

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Poor glycemic control and high diabetes and prediabetes incidence are influenced by socioeconomic disparity. Raising awareness and ensuring that people with prediabetes are receiving medication, maintaining their glycemic control, and getting the proper care they need despite their socioeconomic situation are crucial in the fight against diabetes. This study aims to assess the sociodemographic status, self-awareness, and risk factors associated with prediabetes in Bangladesh.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 500 participants aged >18 years to evaluate and summarize their demographic data, socioeconomic status, and responses to various questionnaires about their conditions related to prediabetes …

Differences In Mental Health Disorders: The Importance Of Mental Health Literacy, Hannah More

Honors Theses

This study was conducted to see college-aged students' mental health literacy with specific disorders. The disorders studied were anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorder. I predicted that certain disorders such as anxiety and depression would have a higher mental health literacy than PTSD and substance use disorder.

Trilogies: Lessons From 50 Years Facilitating Community-Based Health Assessments And Planning In Appalachia, Bruce Behringer

Journal of Appalachian Health

Involvement of community and organizational groups is fundamental to most public ventures. Most social, health, economic, and educational improvements in Appalachia have been characterized by successfully integrating community input and finding ways to encourage organizational change and collaboration.

Managing group process and related facilitation skills are fundamental competencies for public health professionals and others guiding change efforts. Groups from communities and organizations can get stalled in their deliberations; a facilitator frequently must think quickly to diagnose the situation and propose alternative approaches. Creative and flexible approaches, learned through practice experiences, can blend with theories and frameworks learned in academic preparation …

Treatment At An Academic Medical Center Eliminates Survival Disparities For Appalachian Kentuckians With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Emily Cassim, Hannah Mcdonald, Megan Harper, Quan Chen, Miranda Lin, Reema Patel, Michael Cavnar, Prakash Pandalai, Bin Huang, Pamela C. Hull, Joseph Kim, Erin Burke

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Rates of cancer mortality in Appalachian Kentucky is among the highest in the nation. It is unknown whether geographic location of treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, influences survival in Appalachian Kentuckians.

Purpose: This study compares outcomes among Appalachian Kentuckians with PDAC who received treatment at an academic medical center (AMC) or community facility (CF).

Methods: Using the Kentucky Cancer Registry, patients diagnosed with PDAC between 2003 and 2018 were identified. Patients were categorized according to treatment location (AMC v. CF) and county of residence (Appalachian v. non-Appalachian). Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to …

Maternal Age And Inadequate Prenatal Care In West Virginia: A Project Watch Study, Madelin Gardner, Amna Umer, Brian Hendricks, Toni Marie Rudisill, Candice Lefeber, Collin John, Christa Lilly

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Adequate prenatal care (PNC) is essential to the overall health of mother and infant. Teen age and advanced maternal age (AMA) are known risk factors for poor birth outcomes. However, less is known about whether these age groups are associated with inadequate PNC.

Purpose: This study sought to determine the potential association between maternal age (in groups, aged 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, and >40) and inadequate PNC (visits).

Methods: West Virginia (WV) Project WATCH population-level data (May 2018–March 2022) were used for this study. Multiple logistic regressions were performed on inadequate PNC (less than 10 visits) with maternal age …

Check With The Intended Audience First! Content Validation As A Method For Inclusive Research For Primary Care Engagement In Rural Appalachia, Sydeena E. Isaacs, Jennifer Schroeder Tyson, Ashley Parks, Danielle Adams

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: To date, referral practices based on social determinants of health (SDOH) among primary care providers (PCPs) and clinic staff in rural regions, including Appalachian North Carolina (NC), are not well understood.

Purpose: This study aims to develop and content validate a primary care engagement (PCE) survey to assess (1) engagement and burnout; (2) referral practices; and (3) self-efficacy and confidence in making referrals based on SDOH among PCPs and clinic staff in Appalachian NC.

Methods: Using the Social-Ecological Model as a theoretical framework, researchers developed a 37-item PCE survey. Content validation was completed by a panel of experts recruited …

A Patient’S Journey: Navigating Life With Type 1 Diabetes, Maram Dalab

Patient Experience Journal

We are all patients. This article represents my views from my personal experience with type 1 diabetes for 25 years, in combination with my professional experience over the past 10 years as I have worked in patient support, health promotion and improving the patients’ experience. I aim to provide an outlook on the patient perspective, how the physician encounter translates to them and finally, what are some gaps that need to be filled in order to have a better experience and better health outcomes as a result. As I wrote the article, I shared my perspective building on my personal …

Dispelling The Malaria-Typhoid Co-Infection Myth In Nigeria. A Literature Review, Olawale Akinola

Dartmouth Library Staff Publications

Malaria and typhoid fever are public health concerns in Nigeria, with high prevalence rates. The perception of a widespread co-infection between these diseases may be misleading, due to limitations in diagnostic methods, particularly the Widal test for typhoid fever. This literature review examines the prevalence of malaria-typhoid co-infection in Nigeria and identifies factors contributing to misdiagnosis, including non-specific symptoms, limited diagnostic resources, and the diagnostic accuracy of tests employed. Additionally, the review discusses the implications of misdiagnosis, such as the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics leading to a rising incidence of antimicrobial resistance. Strategies to address this issue are explored, emphasizing …

Sexual Health Education Scope And Sequence, Sara Wadsworth

Honors Projects

Based on a significant amount of prior research, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) has been identified to be the most effective method of teaching sexual health education (SHAPE America, 2021; World Health Organization, 2023). Comprehensive sexual health education improves healthy behaviors and outcomes, provides useful information, and is positively perceived by students (Gardner, 2015; Kirby, 2002; Robinson et al., 2022). However, the United States’ current sexual health education has not implemented this ideal method, which is shown through state laws, students’ experiences, underdeveloped skills and flawed understanding of concepts, and – most importantly – a lack of resources for teachers (Foley, …

Occupational Therapy Students' Perceptions Of Managing Stress On Fieldwork Through Occupational Engagement, Rebecca Kvasnicka

Research Days

Stress is a major concern that increases in graduate school impacting academic performance. Due to this issue, graduate students must find ways to manage stress and maintain well-being to promote occupational performance. The purpose of this study was to identify the perceived effectiveness of occupations chosen by graduate level OT students in maintaining well-being and managing stress during level II fieldwork. This descriptive research described and explored occupations utilized to manage stress and their effectiveness. Data was gathered using SurveyMonkey and analyzed for frequencies of responses and common themes. 34 participants completed the survey. Our results identified occupations OT students …

Family Medicine’S Role In Addressing The Intersections Of Redlining And Climate Change, Daryl O. Traylor, Eboni E. Anderson, Brianna Clark, Alex M. Smith, Cooper K. Allenbrand

Journal of Sustainable Social Change

Redlining, the practice of discriminating against specific neighborhoods based on race and socioeconomic status, leads to persistent environmental hazards and socioeconomic inequalities that have lasting adverse health effects on their populations. Health disparities are further exacerbated through the concentration of environmental hazards, as well as the escalating impact of climate change, which poses an increased risk of respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, mental health issues, heat-related illness, infectious diseases, food insecurity, and socioeconomic difficulties in redline neighborhoods.

This paper examines the interplay of redlining, climate change, and health disparities, with an emphasis on the enduring consequences for these marginalized communities. Through …

Evidenced-Based Strategies To Increase Cervical Cancer Screening Rates, Tuong Cat Vo Bsn-Rn, Nada Salloukh Bsn-Rn, Tatiana Elena Swanson Bsn-Rn, Xiao Mie Cindy Zhu Bsn-Rn, Laura Taylor Reed Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer affecting women worldwide (Staley et al., 2021). With cervical cancer being a preventable disease, an effective method of reducing healthcare costs and mortality is primary prevention, such as screenings. Financial burdens and barriers to accessing medical care may result due to the lack of proper cervical cancer screenings. Detecting cervical cancer includes screening women 21 to 65 years old with a Papanicolaou (PAP) test every three years. Women aged 30 to 65 years old can extend the screening of cervical cancer by having a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test along with …

Playing It Sun Safe: A Quality Improvement Project, Sarah P. Tarr, Kathryn K. Dambrino, R. David Phillippi, Ashley Karpinos

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: Athletes who play outdoor sports have multiple risk factors for the development of skin cancer. Literature highlights the need for the use of evidence-based strategies to improve the knowledge and utilization of sun protection practices in this high-risk population. Methods: Playing it Sun Safe was a multifaceted skin cancer prevention initiative implemented in a population of collegiate soccer athletes in collaboration with a university athletic department and campus health clinic. Evidence-based interventions were designed through application of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and were implemented using the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) quality improvement framework. Purpose: The two-fold aim …

Evaluation Of Seizure Recognition And First Aid Training Course And Improving Self-Efficacy Related To Medical Emergencies In Mississippi, Anna Katherine Herrington, Collin Earl Wayne Crawson, Daniel Robert Zuckerman

Honors Theses

Within recent years, there has been increased attention to the growing physician shortage across the United States. This shortage has placed substantial strain upon regions of lower healthcare access, particularly those of rural regions such as much of the state of Mississippi. As rural healthcare providers are placed under more strenuous conditions, they encounter issues of increased patient volume, lack of a trauma team, or adequate transportation to higher-level care facilities. These issues may exacerbate the present inequities in cost of living, access to adequate healthcare, and the distress caused by these concerns. Individuals with epilepsy are one cohort with …

Leveraging 4-H To Address Emergent Health Needs During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Epidemiology Pilot Project, Anne Marie Iaccopucci, Marcel Horowitz, Dorina Espinoza, Roshan Nayak

The Journal of Extension

4-H academics responded to the Covid pandemic by rapidly adapting CDC and other resources for virtual delivery. A statewide epidemiology project was taught to 48 youth with the goal of minimizing fears and confusion, increasing prevention measures, leveraging current topics for education, and bolstering the social-emotional health of youth participants. Results indicated that youth enjoyed the project and adopted behaviors to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, such as increased mask-wearing.

Mixed Methods Evaluation Of Nutrition Education For Limited Resource Audiences, Amanda J. Skalka, Sarah L. Francis, Ulrike Genschel, Ruth E. Litchfield

The Journal of Extension

This paper presents an exploratory evaluation of pilot nutrition education programs, Plan Shop Save Cook (PSSC). Behavior change between two nutrition education programs, Buy Eat Live Healthy (BELH; n=92 and PSSC; n=42), was examined using pre- and post-program questionnaire responses. Both programs resulted in significant improvement in food resource management (FRM) behaviors; however, there was no significant difference in the amount of change between the programs. Qualitative data suggests participants perceived label reading as the most useful information provided in the PSSC programs. The current findings suggest short-term behavior change can be achieved with a limited dose program.

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy: An Analysis Of Caregiver Influences On Pediatric Covid-19 Vaccination Decisions, Neiki Rokni, Shu Zhao Md, Matthew Nguyen, David Liu, Harrison Jordan Do, Jory Parson, Sidharth Sahni Do, Tanner Walsh Md, Ashley Henderson Md, Jennifer Higgins Md

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

An Ot Needs Assessment For Children And Families Residing In Shelters, Jessie Siono, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This study created a needs assessment is to determine the unique occupational deficits of children and their families in California experiencing homelessness within a shelter setting via recording their lived experiences. A local family shelter was analyzed via observation and interviews with staff and residents of the shelter. The results were compiled into a facility assessment to identify supports and barriers to occupation. Results were also utilized to complete an occupational needs assessment for families and children living in homeless shelters. The study determined the occupational needs and occurrences of occupational deficits that were experienced by residents of the family …