Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Toward A Nuanced Understanding Of Health And Human Services Students' Perceptions Of Autism, Leslie A. Meskin, Annemarie Connor, Sarah Fabrizi, Ann Tilman, Joanna Salapska-Gelleri, Noelle Balsamo

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Continually increasing rates of autism necessitate research-informed preparation of pre-service professionals who will work with this population. This mixed-method study examined health and human services students’ autism knowledge, bias, and interaction to inform training and education needs. Results extend the extant literature suggesting autism knowledge and interaction are necessary but insufficient in mitigating bias. Specifically, the nature of prior interaction, positive or negative, shapes both bias and proclivity for additional interaction. Lastly, self-reflection was identified as a latent and potentially impactful factor in shaping a more nuanced and less biased understanding of autism. Recommendations for education and research are discussed.

English-Spanish Bilingual Speech Language Pathologists’ Experiences Evaluating English Language Learner Students: Incorporating Conceptual Scoring, Barbara De Jesus Rivera, Raul Prezas

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

The number of multilingual/bilingual students has increased across schools in the United States. Assessment in both the native language and English is considered the standard for evaluating bilingual children referred for language testing. Conceptual Scoring is an evaluation approach for bilingual students that considers the students’ responses in both languages to obtain an overall language score; however, there is variability among practitioners on best practices for multilingual assessment.

Purpose: The current study (a) sought to explore the decision-making process of bilingual SLPs when evaluating bilingual students, (b) to gain a deeper understanding of how bilingual SLPs incorporate conceptual scoring in …

Hungry Minds: Analyzing The Impact Of Food Insecurity And Food Assistance Programs On Neurocognitive Development And Childhood Mental Health, Kayla A. Davenport

Senior Theses

Introduction: Food insecurity affects millions of children in the United States and is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for poor nutritional intake and adverse health outcomes. However, less is known about how the experience of food insecurity disrupts healthy development and well-being, particularly among American youth. This thesis had two aims: (1) to examine the relationship between household food insecurity and children’s neurocognitive and mental health outcomes and (2) to evaluate how major food assistance programs address, or fail to address, these developmental risks.

Methods: This thesis uses a mixed-methods approach, integrating a narrative literature review, a cross-sectional …

Minimizing Travel Burden Of Gynecologic Cancer Surveillance Through A Unique Multidisciplinary Telehealth Program, Avni Shridhar, Suzanne Viator, Tara Castellano, Holly Provost, Navya Nair, Elizabeth Neupert, Amma Agyemang, Amelia Jernigan

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: STEEL MAGNOLIAS (shared telehealth for multidisciplinary gynecologic cancer survivorship) is a novel gynecologic cancer surveillance care-delivery program in which rural patients see a close-by gynecologist in person with simultaneous virtual gynecologic oncology consultation. This study assesses feasibility of STEEL MAGNOLIAS by examining travel burden reduction, cancer outcomes, visit activities, guideline adherence, and patient satisfaction. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients with gynecologic cancer in remission under the STEEL MAGNOLIAS program in rural south Louisiana (March 2020-September 2023). Travel metrics, patient satisfaction, cancer outcomes, survival status, reasons for visit, and adherence to follow-up as per National Comprehensive Cancer Network …

Exploring Workplace Mental Health And Counseling Needs In Open University Staff: A Mixed-Methods Study, Pathanin Sangaroon, Oranuch Kanjanaprakorn, Araya Prasertchai, Worrawit Nakpan

Journal of Health Research

Background: Workplace mental health is a growing concern in higher education, especially in open and distance learning (ODL) settings, where staff face unique stressors. This study examines the mental health and counseling needs of academic and support staff at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), Thailand, using a biopsychosocial lens.

Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used. In the quantitative phase, 332 staff completed a questionnaire on mental health and biopsychosocial factors. Twelve participants then took part in interviews to explore their experiences and counseling preferences. Quantitative data were analyzed using stepwise regression, and qualitative data through thematic analysis. …

The Effect Of The Actn3 Gene Variation On Physically Active Individuals' Susceptibility To Muscle Injury, Agata Leońska-Duniec, Piotr Kabelis, Agata Rzeszutko-Bełzowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The R577X polymorphism (rs1815739) in the ACTN3 gene, which encodes α-actinin-3, results in deficiency of the functional protein in the muscles of the XX carriers, what could potentially impair muscle fiber function and increase susceptibility to injuries. Thus, this study aimed to assess the relationship between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and non-contact muscle injury risk in a physically active Caucasians cohort. Mate-rials and Methods: The study included 142 physically active individuals (26 females and 116 males) who experienced either single (n = 26) or multiple (n = 116) non-contact muscle injuries. The control group included 163 participants (47 females …

Self-Management And Support Needs Of Patients Experiencing Persistent Symptoms Consistent With Hypothyroidism: A Qualitative Study, Marike De Reuver-Schuurman, Esther C. Bakker, Lilian Lechner, Liset Van Dijk

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: To gain insight into the self-management and support needs of patients experiencing persistent symptoms consistent with hypothyroidism, despite thyroid laboratory values within the normal range.

Methods: A qualitative study using the phenomenological approach was conducted. Semi-structured interviews including 19 patients diagnosed with persistent symptoms consistent with hypothyroidism, despite receiving adequate replacement therapy, were performed. Respondents were recruited using purposive sampling via Schildklier Organisatie Nederland (Dutch Thyroid Organization) (www.schildklier.nl). After transcription and coding, a thematic analysis was performed.

Results: All respondents reported that the persistent symptoms reduced their quality of life. The patients’ main focus was on finding the cause …

Development Of A Career Awareness Board Game Based On Augmented Reality For Generation Z Students, Caraka Putra Bhakti, Difa Ardiyanti, Agus Ria Kumara, Muhammad Alfarizqi Nizamuddin Ghiffari

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

The purpose of this research is to develop an augmented reality-based career awareness board game for Generation Z students. The current development of the era demands that Generation Z have a good career. In reality, currently, there are still many Generation Z students in schools who do not have the skills, competencies, and awareness to have an optimal career. One important thing that Generation Z students need to have is career awareness. Having career awareness will help someone recognise their career needs based on their competencies, talents, and interests. Developing career awareness can be achieved through guidance and counselling services. …

Plastic Makes Perfect: An Analysis Of Plastic Surgery As Rehabilitation In Early To Late 20th Century Prison Populations, Jack West

The Ozark Historical Review

As early as 1910, journalists from around the United States reported on the cause-and- effect relationship between a criminal’s physical appearance, their offenses, and the plastic surgeons willing to help them. These surgeons were interested in changing the physical “causes” of criminality to sever the mental roots of crime, inferiority, and anti-social attitude. This paper examines the use of plastic surgery programs as reform in prison through the lens of popular newspaper and journal articles and argues that public perception and reaction revealed in these articles shaped the prison program’s journey from its underground beginning to its eventual demise.

09.29.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

• Contest for Biosafety and Biosecurity Month
• ORED Website Walk Through training
• MIG Applications
• Field Fest

Real-World Use Of Classic And Non-Classic Psychedelics In Hispanic/Latino Adults With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: International Findings From The Latino Study, David S Mathai, Jill O Robinson, Kevin Wagner, Logan Neitzke-Spruill, Dayan Berrones, Jacey L Anderberg, Renee M Frederick, Vanessa Zavala Cruz, Josselyn S Muñoz, Latin American Trans-Ancestry Initiative For Ocd Genomics, Brazilian Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorder Working Group;, Carolyn I Rodriguez, Lynnette A Averill, James J Crowley, Eric A Storch, Amy L Mcguire

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Objective: Despite growing research on the potential mental health benefits of psychedelics, there has been limited study of these drugs in populations with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and with Hispanic and Latin American (H/L) ancestry.

Methods: Demographic and clinical assessments were conducted as part of the Latin American Trans-ancestry Initiative for OCD genomics (LATINO) Study in H/L participants with OCD living throughout the Americas. Self-reported data on the prevalence of naturalistic psychedelic use and associated outcomes on OCD symptoms were collected in a subsample of 2,639 adults. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to assess psychedelic use, predictors of use, …

Electromyography Normalization And Assessment Methods For Muscle Activity: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Dariusz Tadeusz Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Kinga Łosińska, Ewelina Lulińska, Joanna Motowidło, Justyna Żurowska-Cegielska, Piotr Aschenbrenner, Mieszko Bartosz-Jefferies, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Electromyographic (EMG) normalization is essential for accurately measuring muscle activity across different populations and tasks. Various methods, including Maxi-mum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) and Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA), have been employed to improve measurement reliability. However, discrepancies in results across studies necessitate a comprehensive review of normalization techniques. Objective: This report analyzed 40 research studies to evaluate EMG normalization and assessment methods, focusing on their reliability, applicability, and effectiveness across healthy and clinical populations. Methods: The studies employed a range of normalization techniques, including MVIC, submaximal contractions, task-specific approaches, and advanced methods such as RQA and Pre-Fatigue Maximal Voluntary …

Developing Pico, Research Questions And Protocols, Sandra Y. Desjardins

Library Class: Lunch & Learn

Whether you're a student, a physician, or a faculty member, every great research project starts with a clear plan. This session will walk you through the essential steps of turning a research idea into a structured plan using the PICO framework. We'll cover how to develop focused research questions and discuss the value of using established protocols to ensure your work is sound and reproducible.

Come learn the foundational skills needed for successful research in a welcoming and practical "Lunch & Learn" environment.

Effectiveness Of An Adapted Physical Activity Program On Anxiety, Depression, And Self-Esteem On A Heterogenous Sample: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Mathilde Plard, Claire El Jor, Rebecca Shankland, Quentin Hallez

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

In recent decades, numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Adapted Physical Activity (APA) interventions in improving the mental health of individuals. However, a limitation of these studies is their predominant focus on homogeneous groups, characterized by similar diseases or disorders and characteristics. Thus, effects associated with these groups may largely account for the observed benefits, rather than the physical activity itself. This study aimed to investigate the impact of an eight-week APA intervention on anxiety, depression, and self-esteem in a heterogeneous group of participants with diverse health conditions and ages. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group …

Opportunities And Barriers To Engaging Caregivers In Firearm Suicide Prevention: Findings From Focus Groups With Caregivers Of Veterans, Katherine Macwilliams, John Marmion, Dee Blascyk, Sharon Urbina, Rachel Moyers, Gala True

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Firearms are involved in more than 70% of U.S. Veteran suicides. Caregivers, defined as family members or concerned significant others, can play an important role in firearm suicide prevention through initiating conversations about secure firearm storage with Veterans. Our objective was to explore caregivers’ experiences with lethal means safety (LMS) conversations and identify perceived barriers to caregivers discussing LMS with healthcare providers and with Veterans. Methods: We conducted focus groups with 32 caregivers with experience caring for a Veteran at risk for suicide. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: We identified three primary themes: 1) caregivers recognize …

Survival Impact And Sociodemographic Correlates Of Colon Cancer Surgery, Refusal, Paola Berrios Jimenez, Angel Aguayo Merly, Ramin Shekouhi, Berkay Demirors, Jade C. Bowers, Vishal Abhimutt Mahesh, Anjali Yadav, Bansi P. Savaliya, Reed Popp, Syeda Hoorulain Ahmed, Esinam Ekpeh, Guido Chiriboga, Emmanuel Gabriel

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background/Aim: Surgical treatment for colon cancer is often curative when diagnosed early. This study evaluated the sociodemographic characteristics and survival outcomes associated with refusal of surgery among patients with colon cancer. The objective was to identify disparities to improve patient outcomes. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) data from 2004 to 2019, including 1,048,575 patients with colon cancer. Variables analyzed included demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment facility type, and geographic and socioeconomic factors. Descriptive statistics were assessed using Wilcoxon Rank Sum and Chi-square tests. Survival outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and …

Parental Expectations Of Pediatric Care For Children, Brenan T. Cash, Jacquelyn D. Wiersma-Mosley, Donia Timby, Laura Herold

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Access to childhood pediatrics is a major factor for a full and healthy childhood for all children from adolescence to adulthood. However, the physical health aspect has been the main focus of most primary care clinics, and there is little focus on mental health. Mental health issues, which involve anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, are more prominent than they have ever been, as up to 30% of children have experienced mental health issues that involve post-traumatic stress disorder, especially during the pandemic years. This study employed a non-experimental, quantitative analysis utilizing online closed-ended survey questions. Caretakers were offered an anonymous, …

Chacahoula 2025, Volume 92, Alayna Pellegrin

Chacahoula

The 2025 issue of Chacahoula includes December 2024 and May 2025 graduating classes, as well as stunning photography student life on the banks of Bayou Desiard. With features covering students, faculty, and staff, this year's time capsule preserves an academic year in the life of the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Curatorial Statement For Oral Histories Collection, Chandler D. Smith

LSUHSC Hurricane Katrina Archive: Oral Histories

This curatorial statement includes details about the conception and execution of the LSUHSC Hurricane Katrina Archive Oral Histories collection project by library faculty and staff. Updated version posted on April 29, 2026.

Comparing Ideology And Covid-19 Preferences Of Canadian Public Health Workers And The General Population, Simon Kiss, Patrick Fafard, Andrea Perrella, Ketan Shankardass, Erick Lachapelle, Matthew Arp, Joslyn Trowbridge

Laurier Institute for the Study of Public Opinion and Policy

Objectives: This study tests whether and how the Canadian public health workforce differed from the Canadian general population in their political attitudes, worldviews and policy preferences related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Nearly identical surveys were fielded to the Canadian public health workforce in 2021 through leading public health associations and to a census-balanced sample of the general Canadian population in February and March 2021. through a consumer quota sample for a survey of the general population.

Results: The Canadian public health workforce demonstrates systematically more left-wing pro-egalitarian, anti-hierarchical, anti-individualist worldviews. Those in health promotion positions are slightly more to …

Dental Microwear And Diets Of Late Miocene Primates From Rudabánya, Hungary, Peter S. Ungar, Anna K. Wilcox, David R. Begun

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Objectives: This study focuses on a dental microwear texture analysis of European pliopithecids and dryopithecins from the Miocene primate site of Rudabánya, Hungary. The goal is to determine whether these taxa, found in part together in the same deposits, differed in their food preferences, or at least consumed, on a daily basis, in a manner that might have facilitated sympatry. Materials and Methods: Here we report on a molar surface texture analysis of all available fossil primates from Rudabánya that preserve antemortem microwear. This includes both Anapithecus hernyaki (n = 14) and Rudapithecus hungaricus (n = 5, including one from …

Prevalence Of Work Stress On Marital Stability Of Married Lecturers In University Of Ilorin, Modupe Gbemisola Fatoye, Foluke Nike Bolu-Steve

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study investigated the prevalence of work stress and its impact on marital stability among married lecturers at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. A descriptive correlational survey design was employed, and 100 married lecturers were selected through a multistage sampling technique across five faculties. Data were gathered using a researcher-designed instrument titled “Work Stress and Marital Stability Questionnaire (WSMSQ),” which demonstrated strong reliability with a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.81. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA, were used to analyze the data at a 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed a significant …

“Not Today”: Overcoming Prep Hesitancy, Stigma, And Adherence Barriers With Lenacapavir, Margaret Conrad, Meredith Clement

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Different Loads Used In Post-Activation Potentiation Exercises On Sprint And Vertical Jump Performance Of Young Amateur Soccer Players, Emre Karaday, Yusuf Köklü, Erhan Işıkdemir, Bilal Utku Alemdaroğlu, Özlem Köklü

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different loads used in post-activation potentiation (PAP) exercises on the vertical jump and sprint performance of young amateur soccer players. Materials and methods: Twelve young amateur soccer players (age: 16.3 ± 1.2 years; height: 172.6 ± 3.88 cm; body weight: 63.2 ± 6.7 kg; training experience: 2.3 ± 1.4 years) participated voluntarily. The half squat exercise was performed in unloaded conditions and at three different intensities (L1:80%, L2: 90%, and L3: 100% of one-repetition maximum [1RM]), and its effects on players' countermovement jump (CMJ) and 30 m sprint …

09.22.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

• Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award
• MIG Application Opportunity
• 10th Annual Advancing MS Conference

Associations Between Individual And Structural Level Discrimination And Psychological And Physiological Stress Indicators During Pregnancy, Özlü Aran, Melissa Nevarez-Brewster, Kimberly D'Anna-Hernandez, Julia Dmitrieva, Curt A. Sandman, Laura M. Glynn, Elysia Poggi Davis

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

In the United States (U.S.) pervasive health disparities in prenatal care disproportionately impact marginalized individuals. The present study investigates whether discrimination at the individual and structural levels are associated with indicators of psychological and physiological stress among pregnant Latinx people living in the U.S., including both U.S. and foreign-born individuals. Pregnant participants (n = 109) reported on birthplace, lifetime experiences of racial and ethnic discrimination, perceived levels of stress, acculturation, social support, and provided residential address data and hair samples for cortisol analysis. Regression analysis revealed that individual level discrimination was linked to higher psychological stress during pregnancy ( …

Enhancing Students’ Self-Confidence From Disharmonious Families Through Group Guidance With Sociodrama Technique, Drajat Edy Kurniawan, Almadia Qosita Janah Saputri

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

Adolescence is a developmental phase full of challenges, particularly for students from disharmonious family backgrounds who are vulnerable to low self-confidence. This study aims to enhance students’ self-confidence through group guidance services using the sociodrama technique at a public junior high school in Yogyakarta. The research employed a quantitative approach with a one-group pretest–posttest design. The subjects consisted of six eighth-grade students identified as coming from disharmonious families and having low self-confidence. The instrument used was a self-confidence scale that included indicators of belief in one’s abilities, courage to express opinions, and ability to face challenges. Data were analyzed using …

Interleukin-6 (Il-6) Mediated Pathways In Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Nafld) And Its Implications On Magnesium And Zinc Mineral Deficiencies: A Scoping Review, Marianne Koleng, Leann Nguyen

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

The prevalence and incidence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is rising. In the United States alone, the prevalence of NAFLD is currently 38% and there has been a 50% increase over the last three decades. The present study investigated the role of ultratrace mineral deficiencies, specifically magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn), and if so, what nutritional interventions could be made to ameliorate or protect against the development of NAFLD. The role of trace and ultratrace minerals in pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways contributing to NAFLD, specifically Interleukin-6 (IL-6), were investigated. IL-6 is produced by hepatocytes and plays a crucial role in …

Validation Of The Jefferson Health-Related Social Needs Screener, Sara Beachy, Kristin L. Rising, Richard W. Hass, Terry Hyslop, Isabella Muti, Mackenzie Kemp, Rhea E. Powell, Cara Martino, Baligh R. Yehia, Joseph G. Cacchione, Patricia C. Henwood

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

INTRODUCTION: Screening for health-related social needs (HRSN) is a growing national health priority. While multiple HRSN screening tools currently exist, none to our knowledge have been evaluated using robust statistical analyses. The goal of this work is to provide results from a validation study of the Jefferson HRSN screener conducted across inpatient and outpatient settings.

METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional psychometric study included HRSN assessments conducted across inpatient and outpatient settings with adult patients from March 2023 to May 2024. The study was conducted across a 17-hospital academic health system serving a diverse community in a 9-county area crossing two states …

Grit, A Component Of Resident Well-Being, Nathan W. Olson, Kelly Williamson, Nicholas Hartman, Navneet Cheema, Adriana S. Olson

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Trainees experiencing burnout, depression, or career dissatisfaction challenge educators and may have patient care consequences. Grit, defined as the “perseverance and passion for long-term goals,” buffers against hopelessness and quantifies an aspect of personality shown to predict fewer career changes. Higher grit has been associated with positive outcomes in physicians, including lower burnout rates. Our objective was to determine the correlation between emergency medicine (EM) resident Short Grit Scale (Grit-S) scores and components of well-being: burnout, a positive depression screen, and career satisfaction.

Methods: This was a prospective, multicenter trial involving ten urban/suburban EM residencies. The subjects …