Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Early Motor And Language Development In Infants At Elevated Likelihood For Autism, Natalie C. Deal

Senior Theses

During the early stages of infant development, various emerging skills set the foundation for more complex abilities. One such connection is the development of motor skills, which play a crucial role in influencing language outcomes later in the infants' first year. Although these developmental cascades are well understood in typically-developing populations, less is known about the cascade in infants at elevated likelihood for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many infants who are later diagnosed with ASD have motor delays or language delays, suggesting that the cascade from motor to language may not be typical in this population. Additionally, little is known …

Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol Policy And Related Health Impact Among College-Aged Individuals In South Carolina: A Scoping Review, Emily K. Luoma

Senior Theses

After the 2018 Farm Bill passed, loopholes were quickly found that led to the popularization of delta-8 THC, a derivative of delta-9 THC, more commonly known as marijuana. Use of this substance became particularly high in states that criminalized marijuana, such as South Carolina. This scoping review aimed to assess South Carolina’s current delta-8 policies in the context of health-related impacts among college-aged students. Comprehensively analyzing the results of relevant studies, it was determined that there are three commonly observed threats to public health that are direct outcomes of existing policies: 1) a lack of quality control standards; 2) misleading …

The Stigma Surrounding Sex And Sexuality In American Culture, Sophia L. Pollock

Senior Theses

An important question to examine is the origin and implications of the taboo against sex and sexuality. The stigma against these topics encourages negative public health implications like poor sex education, high rates of sexually transmitted infections, and teen pregnancy. History of sexual stigma was examined through physical media and digital articles from the Thomas Cooper Library databases. The background and global perspective of these stigmas are covered, examining how past and distant cultures deal with sex. How sex is portrayed in the media, why a healthy sex life is important, and the subject of sex education are also addressed. …

Physiological Indicators Of Social Anxiety In Preschoolers With The Fragile X Premutation, Olivia Cyburt

Senior Theses

The Fragile X premutation (FXpm) is a common genetic disorder often characterized by psychiatric impairments, including anxiety. It results from a trinucleotide repeat expansion (CGG) of 55-200 repeats on the FMR1 gene. Despite its association with psychiatric symptoms, there is limited research regarding the relationship between FXpm and anxiety, particularly social anxiety. Early detection of social anxiety is essential for timely intervention, yet it remains challenging to identify in young individuals with FXpm due to limited research. The present study aimed to bridge this gap by examining social anxiety in preschoolers with the FXpm, utilizing both a physiological and behavioral …

Nsu Kpcom Link - Spring 2025 - Volume 4.1, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Florida Link Newsletter

No abstract provided.

The Brca1/Brca2 Test: A Swiss And American Analysis Of The Effective Facilitation Of Genetic Healthcare Equity For Breast Cancer Prevention, Elizabeth Cahill

Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy

This paper investigates the accessibility and equity of BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic testing in Switzerland and the United States—two high-income nations with vastly different healthcare models. While genetic testing for breast cancer prevention has the potential to save lives through early detection and targeted interventions, access to such services remains uneven. This study uses a comparative approach to analyze how healthcare systems, insurance structures, psychological barriers, genetic literacy, and the vocational mobility of genetic counseling shape the extent to which individuals can access BRCA testing. Primary data were collected through expert interviews with a Swiss health economist and a French genetic counselor …

Switzerland’S Approach To Combating Addiction To Opiates, And Its Application To The United States Framework, Vittoria Volpi

Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy

The opioid epidemic remains a pressing global public health challenge, with a hypothesized 1.2 million opioid-related fatalities in the United States alone, by 2029 (Rao et al., 2021). In the United States, the epidemic was driven by the overprescription of opioid pain medications in the 1990s. In contrast, in Switzerland, the opioid crisis stemmed from heroin imports and open-air drug scenes in the late 20th century. This research project analyzes Switzerland's national response to opioid abuse—specifically its Four Pillar Approach—and evaluates its potential applicability within the context of the United States. Using a qualitative research design, the study draws on …

Building Resilient Vaccine Cold Chains In Sub-Saharan Africa, Maya Tilley

Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy

The world has made great strides in public health in the past century, with the introduction of vaccines revolutionizing preventative care. Continued research and development has allowed for increased vaccine roll-out, but with a growing number of people to vaccinate, immunization supply chains have struggled to keep up. The cold chain–the systems of refrigeration that keep vaccines cool–is a key facet of the global immunization supply chain. Most vaccines require storage between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, throughout their whole journey from manufacture to the last-mile. Insufficient cold chain management and technology has led to considerable vaccine wastage, while many …

Exploring The Urban-Rural Divide: Diabetes And Malnutrition In Kisumu Communities, Elizabeth H. Kohler

Kenya: Global Health and Human Rights

No abstract provided.

Existencia Y Percepciones De Intercambio Cultural Entre Medicina Mapuche Y Medicina Tradicional China En Araucanía, Chile: Práctica Y Recepción De Cuidado, Bowei Li

Chile: Public Health, Traditional Medicine, and Community Empowerment

Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, has been documented in Chile since the late 19th century, and since 2006, acupuncture has been formally integrated into the Chilean Ministry of Health (MINSAL) as an “auxiliary” medicine. In spite of the proliferating practice of MTC within Chile, however, very little is known about the state of such practices within the south of Chile, in regions such as La Araucania. Representations of Eastern medicine, such as the advertising of the well-known Chilean tablet Oblea China, show a fascination with traditional Chinese medical practices in relation to the fortitude and health of indigenous peoples of …

Strengthening Local Health Systems And Governance For Universal Health Coverage: Experiences And Lessons From The Covid-19 Pandemic Response In Quezon City, Philippines, Esperanza Anita Escano-Arias, Ramona Asuncion D.G. Abarquez, Rolando V. Cruz, Rosalie Espeleta, Madeline Mae Ong, Arianna Maever L. Amit, Veincent Christian Pepito, Vida Gomez, Manuel M. Dayrit

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the Philippines's transition toward universal health coverage. However, some local government units in the country made use of the pandemic as a catalyst to strengthen their local health system, scale-up the provision of preventive and primary care services, and improve health governance to make it more prepared to face future pandemics and realize the aims of the country's new Universal Healthcare Act. This paper describes the response of the local government of Quezon City, Philippines, to COVID-19 and how it strengthened local health systems. We also discuss enablers such as partnerships, collaborations, and foresight to …

Protecting Female Workers Amidst The Controversy Of Cheap Labor Market: A Comparative Advantage Analysis In Southeast Asia, Dita Nur Safitri

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

In Southeast Asia, the cheap labor market is frequently mentioned as one of the comparative advantages that drive growth in the economy. However, this market frequently employs harmful labour practices against female workers. This study investigates the intersection of gender, labour practices, and economic advantages in the region, concentrating on the obstacles and protective measures for female workers. The key objective of this study is to examine how female workers are protected in Southeast Asia's low-wage labour markets, as well as to assess the effectiveness of these safeguards in preventing exploitation and improving working conditions. This study uses a comparative …

Medical Professionals' Perceptions Of Healthcare Artificial Intelligence, Falon M. Costigan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined whether medical professionals across different levels of expertise show differences in their perceptions of healthcare artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, the researcher hypothesized that participants with more expertise and experience would have greater negative perceptions associated with AI in healthcare compared to participants with a lower expertise level. Participants completed a questionnaire evaluating their perceptions of healthcare AI across four components: long-term negative consequences of AI, need for AI safeguards, positive perceptions of AI, and AI control. Participants also completed demographic questions evaluating participants' age, sex, ethnicity, years working in a healthcare setting, medical …

A Visual Journey Of Indigenous Health Doctoral Research Students - Photovoice Research, Shawnda Schroeder, Brynn Luger, Gem Wilson, Julie Smith-Yliniemi, Grace Karikari

Indigenous Health Faculty Publications

We conducted a qualitative photovoice research project in which students attending summer seminar in 2024 captured images during their week on campus, then submitted the images along with title and narrative. Two virtual focus groups were then held to present and discuss these images. Focus group discussions were transcribed, coded, and were validated through code confirmation and member checking. A crucial component of photovoice research is presentation of the images and associated narratives. This is a transformative research method, intended to generate community awareness about an important topic, and to empower participants through presentation of their experience. This photo book …

From Theory To Practice: A True-Crime Podcast, Lauren V. Peckham

Senior Honors Projects

The Criminal Element is an innovative, victim-centered podcast that bridges the gap between criminological theory and real-world criminal cases. The podcast is designed as an educational resource for undergraduate Criminology and Criminal Justice students, alongside general audience members interested in learning more about criminological theory. Through the lens of true crime, this podcast is an engaging exploration of foundational and advanced theories while avoiding sensationalism and exploitation, a prevalent problem among true crime media. Each episode connects criminological theoretical concepts – such as strain, social learning, and social disorganization – to contemporary and historical cases, providing listeners with accessible and …

Salud En Venta: Cómo Las Agencias De Turismo Médico En Argentina Comercializan Atención Médica En Un Panorama Regulatorio Fragmentado, Emma Greally

Argentina: Public Health in Urban Environments

En las últimas décadas, ha habido un aumento del turismo médico, transformándolo en una industria global en la que millones de pacientes viajan internacionalmente para recibir procedimientos médicos de calidad y bajo costo. Argentina ha surgido como un destino atractivo debido a su atención médica de alta calidad, experiencias culturales únicas y precios competitivos. Sin embargo, este fenómeno es más que un simple intercambio de servicios de salud: el turismo médico representa la mercantilización de la atención médica, donde los tratamientos se comercializan junto con paquetes de hospitalidad. El análisis de Connell (2006) sobre el turismo médico demuestra cómo la …

A Word From The Writing Team (April 2025), Pam Walter, Mfa, Hemma Murali, Ms

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

This issue includes:

• Publication Spotlight
• Sign up for the April 4th Writing Retreat (Online)
• Check out the Health Humanities Consortium (HHC) Conference
• Come to the 3rd Annual Jefferson Science Slam
• Visit the Write that Baby in 9 Weeks Workshop Canvas Page

Food For Thought: The Impact Of The Gut-Brain Axis On Mental Health, Emily S. Miiller

Honors Thesis

Research regarding the role of the human microbiome has grown over the years as professionals develop a better understanding of the gut-brain axis. New studies and expanding knowledge on the relationship between the nervous system and gut microbiome promote a deeper understanding of the impact of diet on mental health. Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance between the gut and the brain. Incorporating nutritional modulators, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and vitamins, is crucial for supporting the gut-brain axis by influencing neurotransmitter production, managing inflammation, and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. On the other hand, …

Let's Grow: Investigating The Relationship Between Houseplants And Mental Health In College Students, Makia G. Adler

Honors Thesis

This literature review explores the potential mental health benefits of houseplants for college students, a population increasingly affected by anxiety and depression. With traditional mental health services strained and often inaccessible, simple and low-cost alternatives are urgently needed. This review examines whether the presence and interaction with houseplants can improve psychological well-being, specifically symptoms of anxiety and depression. Drawing from ten peer-reviewed studies, this review finds a generally positive association between houseplants and mental health, though results vary. Notably, the duration of exposure appears to have little effect, while setting and autonomy in plant interaction are more influential. Interactions in …

Enhancing Quality Of Life Through Participant-Led Programming For Adults With Intellectual Disabilities, Hannah Bolton

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

There are currently over 6.5 million Americans living with an intellectual disability (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2019). Research shows that individuals with intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience a lower quality of life (QOL) compared to those without disabilities (Hughes-McCormack et al., 2017). Eight core domains have been identified as essential to quality of life: emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, material well-being, personal development, physical well-being, self-determination, social inclusion, and rights (Lachapelle et al., 2005). In response to these needs, this capstone project aimed to implement customized, supported, participant-led programming at a day program for adults with …

Using Musical Interventions As A Non-Pharmacological Strategy To Improve Chronic Pain Levels And Satisfaction Among Patients With Sickle Cell Disease, Fredeline Metellus

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Background

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a chronic, inherited blood disorder characterized by severe pain episodes that are often poorly managed with standard pharmacological treatments. In response to patient dissatisfaction with pain control and the desire for holistic alternatives, this quality improvement project explored music therapy as a non-pharmacological pain management strategy.

Purpose

The primary aim was to reduce chronic pain by at least 20% and improve patient satisfaction with pain management among adults with SCD using a structured musical intervention.

Methodology

This project was implemented at a comprehensive outpatient SCD clinic using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model. Five adult patients …

Understanding The Relationship Between Executive Function And Language During The Preschool Period, Haya Q. Kidwai

Senior Theses

Executive functions (EFs) are abilities that help us to control our actions, pay attention, and go against automatic responses. EF skills include working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility, all of which develop rapidly during early childhood alongside other developmental abilities like language. In fact, previous research has found a relationship between EFs and language abilities. Therefore, the current study investigated the correlation between EFs and language in the preschool period, a pivotal moment in their development. Specifically, the current study examined the relationship between working memory and inhibition and expressive vocabulary and morphosyntax measures in 7 children 4-6 years old. …

Clinical, Radiological Characteristics And Outcomes Of Primary Headache In Children At A Tertiary Hospital In Kenya: A Retrospective Observational Study, Dorcas Tunje, Katherine Oyieke, Pauline Samia

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

We sought to describe the clinical, radiological characteristics and determine the outcomes of children with primary headache. A retrospective observational study was conducted. Children with primary headache were recruited. Demographic, clinical and radiological data were compiled. Visual Analog Scale was used to determine pain severity. Seventy-three patients were included in the study. Their median age was 10.0 (IQR: 8.0-12.0) years, and 38 (52.1%) were female. Fiftyfour (74.0%) had migraine headache. Majority, 50 (68.5%) reported severe headaches at presentation. Three (4.1%) patients had abnormal findings on MRI while 5 (6.8%) patients had abnormal findings on EEG. Most participants were pain free …

Exploring The Web And Language Accessibility Of Medical Tourism Providers’ Websites: Implications For Online Marketing And Patient Recruitment Practices, Alicia Mason, Elizabeth Spencer, Kristen Livingston, Treyton Meyers

Faculty Submissions

Background: Web accessibility as an attribute of the digital presence of organizations has been studied across domains and contexts. Our study aims to add to existing lines of research inquiry by examining the web and language accessibility of medical tourism provider (MTP) websites commonly used to market and promote international medical tourism treatments and services globally.

Objective: This study aims to (1) systematically analyze the web and language accessibility of MTP online health messages and (2) discuss challenges and implications for medical tourists’ user experiences when seeking health information online.

Method: We conducted an exploratory quantitative content analysis of web …

Investigating Child-Informed Considerations For Animated Picture Symbols Representing Emotion For Aac Use In Children With Asd, Hannah Kitsmiller

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Development of emotional competence is an important area of consideration when supporting individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Emotional competence includes skills related to identifying and communicating about one’s emotions. Individuals who use AAC may struggle to develop strong skills in emotional competence. One potential barrier to developing emotional competence may be access to symbols that facilitate understanding of the represented emotion. Emotions are abstract and challenging to represent in visual symbols. Additionally, evidence suggests individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have visual perceptual differences when viewing faces. Current emotion symbols are often depicted using isolated facial …

The Impact Of Provider Communication On Treatment Adherence In Patients With Hypertension And Diabetes, Trey Carlson

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Current research cites effective provider communication as an important factor in improving treatment adherence and the health outcomes of patients. This study examines the effect of provider communication on treatment adherence in patients with chronic illnesses with a specific focus on hypertension and diabetes. Provider communication was measured using patient satisfaction surveys and treatment compliance was measured as the percentage of hypertensive and diabetic patients with a blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg and hemoglobin A1C levels below 9%. A one-way MANOVA revealed that provider communication had no significant impact on the combined treatment compliance variables for hypertension and diabetes (Wilk’s …

Advanced Screening For Intimate Partner Violence To Prevent Adverse Pregnancy And Maternal Outcomes, Emilia R. Valdez

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Intimate Partner Violence experienced by pregnant individuals contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal health. A mother’s exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) can affect their ability to carry a healthy pregnancy to term (38 – 40 weeks gestational age) and places them at risk for comorbidities including; Preterm birth, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Low Birth Weight/ Small for Gestational Age, Premature Rupture of Membranes and Miscarriage. The incidence of IPV screening is not accessible to all pregnant individuals due to healthcare providers lack of education, time constraints in the workplace, bias and discomfort towards IPV. The implementation of …

From Policy To Perception: How Government Motivations Shape Front-Of-Package Nutrition Labeling And Influence Consumer Understanding In The Usa, Switzerland, And Chile, Amani Malickel

Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy

This research examines front-of-package nutrition labeling (FOPNL) systems in three distinct policy environments: the United States (voluntary industry-led), Switzerland (government-endorsed voluntary), and Chile (mandatory warning labels). Through comparative policy analysis and consumer interviews, the study evaluates how different regulatory approaches influence nutritional awareness and purchasing behaviors. Key findings demonstrate that Chile's mandatory warning labels are most effective at reducing consumption of unhealthy foods and improving consumer understanding, particularly among children. In contrast, voluntary systems in the U.S. and Switzerland show limited impact due to inconsistent implementation and industry resistance. The study highlights significant implementation challenges, including First Amendment concerns in …

Comparative Analyses Of Neurorehabilitation Regulations And Health Equity In The U.S., Switzerland, And China: Implications For Universal Health Coverage, Linyue Lu

Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy

Introduction: As populations age and the burden of neurological conditions rises, equitable access to neurorehabilitation has emerged as a critical yet under-addressed component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This comparative study examines how healthcare structures in the United States, Switzerland, and China shape neurorehabilitation equity. Methods: This analysis combines semi-structured interviews with seven healthcare experts (neurorehabilitation clinicians, health economists, and scholars) and a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, and demographic data. Results: In the U.S., fragmented insurance models and high out-of-pocket costs disproportionately limit access for low-income and rural populations. Switzerland’s universal coverage masks the inequities driven by …

Mexico’S Ngos: Medical Mission Network Mexico Red Materno Infantil’S Effectiveness And Strategy Employed To Combat Maternal Mortality In Mexico., Yadira Gonzalez

Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy

This qualitative case study investigates the role of two non-governmental non-profit organizations. Medical Mission Mexico is a non-profit civil association in Chetumal, Quintana Roo and Red Materno Infantil is a civil society organization in Mexico City. Through expert interviews and case study analysis this research explores how each organization implements strategies tailored to the distinct needs of urban and rural populations. The findings reveal that while both organizations work toward the same maternal health outcomes, their methods are different but still focus on education, community trust, and advocacy. This paper emphasizes the value of these organizations, their strategies, and the …