Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Factors Driving Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations In Ohio And Surrounding States, Ann Walter, Andy Russell

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of Alcohol, Mental Health, And Suicide, Motassem Bayyoud, Megan Galluch

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Suicide rates in Montana, Iowa, Ohio, and New Jersey vary strongly and encompass the wide range seen across all fifty states in America. Previous research has told us that there is a significant relationship between Alcohol Use Disorder and the ideation, attempt, and completion of suicide. Additionally, most people who are victims of suicide suffer from mental disorders. People use alcohol to cope with mental health and alcohol leads to deteriorating and adverse outcomes in a person’s life. To attempt to better understand the relationship between these variables and why suicide rates differ so widely, an analysis of binge drinking, …

Examining Low Mammogram Rates In Native American Populations In Arizona And New Mexico, Mason Berges, Ayesha Ahmad

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Introduction: Despite improvements in technology over the last several decades, breast cancer incidence and mortality rates have remained steady among the Native American population. This is in direct contrast to the general United States population which has seen substantial decreases in these incidence and mortality rates. A key factor in eliminating breast cancer and saving lives is undergoing mammogram screenings. While mammogram screenings are of crucial importance, many Native American women lack equitable access to healthcare resources and as a result face unnecessary health challenges. Several social determinants of health could be playing a key role in these mammogram screening …

Impact Of Abortion Restrictions On Childhood Health Outcomes, Rico Carter, Griffin Suppa

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Abortion has been a topic for debate in the U.S. for decades. With the Supreme Court’s recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, many pro-abortion advocates fear for the looming effects this policy change will have on healthcare. In this study we aim to study how abortion access or lack thereof influences childhood healthcare outcomes. Past research has shown a negative impact of abortion restrictions on infant survival, future socioeconomic success, and the U.S. foster care system. Using data collected from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps and three abortion restriction levels created from Guttmacher, we found that states with restrictions had …

Food Insecurity Rates And Its Related Factors In The State Of Ohio, Sophia Danchine, Maia Sethi

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Food insecurity is an ongoing issue across Ohio counties, influenced by socioeconomic factors, geographical location, and age and ethnic demographics. This study explores food insecurity rates from 2016 to 2023, comparing urban and rural counties, various social determinants of health, such as income, education, and age, and exploring correlations with racial and ethnic demographics. Using data from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps database, statistical analyses revealed key findings that food insecurity was not significantly different when comparing rural versus urban counties in Ohio. The most significant predictor to food insecurity in 2023 was median household income, followed by percent …

Social And Structural Determinants Of Mammography Screening Rates Among Female Medicare Beneficiaries: A Retrospective Analysis, Stephen Fuglsang, Rakhsha Khatri

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Introduction: Despite Medicare fully covering annual mammogram costs, less than one half of female Ohio residents aged 65-74 sought yearly mammograms. As such, our analyses explore which social and structural determinants of health predict the likelihood that a woman aged 65-74 on Medicare will receive an annual mammogram.
Methods: This retrospective analysis utilized data from the County Health Rankings database, focusing on female Medicare enrollees aged 65-74. Mammography screening rates were compared across counties within Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri. Pearson and Spearman correlation tests were employed to examine relationships between English non-proficiency, high school graduation rates, residential segregation, primary care …

Income, Education, And Family Structure: Drivers Of Teen Pregnancy In Rural And Urban Ohio, Adam Klauck, Maggie Stiefel, Catherine Wilson

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Teen birth rates in Ohio have been declining; however, due to the potential adverse ramifications of any teen birth, for either the mother or the child, understanding the strongest predictors of teen birth rates in Ohio will allow physicians to preventatively care for their young female population. Our objective was to identify some qualitative factors that best indicate the environment in which a teenage pregnancy is most likely to occur, giving special attention to the difference between rural and urban environments. Relevant data was obtained from County Health Rankings and Roadmaps. This study used qualitative methods and SPSS to analyze …

The Effect Of Socioeconomic Factors On Childhood Mortality, Sathvika Madisetty, Benjamin Curl

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Objective: This study investigates the impact of socioeconomic factors specifically childhood poverty, uninsurance, and severe housing problems on childhood mortality rates in Ohio in 2016 and 2023.
Methods: The study analyzes county-level data from Ohio in 2016 and 2023, focusing on childhood mortality, childhood poverty, uninsurance, and severe housing problems using data from County Health Rankings and Roadmaps1. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests, Spearman correlations, and linear regression, were performed to examine associations and predictive relationships.
Results: Childhood poverty was found to have a moderate, statistically significant correlation with childhood mortality in Ohio for 2023, emerging as the strongest predictor …

Exploring The Socioeconomic Drivers Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Prevalence And Their Implications For Treatment In The Midwest, Kendall Locascio, Anirudha Koppaka

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a leading chronic disease globally with its prevalence steadily rising and significantly impacting public health systems. Previous research has indicated correlations between resource scarcity, low income, and limited education completion and T2DM prevalence. However, the degree of influence of these factors on incidence and progression remains unclear. This study aims to identify the most significant socioeconomic determinants of T2DM prevalence and progression in the Midwest to aid healthcare providers in creating maximally effective T2DM treatment plans. Methods include using data from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps (CHR&R) for Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. We …

A Rare Case Of Metastatic Myxofibrosarcoma To The Right Colon, Timothy K. Farrell, Matthew A. Carnell, Vincent J. Obias

Department Surgery Faculty Publications

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a common soft tissue sarcoma typically arising in the extremities of older adults. Metastatic spread usually involves the lungs, lymph nodes, or bone. We describe a rare case of metastatic MFS to the colon in a 76-year-old man, three years after surgical excision and radiation treatment for a left flank primary tumor. The patient presented with symptoms of obstipation and was found to have a 4 cm cecal mass confirmed by imaging and colonoscopy. Biopsy and surgical pathology confirmed metastatic MFS. A right colectomy was performed without complication. This case highlights an uncommon site of MFS metastasis …

Safe Nurse-Patient Ratios: A Guide For Healthy Staffing, Daria Sickler, Molly Mills, Carly Ross, Leah Cepeda

SPARK Symposium Presentations

In order to enhance patient outcomes and nurse well-being, our initiative focuses on optimizing patient-staff ratios, which improve overall quality of care while reducing nurse burnout. With involvement of key stakeholders such as legislators, policymakers, hiring departments, managers, charge nurses, and nurses themselves, we aim to foster a. collaborative approach that addresses the root causes of stress and dissatisfaction. The goal to create this supportive environment where nurses have manageable workloads, leads to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout. We expect to see improved patient outcomes, and higher nurse retention rates due to healthier, more sustainable work environments. This approach …

Advanced Infection Prevention In Infants, Kenny Le, Osmara Rojas, Vika Lomonosova, Blakelee Waller

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Abstract

Background: Infants are highly susceptible to nosocomial infections like CLABSIs due to underdeveloped immune systems and exposure to medical interventions. These infections significantly threaten health outcomes in the NICU. With national NICU infection rates for 1.1-3.3 lb infants averaging 15%, the study’s 7.1% infection rate indicates mFICare’s potential. Does an educational intervention for caregivers, mobile-enhanced Family-Integrated Care (mFICare), reduce the national average NICU nosocomial infection rate of 15% to 5% compared to the Family-Centered Care’s (FCC) approach?

Methods: Keywords: NICU, infants, intensive care unit, bloodstream, infection, prevention, hospital-acquired infection, theory-of-care, family-integrated care. Databases used for review of literature: CINAHL, …

Preventing Nurse Burnout In The Trauma Icu, Annelise Wilson, Samantha Pendleton, Hailey Dowd

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This change project identifies that nurse burnout is a prevalent problem within the healthcare setting, specifically with nurses working in a critical care environment. Burnout can be described as a negative outcome resulting in exhaustion (emotional, mental, physical) due to stress. The population focused on is the nursing staff on the trauma intensive care unit at VUMC. The proposed recommendation for change is to have a mandatory resource nurse on every shift. Essentially, this nurse is one who has no patients and can be utilized to fill in for breaks and perform anything under the nurse's scope of practice when …

Implementing Safe Nurse-To-Patient Ratios, Susan Clark, Molly Peasley, Tessa Pemantell, Grace Fritch

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Our project advocates for state mandated nurse-to-patient ratios in Tennessee critical care units to enhance patient safety, reduce nurse burnout, and improve overall healthcare quality. Research shows that inadequate staffing leads to higher mortality rates, complications, and longer hospital stays, while hospitals with mandated ratios report better patient outcomes and nurse retention. California’s model demonstrates the effectiveness of such policies, highlighting the need for nationwide implementation. The project follows an SBAR approach, outlining the situation of unsafe staffing, the background of financial-driven disparities, and the need for policy change. The plan includes stakeholder engagement, legislative advocacy, and public awareness campaigns. …

Improving Perinatal Outcomes With The Mood Disorder Questionnaire: A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Identification And Referral, Elizabeth R. Bargardo

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Perinatal mental health is a growing concern, with under identification and lack of access to mental health as contributing factors. Screening tools such as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire are one way to increase identification of patients at risk for bipolar-spectrum disorders and subsequent postpartum psychosis and initiate referrals to appropriate mental health services.

Local Problem: One outpatient women’s health center has a 94% screening rate for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) for anxiety and depression but has not implemented a screening for bipolar disorder. In addition, while approximately one in five perinatal patients struggles with a mental …

Body Mass Index, Sleep, And Food Insecurity Predict Prevalence Of Anxiety And Depression In College Students, Makenzie Barr-Porter, Amelia Sullivan, Jade Mcnamara

Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications

This study aimed to assess the relationship between mental health, health behaviors, and food security in young adults in a university environment. Young adults (N = 536) at two United States universities completed a survey assessing health behaviors and characteristics. Logistic regression determined the odds of anxiety and/or depression based on gender identity, body mass index (BMI), food security status (FSS), and sleep restfulness. Over one-third of students were food insecure (36.7%), and almost all reported anxiety (57%) and/or depression (39.1%). Students who identified as female, reported very low FSS, poor sleep, and had higher BMI were at greater odds …

A Diagnostic Challenge—Tinu Syndrome, Sophia Lee, Md, Claire Kassakian, Md

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: •TINU Syndrome: Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis  rare multi-system syndrome  has renal manifestations typical of acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), in addition to bilateral anterior uveitis  not well-understood •Thought to be an immune-mediated process, although mechanisms for disease remain unclear  Likely secondary to a combination of genetic predisposition and certain environmental exposures •Genetic predisposition:  specific HLA phenotypes  possibly an auto-antigen to modified C-reactive protein (mCRP) •Potential triggers:  Infections: tuberculosis, EBV, varicella zoster, chlamydia, toxoplasma  Medications: antibiotics (β-lactams, meropenem, azithromycin, levofloxacin), NSAIDs, goreisan (Chinese herb)  Endocrine diseases: hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, IgG4-related autoimmune …

Case Study: A Severe Presentation Of Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia., Revati Kalluri, Mari Kai

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Case Presentation: Chief Complaint •55-year-old male with history of COPD, current 1 pack/day smoker, and 2-month history of hypoxic respiratory failure presents with increased shortness of breath. History of Present Illness •Initially hospitalized for a motor vehicle collision with course complicated by acute hypoxic respiratory failure due to eosinophilic pneumonia and treated with a 14-day prednisone taper. •Few days after discharge, he represented with acute hypoxic respiratory failure thought to be from a COPD exacerbation and treated with a short steroid taper. •Now, represents few days later with continued tachypnea, tachycardia, hypotension, and hypoxia.. Discussion: •Broad Differential including Pneumonia, Fat …

From Dormant To Dangerous: Hepatitis B Reactivation Under Immunosuppression, Adam Knott, Md, Amy Dechet

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: •HBV reactivation is a known phenomenon affecting those with prior HBV infection. In rare cases, this occurs spontaneously, but most often reactivation will occur while the host is immunocompromised. •Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) remains in the nucleus of hepatocytes and cannot be fully eradicated. •The following case highlights important considerations regarding HBV. Case Presentation: •A 78 y.o. male presented with emesis and progressive painless jaundice. •Prior history of treated HCV, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HBV vaccination, and autoimmune Interstitial Lung Disease on Mycophenolate. •No recent risk factors, such as alcohol use, IV drug use, or sexual activity. •Previous tests for Hepatitis …

Medical-Dental Integration: Dispatches From “Both Sides Of The Aisle”, Lisa Simon Md, Dmd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

In 1840, when Chapin Harris and three other physicians founded the first dental school in the United States, they could not have known that their intention to elevate the practice of dentistry and improve dental care would have such a dramatic unintended consequence: to wholly sever the educational connection between medicine and dentistry. Since then, differences in policy, funding, and self-regulation of medicine and dentistry have only forced the fields further apart. As an example, in 1958, the Joint Council to Improve the Healthcare of the Aged was founded by both the American Medical Association and the American Dental Association …

Is Laughter The Best Medicine? Analyzing The Role Of Gallows Humor In Nursing Education, Favour Onichabor-Connell

Honors College Theses

Gallows humor is a coping mechanism used by healthcare professionals to manage stress and emotional burden. Understanding its role in nursing education can help educators and students navigate the complexities of the profession. This study examined its significance through a literature review and a survey of nursing students and educators. The literature review included 15 peer-reviewed articles from databases like GALILEO, CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus, highlighting both its benefits and ethical concerns. Findings suggest gallows humor is commonly used for stress management and is generally viewed as beneficial for learning and emotional resilience. However, concerns were raised about its potential …

The Role Of Horizontal Gene Transfer In Antibiotic Resistance Amidst Prevalent Community And Healthcare-Associated Mrsa Rates, Gabrielle Nascimento

Honors College Theses

In recent decades, cases of community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) and healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) have been on the rise. The ability of antibiotic resistance to transfer between microorganisms greatly expands its threat to the effective treatment and containment of bacterial infections. The mecA gene is found on a mobile cassette within the Staphylococcal cell and encodes for PBP2a, an alternate version of penicillin-binding protein (PBP) with less binding affinity for β-lactam antibiotics, increasing resistance to the effects of antibiotics. The goal of this research is to investigate the horizontal transfer of the mecA gene between various Staphylococcus species as well as to …

Evaluation Of Therapist Modeling To Decrease Latency To Exercise Initiation, Darci L. Davis, Kayla Randall

Honors College Theses

Patients recovering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other adverse health events (e.g., hip surgery) often require physical therapy (PT) to restore baseline function. However, individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia may have difficulty engaging in therapy due to deficits in attention, imitation skills, and motor performance. Enhancing participation in this population is essential for achieving functional recovery and return to baseline status. This study aimed to determine whether systematic model prompting could decrease latency to compliance and increase the level of completion of therapeutic exercises in short-term rehabilitation settings. A multiple-baseline single-case design with time-lagged and staggered …

January 2025, Swosu Rural Health Center

RURAL ROCKS

This is the January 2025 issue of Rural Rocks from the SWOSU College of Pharmacy.

The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Factors And Low Birth Rates In Ohio, Ryan Gora, Hannah Amin

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: The incidence of low birth weight (LBW) has not substantially fallen over time despite advances in medical interventions. LBW has been linked to several chronic diseases in adulthood including type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), making it a particularly salient public health issue.
Objective: To examine socioeconomic factors and diseases associated with LBW in Ohio between 2016-2022.
Methods: Using data from County Health Rankings, we identified socioeconomic factors predictive of LBW in Ohio between 2016-2022. We also examined the relationship between LBW and incidence of T2DM as well as food insecurity (FI). In addition, we investigated how …

Food And Mood, Angelina Gentilin, Patrick Tawil

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Depression and mental illnesses are on the rise in the United States alongside other chronic illnesses like obesity. Preliminary research indicates that diets of individuals and obesity can have profound roles in mental health status. Alongside the consummatory behavior of eating, drinking alcohol is associated with mental illnesses like depression and could potentially play a role in mental health and poor diet. The authors analyzed the public health county data in Ohio of adults between the years of 2016 and 2022 to investigate any differences in the population’s health rates. This study found that diet plays an influencing role in …

Texans In Transition: Exploring Socioeconomic Effects On Health From 2016 To 2023, Dylan Timperman, Nowshin Islam, Akshey Suresh

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: Although it has been shown that low socioeconomic status (SES) negatively impacts many health outcomes, very little is known about this relationship in the second largest U.S. state, Texas. Over the past decade, Texas has experienced crises such as Hurricane Harvey, the COVID 19 pandemic, and other environmental disasters that have worsened disparities in health and financial stability. With the highest uninsured rate in the nation and a rapidly growing Hispanic population, understanding financial health disparities is important in influencing public policy and resource allocation.
Objective: By analyzing The University of Wisconsin’s Public Health Institute County Health Rankings & …

Examining Intersectional Factors In Infant Mortality: The Role Of Race, Geography, And Socioeconomic Status In Ohio, Catherine Tran, Rebekah Murray

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: Aspects of a mother’s identity such as race, socioeconomic status, and geographical location can impact healthcare access and outcomes, especially infant mortality.
Objective: The aim of this study is to identify how different variables relating to a mother’s identity intersect with one another to impact infant mortality rate in Ohio.
Methods: Data for infant mortality rate, racial residential segregation index, patient race by percentage, and median household income was collected from County Health Rankings, and data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics.
Results: A linear regression found that the best fitting model including median household income and percent Black …

The Opioid Crisis: Analyzing Access To Resources, Mental Health And The Influence On Overdose Deaths In Urban And Rural Communities, Katharina Johnson, Maggie Obourn

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: Opioid use contributes significantly to deaths throughout the United States. Opioid overdose deaths have increased in recent years and the opioid crisis has far reaching effects on many communities. There are several factors that contribute to opioid overuse and death, including access to resources and social factors.
Objective: In this study we aimed to assess how social factors affect overdoses by examining the differences between rural and urban communities over time.
Methods: We utilized data from County Health Rankings and conducted a retrospective review of data from 2016 and 2023 to compare several factors that we hypothesized affected opioid …

Access To Exercise Opportunities And Food Security: Mediators In The Prevalence Of Chronic Diseases In Ohio, Anidya Soni, Lisa Victor

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: Obesity remains a leading public health issue in the United States, with 40.3% of adults classified as overweight, underscoring the need to understanding the environmental and social determinants of health1. The neighborhood food environment, including access to healthy food and recreational spaces in one's community, plays a critical role in shaping dietary behaviors and physical activity levels.

Objective: This study examines the relationship between neighborhood food environments including access to healthy food and exercise opportunities, socioeconomic factors, and health outcomes like obesity, and diabetes in Ohio from two-time points: 2016 to 2023 using data from the County Health Rankings …