Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Impact Of A Educational Program On Depression And Anxiety For Low Socioeconomic Latina Postpartum Mothers, Lizbeth Valdez Duran

Nursing | Senior Theses

Postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety are significant mental health challenges that affect many mothers, especially Latina women with low socioeconomic backgrounds. These mothers often face barriers to care, health literacy, and access to healthcare resources. The problem is compounded by a lack of culturally competent care, which can contribute to mistrust of healthcare providers and discourage Latina mothers from seeking help. The literature review articles highlight that health literacy plays a crucial role in managing mental health, with effective education potentially reducing negative outcomes by improving coping strategies and bringing awareness to symptoms that are associated with postpartum. This research …

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 …

Effective Measurement-Based Care For Depression Within Va Health Systems: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Amie L. Doyle

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: Depression is highly common among U.S. veterans, surpassing civilian rates. Measurement-Based Care (MBC), including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), facilitates systematic symptom monitoring and treatment enhancement. At Manchester VA Medical Center (VAMC), PHQ-9 completion in primary care was low (18.93% in May 2025) due to workflow inefficiencies, provider workload, and dependence on Mental Health Service Line (MHSL) referrals.

Local Problem: Underutilization of the PHQ-9 in primary care hampers early detection and effective treatment of depression among veterans.

Methods: Four primary care teams received training on using the Behavioral Health Laboratory (BHL) software, which facilitates pre-visit electronic completion of the …

Maternal-Infant Attachment, Depression, Anxiety, And Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Among Marginalized Populations, Leslie B. Lantz, Merilyn Arikkat, Amy Salisbury, Sara Moyer, Sally Russell, Leroy Thacker, Candice Gault, Josselyn Valenzuela, Kimberly Cruz-Lopez, S Bodnar-Deren, Patricia Kinser

School of Nursing Publications

No abstract provided.

A Comprehensive Exploration Of Stress And Depressive Symptoms In Farm Populations, Julie C. Derringer

Theses and Dissertations--Nursing

High rates of depression and suicide continue to be a concern, despite four decades of growing research into the mental health of farmers. Most farmers have an awareness of a need for improved mental health, but a lack of knowledge persists. As agricultural production demands increase and the number of family farms decreases, the stress placed upon farmers to support the food chain is higher than ever. Understanding the association between farm demands and resources among farmers is key for the development and implementation of programs to decrease occupational stress and depressive symptoms to improve mental health outcomes across farming …

Examining The Relationship Between Bicultural Stress And Mental Well-Being Among Second-Generation Filipino Americans Living In The United States, Krista Parker

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Research investigating the bicultural and mental health experiences of Filipino Americans, the third largest Asian American group in the United States, are consistently overlooked, with second-generation Filipino Americans (SGFAs) facing greater risk of adverse mental health outcomes. This quantitative study addresses a critical gap in research by examining the relationship between bicultural stress and mental well-being among SGFAs living in the United States. Using a cross-sectional survey design, a multivariate regression analysis examined the relationship between bicultural stress and four mental health constructs (as measured by depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem) among 302 SGFA participants. Results from this study strongly …

Resilience And Its Effects On Psychological Well Being During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Taylor Reinsel

Honors Theses

Stressors and trauma in life are unavoidable. However, the way we respond and adapt to them can be within our control. This response differs from person to person, but there are factors that can influence the likelihood of an individual rebounding from a crisis, as well as factors that can put them at a higher risk of developing mental illness. One of the main factors that influences Psychological Well Being is the presence of Resilience.

The main goal of this study was to examine how factors of Resilience relate to Psychological Well Being and COVID-19 Well Being during the COVID-19 …

Clinician Perspectives On Incorporating Physical Activity And Sleep Prescriptions Using Ehealth For Youth With Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders: Qualitative Focus Group Study, Alyssa M. Button, James Slavet, Amanda E. Staiano, April Bowling

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Physical activity and sleep prescriptions are indicated for the treatment of psychiatric disorders among youth. However, there is limited clinical adoption of these practices. Exergaming (ie, games that require physical activity) is a feasible intervention to promote physical activity and sleep hygiene and is appealing to youth given their interest in video gaming. Integrating exergaming prescriptions into clinical mental health practices may offer an opportunity to expand access to these interventions, yet pragmatic considerations for adopting these programs are poorly understood.

Objective: This study aimed to gain feedback from practicing clinicians on adopting GamerFit, an app-based intervention that incorporates …

Subthreshold Depression In The National Epidemiologic Survey On Alcohol And Related Conditions Iii (Nesarc-Iii): A Quantitative Analysis Of Prevalence, Characteristics, And Burden In A Nationally Representative Sample, Scott T. Young

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

While subthreshold depression (subD) is relatively young for a diagnostic concept at a mere half century old, it has burdened individuals and societies for far longer. Research has established that it is a highly prevalent, clinically important entity with clear links to personal distress and impairment (including increased suicidal ideation and behavior), societal burden (e.g., increased reliance on public assistance programs), and economic costs (both personal and public). Research has also demonstrated that it represents a significant risk factor for incident major depression (MD) and that it likely represents both a prodromal and residual state in the normal course of …

Reply [To Burnout Reflections: Musings On Bianchi And Schonfeld’S Five Focal Areas], Renzo Bianchi, Irvin Sam Schonfeld

Publications and Research

Contrary to what one might assume, the burnout construct did not emerge from systematic research. The definition of burnout was formulated in the 1970s based on prenotions and anecdotal evidence. No sound empirical studies, no in-depth theoretical reflections, not even a review of the stress literature underpinned the introduction of the construct. It is thus unsurprising that some observers regard the edifice of burnout research with scepticism. The pioneers of burnout research neglected basic scientific standards and, by overlooking the abundant work of contemporary stress researchers, deprived themselves of important safeguards against illusions of novelty making big claims based on …

Social Determinants Of Mental Health Outcomes, Ariana Fein

Honors Theses

Mental health disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, are a growing global concern with profound consequences on individuals' well-being and societal functioning. The burden of these disorders is not only psychological but also economic, affecting quality of life. Mental health outcomes are heavily influenced by a range of social determinants, such as financial status, education, and access to healthcare. While extensive research has focused on WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) countries, there remains a significant gap in understanding how these determinants affect mental health in low-resource settings or non-WEIRD countries. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the …

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Depression And Subjective Cognitive Decline By Gender: A Moderated Mediation Analysis, Monique J. Brown, Darlingtina K. Esiaka, Jaya Viswanathan

Behavioral Science Faculty Publications

Studies assessing depression as a mediating factor between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) are lacking. Therefore, the aims of this study were to: (1) determine the mediating role of depression in the association between ACEs and SCD; and (2) assess the moderating role of gender. Data were obtained from the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Study (BRFSS) survey (N = 38,600). Crude and adjusted path analyses were used to determine the mediating role of depression between ACEs and SCD. Adjusted analyses controlled for sociodemographic confounders. ACEs were positively associated with depression (B = 0.129, p …

Bones And Brains: The Association Between Osteoporosis And Depression, Mason Taylor

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Introduction: Osteoporosis and depression are two public health problems that are increasing in prevalence. Previous studies have found a positive association between the two variables in women and men and women together, but there is a gap when looking at men. Therefore, it was important to investigate the odds of depression in men, women, and men and women together to make comparisons by sex.

Methods: 1,602 participants aged 65 and older were included in the study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017 – March 2020 Pre-Pandemic dataset. One unadjusted and seven adjusted models were created for …

Ketamine Infusion Treatment For Depression, Isabella Schwing

Capstone Showcase

Depression remains a significant public health challenge in the U.S., affecting millions of adults and contributing to both psychological and financial burdens. Major depressive disorder impacts approximately 14.5 million U.S. adults, with about 30% of cases classified as treatment-resistant depression. Traditional antidepressant therapies, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, often have delayed onset and limited efficacy, leaving a substantial portion of patients without adequate relief. Given these limitations, there is an urgent need for alternative treatment options.

Recent research has highlighted ketamine as a promising intervention for Major Depressive Disorder and Treatment Resistant Depression. Initially identified as …

Social Anxiety, Negative Affect, And Hearing Difficulties In Adults, Katrina Kate S. Mcclannahan, Sarah Mcconkey, Julia M Levitan, Thomas L Rodebaugh, Jonathan E Peelle

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Subjective ratings of communication function reflect both auditory sensitivity and the situational, social, and emotional consequences of communication difficulties. Listeners interact with people and their environment differently, have various ways of handling stressful situations, and have diverse communication needs. Therefore, understanding the relationship between auditory and mental health factors is crucial for the holistic diagnosis and treatment of communication difficulty, particularly as mental health and communication function may have bidirectional effects. The goal of this study was to evaluate the degree to which social anxiety and negative affect (encompassing generalized anxiety, depression, and anger) contributed to subjective communication function (hearing …

The Association Of Vitamin D Status In Us Adults With Depression: Nhanes 2011 - 2018, Joshua A. Yearout

All Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

Background: Vitamin D (VD), essential for bone health and various physiological processes, has been increasingly associated with mental health, particularly depression. Depression is the most common and prevalent of disorders regarding mental health. It is influenced by biological, psychological, and socioeconomic factors. This study examines association and the interplay of both vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and depression among adults 18- 70+ residing in the U.S, focusing on disparities across demographic and socioeconomic groups.

Methods: Data was taken from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018. The present study utilized a cross-sectional analysis included 7,981 participants aged 18 …

Self-Determined Strategies For Physical Activity Motivation Among Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Pamela J. Wright Phd, Ms, Med, Rn, Cen, Cynthia Corbett Phd, Rn, Faan, Bernardine M. Pinto Phd, Fapa, Fsbm, Fabmr, Michael D. Wirth Msph, Phd, Face, Robin M. Dawson Phd, Rn, Cpnp-Pc

Publications

BACKGROUND: According to clinical practice guidelines for polycystic ovary syndrome, first-line treatment includes performing 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on most days of the week plus at least 2 days of resistance training. However, < 40% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome engage in regular physical activity, and about 60% are sedentary. Research evidence supports theory-informed physical activity interventions to improve motivation for physical activity. This study examined the fit of a behavioral change theory for women with polycystic ovary syndrome. OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this qualitative study were to analyze physical activity barriers through the lens of self-determination theory and identify motivational strategies that may promote initiation and maintenance of physical activity among women with polycystic ovary syndrome. DESIGN: The study involved a qualitative, descriptive design using theory-driven thematic analysis. METHODS: After emailing a demographic questionnaire and Personal Health Questionnaire-8 to screen for depressive symptoms, participants (n = 7) met three times via Zoom during the summer of 2021. Meetings were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. RESULTS: Participants were aged 33.9 (±8.1) years, premenopausal, mostly White (71%), educated (100% with at least some college), employed full-time (86%), and married (86%) with a mean depressive symptoms score of 6.4 (±3.4) indicating mild depression. Strategies such as a buddy system, physician support, technology, and behavioral change techniques are necessary to meet the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness among women with polycystic ovary syndrome to help increase exercise motivation. CONCLUSION: Findings supported the use of self-determination theory by emphasizing that the social context of polycystic ovary syndrome can undermine physical activity behavior. Thus, physical activity interventions should consider the social context, peer support system, and mental health status of women with polycystic ovary syndrome, and include tailored programs and motivational strategies to help meet the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Investigating The Effects Of A Psychoplastogen On Depressive-Like Behaviors In Huntington Disease Model Mice, Kaleigh M. Hanley

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Huntington Disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion in the trinucleotide CAG repeat on exon 1 of the huntingtin gene. In HD one of the first symptoms is often depression. In cases where SSRIs fail, treatments for treatment-resistant depression often become a patient’s only option. These rigorous treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy, are not suitable for this patient population as it can worsen motor symptoms. In order to search for potential alternatives, we queried whether depressive-like behavior could be reduced in Hu97/18 and Q175FDN HD mice by administering tabernanthalog, a non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analog. Our study is not …

Comparative Efficacy Of Hallucinogens In Treating Mood Disorders Through A Meta-Analysis Of Symptom Reduction, Dosage, And Duration, John Marco D.F. Muniz

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Hallucinogens including psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ketamine, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) (as ayahuasca), have re-emerged as potential rapid-acting treatments for mood disorders. We conducted a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials evaluating their efficacy in depression and anxiety disorders. Methods: A systematic review identified 12 trials (Total ≈ 670) meeting inclusion criteria (randomized, placebo-controlled). Data on Cohen’s d and Hedges’ g effect sizes for depression- and anxiety-related outcomes were extracted. We computed pooled effect sizes (weighted by sample size and inverse variance), performed subgroup analyses by drug, diagnosis, follow-up duration, and outcome measure type, and assessed heterogeneity (I², Q …

Cognitive Impairment And Depression In Hispanic And Non-Hispanic White Low-Income Older Adults A Cross-Sectional Study, Cecil Latta

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Hispanic older adults represent a growing population in the United States and may be disproportionately affected by cognitive impairment and depression. We theorize that cognitive impairment would be more prevalent in the older Hispanic community and would affect the levels of depression in both Hispanic and non-Hispanic Whites older adults. This cross-sectional study examined the association between cognitive impairment and depression in 157 older adults, including Hispanic (n = 91, 57.96%, age: M = 76.4, SD = 6.8) and non-Hispanic White (n = 66, 42.04%, age: M = 76.2, SD = 6.5). We used the Memory Impairment Screen to assess …

Evaluating Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes, And Suicide Hotline Referrals In Aprns Screening Children For Depression And Suicide In Primary Care, Brooklyn D. Higginbotham

DNP Projects

Background: Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in adolescents across the United States (US). Primary care providers (PCPs) are often the first people an adolescent sees for depression or suicide symptoms; however, evidence shows PCPs may not be comprehensively screening for suicide in the primary care setting by using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) alone. Screening tool usage for depression and suicide among PCPs is currently at rates as low as 26% due to lack of knowledge and insufficient resources. Evidence-based education on American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations can improve PCPs’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes when assessing …

Nurse-Led Cbt For Depression In Heart Transplant Patients: A Feasibility Study, Matthew R. Wallace

DNP Projects

Background: Heart transplant recipients are at an elevated risk of experiencing depressive symptoms compared to the general population. Those with depression post-transplant face increased complications, e.g., infection, organ rejection, prolonged hospitalization, and higher mortality rates. However, specific psychotherapeutic interventions tailored for heart transplant recipients remain limited. Nevertheless, there is substantial evidence supporting the effectiveness of various interventions for adults with heart failure, a condition frequently diagnosed in these patients. This suggests that successful strategies for managing depressive symptoms in heart failure patients could be adapted for heart transplant recipients.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate …

Effect Of The Lifestyle, Exercise, And Nutrition Weight Loss Intervention On Depressive Symptomatology Among Breast Cancer Survivors, Ziyuan Ma

Public Health Theses

Background: Breast cancer patients have up to a five-fold higher risk of depression compared with the general population, with an estimated prevalence of depressive symptoms of 25%. Depressive symptoms among breast cancer patients can affect treatment adherence, quality of life, and mortality. Some studies indicate lifestyle interventions can lower depression symptoms in general population samples; however, few studies have examined changes in depression among breast cancer survivors enrolled in lifestyle interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 6-month diet-and exercise-induced weight loss intervention versus usual care on depressive symptomatology among breast cancer survivors.Methods: 151 …

Hypnosis: An Evidenced Based Treatment, Gregory P. Brown

Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Faculty Research

Review of meta analyses and systemic review level studies of hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety, burnout, and depression.

Improved Depression Symptoms Among Low-Income Mexican Americans Participating In A Community-Clinical Diabetes Intervention, Minjae Lee, Joseph H Conroy, Zihan Yang, Sein Lee, Paul G Yeh, Juliana Z Lopez, Natalia I Heredia, Lisa A Mitchell-Bennett, Maribel Sifuentes, Belinda M Reininger

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and comorbid depression face complex disease management. Salud y Vida, a diabetes management intervention for Mexican Americans in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, may mitigate depression through social support and community-clinic referrals.

Methods: In a cohort study, 292 Salud y Vida participants completed the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) at baseline, month 6, and month 12. A PHQ-9 score of ≥5 indicated mild depression and activated a mental health referral. Using SAS 9.4 with significance set at < .05, we conducted multivariable longitudinal negative binomial regression to assess changes in depression level.

Results: The proportion of participants with a PHQ-9 ≥5 decreased from 36% at baseline to 18% …

Navigating The Nexus Of Food Insecurity, Anxiety, And Depression In The Face Of Climate Change: A Longitudinal Study In Rural Kenya, Michael Goodman, Lauren Raimer-Goodman, Heidi M Hagen Mcpherson, Dawit Woldu, Shreela Sharma, Ryan Ramphul, Fridah Mukiri, Agnes Maigallo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: This study aims to address critical gaps in understanding the bidirectional relationships between food insecurity, anxiety, and depression in Meru County, Kenya. By employing a cross-lagged panel analysis, we seek to clarify these temporal dynamics, contributing to the design of targeted interventions that integrate food security and mental health in the context of climate change.

Methods: A cross-lagged panel analysis was conducted using data from 362 adult participants in a community-based empowerment program (2023) in Meru County, Kenya. Participants completed self-report measures of food insecurity, anxiety, and depression at two time points, 11 weeks apart.

Results: Food insecurity (T1) …

A Multilevel Framework For The Promotion Of Maternal Mental Health And Well-Being During The Perinatal Period, Jenn A. Leiferman, Jessica Walls Wilson, Charlotte V. Farewell, Chelsea Walker-Mao, James F. Paulson

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background: Depression and anxiety are prevalent in the perinatal period and may contribute to adverse maternal and child health outcomes. A focus on multilevel protective factors may be effective in promoting well-being and increasing quality of life (QOL) in the perinatal period while simultaneously reducing or preventing depression and anxiety symptoms. We tested a conceptual model that posits specific personal, social, and community factors affecting depression, anxiety, and QOL among pregnant and postpartum individuals.

Methods: Four hundred and thirty-eight pregnant or postpartum individuals completed a 121-item cross-sectional survey composed of validated tools that assessed multilevel protective factors, health behaviors, and …

Neuroprotective Role Of Ding Protein In Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders And Depression, Nune Darbinian, Monica Hampe, Nana Merabova, Tamara Tatevosian-Geller, Laura Goetzl, Mary F Morrison, Gabriel Tatevosian, Malgorzata Simm, Eric Chabriere, Huaqing Zhao, Shohreh Amini, Michael E Selzer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: An estimated 20% of women consume alcohol during pregnancy, and 10% of women receive antidepressants during their pregnancy. Women with depression are more likely to use alcohol (EtOH) in early pregnancy and are more likely to have a child with one of the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Previously, we provided evidence in rat neurons in vitro that DING phosphatase (p38SJ, a member of the DINGGG family of proteins that has neuroprotective effects under conditions of cellular stress) was neuroprotective against EtOH-mediated toxicity. Now, we examine the effects of DING, alone or in combination with EtOH and serotonergic (5-HT) …

In Utero Alcohol And Tobacco Exposure, Maternal Depression, And Maternal Obesity Are Associated With Impaired Oligodendrocyte Differentiation In The Developing Brain, Uday Bharai, Jamal Hamze, Benjamin Zhang, Monica Hampe, Emily Sparks, Nana Merabova, Gabriel Tatevosian, Armine Darbinyan, Mary F Morrison, Laura Goetzl, Nune Darbinian, Michael Selzer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the leading preventable cause of pediatric cognitive disability and is associated with dysmyelination. We examined possible clinical co-determinants that might interact with EtOH in impairing oligodendrocyte (OL) development. Women who drink, including pregnant women, also disproportionately suffer from depression (mDepression), which we have shown is a risk factor for FASD. Might depression during pregnancy contribute to OL pathology? Maternal obesity (mObesity) also inhibits white matter development in fetal brain. Finally, tobacco exposure inhibits not only OL development, but also the production of structural proteins, such as actin. Our human biobank derived from voluntarily …

Short-Term Health And Safety Outcomes Associated With Digital Hotline Use At Interpersonal Violence-Focused Agencies, Leila Wood, Elizabeth Baumler, Rachel J Voth Schrag, Aly Kramer Jacobs, Jeff R Temple, Erin Clark

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Community organizations strive to help survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), stalking, sexual assault and human trafficking address health and safety needs. Hotline, offered by local agencies, is the first line of support for survivors to address needs. Increasingly, hotline is offered in digital formats (chat and text) to meet the emergent needs of survivors. Despite the growing use of digital hotline, little is known about short-term health and safety changes associated with use. Partnering with 2 local agencies in a Southern state, we recruited first-time digital hotline participants to an online baseline and follow-up (6 weeks later) assessment (n …