Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Nurturing Potential: Building Teacher Capacity To Support Infant Developmentin Low Income Daycares, Jeanae A. Williams

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Nurturing Potential: Building Teacher Capacity to Support Infant Development in Low Income Daycares

Jeanae Williams, OTDS

Faculty Mentor: Kelly McGloon, PhD, OTR/L

ABRSTRACT:

Early childcare centers play a critical role in fostering young children’s learning and development. Each year, approximately 600,000 infants are born at risk for developmental delays, yet less than 50% are identified early. Early detection and support are crucial in reducing long-term developmental challenges and improving outcomes for reaching milestones. This capstone project aims to enhance the capacity of infant classroom teachers in low-income daycare settings by providing education on typical development and increasing awareness of resources …

Improving Home Exercise Program Adherence In Stroke Survivors: Examining Influencing Factors And Developing Educational Resources For A Behavioral Intervention, Megan E. Thompson

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Improving Home Exercise Program Adherence in Stroke Survivors: Examining Influencing Factors and Developing Educational Resources for a Behavioral Intervention

Nearly 800,000 individuals experience a stroke annually in the United States and stroke often results in upper extremity functional limitation which can impact the individual’s ability to perform their activities of daily living. Because of this, home exercise programs are prescribed to facilitate rehabilitation; however, adherence is inadequate which ultimately impacts overall functional recovery. The purpose of this capstone is to enhance understanding of factors that influence home exercise program adherence and to improve upper extremity functional recovery post stroke through …

Occupational Therapy In Oncology: Enhancing Quality Of Life For Head And Neck Cancer Survivors, Anna C. Hildebrand

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This occupational therapy capstone project was completed through collaboration with a site that aims to eradicate cancer through multidisciplinary patient care, innovative research, and education and training. The purpose of the project is to improve the quality of life (QoL) in Head and Neck Cancer survivors through resources created to enhance self-efficacy, symptom management, and overall well-being throughout the cancer trajectory. The project included the goal of furthering the health care team’s understanding of occupational therapy’s role within the cancer population, specifically HNC, by providing these supportive resources. Educational patient handouts were distributed to HNC care providers to then distribute …

Non-Enzymatic Glycoxidation Reports On Society, Environment And Biology To Inform On Enduring Cancer Disparities, Fariha Imtiaz, Boxiao Ding, Bradley A. Krisanits, Katherine A. Walter, Lindsay L. Peterson, Susan Steck, Marvella E. Ford, Gayenell Magwood, Victoria J. Findlay, David Turner

Annual Research Day

Background: Despite advancements in cancer treatment, disparities in incidence and mortality persist among different races and ethnicities. These disparities are influenced by an intricate interplay between environmental, biological and social factors that underscore the need for a multifaceted approach to understand this relationship. Objective/Aim: To show that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) due to non-enzymatic glycoxidation represent informative and functional markers that report on the combined impact of environmental, biological and social factors on enduring cancer disparities. Methods: To address this objective, a more holistic approach to disparities research was used ranging from basic research, population-based investigations, preclinical and clinical …

Learning Curve And Patient Outcomes Of Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: One Surgeon’S 10-Year Experience, Moamad Chehab M.D., Cody Tragesser M.D, Franklin Geroudis M.D., Rebecca Deitch M.D., Anthony Cassano M.D., Rachit Shah M.D.

Annual Research Day

Objective: To examine the learning curve of one surgeon performing minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) over a 10-year period since the beginning of their practice with a focus on patient outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective study of all patients undergoing MIE for malignancy by one surgeon at an academic high-volume tertiary center over a 10-year period (10/2012 to 9/2022). Patients were stratified into 2 equal groups based on chronological order and termed Early MIE and Late MIE. Primary outcomes included operative measures and patient outcomes over a 1- year period post-operatively. Results: A total of 128 patients were identified, divided …

The Collaborative Care Model And Depression Mediation Adherence, Remmy Rocha, Megan Mcclain, Anusha Mubin, Nicholas Morgenstern, Makenzie Maroney, Melanie Menning, Shannon Kinnan, Ryan W. Walters

Posters and Presentations: Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

An Evaluation Of The Association Between Female Reproductive Health Policy And Children's Health Outcomes, Kira Markowski, Rachel Bobko

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: As policy pertaining to female reproductive health and education continues to be a central issue concerning Americans and a divisive focus of political campaigns, it is important to fully understand the ramifications of female reproductive health legislation not only on women’s health outcomes but also the health outcomes of children and adolescents.
Objective: We set out to identify how legislation and policy related to female reproductive health and education impacts the health and well-being of children and adolescents. By evaluating this relationship, we aim to show whether variations in policy correlate with variations in a child’s well-being as lawmakers …

Awake And Affected: Cultural And Socioeconomic Impacts On Sleep Insufficiency In Modern-Day Ohio, Nehal Mittal, Marina Shenouda

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: Previous literature explores factors such as urban environments, screen use and stress negatively impact sleep quality in American adults. However, there is a lack of demographic focus on non-white, low-income populations specifically related to sleep. There is a growing need for targeted interventions to address increasingly prevalent disparities.
Objective: Our study aims to look deeper into race, age, and socioeconomic status and other demographic factors that may affect sleep health.
Results: Our analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between insufficient sleep and selfreported poor or fair health (r = .728) and a moderate positive correlation with unemployment (r = …

Prevention Of Substance Related Deaths Through Mental Health Counseling, Lindsey Tout, Camille Zonfa

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: Substance abuse, particularly alcohol and drug use, remains a critical public safety issue in Ohio. Those suffering with abuse disorders are likely to often have accompanying mental health disorders, however, there lies a significant gap in treatment.
Objective: This study examines trends in alcohol-related driving deaths, drug overdose deaths, excessive drinking, and mental health provider availability from 2016 to 2023 in rural and urban counties of Ohio.
Methods: Data collected from the public source, County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, was analyzed using statistical methods to assess changes between 2016 to 2023 for the 88 counties of Ohio. Urban versus …

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 …