Health and Medical Administration Commons^™

Evaluating The Prevalence Of Postpartum Substance Use In South Jersey, Hebba Ahmad, Joanna Petrides

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The goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of substance use among women who experience postpartum depression. Looking at South Jersey women in particular, we aimed to compare the rates of women who began to engage in substance use after undergoing labor within the past one year who are covered by private health insurance versus those with Medicaid coverage. A retrospective chart review was performed, and although the small sample size limited our attempts at data analysis, it revealed that there is work to be done in this field. There needs to be methods in reducing the stigma …

Biopsychosocial Case Report, David F. Lo, Gaurav Kumar, Don D. Shamilov

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Ms. R, a 32-year-old Hispanic female, suffers from severe anxiety exacerbated by a car accident and past struggles with depression and substance use. Evaluation reveals hypothyroidism, mild anemia, and GAD as the primary diagnosis. Factors contributing to her condition include genetic predispositions, medical issues, and social stressors. Treatment involves pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and monitoring her physiological health. Research on wearable data for GAD severity offers potential insights for her treatment. A holistic approach, considering biological, psychological, and social factors, guides her tailored treatment plan for overall well-being.

The Impact Of Vitamin Supplementation (D, B12, B9) On Behaviors Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rohan Mehra

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Background: One in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although heritability of the condition ranges from 40 to 80%, other factors such as vitamin levels, may have a significant impact on the risk of development. These vitamins include D, B12, and B9.

Purpose: To assess the impact vitamin supplementation has on behaviors associated with ASD, and to determine which specific aspects of ASD may be improved with vitamin supplementation.

Methods: A literature review was performed. The search was utilized PubMed, JSTOR and Web of Science. Keyword strings included: “Vitamin D B12 B9 folate …

Over The Counter Overdose: A Case Of Tylenol Toxicity, Swet M. Patel, James A. Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

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We report a case of a 51-year-old man presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with suicidal ideations (SI) endorsing an intentional overdose of acetaminophen. Just as important is the clinical presentation; it is equally important to obtain a detailed history of patient's presentation leading to the ED visit when evaluating a suicide attempt. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a common over the counter (OTC) medication available to the public. Management of Tylenol overdose follows a standard outline of things to observe and intervene on. In this case, we discuss how Tylenol overdose is managed in a clinical setting through a patient who …

Interactive Distraction Techniques Versus Midazolam In Anxiolysis In Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Uzay Cagatay, Jon Elias, Alexander King

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Background: Many pediatric patients experience high levels of anxiety prior to undergoing surgery. Midazolam is currently one of the most commonly used sedative drugs in the pediatric preoperative environment. A number of studies have evaluated the use of non-pharmacological methods of relaxing pediatric patients prior to surgery, known as ‘Interactive Distraction’. These techniques involve using various methods of distracting the child from the preoperative anesthetic procedures. Some examples of these methods involve giving the patient an iPad with which they can play video games. There have yet to be any systematic reviews comparing the usage of Midazolam alone against utilizing …

Investigation Of The Utility Of A Ptsd Coaching Mobile App To Address Mental Health Services Demand In A Primary Care Clinic: Analysis Of Caps-5 Measures, Sindhura Nemani, Danielle Rae Schweitzer, Anne C. Jones

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The COVID-19 pandemic affected countless people globally, resulting in a greater need for mental health professionals and resources¹. The demand for mental health care is soaring yet the limitation of resources has strained the healthcare system, making it challenging to help patients in a timely manner². This poster represents a snapshot of a larger project that is striving to investigate an intervention to help bridge the gap between patient need and prompt referral through a warm handoff approach and use of the PTSD Coach mobile application as well as exploring patients’ satisfaction^3,4,5,6,8,9. In this …

Review Of Missing Data Elements For Client Enrollment In The Minority Aids Initiative For High-Risk Men Of Nj, Vrushank Shah

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The Minority AIDS Initiative study funded in NMI seeks to enhance healthcare outcomes for underserved individuals. Implementing outreach programs, the initiative provides healthcare and post-treatment follow-up to this demographic. The proposed project, a component of this study, concentrates on individuals with substance abuse disorder, specifically targeting those who have been onboarded but subsequently lost to follow-up. In the United States, approximately 20 million people are diagnosed with substance abuse disorder, yet in 2016, only 3.8 million received treatment. Within this cohort, between 20% and 70% of individuals undergoing residential substance abuse treatment disengage before completion. Various factors hinder the sustained …

Determinants Of Vaccine Hesitancy Among Parents And Caregivers, Priya Srivastava

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•Vaccination efforts in the United States and globally are one of the largest contributors to pediatric preventative health

•Routine immunizations in the U.S for children ≤ 10 years old cover 14 vaccine-preventable diseases. As a result, an estimated 732,000 deaths, 21 million hospitalizations, and 322 diagnosed cases of diseases have been prevented between 1993 and 2013.

•Vaccines remain a point of contention with pediatricians and their patients' caregivers

•Many parents maintain hesitancy to give vaccines; to a number of reasons. Perceived risk and fear of side effects from vaccines more than the disease itself, can cause out-of-proportion concern

•Misinformation spread …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Youth Depression Prevention Program In Improving Life Satisfaction, Roshani Patel, Steven M. Brunwasser, Alissa Hochman

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Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, known as the global burden of disease. Incident cases from 1990 to 2017 have increased by 49.86%. Additionally, rates have been seen to dramatically rise in adolescents aged 18-25 (17%) compared to rates in individuals aged 10-14 (1.1%). This makes it beneficial to have prevention programs for middle school aged children. The Penn Resiliency Program (PRP) is a youth depression prevention program focused on cultivating healthy thinking styles and behavioral coping skills. In our study, we used archival data from a randomized control trial of PRP to evaluate whether the program led …

The Effect Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Sanitation Practices And Anxiety In The General Population, Leah Cliatt, Joanna Petrides

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Background: Illness anxiety and fear of contracting coronavirus increased considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic. The media, being in lockdown, and cyberchondria had the largest impact on the population’s anxiety surrounding illness. While this kind of reaction to illness is expected during the pandemic, there is limited data on post-pandemic illness anxiety levels in the general population. Patients’ perception of disease impacts medicine at every level; medical professionals need to understand the concerns and fears of their patients in order to treat the post-pandemic patient. We hypothesized that sanitation practices and anxiety surrounding illness have not returned to baseline pre-COVID-19 …

What Stigmas Still Exist For Weight Loss Medications?, Abdullah Panah, Phillip Collins

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Background and Hypothesis:

Medications for weight loss are becoming far more common as more tolerable formulas have come to the market with some medications offering results almost on par with bariatric surgery. However, studies show a stigma still persists around the discussion and perception around using weight loss medications. The authors of this study hypothesized that one of the biggest hurdles patients face for weight loss medications are the stigmas associated with taking these medicines and approaching the topic.

Methods:

This was a survey-based project that consisted of an anonymous, voluntary questionnaire which was provided to patients during their regular …

A Review Of Risk Factors, Adverse Outcomes, And Counseling Strategies Among Pregnant Individuals With Eating Disorders, Alexandra Fontaine, Emily Meale

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Background: Eating disorders (EDs) among women of childbearing age have become more prevalent on the global level. Identifying at-risk populations of women having EDs before, during, or after pregnancy is essential for clinicians to improve treatment and decrease the likelihood of negative maternal and/or fetal outcomes. Purpose: The purpose is to determine risk factors for women who have EDs throughout pregnancy, to identify negative pregnancy outcomes of women suffering from EDs, and to explore treatment and counseling options through the postpartum period. Methods: This literature review mainly utilizes sources from PubMed and the National Institute of Health databases. An expansive …

Relationship Between Caregiver Burden And Socioeconomic Status, Nikitha Pappachen, Maithri Goud

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In this study, caregiver burden measures the psychosocial strain a caregiver experiences as a result of caring for a person with autism. In addition, this study focuses on the effect of socioeconomic status on caregiver burden. A previous study found an association between lower primary caregiver education level and more sleep problems for children with autism³. Thus, the finding focuses on the child with autism as opposed to the caregiver burden. Other studies focus on elements that affect caregiver burden such as sleep quality, mental health, and cultural aspects. If it is known that socioeconomic status significantly affects …

Unplanned Pregnancy As An Independent Risk Factor For Antepartum Si In A Post Roe Vs. Wade World, Rianna Mcnamee

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Abstract: The objective of this literature review is to determine whether unplanned pregnancy is an independent risk factor for developing antepartum SI. Background: The Supreme Court of the United States of America recently ruled that the constitution of the United States does not confer a right to abortion to its citizens. As of October 2023, twenty-one states had developed full or partial bans on abortion, resulting in millions of Americans residing in areas where terminating unplanned pregnancy is not a viable option. There is evidence that indicates antepartum suicidal ideation (SI) is higher than that of the general population, however …

Gut Microbiome And Nutrition Interplay In Regulating And Improving Autism Spectrum Disorder Related Social Symptoms, Irenonsen Juliet Eigbe, Christian Moya Gamboa, Jana Gjini, Jaydeep Mukherjee, Susrut Dube

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The composition of the gut microbiome has been shown to play a role in the onset of neurological disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD). A small variety of recent research articles identify a possible link between onset and severity of ASD related behaviors and the composition of the gut microbiome. The purpose of this review is to identify gaps in the current understanding of the role that nutrition plays in changing the gut microbiome and subsequently altering the onset and severity of behavioral phenotypes in children with ASD. Inclusion criteria comprises peer-reviewed publications relating to children with autism. Exclusion criteria consists …

Using Fmri To Assess Effectiveness Of Olanzapine Treatment For Schizophrenia, William Kyle Copenhaver, David F. Lo, Hanna Rothenberg, Eeshan Khurana, Valerie Rome, Uzayr Wasif, Don D. Shamilov

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Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness with neurobiological underpinnings and misconceptions about violence. Schizophrenia is associated with high levels of creativity and structural traits like fewer D2 receptors. Patients face reduced life expectancy due to cardiovascular diseases and cope through smoking and sedentariness. Treatment involves pharmacological antipsychotics like olanzapine and nonpharmacological approaches. Olanzapine works by antagonizing D2 receptors but has side effects like weight gain and diabetes risk. fMRI is used to study treatment mechanisms and predict response, but research on olanzapine's brain network effects is limited.

Does Accountability Affect Adherence To Moisturizer Treatment In Atopic Patients With Xerosis?, Stuti Prajapati, Christina Kontzias, Steven Feldman

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Introduction: Xerosis is common in atopic dermatitis (AD). Adherence depends on factors such as complexity of treatments, disease understanding and accountability. Accountability is a psychobehavioral construct, referring to the expectation that one must be responsible for their actions or inactions.

Objective: We sought to assess whether interventions expected to improve accountability would be associated with improved adherence to xerosis treatment.

Method: This is a prospective study of 30 patients diagnosed with xerosis . Patients were given moisturizer with an electronic monitor to record adherence and asked to apply it once daily for three months. Subjects were randomized into one of …

Biopsychosocial Impacts Of Social Distancing Due To Covid-19 In People Over 65: A Literature Review, Nicole Lacap

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Background: Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in January 2020, elderly populations aged 65+ have been deemed at-risk for severe symptoms and poor prognosis. Because it is important to protect this vulnerable population, policies such as social distancing and shelter-in-place orders have been implemented in the United States in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19. However, many older citizens may live alone or may not have access to technology, and therefore may be limited in their ability to maintain important relationships and social interactions throughout shelter-in-place orders and social distancing. Therefore, it is important to understand the cost …

Body Dysmorphic-Induced Androgenic Anabolic Steroids Usage And Its Association With Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review, Ahmed Gawash, Hasan Zia, David Lo

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This systematic review on body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use, and mental health outcomes aim to examine the relationship between them. While looking at prior research, it has been suggested that individuals with BDD may be more likely to abuse AAS due to their preoccupation with appearance but, unfortunately, AAS use may worsen mental health issues in this population and exacerbate the issue. This systematic review will also discuss treatments that will help mitigate the effects of AAS on individuals with BDD. The review will include only published literature from a variety of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, …

The Correlation Between Traumatic Brain Injury And Incarceration Among Adult Males In The United States, Shadi Shams

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The United States has one of the largest growing prison populations in the world. A large amount of social and economic resources go towards the cost and maintenance of correctional facilities each year. Additionally, the current correctional programs are insufficient in assisting inmates with getting back to society; especially those with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who often remain undiagnosed and are usually treated unfairly in the prison system instead of receiving the appropriate help. Prior scholarly work has shown that patients in the post-TBI stage are more likely to enter the judicial system. In the recent population-based cohort study, the …

A 5-Year Clinical Course Of Phenocopy Syndrome Of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia: Case Report And Literature Review, Joseph Melillo, Keyur Patel, Christian White

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Frontotemporal dementia is a neurocognitive disease which affects language, behavior, or executive functioning. This disease includes a spectrum of presentations which includes multiple variants. The phenocopy syndrome of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia is one which mimics the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia. Patients with this condition show a decline in personality, social conduct and cognitive ability but often display no signs of neurological imaging and exhibit slow progression. This case focuses on a now 70-year-old male who has shown signs of behavioral changes with a slowly progressive clinical course and minimal findings on PET scan, but moderate changes seen on …

Correlation Between Gut Biomarkers And Depression, Jianle Gao

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The correlation between the gut-microbiota- brain axis and mental state in the context of mental disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Schizophrenia, etc. has been well studied. Production of inflammatory and non-inflammatory metabolites by the gut- microbiota directly and indirectly affects the brain and mood. Therefore, colonization by maladaptive, pro-inflammatory bacteria may cause mood dysregulation and depressive features. Metabolites from these bacteria can be quantitatively analyzed for use as biomarkers of Major Depressive Disorder. Biomarkers studied include: serotonin, dopamine, butyrate, acetate, and propionate.

Healthcare Disparities In The Lgbtqia+ Community: A Scoping Review Of Community Vs Provider Experiences, Uttara Hardikar, Alisha Vincent, Venkateswar Venkataman, Millicent Channell

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Background: It is well-established that healthcare disparities exist in the LGBTQIA+ community. The divide is a growing concern exacerbated by recent changes in the healthcare and sociopolitical climate. To eliminate this divide and find ways to deliver better outcomes to the LGBTQIA+ is a dire need. This report analyzes the possible reasons from the community as well as the providers perspective, with a goal to find best practices that could be implemented in both components.

Methods: A scoping literature review was carried out as described below to collect perspectives from both sides: patients as well as providers.

Results: From patient …

The Effect Of Perceived Weight Status And Bmi On Food Attitudes And Food Relationships, Sahil Patel, Ryan Gericke, Jaime Dougherty, Adarsh Gupta

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The findings of this study have shed light on the intricate relationship that exists between perceived weight status from a “non-obese/obese” perspective and attitudes towards food and the overconsumption of particular food items. Participants who perceived their weight status as “obese” despite having a calculated BMI below the CDC threshold and classification for “obesity” had poorer relationships with food, consumption behaviors, and on average consumed food items that were detrimental to overall health. Comprehending a patient’s weight status perception and conducting a thorough history of their food intake could play a crucial role in addressing the patient’s overall health and …

Factors That Influence The Decision To Get Vaccinated Against Covid-19, Rhea Bhargava, Meghan H. Foos, Brandy M. Gotti, Alexandra L. Mulvenna, Taylor O. Smith, Danielle Cooley, Venkateswar Venkataman

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Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the launch of the vaccine, healthcare workers have been encouraging people to get vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus. However, there is a significant number of people who are vaccine hesitant, or uncertain about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and its booster. Vaccine hesitancy represents a state of opportunity to make positive change; therefore, it is crucial for healthcare workers to identify those who are in this population. When factors contributing to the vaccine hesitancy, including gender, age, ethnicity, education level, and income were studied, it was found that women, those …

A Clinician's Guide To 23andme: A Survey-Based Study On People’S Attitudes And Actions Towards Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing, Julia Kiffel, Rifke Anolik, Alexander Kowalski

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Background: While direct-to-consumer (DTC) at-home genetic testing like 23andMe provides users with potentially valuable information about their genetics and health risks, consumers might not have the background or knowledge to fully comprehend and interpret the results. This concept is a pressing issue because of the rise in popularity of these DTC genetic tests.

Purpose: The goal of this study is to elucidate the beliefs and attitudes of 23andMe users and determine the relationship between their test results and likelihood for taking medical action. The results from the study will give clinicians and primary care providers (PCPs) insight into how to …

Analysis Of Implementing Best Practices For Co-Prescribing Naloxone In Your Agency Online Cme Training Module Via Pre- And Post- Knowledge Assessment., Alicia Podwojniak, Arvind Venkataraman, Richard Jermyn

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The opioid epidemic poses substantial risk to society. Providers must ensure that their patients understand the uses and risks of both opioids and naloxone. One way to analyze this concept is via metacognition. This refers to a person’s knowledge about cognitive phenomena, and thus it regulates self-awareness abilities in decision making, such as planning and evaluating. It is not only important for providers to have knowledge on best practices, but also to have self-awareness, and confidence in their decision making to ensure optimal patient outcomes. True-false confidence weighted scoring can be utilized, whereby various levels of confidence are assessed from …

Patient Perception Of The Semantics Of Medical Students Am I A “Medical Student” Or A “Student Doctor”, Brianna Nghiem, Samantha Plasner

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Patients may perceive medical students differently depending on one of two titles that are traditionally used in clinical settings: “medical student” or “student doctor.” Previous studies have indicated that patient understanding of the medical hierarchy is poor and that a misunderstanding of the role of providers has been found to adversely affect patient satisfaction. To further understand this relationship, this study investigates differences in patient perceptions of the terms “medical student” and “student doctor" in university-affiliated and private family practices. Awareness of patient preferences can help guide the student’s clinical behaviors.

Brief Review: Patient Pill Splitting. What Is The Appropriate Advice To Provide Patients In The Emergency Department?, Mohammad Rattu, James Espinosa, Gabriel Meister, Alan Lucerna

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A number of patients have inquired about the practice of pill splitting. Cutting or splitting of pills can be used by patients to create an intermediate dose or to save on money where a higher dose is priced at relatively the same cost as a lower dose. In this review we discuss a number of issues related to medication safety and table splitting.

Advanced Scoliosis Impact On Copd: Worsened Outcomes Due To Lack Of Motivational Interviewing And Shared Decision Making - A Case Report, Deval Jhaveri, Sidharth Sahni, Kishan Patel, Artiom Efimenko, Aleesa Mobley

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The case presented describes an advanced COPD patient with a history of progressive scoliotic curvature who presented multiple times with complaints of worsening respiratory symptoms. Thus, it is important to emphasize how the lack of meaningful patient communication and patient participation in the plan of care can lead to increased symptoms of anxiety, declining quality of life, and unnecessary medical testing. In addition, the case explores how applying a holistic combination of strategies including motivational interviewing, shared-decision making and proper communication can improve the level of patient care.