Preventive Medicine Commons^™

Assessing The Efficacy Of Prolonged Doxycycline Pep Use In High-Risk Populations For Sti Prevention, Lam Doan, Pearl Joslyn, Lizann Sung, Timothy Breiner, Sarah Marotta, Shikhar Rastogi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

First recommended in October 2022, doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) has been increasingly used as a treatment for multiple sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To evaluate the efficacy of prolonged DoxyPEP use in high risk populations - men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women - for STIs, different sources addressing various aspects of DoxyPEP, its efficacy in STI prevention, and the potential consequences of its widespread use in terms of antimicrobial resistance were examined. Across 9 studies, DoxyPEP was found to decrease the incidence of bacterial STIs, specifically, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea with varying efficacy, especially for gonorrhea. Furthermore, …

Heart To Heart: Exploring Why Cardiovascular Risk Is Higher In South Asians, Jasjeet Kaur Dhaliwal

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of mortality, but South Asians experience a disproportionately high burden of disease, often developing CVD at younger ages and with lower body mass indices compared to other populations. This project explores the underlying genetic and lifestyle factors contributing to elevated cardiovascular risk in South Asians, aiming to highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies and policy reforms.

A literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed studies, meta-analyses, and reviews published between 2007 and 2024. After screening 47 initial articles, 18 were selected for analysis based on their relevance to genetic and lifestyle risk …

Analysis Of Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, And Cholesterol Screening Results Collected During Street Outreach Events In Atlantic County, New Jersey, As Part Of A Mobile Community Health Worker Program To Identify Residents At High Risk For Severe Covid-19, Kenneth W. Stagliano, Richard T. Jermyn, Alexander E. Abbott, Donato F. Tassoni, Amy Palen, Frank Carozza, Nicole M. Miller

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: This study seeks to evaluate the status of random blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose screening results in Atlantic County, NJ. This study also aims to identify the rates of hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension within the target population, and potential differences between surveyed age demographics.

Methods: Medical students participating in the COVID-19 CHW Service Corps collected blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose screenings at multiple screening events in Atlantic County, NJ during a two-year period. This data was analyzed retrospectively using ANOVA, non-parametric Kruskal Walis Test, and Tukey's pairwise comparisons.

Results: Senior adults had significantly higher SBP than …

Barriers To Care For Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome In Southern New Jersey, Gabriela Taslitsky, Hijab Zaidi, Nafisa Zalil

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a spectrum of clinical manifestations seen in newborns due to withdrawal secondary to intrauterine illicit and/or prescription drug exposure. Newborns with NAS present with common signs of withdrawal such as poor feeding, irritability, seizures, hypertonicity, low birth weight, loose stool, and premature birth. Maternal opioid use is the most common cause of NAS and with the increase in opioid use in the past decade the cases of NAS have also increased. This study examines the prevalence and challenges associated with NAS in Southern New Jersey. Our analysis reveals that Atlantic and Gloucester counties reported the …

A Systematic Review Of Recent Developments In Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy In Hip Osteoarthritis: Variability In Protocols And Clinical Outcomes (2019–2024), Emily Awdish, Marlena Muszynska, Konrad Lautenschlager, Ali Hamade

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Investigating Patient Barriers In Receiving Mammography Screenings Following The Covid-19 Pandemic, Nicole Clarke, Tara Pellegrino

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Current literature shows reduced breast cancer mortality is associated with compliance of mammographic screenings (Duffy, 2020), specifically increasing the survival rate an estimated 1-2% every year for the past thirty years (Giordano, 2004). However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, rates of basic cancer screenings, including breast cancer, all declined (Chen, 2021). Unfortunately, even in a “post-pandemic” world, years after the height of the pandemic, the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Family Medicine Office has noticed many female patients still have not kept up with their routine basic healthcare screenings. While there are many barriers in access to healthcare, this survey-based study …

Effects Of Exercise On The Cardiovascular Health Of Adolescents And Young Adults With Down Syndrome, Samarth Gupta

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: It is known that the incidence of Down Syndrome has increased over time and that this condition is associated with congenital heart defects, lower cardiorespiratory capacity, and increased rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. It has been shown that individuals who have congenital heart defects but not Down Syndrome have increased cardiorespiratory function after engaging in exercise. Unfortunately, the role of exercise in improving cardiovascular health outcomes among individuals with DS is not yet fully understood.

Results: Exercise has been found to improve several health outcomes among individuals with Down Syndrome. For example, moderate to vigorous treadmill exercises …

Impact Of Diabetic Education On Reducing Hospital Readmission Rates: A Literature Review Of Adults With Diabetes, Frank Camarda

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

According to 2018 data from the Diabetes Institute Foundation, adults in the U.S. diagnosed with diabetes accounted for 17 million emergency department visits. The readmission rate for patients with diabetes far exceeds the general readmission rates for hospitalized patients. While there is recognition of the need for diabetic education to reduce hospital readmissions, optimizing long-term self-management of diabetics remains a focus of ongoing research.

Addressing Gaps In Care Through A Medical Student-Led Cancer Screening Project, Matthew Green, Hannah Ngo, Dakota B. Pastore, Jenna Zappetti, Olivia Siciliano, Meghan Mcquade, John Sauer, Anne Jones

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), breast cancer (BrCa), and cervical cancer are three of the most preventable cancers. Despite the known significance for early detection and treatment, barriers to screening remain. We developed a medical student-led project to improve adherence to national cancer screening guidelines in patients across Rowan-Virtua Family Medicine (FM) practices. This study assesses the initiative’s efficacy in improving adherence to CRC, BrCa, and cervical cancer screenings.

Methods: Rowan-Virtua FM patients between the ages of 21-75 (n=735) were identified as due or up-to-date on cancer screenings based on chart review. Student volunteers were trained to contact patients to discuss …

The Impact Of Stress During Adolescence And The Prevalence Of Pediatric Obesity, Olatunbosun Olakunri, Venkat Venkataraman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Obesity is a chronic condition that can be attributed to myriad factors including socioeconomic status, biological risk factors, and various environmental factors. These factors can be considered stress factors, and exposure to various levels of stress can impact the development of stress within the pediatric patients. The purpose of this study is to assess the association between the environmental, mental, social, physical, and psychological stress adolescents are exposed to and how they contribute to the prevalence of pediatric obesity throughout the United States. Understanding these risk factors can help us as a community and most importantly as clinicians develop better …

Unveiling The Impact: Structural Racism And Childhood Lead Exposure's Health Consequences In Philadelphia, Mahhum Naqvi, Mahrukh Naqvi, Justin Stout, Colton Spencer

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Childhood lead exposure poses a significant risk to health and well-being, adversely affecting brain function, nervous system development, and behavioral patterns. This study examines the health disparities and inequities associated with childhood lead exposure in Philadelphia, focusing on structural racism and residential segregation as crucial lenses for analysis. By delving into the sociocultural context of lead exposure, this study underscores the imperative of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to safeguard Philadelphia's most vulnerable populations. Healthcare professionals and policymakers play pivotal roles in enhancing funding and prevention strategies. Addressing this issue through the prism of structural racism allows for the identification and …

Nutrition And Exercise Resources For Uninsured Patient Populations, Sabrina Marie Paparo, Samantha Plasner, Runi Patel, Wendy Briaguez

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Proper nutrition and exercise is integral for the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as type two diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. However, health care disparities in the United States, such as lack of access to primary health care, has been an ever growing problem. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a correlation between being uninsured and having worse health outcomes, and to determine if there is a need for accessible nutrition and/or exercise resources for this population. To conduct this research, a survey was distributed at the Cherry Hill Free Clinic …

Diabetes Health Education For South Jersey Communities, Heaven Chu, Sarah Tamous, Ashhabal Kavvi, Amin Khan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that hinders the body’s metabolic process using insulin to maintain glycemic homeostasis. It is prevalent worldwide, with about 10% of the global adult population affected. Socio-economic and cultural factors and determinants make diabetes and diabetes management more of a health risk for certain populations rather than others. The prevalence of diabetes in the United States is higher than the global average and the risk factors disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities.

This study was designed to investigate health disparities in diabetes among a diverse population sample. The study included researching the disparities of diabetes patients in …

Determinants Of Vaccine Hesitancy Among Parents And Caregivers, Priya Srivastava

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

•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 …

Does Strength Training Decrease The Risk Of Sports Related Knee Injury?, Zachary J. Noll, Quin W. Buob

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The knee is the most common joint affected by sports-related injuries, with approximately 2.5 million cases treated annually in the US alone, alongside 2 million worldwide ACL repairs. Among athletes engaged in contact sports like football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball, ACL tears are the primary injury concern. In non-contact sports, particularly running, meniscus tears are commonly experienced. A notable 23% of college athletes encounter knee injuries to varying degrees. Many risk factors have been identified including patient sex, activity type, and body composition, justifying the need for individualized preventive measures.

Various strength training protocols have demonstrated efficacy in reducing the …

Spot The Signs - Comunicación Es Lo Más Importante, Daniel Rios, Victoria Wong Murray, Alexus Weatherspoon, Amy Palen, Kenneth W. Stagliano, Stephen M. Scheinthal

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Opiate overdose is an unfortunately common risk factor for suicide; suicide attempts accounted for an estimated 30% of fatal opioid overdoses during the pandemic. As a result, the Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine Department of Psychiatry developed an Integrated Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention program targeted at members of the community and frontline workers to increase awareness and provide brief interventions, which demonstrated an improvement of 89% in our English-speaking attendees.

Spanish is the most common non-English language in New Jersey, with an estimated 1.3 million speakers. Hispanic patients also frequently experience culturally bound stigmas, so it is vital …

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Health Disparities Among Adults With Disabilities, Kirsten Carlberg, Madison Plone, Chrismely Castro, Nayarith Lopez

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 27% of adults in the United States (US) live with a disability. These disabilities are often accompanied by poorer health outcomes with adults with disabilities reporting higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This review aims to characterize rates of disability among young adults in Camden County, New Jersey.

Methods: Data was collected from the CDC and United States Census and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 365.

Results: In 2022, 9.7% of residents of Camden County aged 18-34 were reported as disabled while the rate was 8.3% of US residents nationwide. …

Waiting For A Cure: Factors Influencing Melanoma Treatment Delays, Lisa Huang, David Rubin, Lothar Vidal, Jordan Riser, Christopher Jones, Samantha Hiester

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Melanoma, with a five-year survival rate of 94% in early-stage diagnosis, drops significantly when diagnosed at later stages, making identifying barriers to timely treatment crucial. This literature review examines factors influencing melanoma treatment wait times and their impact on patient outcomes. Elderly, male, and Medicare patients, along with those with higher Breslow thickness and severe melanoma stages, experienced longer wait times. Patients receiving intervention within 30 days had better survival rates. Lack of knowledge and misconceptions about melanoma contribute to delayed care, particularly in communities with lower incidence rates. Black patients faced longer waits from diagnosis to surgery, indicating disparities. …

Community Healthcare Workers (Chw) High-Risk Stabilization Study: Does The Ability Of Chws At Mobile Covid Clinics To Link Patients With Uncontrolled Diabetes To A Physician Improve Short Term Outcomes?, Mo Hadaya, Venkateswar Venkataraman, Jaimy D. Jabon, Kenneth W. Stagliano, Richard T. Jermyn

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Uncontrolled diabetes may cause preventable but significant effects. One major preventative measure is early screening; there are hopes that community healthcare workers can increase awareness and screening availability, especially in underserved populations. We hosted and recorded logs of patients at mobile COVID health clinics, educating those with uncontrolled diabetes and connecting them to healthcare. We then looked to see if any patients had improvements in blood glucose to non-diabetic levels. 378 patients were logged, but only 138 were in events that had a significant amount of repeat visits. Twenty-five of them had blood sugar indicative of uncontrolled diabetes. Out of …

A Novel Approach To Hiv Testing: Group Harm Reduction And Testing For High Risk Women In Nj, Gabrianna A. Andrews

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Outreach programs have been implemented aimed at providing healthcare to minority populations and those considered high-risk for acquiring HIV. Variables such as these cause hesitance in community members, preventing HIV screenings and adherence to follow-ups. This study provides and evaluates a new approach: group HIV testing. Data was collected from 6/2/2023 to 4/19/2024 by surveying participants at the end of the interaction. 87.5% of participants rated their care at the mobile clinic as ‘Excellent’, 8% as ‘Very Good’, and 4.5% as ‘Good’. 95.6% of participants ranked Group Harm Reduction Counseling as ‘Definitely’ helpful. 84.4% of participants did not find that …

Sunscreen Cost And Its Effect On Skin Cancer In Low-Income Communities: A Systemic Review, John Sauer

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This research examines the pivotal connection between sunscreen affordability and its impact on skin cancer prevalence, especially in low-income communities. Despite universal dermatological recommendations for daily sunscreen use, stringent criteria contribute to elevated prices, averaging around $10 for a 6 oz unit. This financial strain is compounded for families adhering to recommended application rates, leading to significant economic burdens. Outdoor laborers, less likely to follow guidelines, face heightened risks. Government programs' excluding sunscreen costs further exacerbate challenges for low-income communities, contributing to increased skin cancer incidence. This review aims to establish a correlation between sunscreen cost and skin cancer rates, …

Barriers To Healthcare Access Between English And Spanish Speakers In An Underserved Population, Adeena Javed, Dale Johnson, Gerardo J. Rivera-Colón, Nathaniel J. Byrnes, Kristin Bertsch, Anne C. Jones

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

• According to the NJ State Department of Health, Atlantic County has higher rates of smoking, respiratory disease, hypercholesterolemia, as well as death rates due to coronary heart disease, HIV, and all cancers compared to the NJ state average1,2.

• With over 20% of Atlantic County's population identifying as Hispanic, Spanish speakers encounter greater obstacles compared to their English-speaking counterparts in accessing healthcare services and improving health outcomes1,2 .

• Existing research indicates that various factors, including health insurance coverage, proximity to healthcare facilities, transportation options, health literacy levels, and trust in the medical profession, significantly influence access to healthcare …

Effect Of Food Selectivity On Dyslipidemia In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Ankith Rao

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This survey-based study sought to determine whether there is a correlation between food selectivity and blood lipid levels in autistic patients.

Strategies For Combating Vaccine Hesitancy In Primary Care, Elizabeth Perkins Hayes

Student Scholar Showcase

This article will summarize methods for providers to effectively combat vaccine hesitancy in their patient populations. Vaccine hesitancy is a growing concern in the medical field, as new cases of vaccine preventable diseases arise. However, vaccine hesitancy is more common than vaccine resistance and can be converted into vaccine acceptance with effective communication strategies.

There is no easy solution to the complex problem of vaccine hesitancy. Most studies demonstrate that effective conversion to vaccine acceptance requires tailoring vaccine information to the patient and listening to their concerns. Other methods include exposing patients to survivors of vaccine preventable diseases, or using …

Development Of Solitary Keratoacanthoma From A Cutaneous Wart, Joshua M. Ninan, Veronica Salazar

Research Symposium

Background: Common cutaneous warts, referred to in medicine as verrucae vulgaris, are proliferative lesions caused by human papillomavirus. These lesions are mostly benign and usually resolve without incident, except in the case of the patient mentioned in this report. Our patient developed a solitary keratoacanthoma, currently accepted as a clinical variant of squamous cell carcinoma, as a result of several risk factors and traumatic exposure. The current literature does not have an established association of HPV with solitary keratoacanthomas. This case report explores the presentation and pathogenesis of solitary keratoacanthomas within the setting of HPV.

Case Presentation: 48-year-old Caucasian female …

Covid-19 As A Second Hit For Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome, Himabindu Kolli, Pooja Maknoor, Celin Rajan, Nevin Varghese

Research Colloquium

Background: Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by venous and arterial thrombosis, usually in setting of underlying autoimmune disorders. Here, we present a case of anti-phospholipid syndrome post covid infection.

Case Presentation: 41-year-old lady presented to the ER with complaints of left sided facial droop for 3-day duration. On further evaluation, she was found to have subacute ischemic stroke and was managed with anticoagulation and supportive treatment. Past medical history is significant for a recent diagnosis of Covid infection and for subsequent development of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). She was started on anticoagulation with rivaroxaban for …

Comparing Stroke Symptom Recognition And Intervention Times In The Rio Grande Valley, Joshua M. Ninan, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

This is a retrospective study that aims to evaluate the duration from onset of stroke-like symptoms to presentation to medical facilities for aid in the Rio Grande Valley. The main goal of the study is to understand the extent of pre-hospital delays with regards to the treatment of stroke in the RGV.

Increasing Incentive Spirometry Use In Patients With Sickle Cell Disease: Longer Follow-Up Of Pdsa Cycle 1, Alexandra Prosser, Thomas Cochran

Research Days

Problem Statement/Question: Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with sickle cell disease. Patients are at higher risk for this complication during hospital admission due to limited mobility leading to decreased lung inflation. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends providing ten breaths of incentive spirometry (IS) every two hours while awake for patients admitted to the hospital with sickle cell disease to help prevent development of acute chest syndrome. Without this intervention, patients are more likely to develop ACS requiring increased level of care, prolonged hospital stays, and …

The Correlation Between Serum C-Reactive Protein Level And Risk Of Future Cardiovascular Disease: A Neurodivergent Population Dilemma, Brandon Cunha, Andrea Iannuzzelli, Venkateswar Venkataraman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Extensive research on neurotypical (NT) populations has demonstrated that a chronically elevated level of serum C Reactive Protein (CRP) is a strong predictor of future cardiovascular disease (CVD). Interestingly, many neurodivergent (ND) populations experience chronically elevated CRP levels higher than NT controls. Current research is concerned with establishing the significance of this relationship to accurately predict CVD risk for potentially at risk ND patients. To contribute to this gap in knowledge, the Rowan-Virtua Regional Integrated Special Needs (RISN) Center patient population will be studied to identify trends in baseline serum CRP levels across a multitude of ND conditions. A clinical …

What More Can Be Done? Childhood Obesity In Glassboro, Nj, N. Mirmanesh, Seth Spicer, Stephen Acheampong, Mary K. Duggan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern in the United States, with an estimated 20% of American children being obese. In New Jersey (NJ), 9% of high school students are obese, and there are disparities in obesity rates based on gender, sexual identity, and race/ethnicity. In Gloucester County, NJ, limited data is available on childhood obesity rates, but 36.4% of adults are obese, and lower SES is related to higher rates of obesity in youth. To address this issue, this research poster proposes a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Glassboro to provide nutritional resources and create …