Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Mda Public Relations Grant Program Opens Applications For 2026 Cycle, Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association is opening applications for its 2026 Public Relations Grant Program, offering individual grants of up to $5,000, with $30,000 in total funding, to support component dental societies. The program funds creative community-focused initiatives scheduled for 2027 that educate the public and promote oral health, excluding purely charitable clinical care. Eligible projects emphasize relationship-building and community engagement. Highlighted success stories from previous cycles include oral health kit distributions, youth-focused educational events, and the expansion of the 'Give Kids A Smile' exams and preventive care clinics across Michigan.

Understanding Oral Habits And Malocclusion In School-Aged Children: Insights From Parental And Child Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices, Maria Laurentia Sanjaya, Evan Raditya Pratomo, Markus Santoso, Agrippine Putricia Asaeli, Eveline Yulia Darmadi, Joy Janny Thenarianto, Jennifer Regina Putri Purwono, Eunike Jacquelyn Widarto

Kesmas

Malocclusion is a prevalent oral health problem in children associated with oral bad habits, yet the extent to which parental and child knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) influence orthodontic status remains insufficiently understood. This cross-sectional study investigated relationships between parental and child KAP, oral habits, and malocclusion in school-aged children, involving 67 child–parent pairs from an elementary school in Surabaya, Indonesia. Parental and child KAP as well as child-reported oral habits were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Children subsequently underwent standardized clinical orthodontic examinations, including alginate jaw impressions to produce dental study models, which were evaluated using the Index of …

Self-Management Interventions For Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Thai Primary Care And Community Settings: A Scoping Review, Sansanee Seetangkham, Supaluk Seetunya, Subhawan Yodprong

Kesmas

Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of mortality and economic burden, with significant impacts on health outcomes and quality of life. Effective self-management is crucial for controlling Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Thailand has implemented diverse self-management interventions for adults with T2DM in primary care and community settings, but the components, delivery, duration, and outcomes of these interventions have not been synthesized. Following the Arksey and O’Malley framework, Joanna Briggs Institute guidance, and PRISMA-ScR, five databases were searched from inception to June 2025. Eligible English-language intervention studies involved Thai adults with T2DM in primary care or community settings. Study characteristics …

E-Health Literacy And Cyberchondria Severity Among Adolescent High School Students: A Cross-Sectional Study, Seyda Çavmak, Adem Bilgin

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Amid rapid digitalization and the growing use of artificial intelligence-based search engines, adolescents increasingly seek health information online. This study examined the relationship between high school students' e-health literacy and their cyberchondria tendencies.

Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional study included 683 students from public high schools in Mersin, Türkiye. Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, the e-Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS), and the Cyberchondria Severity Scale Short Form (CSS-12). Descriptive statistics, comparative tests, and Pearson correlation were applied (p < 0.05).

Results: Students' e-health literacy and cyberchondria severity were moderate. Significant positive correlations emerged between e-health literacy …

Non-Metropolitan Vs. Metropolitan Variations In Alcohol, Illicit Drug, And Prescription Therapeutic Drug Misuse, Tyrone F. Borders

Rural & Underserved Health Research Center Publications

Key Findings

Alcohol Use. The prevalence of past year and past 30-day drinking was lower among non-metropolitan (non-metro) than metropolitan (metro) residents. However, non-metro drinkers engaged in more frequent binge drinking than metro drinkers. Drinking 3-5, 6-19, and 20-30 days over the past 30 days were higher among non-metro than metro residents.

Illicit Drug Use. Hallucinogens were the mostly commonly used illicit drugs among non-metro as well as metro residents. Methamphetamine use was significantly higher among non-metro than metro residents.

Prescription Pain Reliever Use. The misuse of prescription pain killers, primarily prescription opioids, was higher among non-metro than …

Bridging The Gap: Critical Resources For Grandparent Caregivers And Their Grandchildren, Kathy Dial, Cara Tonn, Omotomilola Jegede, Cindy Kekeh, Loriena Yancura, Michele Kekeh

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

US population estimates indicate that approximately 2.5 million children live apart from both parents. Family relatives, often called kinship caregivers, care for 70% to 90% of these children, with grandparents making up the largest category (Radel et al., 2016). This study aimed to identify the most helpful resources and sources for grandparent caregivers to support the overall well-being of their families. Phone or Zoom interviews were conducted among a purposive sample of 24 grandparent caregivers from February to March 2022 to examine their initial experiences as caregivers, the current support services and resources they received, and other resources and services …

Social Phobia, Coping Strategies, And Socio-Demographic Associations Among Late Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ezhilan B U, Jesymol Joy, Smitha Chandrashekarappa Dr.

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Adolescence is a transitional period from childhood to adulthood, often marked by psychological challenges such as social anxiety, also known as social phobia. It is characterized by excessive fear of social interactions and can lead to impaired functioning or depression. Globally, its prevalence ranges from 6-10% in developed countries and 10-44% in developing countries. Coping strategies play a crucial role in managing social phobia, varying by individual characteristics. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of social phobia, identify coping strategies, and evaluate their association with socio-demographic factors among late adolescents.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted …

Determinants Of Corporal Punishment And Severe Physical Punishment In Egypt: A Mixed-Methods Analysis For Child Protection Policy, Marwa Moustafa Nassef

Theses and Dissertations

Corporal punishment (CP) and severe physical punishment (SPP) remain a major public health, child rights, and child protection policy concern. In Egypt, despite legislative reforms, survey-weighted analysis of the 2021 Egypt Family Health Survey (EFHS) 2021 (CAPMAS, 2022) reveals prevalence rates of 60.5% for CP and 27.4% for SPP among children aged 1–14 (author’s calculations using EFHS-2021, n=7623), yet evidence distinguishing the determinants of routine corporal punishment from escalation to severe physical punishment remains limited in low- and middle-income contexts. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework, this mixed-methods study identifies key drivers of CP and its escalation to SPP among Egyptian …

The Physiological And Psychological Effects Of Social Media Addiction: A Mixed Methods Study, Ella M. Roper

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

Objectives: This study sought to examine the physiological and psychological effect of social media addiction displayed through sleep quality, cortisol levels, heart rate, and emotional affect in students at the University of Arkansas.

Methods: Seven adults (Age range = 18-21; 100% female) participated in a mixed-methods study investigating social media addiction across a two-week period. Sleep quality and duration were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants provided saliva samples which were used to quantify cortisol levels. For two weeks, participants were asked to spend at least ten minutes on social media daily and to report their …

Alcohol Awareness, Prevention, And Education In Greek Life, Vivian J. Mcmechen, Kara Ann Lasater, Page Dobbs

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Alcohol consumption is normalized in Greek Life culture, and this social standard can lead to risky health behaviors and overconsumption. At the University of Arkansas, approximately one-third of students are members of Greek Life; there is a need for prevention methods that understand students’ lived experiences. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine students’ experiences with alcohol prevention, awareness, and education as current members of Greek Life at the University of Arkansas. Through student interviews and surveys, this project aims to inform and provide recommendations for relatable and student-centered alcohol prevention and education efforts. Methodology: This study …

Handgrip Strength, Handgrip Endurance And Bmi: A Comprehensive Approach To Health Assessment Among The General Population Of Madikeri, Dr Asha S. Das, Dr Ravikiran Kisan, Dr Suhas Y. Shirur, Dr Narasimha Rai K, Dr Sanjay Bhagoji

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Introduction: Being physically fit is essential for lowering the risk of illness and enhancing longevity. While Body Mass Index (BMI) is frequently used to evaluate body composition, Hand Grip Strength (HGS) and Hand Grip Endurance (HGE) are important indicators of general well-being. Goal: To assess BMI, HGS, and HGE and ascertain how they correlate in a selected group of subjects. Methods: Fifty participants between the ages of 20 and 40 years participated in a comparative cross-sectional study at the Department of Physiology, Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences, Madikeri. Participants were divided into three BMI groups after anthropometric measurements were taken. …

Starting With Story, Not Symptom: Narrative Collapse And Cultural Repair In Appalachia, Wayne Coombs Ph.D.

Journal of Appalachian Health

Appalachia’s opioid crisis reflects uneven burdens, especially in distressed coalfield counties, and it cannot be solved by symptom tracking alone. This commentary argues for a narrative shift, starting with story and cultural repair alongside clinical care. Narrative collapse is defined here as the loss of shared, dependable public meaning across groups, not the absence of storytelling in families, churches, and recovery circles. Trauma science suggests that chronic threat reshapes nervous systems across generations, making safety a prerequisite for renewed trust. Drawing on narrative identity research, the piece proposes peer story work as infrastructure that can reduce shame, support treatment engagement, …

Health Data And Policy Related To Methamphetamine-Use Suicide In Mississippi, Mary C. Drane

Honors Theses

The purpose of this research is to investigate how methamphetamine use in Mississippi, especially in its rural areas, intersects with public health, policy, and suicide outcomes in the state. Mississippi's methamphetamine crisis has evolved significantly, shifting from locally produced drugs to cartel-supplied crystal methamphetamine, while state and federal policies have struggled to keep pace with the scale and complexity of the problem. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, this research analyzed CDC Wonder multiple causes of death data and SAMHSA Treatment Episode Data Set Admissions (TEDS-A) data from 2018 to 2024 alongside four qualitative key informant interviews with stakeholders across …

Non-Diabetic Kidney Disease In A Patient With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Diagnostic Challenge, Nikhil R, Mahabaleshwar Mamadapur , Assistant Professor, Harshwardhan S Patil

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease. However, non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD) can coexist or mimic DKD, leading to misdiagnosis. Case Presentation: A 46-year-old female with type 2 diabetes presented with vomiting and abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed non-blanching erythematous papules on both lower limbs. Investigations showed uncontrolled diabetes, metabolic acidosis, and active urinary sediment. Absence of diabetic retinopathy prompted renal biopsy, which revealed immune-complex–mediated glomerulonephritis with small-vessel vasculitis. Diagnosis: Immune-complex–mediated glomerulonephritis with small-vessel vasculitis, not consistent with diabetic nephropathy. Management: Supportive care and immunosuppressive therapy were initiated with improvement in renal function. …

Occupational Therapy For People With Internet Gaming Disorder: A Concept Paper, Samuel R. Bender, Steven Gerardi

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is associated with occupational imbalance and disrupted routines, contributing to challenges in occupational participation and performance. Due to there being a gap in occupational therapy-based research and guidance for people with IGD, this capstone project focused on the development of a concept paper informed by The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) that frames problematic video gaming as an occupational issue. The concept paper organizes assessment strategies, identifies problems, outlines intervention ideas, and discusses potential next steps for assisting people with IGD within occupational therapy. This capstone project is intended to help current occupational therapists more effectively …

Prevalence And Determinant Factors Of Depression Among Pregnant Women In Poned Health Center In Tangerang City Area, Dian Geumala Hayati, Sudijanto Kamso, Popy Yuniar, Yuli Puspita Devi

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

According to World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10% of pregnant women experience mental disorders, with depression being particularly prevalent. In developing countries, this rate is was even higher, reaching 19.8% after childbirth and 15.6% during pregnancy. Various studies conducted in Indonesia show that the prevalence of depression among pregnant women ranges widely, from 21.4% to 26.2%.This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with depression during pregnancy in pregnant women at the PONED Community Health Center in Tangerang City Area. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 105 pregnant women attending antenatal check-ups at the 17 PONED …

Pedaling Through Discomfort: A Feasibility Study Of Faculty-Led Spin Classes And Their Impact On Student Engagement, Resilience, And Faculty-Student Relationships, Gabriela Baza, Elizabeth Hathaway

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

This study explored the feasibility and impact of faculty-led Spin classes on college students’ engagement, well-being, and connection with faculty. Offered twice weekly at 7 AM during Fall 2024, the classes aimed to promote physical activity, resilience, and faculty-student relationships. Twenty-six students attended at least one class, with a median attendance of 4.5 sessions. Post-semester surveys (88% response rate) assessed perceived exertion, interest, enjoyment, challenge, improvement, and instructor encouragement. Students reported high levels of engagement and positive challenge (RPE = 15.3; challenge = 6.4/7). Those attending 7 or more sessions reported significantly greater perceived improvement than those attending fewer sessions …

Depression Due To Combined Dexamethasone And Cyproheptadine Abuse For Weight Gain, Sanjana Sateesh, Jatin Kumar, Dhananjay Ardawatia, Kishor M, Shashidhara Kc, Srikanth Ms

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Cyproheptadine, an H1 antihistamine, and Dexamethasone, a long-acting steroid, are often misused in combination for addressing self-perceived body image issues and have become a popular but dangerous ‘weight gain cocktail’, often available over the counter without any prescription. This case describes a 25-year-old man who had self-prescribed the above-mentioned drugs in combination to address his self-perceived lean physique. This resulted in a significant weight gain, followed by an abnormal increase in appetite, which affected his daily life. Upon cessation, it resulted in rebound weight changes, depressive features, along with features of corticosteroid withdrawal, which required multidisciplinary management.

This case highlights …

Varicella Zoster Encephalitis In An Immunocompetent Middle-Aged Female With Benign Neurological Presentation, Kopalle Bhanu Sriram, Swathi B.S, Bernice Roberts

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is a neurotropic human herpesvirus that typically presents as herpes zoster following reactivation of latent infection. Central nervous system involvement such as encephalitis is uncommon and is more frequently described in immunocompromised individuals. Increasing use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostics has enabled improved recognition of VZV-related neurological disease in immunocompetent hosts.

We describe a middle-aged immunocompetent female who presented with a 15-day history of persistent headache associated with vomiting and low-grade fever. Examination revealed vesicular eruptions in the T8–T9 dermatomes, while neurological examination and neuroimaging were normal. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis demonstrated lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated …

Morphea With Seronegative Inflammatory Arthritis And Normal Acute Phase Reactants: A Case Report, Balakrishnan Navaneethakrishnan, Mahabaleshwar Mamadapur

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Localised scleroderma, also known as morphea, is an immune-mediated fibrosing disorder that primarily affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues. While traditionally considered purely a cutaneous disease, extracutaneous manifestations (especially inflammatory arthritis) are increasingly being appreciated. The combined presence of morphea and inflammatory arthritis is rare and can be difficult to diagnose, particularly when inflammatory markers and serological testing are non-contributory.

Case Summary : We describe a 41-year-old woman with long-standing biopsy-proven morphea who over 2 years developed chronic, asymmetric inflammatory arthritis of the left wrist and hand small joints. On examination, she had active synovitis with restricted movements of her …

Pseudo-Hallucinations: A Diagnostic Conundrum, Dr Sankram Nayak, Manju Aswath, Vathsalya S. Gowda

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background:

Pseudohallucinations are vivid, hallucination-like experiences that are internal, recognized as unreal. Distinguishing from true hallucinations remains a diagnostic challenge.

Case-report

33-year-old female with family history of psychosis presented with 10-year duration of delusion of infidelity and auditory experiences, with normal Biopsychosocial functioning. She had multiple psychiatric consultations, diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenia, treated with  various antipsychotics, ECT, current prescription of clozapine(350mg) with clozapine induced seizure.  Reported that her husband was emotionally unavailable. She described the voices in her head which were non-threatening, praising her for having qualities of an ideal-wife.  They were constant companions giving her solace and hence refrained …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Progress, Successes, And Challenges Among Indiana Recipients As Part Of A National Initiative To Reduce Covid-19–Related Health Disparities, Marla Winters, Lily Darbishire

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided funding to states as part of the CDC Disparities Grant initiative. The aim of the funding was to reduce chronic disease and COVID-19–related health disparities among vulnerable communities through four unique strategies. Funding was awarded to the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) to begin an Indiana chapter of this initiative, called Indiana Healthy Opportunities for People Everywhere (I-HOPE). From 2021 to 2023, the IDOH provided I-HOPE funding to local communities (subgrantees) to support the design and implementation of programs to improve community health. For example, …

Facebook Interaction As A Potential Marker Of Cognitive Decline: Pilot Study, Esraa M. Qansuwa

Theses and Dissertations

One of the critical challenges in brain disorder research is the early identification of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who may later develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or other dementias. MCI in older adults is frequently associated with diminished social engagement and observable behavioral changes. With the rapid expansion of social media platforms and advances in Machine Learning (ML), digital traces from online activity present a novel and scalable avenue for mental health screening. In particular, predictive ML approaches have demonstrated strong potential in building reliable classifiers for early detection of neurocognitive decline. This study introduces an innovative framework that …

Fact Sheet: Kratom, Cadence Johnnie, Ashley Yaugher, Aaron Hunt, Cara Murray, Timothy Keady

All Current Publications

There are many common myths and misunderstandings associated with kratom. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. In recent years, kratom use has grown in the United States. It is sold in various forms, including capsules, powders, and most commonly as liquid extracts or “shots." These kratom products are promoted as health supplements, advertised for benefits such as boosting energy, enhancing mood, or producing opioid-like effects. However, most users may not fully understand what they are consuming or the potential risks it carries. Commercial kratom products vary widely in their chemical composition. Synthetic (human-made) or …

Reverse Koebner Phenomenon In Linear Scalp Morphea Following Punch Biopsy: A Rare Therapeutic Response, Suhas C. Gowda, Akshay Samagani, Shreyas C. Gowda

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Morphea is a chronic immune-mediated fibrosing disorder characterized by excessive collagen deposition in the skin. Linear morphea of the scalp (en coup de sabre) commonly demonstrates the Koebner phenomenon, wherein lesions develop at sites of trauma; however, the reverse Koebner phenomenon—trauma-induced regression—is exceptionally rare. We report an unusual case of linear scalp morphea showing early regression following a diagnostic punch biopsy. A 71-year-old male presented with an asymptomatic, indurated linear plaque on the scalp of two months’ duration. Histopathology from a 3.5-mm punch biopsy confirmed morphea, demonstrating dense collagen bundles with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. At follow-up eight days after …

Feeding Missoula: Food Insecurity In Rural Children And Youth, Chani Brammer, Braelee Cheeks, Jordin Holland, Rayne Mccollough, Laurel Palmer, Therese Solomon

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

In Montana, approximately one in seven children live in a food-insecure household, with rural Montanans in particular facing significant barriers. Existing needs-based food assistance programs, such as SNAP and WIC, have structural weaknesses: SNAP benefits are often not sufficient to last through the month, and those eligible for these programs face a confusing application process, shame and stigma, and logistical hurdles, such as limited transportation.

“Feeding Missoula” began with an evaluation of how current food assistance programs met or failed to meet the needs of rural youth. Our methodology integrated a comprehensive review of existing literature and structured interviews with …

Hallucinogen Use Among Parents Of Children In The United States: Associations With Mental Health And Substance Use, Maggie K. Richardson

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

Hallucinogen use has reemerged in the United States amid expanding clinical research and shifting social and policy contexts. However, population-based evidence remains limited regarding hallucinogen use among adults living with children and its relationship with mental health impairment severity in caregiving environments. Therefore, this study’s objective was to examine associations between past-year hallucinogen use and past-year mental health impairment among U.S. adults, and to test whether associations differ by parental status and number of children in the household. A secondary aim examined correlates of co-occurring substance use among those reporting hallucinogen use.

Data were drawn from the 2023 National Survey …

Social Determinants Of Health Affecting Cardiovascular Health Among South Asian Americans, Ann Mary Thomas

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: South Asian Americans experience disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease, yet the social determinants contributing to these disparities remain understudied.

Objective: This systematic review examines the role of social determinants of health (SDOH) in shaping cardiovascular outcomes among South Asian Americans.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science using predefined search terms related to South Asian populations, cardiovascular health, and SDOH. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 reporting guidelines, and study screening and management were performed using Covidence. A total …

Transition To Home Guideline For Patients With Diabetes, Kathleen R. Burgner

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Background: Diabetes is a leading contributor to preventable hospital readmissions. These hospital readmissions often result from fragmented discharge planning, poor care coordination, and limited post-discharge support. At a 915-bed academic medical center in Southern California, the diabetes-related readmission rate was 13.3%, compared with 11.4% among patients without diabetes. This project aimed to develop an evidence-based Transition-to-Home (TTH) guideline for hospitalized patients with diabetes and evaluate the strength of its recommendations through multidisciplinary stakeholder review.

Methods: An evidence-based guideline development project was conducted over 8 weeks. A comprehensive literature search in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and ScienceDirect identified current evidence on transitional …

Exploring The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Preventive Healthcare Utilization In Rural Georgia, Ryan R. Traylor

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and preventive healthcare use among adults in Georgia, specifically within rural populations facing structural barriers. Using 2023 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, the research analyzes associations between ACE exposure, rural residence, and preventive care outcomes, including physical exams and flu vaccinations. Guided by an intersectionally adapted version of Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, the study evaluates how predisposing factors, enabling resources, and perceived barriers relate to healthcare engagement. Logistic regression analyses assess the correlation of ACE exposure, cost barriers, provider access, and sociodemographics with preventive …