Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Effectiveness Of Mental Health First Aid As A Supportive Tactic On Resilience And Organisational Environment-Related Factors Among Hospital Nurses In The Wake Of Covid-19: The Search Continue, Nashwa Ibrahim

Nursing

Background: The implementation of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) has been shown to effectively prevent long-term psychological effects of trauma. Additionally, it aids nurses in stabilising their emotional state and facilitates their practical recovery. Aim: To investigate the effect of MHFA on resilience capacity, organisational commitment, job insecurity and turnover among nurses working in the COVID-19 isolation units. Methods: Sixty nurses in COVID-19 isolation units participated in a quasi-experimental two-group, pre– post-test research. Nurses with low resilience capacity due to the COVID-19 crisis in Egypt completed a baseline survey. The study group employed MHFA strategies using the RAPID model. At …

Opioid Usage And Non-Opioid Alternatives In Septorhinoplasty: A Narrative Review, Robert M. Frederick, Eric Dobratz

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) Faculty Publications

Background and Objective: Opioids are routinely prescribed following septorhinoplasty and oftentimes surgeons prescribe a larger number of tablets than patients require. Considering the high risk of developing opioid dependence and risk of diversion, it is imperative that surgeons practice safer, evidence-based prescribing habits. This review is intended to detail the current state of opioid usage after septorhinoplasty, focusing on articles that show pertinent and practice-altering findings. This will allow surgeons to reflect on their prescribing patterns and make evidence-based decisions to improve them.

Methods: A literature search was performed in November 20, 2024 via PubMed using keywords such as ‘opioid …

Supporting The Social Emotional Needs Of Preschoolers, Giorgi Morrone

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Social-emotional competence is a prerequisite to school performance and participation in daily tasks. Children in West Virginia face social and emotional barriers including the effects of the opioid epidemic leading to children placed in foster care, born with neonatal abstinence syndrome, and being exposed to toxic stress in the home environment. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted children's social-emotional functioning due to isolation periods. Social-emotional programming can improve children's well-being, school performance, relationships, and outcomes later in life. Occupational therapy practitioners can use data-driven decision-making and relationship-centered practice to develop group-based, health-promotion social-emotional programming in the preschool setting. The purpose …

Tobacco And Trouble: Exploring The Health Consequences Of Electronic Cigarette Use In Adolescents, Noor Ibrahim Abdulhay

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death in the United States (U.S.). Although conventional cigarette use among youth has declined, the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has become highly prevalent and poses emerging public health concerns. Adolescence represents a critical developmental period for both oral and mental health, making it essential to understand the consequences of tobacco and nicotine exposure during this stage. The goal of this dissertation is to examine the health impacts of tobacco use in adolescents across multiple domains. Specifically, this research (1) synthesizes existing evidence on the relationship between …

An Investigation Into The Prevalence And Perceptions Of Mental Health Disorders In Appalachian West Virginia, Tyann Dotson, Jerry P. Derringer, Lauren Hudson Rose, Nathan L. Vanderford, Amanda Hinkle, Lindsay E. Cormier

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Introduction Appalachian West Virginia’s population is disproportionately afflicted by mental illness, with Logan County having the highest depression rates in the United States. To further understand the mental health situation in Appalachian West Virginia, this research study aims to evaluate the prevalence and perceptions of mental health disorders among patients of Coalfield Health Center. Methods An online survey was administered to patients at Coalfield Health Center containing 25 questions categorized into three parts: demographic, beliefs/perceptions about behavioral health, and behavioral healthcare access. Findings The data demonstrated that 37% of participants had received a mental illness diagnosis and 82% knew someone …

Study Of Maternal And Fetal Outcomes In Pregnancy Complicated By Thyroid Disorders, Sindhu Kumari, Poornima M

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background:

Thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism, are common during pregnancy and can significantly impact both maternal and fetal outcomes. Despite advancements in screening and treatment, thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy often remains underdiagnosed, especially in low-resource settings. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, outcomes and effective management strategies of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of thyroid dysfunction, including both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, during pregnancy, and their associated maternal and fetal complications.

Methods: This prospective observational study included 281 pregnant women with thyroid disorders attending antenatal care at JSS Hospital, Mysuru, from August 2022 …

Uplifting Youth: An Adolescent Mental Health Promotion Intervention, Adriana Cornejo

DNP Research Projects

Abstract 

The Lift Project™ is an initiative that combines positive psychology and lifestyle medicine to promote mental health. This DNP project investigated the effectiveness of The Lift Project™ in enhancing mental health outcomes in adolescents for the first time. A quasi-experimental design was employed, with participants aged 12 to 17 who attended The Lift Project™ workshop over 10 weeks (n = 22; age M = 15.3 years, SD = 0.99; 68.2% female, 100% Hispanic). Quantitative mental health assessments measuring anxiety, depression, stress, vitality, emotional well-being, flourishing, and life satisfaction were administered pre- and post-intervention. Results revealed a 30% reduction …

The Impact Of Nutrition On Depressive And Anxiety Symptoms In Adults, Joseph P. Galabit

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Isapa 2025: Program Guide, Catherine Carty, Gerard Masdeu Yelamos

Publications

ISAPA 2025 is a landmark international event that brings together global leaders, researchers, practitioners, and advocates in Adapted Physical Activity to ignite systemic change under the unifying theme “Shifting the Dial: From Awareness to Transformation.” Hosted in Kerry, Ireland, under the patronage of UNESCO, the symposium integrates five major events into one dynamic platform.

The program reflects IFAPA’s mission to advance inclusion, research, professional excellence, and international cooperation, while also contributing meaningfully to the implementation of global frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris 2024 Call …

J Mich Dent Assoc January 2025

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It is the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists. The January issue sets the tone for February, the observance of Children’s Dental Health Month.

Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry President Jessica Bentoski welcomes readers to this special issue, which features a cover feature on “Approaches to Care for Children with Special Needs in Dental Settings: Desensitization and Teledentistry” and a supporting article on “General Dentists’ Education, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior Concerning the Effects …

Digital Zines As Mental And Sexual Health Communication Tools For Latina Teens: Format And Content Acceptability And Initial Findings, Jenn M. Lilly, D'Andrah Almanzar, Susan R. Pace, Dante D. Bryant

Social Service Faculty Publications

Recognizing the potential of digital zines (defined as selfpublished,

online publications combining artwork and

text) as culturally tailored health communication tools,

this article examines the acceptability and impacts of two

digital zines about mental and sexual health created by

Latina young people for Latina teens as a health communication

strategy. We conducted an anonymous online

survey completed by Latina teens who read the zines (32

for sexual health and 33 for mental health). Data analysis

aimed to explore, summarize, and interpret the collected

data using an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced

approach. Survey participants found the zine format and

content acceptable and …

The Effect Of A Hospital Community Garden On Healthcare Workers’ Professional Quality Of Life, Madelyn Renee Cline

DNP Projects

Background: Healthcare professionals experience a variety of stressors which negatively impact their professional quality of life (ProQOL) potentially leading to increased turnover and nurse shortages in hospitals. There are growing studies addressing ways to improve healthcare ProQOL, yet few have examined the impact of alterations to the workplace on these outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effect of a dedicated outdoor green space for nurses during shift breaks on their ProQOL.

Methods: This project used a one-group pretest-posttest design. Data analysis was completed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS software. The Professional Quality of …

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

DNP Projects

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

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate …

Screening For The Unseen: Depression Detection Through Phq-9 And Provider Education In Pain Management, Veronica Shaw

DNP Projects

Background: Depression leads to significant economic and health burdens, causing 200 million lost workdays and costing employers $17 to $44 billion annually (CDC, 2022). It accounts for 4.3% of the global disease burden and is a leading cause of disability worldwide (WHO, 2021). Chronic pain, affecting 20.9% of United States adults, often exacerbates depression, creating a vicious cycle of physical and emotional suffering (Rikard et al., 2023). Despite the availability of effective treatments, depression is frequently missed in primary care settings, with 50% of cases undiagnosed (Hawkes, 2019). Addressing both depression and chronic pain through improved screening and holistic care …

Introducing An Eating Disorder Protocol In The Pediatric Primary Care Setting, Brandi Bozarth

DNP Projects

Background: The incidence of eating disorders has been on the rise, often beginning in adolescence and continuing well into adulthood. Consequences of untreated disrupted eating patterns can affect multiple body systems and are responsible for thousands of deaths annually. Despite these facts, research and data regarding eating disorders in adolescent patients are severely deficient. There is also a lack of standardization regarding assessing eating disorders in the pediatric primary care setting, as there are no specific guidelines or screening processes recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for the detection of eating disorders.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is …

Evaluating Preoperative Care Providers' Perceptions Of The Autism Support Checklist For Surgical Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Amanda Hancock

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more likely to report barriers to healthcare access than individuals with other disabilities and non-autistic persons. Many barriers to healthcare for those on the spectrum have been identified and include: negative interactions with healthcare staff, communication barriers with healthcare providers, lack of providers knowledgeable of ASD, sensory concerns, and difficulty navigating the healthcare system. The Autism Support Checklist (ASC) is a tool designed to outline communication methods, sensory concerns, soothing items/actions, triggers, special interests, safety concerns, and other information pertinent to an autistic patient. The tool is designed to convey the …

Navigating Sexual And Gender Diversity: A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Provider Cultural Competencies For Sexual And Gender Minorities In Mental Health Outpatient Facilities, Shermeen Chandani

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations experience healthcare disparities related to stigma, discrimination, and limited provider cultural competency. In outpatient psychiatric settings, non-affirming practices can negatively affect patient engagement, trust, and continuity of care. This quality improvement project aimed to enhance staff sexual and gender minority cultural competency (SGMCC) and strengthen affirming clinical processes.

Background: The project was implemented across two outpatient psychiatric clinics with approximately 28 multidisciplinary staff members. At baseline, no formal SGM cultural competency training or standardized documentation practices for preferred names and pronouns existed.

Methodology: A Plan–Do–Study–Act framework with a pre/post-test design was used. The …

Stress Dynamics Between Clinical Supervisors And Allied Health Students: A Scoping Review Protocol, Piao Wang

Funded Scholarship

Introduction: The aim of this scoping review is to connect theoretical research related to stress with practical applications to supervision experiences within allied health professions. Understanding the implications of stress between clinical supervisors and allied health students will allow for better insights to improve supervisory methods within clinical training, stronger mentorship and lead to better quality patient care.

Methods and analysis: This review is conducted according to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews, which includes defining the research question, developing inclusion criteria and searching for, selecting, extracting and analysing the evidence. A literature search will be conducted in …

Body Perception Attributes As Reflected On The Holistic Wellness Mirror, Priscilla Njeri Gitimu, Rudolph T. Bedeley, Lucy W. Gichaga, Caroline Kobia Kobia, Andie N. Day, Carmi Bobwealth-Omontese, Shinina Shani

Funded Scholarship

Pressure about body perception impacts well-being, and adopting holistic wellness promotes lasting health. The purpose of this study was to explore how body perceptions relate to holistic wellness by modeling a holistic wellness mirror based on the human triad of the body, mind, and spirit. The survey research method and convenient sampling were used, yielding 317 respondents from college classes and social media platforms. The survey was a combination of body perception scales and questions about holistic wellness: healthy eating, happiness, and religiosity. Analysis of variance results indicate that body appreciation and neutrality are significantly higher for individuals with higher …

Essential Caretaking For Artists With Disabilities: Exploring The Overlooked Histories Of Hazel Knapp And Grandma Moses, Bryan P. Martin

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis explores the intersection of disability studies and art history, addressing the underrepresentation of disability in scholarship, especially concerning medical sociology and caretaking. Focusing on two early-twentieth-century self-taught American artists, Hazel Knapp (1908–95), who fell into obscurity, and Anna Mary Robertson Moses (1860–1961), best known as Grandma Moses, this is a comparative analysis of how disability influenced their artistic practices and shaped their divergent career outcomes. Knapp was born with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, and fell into obscurity due to a lack of support for her condition, but experienced a promising start to her career that included patronage …

Prevalence Of Depression And Its Coping Strategies Among Rural And Urban Geriatric Population, Mohit Negi, Smitha M C

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Aging is a natural process, and older age is a period in which most aspects of life require support from others. Globally, Depression is a serious public health concern among elderly populations. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depression and its coping strategies among geriatric population and to evaluate the association between socio-demographic factors and level of depression.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 study participants in both rural and urban areas. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was used to measure the depression and brief-COPE (28-items) scale was used to measure the coping …

Myocardial Infarction Trends Following Covid-19 Vaccination: A Retrospective Investigation From India, Hema S. Pinnam, Hrithika Madhavan, Jagarlamudi Harshitha, Vikram Patil, Harshita Tiwari, Isha A. Kumthekar, Jampala Sri Mounya

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: The relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and the incidence of myocardial infarction remains a topic of debate. The study aimed to analyze the demographic, clinical, and outcome characteristics of MI patients post-vaccination in India, focusing on differences between Covishield and Covaxin recipients.

Methods: The retrospective observational study included 303 MI patients admitted to a tertiary care center. Data were collected on demographics, comorbidities, vaccination status, ICU admissions, and outcomes. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used to assess disease severity. Statistical analyses evaluated the associations between vaccination status, clinical parameters, and mortality.

Results: Among the study population, 74.3% were males, …

Establishing Psychiatry Clubs: Novel Approach To Enhance Psychiatry Teaching Learning In India, Akuti Khanna, Kishor M

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Despite the fact that over 150 million Indians suffer from psychiatric disorders, the country faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals, with less than 1,300 psychiatrists graduating annually. One such solution is the establishment of Psychiatry Clubs in medical colleges, which can significantly enhance awareness, education, and community engagement in mental health. The Psychiatry Club at JSS Medical College, Mysuru, established on October 10, 2023, aims to promote mental well-being, provide peer support, as well as foster professional development through workshops, seminars, and collaborations with other mental health professionals and other student led organisations. These clubs offer a sustainable …

Assessment Of Effectiveness And Evaluation Of Perception Among Students Towards Flipped Classroom Learning: A Prospective Study., Nagaraja Prasad Sai, Vedavathi Hanumaiah, Shreenivas Prabhakar Revankar, Shruthi S. Lingesh, Avanthi Eshwar

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

BACKGROUND: Flipped learning (FL) is a teaching learning approach in andragogy. In FL students are involved in self-directed learning with the teacher acting as a facilitator and a moderator. Introduction of Competency Based Medical Education led many educators to shift from traditional teaching to blended teaching learning methods. This study was conducted to assess effectiveness and evaluate students’ perception towards FL.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To assess effectiveness of FL teaching in improvement of student scores and to evaluate student’s perception towards FL teaching.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre-class activities included study materials in the form of PowerPoint slides …

Changing Climate, Changing Health: Perspectives From General Population In Mysuru, Lekhashree A, Manirsha P V, Paranthaman Chinnasamy, Srishti Arya, Sunil Kumar D

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Climate change has emerged as a major public health concern, contributing to rising morbidity and mortality worldwide. In India, increasing heat waves, unpredictable rainfall, and deteriorating air quality have intensified climate-sensitive health conditions. This study aims to assess the health impacts of climate change among the general population of Mysuru.

Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 residents of Mysuru (April–June 2024). Participants were recruited through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire via Google Forms. Analysis was performed using SPSS v26, with descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Among 400 participants, …

A Cross-Sectional Study Of The Correlation Between Working Models, Work-Life Balance And Psychological Distress In It Professionals In An Urban Setting., Neeharika Krishna Kumar, Ponnammal Sundar Lakshmi, Vathsalya S. Gowda, Kshamaa Haradanahalli Giriprakash, Manju Aswath

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: India makes up more than 19% of the global Information Technology (IT) Market. The health and well-being of the population employed in this sector will affect their productivity at work and, in turn, the economic outcome. Changes in working models and altered work-life balance can lead to increased distress in IT Professionals, hence the current study.

Methodology: The current cross-sectional descriptive study assessed 247 IT professionals. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for socio-demographic details, working models and work-life balance. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) Plus was used to assess psychological distress. Statistics and correlations were done using SPSS 20. …

A Study Of Electrocardiogram And Echocardiography Parameters Of Post Covid – 19 Patients, Venkateswararao K, Durga Prasad Sadhupati

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Coronavirus Disease – 2019 [COVID-19] infection is multisystem disease not restricted to the lungs it has negative impact on Cardiovascular system by activation of ACE-2 receptors causing plaque stability, vascular inflammation and MI. ECG and 2D ECHO is a simple bed side diagnostic test can be used to assess cardiovascular disease involvement in such patients. We aimed to find out ECG and 2D ECHO abnormalities of Covid – 19 patients. To Study relation of SARS-COV-2 infection and Prevalence of Cardiovascular disease.

Methods: We perform Cross Sectional study among 500 Post Covid – 19 patients [>20 and

Results: Out …

Subclinical Myocardial Disease: The Next Frontier In Cardiovascular Prevention., Param Darpan Sheth, Chandana S., Nimrah Rehman

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Subclinical myocardial disease refers to pathological cardiac changes that precede overt symptoms. It represents an emerging frontier in cardiovascular disease prevention; wherein early detection of myocardial dysfunction could allow timely intervention to avert heart failure (HF) and other outcomes. This narrative review summarizes the current and emerging tools for detecting subclinical myocardial disease, including advanced cardiac imaging and circulating biomarkers, and discusses their potential to improve risk stratification and preventive care in asymptomatic high-risk individuals. Novel echocardiographic measures such as global longitudinal strain (GLS) can unmask subtle systolic dysfunction despite preserved ejection fraction, while cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) tissue mapping …

Comparison Of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Versus Intrathecal Clonidine In Lower Segment Caesarean Section - A Prospective Observational Study, Christy Maria Paul, Dr Somsundar R G Associate Professor, Dr Archana B N Assistant Professor, Dr. Shivakumar G Pofessor And Hod

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Comparison of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block versus Intrathecal Clonidine in Lower Segment Caesarean Section - A Prospective Observational Study

Background and Objective: In the majority of abdominal procedures, transverse abdominis plane block, one of the fascial plane blocks, has been used extensively to treat post-operative pain. Ultrasound has gained popularity in the management of cesarean patients due to its ease of use and reduced adverse effects.To assess the effectiveness of ultrasound guided transverse abdominus plane block with intrathecal clonidine for post surgical pain control in lower segment cesarean patients.

Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was done in …

Yoga As A Self-Care Practice For Mental Health Counselors Who Treat Trauma, Kari Michelle Fitzgerald

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Given the high rates of burnout and compassion fatigue among trauma-exposed counselors, understanding effective self-care practices is critical for sustaining clinical effectiveness and well-being. Utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), exploration of the lived experiences of licensed mental health counselors who treat trauma and use yoga as a self-care practice was conducted. Eight participants who were regular yoga practitioners each participated in one semi-structured interview and submitted one pre- and one post-interview reflective journal entry. Thematic analysis was used to identify six major themes; 1) emotional impact and sacred responsibility of clinical work, 2) yoga as a regulating and restorative practice, …