Community Health Commons^™

Addressing The Public Health Concern Of Maternal Mortality In Houston, Texas, Lucy Couture

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Maternal mortality remains a pressing public health concern in the United States, with disproportionate consequences for marginalized communities. Despite being a developed nation, the U.S. reports one of the highest maternal mortality rates among its peers, with approximately 80% of maternal deaths deemed preventable. Texas reflects this national crisis, particularly affecting Black women, whose maternal mortality rate is significantly higher than that of other racial and ethnic groups. This thesis explores maternal mortality trends in Houston, Texas, analyzing the roles of systemic inequities, social determinants of health, and disparities in access to quality care. Drawing on data from the Texas …

Obesity: Influencing Behavioral Consumption Through Meal Kit Distribution, Alejandro Hernandez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Founded in 2002, Everyone’s Harvest is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to providing access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers markets and community food programs. Its key initiatives—Fresh Rx, Market Match, Edible Education and Farms Together —focus on alleviating nutrition insecurity and combating diet-related health conditions by providing vulnerable populations the resources to purchase, or receive, fresh produce and gain nutritional knowledge. This study explores a new intervention: the distribution of farmers' market meal kits as a complementary strategy to the current Edible Education program. These meal kits, which feature seasonally available produce and pre-measured ingredients, aim to …

Impacting Community Well-Being Through Effective Engagement Using The Seed Method, Carlin Rafie, Emily B. Zimmerman, Angelina Hargrove, Theodora Biney Amissah, Samantha Lee

Journal of Extension

Cooperative Extension can make a significant impact on health in the United States through effective community engagement that focuses on the complex socio-ecological factors that impact health. The Stakeholder Engagement in Question Development Method (SEED Method) employs community based participatory research principles to engage communities in research, problem-solving, and action planning. Projects employing the SEED Method engage community members from diverse backgrounds, create community capacity, result in tangible outcomes, and foment inter-organizational trust and networking. A SEED Toolkit is available on the Extension Foundation Campus site and provides implementation instructions, tools and timelines, and potential applications within Extension.

A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial Of A Smartphone-Based Application To Support At-Home Psa Screening And Culturally Tailored Prostate Cancer Education For African American Men: A Study Protocol, Jordan Neil, Bingjing Mao, Ruosi Shao, E. Ogunsanya Motolani, Summer Frank-Pearce, Michael Businelle, Michael Cookson, Kelly Stratton, Mark Doescher, Stephanie Pharr, Valerie Moise, Brianna Fleshman, Jack Fronheiser, Kimberly Estrada, Iván Flores, David Bradley, Ashley Kendrick, Adam C. Alexander

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Background: Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Black/African American men (AA) and the second‑leading cause of cancer-related deaths. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is an early detection screening tool for prostate cancer, but uptake of PSA screening remains low among AA men. Greater PSA screening rates among AA men, coupled with earlier treatment, may reduce disparities in prostate cancer outcomes, including mortality. The current pilot study will test the first-of-its-kind mobile health (mHealth) app to improve prostate cancer knowledge and increase PSA screening uptake among AA men using home-based screening methods. Methods: AA men aged 55 to …

Health Outcomes Reported By Healthcare Providers And Clients Of A Community-Based Medically Tailored Meal Program, Jessica M Sautter, Jule Anne Henstenburg, Adrian Glass Crafford, Ian Rowe-Nicholls, Victor S Diaz, Kaitlyn Ann Bartholomew, Julia S Evans, Maria R Johnson, Jeffrey Zhou, Deeksha Ajeya

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Medically tailored meal (MTM) programs provide home-delivered meals to people living with serious illness and poor nutritional status. Client outcome studies have found evidence of decreased healthcare utilization and cost savings associated with MTM program participation, and inconclusive evidence of change in health measures. The purpose of this study was to use a novel observational framework to describe the client profile and change in health outcomes using routinely collected health and program data from a community-based MTM program at MANNA (Philadelphia, PA).

METHODS: Clients reported their self-rated health and experiences of food insecurity and malnutrition. Healthcare providers reported clients' …

Pengaruh Work Life Balance Dan Burnout Terhadap Tingkat Kepuasan Kerja Karyawan Organisasi Pelayanan Kemanusiaan: Studi Pada Karyawan Organisasi Pelayanan Kemanusiaan X, Diva Arum Pratami Martias

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Nothing is more important in the work lives of employees of human service organizations than job satisfaction. Job satisfaction is fundamental to employee welfare, organizational sustainability, and welfare services. The study aims to provide an overview of the influence of work life balance and burnout on the level of job satisfaction of employees of humanitarian service organizations. The study results using the Somers’D test partially proved the hypothesis that there is a positive and significant influence of work life balance on job satisfaction of 0.571 and a p-value of 0.000, stating that employees with high work life balance tend to …

Negara Hukum Kesejahteraan Di Batas Pantai: Paradoks Perlindungan Negara Terhadap Masyarakat Pesisir Di Tengah Perubahan Iklim, Aji Baskoro

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Climate change poses significant challenges to vulnerable coastal communities in Indonesia. As a welfare state, the Indonesian government is expected to safeguard these vulnerable groups through policies that promote their welfare and sustainable livelihoods. However, current policies create a paradox. This article explores this paradox: on the one hand, Indonesia adheres to the welfare state principle, which demands that all government actions be grounded in law, ensuring public safety and welfare. On the other hand, the policies focus on exploiting natural resources, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of coastal communities, particularly in the face of climate change. The article employs a normative …

Expanding Healthcare Access For The Undocumented Immigrant Community: The Heal For Immigrant Families Act Of 2023, Perla Torres Estrada

The Gettysburg Journal for Public Policy

When it comes to the topic of universal healthcare, most of us will readily agree that healthcare is a human right. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of who should be granted this right, and if it should be left to the free market to determine access and affordability. Specifically, the political debate on expanding healthcare access to undocumented immigrants in the United States revolve around concerns over costs, legality, and equity. Proponents maintain that it is a human right whereas opponents question the potential burden on taxpayers and the implication for immigration policy. The HEAL …

Exploring Cultural, Health, And Technology Intersections: A Focus On Migrant Experiences, Merna Mina, Sahij Gill

Bridges: An Undergraduate Journal of Contemporary Connections

Despite the plethora of theories and frameworks addressing culture, health, and technology adoption, there remains a notable absence of a unifying theory that comprehensively encompasses all three aspects, particularly concerning newcomers. The Health Belief Model, for example, underscores individual perceptions and attitudes toward health yet fails to consider the intricate interplay between cultural factors and technology adoption among immigrant populations. The Healthy Immigrant Effect, which posits that immigrants often exhibit better health outcomes than native-born individuals, does not mention the role of technology on health outcomes. Acculturation theories, while shedding light on the adaptation process, often fall short of explaining …

Strengthening U.S. Jail Systems’ Response To Infectious Diseases: An Evaluation Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Erinn Bacchus

Dissertations and Theses

Jails across the United States were struck with increased infections and deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have shown the structural make up of jails, lack of preparedness plans, and overcrowding contributed to health risks and poor health outcomes both inside jails and local communities. Yet little research has been dedicated to strengthening jail responses to infectious disease outbreaks spanning prevention measures, data collection, and reentry planning. Gaps include information on the (1) myriad infectious disease mitigation strategies used in jails and adherence to CDC prevention guidelines, (2) development of a standardized epidemiologic surveillance system, and (3) experiences working at …

Supporting South Korea’S Aging Population: How Ai And Iot Acceptance Connects The Young And Old, Bobby Im

Master's Projects and Capstones

In 2024, South Korea surpassed every other nation by becoming the country with the lowest fertility rate (below 0.7%). Population decline will hinder future ability to care for their aging population and although the government and private corporations are investing millions of dollars on developing Artificial Intelligence-Internet of Things (AI-IoT) devices to support the aging, the acceptance levels and the amount of family support required is undervalued. By examining AI-IoT’s current use and role in South Korea’s public health system this paper shows how intergenerational support helps optimize existing procedures and equipment, increases the level of acceptance and use, and …

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 …

Exploring Hypertension Prevalence Among Ill-Housed Individuals In Urban Environments, Lia Summer Goldberg, Sameer Shah, Nikhila Archakam, Murod Khikmatov, Kesha Choksi, Anddee White

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This study explores the interrelations of hypertension, homelessness, and access to healthcare in urban ill-housed populations. It was found that conditions such as heart disease and diabetes significantly exacerbate hypertension, which remains highly prevalent due to the population's limited access to consistent medical care. Homelessness further complicates the management of hypertension due to unstable living conditions, making adherence to treatment and follow-up with healthcare providers challenging. Additionally, factors like higher rates of substance abuse and malnutrition among homeless populations contribute to worsening hypertension, which, if untreated, can lead to severe health crises including heart attacks and strokes.

The research underscores …

The Impact Of Policy And Perception On Women’S Health Since 2010, Eryn Busenbark

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This project tackles the complicated relationship between policy and perception of women’s health in the last decade. This was achieved through research on existing literature and semi-structured interviews with five professionals in various areas of women’s health: mental health, public policy, sexual health education, and research. Literature reviews were conducted using University of Nebraska at Omaha Criss Library’s databases, with dozens of articles analyzed. The goal of this research was to gain an understanding of how public opinion and perceptions can sway policy, which has created challenges and consequences for women and their health.

Family Medicine’S Role In Addressing The Intersections Of Redlining And Climate Change, Daryl O. Traylor, Eboni E. Anderson, Brianna Clark, Alex M. Smith, Cooper K. Allenbrand

Journal of Sustainable Social Impact

Redlining, the practice of discriminating against specific neighborhoods based on race and socioeconomic status, leads to persistent environmental hazards and socioeconomic inequalities that have lasting adverse health effects on their populations. Health disparities are further exacerbated through the concentration of environmental hazards, as well as the escalating impact of climate change, which poses an increased risk of respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, mental health issues, heat-related illness, infectious diseases, food insecurity, and socioeconomic difficulties in redline neighborhoods.

This paper examines the interplay of redlining, climate change, and health disparities, with an emphasis on the enduring consequences for these marginalized communities. Through …

Kajian Literatur Distribusi Kompensasi Dampak Tempat Pengelolahan Sampah Terpadu (Tpst) Bantargebang: Analisis Keadilan Distributif Dan Keadilan Sosial, Wahyu Pratama Tamba

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

The waste problem in Jakarta is a complex issue related to the large volume of waste, dependence on Bantargebang TPST, and the various environmental impacts caused. Waste from Jakarta brought to Bantargebang TPST reaches 6,500-7,000 tons daily. This TPST hurts the environment and the health of the surrounding community, as well as the risk of ARI, air pollution, groundwater pollution, and environmental aesthetics. As compensation for these negative impacts, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government allocates compensation funds for affected communities. This is regulated in Article 10 letter (e) of DKI Jakarta Regional Regulation number 4 of 2019 which states that …

Telaah Konsep Asset Bassed Comunity Development Bagi Pembangunan Pariwisata Berbasis Masyarakat, Silva Amanda, Rudi Saprudin Darwis

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

The tourism sector is one of the sectors that contributes the largest foreign exchange in Indonesia. To develop this, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy continues to encourage the community-based tourism industry, with one of them developing a tourist village program. One way to realize the tourist village program in Indonesia is to use the Asset Based Community Development approach by emphasizing the use of potential assets owned by an area. The purpose of this research is to identify the potential or assets that exist in a village/region that can be developed into a tourist village by emphasizing community …

Salud Integral De Las Personas En Situación De Calle Abordada Desde Los Distintos Programas Sociales De La Ciudad De Arica, Chile, Maya Trujillo

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Homelessness as a public health phenomenon is a humanitarian crisis present across nations around the world. Instances of homelessness are rooted in public social and economic failures. Complex challenges like this require multifaceted and holistic initiatives such as those proposed by the Integrative Family Health Model in Chile. This project describes current interdisciplinary programs (social services) and how they collaborate to provide integrated services to people experiencing homelessness. We also consider the patient perspective on how these interventions affect their well-being. Through observational data, interviews, and surveys, we describe the physical, social, and cultural aspects of homelessness in Arica, Chile …

Pilot Implementation Of A Nutrition-Focused Community-Health-Worker Intervention Among Formerly Chronically Homeless Adults In Permanent Supportive Housing, Jane E Hamilton, Diana C Guevara, Sara F Steinfeld, Raina Jose, Farrah Hmaidan, Sarah Simmons, Calvin W Wong, Clara Smith, Eva Thibaudeau-Graczyk, Shreela V Sharma

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Food insecurity is a known health equity threat for formerly chronically homeless populations even after they transition into permanent housing. This project utilized a human-centered design methodology to plan and implement a nutrition-focused community-health-worker (CHW) intervention in permanent supportive housing (PSH). The project aimed to increase access to healthy foods, improve nutritional literacy, healthy cooking/eating practices, and build community/social connectedness among 140 PSH residents. Validated food-security screening conducted by CHWs identified low or very low food security among 64% of 83 residents who completed the baseline survey, which is similar to rates found in a previous study among formerly homeless …

Dukungan Sosial Dari Orang Tua Asuh Kepada Anak Berhadapan Dengan Hukum Dalam Proses Rehabilitasi Sosial, Muhamad Rizky Hidayat, Annisah Annisah, Dwi Amalia Chandra Sekar

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

The social rehabilitation process in which children face legal conflict is not easy, especially when they are far from their families. This article aims to examine the forms and benefits of social support from foster parents to Children in Conflict with the Law (ABH) who are undergoing the process of social rehabilitation. Descriptive qualitative research was conducted at the Social Rehabilitation Center for Children who Need Special Protection (BRSAMPK). This research was conducted in March-July 2021. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews with 13 informants, consisting of children in conflict with the law, heads of social services and …

Reducing Food Scarcity: The Benefits Of Urban Farming, S.A. Claudell, Emilio Mejia

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Urban farming can enhance the lives of communities and help reduce food scarcity. This paper presents a conceptual prototype of an efficient urban farming community that can be scaled for a single apartment building or an entire community across all global geoeconomics regions, including densely populated cities and rural, developing towns and communities. When deployed in coordination with smart crop choices, local farm support, and efficient transportation then the result isn’t just sustainability, but also increasing fresh produce accessibility, optimizing nutritional value, eliminating the use of ‘forever chemicals’, reducing transportation costs, and fostering global environmental benefits.

Imagine Doris, who is …

Policy Review And Recommendation For Secondary Education Np-Led Clinics In The Southeastern United States, Shiney Alex Jacob

Student Scholarly Projects

Secondary-level education involves adolescent children aged 11-12 years to 18-19 with unique healthcare needs. Their healthcare is of significant importance as they are transitioning to adulthood, and a majority of them lack access to primary healthcare needs. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses/Nurse Practitioners (APRNs/NPs) provide high-quality, cost-effective, and evidence-based care to people across the lifespan, and there is minimal utilization of their services in meeting the primary care needs of adolescents at the secondary school level. The purpose of the policy project was to determine if current policies and practices related to school health services in three southeastern states of the …

An Integrated Evidence-Based Approach To Provide A Practicum-Based Learning Experience To Students, Dziyana Nazaruk, Joseph Telfair, Jamie S. Cromley, Joanne Chopak-Foss, Ana M. Palacios

Health Policy & Community Health: Faculty Publications

Background

Due to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the public health field has an exceptional opportunity not only to address current challenges but also to rebuild and expand the workforce. Objectives

The main objective of this presentation is to highlight the 2018-2022 academic year's progress of the practice-based learning experience of the JPH College of Public Health at Georgia Southern University in Georgia, USA. The College serves more than 59, mostly rural counties, and involves diverse practicum preceptors, students, and existing professionals from the USA and other countries. The College provides a unique opportunity for students to develop …

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities And Threats Of A Community-Based Egg Program In Rural Honduras, Lilly Karsa, Dziyana Nazaruk, G. Ramos, L. Manship, Ana M. Palacios

Health Policy & Community Health: Faculty Publications

Background

Young children living in poor rural areas in Honduras are susceptible to suffering from undernutrition. About 1 in every 4 children under age 5 have stunting. Stunting during early childhood has negative consequences on an individual's life that can have short-term and lasting effects. This study's purpose was to explore the perceptions of the mothers of children that participate in a community-based nutrition-agriculture program that offers 1 egg daily to all children ages 6 to 24 months in 13 communities. Methods

Using community-engaged methods, we implemented a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats using a semi-structured …

Mata Pencaharian Berkelanjutan Kondisi Masyarakat Adat Lekuk 50 Tumbi Dan Peran Lembaga Adat, Muhamamd Hasan Izzurrahman, Muhammad Azami Nasri

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Sustainable livelihoods are key for communities to sustain their lives. However, limited access to and utilisation of natural resources, particularly customary forests, has led to a decline in the livelihoods of the Lekuk 50 Tumbi indigenous community. Difficulty in clearing land is a major obstacle for them in finding alternative income. This research aims to evaluate the quality of life of the Lekuk 50 Tumbi indigenous community with a focus on indigenous institutions' initiatives based on sustainable livelihoods, considering the five aspects of capital. Through in-depth interviews and qualitative analysis, natural capital, physical capital, human capital, financial capital and social …

Pelaksanaan Tanggung Jawab Sosial Perusahaan Melalui Program Pemulihan Mata Pencaharian Oleh Lembaga X, Muhammad Hanif Ridho, Mochammad Rizqy Maulana, Muhamad Azami Nasri

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

This study examines the implementation of corporate social responsibility through the Livelihood Restoration Program (LRP) by Institution X. The study employs a qualitative approach with descriptive research methodology. Data collection techniques include in-depth interviews and literature review. The study is motivated by land acquisition conducted by PT Y, which affected the livelihoods of the local community. Consequently, PT Y initiated livelihood restoration for the affected community through the LRP managed by Institution X. The findings indicate that Institution X has two primary roles: providing consultancy services and facilitating the implementation of the LRP. First, as a consultancy agency, Institution X …

Program Penanganan Fakir Miskin Di Desa Mulyasari Kota Banjar Provinsi Jawa Barat, Aep Rusmana, Eri Susanto, Muhammad Rai Jemadila, Nabila Aulia Putri

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Poverty is a condition where a person cannot fulfill their basic needs to achieve a more dignified life. This research aims to explain the program for handling the poor in Mulyasari Village which is directed at three things, namely: 1) managing social problems, 2) mechanisms for meeting needs, and 3) providing opportunities for advancement for the poor. The method used in this research is a descriptive qualitative method with a phenomenological tradition. Determining the research sample used purposive sampling technique. There were 6 research informants consisting of Mulyasari Village officials, poor families who received social welfare services, and Community Social …

Keterlibatan Serikat Pekerja Dalam Perubahan Kebijakan Pengupahan Melalui Advokasii Sosial, Zeni Tri Lestari, Arif Wibowo

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

This research is about the involvement of trade unions in changing wage policies through social advocacy from the social welfare perspective. The urgency of conducting this research is to reveal how KASBI's involvement as a worker's union encourages changes in wage policies to ensure better labor welfare through advocacy against the Job Creation Law and advocacy against Minister of Manpower Regulation Number 2 of 2022. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method. Data were collected from February to June 2023 through online and offline interviews involving three informants selected by the purposive sampling technique. The research results reveal that KASBI …

Pengembangan Sistem Informasi Desa Dalam Upaya Penanggulangan Kemiskinan Di Desa Rarang Selatan, Meita Annisa, Bambang Shergi Laksmono

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Indonesia continues to face challenges in poverty alleviation, with extreme poverty still prevalent in the country. Despite having a social protection system aimed at reducing poverty and cushioning the poor and vulnerable from crises, its implementation often encounters difficulties, particularly in obtaining valid and verified data sources. This study explores how the development of the Village Information System (SID) can contribute to poverty alleviation in Rarang Selatan Village, West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB). When SID was introduced in 2016, Rarang Selatan was a newly established village classified as underdeveloped. By 2022, the village had progressed to the category of an …

Social Networks, Access To Healthcare, And The Health-Related Quality Of Life Of Young Informal Workers In Nigeria’S Construction Industry, Ayomide Oluwaseyi Oladosu

Lingnan Theses (MPhil & PhD)

Young informal workers in Nigeria face a significant decline in their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) due to their lack of control over their employment conditions. This problem is particularly pronounced among young informal workers in the construction industry, given its precarious and hazardous nature. To enhance HRQoL, these workers primarily rely on their social networks for support. However, given the level of hazards they encounter in the construction industry, social networks alone may not be sufficient to directly improve their HRQoL. Nevertheless, social networks can facilitate access to healthcare, which in turn may enhance HRQoL. Unfortunately, limited research has …