Using Group Activities To Improve Engagement And Help Alleviate Loneliness Among Older Adults At Macedonia Face, Taylor Corcoran

Public Health Capstone Projects

Introduction: Social isolation and loneliness are increasing public health concerns due to their association with heightened risk for chronic disease and their disproportionate impact on Black older adults (BOA). This project was designed to develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of culturally relevant, low-cost activities on engagement rates among older adults during unscheduled program periods at the Macedonia Family Community Enrichment Center (FACE).

Methods: This project used a mixed methods approach over a 4-week implementation period. Three activities were introduced by the student facilitator, including UNO!, Name That Tune (NTT), and coloring pages. Engagement was measured by comparing the …

Improving Pediatric Vaccination Rates In The United States, Maanasi Dudi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Pediatric vaccination has been one of the most effective public health strategies for preventing infectious diseases and reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. However, vaccination rates have dropped in recent years, due to increasing vaccine hesitancy, as well as interruptions in regular healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been reflected in primary care settings, where pediatricians are seeing more parents refuse vaccinations.

This literature review examines current trends in pediatric vaccination rates, factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy, and interventions that have been used to improve vaccination uptake. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted on PubMed to identify studies …

Impact Of Spanish-Speaking Medical Interpreters On Healthcare Access, Outcomes, And Equity In Patients With Limited English Proficiency, Emily Fried, Catherine Awad, Rebecca Moore

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Impact of Spanish-Speaking Medical Interpreters on Healthcare Access, Outcomes, and Equity in Patients with Limited English Proficiency

Background

Limited English proficiency (LEP) is a significant barrier to equitable healthcare in the United States and is associated with reduced access to care, poorer clinical outcomes, and increased healthcare disparities. The Spanish-speaking population represents the largest proportion of LEP patients, making language access a crucial component of high-quality care. Language discordance between patients and providers contributes to impaired communication, increased medical errors, and decreased utilization of preventative services1-4.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of Spanish-speaking professional …

The Obstacles Of Performing A Retrospective Chart Review, Emily Reilly, Robert Hudrick D.O.

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: This research project "Comparing timing of care for skin cancer patients with limited English proficiency who require interpretation during medical visits to patients with English proficiency" was accepted under the CREATE Grant. The hypothesis was that patients who require medical interpretation during their visits would show a longer period of time between noticing a skin lesion to definitive diagnosis. Previous research has shown improved health care outcomes, but has mixed results on patient satisfaction and health care experience. This poster aims to detail the limitations faced during the execution of a retrospective chart review from the perspective of a …

Racial Inequities In Maternal Health And Birth Outcomes In South Jersey, Yariza Orellana, Amenata Dukuray, Christine Ortiz

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Racial disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality remain a persistent public health issue in the United States, with Black non-hispanic women experiencing a 2.4 to 3.3 greater risk of pregnancy-related complications compared to their white counterparts. In New Jersey, these disparities are similarly pronounced, with severe maternal morbidity occurring at more than twice the rate among non-Hispanic Black mothers. These inequities extend beyond maternal outcomes and contribute to adverse infant health outcomes, including stillbirth, preterm birth, and low birth weight. This study was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, as well as public health sources including the …

Addressing Diabetes Risk Through Preventative Education In Multicultural And Economically Underserved South Jersey Communities, Bavly Nagy Halaka, Janet Jimenez-Merino, Izayah Diaz

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND: Diabetes and prediabetes affect a substantial and growing portion of the U.S. population, with adolescent prediabetes rates more than doubling from 11% in 1999 to 28% in 2018. In multicultural and economically underserved South Jersey communities, structural barriers including food insecurity, limited access to preventive healthcare, and language gaps make early detection and prevention particularly difficult. We aimed to assess diabetes risk, management behaviors, and preferred education formats among a Camden-area bilingual community, and to identify culturally responsive intervention strategies.

METHODS: We conducted a literature review utilizing data from the CDC, NJ Department of Health, NJSHAD, and the U.S. …

Invisible Shipwrecks And Neurological Endangerment: The Trade-Off In Seeking Asylum - Reframing The Neurobiological Cost Of Forced Migration, Eisha Giran

CISLA Senior Integrative Projects

Forced migration along the Spain–Morocco route represents one of the most visible humanitarian crises of the twenty-first century, yet its neurological dimensions remain insufficiently examined. This paper investigates how prolonged displacement and trauma reshape neural systems involved in stress regulation, memory, and emotional processing. It introduces the concept of neurological endangerment, defined as a condition of prolonged and inescapable threat exposure during forced migration in which stress-response systems remain chronically activated, opportunities for recovery are structurally constrained, and cumulative neurobiological risk persists beyond the period of immediate danger.

To address the gap between biological measurement and lived experience, this paper …

Barriers To Asthma Management And Specialty Care Among Low-Income Families In South Jersey, Sally Park, Courtney Ray-Fofana, Christal Onwuegbule

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that remains a significant public health concern, particularly among low-income and underserved populations. This poster presents a focused review of existing literature and publicly available data to examine barriers to asthma management and access to specialty care in South Jersey, with emphasis on counties such as Camden, Atlantic, and Cumberland.

Data were synthesized from sources including PubMed, the New Jersey Department of Health, and the National Institutes of Health to evaluate asthma prevalence, disease burden, and the impact of social determinants of health. Current estimates suggest that approximately 8.8%–9.0% of adults in New Jersey …

The Rowan University Wellness Village: An Innovative Community Advancing Health And Well-Being, Thomas Cavalieri Do, Brandi Dockett Ma, Matt Mclaughlin Bs

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Vaccine Refusal On Adherence To Well-Child Visit Schedule In A Pediatric Population, Arshia Anand, Clare Stephens, Nicole Streeks-Wooden

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccination at birth is a critical strategy for preventing both perinatal and horizontal transmission of the Hep B virus1 . Unfortunately, refusal of the birthdose vaccine has increased and is associated with subsequent vaccine refusal at 18 and 24 months2 . This trend raises significant concerns, that families who refuse the Hep B vaccine at birth may also engage less frequently in preventive pediatric care. However, the impact of this association on adherence to routine well-child (WC) visits remains unclear.

Hypothesis: Refusal, or incomplete uptake of the Hep B vaccine series is associated with decreased …

Comparing Community-Based And Social Media Interventions To Improve Vaccine Uptake In Low-Income U.S. Populations, Tanisha Shah, Nico Santorelli, Maureen Kennedy, Aastha Lele, Syed Ahmad Bilal, Megan Chien, Judith Anne Lightfoot

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

In recent years, vaccination has become a highly politicized topic, contributing to decreased trust in medical professionals. Exposure to medical misinformation, distrust in government and research, and concerns about vaccine safety have all led to increased vaccine hesitancy and decreased vaccine uptake. These trends are more widely seen in low socioeconomic status (SES) and certain racial populations, posing a significant public health concern despite the effectiveness of vaccines.

Objective: This literature review aims to compare the effectiveness of community-based interventions led by clinicians and community health leaders with social media campaigns in increasing vaccine uptake among low-income populations in …

A Quasi-Experimental Study To Examine The Food Bucks Rx Program For Food Insecure Patients With Chronic Conditions In A Hospital Outpatient Setting, Nicole A. Vaughn, Robert E. Post, Charlampos Papachristou, Maikel Mansour, April Schetler, Gwen Ockenlaender, Julia Koprak, Elise Mitchell, Benjamin Topiel, Melanie Ernest, Nadine Nugent, Carmen Byker Shanks

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Objective: Primary purpose of this study was to determine the potential impact of FBRx versus standard of care (SoC) on dietary intake and health outcomes. Design: Quasi-experimental 2-group design, with pre- and post- data using the EHR to capture biometrics, food insecurity, and dietary behavior from participants over the intervention. Setting: Hospital-based food pantry program connected community resources Participants: 587 enrolled participants, 304 in intervention group and 283 in SoC group. Inclusion criteria: screened positive for food insecurity and at least 1 documented chronic condition.  Intervention: FBRx participants received $30 per month in produce vouchers for …

Comparison Of Ecg Features, Cardiac Biomarkers, And Clinical Outcomes In Three Waves Of Hospitalized Covid-19 Pneumonia Patients With Cardiovascular Events, Yuchen Han, Jahnavi Sunkara, Tshura S Ali, Harideep Samanapally, Vidyulata Salunkhe, Fnu Deepti, Emma C. Huang, Justin J. Huang, Maiying Kong, Jiapeng Huang

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Background

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a rapidly evolving virus that can severely impact the cardiovascular system. With new variants, it is important to characterize wave-specific (defined by dominant circulating variants) clinical changes.

Methods

A multi-center retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 community acquired pneumonia at eight adult acute-care hospitals in the city of Louisville, KY was conducted. Patients hospitalized with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) community acquired pneumonia who experienced a cardiovascular event between March 2020 and July 2022 were included in this analysis. Variant assignment was based on temporal prevalence rather than genomic confirmation, and …

The Meaning Of Physical Activity In The Context Of Health Sciences: A Concept Analysis, Martín G. Farinola

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Physical activity has been defined in numerous ways. Thus, this study aimed to conduct a concept analysis of the existing physical activity definitions in the health sciences literature to evaluate its conceptual precision and assess the need for a revised or novel concept better suited for this domain. The concept analysis was accomplished using tools derived from philosophical semantics. The analysis identified six definitions that explicitly state what physical activity is with sufficient clarity to allow for conceptual examination. The findings indicated that these definitions frequently merge the concept of physical activity with its contextual attributes. To address these semantic …

Herbularyo (Folk Healer): An Herbal Medicine Card Game, Maryjane T. Magsino, Inah Marie Q. Rivera, Armando M. Guidote, Genejane M. Adarlo

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Herbularyo, a card game teaching about herbal plants (HPs), was created and evaluated as a viable educational card game based on Tuomisto and Aksela’s criteria. A quasi-experiment was performed on 81 Grade 8 students from a private high school and 50 Grade 11 from a public high school. Independent t-test revealed that the control group (CG) and experimental group (EG) (p=0.386), and EG1 (played ≤5) and EG2 (played >5) (p=0.681) are not comparable with each other. Paired t-test showed EG performed better (p=0.001) than CG (p=0.901) whereas ANCOVA showed that playing Herbularyo improved students’ information retention (p=0.006). EG1 and EG2 …

Measuring Disability Prevalence In Healthcare: A Study Comparing Two Disability Measures, Kristen L. Milefchik, Rhonda K. Dailey, Sharon Milberger

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

People with disabilities experience significant health disparities and interventions are needed to address them. Measuring disability prevalence is an essential aspect of designing effective, data-driven healthcare strategies. Accurately measuring disability prevalence is challenging given disability is a complex phenomenon, with biological, social, environmental, and cultural components. Previous studies have compared a variety of disability status measurements and found that measurements were incongruent with each other. This study examines the concordance between disability status using two different measures: the nationally recognized American Community Survey (ACS-6) functional difficulty questions and one disability identity question. We used data from 3,621 adult patients participating …

Determinants Of Hypertension Awareness And Control In Kenya: A Secondary Analysis Of National Survey Data, Alexander K. Davis

Poster Presentations

No abstract provided.

Nutrir: Recetas Sencillas Para Toda La Familia, Children's Health, Sophie Le

Publications

This Spanish-language cookbook provides simple, affordable, and culturally diverse recipes designed to help families prepare nutritious meals at home while building healthy eating habits. It also includes practical nutrition guidance, such as balanced meal planning, smart pantry choices, and food safety tips to support overall family wellness.

Nourish: Simple Meals For The Whole Family, Children's Health, Sophie Le

Publications

This English-language cookbook provides simple, affordable, and culturally diverse recipes designed to help families prepare nutritious meals at home while building healthy eating habits. It also includes practical nutrition guidance, such as balanced meal planning, smart pantry choices, and food safety tips to support overall family wellness.

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 …

Barriers And Facilitators Of Childhood Immunization: A Mixed Methods Assessment Of Health Care And Community Health Professionals’ Observations, Jenny Dong

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Childhood immunization has led to significant decreases in the burden of infectious disease morbidity and mortality. Despite these contributions, U.S. childhood vaccination rates have been declining in recent years, and updates to the federal immunization schedule have removed recommendations for several childhood vaccinations. Amid such an uncertain public health landscape, understanding how environmental conditions affect childhood immunization behaviors is crucial for ensuring that children receive the vital protections vaccines offer. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the barriers and facilitators of childhood immunization observed by Nebraska health care professionals (HCPs). This study utilized an online questionnaire and …

Navigating The Nicu Without Words: A Case Study Of A Spanish-Speaking Mother’S Healthcare Experience, Emma Norris

Honors Theses

Background: Few studies examine language barriers in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Miscommunication and lack of understanding between the healthcare team and a NICU infant’s parents may easily occur when the relationship is inhibited by a language barrier. Previous studies show that a lack of parent-provider communication creates additional anxiety for parents. The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the experiences and barriers in communication between an English-speaking nurse, an English-Spanish bilingual nurse, and a Spanish-speaking mother of a NICU infant.

Methods: This project was a case study using an exploratory mixed methods qualitative design. Qualitative …

Factors Affecting Pedestrian-Vehicle Conflicts: An Empirical Analysis, Christo D. Jamo

Honors Scholar Theses

The number of pedestrian deaths increased by 78% between 2009 and 2023, while other motor vehicle crash deaths increased by 13% in the same period [1]. To identify potential pedestrian safety measures, this study analyzed the effects of location-based demographics, pedestrian phasing type, and other physical infrastructure and behavior variables on the probability of pedestrian-vehicle conflicts at signalized intersections, which is a surrogate measure of crash risk. Data were collected from 55 intersections in Connecticut, and the pedestrian-vehicle interactions were classified by severity based on the Swedish Traffic Conflict Technique: undisturbed passage, potential conflict, minor conflict, or serious conflict. Because …

University Student Mental Health: Service Utilization, Equity Gaps, And Strategies To Improve Access, Richard Mutua Kilonzo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Student mental health and access to care are pressing concerns in higher education. This study assesses mental health outcomes and access to campus mental health services at East Tennessee State University. Survey data from the 2023–2024 Healthy Minds Study were analyzed to report the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation across the student population. The study evaluates disparities in these outcomes and barriers to care across student groups, with particular attention to equity-impacted students, especially sexual and gender minority students.

Findings indicate widespread psychological distress alongside persistent barriers, including long wait times, limited-service availability, and stigma-related concerns. These barriers …

Feasibility Of Assessing Dietary Patterns And Anxiety In College Students: A Pilot Study Using Nutrition Questionnaires, Gad-7, And Asq, Kylie Ford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Anxiety is highly prevalent among college students representing a significant public health concern. Research indicates that dietary patterns may influence mental health outcomes; however, the practicality of collecting comprehensive dietary and psychological data in college populations remains unclear. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of evaluating dietary patterns and anxiety using self-report instruments. Participants completed the Nutrition and Eating Habit questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the Anxiety Sensitivity Questionnaire (ASQ). Although twenty-one students were recruited, survey completion rates were low, with only seven participants completing the nutrition questionnaire necessary to calculate the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). Descriptive analyses …

Ethical Engagement In Global Missions: A Qualitative Inquiry Into Planner Motivations And Host Experiences, Harrison J. Ihrig

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Short-term mission (STM) trips are limited duration service experiences, commonly organized by faith-based organizations (FBO), in which volunteers travel domestically or international to provide ministry, community outreach, and/or health-related services. In recent decades, the number of these trips organized by organizations in the United States has increased exponentially, but the phenomenon is difficult to accurately measure due to its decentralized nature and the lack of standardized terminology. Despite their prominence, limited research has been conducted to examine planning, implementation, and evaluation processes of international STMs organized by FBO, particularly through a public health lens. The purpose of this study was …

Editorial: Grateful And Thankful, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Michelle Dziurgot reflects on her concluding three-year term as the Editor-in-Chief of the Michigan Dental Association Journal. She describes her personal growth through volunteerism, starting as a local component editor and advancing to the MDA Board of Trustees. The author emphasizes that the most value from membership comes through immersion and service, encouraging others to volunteer their time and talent to the association. She credits the MDA’s mentorship with shaping her professional career and practice.

The 2026 Mda Award Winners: Recognizing Outstanding Service, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article lists the recipients of the 2026 MDA awards, highlighting their contributions to the dental profession and public health. Notable winners include Dr. Christopher Smiley, recipient of the Meritorious Award for a lifetime of achievement in dental journalism and leadership, and Dr. Charles Burling, honored as Dentist Citizen of the Year for his community service. The feature also recognizes educators, legislative advocates, and volunteers in the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program who provide care to vulnerable populations.

Show And Tell: Integrating The Arts Into Transdisciplinary Public Health And Community Organizing Education, Bree L. Hemingway, Margaret Hawkins

The Transdisciplinary STEAM+ Journal

This field note examines the integration of arts-based pedagogy into a transdisciplinary graduate course that brings together students from public health, medicine, the social sciences, humanities, education, technology, and the arts. Central to the course is the Show and Tell assignment, in which students select and present a work of art connected to a social movement. Over three years and 42 student submissions, this assignment has served as an accessible entry point for exploring how artistic expression shapes activism, fosters community, and deepens understanding of justice-oriented work. Through an inductive content analysis of student-selected artworks and presentations, five major thematic …

Charity Pharmacies: An Integrative Overview Of Operations: A Continuing Education Program For Pharmacists, Stella Bertram

Honors Theses

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The goal of this activity is to educate pharmacists about Charity Pharmacies by creating an integrative overview of their purpose, laws and regulations, processes and procedures, eligibility, and opportunities for involvement. This course will ensure pharmacists are competent in the operations involved in volunteering or working within a charitable pharmacy.

Additionally, the information provided supports pharmacists in understanding their roles as well as roles of volunteers. They will understand the importance of their role in the community and the depth of their service within Charity Pharmacies.