Public Health Commons^™

Preferences And Willingness For Starting Daily, On-Demand, And Long-Acting Injectable Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Transfeminine Persons In The Us, 2022-2023, Duygu Islek, Travis Sanchez, Stefan Baral, Carolyn Brown, Joanna A. Caldwell, Jennifer L. Glick, Danielle Friedman Nestadt, Jeb Jones, Iaah L. Lucas, Supriya Sarkar, Annemiek De Ruiter, Patrick S. Sullivan, Mariah Valentine-Graves, Savannah Winter, Vani Vannappagari

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Background There remains limited information concerning US transfeminine persons preferences across varying PrEP options. We examined PrEP option willingness, preferences, and associated factors among a US nationwide sample of transfeminine persons. Methods Sexually active transfeminine persons age 15 + were recruited online between June 2022-October 2023 through social media advertisements. Transfeminine persons not diagnosed with HIV were asked about willingness to initiate, and ranked preference, of three PrEP options- daily oral (DO), on-demand, and long-acting injectable (LA-PrEP). Log-binomial models were used to examine PrEP modality willingness and associated sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Results Among 2657 transfeminine persons not currently using …

Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol Policy And Related Health Impact Among College-Aged Individuals In South Carolina: A Scoping Review, Emily K. Luoma

Senior Theses

After the 2018 Farm Bill passed, loopholes were quickly found that led to the popularization of delta-8 THC, a derivative of delta-9 THC, more commonly known as marijuana. Use of this substance became particularly high in states that criminalized marijuana, such as South Carolina. This scoping review aimed to assess South Carolina’s current delta-8 policies in the context of health-related impacts among college-aged students. Comprehensively analyzing the results of relevant studies, it was determined that there are three commonly observed threats to public health that are direct outcomes of existing policies: 1) a lack of quality control standards; 2) misleading …

Impacts On College-Aged Asian American Mental Health, Zahra Soherwardy

Senior Theses

This study explores the relationship between different forms of racial harassment and mental health issues in Asian American college students. Asian American mental health is a growing concern in the field of public health. Asian Americans have the lowest treatment rates and some of the highest stigma levels of any demographic. They are also impacted by the model minority myth and discrimination, further alienating them from getting help. The topics of subtle racism, blatant racism, and current racial discrimination were compared to depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-esteem, and four domains of aggression using survey data. Subtle racism was found to be …

"Health Gatekeepers": The Influence Of Women On Health Practices In Rural, Central Appalachia, Reese Lycan

Senior Theses

Women have historically assumed leadership roles in familial and community health promotion, intervention, and facilitation. While the role of women in family health is globally understood and the historical importance of female leadership has been documented, there remains a gap in knowledge regarding the role of women as “health gatekeepers”. Furthermore, when considering the Appalachian region, there are limited studies regarding women’s place in leadership as far as health is concerned. Therefore, this study employs a hermeneutic phenomenological framework to explore the lived experiences of women in relation to their family and community’s health in rural, Central Appalachia- a region …

Selected Social And Lifestyle Correlates Of Brain Health Markers: The Cross-Cohort Collaboration Consortium, Leslie Grasset, Joshua C Bis, Stefan Frenzel, Daniel Kojis, Jeannette Simino, Amber Yaqub, Alexa Beiser, Claudine Berr, Jan Bressler, Robin Bülow, Charles S Decarli, Alison E Fohner, Laura B Harrington, Catherine Helmer, M Arfan Ikram, Rozenn N Lemaitre, Oscar L Lopez, W T Longstreth, Julia Neitzel, Michelle C Odden, Priya Palta, Carsten O Schmidt, Rajesh Talluri, Meike W Vernooij, Henry Völzke, Trudy Voortman, Quest Whalen, Katharina Wittfeld, Hans J Grabe, Thomas H Mosley, Bruce M Psaty, Frank J Wolters, Sudha Seshadri, Carole Dufouil

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: To investigate the associations of education level, marital status, and physical activity with dementia risk and brain MRI markers.

Methods: Data from six community-based samples from the Cross-Cohort Collaboration Consortium were analyzed. Self-reported education level, marital status, and physical activity at age 60 to 75 years were harmonized. Subsamples of participants with brain MRI markers at time of exposure were selected. Associations with dementia risk and cross-sectional MRI markers were meta-analyzed.

Results: Higher education level was associated with lower dementia risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.59; 0.72 vs low level) but not significantly …

Grounded In Touch: The Science Behind Anxiety Relief And Human Connection, Misty Rhoads Ph.D. Czb, Mary Murphy M.A., Lmt, Czb, Mary L. Behrens Pt, Czb, Rhonda Salvo Pt, Czb, Sarah-Elizabeth Anderson Lmt, Czb, Clare Gowen Pt, Czb, Dawn Humbles Lsh, Czb, Veronica Quarry Pt, Czb, Deborah Rosene Ph.D., Czb, Wendy Tribelhorn Lmt, Czb, Jared Urcheck L.Ac, Czb, Deanna Waggy Otr, Czb

Journal of Transformative Touch

Background: Anxiety disorders are among the most pervasive mental health challenges worldwide, affecting individuals across all demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds. As a leading contributor to disability and diminished quality of life, anxiety continues to rise in prevalence, exacerbated by global crises and societal stressors. This study explored how Zero Balancing (ZB) supports individuals with anxiety. Researchers hypothesized that ZB would lower the perceived severity of general anxiety and reduce perceived anxiety symptoms.

Methods: A concurrent mixed-methods phenomenological research design was utilized to honor the holistic nature of bodywork and explore participants' lived experiences. This national study involved 320 ZB sessions …

Fact Sheet: Methamphetamine, Aaron Hunt, Gabriela Murza, Jenna Hawks, Alyssa Ferrin

All Current Publications

Methamphetamine, or meth, is a powerful stimulant that speeds up the central nervous system, causing increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and how fast the body uses energy. This fact sheet explains how meth is habit-forming and addictive and what it does to your body. It also explains overamping and responding to such an emergency.

Adverse Childhood Experiences And The Impact Of Resiliency On Child Behavior: A Quality Improvement Project, Macy Kraft

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences can have a significant impact on a person’s future health and wellness. Therefore, it is necessary for healthcare professionals to increase their understanding of possible mediating factors to lessen the impact of these experiences should they occur.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based quality improvement initiative designed to enhance the formal behavioral assessments of pre-school children following the participation of their caregivers in an ACEs and resiliency educational intervention.

Methods: Implementation of a two-armed intervention; a brief educational session aimed at providing an introduction to ACEs and a …

Older Women In The U.S. Were Lonelier Than Men During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Qiyu Deng

Population Health Research Brief Series

Loneliness damages health and quality of life. The COVID-19 pandemic increased social isolation and loneliness among some groups in the U.S. This data slice uses data from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study to examine gender and age differences in loneliness among older adults (50+) in the U.S. during the first year of the pandemic. The author finds that loneliness was more prevalent among women than among men, with the highest rate among women ages 80 and older.

An Exploration Of The Experiences Of Perinatal Depression And Anxiety Among Pregnant And Parenting Adolescents In The Tampa Bay Area Of Florida, Olajumoke Adetoun Ojeleye

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Perinatal depression (PND) and perinatal anxiety (PNA) are increasing among pregnant and parenting adolescents (PPAs), with PNA often underrecognized. This leads to significant socioeconomic costs and adverse maternal consequences if untreated. Hence, this dissertation explores the experiences of PND and PNA among PPAs, focusing on their knowledge gaps, perception, mental health needs, care preferences, and access to PMH care. The research employs a qualitative design (free-listing and in-depth interviews) to gather participant insights. Key findings reveal that many PPAs possess limited knowledge about PNA when compared to PND. Lack of support from partners, family, and peers emerged as the topmost …

Aiding Counseling Services To Increase Cultural Knowledge About Black And Lgbtq+ Populations, Brianna L. Walden

Public Health Capstone Projects

OBJECTIVES: The capstone project I would like to undertake is the creation of a quality improvement plan for the counseling and social work department of The Children’s Home to help them expand to reach vulnerable populations. A quality improvement plan, along with graphics reflecting the current data about mental health, will be delivered to The Children’s Home which they will be able to use in future projects and grant applications.

METHODS: The methods and research will be based on the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and Community Counseling Needs Assessment conducted by The Children’s Home in August 2024 to …

Fact Sheet: Fentanyl, Aaron Hunt, Gabriela Murza, Amy May, Jenna Hawks, Alyssa Ferrin

All Current Publications

This fact sheet provides essential information on fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid increasingly found in illegal street drugs, posing significant overdose risks. It highlights how opioids affect the body, the dangers of fentanyl, and the importance of harm-reduction strategies, such as fentanyl test strips, naloxone access, and safe syringe disposal. Information on signs and symptoms and how to respond to an overdose are also included.

A Qualitative Approach To Identifying Obstacles To Mental Healthcare In The Rio Grande Valley From The Perspective Of Mental Healthcare Professionals., Shania M. Linder, Cristian Botello, Raquel Villarreal, Nelda Rodriguez, Mario Gil, Dayana Zamora

Research Symposium

Background: There are many factors that prevent members of the Hispanic/Latino community from accessing mental health resources. This is important to investigate because there is a lack of knowledge on why residents of the Rio Grande Valley, an underserved region of South Texas, are unable to access and/or utilize mental health resources.

Methods: A focus group session was held at a mental health counseling clinic in Cameron County, Texas on February 1, 2024. The participants consisted of mental health professionals, such as two mental health clinicians, a clinical counselor, two school counselors, a licensed professional counselor supervisor, and a …

Assessing Healthcare Insurance Policies In Mississippi: An Evaluation Of Public And Private Options, Latarsha H. Michael, Brieah D. Hudson

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

Medicaid is the main payer for maternity care in the U.S., covering nearly half of all births. Federal law provides postpartum coverage for 60 days, but gaps exist, especially in non-expansion states. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 allows states to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage to 12 months. Mississippi, where Medicaid covers 65% of births, faces severe maternal and infant health challenges. Despite its surplus, extending postpartum care to 12 months could cost $7 million annually. This study examines private and public health insurance coverage for perinatal care in Mississippi. This involves analyzing how different insurance policies address the …

Contraceptive Hormone Influences On The Role Of Primary Reinforcement And Reinforcer-Enhancement In Nicotine Self-Administration, Kathleen Robin Mcnealy

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Hormonal contraceptives contain a synthetic estrogen (e.g., ethinyl estradiol/EE) and/or a synthetic progestin (e.g., levonorgestrel/LEVO) and can exacerbate nicotine intake. However, whether altered intake reflects changes in nicotine reinforcement or enhancement by nicotine of co-occurring reinforcers is unknown. This reinforcer-enhancement effect is evidenced in rats when nicotine self-administration is increased by the presence of a visual stimulus (VS) reinforcer. This dissertation examined the effects of EE and LEVO on nicotine reinforcement and reinforcer-enhancement in ovary-intact female Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were implanted with a jugular catheter and assigned to receive daily injections of EE (Vehicle, 0.125 [Low], or 0.18 [High] μg/day; …

An Adaptive Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Intervention For Youth With Hiv Through Text Message And Cell Phone Support With And Without Incentives: A Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (Smart), Marvin E Belzer, Karen Macdonell, Demetria Cain, Samiran Ghosh, Richard Zhao, Julie Mcavoy-Banerjea, Sitaji Gurung, Sylvie Naar

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Youth living with HIV have low rates of medication adherence. Youth ages 15-24 years with adherence ≤ 80% or with HIV RNA PCRs (VL) ≥ 200 recruited through social media and clinical sites were randomized to brief weekday cell phone support (CPS) calls or daily, two-way, personalized text message (SMS) reminders for 3 months. Those with VL ≥ 200 or adherence ≤ 80% were rerandomized to receive SMS or CPS with monthly incentives for those utilizing the intervention at least 75% of days for 3 months. Those with VL < 200 or adherence > 80% after the initial 3 months were rerandomized to usual care …

Awareness On Environmental Air Pollution Among Adults In Rural Mysuru, Rakesh M, Jesymol Joy, Sunil Kumar D

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Introduction

Air pollution is a major environmental threat and one of the main cases of death among all risk factors known so far. Health effects also include preterm and low-birthweight, asthma as well as cognitive and neurological impairment basically having the potential to impact our whole body, way beyond our lungs. The proposed study focusses on to assess the awareness on air pollution and factors associated with it among adults in South Mysuru which can put a light on the preventive measures and policies to be taken by the individuals as well as the authorities.

Methodology

A Community-based cross-sectional study …

Pornography, Problematic Use And Academic Outcomes In College Students: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Promise Tewogbola, Victoria Bodunde, Deborah Odaudu

Journal of Graduate Education Research

Background: The prevalence of pornography consumption among college students has raised concerns about its potential impact on academic performance. This study aims to examine the relationships between pornography use, academic outcomes, and problematic pornography use among university students.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 739 students from a Midwestern U.S. state university. Participants completed an online survey assessing demographics, grade point average (GPA), pornography consumption frequency, Academic Success Inventory (ASI) scores, and Problematic Pornography Use (PPU) scale scores. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to examine associations between variables.

Results: Pornography consumers had 41% lower odds of …

Your Healthiest Year Yet: Practical Tips For Mental And Physical Well-Being, Aaron Hunt

All Current Publications

As a new year begins, it’s important to prioritize our health. In a world that continues to evolve, maintaining mental and physical wellness is key to thriving in both personal and professional life. Small, intentional changes can lead to transformative results, improving not only how we feel but also how we connect, grow, and succeed. This guide presents actionable tips for fostering mental clarity, physical strength, and overall balance, all grounded in evidence-based practices. Whether you're looking to boost your fitness, reduce stress, or enhance your daily routines, these strategies will empower you to make this year your healthiest yet.

Findings From A National Assessment To Support Implementation Of Cooperative Extension’S 2021 National Framework For Health Equity And Well-Being, Diana Charbonneau, Kerry Gabbert, Latoya O'Neal, Dawn E. Burton, Maggie Jones, Kate Katzman, Roger Rennekamp

Journal of Extension

Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being provides a roadmap for improving the health of communities. Core concepts include installing health equity a systemwide value and catalyzing community-level changes that ensure all people have an opportunity to be as healthy as they can. This article presents findings from a national readiness assessment for implementing the Framework across Extension. Results from a literature scan, national survey, and regional listening sessions identified internal facilitators and barriers to adoption. The article provides ideas for how Extension practitioners can engage in this work and shares an action plan developed from assessment results.

Investigating The Impact Of Tirzepatide Treatment On Alcohol And Cigarette Consumption, Yvannia Gray, Benjamin Latey, Hayden Mcaffee, Karissa Mccown, Seth Maki, Victoria Nguyen, Andrew Payne

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Investigating Mental Health Disparities In Rural Sexual And Gender Minority Adults: Protocol For The Rural Exploration And Approaches To Lgbtq + Mental Health (Realm) Prospective Cohort Study, Shoshanna L. Fine, Kalai Willis, Iaah L. Lucas, Kirsten F. Siebach, Jennifer L. Glick, Mariah Valentine-Graves, Savannah Winter, Michael Smith, Thomas Waltz, Gina Bailey Herring, Marissa Hannah, Holly C. Wilcox, Travis Sanchez, Stefan D. Baral, Sarah M. Murray

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) persons experience substantial mental health disparities throughout the life course, including increased vulnerability to depression and suicide. Few existing studies, however, have explored how pervasive experiences of SGM-related stigma, discrimination, and trauma (i.e., minority stress) contribute to adverse mental health outcomes among diverse sub-populations of SGM adults living in rural areas of the United States. This paper describes the protocol for a prospective cohort study, "Rural Exploration and Approaches for LGBTQ + Mental Health (REALM)," that will explore minority stress in relation to mental health conditions and suicidal behaviors among rural SGM adults. METHODS: …

Prevalence And Correlates Of Depressive And Anxiety Symptoms Among Pregnant Women From An Urban Informal Settlement In Nairobi, Kenya: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study, Stephen Mulupi, Amina Abubakar, Moses Nyongesa, Vibian Angweny, Margaret Kabue, Paul Mwangi, Rachel Odhiambo, Joyce Marangu, Eunice Njoroge, Mercy Mokaya, Emmanuel Obulemire, Eunice Ombech, Kofi Marfo

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Purpose: Previous research, largely from the Global North, reports high rates of common mental health disorders among women in the antenatal period, but there is paucity of such data in contexts like Kenya. This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of depressive and anxiety symptoms among pregnant women in an urban informal settlement in Kenya’s capital – Nairobi.

Method: An analysis of baseline cross-sectional data from a pilot cluster randomized trial of an integrated early childhood development programme. Participants were pregnant women in their third pregnancy trimester (N = 249), residing in an urban informal settlement in Nairobi County. Mental …

A Qualitative Assessment Of Changes In Occupational Exposures Among Healthcare Facility Workers, David Gimeno Ruiz De Porras, Jenil Patel, Sadie Conway, Lisa Pompeii, Laura E Mitchell, Arch Carson, Lawrence W Whitehead, Inkyu Han, Jan-Paul Zock, Paul K Henneberger, Riddhi Patel, Joy De Los Reyes, George L Delclos

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Adult-onset asthma, notably prevalent among healthcare professionals, especially nurses, is often attributed to occupational factors such as exposure to cleaning agents. Studies consistently underscore the substantial role of such exposure in work-related asthma among hospital staff. We aimed to (a) identify and characterize current practices in cleaning and aerosolized medication administration; (b) assess changes in practices since a similar 2003 study of Texas healthcare workers; and (c) identify factors contributing to diverse exposures within healthcare job categories. We conducted focus groups with 38 participants in 6 healthcare settings, analyzing current practices, changes since 2003, and factors contributing to exposure diversity. …

The Role Of Social Support In Protecting Against Perinatal Depression Among Egyptian Women, Radwa Raafat Abdelshafi

Theses and Dissertations

Perinatal Depression (PND) is a global public health issue affecting many women as they transition to motherhood, and carrying detrimental consequences for both mothers and infants. Research in low and middle-income countries shows higher PND prevalence rates than in high-income and Western countries. In addition, social support has been shown to strongly protect or reduce the impact of PND. This study aimed to address a gap in research on PND in Egypt, and to build an understanding of the social support ecological system of new mothers. A survey was conducted with 81 first-time middle-class mothers living in Greater Cairo between …

Literasi Kesehatan Mental Dan Perilaku Diagnosis Diri Pada Mahasiswa, Cindi Maelani Putri Maelani Putri, Dela Aristi, Raihana Nadra Alkaff, Uray Kania Desita, Henny Meilani, Salsabila Sabrina, Rani Dwi Jayanti Maulidia

Perilaku dan Promosi Kesehatan : Indonesian Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior

Background. College students must have mental health literacy in order to validate information about mental health and avoid self-diagnosis. Students will be better able to manage their mental health as their health literacy abilities improve.

Aim. This research aims to understand the overview of mental health literacy and self-diagnosis behavior among college students at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.

Method. This descriptive-analytical study employs a cross-sectional strategy. The convenience sampling approach was used to pick a sample of 409 college students from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.

Result. According to the findings, 24.2% of respondents lacked mental health …

Establishing A Student-Run Mobile Clinic In Appalachian Kentucky: A Community-Based Pilot Program To Address Health Inequities, Bradley A. Firchow, John C. Cornelius

Journal of Appalachian Health

The establishment of a student-run mobile clinic in Morehead, Kentucky, led by students from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s (UKCOM) Rural Physician Leadership Program (RPLP), aims to address health inequities in rural Appalachian communities. This pilot program is designed to serve vulnerable populations, including the unhoused, by delivering free, accessible healthcare services directly to underserved populations. This program serves as a model for expanding access to healthcare in rural regions while promoting a collaborative, community-based approach to addressing social determinants of health.

Impaired Driving Among Rural Appalachian Women In The Year Following Incarceration, J. Matthew Webster, Megan F. Dickson, Shawn M. Jamison, Michele Staton

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Despite the known risks associated with substance use following incarceration, no studies have examined substance-impaired driving as a post-incarceration health risk behavior in rural Appalachia.

Purpose: The present study examined differences by impaired driving following incarceration and identified predictors of impaired driving in sample of rural Appalachian women with a history of drug use and risky sex.

Methods: Women (N=340) from three rural Appalachian jails completed a baseline interview in jail and follow-up interviews at six and 12 months post-release. Interview questions included demographic characteristics and information on substance use risk, mental health, criminal legal system involvement, and impaired …

Investigating Suicide Risk Factors Among Appalachian West Virginian Adults, Erin D. Caswell, Angela M. Dyer, Summer D. Hartley, Caroline P. Groth, Mary Christensen, Sahiti K. Tulabandu, Bryce K. Weaver, Ruchi Bhandari

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Suicide rates in the United States have increased over the past two decades, with rural areas, particularly the Appalachian Region, facing unique challenges that elevate suicide risk. These include economic hardships, social isolation, and limited access to mental health services.

Purpose: This study addresses critical gaps in understanding lifetime suicide risk in West Virginia (WV), a predominantly rural state entirely within the Appalachian Region. By identifying the factors driving urban-rural differences in suicide risk, this research seeks to inform interventions tailored to the state's distinct needs and provide insights applicable to the broader Appalachian Region

Methods: Using 2021 Mountain …

The Quic-Sp: A Spanish Language Tool Assessing Unpredictability In Early Life Is Linked To Physical And Mental Health, Sabrina R. Liu, Natasha A. Bailey, Sara Romero-González, Amy Moors, Belinda Campos, Elysia P. Davis, Laura M. Glynn

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Accumulating evidence indicates that unpredictable signals in early life represent a unique form of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) associated with disrupted neurodevelopmental trajectories in children and adolescents. The Questionnaire of Unpredictability in Childhood (QUIC) was developed to assess early life unpredictability, encompassing social, emotional, and physical unpredictability in a child’s environment, and has been validated in three independent cohorts. However, the importance of identifying ACEs in diverse populations, including non-English speaking groups, necessitates translation of the QUIC. The current study aims to translate and validate a Spanish language version of the QUIC (QUIC-SP) and assess its associations with mental and …