Public Health Commons^™

Mission Of Mercy: Restoring Smiles With Dignity, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature chronicles Michigan’s 2026 Mission of Mercy clinic, where more than 1,200 volunteers provided 5,656 procedures to 771 patients. The article describes patient experiences, volunteer contributions, and the extensive planning required to transform a sports arena into a temporary dental clinic. Beyond oral healthcare delivery, the program restored confidence, relieved pain, and highlighted the dental profession’s commitment to serving underserved populations.

Oral History With John Barry, Dan Royles

History Faculty Scholarship

Oral history interview with John Barry, who has served as Executive Director of the Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP) since 2008. He was born in Endicott, New York in 1966, grew up in Vestal, and attended high school at Seton Catholic Central in Binghamton before serving in Germany with the United States Army during the early 1980s. When he returned to Broome County in 1987, some of his friends had been affected by HIV/AIDS and, while earning a degree at SUNY Binghamton, Barry became involved in mutual aid efforts to help people affected by the disease. He went to work …

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal Of Health Sciences, Volume 6, Issue 1, July 2026

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences, Volume 6, Issue 1, July 2026.

Public Responses About Air Quality In The World’S Ten Most Populous Countries, Noah Lim, Alessandro Del Ponte, Lina Ang, Wei Jie Seow

Political Science Faculty Articles and Research

Understanding how people view and react to outdoor air quality is crucial to effectively managing and responding to air pollution, which is a major threat to global public health. Using a quota sample of 10,618 respondents from 1,372 localities across the world’s ten most populous countries (Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Indonesia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States), we assessed the association between exposure to fine particulate matter with diameter ≤ 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) and people’s knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, practices, and concern about air quality. Overall, we find an inverse association between air pollution exposure and knowledge about air …

Exercise Self-Efficacy And Physical Wellness In A Worksite Wellness Program: Exploring Factor Structure And Perceptions, Micah B. Mcglathery

Dissertations

Exploring Perceptions of Exercise Self-Efficacy and Physical Wellness in a Worksite Wellness Program

Abstract

Worksite wellness programs are increasingly adopted to address insufficient exercise participation and other health-related behaviors that put employees at risk of chronic disease. Although quantitative outcomes are well-documented, there is limited research exploring how employees perceive these programs' impact on personal behavior change, particularly in relation to exercise self-efficacy. Guided by the Social Cognitive Theory and the Exercise is Medicine initiative, this study qualitatively investigates employee perceptions of a worksite wellness program’s influence on physical wellness and confidence to exercise. A phenomenological approach using semi-structured interviews …

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

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

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

Montana Kinship Navigator Program: A Statewide Frontier Initiative Promoting Kinship Family Health And Wellness, Daniel J. Koltz Dr., Peyton Vining, Yu Jiang

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

This practice brief report describes the development, implementation, and new updates of the Montana Kinship Navigator Program (MTKNP), a statewide initiative designed to support kinship caregivers in a large, rural frontier context. Montana’s geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, and sparse population create significant barriers for kinship families, including restricted access to healthcare, transportation, childcare, and social services. These challenges are compounded when caregivers unexpectedly assume responsibility for children, often with limited resources and support. MTKNP addresses these gaps through a comprehensive, evidence-informed model that integrates information and referral services with individualized case management. The program serves both formal and informal kinship …

Internalized Colorism As A Gendered Barrier To Skin Cancer Information Avoidance Among Hispanic College Students, Soo Yun Kim, Wan-Lin Chang

Communication Faculty Publications

Skin cancer disparities persist among racial and ethnic minority populations, yet sociocultural factors shaping engagement with preventive health information remain understudied. This study examines whether internalized colorism functions as a barrier to skin cancer information avoidance among Hispanic college students and whether these associations differ by sex. Using survey data from 300 undergraduates at a Hispanic-serving institution, hierarchical regression analyses examined how three dimensions of colorism, including self-concept, attractiveness, and upward mobility, were associated with skin cancer information avoidance. Results indicated that only the attractiveness dimension predicted information avoidance. This association was moderated by sex, such that attractiveness-based colorism was …

Small Cell Lung Cancer In A Never-Smoking Patient: A Case Highlighting Diagnostic And Screening Gaps In Primary Care, Edward Hamilton, Alexandra She, Francis Jenney

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is best known in relation to tobacco exposure and tends to be seen in advanced disease. Contemporary guidelines in lung cancer screening demonstrate a strong emphasis on smoking exposure, which may serve as a barrier to recognition in never-smokers who lack conventional risk factors. As a result, SCLC in never-smokers remains an important but underrecognized consideration in general and primary care settings. The current case involves a 65-year-old African American man who has never been a smoker but who presented with progressive thoracic pain, shortness of breath, and unintended weight loss, leading to the discovery …

Healthcare Access And The Persistent Racial Disparities In Low Birth Weight, Zaheda A. Hussain, Yadanar Moe

DePaul Discoveries

Low birth weight (LBW), defined as less than 2,500 grams, is an influential factor contributing to infant mortality in the United States, with significant racial disparities between Black and White mothers. This study analyzed data from 3,054 Black and White mothers collected from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey to explore the association between access to medical care and LBW within different racial groups. The prevalence of LBW was 8.0%. Overall, mothers without a usual place of medical care had, on average, an 18% higher risk of LBW than those with a usual place (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.80–1.74). …

Clearing The Air: Tracking Spatial And Temporal Pm2.5 Variability Along A Biking Transect In Chicago, Beau R. Rass

DePaul Discoveries

Fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) poses significant risks to human health and disproportionately affects marginalized communities in urban environments (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021; Tessum et al., 2021). Using low-cost mobile sensors, this study explored spatiotemporal PM₂.₅ concentration patterns along a north–south transect of Halsted Street in Chicago. A 2B Technologies Portable Aerosol Monitor (PAM) mounted on a bicycle was used to continuously record PM₂.₅ concentrations with associated GPS coordinates at approximately two-second intervals during 16 sampling events between 08-12-2025 and 10-05-2025. PM₂.₅ concentrations did not differ significantly among the South Side, West Loop, and North Side regions, contrary to the …

Fertility And Birth Rates In The Mountain West, 2024, Sydney Mitchell, Maisoon Faris, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Health

This fact sheet reports 2024 data on the overall birth rate and birth-related health measures in the five Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. This fact sheet includes information from the National Center for Health Statistics, “Statistics by State” subsection related to birth. This subsection focuses on fertility rates, teen birth rates, infant mortality rates, births to unmarried mothers, cesarean deliveries, pre-term births, and infants with low birth weight.

Penilaian Safety Climate Di Area Quarry Pada Pabrik Semen Di Indonesia, Andrizqa Andrizqa, Mufti Wirawan, Raden Ismail Haq, Asep Zaenal Muttaqien, Muhammad Arifin Ramzy Lubis

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Work in the quarry area of the cement industry has a high risk of occupational accidents. Workers' understanding of the safety climate is important to prevent workplace accidents and injuries. This study aimed to assess the safety climate in the quarry area of a cement plant in Indonesia while identifying aspects that still require improvement. This study employed a descriptive quantitative approach using a questionnaire adapted from the Loughborough Safety Climate Assessment Toolkit (LSCAT). The sample consisted of all workers in the quarry area, including 49 permanent workers and 90 contract workers. The results showed that the average safety climate …

Women Refugees & Immigrants: What Utahns Need To Know, Susan R. Madsen, Deborah Lin

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Refugee and immigrant women are an integral part of Utah’s communities, contributing as neighbors, workers, entrepreneurs, caregivers, and advocates. They enrich our state through their diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents. Utah has a long tradition of welcoming newcomers, and our communities are stronger when everyone has the opportunity to belong and contribute. At the same time, research shows that many of the challenges facing Utah women and girls disproportionately affect refugee and immigrant women. Understanding the experiences, needs, and contributions of these women is essential to fostering welcoming, supportive communities so that all Utah women and girls can thrive.

Collaboration Is Key: Improving And Increasing Inclusive Programming Through Partnership, Brandy D James, Elizabeth Sparks, Fiona S Davey, Burris Duncan, Nadine Chau

Journal of Extension

Collaborative partnerships between Cooperative Extension offices and the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities are a key opportunity to assess and improve accessible, inclusive programming for the communities they serve. This article outlines such a partnership between local Extension, the local UCEDD, and the local Network for Down Syndrome. It reviews their collaborative process and the resulting pilot program—-an inclusive cooking class. Evaluations of the program and collaborative process demonstrate that the partners' collaboration enabled organizational capacity building and improved service provision for persons with Down Syndrome.

The Effect Of Vaccine Mandates On Disease Spread: Evidence From College Covid-19 Mandates, Riley K. Acton, Wenjia Cao, Emily E. Cook, Scott A. Imberman, Michael F. Lovenheim

Research Collection School Of Economics

Nearly 700 4-year U.S. colleges mandated students receive COVID-19 vaccinations in fall 2021. Using data on college policies and county health, we estimate how mandates affect surrounding communities. Event studies from August to November 2021 show that mandates covering all colleges in a county reduced COVID-19 deaths by 5.6 per 100,000 persons, a 4.6% reduction in the U.S. total during this period. Mandates reduced COVID cases by 504 and ICU admissions by 16.2 per 100,000, though we see no statistically significant impact on hospitalizations. Impacts are larger in counties with larger college populations and low estimated ex-ante student vaccination rates.

Global Prevalence Of Internet Gaming Disorder: An Umbrella Review Of Meta-Analytic Evidence And Implications For Child And Adolescent Psychiatry, Elisabeth C. S. Poon, Xun Ci Soh, Trina J. H. Poh, Andre C. S. Tan, Andree Hartanto

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Background/Objectives: Internet gaming has become a widespread global activity, raising concerns about the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). However, existing meta-analyses report highly variable prevalence estimates. This umbrella review aims to clarify the prevalence and variability of IGD by synthesizing evidence from meta-analyses to provide a comprehensive overview of IGD prevalence across populations, age groups, and regions. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches were carried out across five published literature databases and two supplementary search sources. Title and abstract screening, followed by full-text eligibility assessment, were conducted independently by three authors. The same three authors then performed data extraction …

Cyberbullying Perpetration: A Systematic Review Of Global Prevalence, Profiles, Antecedents, Consequences, And Interventions, Ysabel A. Guevarra, K. T. A. Sandeeshwara Kasturiratna, Charlotte K. Y. Lee, Andree Hartanto

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

The anonymity afforded by cyberspace enables individuals to engage in harmful online behaviours, most notably cyberbullying perpetration, which has become a pressing social and psychological concern worldwide. Despite extensive research on its antecedents, outcomes and interventions, insights into cyberbullying perpetration remain scattered, highlighting the value of a comprehensive synthesis to capture its multifaceted nature. This systematic review synthesised findings from 54 meta-analyses, comprising 314 effect sizes (Sample size: Range = 3273–1,479,614, Mdn = 46,604) across diverse populations worldwide. Results indicate that approximately one in ten individuals engage in peer cyberbullying, with even higher prevalence in partner-directed forms such as cyber …

Exploring Primary Care Providers’ Compassionate Care And Their Evidence-Based Practice With Death, Grief, And Loss: Patient Experience And Perspective, Kathryn Krzykala

Dissertations

Research on primary care providers’ (PCPs) education regarding Death, Grief, and Loss (DGL) remains limited. Specifically, data is lacking regarding patients' perceptions and opinions on what they need and expect from their PCPs regarding grief and loss. This exploratory mixed-method study comprised 146 participants who had experienced death and non-death loss. It examined participants' perceptions of 1) PCP compassion, 2) PCP utilization of evidence-based grief and loss practices, 3) their own level of comfort discussing DGL with their PCPs during medical visits, and 4) their personal grief and loss experiences. The findings revealed that PCPs' grief-informed evidence-based treatment, as reflected …

Time For A New Whole-Person Care Pathway For Chest Pain Admissions, Dana Kajan, Sabbir Mirza, Alexander M. Ruiz, Anthony Degennaro, Mohamad S. Saad

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Emergency department (ED) visits for chest pain are common and costly, and ED workup often shows no clear cardiac etiology in low-risk patients. Emerging evidence suggests that social determinants of health (SDOH) such as loneliness, social isolation, and food insecurity contribute to cardiovascular outcomes and chest pain presentations.

Methods

We interviewed 114 patients (>18 years) presenting with chest pain and a thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) score less than 4 at our community teaching hospital ED. Structured questionnaires assessed the SDOH triad of loneliness, social isolation, and food insecurity. Dependent variables included systolic blood pressure (SBP) at admission, …

Kelelahan Kerja, Kualitas Tidur, Dan Pengetahuan Mengemudi Defensif Sebagai Faktor Risiko Perilaku Defensive Driving Pada Pengemudi Grabcar Malang, Elisa Lutfiyah Azizah, Dian Puspitaningtyas Laksana, Marji Marji, Agung Kurniawan

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Online transportation activities contribute to the increasing volume of vehicles, particularly GrabCar drivers in Malang City, which has the potential to worsen traffic congestion. Identification results showed that GrabCar drivers experienced drowsiness while driving and work fatigue due to the habit of working at night and for more than eight hours per day, accompanied by limited understanding related to defensive driving. This study aimed to determine the effect of work fatigue and knowledge, as well as differences in sleep quality scores, on defensive driving behavior. This study employed an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach involving 87 GrabCar drivers …

Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Keaktifan Pelaporan Bahaya K3 Pada Pekerja Pelabuhan Batu Bara: Studi Cross-Sectional, Samuel Adi Kristiawan, Dewi Puspito Sari, Nur Ani, Wartini Wartini

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Active hazard reporting is a key indicator in preventing workplace accidents and strengthening safety culture, particularly in high-risk industries such as coal port services. This study aimed to analyze internal and external factors associated with active hazard reporting among workers in the coal port services industry. A quantitative cross-sectional study with total sampling was conducted involving all workers (N = 130). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire measuring accident history, unsafe actions, unsafe conditions, supervisor support, performance appraisal, risk level, and hazard reporting activity. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed using the Chi-Square test. The results showed that 66.2% …

Online Rights Defense Among Chinese Americans Against Racial Aggression In The U.S. During The Covid-19, Fangzhu Lu, Wenshan Jia

Communication Faculty Articles and Research

Purpose

This study investigates how Chinese American communities responded to heightened racial discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic by utilizing social media platforms to safeguard their civil rights, articulate collective concerns, and mobilize resistance against racial aggression.

Methodology

Through qualitative case study analysis, the research examines the social media activities of six advocacy organizations, including three X accounts (WashTheHate, Chinese for Affirmative Action, Asian Americans Advancing Justice) and three Instagram accounts (Stop AAPI Hate, Stop Asian Hate, Advancing Justice: AAJC). The analysis focuses on the content strategies and communication mechanisms employed to counteract racial hostility.

Findings

The selected organizations used social …

A Scoping Review Of Preventive Interventions To Reduce Violence Against Women And Girls In The Islamic Republic Of Iran, Wahiba Abu-Ras, Leena Babiker Idris, Shahira Amin, Ashley Butler, Patricia J. Kelly, Basil H. Aboul-Enein

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

In Iran, violence against women (VAWG) remains highly prevalent, with reported rates ranging from 22.9% to 66%, underscoring the need for effective, contextually grounded interventions.   This scoping review aimed to systematically identify, map, and critically appraise intervention strategies addressing VAWG in Iran.   Guided by PRISMA-ScR and the PICOS framework, comprehensive searches were conducted across nine databases from 2000 to September 2024. Eligible studies included intervention-based research conducted in Iran that reported outcomes related to violence reduction, psychological well-being, or empowerment. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria.   The included studies demonstrated heterogeneous designs, theoretical frameworks, and outcome measures. Four interventions targeted …

Pengaruh Intervensi Sigo Terhadap Perbaikan Postur Kerja Dan Penurunan Keluhan Musculoskeletal Disorders Pada Pekerja Sewing Di Cv X Sukoharjo, Sumardiyono Sumardiyono, Tiara Damar Pratiwi, Warda Yussy Rha

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Sewing workers in the garment industry are at high risk of developing non-ergonomic working postures that may lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), due to prolonged static postures and the use of chairs that are not compatible with workers’ anthropometry. Preliminary surveys indicated complaints of pain in the back, neck, and waist (90%), shoulders and forearms (85%), and upper arms (80%). An ergonomic intervention that can be implemented is the use of ergonomic chairs. This study aims to analyze the effect of using SIGO (Seat Improvement for Garment Operators) as an ergonomic intervention on improving working posture and reducing MSD complaints …

Breaking Bread And Barriers: Interprofessional Strategies To Improve Mental And Nutritional Health In Family Caregivers, Candy Ratliff

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

Family caregivers provide essential unpaid support to individuals with chronic illness, disability, dementia, and age-related decline; however, caregiving responsibilities often place caregivers at increased risk for psychological, physical, nutritional, and social challenges. This literature review examines the mental health and nutritional implications of family caregiving and explores barriers that contribute to declining caregiver wellness. Findings reveal elevated rates of depression, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, social isolation, food insecurity, sleep disturbances, financial strain, and chronic stress among caregivers. The literature further highlights the interconnected relationship between mental health, nutrition, and overall quality of life. Given the multidimensional nature of caregiver burden, interprofessional …

Advancing Culturally Relevant Mindfulness In Public Health, Marcus Johnson, Candy Ratliff

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have gained significant traction in public health, education, and clinical settings due to their demonstrated benefits for stress reduction and psychological well-being. However, these interventions often originate from Eurocentric frameworks that insufficiently reflect the cultural, historical, and structural contexts of diverse and historically marginalized communities. This commentary proposes a Culturally Relevant Mindfulness (CRM) framework that centers the lived experiences, healing traditions, and epistemologies of underrepresented populations. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature and critiques of conventional mindfulness models, the article articulates four guiding principles of CRM: cultural identity affirmation, historical consciousness, ancestral integration, and community-centered practice. Rather than merely …

Examining Diversity And Cultural Competency Within A Historically Black College And University (Hbcu) Public Health Curriculum, Alyce L. Hays, Yalanda M. Barner, Latarsha Michael

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

Integrating diversity and cultural competency content into public health curricula is vital in preparing future health professionals to optimize health outcomes of all individuals; however, very few studies have examined whether diversity and cultural competencies are taught in public health curricula. Studies have consistently incorporated diversity, equity, and inclusion in education for healthcare professionals such as nursing, community health workers, health educators, etc. The purpose of this study was to assess the presence of course content diversity, equity, inclusion, cultural competency, or other related topics. A formative assessment approach utilizing a four-step evaluation process was used to review the inclusion …

If Pets Are Family: Pet Loss And The Need For Grief Equity In One Health, Michele L. Whitney

Journal of One Health Systems

One Health frameworks increasingly recognize pets as integral to human health and well-being. However, these models often overlook the health and equity implications of pet loss. Culturally mediated grief experiences following pet bereavement represent a critical grief equity gap in One Health systems. Drawing on findings from a qualitative study of African American adults who experienced pet loss, along with existing literature, this Viewpoint highlights how pet loss is not only an emotional experience but also a socially structured one shaped by cultural norms, social recognition, and access to support. These dynamics contribute to inequities in how grief is experienced …

Using In-Home Air Quality Monitoring To Reduce Cannabis Secondhand Smoke Exposure In Children: Quantitative Pilot Feasibility Study, Vincent Berardi, Bradley N. Collins, Laura M. Glynn, Eusabeia Silfanus, Darby G. Lyons, Stephen J. Lepore

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Background: An estimated 5 to 8 million US children live with a parent who uses cannabis, and most cannabis users report smoking cannabis inside their homes, placing children at risk for cannabis secondhand smoke (cSHS) exposure. Indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring provides real-time feedback on airborne pollutants and has shown promise in reducing in-home tobacco secondhand smoke exposure, suggesting its potential as an effective harm reduction strategy for cSHS.

Objective: This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of using low-cost, off-the-shelf IAQ monitors to increase caregivers’ awareness of children’s cSHS exposure risk and to change …