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Full-Text Articles in Public Health

Spatial-Temporal Variation Of Diarrhea Among Children Under 5 Years Old Between 2010-2020 In Rwanda, Amans Ntakarutimana Dr., Patrick A. Tschida Dr., Elias Nyandwi Dr. Sep 2025

Spatial-Temporal Variation Of Diarrhea Among Children Under 5 Years Old Between 2010-2020 In Rwanda, Amans Ntakarutimana Dr., Patrick A. Tschida Dr., Elias Nyandwi Dr.

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

We used secondary data from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Surveys of 2010, 2015, and 2020 to assess the spatial-temporal variation of diarrhea among children under 5 years old between the years 2010 and 2020 in Rwanda. Stratified descriptive statistics, pairwise comparisons, and logistic regression designs were used for data analysis in SPSS. A statistically significant variation of diarrhea among children under 5 years old was observed across districts, regions, and urban–rural areas but not at the national level between 2010–2020. Some districts of the Western region, including Nyabihu (OR = 2.5), Ngororero (OR = 2.3), and Karongi …


The Impact Of Communication And Job Satisfaction On Registered Nurse Turnover, Kingsley Kenechukwu Onyeama Sep 2025

The Impact Of Communication And Job Satisfaction On Registered Nurse Turnover, Kingsley Kenechukwu Onyeama

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Health care leaders are challenged with ongoing nursing shortages. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to examine the impact of communication and job satisfaction on registered nurses’ turnover intentions. The conceptual framework integrated Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Herzberg and Mausner’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory, and Social Exchange Theory. Two research questions guided the study: the relationship between communication variables and intent to leave a healthcare organization, and the relationship between job satisfaction and intent to leave. A randomized sample of 156 registered nurses in California, aged 23 to 65 and identified through the California Nurses Database, was recruited via SurveyMonkey. …


Racial Moderation Of Infant Mortality Risk And Protective Factors In The United States, Temitope Oluwaseun Akinsola Sep 2025

Racial Moderation Of Infant Mortality Risk And Protective Factors In The United States, Temitope Oluwaseun Akinsola

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The rate of infant mortality is a pressing health issue in the United States, as ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected. This study addressed how race controls the predictive power of demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic factors on infant mortality. Using a quantitative correlational design, secondary data from 181 individuals listed in the CDC-National Vital Statistics System database were used, which contains nationally aggregated data related to infant mortality rates. Bronfenbrenner’s social ecological model guided the study, and multiple regression and moderation models were used to examine socioeconomic status and access to healthcare on infant mortality outcomes. Results indicated that race significantly …


Impact Of Mental Illness On Colon Cancer Screening Participation, Stephanie Tejada Aug 2025

Impact Of Mental Illness On Colon Cancer Screening Participation, Stephanie Tejada

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study analyzed the impact of mental illness on colon cancer screening participation. The research problem centers on the under-screening of colorectal cancer (CRC) in psychiatric patients, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer treatment outcomes. This quantitative retrospective cohort study examined how demographic factors (age, gender, ethnicity), healthcare access, and support group participation influenced CRC screening among individuals with mental illness. The research used data from 571 adults aged 50 and older from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The Social Ecological Model served as the guiding theoretical framework for this study. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square, logistic regression, and …


Opioid Overdose Bystander Assistance And Harm Reduction In Pennsylvania, Walkirya Peralta Aug 2025

Opioid Overdose Bystander Assistance And Harm Reduction In Pennsylvania, Walkirya Peralta

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Bystanders play a vital role in reducing opioid overdose deaths by administering naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of opioids when used promptly. With opioid-related fatalities considered a public health emergency in the United States, increasing public access to naloxone and education on overdose prevention has become a key strategy in harm reduction. Research shows that these efforts effectively lower overdose deaths in affected communities. As part of this public health approach, many states allow individuals to obtain naloxone without a prescription through standing orders at pharmacies and community programs. Additionally, legal protections such as Good Samaritan laws …


The Association Between Malnutrition And Gingivitis Among Residents In St. Louis, Missouri, Alyssa Detrick Aug 2025

The Association Between Malnutrition And Gingivitis Among Residents In St. Louis, Missouri, Alyssa Detrick

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Malnutrition and gingivitis are common diagnoses in primary medical and dental care. The purpose of this quantitative study was to understand the association between malnutrition and gingivitis among residents in St. Louis, Missouri. The study was based on the social ecological model (SEM). The cross-sectional design involved secondary data (N = 2,553) from a Federally Qualified Health Center in St. Louis, Missouri that included de-identified patient demographic and diagnosis information of St. Louis City residents with a medical and dental visit in 2024. This study examined the relationship between malnutrition and gingivitis while controlling for ethnicity, preferred language, race, and …


Premenopausal And Postmenopausal Malignant Cervical Cancer Diagnosis Among Disaggregated Subethnic Groups Of Asian American Women In The United States, Nilofar Haider Mirza Aug 2025

Premenopausal And Postmenopausal Malignant Cervical Cancer Diagnosis Among Disaggregated Subethnic Groups Of Asian American Women In The United States, Nilofar Haider Mirza

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite being the United States' fastest-growing and diverse population, Asian Americans are often aggregated with Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in prior research, resulting in masking disparities in cervical cancer screening/diagnosis among Asian American subethnic groups. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological model, the association between disaggregated subethnic groups and cervical cancer diagnosis among Asian American women aged 20+ in the United States was examined using binary logistic regression. How histology type/behavior and age at diagnosis moderate the relationship between disaggregated subethnic groups and cervical cancer diagnosis was also explored. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed using cases (N=1014) from the U.S. …


Understanding Loss To Follow-Up: The Role Of Social Determinants Of Health In Infants Referred After A Positive Newborn Screening – A Quantitative Analysis, Betsy Graham-Moeller Graham-Moeller Aug 2025

Understanding Loss To Follow-Up: The Role Of Social Determinants Of Health In Infants Referred After A Positive Newborn Screening – A Quantitative Analysis, Betsy Graham-Moeller Graham-Moeller

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Newborn screening (NBS) is a vital U.S. public health initiative that identifies medical conditions shortly after birth. Patients with positive screenings are referred for medical follow-up or evaluation. However, many patients do not receive the recommended long-term follow-up, posing concerns for healthcare providers and public health professionals working to ensure timely treatment and care continuity. Based on the Social Determinants of Health framework, this quantitative, retrospective cohort study aimed to examine demographic and clinical factors associated with follow-up adherence among 691 infants identified through NBS in Colorado and Wyoming. The purpose of the study was to determine whether race, ethnicity, …


The Association Between Sunlight Exposure Duration, Region Of Birth And Skin Conditions Linked To Skin Cancer Risk Among Migrant Hispanic Farmworkers, Uchechukwu Fidelia Nnoruka Aug 2025

The Association Between Sunlight Exposure Duration, Region Of Birth And Skin Conditions Linked To Skin Cancer Risk Among Migrant Hispanic Farmworkers, Uchechukwu Fidelia Nnoruka

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prolonged exposure to sunlight increases the risk of developing skin conditions linked to skin cancer. Migrant Hispanic farmworkers are especially at risk due to extended outdoor labor, limited access to preventive care, and minimal occupational protections. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the association between sun exposure duration and region of birth with the presence of skin conditions associated with skin cancer among migrant Hispanic farmworkers in the United States. This study was grounded by the Social Ecological Model, which provided a comprehensive framework for examining multilevel factors influencing skin health outcomes. Using a cross-sectional design, secondary …


Role Of Perceived Social Support And Knowledge Of Postpartum Depression Among Women In Anambra State, Eastern Nigeria, Raphael Oluwasina Babatola Folorunsho Aug 2025

Role Of Perceived Social Support And Knowledge Of Postpartum Depression Among Women In Anambra State, Eastern Nigeria, Raphael Oluwasina Babatola Folorunsho

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Postpartum depression (PPD) is an increasingly pressing public health issue, particularly in low-resource settings like Nigeria, where maternal mental health tends to receive limited attention. This study explored the relationship between maternal awareness of PPD, perceived social support, and prevalence of depressive symptoms among postpartum women in the Nnewi North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State. Grounded in the social support theory, health belief model, and socioecological model, the study used a descriptive cross-sectional research design. A total of 406 postpartum women attending primary healthcare centers were surveyed using validated instruments, including the PHQ-9 and MSPSS. Statistical analyses included …


Cardiometabolic Outcomes In The Obese African American Population With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cecilia Jillo Walan Aug 2025

Cardiometabolic Outcomes In The Obese African American Population With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cecilia Jillo Walan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disproportionately impacts African American adults, particularly those with obesity, due to overlapping cardiometabolic risks and health care disparities. The intersection of RA, obesity, and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertension underscores the need for targeted public health interventions. This study investigated the association between RA and cardiometabolic outcomes among African American adults with obesity, aiming to identify significant predictors within this high-risk population. This quantitative study employed a cross-sectional design to analyze data from the 1999–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey undergirded by the social ecological change framework with N=23644 African American adults …


Comparative Analysis Of Risk Factors Associated With Guinea Worm Disease In Five Endemic Countries, Junerlyn Virrey Agua Aug 2025

Comparative Analysis Of Risk Factors Associated With Guinea Worm Disease In Five Endemic Countries, Junerlyn Virrey Agua

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Guinea worm disease (GWD) has persisted in a small number of endemic countries despite decades of eradication efforts. Ongoing GWD transmission in these countries underscores the need to examine behavioral, environmental, and surveillance-related drivers. The purpose of this quantitative study was to assess associations among risk factors, including dog tethering, pond treatment with Abate, and community awareness, and GWD incidence. The study also examined the relationship between climate-related environmental factors and GWD case distribution, as well as the influence of awareness levels on GWD rumor reports. Guided by the PRECEDE–PROCEED framework, this retrospective secondary analysis used data from national eradication …


The Lived Experience Of In-Home Social Distancing And Other Preventative Measures Among Covid-19-Positive Individuals And Other Household Members, Jimmette Naytwain Brooks Aug 2025

The Lived Experience Of In-Home Social Distancing And Other Preventative Measures Among Covid-19-Positive Individuals And Other Household Members, Jimmette Naytwain Brooks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), first detected in Wuhan, China, is caused by a new virus strain: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). On March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was classified as “the second pandemic of the 21st century” by the World Health Organization. To better control the spread of the virus, governments and communities adopted several established public health protocols to quell the spread of the disease and decrease the resulting morbidity and mortality. Specific measures included masking, hand hygiene, social distancing and disinfection. Though these are proven measures, not much was known about adherence in the home …


Demographic And Clinical Predictors Of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease And Advanced Fibrosis In The United States, Gail Fernandes Aug 2025

Demographic And Clinical Predictors Of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease And Advanced Fibrosis In The United States, Gail Fernandes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD; formerly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related liver fibrosis) is a growing public health problem in the United States. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of MASLD-related advanced fibrosis in the United States and assess whether type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) were independent risk factors for MASLD-related advanced fibrosis. This study was a quantitative cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2011 to 2020, grounded in the social ecological theory. Participants (N = 21,829) were included if they were ≥18 years, excluded if …


Maternal Mortality In Zambia: Associations With Health Services Utilization, Birth Spacing, And Province, Selina Mubwanga Aug 2025

Maternal Mortality In Zambia: Associations With Health Services Utilization, Birth Spacing, And Province, Selina Mubwanga

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Maternal mortality remains one of the leading public health issues in Zambia characterized by elevated maternal mortality rates among women of reproductive age. This research study investigated the effect of birth spacing, province type and location, and maternal health services utilization on maternal deaths among women in the Lusaka, Eastern, Central, and North-Western provinces of Zambia. The theoretical underpinning of this investigation drew upon the social-ecological systems framework. Using secondary data from the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) of 1,868 women aged 15–49 years, the study adopted a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional research design. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed …


Socioeconomic Determinants Of Depression And Anxiety Disorders In Puerto Ricans Living On The Island And The Mainland, Herman Alvarado Aug 2025

Socioeconomic Determinants Of Depression And Anxiety Disorders In Puerto Ricans Living On The Island And The Mainland, Herman Alvarado

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research shows that, among Hispanics, depression and anxiety disorders are the two most prevalent mental disorders, particularly for Puerto Ricans. The socioecological model approaches mental health conditions from a perspective where multiple levels in society influence health-related behaviors. Based on this approach, this quantitative study looked at how socioeconomic factors - marital status, education, employment, and residential status were related to a diagnosis of depression or anxiety in Puerto Ricans. This study also explored whether there were differences between two groups of Puerto Ricans: those living on the island compared to those living in the 50 states. Analysis was conducted …


The Impact Of Socio-Emotional And Provider Support On Hiv Testing In Southern United States, Ijeoma Onyinyechi Nwazuruokeh Aug 2025

The Impact Of Socio-Emotional And Provider Support On Hiv Testing In Southern United States, Ijeoma Onyinyechi Nwazuruokeh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

HIV was first diagnosed over 40 years ago in the United States; however, HIV remains an epidemic. An understanding of how socio-emotional support, social isolation, and support from an individual's provider influence HIV testing in the Southern United States can be a key to increasing testing rates and ultimately reducing the incidence and prevalence of HIV in the Southern United States. The purpose of this non-experimental quantitative study was to examine the relationship between HIV testing, socio-emotional support, and social isolation, and how these variables are further moderated by an individual having provider support in the Southern United States. The …


Childhood Vaccination In Mozambique Pre- And Post-Covid-19 Pandemic, Remy Mwamba Aug 2025

Childhood Vaccination In Mozambique Pre- And Post-Covid-19 Pandemic, Remy Mwamba

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In 2019, infectious diseases and other conditions claimed the lives of over 5 million children under 5. Global immunization coverage remains below prepandemic levels, leaving behind over 14 million zero-dose children in 2022, of whom 84% lived in low- and middle-income countries. This quantitative cross-sectional study aimed to examine, using two consecutive Demographic and Health Surveys, whether the most significant household characteristics and health service utilization risk factors associated with nonvaccination before the COVID-19 pandemic still hold postpandemic in Mozambique. Andersen's behavioral model of healthcare service utilization was the foundation for this investigation. The sample included N=2034 children aged 12-35 …


Socioecological Factors And Age Of Diagnosis For Autism Spectrum Disorder Among U.S. Children, Richline Wilson Aug 2025

Socioecological Factors And Age Of Diagnosis For Autism Spectrum Disorder Among U.S. Children, Richline Wilson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

As autism spectrum disorder (autism/ASD) diagnoses rise, understanding the influence of socioecological factors on the age of diagnosis among children in the United States is critical for timely intervention and improved quality of life. The purpose of this study was to examine how socioecological factors influence the age at which children are diagnosed with autism/ASD. The quantitative causal-comparative design, which was informed by Bronfenbrenner’s socioecological model, involved analysis of secondary data from the 2021 National Survey of Children’s Health (N=1416). Ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that race and ethnicity moderated the relationship between socioeconomic status (caregiver educational and employment status …


Understanding Black American Pastors' Leadership Role And Interaction With Public Health During Covid-19, Stacy L. Tolbert Jul 2025

Understanding Black American Pastors' Leadership Role And Interaction With Public Health During Covid-19, Stacy L. Tolbert

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic tested the leadership, response, and resilience of Black American pastors and their communities. These pastors played a crucial role in supporting their communities to lessen the impact the virus had on underlying health conditions and socioeconomic hardships that were exacerbated by the pandemic. Despite their efforts, Black American pastors frequently encountered challenges helping their community. The current research sought to understand the lived experiences of Black American pastors during the pandemic and their interactions with public health institutions to secure resources for their communities through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The study was guided by the research question, …


Association Between Sociocultural Factors, Obesity, And Depression In The Hispanic/Latino Population, Maia Junco Jul 2025

Association Between Sociocultural Factors, Obesity, And Depression In The Hispanic/Latino Population, Maia Junco

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The increasing prevalence of obesity and mental health disparities among Hispanic/Latino populations in the United States underscores the need to understand how sociocultural factors shape physical and psychological health. The purpose of this study was to examine how acculturation, diet quality, and fiber intake affect BMI and depressive symptoms over time. The study was guided by acculturation theory and the biopsychosocial model. The study used longitudinal secondary data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) with a sample of N=8,816, including adults who completed examination visits, 1 (2008–2011) and 2 (2014–2017). Path analysis was conducted to assess direct …


The Influence Of Sociodemographic Factors On Opioid Mortalities In The U.S. State Of Georgia, Theresa Highsmith Jul 2025

The Influence Of Sociodemographic Factors On Opioid Mortalities In The U.S. State Of Georgia, Theresa Highsmith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Since the late 1990s, the United States has been in the midst of an opioid epidemic that continues to present significant public health challenges. Opioid-related mortality, particularly involving fentanyl, has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the associations between educational level, homelessness, and alcohol use with opioid-related overdose deaths involving fentanyl, while controlling for age, gender, and marital status, among Black and White populations in the U.S. state of Georgia. The theoretical framework was Bronfenbrenner’s socioecological model, which recognizes that individual behavior is influenced by multiple levels of factors, including interpersonal, community, and …


Association Between Homelessness And Maternal Health Outcomes Among Non-Hispanic Black Women In Georgia, Miranda Weaver Jul 2025

Association Between Homelessness And Maternal Health Outcomes Among Non-Hispanic Black Women In Georgia, Miranda Weaver

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Maternal health disparities among homeless non-Hispanic Black women in Georgia represent a critical public health concern, driven by inequitable access to care and elevated risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study examined how homelessness influences perinatal care utilization (timing and frequency of prenatal visits and postpartum checkups) and pregnancy complications (gestational diabetes, hypertension, and depression), and whether these associations differ by geographic context (urban versus rural). Grounded in the Social Determinants of Health framework, the study used a quantitative cross-sectional design, analyzing secondary data (n = 1,540; weighted ≈ 203,571) from Phase 8 (2017–2021) of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring …


The Covid-19 Lockdown And Diabetes Self-Management In Esan Northeast Area Of Edo State, Esther Ehivbaun Rapu Jul 2025

The Covid-19 Lockdown And Diabetes Self-Management In Esan Northeast Area Of Edo State, Esther Ehivbaun Rapu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 lockdown impacted chronic diseases care globally, but there is limited research on how individuals in rural Nigerian communities managed diabetes during this period. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of self-management with diabetes during the COVID-19 lockdown among adults in Esan Northeast. The socioecological model (SEM) served as the guiding conceptual framework, allowing for the exploration of the impact of individual, interpersonal, community, and institutional factors on self-care behaviors. The research explored how cultural, social and economic factors impacted how adults with diabetes in Esan Northeast managed their condition during the COVID-19 lockdown. Semi-structured interviews via …


Predicting Dietary Behavior In Obese Adult Diabetics Using Social Cognitive Theory, Precious Mueller Jul 2025

Predicting Dietary Behavior In Obese Adult Diabetics Using Social Cognitive Theory, Precious Mueller

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Predicting Dietary Behavior in Obese Adult Diabetics Using Social Cognitive Theory by Precious Mueller MA, University of Phoenix, 2009 BS, University of Iowa, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University November 2024 “ Diabetes mellitus Type II is a prevalent and serious condition affecting millions globally, particularly among obese adults. The association between dietary behaviors and diabetes management is critical, as it directly impacts health outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals. This study aims to identify the determinants of dietary behaviors that influence Type II …


Type Of Intimate Partner Violence And Association With Perpetrator Demographics, Katrisha Williams Jul 2025

Type Of Intimate Partner Violence And Association With Perpetrator Demographics, Katrisha Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health concern because of its long-term impact on health and well-being with 1 in 4 American women experiencing some form of IPV. To help understand how age, gender, and race of both, the perpetrator and victim, impact the type of IPV, multiple regression analysis was performed with secondary data from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence survey (N=541). This study used Raewyn Connell’s Theory of Masculinity as a conceptual framework. This theory states that males have a need to show dominance, strength, and suppress emotion, which can inform patterns of violence in …


Unintentional Drowning In Florida: An Analysis Of Demographic And Water Type Associations Among Youth And Young Adults, Michelle Sterling Jul 2025

Unintentional Drowning In Florida: An Analysis Of Demographic And Water Type Associations Among Youth And Young Adults, Michelle Sterling

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Unintentional drowning is a leading cause of preventable injury fatalities among youth and young adults in the United States. Despite the preventability, drowning continues to affect specific populations disproportionately. Limited research has examined demographic and environmental factors that contribute to drowning fatalities among individuals aged 5 to 25 years old in Florida. Understanding these patterns is key to informing targeted prevention strategies. This quantitative, retrospective study explored the relationship between demographic characteristics (i.e., gender, race, and ethnicity), environmental context (i.e., water type), and drowning fatalities of 5- to 25-year-olds in Florida from 2018 to 2022. Data for this study, which …


Emergency Managers Perceived Effectiveness Of Disaster Mitigation Plans And Training Focused On The Special Needs Population, Jessica Windsor Jul 2025

Emergency Managers Perceived Effectiveness Of Disaster Mitigation Plans And Training Focused On The Special Needs Population, Jessica Windsor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The special needs population faces increased vulnerability during disasters, yet disaster planning often overlooks their unique requirements. This study focuses on the experiences and perceptions of emergency managers in the Southeastern United States. The purpose of the study was to examine the extent to which emergency management plans recognize and address the needs of special populations and identify training gaps. The research questions aimed to uncover the factors that influence inclusive planning, training effectiveness, and resource allocation. Grounded in the Disaster Health Framework, the study utilized a qualitative research design involving surveys with 14 emergency managers, followed by thematic analysis …


Parents’ Experience Of The Effects Of Racism On The Psychological And Physical Health Of Teenagers With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Akane Nakamura Jul 2025

Parents’ Experience Of The Effects Of Racism On The Psychological And Physical Health Of Teenagers With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Akane Nakamura

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many children and adults in the United States experience developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, leading to bias, marginalization, and economic hardship. Racism exacerbates these issues for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), increasing depression, isolation, and health disparities. The purpose of this study was to explore parents' perspectives on the impact of racism on the psychological and physical health of teenagers aged 13–18 years with moderate IDD in the Northwestern United States. Disability critical race theory provided a lens for examining how race and disability intersect to create barriers for these teenagers. The research method was qualitative. Phenomenology …


Cannabis And Covid: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis Of Their Impact On Mental Health-Related Hospital Visits In Rural Arizona (2016-2023), Jennifer Megan Suter Jul 2025

Cannabis And Covid: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis Of Their Impact On Mental Health-Related Hospital Visits In Rural Arizona (2016-2023), Jennifer Megan Suter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Arizona’s rural communities face shortages in mental health care services. In 2020, the nearly simultaneous onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the legalization of recreational cannabis introduced overlapping public health stressors that may have disproportionately affected these vulnerable populations. However, their combined impact on rural mental health remains understudied. This three-manuscript dissertation employed interrupted time series analyses to assess how these events influenced monthly hospital visits for schizophrenia, psychosis, cannabis-induced psychosis, and suicidal behaviors among rural Arizona adults aged 21 and older. A total of 16,468 records from the Arizona State Inpatient and Emergency Department Databases (SID and SEDD) met …