Public Health Commons^™

My Life, My Story And Life Recovery Among Veterans With Substance Use Problems, Grace Chang Md, Mph, Martha J. Duffy Md, Susan Nathan Md

Patient Experience Journal

Objective: The United States Veterans Health Administration My Life, My Story (MLMS) program is a patient-centered care intervention where veterans are interviewed about their life story and may grant permission to include it in their electronic health record (EHR). Our purpose was to focus on a sample of MLMS narratives from veterans with self-disclosed substance use (SU) from our institution, and to evaluate the potential relationship between their content and a life change for the better, and to compare their content with the EHR. Methods: The narratives were reviewed on 4 domains (past challenge, substance use, experience of a turning …

The Impact Of Learners On Patient Satisfaction In The Orthopedic Setting, Sydney Boike, Kevin Hodge, Lynsey Malin, Timothy Nyangacha, Rebekah Kleinsmith, Megan Reams, Julia Stumpf, Bradley Nelson

Patient Experience Journal

This investigation evaluates the impact of learners and their post-graduate year (PGY) levels on patient satisfaction in the orthopedic outpatient clinic, an area with limited prior research. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from July 2020 to December 2022, involving 2,484 patients, with a 39% response rate. Satisfaction was measured via NRC Health surveys, focusing on the likelihood of recommending the provider or clinic based on the presence of learners, categorized as none, present in the clinic, or involved in patient care. Non-parametric statistical analysis revealed significant reductions in satisfaction when learners were involved in care, with top-box …

A Qualitative Study: Patients' Expectation Of Private Hospitals, Sarah Jada, Jessy Jacob, Ahmad Nasrallah

Patient Experience Journal

Objectives: This study was conducted to explore patients' expectations and perceptions of private healthcare facilities, understand the key factors influencing their choice of such facilities, also identify elements that enhance patient satisfaction and loyalty, enabling the development of actionable recommendations to improve patient-centered care in private healthcare settings. Method: A qualitative study using thematic analysis was conducted with 29 patients from various nationalities and backgrounds who received services in private hospitals in Kuwait, including Dar Al Shifa Hospital. Insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews. Results: The study delved into the significant correlation between patients' experience of their healthcare encounters and …

Patient Perspectives On Health Care Utilization At Two Free Clinics – A Qualitative Study, Patrick Fagan, Danny Guillen Perez, Roberta D. Baer, John Petrilli

Patient Experience Journal

Millions of uninsured Americans access health care through free clinics, but their experience with the medical system is understudied. This study sought to understand patterns in free clinic patients' experience with healthcare utilization through qualitative and descriptive analyses. Data were collected through face-to-face, open-ended interviews at two free clinics in an urban Florida community. The clinics included one student-run free clinic and one community-based free clinic. Survey questions were developed based on prior literature and validated through expert consensus and pilot interviews. The interviewers conducted 74 interviews between May 7 and June 10, 2022. Responses were coded by the authors, …

The Patient Ombudsperson's Experience Of Patient Partnership And Mutual Understanding Of Rights, Sanna Ryynänen

Patient Experience Journal

Mutual understanding between the patient and the healthcare professional can be considered a key factor of a positive patient experience in the care relationship. Mutual understanding can be promoted through patient partnership, which, in this personal and professional narrative, the author (a patient ombudsperson, known as patient ombudsman, and researcher of patient experience) describes as participation through patient rights during care. In the relationship between the patient and the healthcare professional (i.e., who acts as a care provider in the patient's care), medical treatment decisions and related patient rights go hand in hand. Even in difficult care situations of mutual …

Beyond The White Coat: Mental Health In The Life Of A Junior Doctor, Araya Gautam

Patient Experience Journal

This article underscores the profound need for a culture that prioritises mental health, especially among doctors navigating their early careers. This personal narrative also highlights the importance of overcoming this and the challenges one can face while trying to do so. A journey of a 30-year-old doctor, as she hurdled along life with the passing of her grandparents and studying for the exam, it looked like a task that was achievable at first, but as time went by anxiety and self-doubts were not easy to navigate. This piece outlines why it is of utmost importance that we as doctor realise …

Escuchame: A Story Of Patient Resilience, Daniel Murillo Armenta, John Paul Braun

Patient Experience Journal

This article is a narrative following a patient's experience through the American Healthcare system. This article is written by a second-year medical student. During this time the individual repeatedly engaged in different specialties of medicine such as neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, emergency medicine, gynecology, and primary care. This narrative demonstrates how certain issues such as healthcare access, patient demographics, defective communication, and general mistrust of the healthcare system negatively impact patient outcomes. As an uninsured immigrant, the patient was in a disadvantaged position when her health problems first began. Due to her lack of insurance, she did not have an established …

Re-Recruitment: An Essential Aspect Of Human Experience, Thom Mayer, David Fessell, Amy Young

Patient Experience Journal

Healthcare staffing is a major issue facing leaders at all levels and is affected by turnover rates in ``The Great Resignation,'' as well as the issue of burnout, moral injury, and turnover. In seeking to deal with defining and making human experience as reality, these factors affect every level, from patient experience to workforce experience to community experience, all of which are related to not just adequate staffing and preventing turnover but doing so with our highest performing ``A Team'' members. Using the tool of re-recruitment of these high-level professionals and team members can be critical to retaining talent, while …

Leading In Turbulent Times: Why Experience Is Essential To Healthcare's Future, Jason A. Wolf

Patient Experience Journal

Healthcare systems around the world and throughout our community are being buffeted from all sides, with higher acuity patients, a vulnerable and stressed workforce, unsure finances and support structures, and even challenges to long-held medical truths. For as much as we traversed a once in a lifetime moment through the pandemic years, the residual effects and social and political sways that followed have woven their ways into healthcare overall. There is great uncertainty. There are rapidly emerging innovations. There are greater tensions in our society which show up in behaviors that impact how we provide care. These issues and more …

Impact Of The Online Nutrition Intervention On Health Indicators For Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, And Obesity In Senior Populations, Indira Karibayeva, Padmini Shankar, Gulzar H. Shah

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: This study evaluated the effects of an online nutrition intervention program, Food Fitness First, Inc.®, on health indicators for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity among senior center participants.

Methods: Thirty individuals aged over 60 completed the 3-month Food Fitness First program, which included initial counseling and 12 educational sessions utilizing the Diabetes FOOD SPIRAL® book and bifold. Pre- and post-treatment assessments measured various health parameters.

Results: Results showed significant improvements in Favorable Fitness Factor (FFF) score, which encompasses four key domains: Nutrition, Exercise, Health/Disease, and Lifestyle. FFF factor difference was equal to 13.63, with 95% CI [11.22; 16.03;]. …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Of Adults For Periodic Health Assessment In Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, Fatimah Yousef Alhafedh, Rawan Ahmed Almusaileem, Zahraa Hassan Aljaafar, Rayhanah Saleh Alaayesh, Edric Estrella

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Regular medical consultation, such as annually or semi-annually for check-ups, especially to diagnose chronic conditions, is essential for health maintenance, particularly in adults. The aim of this study is to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adults aged 30 years or older for obtaining periodic professional health assessment in the city of Al Ahsa in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a total sample of 472 adults. Multistage sampling was employed, and data were collected using a Google Forms survey and analyzed using JASP and OpenEpi. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis was used …

Health Literacy, Health Perception, And Influencing Factors Among Immigrants, Canan Birimoglu Okuyan, Ebru Deveci, Fatma Karasu

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Individuals living in rural areas face several healthcare disadvantages, including limited access to medical facilities and specialists during emergencies. This study examines healthy lifestyle behaviors, health perceptions, and influencing factors among immigrants in a rural region of southern Türkiye.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved immigrants registered at a family health center. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Perception of Health Scale, and the Health Literacy Scale.

Results: Statistically significant differences in THLS-32 scores were found based on participants’ occupation, marital status, and education level (p < 0.05). A moderately positive correlation was observed between health literacy and health perception scores (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Research on the relationship between …

Impact Of Pandemic-Driven Parental Fear On Childhood Immunization Rates: Examining Attitudes Toward Vaccination During Crisis Periods In Türkiye, Özüm Erkin, İlknur Göl

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of parents’ fear of coronavirus on their attitudes towards the vaccination of their children.

Methods: The study was conducted with 2,350 parents who were selected by using the snowball sampling method. The questionnaire included a personal information form, the Public Attitude towards Vaccination Scale – Health Belief Model, and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale.

Results: The scores of the study group from the sub-dimensions of the Public Attitude towards Vaccination Scale Health Belief Model were as follows: 17.39 ± 2.92 perceived susceptibility, 16.74 ± 3.19 perceived severity, 21.10 ± …

Assessing Healthcare Students’ Self-Efficacy In Disaster Response: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Aydın Şenol, Abdülkerim Adıyaman, Canan Birimoglu Okuyan

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Assessing healthcare students’ self-efficacy in disaster response is crucial for preparing them to effectively manage real-world disaster situations. This study aimed to assess the self-efficacy status of healthcare students in disaster response.

Methods: The data for this cross-sectional analysis were gathered from 498 healthcare students between November 18, 2023, and February 14, 2024, using an individual diagnostic form and the disaster-response self-efficacy (DRSE) scale. This scale is used to assess an individual’s self-efficacy in responding effectively to disasters, including on-site rescue competency, disaster psychological nursing competency, disaster role quality, and adaptation competency.

Results: The mean age …

Cross-Cultural Adaptation And Expert Opinion Of Revised Trauma Quality Of Life Questionnaire (Rt-Qol): Malay Language Version, Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Shamsinar Ibrahim, Malina Zulkifli, Azimatun Noor Aizuddin, Hanizah Mohd Yusoff

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study examines the cross-cultural adaptation and expert validation of the Revised Trauma Quality of Life (RT-QOL) questionnaire, translating it from English to Malay.

Methods: The study employed Beaton’s adaptation guidelines and Takasaki’s framework for expert opinions, involving 51 road traffic injury patients recruited from the Emergency and Trauma Department (ED) of a public hospital in Kedah, Malaysia, from March to June 2022. Participants were contacted via telephone 30 days after their hospital visit regarding their involvement in the study. Three independent experts, comprising academicians in healthcare and emergency department clinicians, reviewed and reconciled the RT-QOL Malay …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Motivation Regarding Exclusive Breastfeeding Between Medical And Nonmedical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study, Melviana Lubis, Meisyah Putri Rozi

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding provides substantial health benefits; however, disparities in knowledge and support persist. This study aimed to compare knowledge levels, attitudes, and motivation levels regarding exclusive breastfeeding between female medical and nonmedical students.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara and involved 314 students from the 2023 cohort. A validated questionnaire was used to assess knowledge levels (16 items), attitude (IIFAS, 16 items), and motivation (15 items). Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, odds ratio (OR), and Spearman’s correlation.

Results: Medical students demonstrated significantly higher levels of knowledge (OR = 3.50; …

Evaluation Of Mandibular Condyle And Coronoid Process Anomalies Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, Rümeysa Şendişçi Gök, Bilay Stevanovic Sancar, Sevcihan Günen Yılmaz

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of condylar and coronoid process anomalies, their types, and their relationship to sex. Method: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were retrospectively analyzed for the presence and types of abnormalities in the condylar and coronoid processes. Statistical analysis of measurement data was performed using SPSS version 22. Medical histories of the individuals were obtained from their digital dental records. Results: CBCT images of 400 individuals were included in the study. Condylar anomalies were observed in 9.5% of cases, while coronoid anomalies were found in 7.5%. All condylar anomalies were more …

Intermittent Fasting And Cardiometabolic Health In Adults With Obesity: A Scoping Review, Tri Siswati, Lathifa Zahra Putri Nugroho, Natasya Nurul Gina, Almira Sitasari, Agus Wijanarka

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Obesity is a significant global health challenge, with adverse impacts on cardiometabolic health such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. One promising intervention in obesity management is intermittent fasting (PI). However, scientific evidence on the impact of IF on cardiometabolic health is still limited. This study used a scoping review design to evaluate the association between IF and cardiometabolic health in obese adults. Reference sources are available in English at least abstract between 2015–2023 as well as from PubMed and Google Scholar web sources. The search keywords on PubMed are "Adult AND intermittent fasting AND cardiometabolic" and on Google Scholar …

Factors Related To The Incidence Of Hypertension Among People Above 18 Years At The Cibatu Public Health Center, Bekasi Regency, Verizka Azra, Yustiyani Yustiyani, Minsarnawati Minsarnawati, Catur Rosidati

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Hypertension is a non-communicable disease that still becomes a public health issue. The percentage of hypertension cases at Cibatu Public Health Center increased from 31.7% in 2021 to 37% in 2022. Based on a preliminary study, hypertension was found to be the most common non-communicable disease at Cibatu Public Health Center. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the incidence of hypertension among individuals aged 18 years and older at Cibatu Public Health Center, Bekasi Regency, in 2024.We conducted a cross-sectional study in May involving 121 respondents. This study used standardized questionnaires that had been validated in previous research, …

The Relationship Between Ultra-Processed Food (Upf) Consumption, Sedentary Behavior, And Overweight Status Among Students At Sman 1 Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, Husna Dzakya Azzahra, Zenia Elsa Fitri, Imas Arumsari

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Overweight is a condition where excess body fat accumulates, leading to increased risks of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and cancer. The prevalence of overnutrition in adolescents aged 16-18 years has been rising over the years, from 5.7% in 2013 to 9.5% in 2018. This study aims to analyze the relationship between Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) consumption and sedentary behavior on overweight status among students at SMAN 1 Tangerang. A cross-sectional design, data were collected through interviews with 114 respondents using the SQ-FFQ Ultra-Processed Food questionnaire and the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ), with quota sampling employed. The …

Exploring The Non-Communicable Disease Burden In Indonesia – Findings From The 2023 Health Survey, Akifa Laila Rusyda

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

The present study rigorously examines the correlation between obesity, high-risk dietary consumption, and unhealthy lifestyles with the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Indonesia. The study employed a cross-sectional study design using secondary data from the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey, analyzing 38 units (n) representing Indonesia's provinces in 2023. The correlation analysis, conducted using Pearson's test with a significance level of 95% (α<0.05), revealed significant regional disparities in the prevalence of NCDs, dietary consumption, and lifestyle factors across Indonesia. Moreover, the findings reveal a statistically significant positive correlation between obesity, high-risk food consumption, and lifestyle risk factors with the prevalence of several NCDs, including diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. These results underscore the potential impact of our research on public health in Indonesia. The results highlight also the urgent need for targeted public health initiatives, such as policies promoting healthier food choices, controlling the food environment, encouraging physical activity, and supporting smoking cessation to mitigate the growing burden of NCDs in Indonesia.

Maternal Dietary, Nutritional Status, And Its Association With Low-Birth Weight: A Scoping Review, Tri Siswati, Devi Septia Ningrum, Adinda Safitri, Almira Sitasari

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Maternal diet and nutritional status during pregnancy influence birth outcomes. This review article aims to synthesize key studies examining the relationship between maternal dietary intake, nutritional status, and the occurrence of low birth weight (LBW). This study applies a scoping review from PubMed and Google Scholar (2018–2023). Observational and experimental studies were included. Articles met the criteria if they involved pregnant women aged 17+, human studies, full-text availability, and were in English or Indonesian. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The findings revealed that maternal intake of essential macronutrients, including energy and protein, along with key micronutrients …

Cocreating A Programme To Prevent Injuries And Improve Performance In Australian Police Force Recruits: Consumer, Industry Partner And Researcher Involvement Protocol, Myles Calder Murphy, Andrea R. Bruder, Vanessa R. Sutton, Garth M. Allen, Andrea C.M. Mosler, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Evert L. Verhagen, Joanne Kemp, Caroline Jones, Joletta Belton, Debra Langridge

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

We are conducting a research program to cocreate, implement and evaluate an injury prevention intervention for the Western Australia (WA) Police Force Recruit Training Academy. This programme of research has three primary phases: (1) cocreate an injury prevention intervention for the WA Police Force with WA Force recruits, WA Police Force staff, health professionals and injury prevention experts, (2) implement the injury prevention intervention into WA Police Force Recruit training and (3) evaluate the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance of the injury prevention intervention. Our research programme includes the involvement of consumers, industry partners and researchers. To ensure collaboration …

From The Ground Up: Community-Based Participatory Research Reclaiming The Science Of Lead, Juan Manuel Rubio, Bavisha Kaylan, Anthony Diaz, Patricia Flores, Maya Cheav, David C. Bañuelas, Ashley Green, Annika Hjelmstad, Ariane Jong-Levinger, Tim Schütz, Maya Carrasquillo, Alana M. W. Lebron, Jun Wu

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

For decades, the dominant approach to lead poisoning has been to focus on homes affected by lead paint and to treat children who are already suffering from lead poisoning. This individualizing approach developed in the context of the defunding and deregulation of government agencies in the 1980s. In recent years, however, community–academic partnerships have reframed lead as an environmental issue produced by the development of the lead industry in the twentieth century and connected to overlapping histories of exploitation, discrimination, and inaction. These community-based projects have contributed to shifting research agendas (by emphasizing historical analysis and the study of the …

Comparison Of Outcomes Among Neurovascular Patients Managed In Dedicated Neurological Intensive Care Units Vs. General Intensive Care Units, Joanna Roy, Basel Musmar, Nassos Tziviskos, Saarang Patel, Roberto Deleon, Ashley Thommana, Shady Mina, Stavropoula Tjoumakaris, Michael Gooch, Robert Rosenwasswer, Pascal Jabbour

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: Patients with neurovascular conditions often require multidisciplinary management to optimize recovery. Our systematic review identifies literature comparing outcomes among neurovascular patients managed at dedicated neurological intensive care units (ICUs) compared to general ICUs. Methods: PubMed was searched to identify articles that reported outcomes among patients managed at dedicated neurological ICUs versus general ICUs. Articles that reported outcomes among patients with neurovascular conditions were included. Articles that reported outcomes among patients managed at stroke units were excluded. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess for risk of bias across individual studies. Results: After a title and abstract screen …

Empowering Underserved Mandarin-Speaking Communities Through Medical Student-Led Culinary Education, Amy Lin, Qihua Sun, Nathan Huang, Virginia Uhley, Misa Mi

Posters

No abstract provided.

Overcoming Barriers To Human Papillomavirus Vaccination In Guangdong Province, China, Shuaijing Zhang, Shiqi Li, Jingtai Ma, Guiyuan Ji, Zhifeng Li, Siyi Chen, Fenglin Zhang, Xingfen Yang, Jianpeng Xiao, Rong Cao, Chenggang Wu, Wei Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains a critical public health challenge in China, particularly in Guangdong Province, where HPV-52, 16, and 58 genotypes predominate, and male infection rates exceed 40%. Despite the successful implementation of a government-funded school-based program that has achieved 88% HPV vaccine coverage among adolescent girls, several persistent barriers, including genotype mismatch (the free HPV vaccine covers < 50% of high-risk local strains), regional disparities (80% vs. 60% for first-dose coverage), and exclusion of males, thwart progress toward herd immunity. Financial sustainability risks pose an even more significant threat to the expansion of HPV vaccination programs, especially in Guangdong province where annual expenditures exceed CNY 200 million. This review delves into Guangdong's pioneering efforts and proposes practical solutions: accelerating domestic multivalent HPV vaccine development, adopting gender-neutral vaccination policies, and leveraging mobile clinics for remote populations. These strategies not only provide a roadmap for China but also serve as valuable insight for other LMICs striving to overcome HPV-related inequalities.

#Genderaffirminghormonetherapy And Health Information On Tiktok: Thematic Content Analysis, Julia Beatini, Nora Yanyi Sun, Julianna K. Coleman, Maetal E. Haas-Kogan, Andrea Pelletier, Deborah Bartz, Alex Sogomon Keuroghlian

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

BACKGROUND: Transgender and gender diverse people often turn to online platforms for information and support regarding gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT); however, analysis of this social media content remains scarce.

OBJECTIVE: We characterized GAHT-related videos on TikTok to highlight the implications relevant to GAHT prescribers.

METHODS: We used a web scraper to identify TikTok videos posted under the hashtags #genderaffirminghormonetherapy and #genderaffirminghormones as of November 2023. We identified recurrent themes via qualitative content analysis and assessed health education videos with the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audiovisual Materials (PEMAT-A/V) scale and a modified Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose (CRAAP) …

Inequities In The Rehabilitation Process Of Musculoskeletal Injuries In Maine, Devon A. Grant

Thinking Matters Symposium

Since 2016, Maine’s population has grown as a result of migration and a welcoming of refugees. Changes in state demographics influence the population’s and individuals’ social determinants of health (SDOH) (ie., “where people live, learn, work, and play”) and health literacy (ie., a person’s ability to find, understand, and use information to inform health-related decisions). This project aims to identify the health inequities or disparities throughout Southern Maine in the care of injuries to the lower extremity, such as the knee or ankle, as well as explore factors that influence the healthcare outcomes of athletes in surrounding communities. This study …

The Impact Of The Utilization Of Shared Decision-Making Tools In Contraceptive Counseling On Patient Satisfaction In Adolescents: A Scoping Review, Akaninyene Ruffin Msn,Fnp-C, Judith Tunney Bsn, Rn, Mary Katherine Fouquier Phd, Aprn, Cnm, Facnm, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Robust adolescent contraceptive counseling requires deep understanding of the specific context in which adolescents are receiving reproductive health care. As teen pregnancy rates rise, particularly in places across the Deep South, providers must find ways to engage their adolescent patients about their sexual and reproductive health. Professional organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gyencologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics both offirm the need for robust contraceptive counseling for adolescents. The purpose of this is to ascertain the impact of utilizing shared-decision making aids during contraceptive counseling on patient satisfaction in adolescent populations.

Methods

A systematic literature …