Public Health Commons^™

Challenges In Public Health: The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Crusted Scabies, Marshall Hall, Alyssa Forsyth, Wenquin Du, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Common scabies is a parasitic dermatologic condition that often presents as an extremely pruritic rash. A rare and highly contagious variant of common scabies is crusted scabies, formerly known as Norwegian scabies. While infection with common scabies typically involves 10 to 20 mites, individuals with crusted scabies are burdened with thousands to millions of mites. Crusted scabies is characterized clinically by hyperkeratotic papules and plaques, most commonly on the palms and soles. Due to the variety of presentations seen in scabies, it can be difficult to diagnose. Case presentations: We present 4 cases of crusted scabies. An 89-year-old male …

Women’S Health In Rural American Communities, Leandra Moukoudi Ndoko, Stephanie Zeszutek Do, Renee Reijo Pera Phd

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (Great Falls) Publications and Research

Limited data have been published on the status of women’s health in rural areas, particularly pertaining to women of color and rural women in the United States. The aim of this review is to briefly describe the trends in women’s health in rural areas, the factors contributing to poor health outcomes and potential ways to focus improvements most effectively. To provide this overview, approximately 310 articles were screened by full text on the database PubMed. Of these, 27 articles are described in more detail in this piece. Data focus on women’s health in the United States and include information bulletin …

Artificial Intelligence In Health Care: Business Opportunities And Ethical Challenges, Ankita Srivastava, Marco Marabelli, Jeffrey Moriarty

Philosophy Faculty Publications

Artificial intelligence (AI), and in particular generative AI (GAI), are making incredible progress toward automation. The pervasive and invasive nature of these technologies are affecting every industry, and health care is no exception. This paper summarizes insights derived from a panel that the Hoffman Center for Business Ethics and the Center for Health and Business at Bentley University hosted in March 2024. The panel invited three qualified health care professionals: Evan Carey, Susan Persky and John Torous. The panelists are all active in multiple aspects of AI in health care but represent a focus on the key areas of policy …

Artificial Intelligence In Health Care: Business Opportunities And Ethical Challenges, Ankita Srivastava, Marco Marabelli, Jeffrey Moriarty

Computer Information Systems Faculty Publications

Artificial intelligence (AI), and in particular generative AI (GAI), are making incredible progress toward automation. The pervasive and invasive nature of these technologies are affecting every industry, and health care is no exception. This paper summarizes insights derived from a panel that the Hoffman Center for Business Ethics and the Center for Health and Business at Bentley University hosted in March 2024. The panel invited three qualified health care professionals: Evan Carey, Susan Persky and John Torous. The panelists are all active in multiple aspects of AI in health care but represent a focus on the key areas of policy …

Systemic Challenges In Pediatric Healthcare: Exploring Reimbursement Disparities And Their Impact On Healthcare Equity, Jessica Ford-Davis, Alexandra Gillette

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) have provided health coverage for over 135 million Americans, with Medicaid playing a significant role in financing pediatric healthcare. Medicaid covers a wide range of services for children, particularly those from low-income families or with special healthcare needs, including preventive care, immunizations, vision and dental services, and mental health treatments. However, Medicaid reimbursement rates are lower compared to Medicare and private insurance, in some cases 30.6% lower, and have often been insufficient to cover the full cost of care, contributing to financial losses for children's hospitals. Despite these challenges, nearly …

Is There An Association Between Living In A Rural Area And The Incidence Of Postoperative Complications Or Hospital Readmissions Following Left Ventricular Assist Device (Lvad) Implantation, Compared To Urban Lvad Recipients? A Systematic Review., Samrat Gollapudi, Abhiram Gollapudi, Sri Banala, Sheraj Singh, Kiran Tadi

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are utilized as a therapeutic option for patients with end-stage heart failure. While LVAD implantation can enhance survival rates and quality of life, the procedure has its risks, and postoperative complications are common. This review aims to investigate whether there is an association between living in a rural area and the incidence of postoperative complications or hospital readmissions following LVAD implantation, compared to urban LVAD recipients.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature review examined studies that compared postoperative outcomes between rural and urban LVAD recipients. Data on adverse events, hospitalizations, and mortality rates were extracted, focusing …

Optimization Of Wash-Dr And Rwanda Ceramic Hwts Systems, Hamza Zeini

Honors Program Theses

Access to safe drinking water remains a global challenge, affecting over 2 billion people. Fecal coliform contamination poses serious health risks, particularly in developing regions like the Dominican Republic and Rwanda. Rollins College professors have implemented Field Studies to support water filter distribution in these areas. This study evaluates the optimization of Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage (HWTS) systems used in the WASH-DR and Rwanda-Rural Education Field Studies, focusing on Dr. Bernal’s chlorination and filtration system and Rwanda’s ceramic filters. A key innovation is the integration of the MadiDrop+, a silver-impregnated ceramic tablet that releases antimicrobial silver ions, as …

Validating Search Strategies For Healthy People 2030’S Leading Health Indicators: An Update On The Ph/Ha Caucus’S Structured Evidence Queries Project, Samantha Guss, Anita Kuiken, Erin Wentz, Dani Lapreze, Erin Reardon, Laura Zeigen, Courtney Pyche

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

The Public Health/Health Administration (PH/HA) Caucus’s work in developing Structured Evidence Queries (SEQs) for Healthy People 2030’s leading health indicators, an initiative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) aimed at improving the nation’s health in measurable ways highlights their search validation strategy and plans for outreach and assessment as the project nears completion. The SEQs, developed for PubMed, are designed to measure progress toward specified health outcomes while addressing health disparities and promoting health equity. The team collaboratively developed and peer-reviewed these SEQs, refining criteria and creating a validation strategy using resources from HHS. Plans for …

Transportation Barriers To Healthcare Access: A Scoping Review Of Measurement Approaches And Associated Health Outcomes, Josiane Kabayundo, Muskan Ahuja, Snehal Jadhav, Lisa C. Smith, Farzana A. Bithi, Shamim Shahi, George Johnson, Siddhi Munde, Kendra L. Ratnapradipa

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

Background

Objectives

Methods

Rural Georgians’ Perspectives On Organ Donation, Isait Alvarado, Brian Childs, Caroline Anglim

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Decolonizing Health In Madagascar: A Francophone Perspective, Delaney K. Brenner

CISLA Senior Integrative Projects

No abstract provided.

Hpv Vaccination In The U.S. Midwest: Barriers And Facilitators Of Initiation And Completion In Adolescents And Young Adults, Kristyne D. Mansilla Dubon, Edward S. Peters, Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, Abraham Degarege

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

Background/Objectives: HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents and young adults in the US remains low, and coverage in the Midwest falls short of the Healthy People 2030 goal of 80%. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of adolescents and young adults was conducted to identify facilitators and barriers to HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents and young adults in the Midwest. Results: Out of 1306 individuals aged 13-26 years, 397 (30.4%) were fully vaccinated (2-3 doses), 124 (9.5%) had received one dose, 324 (24.8%) were unvaccinated, and 461 (35.3%) were unsure of their vaccination status. Awareness of HPV vaccines (OR: 2.4, …

Navigating The Way To Colonoscopy Completion: A Quality Improvement Study, Jessica Duncan

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Colonoscopies are a highly effective method of colorectal cancer screening, yet their value is hindered by frequent last-minute cancellations and patient no-shows. The absence of a consistent, evidence-based pre-procedural education tool to address patient-level barriers remains a critical gap in healthcare delivery.

Local Problem: At a hospital-based medical practice in Kane County, Illinois, 7% of colonoscopy cancellations occur last minute, primarily due to preventable factors.

Methods: This quality improvement project compared last-minute cancellation and no-show rates between a control group receiving standard care and an intervention group provided with enhanced education and regularly scheduled follow-up contact through patient …

"I Wish I Knew That”: Understanding And Bridging The Gap Between Public Health, Stem, And The Cooperative Extensions National Framework For Health Equity And Well-Being, Brione Lockett, Lisa Krajecki

Extension Publications

In his essay “The Creative Process” writer and activist James Baldwin notes, “It goes without saying . . . that if we understand ourselves better we would damage ourselves less” (Baldwin, 1985). This quotation reflects Baldwin’s viewpoint that often individuals knowing and learning about themselves and what impacts them (e.g., education, employment, social environments, policy) and their quality of life is compromised by the action of seeking to know others instead. This paper meets at the intersection of Baldwin’s profound words and the ways health equity and wellness conversations complement rather than compete with STEM fields. The National Framework for …

A Teacher Preparation Program's Stakeholders' Perceptions Since Campus Closure Due To Covid-19, Laurie J. Mccormick

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

COVID-19 closed colleges and forced faculty and students to learn a new way of teaching and learning. Like most institutions, Marshall University’s College of Education and Professional Development struggled to provide the practicum experience required for teacher preparation when most public schools shifted to remote learning. This qualitative study investigated the reactions of, and ongoing impact on, a university’s college of education’s administrators, faculty, undergraduates, the institution’s instructional designers, and the Counseling Center’s director when the campus closed spring of 2020 due to the pandemic. Initial and ongoing challenges faced, and strategies implemented were categorized by the four themes that …

Antimicrobial-Resistant Enterococcus In Urban Communities: Insights Into Human Infection Risks, Sumit Kumar Paudel

Wayne State University Dissertations

The complexity of community risk factors and transmission routes has been a major challenge to the containment of community-acquired antibiotic resistance. Possible factors range from environmental contamination, antibiotic misuse, and human exposure via animals, food, the environment, and human-to-human transmission. What has been missing from previous research is the integration of findings in animal and environmental sectors with bacteria implicated in community infections. To gain a better understanding of antibiotic resistance acquired in the community, a one health approach is clearly needed. Specifically, we aim to investigate the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus in wildlife, their gene profiles in comparison with …

Improving Knowledge And Confidence Of Family Nurse Practitioners In Offering The Hpv Vaccine, Leni Terano Fisher

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Abstract

Introduction

Despite the recommendations of the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, HPV immunization lags behind other routine vaccines by up to 31%. Although there are many reasons for the low vaccine rate, provider hesitancy and lack of confidence significantly contribute to suboptimal HPV vaccine uptake.

Objectives

This project aimed to utilize evidence-driven interventions to increase family nurse practitioners' (FNPs) knowledge and confidence in offering the HPV vaccine.

Methods

Participants were given pre- and post-questionnaire surveys. The Wilcoxon Rank Test was used to compare, quantify, and measure the results of the eight-week data collection.

Results

The subjects were …

A Quality Improvement Approach To Reducing Post-Surgical Acute Care Falls, Tiffany C. Mitchell

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Inpatient falls remain one of the most preventable adverse events in hospitals. Falls result in serious injuries and increasing healthcare costs. This quality improvement project evaluates the implementation of Fall TIPS to reduce fall incidence and promote sustainable safety practices.

The Role Of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners: Addressing The Shortage And Its Implications For Healthcare, Isabel Mary Mccarthy

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are registered nurses specifically trained to perform forensic examinations and provide medical and emotional support to sexual assault victims. Many nursing programs lack formal education on SANE practices, which can hinder students' preparedness to address such cases in their future careers.

Method: A mixed-methods, three-phase approach to evaluate the effectiveness of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training module within the Dominican University of California Nursing Program. 40- 60 nursing students will be separated into two separate community health classes with one given module in SANEs nursing and the other not. Both classes …

Would Exercise, Household Income, Nutritional Education, Or Transportation Play A Pivotal Role In Decreasing Prevalence Of Obesity In Hidalgo County, Chijoke Anyaehie

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Improvement In Prenatal Education And Involvement In Patient Care, Miranda Ibrahim, Christelle Reeves, Timothy Kremer

North Texas Research Forum 2025

BACKGROUND: While the attempt is to educate the patient (and their family members) and empower them in their medical decision making, integration of birth plans and discussion of such plans is not routinely implemented by most obstetrical providers. There is currently no standardized approach to the education and birth plan development/or the obstetrical patients. The goal of this project, therefore, is to develop a standardized approach to discussion of birth plans and, albeit indirectly, allow for an opportunity for education for obstetrical patients. METHODS: On a daily basis, through birth plan discussions with patients during routine obstetrical visits, and via …

Ashwagandha And Sexual Health In Women With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Exploring Extent Of Adaptogenic Properties, Rhea Chatterjee

AUCTUS: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) affects 40% of women and potentially decreases their quality of life. Currently, the primary treatment for HSDD is Flibanserin, which is a serotonergic agonist and an antidepressant. However, the limited efficacy of Flibanserin encourages the exploration of the utilization of traditional drugs such as Withania somnifera, otherwise known as Ashwagandha, as an alternative treatment for HSDD. Minimal studies examine ayurvedic medications or the symptoms of illnesses that traditional Western medicines are unable to treat. This comprehensive literature review investigated the efficacy of Ashwagandha in improving sexual function in women with HSDD. The paper evaluated …

Cultivating Quality Of Life: Assessing Diet, Physical Activity, And Mental Health Among Arab-American Breast Cancer Survivors - Uncovering Barriers And Facilitators For Holistic Well-Being, Nouf Ali Alhomaidhi

CGU Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation examines the quality of life among Arab-American breast cancer survivors, with a particular emphasis on dietary practices, physical activity, and mental health. Despite increasing survivorship rates in this population, there remains a significant gap in the literature addressing their unique post-treatment experiences and needs. Employing a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, this study integrates quantitative survey data and qualitative narrative interviews to assess adherence to health behavior guidelines and to identify culturally specific barriers and facilitators to well-being. Quantitative findings indicated suboptimal adherence to recommended dietary and physical activity guidelines and highlighted prevalent psychological distress among participants. Thematic analysis …

The Way Work Should Be™ Fostering A Stigma-Free Workplace For Mainers, Samuel Joseph Leo Fernald

CGU Theses & Dissertations

The proposed program, The Way Work Should Be ™, aims to enhance Mental Health & Illness education and establish a Stigma-Free Workplace. NAMI Maine, a leader in mental health advocacy, will partner with organizations throughout Maine to provide essential resources, including mental health toolkits, training for recognizing and addressing mental health issues, and strategies to create supportive work environments. The urgency for mental health training in Maine's business community is clear. Employers and employees require resources to effectively manage mental health issues, which can lead to immediate and lasting positive outcomes. This project includes a comprehensive "Program Evaluation" to establish …

Quantifying Multidimensional Effects Of Physicochemical Parameters On Pfas Adsorption Using A Hybrid Response Surface Methodology-Machine Learning Approach, Harsh V. Patel, Jazmin Green, John Park, Stephanie Luster-Teasley Pass, Renzun Zhao

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination has posed a significant environmental and public health challenge due to their ubiquitous nature. Adsorption has emerged as a promising remediation technique, yet optimizing adsorption efficiency remains complex due to the diverse physicochemical properties of PFAS and the wide range of adsorbent materials. Traditional modeling approaches, such as response surface methodology (RSM), struggled to capture nonlinear interactions, while standalone machine learning (ML) models required extensive datasets. This study addressed these limitations by developing hybrid RSM-ML models to improve the prediction and optimization of PFAS adsorption. A comprehensive dataset was constructed using experimental adsorption data, …

Antibiotic Resistance: The Growing Threats And Potential Solutions, Olisaemeka Zikora Akunne, Blessing Nkechi Emmanuel, Umar Faruk Saidu, Ayobami Sunday Akinnawo, Nasiru Ademola Adeyemi, Livia Chinaza Egoh, Malami Aishatu Muhammad, Olusegun Ayo Ade-Adekunle, Deborah Ahuoyiza Peter, Anne Amina Freitas

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Antibiotic resistance (AR) has become a critical global health crisis, threatening the efficacy of antibiotics and increasing healthcare costs, morbidity, and mortality. The One Health approach, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is increasingly recognized as an essential framework for addressing the complex drivers of AR. This review explores the mechanisms of resistance, such as genetic mutations, horizontal gene transfer, and biofilm formation, along with contributing factors such as the overuse of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture. We assess both traditional and emerging strategies to combat AR, including antimicrobial stewardship, the development of new antibiotics, and …

Facility-Based Uptake Of Colorectal Cancer Screening In 45-49-Year-Olds After U.S. Guideline Changes, Alyssa H. Harris, Hannah Murphy, Madeleine Mcdowell, Margaret E. Wright, M. Courtney Hughes

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Understanding Food Insecurity Among International Students At Ohio University, Kyle Butler, Joshua Osondu

Sustainable Living Hub Reports and Publications

Recently, food insecurity has emerged as a concern among the student body of Ohio University (OHIO), particularly among its international graduate students. This survey study was undertaken to provide data to inform OHIO’s response to food insecurity among its international graduate students.

Exploring Approaches To Address Racial Discrimination, Stigma, And Provider Communication In Sickle Cell Disease Pain Management Through Interprofessional Education And Collaboration, Ronisha Edwards-Elliott

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation presents research across three publishable manuscripts that investigate why structural and systemic racism persist among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) seeking pain management, and how interprofessional collaboration and education can help reduce disparities through shared learning, accountability, and standardized care (Chapters Two through Four). A scoping review identifies current interventions and strategies aimed at sharing the pain experiences and feelings of being unheard by SCD patients (Chapter Two). Findings of the scoping review revealed that although interventions and strategies exist and have been tested, the lack of implementation or buy-in from healthcare professionals has allowed racial discrimination …

Performance Of Urine Reagent Test Strips In Detecting Schistosoma Haematobium Infection In Individual And Pooled Urine Samples, Abraham Degarege, Berhanu Erko, David Brett-Major, Bruno Levecke, Abebe Animut, Yohannes Negash, M. Jana Broadhurst, Tzeyu L. Michaud, Christopher R. Bilder

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

This study evaluated the performance of urine reagent strips (URSs) in detecting Schistosoma haematobium infection in individual and pooled urine samples. Between June 2022 and April 2023, 2634 urine samples (10 mL each) from school-age children (5-15 years) in 15 villages across Ethiopia's Afar, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Gambella regions were tested using urine filtration microscopy (UFM) and URSs for blood, a marker of S. haematobium eggs. Pooled samples from 5, 10, 20, and 40 individuals (one positive, others negative) were examined with both methods. UFM results were used to calculate URSs' sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for detecting infection. A total …