Public Health Commons^™

Using Electronic Medical Records To Estimate The Prevalence Of Pediatric Obesity In Mississippi, Brian D. Christman, Abigail Gamble, Sonia Jain, Kalon Kl Ho, Lei Zhang, William B. Hillegass

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Pediatric obesity is a major public health concern in Mississippi. However, existing surveillance systems, including the Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System, National Survey of Children's Health, and Child and Youth Prevalence of Obesity Survey, are limited by self-reported data, restricted age ranges, and incomplete subgroup coverage.

Purpose: This study evaluates the plausibility of using electronic medical records to improve population-level surveillance of pediatric obesity in Mississippi while addressing issues of data completeness, bias, and representativeness.

Methods: Electronic medical records from 40,215 patients aged 2–19 years who received care at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (2013–2022) were analyzed via …

Assessing Education And Training Of Developmental Screening Tools Among Residents In A Southern Academic Medical Center, Paige Seabrook, Dustin E. Sarver, Susan Buttross

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Developmental disabilities are highly common. Early identification of developmental disabilities is critical, but many practitioners, including those in Southern U.S. states like Mississippi, do not utilize developmental screening tools.

Purpose: We aimed to identify modifiable targets within resident training experiences and their correlates using a quality improvement approach to serve as a baseline for intervention efforts.

Methods: Medical residents (N = 57) in pediatrics (n = 26), combined medicine-pediatrics (n = 12), and family medicine (n = 19) completed a survey assessing training, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers regarding using screening tools. Perceived barriers were …

Enhancing Public Health Strategies: Addressing The Rsv Burden In Alabama Through Clinical Treatment, Community Prevention, And Surveillance Approaches, Martha K. Findley Roper, Jennifer S. Dawson

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Introduction: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious pathogen driving morbidity, hospitalizations, and economic burden. This review uses the epidemiological triad and National Wastewater Surveillance System data to assess transmission, viral load spikes in Alabama, and strategies for treatment and prevention.

Methods: A review of literature on supportive care, vaccination, monoclonal antibodies, and emerging nanomedicine was reviewed to evaluate strategies for reducing viral burden and complications.

Results: Trends from December 2024–January 2025 were assessed with National Wastewater Surveillance System data. Primary prevention includes immunization, hygiene, air quality maintenance, and early diagnostics. Tertiary care addresses complications such as secondary …

Risk For Infant Mortality Among Childbearing Women In Alabama, Michael Rutalira Koko

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Infant mortality is an important indicator of the health of a population. From 2016 to 2020, the infant mortality rate in Alabama significantly decreased. However, disparities remain among different groups. The objective of this analysis is to evaluate risk factors and disparities of infant mortality for the past five years.

Methods: We used the Alabama Center for Health Statistics database, a population-based state vital records registry. We included 290,832 births to women aged 15 to 44 years linked to 1,575 infant deaths from 2016 to 2020. We excluded births at less than 20 weeks of gestation and weighing 500 …

Trends In Drug Overdose Deaths In Alabama, 2010-2020, Michael Rutalira Koko, Raphu Wakumeki

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Drug overdose deaths are the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. Over the past two decades, drug overdose deaths have dramatically increased in the United States, and the rise in the number of drug overdose deaths is mostly due to opioids. This descriptive study aimed to examine trends in drug overdose deaths according to age, sex, and race/ethnicity from 2010 to 2020 in Alabama.

Methods: We used data from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) and the U.S. Census Bureau to calculate age-adjusted mortality rates for specific age groups, gender, and race/ethnicity. We used SAS Version …

Understanding The Relationship Of Culture And Language With Hiv, Cora Coletti

Student Scholar Symposium

HIV impacts 39.9 million people worldwide. Many people with HIV are the victims of stigmatizing language used by physicians, family members, and community members. In 2015 the Centers for Disease Control and the American Medical Association added language guidelines to prevent additional stigma in medical and scientific literature. Analyzing research from Baltimore, Nigeria, and Rwanda creates a global view of the impacts of language and culture on public health materials presented in communities where HIV is prevalent. Researching the perspectives of women, mothers, and physicians provides a diverse range of experiences people with HIV have gone through. Synthesizing the current …

What Are The Global Differences In Air Quality Due To The Covid-19 Pandemic?, Jude Spencer, Ian Mcgee, Brandon Solis-Martinez

Student Scholar Symposium

The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented global disruptions, including significant changes in air quality due to lockdown measures, reduced industrial activity, and shifts in transportation patterns. Air pollution, primarily from nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and particulate matter (PM2.5), is a major environmental and public health concern. While some studies suggest temporary improvements in air quality during lockdowns, long-term impacts remain uncertain across different regions. To examine this, we investigated the research question: "What are the global differences in air quality due to the Covid-19 pandemic?" Using peer-reviewed studies from the Greenfile and ScienceDirect databases, along with EPA data, …

“In A Relationship”: Can Ai Take The Place Of A Human Relationship?, Hannah Smith

Student Scholar Symposium

This research explores the impact of AI on adolescent development, specifically focusing on how large-language models (LLMs) influence the way adolescents approach and value human connections. While AI can offer some benefits, it cannot fully replace the essential elements of human relationships, such as empathy, creativity, and emotional understanding, which are fundamental to a fulfilled life.

Omics Approaches To Understand Cardiovascular Disease, Zeeshan Ahmed, Goo Jun

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Omics approaches have emerged as indispensable tools in unravelling the intricate molecular landscape of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by providing comprehensive insights into the underlying mechanisms driving CVD pathogenesis, progression, and response to therapy. Integrative omics approaches further enhance our understanding by integrating multi-omics data to explain complex molecular networks and identify novel disease pathways. In this collection of BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, we invited submissions on omics approaches to investigate and understand CVD. Successfully achieving the goals of this collection, we were able to publish some interesting and impactful research articles after a rigorous peer review process.

Developing Nlp-Based Open-Source Tools To Improve Titratable Infusion Order Interpretation In Ehr Systems, Benjamin Brewer, Jay Dorris

Student Scholar Symposium

This study evaluates the feasibility of using natural language processing (NLP) tools to identify errors in titratable infusion orders for Joint Commission readiness. Titratable infusions are adjusted at the bedside by nurses based on predefined parameters, such as monitoring goals, titration rate, conditions for adjustment, and maximum dose. These parameters are often documented as free text within order sets but can be inadvertently removed during the verification process. Some electronic health records (EHRs) may not prominently display this critical information, leading to potential Joint Commission violations. A synthetic dataset was generated using artificial intelligence to simulate one year’s worth of …

Variations In Flexibility Across Menstrual Cycle Phases In Female College Students, Libby Steinhart, Avery Cox, Allyson Stallworth, Paige Archbold, Bella Vinson

Student Scholar Symposium

Testing flexibility in female college students throughout menstrual cycle; Exercise Science

Impact Of An Educational Intervention On Pharmacy Students’ Knowledge, Attitudes, And Confidence Regarding Alcohol And Substance Use Disorders, Lina Itenberg

Student Scholar Symposium

This study examines the impact of an educational intervention on student pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and confidence regarding alcohol and substance use disorders (AUD/SUD) at Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy. Current literature denotes that student pharmacists often feel unprepared to address substance use disorder in practice. This study evaluates whether a targeted educational intervention can enhance student understanding of first-line pharmacological treatments, increase confidence in handling opioid-related emergencies, and improve their ability to educate patients on harm reduction strategies, including naloxone use and opioid overdose risks. Pre- and post-intervention surveys will assess changes in students’ preparedness and identify ongoing concerns about …

Intimate Partner Violence And Brain Injury In Women: Understanding Prevalence, Symptomatology, And Consequences, Jacob T. Perez

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to physical, sexual, or psychological harm caused by a current or former partner. While IPV can affect anyone, women are particularly vulnerable and disproportionately affected. Physical IPV often includes experiences of repeated trauma to the head, face, and neck, including strangulation. These injuries can result in a range of consequences, including comorbid conditions such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and cognitive impairments, along with neurological effects like reduced brain connectivity and white matter integrity. Common brain injuries associated with IPV include traumatic brain injury (TBI), which results from blunt force trauma; subconcussive/repetitive blows, caused by head …

Dual-Task Exercise Protects Healthy Older Adults Against In-Creased Risk For Dementia: A Controlled Trial, Helen Tatiane Santos Pontes, João Bento-Torres, Naina Yuki Vieira Jardim, Victor Oliveira Da Costa, Josilayne Patricia Ramos Carvalho, Cristovam Wanderley Picanço-Diniz, Natáli Valim Oliver Bento-Torres

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Functionality in aging is closely linked to the ability to divide attention during multitasking activities, which are essential for activities of daily life. However, coordination between motor and cognitive simultaneous tasks decreases with age, impairing functional ability and restricting older adults' participation and healthy aging. This study aimed to assess the effects of a multimodal dual-task exercise intervention on motor and cognitive dual-task costs and its potential to mitigate age-related declines in healthy older adults. Materials and Methods: A controlled trial was conducted with community-dwelling older adults assigned to either the Dual-Task Exercise group, which participated in a 24-session …

Unraveling The Drivers Of Inequality In Maternal Healthcare Utilization In Indonesia: A Decomposition Analysis, Wji Wahyuningsih, Kemal N. Siregar, Syifa Nurhakiki

Jurnal Ekonomi Kesehatan Indonesia

This study assessed socioeconomic inequalities in maternal healthcare utilization in Indonesia and identifies key factors driving these inequalities. We used data from 2013 and 2023 Indonesian Health Surveys, comprised of a total unweighted sample of 15,638 and 9,923 women aged 15-49 in the 2013 and 2023, respectively. Concentration index (CI) measured wealth-based inequality, and decomposition analysis identified primary drivers of inequalities in maternal healthcare access. Overall maternal healthcare service utilization has increased, but significant inequalities persist. Antenatal care showed minimal improvement, with the CI rising from 0.059 to 0.079, indicating a persistent higher socioeconomic distribution. Facility-based deliveries improved, with the …

Is Ai Replacing Human Mental Health Professionals?, Michiko Ueda

Population Health Research Brief Series

An increasing number of people are turning to generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools and AI-assisted chatbots to manage mental health concerns. This data slice presents findings from a national survey of U.S. adults aged 18-49 (N = 1,805) conducted in October 2025. Among respondents, 35.2% reported using AI tools more than once a week for mental health support. Among those who had ever seen a human mental health professional, 28.4% reported visiting human providers less often since beginning to use AI for the same purpose. The findings suggest that a subset of users may be using AI to replace, rather …

Implementation And Outcomes Of A Digital Onboarding Taskforce In The Acute Care Setting, Julianna Lenoir, Alexzandra Gentsch, Akshay Krishnan, Jeffrey Ndubisi, Marissa Witmer, Kristin L. Rising, Brooke Worster, Angela M. Gerolamo

Jefferson Center for Connected Care Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Use of digital health technology can improve patient health outcomes; however, not all patients have the knowledge and skills to download a health app and access a patient portal. Providing digital onboarding support to hospitalized patients has potential to overcome some barriers to accessing needed education in the community, including both having the time and a location to receive education. To address this, our team developed the Jefferson Digital Onboarding Taskforce (JeffDOT), a group of staff and students who approach hospitalized patients and provide one-on-one teaching on how to sign up for and use a patient portal.

METHODS AND …

Analysis Of The Health Access Initiatives Available For Newly Resettled Immigrants And Refugees In Charlotte, North Carolina, Yetunde Akinyelu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Health Access Initiative for Newly Arrived Immigrants and Refugees in Charlotte, North Carolina addresses the major obstacles which prevent these populations from obtaining vital healthcare services (P Iqbal., et al 2022). The research investigated healthcare difficulties faced by immigrant and refugee populations after their arrival in the United States while developing solutions to enhance their healthcare accessibility and results. The research employed qualitative methods to gather data through semi-structured interviews with immigrants and refugees who resided in Charlotte (Alkhawaldeh, et al., 2023). The research took place in community-based locations to create an environment where participants could freely discuss their …

Addressing Challenges In Accessing Secondary And Tertiary Healthcare Services For Migrants And Refugees In Egypt, Noura Seada, Nehal El-Bakhshawangy, Heba Semary, Fatma Alzahraa Hassan, Ahmed Hammad

Papers, Posters, and Presentations

The growing number of vulnerable migrants and refugees worldwide presents a significant challenge to host countries, particularly in terms of accessing healthcare services. Egypt hosts over 9 million migrants and refugees, with 1.5 million in a vulnerable situation. Despite the country’s efforts in providing adequate healthcare to these vulnerable groups, some challenges persist. This paper addresses the barriers that vulnerable migrants and refugees face when seeking secondary and tertiary healthcare services in Egypt, analyzing the legal, economic, social, and health system factors that contribute to this problem.

In 2018, the Egyptian government began an ambitious journey to reform its healthcare …

Impact Of Postoperative Intraocular Pressure Spikes On Outcomes Following Goniotomy: A Comparative Study Of Surgical Techniques, Wesam S. Shalaby, Steven L. Chang, Julia Yu, Teresa Horan, Sagar Shah, Shahin Hallaj, Marlene Moster, Reza Razeghinejad, Daniel Lee, Michael Pro, Aakriti Shukla, Ping Huang, Jonathan S. Myers, Tina Xia, Dilru Amarasekera

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

AIM AND BACKGROUND:To compare postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes and 1-year surgical success among goniotomy procedures: Kahook Dual Blade (KDB), OMNI, bent ab interno needle goniotomy (BANG), and gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center, retrospective chart review included glaucoma patients ≥18 years, who underwent goniotomy from January 2021 to December 2022 with ≥3 months of follow-up. Primary outcomes were IOP spikes (≥10 mm Hg increase within 3 months) and 12-month surgical success (≥20% IOP and/or ≥1 medication reduction without further surgery). Secondary outcomes included IOP and medication changes.

RESULTS: Among 247 eyes (107 KDB, 63 OMNI, 77 …

Future-Ready Physicians: Exploring Medical Students’ Readiness, Attitudes, And Perceptions Of Healthcare Artificial Intelligence In Saudi Arabia, Hassan Abdulaziz Moria, Amirah Alatawi, Sharifah Alzahrani, Hyder Mirghani, Hisham Al Shadfan

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: While the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has advanced globally, there is limited research on the preparedness of medical students in the Tabuk region of Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding their specific educational needs and cultural context. This study assessed medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, readiness, and confidence toward AI integration at the University of Tabuk, providing the first comprehensive analysis of AI readiness in this underrepresented northern region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 261 medical students and interns across all academic years (1–6) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, …

A Cross-Sectional Study On Patient Safety Attitudes And Their Determinants Among Medical Staff In Malaysian Public Specialist Hospitals, Sharifah Balqis Sayed Abdul Hamid, Aniza Ismail, Saperi Sulong

Makara Journal of Health Research

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the baseline level and mean scores of patient safety attitude domains among doctors and nurses in Malaysian public hospitals and to identify determinants associated with these attitudes across six domains: teamwork, safety climate, working conditions, job satisfaction, stress recognition, and perception of management.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) among 142 doctors and 231 nurses from three public tertiary hospitals. Participants were selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate methods.

Results: The study achieved an 81% response rate. …

Exploring The Prevalence And Determinants Of Self-Medication During Pregnancy Among Women From South Punjab, Pakistan, Madiha Madiha, Sehar Jabbar, Imran Masood

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: For developing countries with high neonatal and maternal mortality rates, any practice that may threaten the maternal-fetal health must be gauged. This study evaluated the prevalence and contributing factors of self-medication during pregnancy among women opting for antenatal or postnatal care in South Punjab, Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. Data was collected from 424 women, selected through multi-stage sampling, who visited health care facilities located in six randomly selected cities of South Punjab. Outcomes reported by descriptive and inferential statistics (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of self-medication with different factors.

Results: Most of the women were involved in self-medication practice (38.9%) …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Concerning Water, Sanitation, And Hygiene And Related Diseases Among University Students In Malaysia, Renee Ng Jeffrey, Aida Soraya Shamsuddin, Farah Diyana Ariffin, Aziemah Zulkifli

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices are fundamental components of public health, being crucial in preventing disease transmission and promoting healthy living environments. In this context, university students play an essential role as future professionals and community advocates in fostering proper hygiene behaviors and preventing disease outbreaks. Understanding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in regard to WASH among individuals, particularly university students, is crucial for promoting proper hygiene behaviors. This study aimed to assess the KAP in regard to WASH and related diseases among undergraduate students from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Methods: …

Violence Between Residents In Nursing Homes Is An Enduring Problem. The Agencies, Nursing Homes, And Residents Are Playing Hot Potato With The Responsibility, Cindy Marchionda, Rafael Escalara Montoto

Capstones

Resident-to-resident aggression in nursing homes is a persistent issue, far more common than the general public realizes. While many of these violent situations can be managed, some tragically escalate to fatal outcomes, leaving families mourning the loss of their loved ones at the hands of a facility that was meant to provide safety and care during their final years. Experts agree that this issue is largely driven by chronic understaffing and insufficient training for employees on how to manage patients with dementia and aggression issues.

Mapping Climatic And Environmental Determinants Of Parasitic Helminth Prevalence In Southeast Asia, Angelica Avisado

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Climate change is reshaping environmental conditions across Southeast Asia (SEA) through rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased droughts. These changes alter transmission dynamics of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by shifting spatial distribution, increasing larval development rates, faster pathogen growth development, and increasing transmission rates. NTDs are a group of preventable and treatable infections that disproportionately affect more than 1 billion people globally, specifically in tropical and subtropical regions. A subgroup of NTDs, parasitic helminth infections (PHIs) - particularly schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and lymphatic filariasis remains a public health concern in the Southeast Asian region. PHIs and their ecological responses …

Behind The Badge: Effects Of Stress And Trauma In Policing -- Understanding The Importance Of Evidence-Based Prevention, Early Intervention, And Wellness Programs, Jessica Rolshouse

Master of Arts in Human Services

Law enforcement officers are exposed to occupational stress and trauma routinely and at rates that far exceed the general population. This chronic exposure places them at risk for physical and psychological injury and negative outcomes to include mental health disorders including burnout, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Prolonged exposure to occupational stress and trauma also increases the risk of suicidal ideation and dying by suicide, the most tragic outcome of the stress law enforcement officers face. This literature review focuses on individual risk factors, occupational stress, and trauma, and the development of mental health disorders in law enforcement officers. It also …

Lycopene, Race And Periodontitis: Disparities In Older Adults, Katherine Kwong, You Lu, Zhuo Huan Li, Susu Luo, Zhaoyu Huang, Zhong Chen, Na Zhao, Tung Sung Tseng

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Background Periodontitis is a severe gum disease that can be an indicator of other health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Lycopene has been suggested as an adjunct therapy for periodontitis. This study aims to investigate the association between insufficient lycopene intake and the risk of Periodontitis among non-Hispanic White (NHW) and non-Hispanic Black (NHB) older adults. Methods The study included 1,227 adults aged 65–79 years from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2009–2014). Total lycopene intake from daily diet was studied with age, race, marital status, smoking status, BMI, diabetes, sex, and education as independent variables in …

What’S That Smell? It’S Climate Change!, Perry Gregory

Capstones

Climate change is going to make New York City smell worse. Reporter Perry Gregory breaks down the process of olfaction and explains how heat affects what we smell. The piece features a collage of voices of New Yorkers describing the current smell profile of the city. The report features insight from several Atmospheric Scientists into why New York City is getting hotter and more humid, and how those climate changes will make the existing smells of the city stronger, and worse. The most economically vulnerable New Yorkers, who cannot afford air conditioning to buffer them from heat, will be the …

Health Implications Of Heavy Metal Contamination In Commercially Available Deodorant And Antiperspirant Products Sold In Benghazi, Libya, Maysson Yaghi, Khaled Elsherif

Al-Bahir

The extensive usage of deodorants and antiperspirants raises concerns about the potential health risks posed by heavy metal content. This study quantified the levels of five heavy metals: Aluminum, Zirconium, Lead, Cadmium, and Chromium in 22 commercial products widely used in Benghazi, Libya, and assessed the associated health risks. Samples, categorized into gel, stick, and roll-on formulations, were analyzed using iCAP TQ ICP-MS. Al and Zr showed the widest concentration ranges, reflecting their intentional use as active ingredients. Al levels ranged from trace amounts (0.032 mg/kg) up to a maximum of 99.10 mg/kg, while Zr was found exclusively in gel …