Public Health Commons^™

Using The Healthy Native Youth Implementation Toolbox To Provide Web-Based Adolescent Health Promotion Decision Support To American Indian And Alaska Native Communities: Implementation Study, Amrita Sidhu, Ross Shegog, Stephanie Craig-Rushing, Nicole Trevino, Michelle Singer, Cornelia Jessen, Gwenda Gorman, Sean Simpson, Melissa Peskin, Belinda Hernandez, Christine Markham

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth experience numerous health inequities, including those in sexual, reproductive, and mental health. Implementation of culturally relevant, age-appropriate evidence-based programs may mitigate these inequities. However, numerous barriers limit the adoption and implementation of evidence-based adolescent health promotion programs in AI/AN communities.

Objective: This study examines user reach and engagement from 2022 to 2024 of web-based decision support (the Healthy Native Youth [HNY] website and the embedded HNY Implementation Toolbox), designed to increase the implementation of evidence-based adolescent health promotion programming in AI/AN communities.

Methods: Promotional strategies were designed for optimal geographic reach to …

Understanding Adolescent Perinatal Wellbeing In Rural Parts Of Kenya: A Qualitative Study, Evaline Chepchirchir Langat, Marleen Temmerman, Margrette Hanselmann, Kethakie Lamahewa, Violet Naanyu, Mellan Lilumbi, Tatiana Taylor Salisbury

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Introduction: Despite global efforts to reduce adolescent birth rates, the problem persists in low- and middleincome countries. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates (97.9 births per 1000 women). In Kenya, more than 15 % of adolescent girls become pregnant. Forty-three percent of these develop depression. This study investigated adolescent pregnancy in rural Kenya to understand the challenges and context-specific factors that can help adolescents maintain good mental health during pregnancy and the motherhood.

Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in Kilifi County between October and November 2021. A total of 73 participants consented to participate in the …

Impacts On College-Aged Asian American Mental Health, Zahra Soherwardy

Senior Theses

This study explores the relationship between different forms of racial harassment and mental health issues in Asian American college students. Asian American mental health is a growing concern in the field of public health. Asian Americans have the lowest treatment rates and some of the highest stigma levels of any demographic. They are also impacted by the model minority myth and discrimination, further alienating them from getting help. The topics of subtle racism, blatant racism, and current racial discrimination were compared to depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-esteem, and four domains of aggression using survey data. Subtle racism was found to be …

Understanding The Interplay Between Nutritional Status And Depression Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Mary R. Goldsworthy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

By the year 2050, it is projected that the population of individuals aged 60 years and older will increase by 47 percent, reaching a total of 82 million in the United States. Many older adults experience depressive symptoms, and some never recover from it. Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among older adults. Approximately 3.2% of community-dwelling older adults experience major depressive disorder in a 12-month period, although many more experience clinically significant depressive symptoms, with a recent estimate of 35% based on a global meta-analysis. In addition to physical functioning and depressive symptoms, another domain in …

A Preliminary Study On The Role Of Personal History Of Infectious And Parasitic Diseases On Self-Reported Health Across Countries, Gerit Pfuhl, Filipe Prazeres, Marta Kowal, Toivo Aavik, Beatriz Abad-Villaverde, Reza Afhami, Leonardo Aguilar, Grace Akello, Laith Al-Shawaf, Jan Antfolk, Chiemezie S. Atama, Derya Atamtürk Duyar, Roberto Baiocco, Sercan Balım, Carlota Batres, Yakhlef Belkacem, Théo Besson, Adam Bode, Merve Boğa, Jordane Boudesseul, Mahmoud Boussena, Hamdaoui Brahim, Nana Burduli, Ali R. Can, Hakan Cetinkaya, Antonio Chirumbolo, Dimitri Chubinidze, Clément Cornec, Bojana M. Dinić, Seda Dural, Izzet Duyar, Samuel O. Ebimgbo, Edgardo Etchezahar, Peter Fedor, Tomasz Frackowiak, David A. Frederick, Katarzyna Galasinska, Felipe A. García, Talia Gomez Yepes, Dmitry Grigoryev, Farida Guemaz, Ivana Hromatko, Gözde Ikizer, Steve M.J. Janssen, Julia A. Kamburidis, Tina Kavčič, Nicolas Kervyn, Farah Khan, Aleksander Kobylarek, Mehmet Koyuncu, Yoshihiko Kunisato, David Lacko, Miguel Landa-Blanco, Linda H. Lidborg, Samuel Lins, Tetyana Mandzyk, Silvia Mari, Tiago Marot, Martha Martinez-Banfi, Alan D. A. Mattiassi, Marlon Mayorga-Lascano, Moises Mebarak, Norbert Meskó, Maria Rosa Miccoli, Vita Mikuličiūtė, Taciano L. Milfont, Katarina Mišetić, Mara Morelli, Jean C. Natividade, Izuchukwu L. G. Ndukaihe, Felipe C. Novaes, Salma S. Omar, Mohd Sofian Omar Fauzee, Tobias Otterbring, Barış Özener, Simon Ozer, Ju Hee Park, Irena Pavela Banai, Farid Pazhoohi, Mariia Perun, Martin Pírko, Ekaterine Pirtskhalava, Katarzyna Pisanski, Nejc Plohl, Koen Ponnet, Pavol Prokop, Matheus F. F. Ribeiro, Frederico Rosário, Ayşegül Şahin, Fatima Zahra Sahli, Dušana Šakan, Oksana Senyk, Henrik Siepelmeyer, Diana Ribeiro Da Silva, Sangeeta Singh, Çağlar Solak, Sinem Söylemez, Anna Studzinska, Chee-Seng Tan, Gulmira Topanova, Merve Topcu Bulut, Ezgi Toplu-Demirtaş, Bastien Trémolière, Singha Tulyakul, Joaquín Ungaretti, Jaroslava V. Valentova, Marco A.C. Varella, Mona Vintila, Tatiana Volkodav, Anna Wlodarczyk, Yao-Yuan Yeh, Gyesook Yoo, Oulmann Zerhouni, Marcos Zumárraga‑Espinosa, Maja Zupančič, Piotr Sorokowski

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Objectives

Infectious diseases are often associated with decline in quality of life. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between personal history of communicable, i.e., infectious and parasitic diseases and self-rated health.

Study design

Secondary analysis of a large dataset multi-country observational study.

Methods

We used a four-pronged analysis approach to investigate whether personal history of infectious and parasitic diseases is related to self-reported health, measured with a single item.

Results

Three of the four analyses found a small positive effect on self-reported health among those reporting a history of pathogen exposure. The meta-analysis found no support …

Older Women In The U.S. Were Lonelier Than Men During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Qiyu Deng

Population Health Research Brief Series

Loneliness damages health and quality of life. The COVID-19 pandemic increased social isolation and loneliness among some groups in the U.S. This data slice uses data from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study to examine gender and age differences in loneliness among older adults (50+) in the U.S. during the first year of the pandemic. The author finds that loneliness was more prevalent among women than among men, with the highest rate among women ages 80 and older.

A Qualitative Approach To Identifying Obstacles To Mental Healthcare In The Rio Grande Valley From The Perspective Of Mental Healthcare Professionals., Shania M. Linder, Cristian Botello, Raquel Villarreal, Nelda Rodriguez, Mario Gil, Dayana Zamora

Research Symposium

Background: There are many factors that prevent members of the Hispanic/Latino community from accessing mental health resources. This is important to investigate because there is a lack of knowledge on why residents of the Rio Grande Valley, an underserved region of South Texas, are unable to access and/or utilize mental health resources.

Methods: A focus group session was held at a mental health counseling clinic in Cameron County, Texas on February 1, 2024. The participants consisted of mental health professionals, such as two mental health clinicians, a clinical counselor, two school counselors, a licensed professional counselor supervisor, and a …

Assessing Healthcare Insurance Policies In Mississippi: An Evaluation Of Public And Private Options, Latarsha H. Michael, Brieah D. Hudson

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

Medicaid is the main payer for maternity care in the U.S., covering nearly half of all births. Federal law provides postpartum coverage for 60 days, but gaps exist, especially in non-expansion states. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 allows states to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage to 12 months. Mississippi, where Medicaid covers 65% of births, faces severe maternal and infant health challenges. Despite its surplus, extending postpartum care to 12 months could cost $7 million annually. This study examines private and public health insurance coverage for perinatal care in Mississippi. This involves analyzing how different insurance policies address the …

Exploring Physician Well-Being: A Bibliometric Analysis Of Mental Health, Suriya Kumareswaran, Bala Murali Sundram, Vanitha Thurairasu

Kesmas

This bibliometric study examined the evolving research landscape on physician mental health from 2010 to 2023, analyzing key themes, publication trends, and global contributions. A total of 3,360 articles, including 3,137 original research and 223 reviews, were sourced from Web of Science and Scopus. Findings revealed a significant increase in research output, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with burnout, depression, and anxiety emerging as dominant themes. The US accounted for most publications, while research from low- and middle-income countries remains limited, indicating a substantial global disparity. Thematic analysis highlighted variations in burnout assessment methodologies, underscoring the need for standardized evaluation …

Help-Seeking Behavior And Related Mental Health Promotion Programs In Southeast Asian Youth: A Systematic Literature Review, Gladys Octavia, James A. Doorbar, Kallista Chan

Kesmas

Mental health issues are a prominent burden among adolescents and young adults in Southeast Asia, compounded by reluctance to seek help and low treatment rates. This mixed-method systematic review analyzed help-seeking profiles (preference, facilitators, and barriers) and evaluated implemented help-seeking programs. Data were sourced from electronic databases, hand-searched local databases, conference proceedings, and grey literature. Study selection followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines, focusing on 1) adolescents (10–19 years) and young adults (18–26 years) in Southeast Asia who were not receiving mental health care, 2) assessing help-seeking behavior, and 3) evaluating programs to increase help-seeking. A total of 16 articles were identified. …

Your Healthiest Year Yet: Practical Tips For Mental And Physical Well-Being, Aaron Hunt

All Current Publications

As a new year begins, it’s important to prioritize our health. In a world that continues to evolve, maintaining mental and physical wellness is key to thriving in both personal and professional life. Small, intentional changes can lead to transformative results, improving not only how we feel but also how we connect, grow, and succeed. This guide presents actionable tips for fostering mental clarity, physical strength, and overall balance, all grounded in evidence-based practices. Whether you're looking to boost your fitness, reduce stress, or enhance your daily routines, these strategies will empower you to make this year your healthiest yet.

Investigating Mental Health Disparities In Rural Sexual And Gender Minority Adults: Protocol For The Rural Exploration And Approaches To Lgbtq + Mental Health (Realm) Prospective Cohort Study, Shoshanna L. Fine, Kalai Willis, Iaah L. Lucas, Kirsten F. Siebach, Jennifer L. Glick, Mariah Valentine-Graves, Savannah Winter, Michael Smith, Thomas Waltz, Gina Bailey Herring, Marissa Hannah, Holly C. Wilcox, Travis Sanchez, Stefan D. Baral, Sarah M. Murray

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) persons experience substantial mental health disparities throughout the life course, including increased vulnerability to depression and suicide. Few existing studies, however, have explored how pervasive experiences of SGM-related stigma, discrimination, and trauma (i.e., minority stress) contribute to adverse mental health outcomes among diverse sub-populations of SGM adults living in rural areas of the United States. This paper describes the protocol for a prospective cohort study, "Rural Exploration and Approaches for LGBTQ + Mental Health (REALM)," that will explore minority stress in relation to mental health conditions and suicidal behaviors among rural SGM adults. METHODS: …

Increased Depressive And Anxiety Symptoms Predict Increased Severity Of Functional Impairment After Five Years: A Nationally Representative Retrospective Cohort Study, Elisabeth C. Demarco, Samantha Zocher, Blake Miyamoto, Leslie Hinyard, Divya S. Subramaniam

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Performing self-care and domestic life tasks are key aspects of functional independence for older adults. While both depression and anxiety symptoms are correlated with increased functional limitation, these disorders are often studied separately, despite frequent co-occurrence and plausible interaction, and without the consideration of social health. This study examined the impact of comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms, controlling for social participation and loneliness, on severity of functional limitation in a nationally representative sample of older adults to improve patient-centered care.

Methods: The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) Rounds 2 and 3 data were utilized. Primary outcomes …

Los Inmigrantes Indocumentados Y Su Pelea Para La Salud Medica En Los Estados Unidos, Alejandro Del Rello

World Languages and Cultures Senior Capstones

This essay explores the critical issue of healthcare access for undocumented immigrants in the United States. Despite contributing significantly to the economy through labor and taxes, undocumented immigrants face systemic barriers to medical care, including lack of insurance, fear of deportation, and economic troubles. These barriers result in untreated illnesses, mental health struggles, and increased use of emergency services, which generate higher long-term costs. The paper argues for inclusive healthcare policies, such as Medicaid expansion and protections for patient privacy, to improve public health, reduce disparities, and enhance economic stability. Drawing from U.S. and international examples, the essay demonstrates that …

A Survey-Based Quantitative Analysis Of Stress Factors And Their Impacts Among Cybersecurity Professionals, Sunil Arora, John D. Hastings

Research & Publications

This study investigates the prevalence and underlying causes of work-related stress and burnout among cybersecurity professionals using a quantitative survey approach guided by the Job Demands-Resources model. Analysis of responses from 50 cybersecurity practitioners reveals an alarming reality: 44% report experiencing severe work-related stress and burnout, while an additional 28% are uncertain about their condition. The demanding nature of cybersecurity roles, unrealistic expectations, and unsupportive organizational cultures emerge as primary factors fueling this crisis. Notably, 66% of respondents perceive cybersecurity jobs as more stressful than other IT positions, with 84% facing additional challenges due to the pandemic and recent high-profile …

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 …

Social Media Influences On Youth Substance Use, Sexual Health, And Mental Health In Paterson, New Jersey: A Rapid Qualitative Analysis, Nimisha Srikanth

Public Health Theses

Introduction: Social media use among youth has become a topic of concern among public health professionals and policymakers. Youth have grown to rely on social media for communication and entertainment, but are exposed to negative health behaviors with the potential to model them in their lives. In this study, we investigated youth’s perspectives on social media content and the impact it has on their health and lives.Methods: We conducted a rapid qualitative analysis of individual interviews of youth from Paterson, New Jersey. Among the sample (n=20), the mean age was 16 years, 80% identified as male, and 30% were justice-involved. …

The Changes In Health-Related Quality Of Life After Attending Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Systematic Review Of The Perspective Of Patients Living With Heart Disease, Amineh Rashidi, Lisa Whitehead, Helena Halton, Lisa Munro, Ian Jones, Lisa Newson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Although the benefits of engaging in cardiac rehabilitation are well established, patient perceptions of the changes in their health-related quality of life are poorly documented. This systematic review synthesized qualitative studies on patients’ perspectives of change in their health-related quality of life after attending cardiac rehabilitation. Objective To identify and synthesize the best available evidence on the perspective of patients living with heart disease about the changes in their health-related quality of life after attending cardiac rehabilitation. Methods Eight databases were used to identify relevant papers published in English and peer-reviewed, and no date restrictions were considered for the …

Mental Health Trends Among African American High School Students, Alexis Heard

Theses and Dissertations

Adolescent mental health is a major public health issue in the U.S., with African American high school students facing a rapidly worsening crisis. While all youth show increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality, African American adolescents are at greater risk due to systemic racism, socioeconomic inequality, community violence, and limited access to culturally responsive care. Few national studies have examined mental health trends among this group. This study (1) examines 2011–2021 trends in persistent sadness/hopelessness, suicidal ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempts among African American high school students; (2) explores gender differences; and (3) compares these patterns to national …

Supports For Mental Well-Being Valued By Healthcare Workers: Qualitative Analysis Of Data From A Canadian Cohort Of Healthcare Workers During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Shannon Marie Ruzycki, Anil Adisesh, Quentin Durand-Moreau, France Labrèche, Tanis Zadunayski, Erica Stroud, Nicola Cherry

Études primaires

A prospective cohort of 4964 HCWs from four Canadian provinces was established early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were invited to comment about workplace mental health supports at three time points. We performed a thematic content analysis of responses from 1738 participants using the Social Support Behaviour Code framework to categorize barriers to support as informational, tangible, emotional, social, or expressing esteem. Themes were synthesized into suggestions for healthcare organizations to prepare for future crises. Formal and informal peer support, workplace mental health supports, and one-on-one counseling were most often mentioned as valued. Analysis suggested that workplace social networks as …

Évolution Des Troubles Mentaux Liés Au Travail Au Québec Entre 2012 Et 2021, Jaunathan Bilodeau, Martin Lebeau, Marc-Antoine Busque, Alain Marchand

Études primaires

Introduction : Plusieurs pays ont connu une augmentation du nombre de troubles mentaux acceptés au cours des dernières années, mais les variations possibles de cette évolution dans la main-d’œuvre demeurent à explorer.

But de l’étude : Cette étude examine la distribution dans le temps des troubles mentaux acceptés selon la profession, le secteur industriel, le sexe et l’âge au Québec.

Résultats : Les taux d’incidence des troubles mentaux et leur évolution varient selon la profession et le secteur industriel. Alors que le taux est généralement plus élevé dans les professions mixtes et le secteur tertiaire, l’augmentation de ces taux s’observe …

Multidisciplinary Lethal Means Safety Counseling Design And Implementation: Training And Identifying Barriers In A Children's Hospital, Cassandra L. Stegall, Brendon Carnell, Jaime M. Golden, Rupa Kapoor, John H. Fanton, Paul C. Mullan, Alexandra P. Leader

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Background

Access to lethal means contributes significantly to suicide completion. Lethal means safety counseling (LMSC) is an injury prevention strategy to limit access to firearms, medications, and other means of injury. Not previously evaluated in the trauma setting, this study aims to design and implement a standardized LMSC protocol for pediatric patient discharge education in emergency (ED), trauma, and inpatient psychiatry settings.

Methods

A single-center quality improvement study at an academic pediatric urban tertiary Level-one trauma center was performed from July 2023 to February 2024. Protocol was implemented for pediatric patients discharged from three departments: ED, surgery trauma service, and …

Predicting Mental Health Disparities Using Machine Learning For African Americans In Southeastern Virginia, Ismail El Moudden, Michael C. Bittner, Matvey V. Karpov, Isaac O. Osunmakinde, Akosua Acheamponmaa, Breshell J. Nevels, Mamadou T. Mbaye, Tonya L. Fields, Karthiga Jordan, Messaoud Bahoura

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

This study examined mental health disparities among African Americans using AI and machine learning for outcome prediction. Analyzing data from African American adults (18–85) in Southeastern Virginia (2016–2020), we found Mood Affective Disorders were most prevalent (41.66%), followed by Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders. Females predominantly experienced mood disorders, with patient ages typically ranging from late thirties to mid-forties. Medicare coverage was notably high among schizophrenia patients, while emergency admissions and comorbidities significantly impacted total healthcare charges. Machine learning models, including gradient boosting, random forest, neural networks, logistic regression, and Naive Bayes, were validated through 100 repeated 5-fold cross-validations. …

Examining The Association Between Perceived Stigma And Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior Among Racial/Ethnic Minority Students In Health Professions Education, Camila A. Agurto

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Racial and ethnic minority (REM) students in health professions programs in the U.S. have considerable mental health issues. Still, they are less likely to access mental health services when compared to their White peers. The stigma they face, such as —public stigma, self-stigma, or intersectional stigma, may serve as a barrier to help-seeking. Although there is increasing recognition of the barriers to mental health care experienced by these students, there is no systematic understanding of how perceived stigma associated with mental health issues affects mental health help-seeking by REM students enrolled in health professions education. This systematic literature review aims …

Caregiving Burdens Of Task Time And Task Difficulty Among Paid And Unpaid Caregivers Of Persons Living With Dementia, Matthew Lee Smith, Jodi L. Southerland, Malinee Neelamegam, Gang Han, Shinduk Lee, Chung Lin Kew, Juanita Dawne R. Bacsu, Elyse Couch, Steffi M. Kim, Monique J. Brown Ph.D., Mph, Ayse Malatyali, Lucas Wilson, Zahra Rahemi, Jeremy Holloway, Marcia G. Ory

Faculty Publications

Background: Demands of caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLWD) are often influenced by the context of their caregiving situation. This study examines common and unique factors associated with caregiving burden in terms of task time and task difficulty among paid and unpaid caregivers of PLWD. Methods: Cross-sectional baseline survey data were analyzed from 107 paid and unpaid caregivers of PLWD participating in a larger NIH-funded study assessing the feasibility of using a novel in-situ sensor system. Oberst Caregiving Burden Scale constructs of task time and task difficulty served as dependent variables. Two least squares regression models were fitted, controlling …

Differences In Mental Health Outcomes In Immigrant Vs. U.S.-Born Populations In Urban Vs. Rural Areas In The United States, Zoë Gentles

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Background

The immigration process to the United States creates distinct mental stressors. These stressors are influenced by socioeconomic factors including income, education level and insurance status. In rural America, these factors are intensified due to a poor healthcare infrastructure that is limited. This study examines the relationship between urban-rural residence and mental health outcomes among immigrants vs. native-born residents in the United States.

Methods

Data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) from 2019 and 2022 were used to examine the relationship. The exposure of interest was place of birth, and the outcome of interest was the presence of clinically …

A Comparison Of Floating Catchment Area Parameters With Applications To A Dataset Of Clinics Enrolled In A Statewide Child And Adolescent Psychiatric Consultation Program, Jocelyn Hunyadi, Lara S Savas, Kehe Zhang, Jeanette E Deason, Ryan Ramphul, Melissa F Peskin, Erica L Frost, Cici Bauer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare resources are often crucial but limited, requiring careful consideration and informed allocation based on population needs and potential healthcare access. In resource allocation settings, availability and accessibility of resources should be examined simultaneously. The two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method has been previously used to evaluate spatial accessibility to healthcare resources and services, and to address health-related disparities. The 2SFCA methods have regained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as their application proved crucial in addressing priority public health data analysis, modeling, and accessibility challenges. However, comprehensive comparisons of the 2SFCA method input parameters in the context of …

Associations Between Flavonoid-Rich Food And Flavonoid Intakes And Incident Unhealthy Aging Outcomes In Older United States Males And Females, Nicola P. Bondonno, Yan Lydia Liu, Francine Grodstein, Eric B. Rimm, Aedín Cassidy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Our knowledge of the importance of flavonoid-rich foods in preventing unhealthy aging across its different domains is limited. Objectives: This study aimed to examine prospective associations between flavonoid-rich food and flavonoid intakes and indicators of unhealthy aging, namely frailty, impaired physical function, and poor mental health. Methods: We followed up 62,743 females and 23,687 males, all aged ≥60 y, from the Nurses’ Health Study (1990–2014) and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (2006–2018), respectively. Both time-updated and change in intakes of a flavodiet score (an aggregate of intakes of major flavonoid-rich foods and beverages) and individual flavonoid-rich foods and beverages and …

Assessing The Relationship Between Perceived Psychological And Physical Pain In Adults With Orthopedic Pain, Daniel C. Karimi Dehkordi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Suicide remains a public health concern in the U.S., particularly among individuals experiencing chronic pain and psychological distress. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between perceived physical and psychological pain in 41 adults with chronic orthopedic conditions. The relationship between other risk and protective factors and perceived levels of pain distress was also examined. Results showed a significant positive correlation between psychological distress and physical pain (r(39) = 0.388, p < .05) and psychological distress and depressive/anxiety symptoms (r (39) = 0.477, p < .01). Psychological distress was moderately associated with feelings of hopelessness (r (39) = 0.403, p < .01), however, the relationship between physical pain and hopelessness was weak and nonsignificant (r (39) = -0.06, p = .71). Contrary to expectations, emotional support did not buffer the effects of psychological distress (r (39) = 0.07, p = 0.66). Mediational analysis confirmed that emotional support did not influence the relationship between physical pain and psychological distress (Beta (β) = -0.969, p = 0.572; Sobel Z = 0.5598, p = 0.575). Age was not correlated with psychological distress (r (39) = -0.24, p = 0.13) or mental health symptoms (r (39) = -0.05, p = .77). While there was no significant difference across sex, males reported higher mental health symptomatology and psychological distress scores than female counterparts. These findings underscore the direct impact of physical pain on psychological distress and challenge assumptions about the protective role of social support. The study highlights the need for integrated, multidisciplinary interventions targeting both physical and psychological pain to mitigate suicide risk among individuals with chronic orthopedic conditions. Future research should iii explore alternative support mechanisms and resilience-building strategies to address the complex interplay of pain, distress, and suicidality.

Changing Climate, Changing Health: Perspectives From General Population In Mysuru, Lekhashree A, Manirsha P V, Paranthaman Chinnasamy, Srishti Arya, Sunil Kumar D

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Climate change has emerged as a major public health concern, contributing to rising morbidity and mortality worldwide. In India, increasing heat waves, unpredictable rainfall, and deteriorating air quality have intensified climate-sensitive health conditions. This study aims to assess the health impacts of climate change among the general population of Mysuru.

Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 residents of Mysuru (April–June 2024). Participants were recruited through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire via Google Forms. Analysis was performed using SPSS v26, with descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Among 400 participants, …