Public Health Commons^™

A Systematic Review Of Late Effects, Current Models Of Follow-Up In Three Pennsylvania Health Network Settings, And Survivor Care Plans For Brain Neoplasm Survivor, Megan Elizabeth Donlick

PCOM Capstone Projects

Introduction: Brain neoplasm survival rates have increased substantially in developed countries due to modern medical interventions, research, and enhanced therapeutic options. As the second leading cause of pediatric cancers, this has been a topic of interest within the field of public health. With mortality decreasing, scientists are now focusing the lens on the long-term outcomes of survivors, coined “survivorship” and subsequent late effects. These effects are the combined neurocognitive, psychological, and social deterioration and deficits experienced due to the brain pathology itself or exposure to associative treatments. This phenomenon is now appearing frequently in the literature. The aim of this …

The Opioid Overdose Epidemic And Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation, Edmund Peacock

PCOM Capstone Projects

Objective: To study the effects and trends of the opioid overdose epidemic on deceased donor liver transplantation and examine how some regions more effectively utilize their population of overdose deaths for recovery of livers for transplant. Background: Increases in the rate of overdose deaths have led to a growing portion of the deceased organ donor population arising from overdose events1, 2 . Many transplant centers and recipients decline these livers from overdose donors due to concern for disease transmission and the stigma around addiction and drug use 3 . The risks of using these livers for transplant are continuing to …

Emotional Abuse In Children Under Five, Julia Perfidio

PCOM Capstone Projects

This capstone project aims to discuss the difficulties in diagnosing and assessing the risk of emotional abuse in children under five. Emotional abuse is often broadly defined but can be generalized as abuse where a guardian will excessively criticize a child and make them feel unwanted [10]. Diagnosing emotional abuse in this age group is difficult as children are less likely to be around outsiders (non-family members) who could detect these signs. In addition, the signs and definitions of emotional abuse are unique to each case and vary among states [8,10,11]. Emotional abuse could affect the child's development and then …

Sexual Health In The Asian-American Population Of The United States, Pallavi Sindhu

PCOM Capstone Projects

Cultural factors, including language barriers and stigma associated with the topic of intercourse, can lead to lapse in sexual education and avoidance of treatment for sexually-transmitted diseases (CDC, 2020). Few studies explore this discrepancy in the immigrant population. For example, Lee, P.-I. et al. (2020) explores the significance of educating the parents of children between the ages of 6-18 years on sexual health topics. The result indicated significantly higher improvement in characteristics, such as, sexual knowledge and development of self-efficacy, in the experimental group as compared to the control one. Based on previous studies analyzed, the researchers believe that this …

The Influence Of Racial Barriers On Maternal Mortality In Black Women In The United States, Mariah Williams

PCOM Capstone Projects

In the United States, Black women are 3-4x more likely to die a pregnancy related death compared to that of white women. The maternal mortality rate in the U.S. has continually been on the rise for years, and the racial disparities amongst Black mothers have only become more apparent. This capstone paper will be examining the factors contributing to maternal mortality in the United States, especially those based in racial inequity, inequality, and biases. Much of the research on the issue analyzes access, racism, racial biases, medical mistrust, and provider-patient relationships as contributing factors to the disparities we see in …

Alternative Response To Mental Health- Related 911 Calls, Nayo Macauley

PCOM Capstone Projects

Over the last 3 decades, efforts to improve interactions between law enforcement and mentally ill individuals has resulted in several training programs for police officers with the goal of reducing the risk of violent altercations and incarceration and instead, seeking to connect this population to the resources they need. Despite widespread mental health training for police officers, people suffering from mental illness were found to be 16 times more likely to be met with excessive force resulting in injury or death when police officers responded to a 911 call. The review will investigate the largest mental health training program called …

Homelessness Interventions For The Youth, Christopher Stuever

PCOM Capstone Projects

Objective: Gather information on the current policies and interventions used in the United States to form a comprehensive understanding of what has been successful and what has failed in their implementation that has led to the current epidemic of homelessness among the youth and young adult population in the United States. Background: In a nation boasting wealth and success, the United States continues to fall short when it comes to taking care of its overwhelming homeless population. A specific area of concern within this population comes with the alarming number of young adults and children that experience homelessness every year. …

The Legalization Of Marijuana And Its Potential Effect On Youth In The United States, Hannah Biedny

PCOM Capstone Projects

Even though cannabis’ federal status remains under Schedule I categorization the legality of recreational marijuana is rapidly changing across the United States. As of March 2021, sixteen states plus Washington, D.C. have legalized cannabis’ recreational use and dispensaries (DISA Global Solutions, 2021). Considerable controversy follows this trend in drug legalization, specifically regarding its public health impact on children. As states continue to proceed with the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis, those in the public health field are concerned with how this will impact children across the country, as historically, “adolescents and young adults are among the highest users of marijuana” …

Assessing The Role Of The Inequitable Food Environment In The Obesity Epidemic, Samuel G. Latzsch

PCOM Capstone Projects

The prevalence of obesity has more than doubled in the United States within the past forty years, and children that are raised obese are more likely to have health complications and a shorter lifespan. The onset of the obesity epidemic coincided with numerous factors which likely played a significant role in drastically shifting the food environment and dietary habits of Americans. The food production industry notable capitalized on industrialism and innovative technology to mass produce packaged products that are energy-dense and full of preservatives to increase shelf-life duration. These measures which aimed to secure widespread food availability have resulted in …

A Review Of The Social Determinants Of Health Concerning Cancer-Related Outcomes Among Hispanics/Latinos In The United States, Christina Elizabeth Gareis

PCOM Capstone Projects

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among Hispanics/Latinos because they are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer than non-Hispanic Whites (Yanez et al., 2016). Additionally, Hispanics/Latinos are more likely to experience a poor quality of life after receiving a cancer diagnosis (Yanez et al., 2016). Cancer-related outcomes are influenced by several aspects such as social, cultural, behavioral, and biological factors. Oncology research is limited with regard to understanding and addressing the underlying factors that can impact cancer-related outcomes for Hispanics/Latinos because much of the research has focused on nonHispanic Whites. Therefore, it is …

Asthma, Language Barriers, And Children, Karen Alejandres

PCOM Capstone Projects

In the United States, asthma affects nearly six million children annually and disproportionately affects minority children. Children who come from minorities are three times more likely to visit the emergency department than non-minority children. Additionally, Hispanic children are more likely to have avoidable asthma hospitalizations than non-Hispanic whites. Hispanic children also have decreased rates of asthma medication adherence. Previous research has identified that many social and cultural determinants like language barriers, socioeconomic status, and clinician attitudes play a crucial role in the delivery and treatment of pediatric asthma. More specifically, language barriers play a significant role in the overall understanding …

Addressing And Remedying Racism In Medical Education, Sana Khalid

PCOM Capstone Projects

There is no denying the prevalence of racial inequity in medicine. For decades, various studies have shown us that racial and ethnic disparities exist, and many have made concerted efforts to promote health equity. However, we continue to see these disparities persist. It is becoming increasingly obvious that the emerging driver of this continued inequity is racism. The insidious nature of racism allows it to seamlessly manifest itself at all levels of healthcare, including medical education. However, medical education is where we may find the most success at mediating racism in healthcare due to our ability to mitigate the biases …

The Effect Of Companion Animals On The Mental Health Of College Students During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Sarah E. Cooper

Global Public Health | Senior Theses

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the burden of mental illness in the United States, especially among young adults (Czeisler et. al., 2020).

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine whether pet ownership has an effect on the mental health, specifically depression and anxiety, of students at Dominican University of California during COVID-19.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional quantitative survey that included demographic questions as well as questions developed from modified questions from validated survey items. Data was collected on whether participants owned or lived with any pets. Participants who answered “yes” were asked whether the companion …

Senegal’S Global Health Example In The Fight To Achieve The Sustainable Development Goals, Annika Skogg

Schultz-Werth Award Papers

In a time when the entire world is experiencing the importance of global health, Senegal has been highly praised for the effectiveness of its COVID-19 response despite being a low-resource country in West Africa. Senegal’s COVID-19 response displays the central pillars of the country’s community-based public health programming that has made it so successful in decreasing malaria transmission and improving maternal health. This study combines qualitative data with personal experiences during a faculty-led study abroad program to Senegal to examine Senegalese public health campaigns, evaluate the reasons for their success, and ultimately learn from a leader in the global fight …

On The Front Line: Uri's Response To Covid-19 And The Role Of The Student-Run Emergency Medical Services, Michael C. Brennan

Senior Honors Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of society, including universities, and we are just beginning to understand its impacts. This project looks at how universities have responded to the pandemic by focusing on the University of Rhode Island, the largest university in the state of Rhode Island. A key aspect of this project is a timeline that documents the policies implemented by URI leadership and relevant policies adopted by the State of Rhode Island. The timeline also includes data about the number of cases at URI and state-wide, as well as figures for the number of students in isolation …

The Public Health Crisis Of Alcoholism: What Could Be Done Better In Rhode Island?, Carlos Borges

Senior Honors Projects

Alcoholism is a chronic issue that affects over 3 million people per year in the United States. It is characterized by an individual who is physiologically dependent on alcohol to the point where they cannot carry out common social activities such as having friends or holding down a job. Approximately 88,000 people die per year due to alcohol related events. The economic impact due to hospital bills, criminal justice costs, and lost productivity of the abuser is estimated at $400 billion annually. Alcohol abuse can be used as a coping mechanism in adolescents who are struggling with behavioral health issues …

Health Communication Support In Baseline Health Literacy Research, Owen Manahan

Senior Honors Projects

Health literacy refers to the ability to obtain, understand, and use health information to make good health decisions. Improving health outcomes in Rhode Island requires removing health literacy barriers.

In the spring of 2019, researchers at the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College received funding from the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services to assess health literacy in Medicaid beneficiary outpatient health centers. Such research has never before been conducted in Rhode Island. Researchers administered a modified health literacy assessment to collect self-reported data on patient health status, measure patient confidence in accessing health information, …

Social Justice Attitudes And Health: A Cross Sectional Study, Edward Donovan

Senior Honors Projects

Background: Increasingly, social justice is being considered as a key factor associated with health outcome. In addition, there is growing interest in exploring perception of discrimination in healthcare settings. This study explored perceptions of social justice, health care discrimination, health care status and utilization of healthcare resources. The investigators predict a significant association between the level of social justice awareness and healthcare utilization based on the hypothesis that those who are cognizant of social inequities are more likely to be informed self-advocates in healthcare settings.

Methods: First, a survey was created based on a review of existing literature. The …

The Effects Of Sociodemographic Characteristics, Caregiving Practice Patterns, Coping Mechanisms, And Social Support On The Health Of Asian American Ethnic Groups And Asian American Caregivers, Suryadewi Edi Nugraheni

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Background: Asian American family caregivers came from various ethnic groups with different sociodemographic characteristics and culturally specific values. However, cultural practices were often overlooked because researchers often combined all Asian Americans under one umbrella. Objective: The purpose of the study was two-fold. First, the study investigated the study sample of Asian Americans participating in the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2009 comprised of multiple Asian American ethnic groups. By utilizing the study sample, the research aimed to investigate 1) the associations between caregiving and self-rated health (SRH) and hypertension and 2) the associations between heterogeneity of Asian American ethnic groups …

Barriers To Hiv Testing Among Cameroonian Men : The Role Of Stigma And The Impact Of Covid-19, Heidi Iyok

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

ABSTRACT

Examining The Benefits Of A Sustained Balance And Fall Prevention Programming For Independent Older Adults Living In A Community Setting, Noah Davis

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Falls have been an identified public health and social problem since the 1980’s and now recognized as a global health problem in many of the developed nations. The National Council on Aging and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledge many evidence-based fall prevention programs. However, there are identified concerns to the programs; for example, a lack of sustained programming for older adults in the community setting. The literature review on fall prevention interventions identifies that few programs are sustained after two years, primarily due to a lack of funding and a lack of interest by older adults. However, …

Tiny Tusks Internship: An Analysis Of Exclusive Breastfeeding In Low Income Women, Brittany Jones

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Due to the fact that formula feeding is often seen as the “easier” option for some women, this literature analysis was conducted to gain an understanding about factors which influence the perception of breastfeeding in low-income populations. This literature review analyzed the factors which influence reduced rates of breastfeeding in lower income populations and the importance of breastfeeding education to this population. A search through CINAHL and PubMed for journal articles dating from 2016 to 2021 was conducted. The search generated 46 studies, 40 from CINAHL and 6 from PubMed. Study eligibility was determined by looking for articles involving low …

Tiny Tusks Internship: Marketing Towards Breastfeeding: How Marketing Can Either Help Or Hinder How Breastfeeding Is Perceived, Hailey Tremmel

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Tiny Tusks Breastfeeding and Infant Support is a program run by faculty and students in the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing program that allows for breastfeeding mothers in attendance at the University of Arkansas sporting events to have a place to pump or provide care to their infant. How marketing towards breastfeeding is portrayed has a huge impact on helping breastfeeding mothers to feel properly educated and supported about the decision to breastfeed. The purpose of this literature review is to demonstrate how marketing tactics can affect the view of breastfeeding, whether that be positive or negative. The results found …

Diet Diversity Among Pregnant Women And Young Children—Insights For Improving Malaria, Family Planning, And Maternal And Child Health Outcomes In Northwestern Nigeria Through Social And Behavior Change Programming, Breakthrough Research

Reproductive Health

This research brief provides rigorous, evidence-based insights to policy-makers, implementers, and researchers of social and behavior change (SBC) programs on maternal and child nutrition during the 1,000-day period between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday. It is one of a series of briefs presenting findings from a Breakthrough RESEARCH study that uniquely captures data on a wide range of psychosocial drivers of behavioral outcomes in family planning, malaria, and maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition (MNCH+N) in the three northwestern states of Nigeria.

Relationship Between Food Insecurities And Chronic Illnesses: How Low Socioeconomic Status Relates To Chronic Illnesses, Kylie Sakurai

Nursing | Senior Theses

In nursing, the job is to care for the patients and get them to be the healthiest version of themselves. This thesis will review articles related to the interrelationship of socioeconomic status, food insecurities and the effect on people’s health. Food insecure people have trouble obtaining food and their nutrition suffers because they do not have the resources or money to maintain a healthy diet. Socioeconomic status plays a big role in the availability and obtainability of the necessary nutrients a person needs. Because of this, chronic diseases can arise and cause further health problems for the patients. The studies …

Manifestations Of Food Insecurity In Pediatric Populations, Kelsey S. Rowe

PCOM Capstone Projects

Food insecurity is the inability to acquire food required for a healthy lifestyle. Childhood food insecurity impacts 13.6% of American children, approximately 5.3 million children are living in food insecure households. Food insecurity is a major public health concern in the United States and must be eradicated in order to develop a healthy nation. This paper focuses on the manifestations of food insecurity in pediatric populations and possible interventions. Data was collected from peer reviewed articles that were obtained using EBSCOhost and Pubmed.gov. Research found food insecurity is associated with anemia, poor school performance, behavioral health disorders, stunting, wasting, obesity, …

Measurement Of Urinary Pesticide Biomarkers Among Latina Farmworkers In Southwestern Idaho, Cynthia L. Curl, Lisa Meierotto, Rebecca L. Som Castellano, Meredith R. Spivak, Kurunthachalam Kannan

Public and Population Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background Women who work in agriculture may have greater risk of pesticide exposure than men who share this occupation. Despite an increase in the fraction of the agricultural workforce comprised by women, few studies have characterized pesticide exposure in the USA with a focus on among these workers.

Objective This pilot study aimed to describe pesticide exposure in a cohort of Latina farmworkers in farming communities in southwestern Idaho.

Methods We collected urine samples from 29 Latina farmworkers, which were analyzed for 11 pesticide biomarkers. We evaluated the effect of pesticide spray season on urinary biomarker levels, and explored the …

Headache And Its Association With Adhd/Add And Stimulant Medication, Claire Nitzsche

Honors Scholar Theses

Years of research has shown that headache (in terms of frequency, duration, and severity) is perpetuated by dysregulation of lifestyle behaviors such as sleep habits, eating habits, level of stress, physical activity etc. Our project aims to explore the potential combined and independent impacts that having ADHD/ADD and taking stimulant drugs have on disrupting one’s lifestyle and examine whether dysregulated lifestyle behaviors contribute to one’s headache experience. No research has investigated how both ADHD/ADD and stimulant drug use effect headache experience. In this cross-sectional study, 177 UConn undergraduate students completed a 10-minute survey regarding lifestyle behaviors and headache experience. Participants …

Getting The Price Tag Of The Covid Crisis: Measuring Health Expenditures In A Pandemic Based On The System Of Health Accounts Framework, John Lourenze Poquiz, Maegan S. Saroca

Angelo King Institute for Economic and Business Studies (AKI)

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many (if not all) countries to resort to extreme interventions to manage the spread of the Corona virus. However, most of these spending are not explicitly considered as health expenditures in typical National Health Accounts (NHA) estimates. As such, estimating health spending by employing the conventional expenditure items recorded in NHAs may not reflect the overall financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the healthcare system. We argue that an expanded measure of health spending might be needed to capture the overall impact of the pandemic on the health expenditures. We find at least nine COVID-related …

Navigating Post-Covid A Guide For Young Adults Recovering From Mild To Moderate Cases Of Covid-19, Chesley Ferris

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

COVID-19 is a new strain of the Human Coronavirus. There are many types of Human Coronavirus, with COVID-19, or the Coronavirus Disease, being discovered in December 2019. COVID-19 is classified as a mild to severe upper respiratory illness. It can affect people differently, with some being asymptomatic, or having no symptoms, and others having mild, to moderate or severe symptoms. Symptoms can also present differently in each person. One person may not have the same symptoms as another.The virus is easily transmittable, meaning it can travel from person to person quickly and easily. This is why it is important to …