Public Health Commons^™

The Implementation Of Indoor Urban Gardening: A Microgreens Pilot Study In A University Setting, Kathryn Chang, Samantha Brink, Annette Gadegbeku

Transformative Medicine

Introduction: “Food deserts” are geographical areas that lack affordable full-service grocery stores and have higher densities of unhealthy or “fast food” options. These deserts not only exist in communities such as Philadelphia, but also on college campuses. One solution to creating access to fresh vegetables is urban farming, which refers to green areas (i.e. community gardens) that provide places for food to be grown by local residents. Microgreens Health Outreach Project (HOP), aimed to build and implement a small, indoor community garden cart within the Health Sciences Building (HSB) at Drexel University; the organization hoped that this cart would be …

The Role Of Reproductive Aging And Surgeries For Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementias (Adrd) Diagnoses In The Cardiovascular Health Study, Alexis Reeves, Oscar L. Lopez, Michelle D. Shardell, Hoda S. Abdel Magid, C. Elizabeth Shaaban, Michelle C. Odden

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Abstract

Background

Most US individuals with ADRD are women. Menopause typically occurs in midlife, accompanied by declines in potentially neuroprotective and cardioprotective hormones. Earlier menopause leads to earlier exposure to decreased sex hormones, potentially increasing ADRD risk. Surgical menopause via reproductive surgeries may cause a sudden loss of hormones and may represent be a modifiable risk factor for ADRD. We aimed to determine if menopausal type and age are associated with physician adjudicated-ADRD diagnoses.

Methods

Data were from 3371 women prospectively followed from age 65+ years. Participants self-reported age of menopause and/or surgeries, hormone-therapy, education, and race (Black/White). For this …

Advancing Skin Cancer Diagnostics: A Comparative Analysis Of Convolutional Neural Network Models For Skin Lesion Classification, Jesse Osuji, Tania Malik

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

For many years, skin cancer diagnosis and cancer research have been major focal points in the healthcare sector. Accurate classification of different types of skin lesions, including cancerous ones, is essential for proper diagnostics. Many machine learning (ML) techniques and models are used to solve various problems across various domains. One of such techniques is called neural networks. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are primarily used in computer vision-based problems, allowing computer systems to process and understand images. CNNs offer a potential tool for diagnosing skin lesions from images, occasionally demonstrating superior accuracy compared to trained dermatologists. This project explores various …

Developing A Tool To Measure Resistance To Sustainable Food Choices: A Pilot Study In Ireland And The Netherlands, Kate Flanagan, Bart Sinteur, Patricia J. Bulsing, John M. Kearney

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Consumer uptake of a sustainable diet is critical for addressing environmental challenges and promoting public health. Understanding why consumers resist adopting sustainable eating habits can inform targeted interventions and policies. This pilot study examines whether a newly developed scale can effectively detect consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Currently, there is a lack of research on a tool to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet, highlighting the need for a reliable instrument.

The aim of this study is to develop a scale, based on existing literature, to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Additionally, the study aims to …

Editorial-Sure Journal Volume 7, Issue 2, Geraldine M. Dowling, Eva Campion, Sinead Loughran, Ariane Perez-Gavilan, Josephine Treacy

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Global Prevalence Of Hyperhomocysteinemia Among Adults With Hypertension: A Narrative Review, Wangkheimayum Ashalata Devi Phd Scholar, Dr. Melita Sheilini Associate Professor, Dr. Rinchen Doma Bhutia Assistant Professor, Corresponding Author: Dr.Melita Sheilini, Associate Professor,Department Of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Manipal College Of Nursing, Manipal Academy Of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi District, Karnataka, India.Contact Number- 8095976561. Email Id: [email protected]

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Background: Elevated blood homocysteine (Hcy) levels are a hallmark of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), a metabolic disorder that is known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular illnesses. It greatly raises the risk of vascular problems when combined with hypertension (HTN). However, there are few statistics on the prevalence of HHcy in individuals with HTN. Objective: The present review aims to estimate the global prevalence of HHcy among adults with HTN and to highlight regional disparities, associated risk factors, and implications for clinical practice. Method: The comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar search engines. Studies published in …

Interventions To Promote Menstrual Health Among Adolescents In Lmic’S: Protocol For A Systematic Review, Precilla Dsilva, Sudhir Prabhu Dr, Prajna Kumari Dr, Baby S. Nayak Dr, Judith Noronha Dr

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Background: Menarche brings out significant change in each girl’s life. Coping with the discomforts and adopting the body changes becomes a biggest challenge for every teen. Cost effective non pharmacological interventions will help to bring about improvement in the general wellbeing and quality of life in each adolescents life.

Objective: This review aims to determine the different menstrual interventions adopted by adolescent girls residing in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC’s). The Review question will be :What interventions are currently available, and how do they contribute in promoting menstrual health among adolescents from LMICs

Methods: This review will include …

Pharmacovigilance Practices For New Drugs In Thailand: A Situation Analysis In Tertiary And University Hospitals, Nisittra Polkot, Osot Nerapusee, Pantira Parinyarux, Puree Anantachoti

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: In 2017, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration introduced a risk-based safety monitoring program (SMP) aimed at strengthening pharmacovigilance (PV) for new drugs, including new chemical entities and biologics. Despite this policy shift, drug safety monitoring continues to rely primarily on spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting. This study aimed to explore the implementation of PV practices for drugs with SMP status in selected tertiary and university hospitals in Thailand.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews. Pharmacists and physicians involved in drug safety monitoring were invited. Eight hospitals (five university and three tertiary …

Charters In Patient-Engaged Research: A Scoping Review Of Current Evidence, Jenny Martínez, Catherine V. Piersol, Richard W. Hass, Felicia Chew, Amy Cunningham, Sharon L. Larson

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

AIMS: Research study charters facilitate shared governance and power sharing with research partners when developed collaboratively and early on in a study. Study charters are negotiated and developed on a study-by-study basis, offering insight into study-specific dynamics between research partners and investigators, as well as the factors that each identify as important for their collaboration. This review aimed to map and synthesize existing evidence on the development, structure, and implementation of research study charters used in patient-engaged research.

METHODS: We searched peer-reviewed literature published worldwide in English between January 2019 and January 2025.

RESULTS: Our final sample consisted of 17 …

Impact Of Community Health Needs Assessments As Barriers To Chronic Disease Prevention: A Comparative Study, Marissa E. Woelm Ms.

Honors Thesis

Community health needs assessments (CHNAs) are vital tools for identifying population health priorities through monitoring chronic diseases and conditions; however, their effectiveness in preventing chronic diseases remains debated. This comparative study examines CHNAs from sixteen South Dakota hospitals across Avera, Sanford, Monument Health, and independent systems to evaluate their role in preventing chronic diseases. Analysis reveals significant challenges, including biased data sampling, limited community engagement, small survey samples, and inconsistent implementation strategies. While CHNAs effectively identify mental health, cancer, and obesity as the top community concerns alongside several other diseases like diabetes and kidney disease, most reports lack specific timelines …

Pattern Of Ultra Processed Food (Upf) Consumption And Mental Wellbeing Of Medical Undergraduates Of Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India – A Cross Sectional Study, Nithin C, Sumedha K, Murugan V

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Abstract:

Background: Nutrition plays a crucial role in the health and development of individuals. In recent years, the rise in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, especially among young adults, has been linked to various health issues, including mental health concerns. This study aims to assess the pattern of UPF consumption and its impact on the mental well-being of medical undergraduates in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 medical undergraduates aged 18 years and above enrolled in three tertiary care teaching hospitals. Data was collected using a questionnaire, which included demographic details, lifestyle factors, a UPF …

The Cost Of Getting To “No”: Cultural Evolution Of Community Psychology In Two Indiana Communities, Catherine Cullen, Megan Peek

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Understanding The Rural Environmental Health Landscape: Exploring The Link Between Arsenic Concentration And Cancer Rates In Hartford City, Indiana, Hannah Bard

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Mental Health Stigma: Promoting Compassionate Care In The U.S. Healthcare System, Wuraola R. Awosan, Fredrick O. Akinyosoye, Perseverance N. Moyo, Akuchinyere O. Titus-Okpanachi, Giordana Morales, Emmanuel N. Clottey

Montview Journal of Research & Scholarship

Mental illness-related stigma is a pervasive issue that permeates every facet of psychiatric care. This phenomenon, which manifests at the societal or structural, individual, and public levels, presents a barrier to equitable and compassionate care in the U.S. healthcare system, leading to care avoidance and poor health outcomes. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on the forms of mental health stigma within the U.S. healthcare setting and identify strategies that foster compassionate care among healthcare professionals. Following PRISMA guidelines, a methodical search of peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted in three databases – APA PsychInfo, CINAHL …

Barriers To Neglected Tropical Disease Service Accessibility: Challenges And Solutions For Reaching Mobile And Migrant Populations In Uganda., Victor Lambongang, Wuraola R. Awosan

Montview Journal of Research & Scholarship

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) remain a significant public health challenge in Uganda, disproportionately affecting mobile and migrant populations, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and cross-border workers. Despite ongoing efforts by the Ugandan government and global health organizations, these populations face barriers to accessing NTD services, including geographic inaccessibility, weak healthcare infrastructure, socio-cultural misconceptions, and policy gaps. These challenges hinder early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and prevention efforts, leading to increased disease burden and reinfection risks in high-mobility settings. This study aims to identify barriers to NTD service accessibility among migrant populations in Uganda and propose evidence-based solutions to improve healthcare …

Public Perception About Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy In South Central Nebraska, Rita Nnenne Oparaocha

Biology Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity

The COVID-19 pandemic created a shift in the trajectory of vaccination hesitancy, altering risk perceptions and vaccination attitudes among individuals in rural communities. The 5C framework highlights confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, and collective responsibility as influencing factors of vaccine hesitancy. This study assessed the proportion of adults who refused COVID-19 vaccination and identified the individual reasons for hesitancy among those who refused the COVID -19 vaccines in South Central Nebraska. Data was analyzed from a local cross-sectional public health survey administered to 2,034 adult participants over a six-month period (March-August 2024), including 91 respondents who were from outside the seven-county …

Long Covid Incidence Across Sars-Cov-2 Lineages And Identification Of Conserved Spike Targets For Multivalent Vaccines, Grace J. Kim, Md Ashad Alam, Judy S. Crabtree, Rebecca Rose, Susanna L. Lamers, San Chu, Ronald Horswell, Daniel Fort, Lucio Miele

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Background: Long COVID remains poorly characterized at the genomic level. The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationship between viral sequences and the incidence of Long COVID at a tertiary care center in Louisiana between April 2020 and December 2022. A secondary aim was analysis of the Spike protein to identify conserved regions for multivalent vaccine targets. Method: To estimate Long COVID incidence across variants, we linked 4,789 SARS-CoV-2 sequences to 3,090 de-identified patient electronic health record information. The base population was defined as any patient with an International Classification of Diseases-10-Clinical Modification COVID-19 diagnosis code (U07.1) …

Nyc Falls Behind In Climate Resources For Pregnant And Postpartum Moms, Jada Simon

Capstones

The U.S. still holds the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations around the world. While national rates have since seen a slight decrease, Black mothers still see high maternal death rates in comparison to white mothers, showing that racial disparities in maternal death rates are still apparent. In NYC, the reason for these disparities are not just unequal access to quality healthcare, but also the poor living conditions of neighborhoods in the city that are made up mainly of minoritized groups. So far, it has gone unconsidered that that the maternal mortality and climate crises are happening concurrently. This …

P-15 Peptide Enhanced Bone Graft Improves Time To Fusion In Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Randomized, Controlled, Investigational Device Exemption Study, James S. Harrop, Michael P. Steinmetz, John E. O'Toole, Christopher D Chaput, Rick C. Sasso, K. Brandon Strenge, Greg Maislin, Jeffrey P. Mullin, Thomas B. Freeman, Anthony Guanciale, Howard Lantner, Michael E. Janssen, David G. Schwartz, John M. Small, Wellington K. Hsu, Paul M. Arnold

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, single-blind, randomized, and controlled pivotal study.

OBJECTIVE: Compare time-to-fusion in patients treated with P-15L (PearlMatrix TM P-15 peptide enhanced bone graft) versus local autograft over 24 months and evaluate changes in pain and quality of life at 24 months relative to baseline.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: P-15L, an FDA-designated breakthrough device, is a composite bone graft with P-15, a 15-amino acid polypeptide that promotes cellular adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation to support bone formation.

METHODS: Patients (22-80 y) with degenerative disc disease were randomized to the investigational (P-15L) or control (local autograft) group during single-level transforaminal lumbar …

Exposures, Protections, And Barriers: Advancing Understanding Of Agricultural Worker Health, Alexandra A. Farfalla

Theses & Dissertations

Farming is a hazardous occupation. Exposures are multifactorial, variable, and shaped by overlapping tasks, environments, and social contexts. This dissertation aimed to illustrate the complexity of agricultural exposures and the barriers to protective practices through three complementary studies.

The first study examined co-exposures to solvents and noise as risk factors for hearing loss (HL) among 7,495 farmers and ranchers in a 7-state region. Results indicated nearly 60% of co-exposed participants reported hearing loss, with an adjusted odds ratio nearly six-fold (OR=6.03, [4.67-7.78]) for moderate/severe HL. This work highlights the importance of recognizing chemical exposures as a modality in HL in …

Personal Health Advice In The World Of Artificial Intelligence: An Assessment Of Responses From Chatgpt For Three Common Health Conditions In The Southern United States, Marion W. Evans Jr, Julie Harrison Swartz, Harrison Ndetan, Damian Francis, John Moore, Mary Kozub, Ernie Kaninjing, Jennifer Jones-Locklear, Debbie Greene, Josie Doss

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) applications within the health sciences including education and healthcare practice are now common. Patients are likely to apply AI to better understand their health status or to learn what they can do to improve their health.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate outputs from ChatGPT for three common health conditions seen in the southern United States as to whether it would include medically biased care or lifestyle related advice, legitimate sources of information and to assess reading levels generated.

Methods: Health care professionals rated outputs in 4 areas and interrater …

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.