Public Health Commons^™

Enhancing Stroke Awareness Through Interprofessional Education And Collaboration, Somi Nagaraj Dnp, Msn, Rn, Cssgb, Contl, Camille Byrd O'Quin Edd, Ccc-Slp/L, Cynthia Carr Drot, Tonya S. Roberson Phd, Mph,Dtr, Terri Chairse Msn, Rn

Research Days

Stroke remains a leading cause of disability in the United States, disproportionately affecting older adults in underserved communities. This project, Enhancing Stroke Awareness Through Interprofessional Education and Collaboration, highlights a collaborative effort between graduate and undergraduate students in speech-language pathology, nursing, occupational therapy, community health, and addictions studies. The Interprofessional Education and Collaboration (IPEC) project was implemented at the Bremen Township Senior Wellness Center, engaging seniors in stroke awareness education, prevention strategies, and communication resources for stroke recovery. Through a three-session model, students developed interdisciplinary teamwork skills while providing community members with evidence-based information about stroke prevention, lifestyle modifications, and …

Investigating The Spatial Distribution Of Food Insecurity And Its Associated Factors Across Mississippi Counties, Elizabeth C. Swindell, Riley Morgan, Dylan Barker, Ruaa Al Juboori

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Mississippi has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the United States, with many counties experiencing significant disparities in access to healthy food. Therefore, understanding the spatial distribution of these disparities is essential for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the spatial distribution of food insecurity and its associated social and health factors across Mississippi counties to identify areas in need of intervention.

Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted using publicly available datasets to examine food insecurity and its associated factors at the county level. Pearson correlations and bivariate Moran’s I were used to …

Psychological Treatment Behind The Walls:Insights From The Inside, Rogelio Serrano

Psychology Division Scholarship

Repeated eras of mass incarceration, criminalization of marginalized communities, and substance use policies have created a revolving door of justice involved populations. The ever-increasing prison population has repeatedly become the largest contingency of mental health clientele for an overburdened mental health system. Those who work with formerly incarcerated individuals in the community often don’t know the unique set of challenges faced by practitioners within the system. Increased understanding and coordination of care can offer opportunities for sustained recovery and reduced levels of recidivism. In this presentation participants will learn about the unique insights on mental health treatment that can be …

Voting Rights Expansion To Achieve Voting Equity: Comparing Michigan's 2020 And 2024 Elections, Quinn Murphy

Honors Theses

Socioeconomic disparities often correlate with lower voter participation, potentially leading to underrepresentation of disadvantaged communities in policy decisions. Lower voter participation has been partly attributed to restrictive voting laws. In 2023, Michigan enacted legislation to expand voting rights, driven by a citizen-initiated ballot proposal that was overwhelmingly supported by Michiganders. The law expanded absentee voting, required statewide early in-person voting, protected voting rights of military members, and expanded options for providing photo ID to vote. To examine whether these voting rights expansions improved voting participation, particularly in low-income counties, this study examined the relationship between county-level poverty and voter turnout …

The Impact Of An Iron-Rich Diet On Fatigue In Menstruating Women With Non-Anemic Iron Deficiency, Meagan Seraydar, Lauren Latimer, Sam Miragliatto

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Fatigue without diagnosed anemia is prevalent in menstruating women, with iron deficiency being a potential contributor. While iron supplementation is a standard intervention, dietary sources of iron may offer a sustainable alternative. This study aims to assess the impact of an iron-rich diet on fatigue levels in menstruating women. A 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted, assigning participants to either an iron-rich diet group or a control group following their usual diet without specific iron recommendations. Fatigue will be measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks, alongside iron status biomarkers, including …

Student Perceptions On Career Decision Making Skills In Relation To The Covid-19 Pandemic, Emily G. Oliver

Honors College Theses

The Covid-19 pandemic had major ramifications on all areas of the professional world as well. As mandatory quarantines and shutdowns were implemented, the negative effects were widespread and everyone was impacted. People from all different career fields faced unforeseen circumstances that caused anxiety about their income and workplace stability. With all of these changes in the world, students who were in high school and first years of college still had to make a decision about their future and what they wanted to do for an occupation one day. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on …

Staying Safe When Taking Prescription Opioids, Aaron Hunt, Gabriela Murza, Amy May, Jenna Hawks, Alyssa Ferrin

All Current Publications

Prescription opioids, such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone, are often used for short-term pain management, and it is important to know how to keep yourself safe when taking opioids prescribed by a doctor. This fact sheet reviews what opioids are, how they work in the body, and how people become dependent on or overdose on opioids. It also offers how to limit your risk of dependence and suggests alternative pain management options.

Primary Care Telehealth In A Dynamic Healthcare Environment From Digital Divide To Healthcare Outcomes, Yunxi Zhang, Lincy S Lal, Saurabh Chandra, John Michael Swint

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

With expanded telehealth availability in primary care, its impact on quality of care and associated costs remains debated. Analyzing 199,829 Medicare beneficiaries in Mississippi (2019-2021), we found telehealth utilization associated with significant sociodemographic disparities, reduced inpatient admissions, and lower 30-day readmissions. By accounting for primary care utilization, our findings suggest that the higher absolute costs observed among telehealth users may reflect underlying healthcare needs rather than telehealth utilization.

Voting Rights Expansion To Achieve Voting Equity, Emily Tuller

Honors Theses

Socioeconomic disparities often correlate with lower voter participation, potentially leading to underrepresentation of disadvantaged communities in policy decisions. Michigan's recent voting rights expansion aims to increase accessibility and participation. This study examined the relationship between county-level poverty and voter turnout and assesses the impact of expanded voting rights on turnout in Michigan's poorest counties. We conducted a retrospective analysis comparing voter turnout data from the 2020 and 2024 elections, obtained from the Michigan Secretary of State website. Counties’ median household income data were obtained from County Health Rankings to identify high- and low-income counties. We conducted a correlation analysis to …

Vaginismus: Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment Options, Heather Thomas

Best Integrated Writing

This paper provides a current review of the diagnosis, causes, and treatment outcomes for vaginismus. Of particular interest are predisposing factors, like a lack of sex education and a sexually restrictive upbringing, for the development of this disorder. Controversies surrounding US-based diagnostic criteria for female sexual dysfunction are also reviewed, and up-to-date and novel treatment options, like vaginal Botox injections, are described.

Pandemic Mythmaking: Covid-19 And Mythological Symbolism In Indian Folk Art, Ishani Anwesha Joshi, Sathyaraj Venkatesan

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

Through a comprehensive analysis of Durga Bai Vyam’s “Samura Manthan” and Rupsona and Bahadur Chitrakar’s “Corona Rakshasa,” this article aims to investigate how mythological stories and themes have been used in the Indian context in folk art during the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigation will offer insights into how artists have leveraged mythological symbolism to infuse their works with richer layers of meaning, thereby engaging readers in a deeper exploration of the pandemic’s impact on society and the human psyche. By close-reading the aforementioned paintings, this study aims to illustrate the evolving visual representation of cultural narratives …

Differences In Self-Reported Cancer Measures Persist Despite Covid-Era Improved Insurance Access, Ismail Mustafa Aijazuddin, Ammar M. Sukari

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background:

The Covid-19 pandemic has challenged healthcare access, jeopardizing cancer-related health measures. However, pandemic-era health policies led to increased health insurance coverage across most counties in the United States. This study aims to explore relationships between uninsured rates and cancer prevalence and screening behaviors.

Methods:

Data were collected from the CDC’s PLACES datasets for the 2021 (collected 2018-2019) and 2024 (collected 2022) release years and merged at the county level. For both 2021 and 2024 releases, Pearson’s correlation and student’s t-test were performed between uninsured rates and the age-standardized rates of the following at the county level: cancer prevalence, colorectal …

Breaking The Cycle: Reducing Maternal Mortality Disparities In Minnesota, Grace Hambike

Undergraduate Research Symposium 2025

A comparative analysis of Minnesota's maternal mortality rates with states implementing successful maternal health initiatives and a review of policies supporting doulas, midwives, and culturally competent care models. Conclusions show that addressing maternal mortality disparities requires systemic healthcare reforms and culturally competent interventions. Expanding access to doulas, midwives, and community-based care can significantly improve maternal outcomes. Future research should focus on long-term effects of policy changes and continued surveillance of maternal health disparities.

Human Capital And Lifetime Income Gains Of Scaling-Up Small-Quantity Lipid Nutrient Supplements Among Children Under 2 Years: A Modelling Analysis, Nandita Perumal Phd, Goodrarz Danaei, Günther Fink, Mark Lambiris, Christopher R. Sudfeld

Faculty Publications

Undernutrition in early childhood is associated with adverse health and developmental outcomes later in life and remains a persistent global public health problem. Providing small-quantity lipid nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) to children aged 6-24 months improves child growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes, but the potential long-term benefits to human capital have not been previously estimated. We estimated the potential returns to schooling and lifetime income attributable to increasing coverage of SQ-LNS for children < 2 years of age from 0% to 50% or 90% per five-year birth cohort in five countries (Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Uganda) with a high burden of undernutrition. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to estimate the effect of SQ-LNS on child development using evidence from randomized controlled trials, and to estimate the returns to lifetime income as a function of change in development based on a de novo meta-analysis of observational economic studies. Gains in school years attributable to scaling-up SQ-LNS to 90% coverage ranged from 0.14 million school years (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 0.064, …

A Qualitative Inquiry Of Exercise Preferences Among Hispanic Adults With Multiple Sclerosis, Stephanie L Silveira, Robert W Motl, Tania Ontiveros, Victoria Flores

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This study aimed to identify the components of an ideal exercise training program for Hispanics with multiple sclerosis (MS), cultural adaptations, and avenues for dissemination of information to this population. Online, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 adults with MS who identified as Hispanic. A deductive content analysis approach was applied for assessing necessary and desired components of an exercise program. Participants articulated preferences for "what," "when," "where," and "who" of exercise programs. All participants expressed an interest in aerobic training (n = 27) and need for resistance (n = 14), flexibility (n = 8), and neuromotor components (n = …

Developing An Online Community Advisory Board (Cab) Of Parents From Social Media To Co-Design An Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Intervention: Participatory Research Study, Regan M. Murray, Shawn C. Chiang, Ann C. Klassen, Jennifer A. Manganello, Amy E. Leader, Wen-Juo Lo, Philip M. Massey

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Social media health interventions have grown significantly in recent years. However, researchers are still developing innovative methods to meaningfully engage online communities to inform research activities. Little has been documented describing this approach of using online community advisory boards (CABs) to co-create health communication interventions on social media.

OBJECTIVE: This study describes the formation, engagement, and maintenance of an online CAB focused on co-creating a health education intervention for parents regarding the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The study provides guiding principles for public health researchers implementing such CABs in future digital health interventions.

METHODS: In May 2020, Twitter was …

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 …

Dysphagia And Covid-19 In Adults: A Prospective Clinical Trial With Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation Of Swallowing, Gökhan Can Törpü, Müberra Tanrıverdi, Nahide Öztoprak, Ömer Faruk Çalım, Orhan Özturan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is distinguished by its impact on various tissues and organs across the body. It is known that COVID-19-related conditions are associated with swallowing function. This prospective study aimed to investigate the correlation between COVID-19 and dysphagia in adults. Methods: Adults who applied to the swallowing disorders outpatient clinic participated in this study. According to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, participants were divided into two groups: COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 group. Swallowing disorders were evaluated using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and scored with the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS). PAS score > 1 was considered as dysphagia. Oral …

Behere Nevada: Partnership And Policy, Sara Hunt

Community Engagement Expo Research Posters

Partnership: Nevada ranks 51st in the nation for mental illness prevalence and access to care (Mental Health America). Significant shortages in mental health professions, especially in rural areas. Other states using policy and funding to implement a “grow our own” model for behavioral health workforce development. Proposed a behavioral health workforce development center for Nevada.

A Winning Strategy: Sports For Advancing Health In Underserved Communities, Chia-Liang Dai

Community Engagement Expo Research Posters

Prevailing disparities in health outcomes underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions tailored to the unique needs of underserved students. An after-school sports program plays a vital role in promoting comprehensive school health by offering structured team sports alongside social-emotional lessons and academic support.

Fact Sheet For Parents: What To Know About Zyn Nicotine Pouches, Aaron Hunt, Gabriela Murza, Alyssa Ferrin

All Current Publications

This fact sheet provides information about ZYN, which is a nicotine pouch becoming commonly used among youth due to social media advertising. This fact sheet will help parents understand the impact of ZYN pouches and approaches to monitor, prevent, and address use among youth.

Health Risk Assessment Of Heavy Metal(Loid)S Intake From Beverages In The United States, Hannah T.V. Stoner, Tewodros Rango Godebo, Pornpimol Kodsup Taylor

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Heavy metals in beverages can pose health risks in an exposure-dependent manner, however, few studies in the United States have evaluated their metal content and health risks. This study determined the concentrations of eight metal(loid)s, As, Al, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, in 60 beverages via inductively coupled plasma[sbnd]mass spectrometry (ICPMS). The highest median concentrations (µg/kg) were found in mixed fruit juices for Ni (45.7), Cr (14.8), and As (4.5); tea for Mn (5,300), Al (730), and Pb (1.4); and plant-based milk for Zn (835) and Cd (1.1). Chronic daily intake (CDI) across age groups was calculated using …

Lineage Tracing And Single-Cell Rna Sequencing Reveal A Common Transcriptional State In Breast Cancer Tumor-Initiating Cells Characterized By Ifn/Stat1 Activity, Eric P Souto, Ping Gong, John D Landua, Ramakrishnan Rajaram Srinivasan, Abhinaya Ganesan, Lacey E Dobrolecki, Stephen C Purdy, Xingxin Pan, Michael Zeosky, Anna Chung, S Stephen Yi, Heide L Ford, Michael T Lewis

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

A tumor cell subpopulation of tumor-initiating cells (TIC) or "cancer stem cells" is associated with therapeutic resistance, as well as both local and distant recurrences. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) activity is elevated in TICs in claudin-low models of human triple-negative breast cancer, which enables enrichment of TICs using a STAT-responsive reporter. Lineage tracing of TICs as they undergo cell state changes could enable a better understanding of the molecular phenotypes of TIC and uncover strategies to selectively target TICs. In this study, we developed a STAT-responsive lineage-tracing system and used it in conjunction with the original reporter …

Complexity, Coordination, And The Politics Of Global Health Emergencies: Institutions, Actors, And Responses, Jennifer M. Kerner

Political Science ETDs

This dissertation examines the politics of global health emergencies through three interconnected studies. First, it analyzes the declaration of Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEICs), revealing that while World Health Organization (WHO) protocols influence decisions, political factors may also play a role. Second, a case study of the 2014 Ebola outbreak explores the complexities of international response coordination. It highlights the importance of established protocols, clear leadership, and effective communication, while also noting the challenges posed by resource constraints and inter-organizational dynamics. Third, the research investigates the impact of military involvement in global health emergencies. It reveals that military …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Menstrual Hygiene Management Among In-School Visually Impaired Adolescent Girls In Rwanda: A Phenomenological Study, Marie Laetitia Ishimwe Bazakare, Gerard Kaberuka Kaberuka, Aimable Nkurunziza, Justine Bagirisano, Godfrey Katende

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background In low-income countries, many menstruating persons continue to face numerous challenges regarding menstrual hygiene management. Visual impairment further compounds the difficulties faced by in-school adolescent girls, but little is known about its consequences in Rwanda. Objective To explore the lived experiences of menstrual hygiene management among in-school visually impaired adolescent girls in Rwanda. Design descriptive phenomenology. Methods This study was conducted in four specialized educational institutions for visually impaired students in Rwanda. We conducted four focus group discussions with 25 visually impaired adolescent girls selected purposively. The seven steps of Colaizzi’s method were used to analyze the data. Results …

Challenging Race-Based Health Care Discrimination: A New Private Right Of Action, Aaron Pinkett

Northwestern University Law Review

The Hippocratic Oath calls on doctors to “do no harm.” Yet we know from extensive public health research that clinicians repeatedly cause harm to Black patients by dismissing their medical concerns, misdiagnosing them, and undertreating their pain. These practices of differential treatment for Black patients have led to steadily increasing racial disparities in health care outcomes throughout the United States. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits this type of disparate impact, but modern Supreme Court jurisprudence forecloses opportunities for affected parties to seek legal relief—despite the clearly established legislative intent of Title VI. However, another legal …

The Importance Of Well-Being For College Students, Benjamin Williamson, Dr. Mary Jan Greer, Phd, Otr

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Provided education on well-being, enabled independence, and improved quality of life, specifically for college students in this setting.

Advocate for Sustainable Programs:

Advocated for more programs to address the needs of college students and integrated all 8 dimensions of wellness into their current lifestyle

Support Academic Advancement:

Addressed college students' needs for overcoming occupational adversities which affects the longevity and academic success of college students

Motivate College Students:

Provided accessible and occupation-based resources that supported participating college students in independently improving their occupational roles

Advance Holistic Based Strategies:

Incorporated holistic based strategies that apply to each occupational role affecting participating …

I Worked In A Building That Was Not Accessible And That's Too Bad, Aaron Donaldson

Toyon: Multilingual Literary Magazine

No abstract provided.

Leveraging The Public Health Infrastructure Grant To Support Alabama’S Workforce Training Needs Assessment, Matthew Fifolt, Elena Kidd, Riley Blum, Wei Su, Melissa (Moose) Alperin, Lisa C. Mccormick

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background. In 2024, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) leveraged the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) to support the development and training of Alabama’s public health workforce. Technical assistance was provided by the Region IV Public Health Training Center evaluation team to conduct ADPH’S Workforce Training Needs Assessment.

Purpose. The purpose of this Research Brief is to report key findings from this needs assessment and discuss implications for public health practice in the Deep South.

Methods. The evaluation team administered an online survey through Qualtrics to report key measures.

Results. Survey responses were received from 1,434 ADPH employees for …

Indeterminate Benefit Of Long-Term Beta-Blocker Use After Acute Myocardial Infarction For Some Patients, Logan S. Thayer, Khush Hussain, Nicholas Apostolakis, Gretchen Swift, Arifbillah Sarowar, Mohammad Al-Hadidi, Scott Yaekle

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

Yndigegn T, Lindahl B, Mars K, et. al., Beta-blockers after myocardial infarction and preserved ejection fraction. N Engl J Med. April 7 2024;390:1372-1381. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2401479

for a patient showing 55% left ventricular ejection fraction after myocardial infarction.