Public Health Commons^™

Summary Of Eco Groups Learning Evaluation, Claire Devine, Abby Bush, Lisa Angus

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Resilience And Reality: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of People Living With Hiv In Texas During The Covid-19 Pandemic – A Qualitative Study., Ahmed F. Alanazi

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

This study investigated the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV (PLWH) in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area of Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. The research examined the intersection of health, social dynamics, and psychological resilience among PLWH, who faced compounded vulnerabilities due to systemic inequities and the dual public health crises of HIV and COVID-19. Through semi-structured interviews with ten participants from diverse backgrounds, the study captured the profound impacts of disrupted healthcare systems, heightened stigma, and social isolation on this marginalized population. The findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing inequities …

Targeted Deletion Of Cxcl1 In Mscs Regulates Osteogenesis And Suppresses Bone-Metastatic Prostate Cancer, Catherine S. Johnson, Diane L. Costanzo-Garvey, Julio C. Valencia, Sanjana Rajgopal, Theodore Reed, Emma R. Brannon, Jeremy S. Frieling, Deanna Mosley, Todd A. Wyatt, Elijah F. Edmondson, Kabhilan Mohan, Grinu Mathew, Leah M. Cook

Journal Articles: Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health

Bone metastasis continues to be the greatest challenge in treating patients with prostate cancer despite ongoing research. In bone, prostate cancer tumors hijack normal bone remodeling processes to drive cancer progression. However, it is unclear how these interactions drive bone-metastatic prostate cancer growth in the bone environment. To understand the mechanisms associated with bone-metastatic prostate cancer regulation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), we previously identified that bone-metastatic prostate cancer induces MSC expression of the pro-inflammatory chemokine CXCL8 and its mouse functional homologue Cxcl1. To date, there has been little to no information about the role of CXCL1/8 in MSC biology …

Estimating Per-Infection Cost And Burden For Dengue And Zika As A Function Of Antibody-Dependent Enhancement, Christopher M. Kribs

Mathematics Faculty Publications - Archive

The complex immune interactions produced by the tetravalent dengue vaccine Dengvaxia have foregrounded the important role of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) in dengue infection. Some evidence exists that ADE may extend beyond the four dengue serotypes to Zika, a closely related flavivirus transmitted by the same mosquito species as dengue, and may also account for the increased severity of some cases. Estimates of the public health impact of dengue vaccination may then need to include its effects on the transmission of Zika in addition to dengue. This study gathers primary references to build estimates of per-case economic cost and disease burden …

Pedestrian Safety South Of Brigham Young University Campus, Emma Mayo, Alisha H. Redelfs

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

8,500 crossings happen on 800 North every day. In Provo last year, 57 car crashes involved pedestrians. A pedestrian’s view of the road is obstructed by cars parked on the right hand side of the road causing them to walk in the crosswalk to see if there is a car coming. Sidewalks on connecting streets are uneven and cracked. Multiple blocks on 800 North without a stop sign to slow drivers down. Currently no posted speed limit signs on 800 North. Drivers can’t see pedestrians crossing on 200, 300, 400, or 500 East because of inadequate lighting. Cars obstruct areas …

Maternal Health Predictors In Ohio, Sritha Donepudi, Humza Khan

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: Ohio has continued to have a maternal mortality rate higher than the average which has posed the question of how geographic location, socioeconomic status, and demographics affect these rates.
Objective: This paper aims to investigate the relationship between variables affecting maternal mortality rates in Ohio such as teen birth rates and primary care physician access with where one lives between Rural and Urban areas and their household income in order to provide more information for future research.
Methods: This paper utilized County Health Rankings and statistical and correlation analysis with SPSS to analyze rates across counties in Ohio.
Results: …

The Impact Of Health Promotion Home Visits On Loneliness In An Older Adult Population, Jean M. Herb

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Loneliness among older adults is a significant public health concern associated with adverse physical, emotional, and cognitive outcomes. Despite widespread recognition of the issue, effective interventions remain limited in clinical practice. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project implemented and evaluated a Health Promotion Home Visit (HPHV) intervention designed to reduce loneliness in community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older. A quality improvement initiative using a pre-post design was conducted at a community outreach division of a home health agency. Patients received HPHV every other week over an eight-week period. The UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3) was used to assess loneliness …

Institute Of Public Health Newsletter, January - December 2025, Institute Of Public Health (Iph)

Institute of Public Health Newsletter (IPHNL) and Other Publications

No abstract provided.

A Parent's Guide To Success, Marina D. Bucciarelli

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

A Parent’s Guide to Success, a doctoral capstone project, explored occupational therapy’s (OT) role in family-centered practice (FCP). The project focused on areas of education, advocacy, and program development which were informed by the completion of a scoping review. This capstone project was developed as a primary prevention resource for parents and caregivers of children from birth to three years. It was designed to prepare, inform, and support new parents and caregivers with educational videos and resources that depict the skills, knowledge, and support needed for optimized family outcomes. Education was also a valuable aspect of this project as the …

The Intersection Of Indigenous Medicine And Biomedicine In Santiago, Chile, Sam Boehm

Hispanic Studies Honors Papers

No abstract provided.

Adolescents Sexual Health Education Disparities: A Comparative Study Of Inclusion, Cultural Barriers, Access, Policy In Relation To Health And Long Term Outcomes​, Sofia Vega

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Currently, across the different states, sexual health education varies in a range of comprehensive sexual health education to limited sexual health education. These differences in curriculum are not only different from each other but also within themselves. This creates disparities in the knowledge and access among adolescents within their sexual health, which then creates a range of complications involving confidence in knowledge, pregnancy, STIs, and overall inclusion. When granting access to contraceptives on an educational campus, along with education on contraceptives, it allows students to access these tools in a safe environment and increases usage of condoms, lowering the risk …

Prepared To Protect: Improving Cardiac Emergency Response Through Education And Action Planning In Youth Club Sports, Melissa Garcia

Nursing | Senior Theses

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in youth sports, illuminating the essential demand for adequate emergency response, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) usage, and comprehensive emergency action plans (EAPs). Research shows that despite the importance of prompt intervention, the majority of youth club sports programs outside of the school setting lack the training and resources needed to respond effectively to SCA incidents. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of an educational seminar that includes CPR/AED training and EAP simulation exercises in improving participants’ knowledge, skills, and confidence in managing cardiac emergencies. A quasi-experimental …

Awareness Of The Physiological Changes Occurring In Older Adults Can Reduce Dehydration And Electrolyte Imbalances, Lisa Isley

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Individuals over 65 years are at an increased risk of dehydration. The physiological changes that occur with age and medication consumption can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances that can physically and mentally impair individuals over 65 years old. Objective: By providing education to individuals 65 years and older regarding the significance of drinking water and consuming electrolytes daily, older adults can reduce their dehydration symptoms and improve their quality of life. Method: The proposed research is a quasi experimental study geared towards individuals 65 years and older. The quasi-experimental study will include two pre-surveys and then two post-surveys. The …

Mistrust Among Injured Immigrant Workers: A Conceptual Framework, Maude Arsenault, Daniel Côté, Jessica Dubé

Revues de littérature, synthèses de connaissances

Background

In Quebec, injured workers have access to medical assistance, wage replacement indemnities, and rehabilitation measures, with most injuries resolved easily. However, a small percentage of cases require a lengthy rehabilitation process, which is particularly complex when involving immigrants. The therapeutic alliance is at the heart of the process, involving mutual trust and confidence and a degree of consensus about the therapeutic interventions to be used and, ultimately, the return to work.

Objective

This article delves into the concept of mistrust as more than the absence of trust, and sheds light on its role in the rehabilitation process of immigrant …

The Intersection Of Broadband And Health: Exploring Rural-Urban Disparities In Colorado, Hunter Anderson, Kristen Paradine

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Modern healthcare infrastructure and progression depend on robust and reliable broadband access. Many areas of the U.S., however, still face limited access which exacerbates access to care and healthcare inequities. These trends can be observed in rural counties across the country, where resource constraints and reduced access to infrastructure remain limited. The correlation however between different health outcomes and broadband access in Colorado has not been widely explored in literature.
This study examines the relationship between broadband availability and different healthcare outcomes for rural and urban counties of Colorado by utilizing data from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps for …

Intrinsic And Extrinsic Factors That Affect High School Graduation In California, Anisha Mandava, Joseph Pedregon

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

High school graduation is an essential milestone that indicates success later in life. In particular, high school students in California may encounter many obstacles that hinder their opportunity to acquire a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. So, what are these obstacles that students encounter on their journey through high school education? Here we seek to identify whether intrinsic factors, like disconnected youth and educational scores, or extrinsic factors, like segregation, funding, and food insecurity, have a larger impact on the student to reach high school completion. In our study, we utilized data from County Health Rankings for statistical analysis. …

Addressing Deaths Of Despair: The Impact Of Loneliness On Excessive Alcohol Use And Alcohol-Involved Driving Deaths In Ohio, Juliana Zacher, Akshey Suresh, Dylan Timperman

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Alcohol-related driving deaths and excessive alcohol consumption continue to rise across the United States. These trends have had a large impact on historically disadvantaged populations, such as Appalachia, being disproportionately affected. Previous literature suggests factors such as loneliness, mental distress, segregation, and immigration status amongst others may contribute to this increase in drinking. Although delineating a clear role of the nature of the impact at a community level still remains unclear. Our objective was to explore these very factors as well as to identify social and economic predictors to explain alcohol-related driving deaths and excessive drinking in Ohio between 2016 …

Regional Variation And Correlation Of Big Five Personality Traits With Rates Of Insufficient Sleep And Diabetes In The United States, Isabella Chirakos, Brennan Schroeder

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: Diabetes and insufficient sleep are prevalent health concerns, and determining potential contributing factors could help decrease the incidence of these issues. This study aims to explore potential associations between insufficient sleep and diabetes mellitus, examining whether these negative health outcomes can be linked geographically and by personality traits. Results could help create more effective programs to combat diabetes and insufficient sleep.
Materials and Methods: The study utilized longitudinal health data and roadmaps from 2016 and 2023 for each state, categorizing the data into four regions: Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. We incorporated personality data from the Synthetic Aperture Personality …

Sars-Cov-2 Genomic Surveillance Using Self-Collected Saliva Specimens During Occupational Testing Programs, Andy T. Schnaubelt, David Brett-Major, Janet Williamson, Bailey Barcal, Julie Carstens, Ashley Peer, Michael R. Wiley, M. Jana Broadhurst

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

Continually emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants pose challenges to clinical and public health interventions, necessitating sustainable approaches to real-time variant monitoring. This case study describes an innovative SARS-CoV-2 screening and surveillance program that demonstrates the utility of sequencing-based variant monitoring using self-collected saliva specimens. We conducted saliva-based SARS-CoV-2 screening in occupational settings in Omaha, Nebraska from December 2021 through November 2022. 8,372 saliva specimens collected from 1,480 participants were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by extraction-free PCR, with 334 positive samples referred for whole-genome sequencing analysis. Program utilization, quality metrics, and sequencing outputs were compared across sites. Specimen quality was high across program …

Knowledge, Perception And Acceptability Of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Among Moroccan Medical Students, Safa Ibork, Asmaa Naim, Mohamed Khalis, Soumaya Rafii, Abire Allaoui

Health Sciences

Background:

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Morocco. In October 2022, the Ministry of Health introduced the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the national immunization program. This study aimed to assess knowledge, satisfaction, and acceptability regarding HPV infection and vaccination among Moroccan medical students.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2021 and July 2022 among fifth-year and higher medical students from all nine Moroccan medical universities. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed descriptively and analytically.

Results: A total of 636 students participated …

Evaluating Ai-Generated Essays For Bias In Public Health Topics, Spring Cooper

Open Educational Resources

This is a sample assignment: Students will use AI tools to generate essays on public health topics, critically evaluate these essays for potential biases, and understand the ethical implications of using AI-generated content in public health.

Enhancing Nutrition Information Utilisation, Confidence, And Role Legitimacy And Adequacy Among Early Childhood Education Professionals Through Evidence-Based Online Training, Ruth Wallace, Ros Sambell, Shih Ching Fu, Johnny Lo, Elizabeth J. Cook, Amanda Devine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an online short course based on the Health Promoting Schools Framework and specifically designed for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals. The short course aimed to enhance ECEC professionals’ nutrition knowledge, confidence, role legitimacy and adequacy to model healthy behaviours, teach healthy food habits and create health-promoting environments. Participants (n = 116) working at Australian ECEC services were assigned to control (n = 62) or intervention (n = 54) groups. Both groups completed a pre-intervention survey. The intervention group accessed the four-week course and completed the post-intervention survey. The control group completed a …

Impact Of Rurality On Health Care Utilization Among Australian Residents From 2009 To 2021, Engida Yisma, Martin Jones, Lee San Pauh, Sandra Walsh, Sara Jones, Esther May, Marianne Gillam

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: In Australia, there is limited research regarding the effect of rurality on health care utilization using longitudinal data.

Methods: We analyzed data from four annual waves (2009, 2013, 2017, and 2021) of the longitudinal Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey to examine changes in the health care utilization over time among urban and rural residents. Poisson regression models estimated adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for rural versus urban residents, accounting for a range of health-related and sociodemographic characteristics. Health care utilization was measured using four key indicators: visits to family doctor …

Assessment Of The Psychometric Properties Of The Mask Usability Scale: A Measure Of The Perceived Usability Of N95 Respirators Among Healthcare Students And Staff, Lorna Kwai Ping Suen, Wai Hang Kwok, Ignatius Tak Sun Yu, Sony Nai Yeung So, Kin Cheung, Paul Hong Lee, Lily Yuen Wah Ho, Ka Yan Ko, Sukki Ho, Simon Ching Lam

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To test the reliability and construct validity of the Mask Usability Scale in healthcare students and staff. Design: A methodological study involving repeated measures. Methods: The study included two batches of participants: (1) 283 university nursing students and (2) 1753 participants composed of students (61%) and clinical staff (39%). All participants underwent N95 respirator fit tests and user seal checks. They also responded to the Mask Usability Scale, which comprises 11 items evaluated using Likert scales. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and item–total correlation test. Test–retest reliability was evaluated by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of A Serious Game To Deliver Health Education About Invasive Meningococcal Disease: Clustered Randomized Controlled Equivalence Trial, Lauren Bloomfield, Julie Boston, Martin Masek, Lesley Andrew, Donna Barwood, Amanda Devine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a serious, vaccine-preventable infectious disease that can be life-threatening. Teaching adolescents about the early detection and prevention of IMD can be challenging in a school environment, with educators reporting they lack confidence or expertise to cover this in the classroom environment. Professional guest educators are an alternative to cover specialist topics such as IMD; however, time and resourcing constraints can mean that these educators are not always available. Serious games may be an alternative to face-to-face education, where complex health information may be delivered via self-directed gameplay. Objective: This study aims to develop a …

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 …

Undergraduates’ Lifestyle And Suboptimal Health Status (Shs): A Cross-Sectional Study In The Ha’Il Region Of Saudi Arabia, Bandar Alsaif, Collins Otieno Asweto, Sehar Un Nisa Hassan, Mohamed Ali Alzain, Mohammed Elshiekh Saeed, Ahmed Kassar, Kamal Elbssir Mohammed Ali, Mouna Ghorbel, Rafat Zrieq, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background University students in Saudi Arabia are embracing some of the negative traits of the fast-paced modern lifestyle, typified by unhealthy eating, low physical activity, and poor sleep habits that may increase their risk for poor health. Health and holistic well-being at the population level are among the priorities of the 2030 vision of a vibrant society in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The current study thus aims at determining the prevalence and predictive factors of Suboptimal Health Status (SHS) among university students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 9,026 undergraduate students between 31st May and 15th June 2023. …

Web-Based Application For Reducing Methamphetamine Use Among Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People: Randomized Waitlist Controlled Trial, Rachel Reilly, Rebecca Mcketin, Federica Barzi, Tayla Degan, Nadine Ezard, Katherine Conigrave, Julia Butt, Yvette Roe, Handan Wand, Brendan Quinn, Wade Longbottom, Carla Treloar, Adrian Dunlop, James Ward

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Digital interventions can help to overcome barriers to care, including stigma, geographical distance, and a lack of culturally appropriate treatment options. “We Can Do This” is a web-based app that was designed with input from cultural advisors and end users to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking to stop or reduce their use of methamphetamine and increase psychosocial well-being.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the “We Can Do This” web-based app as a psychosocial treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who use methamphetamine.

Methods: The web app was evaluated using a …

Effectiveness, Acceptability, And Cost-Effectiveness Of Digital Health Interventions For Diabetes Self-Management In Adults With Or Without Hypertension: An Umbrella Review Protocol, Min Zhang, Jiahui Ge, Xinrong Yu, Tian Wang, Fenglan Wang, Madalo Gloria Kalero Kuchawo, Li Ge

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: This review will synthesize evidence on the effectiveness, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of digital health interventions in implementing and maintaining effective self-management among adults (≥ 18 years) with diabetes, with or without comorbid hypertension. Introduction: Diabetes and hypertension are becoming the most challenging global health burdens. Growing evidence underscores the effectiveness of digital health interventions for diabetes and hypertension. However, it is unclear whether these strategies can be recommended to improve diabetes self-management among adults with or without hypertension in primary health care. Inclusion criteria: We will include systematic reviews (with or without meta-analysis) examining the effectiveness, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness …

Facilitators, Barriers, And Strategies For Supporting Shared Decision-Making With People With Intellectual Disability: A West Australian Primary Healthcare Professional Perspective, Kathryn Teale, Abigail Lewis, Rachel Skoss

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Shared decision-making between patients and primary healthcare professionals positively impacts health outcomes. However, people with intellectual disability face additional barriers and require supported shared decision-making (SSDM) to participate. Little is known about how healthcare professionals use SSDM with this population. This paper explores the facilitators and barriers experienced, and strategies/resources employed by healthcare professionals working with people with intellectual disability. Method: Ten purposively sampled primary healthcare professionals participated in semi-structured interviews. This descriptive qualitative study used content analysis. Findings were compared with a proposed model of factors influencing triadic (the person with intellectual disability, their caregiver and the healthcare …