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Full-Text Articles in Other Public Health

A Case Study Of The Political Determinant Of Health On The Public Health Crisis Of Malaria In Nigeria, Bisola M. Olumegbon Dec 2023

A Case Study Of The Political Determinant Of Health On The Public Health Crisis Of Malaria In Nigeria, Bisola M. Olumegbon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Globally, there were about 229 million cases of malaria in 2022. The sub-Saharan African region accounted for 92% of the reported cases and 94% of deaths. Nigeria had the highest number of malaria cases and deaths, representing 27% of global cases. This scholarly project was a case study guided by the political determinants of health. Triangulation of data using thematic analysis was used to identify the political determinants of malaria in Nigeria and to understand how the concept of interaction contributes to the persistence of the disease. The analysis involved a deductive and inductive approach based on the literature …


Garden-Based Nutrition Education For Low Income Hispanic School Children, Larry Bui Nov 2023

Garden-Based Nutrition Education For Low Income Hispanic School Children, Larry Bui

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Childhood obesity is a pressing public health concern in the United States, with rates continuing to increase in recent years. This problem disproportionately affects Latino children as well as those from low socioeconomic status. It's well established that nutrition knowledge deficiencies and resulting poor dietary habits are some of the most common contributing factors to childhood obesity. Garden-based nutrition education programs have been introduced as a way to remedy this knowledge deficit, however a gap remains as to whether or not this model can be viable for low-income, culturally diverse populations. Aim: The purpose of this literature review is …


Expanding The Volunteer Role To Include Advance Care Planning Knowledge, Andrea C. Leomo Aug 2023

Expanding The Volunteer Role To Include Advance Care Planning Knowledge, Andrea C. Leomo

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Transition patients at the end-of-life are those patients who are not mentally ready or physically eligible for hospice thus not enrolled in a Palliative or Hospice Program. Only one-third of the Transition patient census had completed and filed advance care plans. Healthcare providers are obligated to perform life-saving measures unless documented otherwise. A lack of advance care planning can create complicated scenarios and cause discordant care incidents.

Context: End-of-life care is a delicate subject to navigate conversations with patients. With holistic care being a large component of hospice and palliative care, it is important to have updated and accurate …


The Impact Of Social Determinants Of Health And Acculturation On Quality Of Life In Older Chinese American Adults With Chronic Pain: A Quantitative Study, Chi Lam Aug 2023

The Impact Of Social Determinants Of Health And Acculturation On Quality Of Life In Older Chinese American Adults With Chronic Pain: A Quantitative Study, Chi Lam

Dissertations

Despite a rapid increase in the older Chinese American adult population, there are very few research studies examining the impact of social determinants of health and acculturation on the quality of life in older Chinese American adults. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of social determinants of health and acculturation on quality of life in older Chinese American adults with chronic pain. This quantitative, descriptive correlational study utilized Madeleine Leininger’s Transcultural Theory as its theoretical framework. Two research questions guided this study: (1) Was there a difference in the quality of life in older Chinese American …


Commencement Program 2023, Loma Linda University Jun 2023

Commencement Program 2023, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

1 | Message from the President

3 | 2023 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

6 | Institutional Administration

7 | Board of Trustees

8 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | University History Highlights

11 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

13 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

25 | The Program, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

  • School of Medicine, 26
  • School of Pharmacy, 52
  • School of Dentistry, 69
  • School of Public Health, 93
  • San Manuel Gateway College, 108
  • School of Allied Health Professions—Allied Health Studies, Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Clinical Laboratory Science, Communication …


Relationship Between Treatment Comorbidities And Hiv Viral Suppression Among People Who Live With Aids In Johannesburg., Nwogo Immaculata Ekeji, Tolulope A. Osoba, Hebatullah Tawfik, Mehdi Agha Mar 2023

Relationship Between Treatment Comorbidities And Hiv Viral Suppression Among People Who Live With Aids In Johannesburg., Nwogo Immaculata Ekeji, Tolulope A. Osoba, Hebatullah Tawfik, Mehdi Agha

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

HIV has globally infected over 37.9 million people, of which 28.2 million (73%) are on antiretroviral treatment, and 66% of those on treatment are virally suppressed. In South Africa, however, low rate of viral suppression (47%) among people living with HIV is a major health problem that has continued to fuel HIV prevalence. A cross-sectional quantitative research design was used to investigate the relationship between treatment comorbidities and viral suppression among HIV-infected adults aged 18–49 who were diabetic, had cancer, or tuberculosis in Johannesburg. HIV Care Continuum formed the theoretical framework for this research. An existing HIV-infected patient de-identifiable dataset …


Addressing Breast Health Disparities Among Recent, Established African-Born Immigrant Women And Second-Generation Americans In Prince George County, Maryland, Omolola Okunromade Jan 2023

Addressing Breast Health Disparities Among Recent, Established African-Born Immigrant Women And Second-Generation Americans In Prince George County, Maryland, Omolola Okunromade

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Background: Breast health disparities and underutilization of screening methods are major concerns in the United States (US), particularly affecting Black women who experience lower survival rates and advanced diagnoses. Despite the rapid growth of the African-born immigrant population, breast health among this group in the US is notably under-examined. This study aims to investigate the breast health knowledge and practices of first-generation African-born immigrants and second-generation immigrant women of African descent, aiming to understand the distinctive attributes of this group and the impact of acculturation on this public health issue.

Methods: Interviews were conducted among First Generation African immigrants and …


Sector Rural Colombiano, Salud Y Plaguicidas, Sandra Patricia Carmona Urueña, Maria Nieves Avila Avila, Claudia Del Rocío Contreras Rodríguez, Sindy Alejandro Cifuentes Guerrero, José Ever Ramírez Calderón Dec 2022

Sector Rural Colombiano, Salud Y Plaguicidas, Sandra Patricia Carmona Urueña, Maria Nieves Avila Avila, Claudia Del Rocío Contreras Rodríguez, Sindy Alejandro Cifuentes Guerrero, José Ever Ramírez Calderón

Ciencias de la Salud

La región del Sumapaz de Colombia es conocida como la despensa agrícola de Cundinamarca tiene una importante actividad económica en la producción de frutas y hortalizas, por lo que se debe conocer el estado sociocultural, demográfico, ambiental, laboral y de salud de los productores. Otro aspecto es la composición del suelo y el agua que se enfrenta a la degradación debido al abuso de plaguicidas, la deforestación, los monocultivos, la falta de cultura ambiental y presencia institucional, y los proyectos comunitarios ecoamigables. Los campesinos de la región se caracterizan por bajos niveles de educación, lo que afecta su capacidad para …


Nursing Abroad: A Comparison Of Healthcare In Italy, Sweden, And The Us, Sadie Stark Dec 2022

Nursing Abroad: A Comparison Of Healthcare In Italy, Sweden, And The Us, Sadie Stark

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

No healthcare system is perfect, nor does one system work for all populations. History and culture have dictated the mindset of people for generations. It is the ever-changing mindset of patients and providers that will continue to expand and improve international healthcare by first changing daily practices. Nursing in Italy, Sweden, and the United States look very similar but also have a number of differences. Each country’s healthcare system works for its population, but efforts for international collaboration could still prove beneficial. Whether it be universal or private, centralized or localized, a patient centered focus is the driving force behind …


Lessons Learned: Covid-19 In Post-Corrections Secured Behavioral Rehabilitation, Jennifer G. Jones, Maria Devalpine, Erica J. Lewis Nov 2022

Lessons Learned: Covid-19 In Post-Corrections Secured Behavioral Rehabilitation, Jennifer G. Jones, Maria Devalpine, Erica J. Lewis

Virginia Journal of Public Health

Background: The COVID-19 case rate on June 5, 2020, for prisoners in the United States (US) was 5.5 times higher than the US population case rate (Saloner et al., 2020). Secure facilities were challenged to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. One secure behavioral rehabilitation facility made many changes to facility and program protocols to meet this challenge.

Methods: The purpose of this program evaluation was to assess newly implemented infection control measures at a secure behavioral rehabilitation facility and to inform policy and procedure recommendations for the mitigation of COVID-19 transmission in congregate living facilities in the future. Case rates, …


Emergency Care For Youth Who Experience Suicidality And Identify As Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer/Questioning (Lgbtq+): An Interpretive Phenomenology, Theresa Schultz Aug 2022

Emergency Care For Youth Who Experience Suicidality And Identify As Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer/Questioning (Lgbtq+): An Interpretive Phenomenology, Theresa Schultz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Suicide is a leading cause of death in children; youth who identify as LGBTQ+ are at an exponentially higher risk of suicide. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of young adults who identify as LGBTQ+ and sought emergency care for suicidality when they were adolescents.

Methods: Heideggerian hermeneutics phenomenology is the research method used in this study. Youth, ages 18-25 years, who identify as LGBTQ+ and sought emergency treatment for suicidality when they were adolescents (13-17 years) were recruited to participate;fifteen youth enrolled. Individuals ranged in age from 20 to 25 years. Participants described …


Evidence-Based Best Practice Toolkit For Social Determinants Of Health: A Program Evaluation Review, Bryleigh Berry Aug 2022

Evidence-Based Best Practice Toolkit For Social Determinants Of Health: A Program Evaluation Review, Bryleigh Berry

Student Scholarly Projects

Despite an increase in healthcare expenditure, racial and ethnic disparities remain a substantial concern among adult primary care patients in the United States. This is largely due to the focus on medical intervention and disregard for the underlying factors that contribute significantly to health outcomes such as economic stability, educational access and quality, healthcare access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context. The PICOT question that guided this program evaluation review project is: In adult clients seeking care at a primary care clinic (P), how does a SDOH toolkit based on the CDC framework (I) compared …


A Policy Project: Implementing Safe Firearm Storage Legislation In Kentucky., Maggie M. Wiser Aug 2022

A Policy Project: Implementing Safe Firearm Storage Legislation In Kentucky., Maggie M. Wiser

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Ensuring the safe storage of firearms in the home is a research-supported method of reducing the incidence of firearm injury and death, specifically unintentional injury and self-harm in the pediatric population. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping all firearms stored locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition. While evidence shows that implementing laws regulating the storage of firearms can be effective to reduce morbidity and mortality, the state of Kentucky currently has no such regulations. For this DNP project, John Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework was used as a guideline for policy analysis with the intention of identifying opportunities to advocate …


Implementation And Evaluation Of A Syphilis Screening Tool To Increase Patient Testing For Syphilis Among Adults 18 Years And Older In A Rural Primary Care Clinic, Valeria S. Wiggins Jul 2022

Implementation And Evaluation Of A Syphilis Screening Tool To Increase Patient Testing For Syphilis Among Adults 18 Years And Older In A Rural Primary Care Clinic, Valeria S. Wiggins

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are an increasing epidemic in the United States (U.S.) that need immediate interventions to reverse the effects of syphilis on the sexual health of adults in rural populations. Many are unaware of the growing rate of syphilis and the overall impact it causes nationally. When syphilis is detected early, it can be easily treated and cured. Rural primary care providers are ideal candidates for implementing education, screening, testing, and treatment.

Purpose: The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aims to increase the frequency of screening patients in rural primary care clinics for high-risk sexual behaviors. …


Commencement Program 2022, Loma Linda University Jun 2022

Commencement Program 2022, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

1 | Message from the President

3 | 2022 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

6 | Institutional Administration

7 | Board of Trustees

8 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | University History Highlights

11 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

13 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

27 | The Programs, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

  • School of Medicine, 28
  • School of Pharmacy, 52
  • School of Dentistry, 67
  • School of Public Health, 92
  • School of Allied Health Professions - Allied Health Studies, Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Clinical Laboratory Science, Communication Sciences and Disorders, …


The Effects Of The Transition From Pre-Nursing To Nursing On Mental Health, Andrew J. Davis, Paige R. Mullins, Kimberly A. Sell May 2022

The Effects Of The Transition From Pre-Nursing To Nursing On Mental Health, Andrew J. Davis, Paige R. Mullins, Kimberly A. Sell

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Mental health is an ever-growing crisis among adolescents and young adults, with suicide as second leading cause of death and the number of those negatively affected continually on the rise. Transitions are one of the major stressors prevalent among these age groups, placing individuals at risk for mental health deficits. This quantitative voluntary response comparative study assesses the transitional mental health of pre-nursing students and students in the nursing program at East Tennessee State University. Emailed to all with a declared major of pre-nursing or nursing, this study measured mental health using evidenced based assessment tools. The PHQ-9 for depression …


A Quantitative Job Satisfaction Comparison Between Certified Nursing Assistants (Cnas) Providing Care In Patients’ Homes Versus In Long-Term Care (Ltc) Facilities In The Omaha Metropolitan Area, Rusheena Shah May 2022

A Quantitative Job Satisfaction Comparison Between Certified Nursing Assistants (Cnas) Providing Care In Patients’ Homes Versus In Long-Term Care (Ltc) Facilities In The Omaha Metropolitan Area, Rusheena Shah

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

This capstone project looks at overall job satisfaction comparison between two groups of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) – CNAs who provide home care in patients’ homes and CNAs who provide care in Long-term Care (LTC) facilities in the Omaha Metropolitan Area. In this quantitative study, a survey was sent to CNAs who provide home care to patients and CNAs who provide patient care at different nursing home facilities in the Omaha area. Prior research has indicated that even though CNAs perform similar job duties irrespective of the work environment; they experience varying degrees of job satisfaction which could be attributed …


Dnp Final Report: Sane Finder: A Web-Based Mobile Solution To Identify The Location Of Currently Available Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (Sane) For First Responders, Brenda D. Herrmann Apr 2022

Dnp Final Report: Sane Finder: A Web-Based Mobile Solution To Identify The Location Of Currently Available Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (Sane) For First Responders, Brenda D. Herrmann

DNP Final Reports

Society views sexual assault as one of the most horrific crimes committed by one human being against another, but the “rescue” has the potential to make the experience even more difficult for the victim, in essence re-traumatizing them (Nugent-Borakove et al., 2006). In the United States in 2018, almost 140,000 victims reported being sexually assaulted (U.S. Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2019). In Texas, over 6 million individuals have been sexually assaulted in their lifetime (Busch-Armendariz et al., 2015). Getting victims to a specially trained sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) as quickly as possible improves outcomes. SANEs …


A Whole-Food Plant Based Diet And Its Effects On Cardiovascular Disease, Meredith A. Childress Apr 2022

A Whole-Food Plant Based Diet And Its Effects On Cardiovascular Disease, Meredith A. Childress

MSN Capstone Projects

The purpose of this paper and benchmark study is to present evidenced-based data regarding the impact diet choices have on heart disease and how adherence to a whole food plant based (WFPB) diet compared to a Western diet affects cardiac disease. The PICOT question being asked for this change project is as follows: In adults with history of cardiac disease (P), how does adherence to a whole-food plant-based (WFPB) diet (I) compared to the Western diet (C) impact outcomes associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) (O) over three months (T)? A search of evidenced-based literature was conducted to determine the …


Unpacking The Influence Of Islamic Religious Culture And Individual Religious Affiliation On Testing Hiv-Positive, Brittany Hayes, Amy Adamczyk Jan 2022

Unpacking The Influence Of Islamic Religious Culture And Individual Religious Affiliation On Testing Hiv-Positive, Brittany Hayes, Amy Adamczyk

Publications and Research

The distribution of HIV cases varies cross-nationally. We separate the influences of Islam at the macro-and micro-levels to understand the role of religion in shaping the spread of HIV. Drawing on biomarker data from the Demographic and Health Surveys, we construct a multilevel database (Individual N= 568,476; Country N= 30). We examine a series of national-and individual-level predictors that may mediate the relationship between Islam and testing HIV-positive. Individual religious affiliation and proportion Muslim retained their risk-reducing effects even when accounting for a range of mediators and suppressors. Islam has a sui generis effect on testing HIV-positive.


The Effects Of Cultural Competency Training On Providers Knowledge, Skills And Attitudes Towards The Latino Population, Jennifer L. Peppiatt Jan 2022

The Effects Of Cultural Competency Training On Providers Knowledge, Skills And Attitudes Towards The Latino Population, Jennifer L. Peppiatt

DNP Projects

Background: Providers in the United States (U.S.) healthcare system need to understand the cultural values, beliefs, and traditions of the growing Latino population. As a result, academic institutions are incorporating cultural competency training in their curricula. However, a noticeable knowledge gap exists for those currently practicing in the healthcare arena, impacting patient and provider satisfaction and healthcare outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to obtain a baseline assessment of the cultural competence of a select group of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) caring for the Latino population at the University of Kentucky and provide a targeted educational intervention, followed …


Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Of Saudi Citizens On Covid-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Region Survey, Maha Sanat Alreshidi, Nojoud Abdullah Daaya Alreshidi, Ebaa Felemban, Ferdinand Gonzales Dec 2021

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Of Saudi Citizens On Covid-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Region Survey, Maha Sanat Alreshidi, Nojoud Abdullah Daaya Alreshidi, Ebaa Felemban, Ferdinand Gonzales

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Although policies and guidelines may not always be optimal in all settings, a tailor-fitted guideline is appropriate. This study aims to determine the differences in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Saudi citizens toward Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods: A quantitative-comparative-correlational approach was carried out from March 21 to May 22, 2020. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and t-test were used to determine the differences in knowledge and demographic characteristics. Linear regression was used to determine relationships among KAP.

Results: The participants’ knowledge yielded 82.83%, positive attitudes (M = 2.10; SD = 1.15) and good …


Geriatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Journal Club: Frailty, Sarah Keene, Rebecca Fisher, Lauren Cameron-Comasco Nov 2021

Geriatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Journal Club: Frailty, Sarah Keene, Rebecca Fisher, Lauren Cameron-Comasco

Journal of Geriatric Emergency Medicine

No abstract provided.


The Association Of Demographics, Social And Personal/Family Characteristics With Treatment Utilization Among Young Adults With Opioid Use Disorder In The United States, Marva L. Frederick Sep 2021

The Association Of Demographics, Social And Personal/Family Characteristics With Treatment Utilization Among Young Adults With Opioid Use Disorder In The United States, Marva L. Frederick

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background

Opioid use disorder is a life-threatening medical condition and an ongoing public health problem in the United States. Treatment is necessary to combat opioid use disorder and to minimize the health-associated problems. Opioid use disorder is treatable with life-extending medications. Studies that examined treatment utilization among young adults with opioid use disorder in the United States was scarce. This study investigated the characteristics posited in the Andersen Behavioral Model of health utilization which may be associated with treatment utilization, among young adults with opioid use disorder in the United States. The urgency posed by the continuing opioid crisis in …


Utilizing Digital Technology To Address Loneliness And Isolation In Older Adults Through A Community-Based Connection Model: Responding To A Pandemic, Melissa A. Nagel Aug 2021

Utilizing Digital Technology To Address Loneliness And Isolation In Older Adults Through A Community-Based Connection Model: Responding To A Pandemic, Melissa A. Nagel

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Problem: Loneliness and social isolation, both of which can have serious detrimental effects on health and well-being, have become more prevalent during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the older adult population. During part of the past year, older adults were strongly encouraged to follow strict quarantine measures because of their vulnerability to the virus. This forced isolation exacerbated the already existing issue of loneliness and social isolation in this population.

Interventions: Older adults who are members of a local non-profit community organization, focused on increasing independence and social vitality, were invited to participate in a virtual, interactive social engagement …


Obesity Prevention Toolkit To Combat Weight Gain Related To Sedentary Behavior And Dietary Habits In College Students: An Evidence-Based Project, Maria Amos, Martha Fuller May 2021

Obesity Prevention Toolkit To Combat Weight Gain Related To Sedentary Behavior And Dietary Habits In College Students: An Evidence-Based Project, Maria Amos, Martha Fuller

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Background: Forty percent of the US population ages 20-39 are categorized as obese,

their BMI is over 30, and 35% of college age students are obese or overweight. Issues related to obesity cost the US $147 billion annually. Between 40%-50% of college students are reported to be inactive. Inactivity can lead to increased morbidity and mortality related to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, musculoskeletal issues, and depression. Providing dietary and physical activity education and access to nutritional information promotes behavior change in young adults.

Aims of Service Change: This evidence-based project proposal aims to provide a toolkit …


Addressing Hidden Barriers To Follow Up Healthcare: A Community Referral Pilot Project, Amber Williams Jan 2021

Addressing Hidden Barriers To Follow Up Healthcare: A Community Referral Pilot Project, Amber Williams

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Objective: The project was aimed to reduce the number of participants lost to primary care follow-up following a mobile health unit screening event.

Design: A pilot study program screening tool implementation was utilized to address the hidden barriers of the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) during a Winter 2021 event.

Sample: A group of 12 participants were screened during a mobile health unit event. Eight of the participants opted to be a part of the pilot study.

Measurements: A comparison ratio of Primary Care follow up was compared from the Winter of 2020 with Winter of 2021, where the screening …


The Youthful Pandemic, Brook Sahlemariam Dec 2020

The Youthful Pandemic, Brook Sahlemariam

Nursing | Senior Theses

This paper attempts to examine the neurological, physical, and societal effects of e-cigarette use among youth and young-adults in North America. Furthermore, the paper investigates the parallels between e-cigarette users, tobacco users, and dual users in regard to behavioral patterns, reasons for use, and age of initiation.


Factors Predicting Sustainability: A Correlational Study Of One Multi-Site Program, Meredith L. King Jensen Jun 2020

Factors Predicting Sustainability: A Correlational Study Of One Multi-Site Program, Meredith L. King Jensen

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Healthcare organizations invest significant economic, physical, and human resources to implement changes and expect sustained benefits for their investments in the long term. Yet, few studies have examined long-term sustainability and factors contributingto sustainability. The primary aim of the study was to gain a better understanding of sustainability and five factors (champions, leadership support, policy, resources, and training and education) that might predict long-term sustainability within the context of one Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) program implemented in a large, nationwide system more than 7 years ago. The secondary aim was to examine the number of nursing staff injuries, …


The Expansion And Evaluation Of Medication Assisted Treatment Services For An Underserved Rural Northern California Community, Carolyn Perrotti May 2020

The Expansion And Evaluation Of Medication Assisted Treatment Services For An Underserved Rural Northern California Community, Carolyn Perrotti

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

Problem: Widespread opioid misuse has led to the opioid epidemic that claims 130 deaths per day due to an opioid overdose (CDC, 2018). The opioid epidemic has plagued the United States for three decades and has been considered a public health emergency since 2017 (HHS, 2017). Rural communities are disproportionately affected by this problem and in 2014, the rate of opioid overdose deaths was 45% higher in rural communities (SAMHSA, 2018).

Context: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is considered the most effective treatment for opioid dependence because it incorporates medication management and biopsychosocial supports (Jones et al., 2018). Retention in a MAT …