Other Public Health Commons^™

An Assessment Of Accessibility And Affordability Of Inpatient Psychiatric Care In Tennessee, Kailee Havrda

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Access to mental health has seen changes over the past decade, but little research and attention have been given to access to inpatient psychiatric facilities. Inpatient psychiatric care is crucial for patients experiencing mental health emergencies who need immediate access to care. Gaps in spatial accessibility, affordability, and the access and assessment process were identified due to a lack of available information in the field.

Methods: Secondary data from the Tennessee Department of Health were used to assess financial accessibility through payer source charges and patient encounters, as well as through mapping of inpatient psychiatric facilities and conducting drive …

Knowledge Of Parents About Thalassemia In Tabuk City: A Cross-Sectional Study, Sawsan Mohammed Alblewi, Amirah M. Alatawi, Ehab Mahmoud Hanafy, Faisal Mayudh Althobaiti, Abdulelah Hamad Al-Balawi, Faisal Mohammed Alamrani, Yazeed Mahmoud Ajwah, Omar Muslih Albalawi, Mohammed Majed Alquayr, Sultan Ibrahim Alhamdi

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Thalassemia is a common inherited blood disorder and remains a significant public health concern in Saudi Arabia. Parental knowledge is essential for effective prevention, screening, and early intervention. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of thalassemia among parents in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia, and identify factors associated with knowledge levels.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 parents residing in Tabuk City between March and May 2025. Data were collected using a validated Arabic questionnaire distributed online. Knowledge was assessed using 21 items covering general thalassemia knowledge, thalassemia major, carrier status, and prevention. Knowledge levels …

Osteoporosis Knowledge, Health Beliefs, And Calcium Intake Among Malaysian Chinese Adults In Perak: A Cross-Sectional Study, Thean Hui Ru, Nurul Aimi Ab Kadir, Fatin Izzaty Mohd Shahrin

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The Malaysian Chinese population records the highest national prevalence of osteoporotic hip fractures. This study investigated the relationships between osteoporosis knowledge, health beliefs, and calcium intake among Malaysian Chinese adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 205 Malaysian Chinese adults in Kampar, Perak, using the adapted Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Tool (OPAAT), Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS), and a 30-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).

Results: Participants demonstrated low osteoporosis knowledge (6.84 ± 2.92), with low perceived susceptibility (14.87 ± 5.00), moderate perceived seriousness (17.81 ± 5.20), and barriers to calcium intake (15.61 ± 4.15), and …

Assessing Healthcare Access Among Overweight And Obese Individuals In Türkiye Using Latent Variable Modeling, Banu Beyaz Sipahi

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Overweight and obesity are critical determinants of healthcare access, yet evidence on how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped these dynamics in Türkiye remains limited. This study investigates whether the early post-pandemic recovery period altered healthcare access patterns for individuals with excess weight.

Methods: Using nationally representative microdata from the 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2022 Turkish Health Surveys, we constructed a latent Healthcare Access Index based on six indicators of unmet care needs. Probit models were estimated to assess associations between BMI categories and healthcare access, controlling for socioeconomic and demographic factors. The 2022 wave serves as the early …

Cultural Tailoring Of Digital Nutrition Interventions: A Scoping Review Of Adaptation Strategies, Evaluation Methods, And Evidence Gaps, Wendy Liang

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background: Nutrition-related chronic diseases disproportionately affect culturally diverse populations, highlighting the need for effective and equitable interventions. Digital nutrition interventions have expanded rapidly due to their accessibility; however, the extent to which they incorporate and evaluate cultural tailoring remains unclear.

Research aim: This scoping review maps the existing evidence on culturally tailored digital nutrition interventions, describes cultural adaptation strategies used, examines methods used to evaluate cultural appropriateness, and identifies gaps for future research and public health practice.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Findings: Culturally tailored digital nutrition interventions generally improved participant engagement, acceptability, and dietary …

Examining Variations In Non-Conventional Health Care Utilization Among Students At A Hispanic-Serving Institution, Monideepa B. Becerra, Karina E. Corral

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

The use of non-conventional health care, such as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and traditional healing practices, is increasing in the United States. Little is known, however, about its prevalence and influencing factors among college students—especially of varied racial/ethnic background. This study examined these patterns among college students using a cross-sectional survey conducted at a Hispanic-serving institution. Participants reported their use of non-conventional care, and demographic and motivational factors were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate analyses. Of the 641 participants, a majority reported CAM use (96%) and visits to a traditional healer (83%), with higher prevalence among Hispanic and female …

Brief Of Public Health And Health Law Scholars As Amici Curiae Urging Affirmance In Support Of Plaintiffs-Appellees, Rachel L. Zacharias, Zeinab Bakhet, Kevin Costello, Maya Manian

Amicus Briefs & Court Filings

INTRODUCTION: Physicians’ use of their judgment and expertise to prescribe drugs and devices for purposes other than those approved by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”)—colloquially known as off-label use—is an indispensable feature of modern medicine. The FDA approves drugs as “safe and effective for specific indications.” Christopher M. Wittich, Christopher M. Burkle & William L. Lanier, Ten Common Questions (and Their Answers) About OffLabel Drug Use, 87 Mayo Clinic Procs. 982, 982 (2012). Federal law then generally leaves prescribing decisions, including off-label use of FDA-approved drugs and devices for a patient’s particular indication, to physicians acting under state law …

Assessing Hpv And Hpv Vaccine Awareness And Perception Amongst Undergraduate Students, Maura Hawkins

Honors Theses

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States. Vaccination rates remain low among college-aged students despite an effective vaccine being available. This study investigates HPV and HPV vaccination-related knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions among undergraduate students to inform targeted intervention strategies. Participants included undergraduate students (n = 19) who attended one of three focus groups conducted in April 2025 at the University of South Alabama. Structured interview guides explored HPV knowledge, perceived risk and severity, attitudes towards vaccination, autonomy in health decision-making, trust in health information sources, and preferred educational strategies. Discussions were …

The Relationship Between Access To Basic Safe Drinking Water And Under-Five Mortality In Indonesia: An Ecological Study, Jasmin Jadevra Fezantino, Raquel Amanda Salmasari, Hanania Carrisa, Zahra Annisaa Hudaya

Jurnal Nasional Kesehatan Lingkungan Global

Infant mortality remains a worrying public health issue, particularly in areas with poor access to drinking water and sanitation. In 2020, Papua Province recorded an infant mortality rate of 49.04 per 1,000 live births and West Papua 47.23. These figures are far above the national average. This study aims to determine the relationship between access to safe drinking water and infant mortality rates in provinces in Indonesia. This study used an ecological design with secondary data from the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey and the 2023 Directorate of Public Health. The analysis was descriptive and followed by a Spearman correlation test. …

Spatial Mapping Of Malaria Cases And Risk Factors Of Its Spread In West Java Province In 2019: An Ecological Study, Nazhira Haliza Putri, Azkia Afiatun Najah Wahyudi, Suhayla Bilqisth Abdi, Mutmainnah Mutmainnah, Nasywan Grananda Rahmantoro, Grace Napitupulu

Jurnal Nasional Kesehatan Lingkungan Global

Malaria is a significant health problem in Indonesia, especially in West Java Province which is at high risk due to its population density and environmental conditions. The incidence of malaria is associated with climate factors (rainfall, humidity, and air temperature). This study aims to study the spatial mapping of malaria cases and their relationship with climate factors. This study used an ecological study design. Secondary data from the West Java Health Office and the West Java Central Statistics Agency in 2019. Univariate and bivariate analysis with the study population covering the entire population of West Java, with a sample of …

Factors Affecting The Incidence Of Stunting In Sawangan Subdistrict, Depok City, In 2023, Amanda Salsabila, Shaumi Maghfira Lamakampali, Erin Shafa Jasmine, Vera Putri Pranoto, Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika, Primasti Nuryandari Putri

Jurnal Nasional Kesehatan Lingkungan Global

Stunting remains a major problem in Indonesia, particularly in Depok City, West Java. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing stunting in Sawangan District. The study design used is a cross-sectional study, analyzing test variables such as stunting incidence, maternal characteristics (age, education, maternal nutritional status during pregnancy, and personal hygiene), and toddler factors (exclusive breastfeeding status and LBW incidence) using univariate, bivariate (chi-square test), and multivariate (binary logistic regression) analyses. The analysis shows that maternal personal hygiene and LBW incidence in toddlers significantly influence stunting incidence. Other factors, such as age, education, and maternal nutritional status during pregnancy, …

Association Between Cooking Fuel Type And The Incidence Of Acute Respiratory Infections In Toddlers In Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study Based On 2017 Sdki Data, Ghina Puspa, Meiravigliosi Hermawan, Nuha Rafida Yumna

Jurnal Nasional Kesehatan Lingkungan Global

Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ARI) remains a major health problem among toddlers in Indonesia and is closely related to exposure to indoor air pollution. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the type of cooking fuel used by households and the incidence of ARI in toddlers in Indonesia. The study used a cross-sectional design based on data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey. The study sample included 196,804 respondents who met the inclusion criteria, namely having complete information on the type of cooking fuel and ARI symptoms. The independent variable was the type of cooking fuel divided …

Association Of Lifestyle, Nutritional Status, And Eating Habits With Academic Performance Among Adolescents, Lulu'ul Badriyah, Farah Paramita, Rachmy Rosyida Ro'is, Shanica Yohana Veronica, Alifia Meida Indrayati, Randy Gustawan

Preventia: The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

Health is an important factor in determining academic performance. This study aims to analyze the relationships between lifestyle, nutritional status, eating habits, and academic achievement among high school students. The study used a cross-sectional design with a sample of 131 students from four schools in Malang City, Malang Regency, Batu City, and Pasuruan Regency. Data were collected through interviews, anthropometric measurements, and the SQ-FFQ and IPAQ questionnaires. Analysis was performed using the Chi-Square test. The results showed that most respondents slept less than 8 hours (58.8%), used smartphones for ≥ 8 hours per day (50.4%), had moderate physical activity (52.7%), …

Respectful Maternity Care: A Narrative Review Of Current Evidence And Clinical Implications, Hadeel Rasheed Seger, Nada Abd Ali Mohammed, Khalid Alyodawi

Preventia: The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) is key to improving quality maternity care and has also been recognized as a foundational approach to quality maternity services. The framework has been developed around respect and promotion of dignified care, confidentiality and privacy, and autonomy of a woman, along with her right to freedom from neglect, discrimination, physical and verbal abuse, during pregnancy and childbirth. Despite worldwide acknowledgment and promotion of RMC, disrespect and abuse during childbirth have been observed among women in maternity settings, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence and clinical implications of RMC. The …

Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Keaktifan Pelaporan Bahaya K3 Pada Pekerja Pelabuhan Batu Bara: Studi Cross-Sectional, Samuel Adi Kristiawan, Dewi Puspito Sari, Nur Ani, Wartini Wartini

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Active hazard reporting is a key indicator in preventing workplace accidents and strengthening safety culture, particularly in high-risk industries such as coal port services. This study aimed to analyze internal and external factors associated with active hazard reporting among workers in the coal port services industry. A quantitative cross-sectional study with total sampling was conducted involving all workers (N = 130). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire measuring accident history, unsafe actions, unsafe conditions, supervisor support, performance appraisal, risk level, and hazard reporting activity. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed using the Chi-Square test. The results showed that 66.2% …

Refining Of An Online Rotator Cuff Related Pain Screening Tool (Orcs): A Mixed Methods Refinement Study, Andrew J. Smythe, Rhiannon Whale, Melanie Farlie, Peter Malliaras

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to refine an online rotator cuff related shoulder pain screening tool. Method: A mixed methods item-refinement study was used. The original tool was designed through expert opinion and informal literature review. In this study the original tool was refined over three rounds of cognitive interviews totalling 39 participants. The screening tool consisted of two sections, red flag screening followed by rotator cuff related shoulder pain differential diagnostic items. Results from each round of interviews were summarised and informed a nominal group research panel review process to modify items and develop a finalised version …

Using In-Home Air Quality Monitoring To Reduce Cannabis Secondhand Smoke Exposure In Children: Quantitative Pilot Feasibility Study, Vincent Berardi, Bradley N. Collins, Laura M. Glynn, Eusabeia Silfanus, Darby G. Lyons, Stephen J. Lepore

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Background: An estimated 5 to 8 million US children live with a parent who uses cannabis, and most cannabis users report smoking cannabis inside their homes, placing children at risk for cannabis secondhand smoke (cSHS) exposure. Indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring provides real-time feedback on airborne pollutants and has shown promise in reducing in-home tobacco secondhand smoke exposure, suggesting its potential as an effective harm reduction strategy for cSHS.

Objective: This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of using low-cost, off-the-shelf IAQ monitors to increase caregivers’ awareness of children’s cSHS exposure risk and to change …

Determinants Of Corporal Punishment And Severe Physical Punishment In Egypt: A Mixed-Methods Analysis For Child Protection Policy, Marwa Moustafa Nassef

Theses and Dissertations

Corporal punishment (CP) and severe physical punishment (SPP) remain a major public health, child rights, and child protection policy concern. In Egypt, despite legislative reforms, survey-weighted analysis of the 2021 Egypt Family Health Survey (EFHS) 2021 (CAPMAS, 2022) reveals prevalence rates of 60.5% for CP and 27.4% for SPP among children aged 1–14 (author’s calculations using EFHS-2021, n=7623), yet evidence distinguishing the determinants of routine corporal punishment from escalation to severe physical punishment remains limited in low- and middle-income contexts. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework, this mixed-methods study identifies key drivers of CP and its escalation to SPP among Egyptian …

Extraction Of Key Themes In Online Health Discourse Using Unsupervised Learning And Large Language Models, Miranda G. Scully

Computer Science Senior Theses

Health online discussion boards are a modern platform that allow patients to interact with each other and the healthcare system as a whole, making them valuable sources of information for clinicians seeking to better anticipate treatment experiences and barriers. This study focuses on one such community, r/suboxone, a subreddit where patients using Suboxone share their experiences and ask questions. Our analysis is motivated by previous work that proposes event-based classification systems for such posts which buckets posts from r/suboxone into one or more of five high-level labels (Access Logistics, Co-Occurring Drug Usage, Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Administration, Psychophysical Effects, …

Five Corridors: A Community Health Needs Assessment Of Horry County, Stephen Borders, Hayley Bilko, Molly Craig, Olivia Guthrie, Ashley Mcconnell, Emily Mcgowan, Anna Quick, Abigail Rike, Makayla Wilson

Public Health

This report presents a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) of Horry County, South Carolina. Its central analytical contribution is a five-corridor framework derived from k-means cluster analysis of the county's 76 residential census tracts, drawing on social and economic indicators from the American Community Survey and health estimates from the CDC PLACES program. The analysis organizes the county into five distinct community types — Affluent Coastal Retirement, Moderate Coastal Retirement, Inland Rural/Suburban Transitional, Concentrated Disadvantage, and Hispanic Hospitality Worker — each with a characteristic profile of social and health conditions.

Within this framework, the assessment examines a range of social …

Awareness And Attitudes Toward Female Genital Mutilation At A Mid-Sized Midwestern University, Kaafiya Salad

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

This study utilized a confidential survey to examine awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among the Saint Cloud State University community. Participants were recruited through campus outreach methods, and responses were collected voluntarily. The survey included questions assessing familiarity with FGM, sources of information, knowledge of associated health risks, and perceptions of the importance of awareness and public education.

Tiktok And The Brain: Neuropsychological Correlates Of Short-Form Video Consumption, Caty Enders

Psychology ETDs

Short-form video platforms like TikTok have quickly become the fastest growing segment of social media, thanks to powerful algorithms serving up personalized content driven by large quantities of user data. This study investigates the neuropsychological correlates of digital media use, with a particular focus on TikTok and smartphone screen time among young adults. Combining correlational analyses and an experimental design (n = 49; n = 44 included in final sample), we examined the relationship between digital media use and cognitive and emotional functioning across multiple domains. Objective measures of digital media consumption (daily average screen time and time on TikTok) …

Level Of Comfort And Barriers To Pediatric Vaccination Among Pharmacy-Based Immunizers In California, Laressa Bethishou, Karl Hess, Richard Beuttler, Jeffery Goad

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Pharmacists are increasingly recognized as accessible immunizers, yet pediatric vaccination rates in community pharmacies remain lower than those for adults, likely due to unique barriers. This study aimed to assess the comfort level of pharmacy-based immunizers in California with administering vaccines to pediatric patients and to identify barriers limiting their participation in pediatric immunization.

Methods

An IRB-approved, cross-sectional survey was distributed electronically to pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians administering vaccines in California community pharmacies between November 2022 and February 2023. The survey measured comfort with vaccinating pediatric age groups, perceived barriers, and collected demographic data. Data analysis included …

Keeping Families Together: Companion Animals As A Public Health Imperative, Lori R. Kogan, Rebecca Niemiec

Journal of One Health Systems

Contemporary US public health frameworks emphasize social, economic, and environmental determinants of health, yet largely overlook the reality that most households include companion animals regarded as family members. This omission has tangible consequences during crises such as housing instability, illness, domestic violence, or disasters, when families are often forced to choose between their own safety and the safety of their animals. We argue that this represents a significant public health failure. Drawing on interdisciplinary evidence, we propose that companion animals function as a social determinant of health, that forced separation constitutes a public health harm, and that Human-Animal Support Services …

Quantifying Black Carbon Concentrations In Georgia And Analyzing Associated Public Health Risks, Khloe R. Osborne

Honors Theses

Quantifying Black Carbon Concentrations in Georgia and Analyzing Associated Public Health Risks

One of the most daunting challenges of the industrial world is air pollution. Within this broad spectrum, there is an inhalable particle group named PM2.5, which contains black carbon. Black carbon has evidence that supports the generation and worsening of adverse health impacts, which may include birth complications, cognitive deficits in children, pulmonary aggravation, asthma, cardiovascular issues, neurological degenerative patterns, and cancer risk. This is especially seen in vulnerable populations, like children, elderly, and those who already suffer from weakened health, many of which reside in the southern …

The Legacy Of Lead: Lead Exposure's Harmful Effects And Its Concentration In Poc Communities, Layla Sophronia Barber

Student Theses 2015-Present

This thesis examines the disproportionate burden of lead exposure carried by low income, POC communities. The systemic nature of this problem is a symptom of a longstanding legacy of environmental injustice in the United States. Decades of federal neglect are reflected in the higher statistics of lead exposure and poisoning in predominantly black communities. While it is understood that lead exposure poses a serious threat to physical health and early cognitive development, there is a discouraging lack of urgency to remove the toxin from non-wealthy communities. The material covered by this thesis aims to identify and correct the discriminatory social …

Examining The Rural Workforce: Comparing Admissions Strategies And Training Pathways In U.S. Medical And Dental Education, Charolyn A. Harris

Honors Theses

Access to healthcare in rural and underserved communities remains a significant challenge in the United States, particularly in dental care, where workforce shortages are more pronounced. This study examines how medical and dental education programs develop rural healthcare providers, focusing on admissions strategies and training pathways. Using a structured scoping review and secondary data analysis, this research compares how each field incorporates known predictors of rural practice, such as rural background and training experiences, into workforce pipeline development. Findings indicate that while both medical and dental education recognize rural background as a strong predictor of rural practice, medical education more …

Developing A Comprehensive Resource Guide For Caregivers Within The Area Agency On Aging, Aiden R. Murphy

Public Health Capstone Projects

This project developed a new universal caregiver resource guide for caregivers within the Area Agency on Aging, in order to improve resource navigation and workflow efficiency. Resources were collected, verified, and organized into a new, streamlined guide via the ARIA chatbot, covering multiple needs. Caregiver resources were collected and verified by the capstone student and mentor, Michael Kroeker, and organized into a centralized knowledge base within the ARIA chatbot. A mixed methods evaluation was conducted utilizing a 5-point Likert scale with three quantitative questions and one open-ended qualitative question. The data was given to the SeniorLine staff, who wanted to …

Descriptive Analysis: Effects Of Insufficient Sleep Among College Students Ages 18-22, Divine Ighalo

Honors Theses

Background: Not getting enough sleep is common among college students and is often linked to habits such as screen time, caffeine intake, stress, and irregular routines. This study examined how these lifestyle factors are associated with insufficient sleep among college students ages 18-22 and how poor sleep affects their overall wellbeing. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional survey design and collected data through an anonymous 25 question online Qualtrics questionnaire. This was completed by 150 participants. The survey was designed to be completed in about 5-7 minutes. It included a mix of multiplechoice questions, frequency-based responses and select all that …

Assessing The Needs Of Public Health Professionals In The Inland Empire, Esteban Silva-Garcia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

An effective public health system relies on the need for highly trained professionals with degrees or certifications within the field of public health. As public health continues to evolve, professionals are required to improve and evolve with the pace of technology and knowledge advancements. This project focuses on reviewing literature on the current ongoing needs of public health professionals and providing them with resources that are available at low to no cost. It surveys the needs of public health professionals in the Inland Empire and the solutions created by organizations and federal agencies to support professional development for current and …