Public Health Education and Promotion Commons^™

Nourishing Births: A Program Evaluation Proposal For Community-Based Nutrition Education, Food Access, And Garden Engagement Among Black Birthing People, Naa Deedei-Vera Hammond

Master's Projects and Capstones

Black birthing people in the United States continue to experience unequal maternal health outcomes, shaped in part by racism and barriers to nutritious food, culturally relevant health education, and supportive community spaces. While prenatal nutrition education and food assistance programs can provide important resources, information alone cannot address the challenges many people face when trying to access healthy and affordable food during pregnancy. The Nourishing Births Initiative is a proposed community-based maternal health program designed to respond to these needs by bringing together prenatal nutrition education, help connecting to food resources, community gardening, and peer support for Black birthing people …

Community-Based Well Testing And Outreach To Mitigate Human Health Risk From Unsafe Drinking Water, W. Adam Sigler, Katharine Sutphen, Margaret J Eggers, Kaleena Miller, Michelle Grocke-Dewey

Journal of Extension

Twenty-two percent of groundwater wells tested nationwide have one or more contaminants above a health threshold, yet many private well owners are unaware of these risks because they have not tested their water. Researchers piloted a community well testing clinic for education/outreach and surveyed participants about outcomes. Two months later, 75% of participants with high or intermediate health risk water quality results had taken action or intended to, indicating that community private well testing clinics can be effective in mitigating human health risks from contaminated drinking water.

The Other Visual Acuity, Paul B. Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Editorial

Faktor-Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Kepatuhan Minum Obat Anti Tuberkulosis (Oat) Di Kota Samarinda, Fahmi Nur Indah Sari, Irfansyah Baharuddin Pakki, Nur Rohmah, Siswanto Siswanto, Muhamad Z. Saefurrohim

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Latar Belakang: Tuberkulosis (TB) merupakan penyakit menular yang masih menjadi masalah kesehatan masyarakat utama di Indonesia. Keberhasilan pengobatan sangat bergantung pada kepatuhan pasien dalam mengonsumsi Obat Antituberkulosis (OAT) .

Tujuan . Untuk mengetahui hubungan antara persepsi kerentanan, keparahan, manfaat, hambatan (stigma), isyarat untuk bertindak (peran tenaga kesehatan), dan efikasi diri dengan kepatuhan minum OAT pada pasien TB di Kota Samarinda.

Metode . Penelitian ini menggunakan desain potong lintang dengan pendekatan kuantitatif yang melibatkan 121 pasien TB dari empat Puskesmas di Samarinda. Sampel dipilih menggunakan teknik multistage sampling. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara terstruktur menggunakan kuesioner dan dianalisis menggunakan uji Chi-Square.

Hasil …

Psychosocial And Demographic Determinants Of Work Stress Among Lecturers At University X, Natasha Putri Ayu Kayla, Fajaria Nurcandra, Dr. Dyah Utari, Nayla K. Fithri, Siti Norashikin Mohamad Shaifuddin

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Occupational stress is a psychological pressure related to work conditions. Psychosocial and demographic determinants may be the influence. Lecturers are white collar workers who have the opportunity to experience occupational stress. The aim of this study is to determine the factors that influence occupational stress among lecturers in X University. This research is a quantitative study with a cross-sectional study design. The sampling technique used is Accidental Sampling. The number of samples used was 132 respondents. The study was conducted in April-June 2024. The Cox Regression Model was used to analyze. The instruments used were The Workplace Stress Scale, Multidimensional …

Precision Approaches Improve Community Health, Roger A. Rennekamp, David Buys

Journal of Extension

Recent advances in data science provide Extension practitioners with access to data sorted by zip code, census tract, or neighborhood. Such hyper-local data now allows Extension personnel to assess community needs and assets at a more granular level and focus their work on the people and communities of greatest need. In this article, we introduce an approach we refer to as precision public health. Using such a precision approach to community assessment and, ultimately, programming can save money, increase the likelihood of producing measurable results, and create more manageable workloads for county-based Extension personnel.

Environmental Perspective For System Dynamics Modeling Of Stunting Mitigation To Achieve The Sustainable Development Goals In West Sumatra, Indonesia, Elsa Yuniarti, Nabila Azzahra, Yulhendri Yulhendri, Heldi Heldi, Mery Delvina, Saskia Putri Azeli

Kesmas

This study developed a system dynamics model to simulate stunting reduction in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, by integrating infant and toddler health, maternal health, and environmental determinants. Secondary data from 2020–2024 on low birth weight, immunization, malnutrition, exclusive breastfeeding, maternal chronic energy deficiency, iron and folic acid supplement distribution, sanitation, and safe drinking water access were compiled from West Sumatra Provincial Health Office and Statistics Indonesia, and validated through consultation with five stakeholder institutions. Causal Loop Diagrams mapped feedback relationships among determinants and were translated into Stock Flow Diagrams using Powersim Studio 10. The model was validated through structural verification, …

Expression Levels Of Heat Shock Protein 72 And Their Correlation With Biomarkers Of Renal Function Among Hispanic Construction Workers Exposed To Ambient Heat In El Paso, Texas, Maria Fuentes

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Heat shock proteins (HSP) are intracellular molecular proteins that are upregulated in response to cellular stress, including heat exposure. Through their protective functions, HSP help maintain protein structure, prevent protein denaturation, and preserve cellular homeostasis during states of physiological stress. Because of their cytoprotective properties, HSP have emerged as potential biomarkers for detecting early signs of tissue injury and predicting clinical outcomes associated with heat related illnesses (HRI), including acute kidney injuries (AKI). AKI is a leading cause of hospitalizations due to heat stress exposure and heat stroke. In the absence of early detection and effective therapeutic interventions, AKI may …

Analysis Of Priority Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Using The Paho-Adapted Hanlon Method In Bogor City In 2024, Sonia Annisa Br Ketaren, Tri Yunis Miko Wahyono, Bai Kusnadi

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) remain a major public health challenge despite substantial progress in immunization programs. In Indonesia, routine immunization coverage has shown a post-pandemic recovery trend; however, disparities in access to health services and surveillance quality persist across regions. This study aimed to determine priority VPD problems in Bogor City and identify factors contributing to the highest-ranked disease. A mixed-methods study was conducted in Bogor City from October 2024 to January 2025. Quantitative prioritization was performed using the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)-adapted Hanlon method across eight VPDs. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with key informants and analyzed …

Urban-Rural Differences In The Association Between Physical Activity And Overweight/Obesity Among Indonesian Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study, Wahyu Wulandari, Mufti As Siddiq M. Irzal, Lady Farah Fatmawati

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Adolescent overweight/obesity is an increasing public health concern and contributes to the risk of non-communicable diseases later in life. Physical activity plays an important role in weight regulation. However, its association with overweight/obesity may vary according to residential setting. This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity and overweight/obesity among adolescents living in rural and urban areas of Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey. The study included 115,372 adolescents aged 10–18 years. Physical activity was classified based on total Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET)-minutes per week (≥600 MET-minutes/week), while nutritional …

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 …

Global Health Financing Of Diagonal Interventions: Building Resilient And Sustainable Health Systems In Sub-Saharan Africa, Lucy Kim

Master in Public Policy Theses

Background: Global health financing has historically prioritized disease-specific “vertical” programs over broader “horizontal” strengthening of general health systems. Vertical programs in HIV have led to unprecedented reductions in mortality worldwide, but HIV remains a significant public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa, where vertical strategies have long been criticized for creating fragmented health systems. In response, global health strategies have shifted towards combining vertical investments with broader horizontal activities, commonly referred to as “diagonal” programming. While evidence suggests that diagonal programming has the potential to create more resilient and sustainable health systems, evaluating its value for money is challenging due to …

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 …

Herbularyo (Folk Healer): An Herbal Medicine Card Game, Maryjane T. Magsino, Inah Marie Q. Rivera, Armando M. Guidote, Genejane M. Adarlo

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Herbularyo, a card game teaching about herbal plants (HPs), was created and evaluated as a viable educational card game based on Tuomisto and Aksela’s criteria. A quasi-experiment was performed on 81 Grade 8 students from a private high school and 50 Grade 11 from a public high school. Independent t-test revealed that the control group (CG) and experimental group (EG) (p=0.386), and EG1 (played ≤5) and EG2 (played >5) (p=0.681) are not comparable with each other. Paired t-test showed EG performed better (p=0.001) than CG (p=0.901) whereas ANCOVA showed that playing Herbularyo improved students’ information retention (p=0.006). EG1 and EG2 …

Examining Biobehavioral Indicators Of Adhd In Children With Fxs, Hannah Pressler, Kayla Smith, Ramsey Coyle, Elizabeth Will, Jane E. Roberts

Caravel Undergraduate Research Journal

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity behaviors that are inconsistent with developmental age. Children with fragile X syndrome (FXS), a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder, are often diagnosed with comorbid ADHD (53–59% of males with FXS). Despite the prevalence of ADHD in FXS, little is known about the early manifestation of ADHD. The current project aims to explore group differences in play behaviors between children with FXS and typically developing (TD) children as well as the relationship between infant play behavior and heart activity to future ADHD attention outcomes. Participants included male children with FXS and …

The Undergraduate Education And Scientific Literacy: Exploring How College Influences Student Perception Of Covid-19 Events, Peyton Brooking

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Current undergraduate students received much of their education following the events of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these students experienced pandemic events before receiving any or most of their science-based higher education. Exploring their progress through higher education, and how it retroactively influenced their perception of pandemic events, serves as an informative research area. This study explores how undergraduate education in the sciences influences student engagement with complex recent events in science. In addition, this study asked how higher education builds confidence in interpreting this information. Additionally, students were surveyed to understand their scientific literacy baseline at the beginning of …

How Pollinator Populations Can Impact Chronic Disease Risk, Kylee Cubbison

Honors Projects

This project investigates how pollinator populations can impact chronic disease risk. Pollinator populations are declining, which can have serious implications for human health. Declining pollinator populations can limit healthy food production and affordability. Poor nutrition is a major risk factor for most chronic diseases. Less healthy food available for people to consume can negatively impact diets and increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. This project aims to address a potential gap in research existing on this specific topic regarding pollinator populations and human chronic disease risk. A brochure targeted towards educating the general public on this topic was created …

Antibiotics And You: A Comprehensive Guide, Brady Haas

Senior Theses

Antibiotic resistance is a rapidly emerging issue within public health. As resistance grows, the effectiveness of traditional antibiotic therapies diminishes while risk of treatment grows. Alongside novel therapies, public knowledge is a strong combatant of the resistance-related risks of antibiotic usage. Through a comprehensive review of current literature, this work serves as an accessible guide to the mechanisms of antibiotics, bacterial resistance, and the challenges related to current antibiotic usage. Additionally, the ability of current policy and emerging novel treatments, such as nanoparticles and bacteriophage therapy, to fight antibiotic resistance is evaluated. This analysis highlights the importance of improving public …

Risk Factors Of Leptospirosis Among Agricultural Workers In Southeast Asia: Literature Review, Ronggo Adi Wibowo, Wawa Najwa Nurzakia, Meirany Sasitha Kirana, Yulia Arthemisia Wijaya, Jasmine Ayumaharani Sekaryudha, Dwi Sarwani Sri Rejeki, Rosita Dwi Jayanti

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

The agricultural sector is the primary source of livelihood for communities in Southeast Asia; however, these activities increase the risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases, particularly leptospirosis. Southeast Asia is one of the regions with the highest incidence of leptospirosis in the world. This literature review aims to identify risk factors for leptospirosis among agricultural workers in Southeast Asia. The search for research articles utilized three databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect) using a descriptive approach based on literature review and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 9,800 articles were screened for …

Factors Associated With Stunting Among Children Aged 6 – 59 Months Attending Integrated Health Post (Posyandu) In Selapajang And Kedaung Wetan Villages, Neglasari Sub-District, Tangerang City: A Matched Case-Control Study, Michael Alexander Solang, Joue Abraham Trixie, Gloria Semula, Tiona Simamora, Conny Tanjung

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Stunting is a problem in Indonesia. In 2022, Kedaung Wetan and Selapajang Villages in Neglasari sub-district, Tangerang City, were identified as a priority. This study aimed to identify factors associated with stunting among children (6 – 59 months) in these villages. A matched case-control study consisting of 214 children (107 cases and 107 controls) was conducted, with individual matching based on age, sex, and prematurity at birth. Cases were children with height-for-age (H/A) measurement less than -2SD (according to WHO standard), while controls were children with H/A equal to or greater than -2SD. Conditional logistic regression was used for the …

Impact Of Tropical Cyclones On Food And Nutrition Security: A Global Scoping Review And Thematic Analysis, Patience M. Chiotha, Budi Haryanto

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

The increasing frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones driven by climate change pose growing threats to food and nutrition security. Globally, an estimated 80–90 tropical cyclones occur annually, affecting approximately 119 million people. Evidence regarding their impact on food systems, dietary patterns, and nutritional status remains fragmented. This scoping review aimed to map global evidence on the impacts of tropical cyclones on food and nutrition security, identify key pathways of impact, and examine affected indicators at household and individual levels. The review followed Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and PRISMA-ScR. Searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google …

The Effects Of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption On Cancer Development, Bailey G. Ottmann

Emerging Writers

The dramatic rise in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption worldwide has sparked growing concerns about its impact on cancer development and human health. UPFs contain high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, chemical additives, dyes, and toxic compounds formed during cooking and processing. This study investigates the relationship between UPF consumption and cancer through a review of primary and secondary sources, alongside an observational survey conducted among 15 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and nursing educators. Survey findings indicate that 53% of participants observed higher cancer prevalence in patients consuming large amounts of UPFs, with colorectal cancer most frequently reported. The …

The Relationship Between Smartphone Screen Time Duration And Individual Chronotype: A Systematic Literature Review, Diego Sergio Giasia Lumbantobing, Thalia Altamilano Pramudya

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

The rapid increase in smartphone use over the past decade led to prolonged screen time across age groups, particularly during nighttime hours. Exposure to artificial light and pre-sleep digital activities was associated with circadian rhythm disruption and alterations in individual chronotype. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize empirical evidence on the relationship between smartphone screen time duration and individual chronotype across all age groups and to identify key moderating factors influencing this association. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect for studies published between 2015 and 2025. …

Pedaling Through Discomfort: A Feasibility Study Of Faculty-Led Spin Classes And Their Impact On Student Engagement, Resilience, And Faculty-Student Relationships, Gabriela Baza, Elizabeth Hathaway

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

This study explored the feasibility and impact of faculty-led Spin classes on college students’ engagement, well-being, and connection with faculty. Offered twice weekly at 7 AM during Fall 2024, the classes aimed to promote physical activity, resilience, and faculty-student relationships. Twenty-six students attended at least one class, with a median attendance of 4.5 sessions. Post-semester surveys (88% response rate) assessed perceived exertion, interest, enjoyment, challenge, improvement, and instructor encouragement. Students reported high levels of engagement and positive challenge (RPE = 15.3; challenge = 6.4/7). Those attending 7 or more sessions reported significantly greater perceived improvement than those attending fewer sessions …

Challenges, Stressors, And Resilience Resources Experienced By Older Black Women In Rural South Carolina Throughout The Covid-19 Pandemic, Arielle N'Diaye, Camryn Garrett, Sarah Wilcox Phd, Bankole Olatosi Ph.D., Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Shan Qiao Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Background

Resilience has been established as a protective factor against mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression). From an intersectional perspective, the stressors experienced by Black women living in rural communities are likely to have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to identify the challenges and stressors experienced and the resilience resources available to and relied upon by rural, Black women, during the pandemic.

Methods

Individual, in-depth, structured interviews (n = 24) were conducted among Black women living in rural South Carolina, recruited by local community health workers, from January to April of 2024. All interviews were recorded, …

An Impact Assessment Of The Effectiveness Of Utilizing Informal Health Communication Interventions To Spread Health Recommendations And Change Public Perception, Lina Mohamed Ezzat Ahmed Abdel Mawgoud

Theses and Dissertations

Brain health is an increasingly urgent but critically under-addressed public health priority in Egypt and the wider MENA region. Despite its centrality to aging, productivity, and overall quality of life, public understanding of brain health remains limited, and stigma continues to shape responses to dementia and cognitive decline. This study evaluates the effectiveness of informal, culturally adapted health communication as a tool to shift perception, increase awareness, and promote behavior change among non-medically trained adults in Egypt.

Grounded in global evidence on cognitive reserve, neuroplasticity, and the life-course approach to brain health, the intervention translated expert-informed brain health recommendations into …

Exploring Biopsychosocial Influences On Hookup Culture And Disrupting Compulsory Behaviors In Emerging Adults: A Multidisciplinary Analysis Of A Contemporary Public Health Concern, Catherine Benjamin

Honors Theses and Capstones

Multidisciplinary analysis, including biology, psychology, and sociology, to better understand the compulsory Hookup Culture that exists as a contemporary public health concern among the age group defined as emerging adults. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) diagnoses are steadily rising in the United States and disproportionately affecting college students. Early socialization and current educational resources that contribute to shame and stigma are discussed to explain how lifestyle and social conditions can act as risk factors for individual health outcomes.

Neighborhood Deprivation Associated With Impaired Sit-To-Stand Performance In Middle-Aged And Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis With Clinical Implications, Kenneth Harrison, Silvia Campos-Vargas, Brandon M. Peoples, Keven G. Santamaria-Guzman, David T. Redden, Michael A. Samaan, Jaimie A. Roper

Kinesiology and Health Promotion Faculty Publications

Background: Socioeconomic factors significantly influence health outcomes in older adults, yet their impact on specific aspects of mobility remains unclear. This study investigates the relationship between area-level socioeconomic disadvantage and mobility health in older adults.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 110 community-dwelling older adults recruited and collected using voluntary response sampling at eight health fairs across rural Southeast Alabama in 2022–2024 (60 ± 16 years, 80% female). Area-level socioeconomic status was measured using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a validated composite measure of neighborhood disadvantage. Mobility was assessed using the Instrumented Timed Up and Go (iTUG) test and …

Exploring The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Preventive Healthcare Utilization In Rural Georgia, Ryan R. Traylor

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and preventive healthcare use among adults in Georgia, specifically within rural populations facing structural barriers. Using 2023 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, the research analyzes associations between ACE exposure, rural residence, and preventive care outcomes, including physical exams and flu vaccinations. Guided by an intersectionally adapted version of Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, the study evaluates how predisposing factors, enabling resources, and perceived barriers relate to healthcare engagement. Logistic regression analyses assess the correlation of ACE exposure, cost barriers, provider access, and sociodemographics with preventive …

The Effect Of The Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion On The Risk Of Hospital Closure And Adolescent Hpv Immunization In Rural Counties, Juliette Des Rosiers

Scripps Senior Theses

From 2005 to 2025, over 200 rural hospitals shut their doors, often citing increased operational costs, staffing shortages, low patient volume, regulatory barriers, financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and uncompensated care as common contributors to the closures. Rural patients are often referred by their primary care physician to a hospital for regular immunizations, since smaller clinics have less capacity to provide immunizations due to a shortage of pediatricians and limited vaccine stock. A crucial vaccine that is not required by schools and underutilized in rural areas is that against human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that infects cutaneous and …