Public Health Education and Promotion Commons^™

Exploring The Link Between Urinary Albumin Excretion And Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study, B Dharani, S Sugantha Priya, Suba A

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production. A critical aspect of T2DM is its microvascular complications, notably diabetic nephropathy, which progresses from microalbuminuria to overt proteinuria, and eventually End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an easily measurable marker derived from routine leukocyte analysis, reflecting systemic inflammation. Despite the known association between chronic inflammation and diabetic nephropathy, studies exploring this relationship remain limited. This study aims to investigate the correlation …

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Disease Severity And Outcomes Among Black Patients From Low-Income Neighborhoods At A Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Review, Anna M. Catinis, Olivia A. Gioe, Caroline Savoie, Erika Rosen, Deborah Hilton

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating, inflammatory condition of apocrine sweat glands. Black patients are disproportionately affected, a finding largely attributed to lower socioeconomic status (SES) in the literature; yet, most HS studies include majority White cohorts. We present, to our knowledge, the first retrospective review of an entirely Black patient population living in low-income neighborhoods diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) to identify potentially modifiable factors related to disease severity and outcomes. We reviewed charts of Black patients with an encounter for HS from 2010-2020 in the New Orleans University Medical Center database. Hurley stage III (HSt III) disease was …

Pastoral Leaders’ Perception Of Obesity And Their Role Within Faith-Based Organizations, Darren D. Moore, Clinton E. Cooper, Charles Williams

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of pastoral leaders regarding obesity and health within faith-based organizations (FBOs). In this study, the authors focused on gaining additional insight regarding how pastoral leaders conceptualize and make sense of their roles in terms of health promotion within FBOs. Utilizing a qualitative research methodological approach, specifically Qualitative Description, authors administered a qualitative survey to 12 participants which yielded three emerging themes: (1) perceived scope, (2) understanding and use of resources, and (3) defining obesity through pastoral leaders’ perspectives. In the study, investigators discuss clinical implications and provide recommendations.

Determining The Feasibility Of A Codesigned And Personalised Intervention (Veg4me) To Improve Vegetable Intake In Young Adults Living In Rural Australian Communities: Protocol For A Randomised Controlled Trial, Katherine M. Livingstone, Jonathan C. Rawstorn, Stephanie R. Partridge, Yuxin Zhang, Eric O, Stephanie L. Godrich, Sarah A. Mcnaughton, Gilly A. Hendrie, Kate Dullaghan, Gavin Abbott, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Ralph Maddison, Scott Barnett, John C. Mathers, Laura Alston

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction:

Diets low in vegetables are a main contributor to the health burden experienced by young adults in rural communities. Digital health interventions provide an accessible delivery model that can be personalised to meet the diverse preferences of young adults. A personalisable digital vegetable intake intervention (Veg4Me) was codesigned to meet the needs of young adults living in rural communities. This study will determine the feasibility of delivering a personalised Veg4Me programme and compare preliminary effects with a non-personalised Veg4Me (control).

Methods and Analysis:

A 12-week assessor-blinded, two-arm, parallel randomised controlled trial will be undertaken from August 2023 until April …

County-Level Trends And Potential Disparities In The Suicide Rates In Virginia, 2020 – 2022, Sharon A. Olowoyo, Oluwatosin M. Oduneye, Glodi B. Bokanya, Ayooluwa G. Olowoyo, Coralie E. Mugenga, Yuhan Yan, Robyn L. Anderson

Montview Journal of Research & Scholarship

Abstract

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the influence of social determinants of health (SDH) on suicide patterns in the state of Virginia.

Methods

A secondary statistical analysis was conducted using publicly accessible data from the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps database for Virginia. Data from 2020 to 2022 were analyzed, focusing on age-adjusted suicide rates and SDH factors, including % rural, mental health provider rate, median household income, high school completion, and unemployment rates. Multiple regression analysis and visualizations were employed for data interpretation.

Results

The analysis revealed that SDH factors significantly predicted suicide rates across the study period. …

Challenges And Promising Solutions To Engaging Patients In Healthcare Implementation In The United States: An Environmental Scan, Eva N. Woodward, Andrea Isabel Castillo, Gala True, Cathleen Willging, Joann E. Kirchner

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: One practice in healthcare implementation is patient engagement in quality improvement and systems redesign. Implementers in healthcare systems include clinical leadership, middle managers, quality improvement personnel, and others facilitating changes or adoption of new interventions. Patients provide input into different aspects of health research. However, there is little attention to involve patients in implementing interventions, especially in the United States (U.S.), and this might be essential to reduce inequities. Implementers need clear strategies to overcome challenges, and might be able to learn from countries outside the U.S. METHODS: We wanted to understand existing work about how patients are being …

Urban School Neighbourhoods Dominated By Unhealthy Food Retailers And Advertisements In Greater Tunis: A Geospatial Study In The Midst Of The Nutrition Transition, Christelle Akl, Nehmat El-Helou, Gloria Safadi, Aline Semaan, Aya El Sammak, Tarek Trabelsi, Sonia Sassi, Chaza Akik, Jalila El Ati, Pierre Traissac, Hala Ghattas Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Objective:

Food environments are a major determinant of children’s nutritional status. Scarce evidence on food environments exists in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). This study aims to fill this gap by documenting the obesogenicity of food environments around schools in Greater Tunis, Tunisia – an LMIC of the Middle East and North Africa region with an ongoing nutrition transition and increasing rates of childhood obesity.

Design:

In this cross-sectional study, we assessed built food environments around fifty primary schools. Ground-truthing was performed to collect geographic coordinates and pictures of food retailers and food advertisement sets within an 800-m road network …

Neurocystecercosis, Sudha Kiran Das Dr, Vipul Malviya Dr, Sachin P. Shetty Dr, Shrisagar R A

Radiology Teaching Files

• 42 year male patient presented with complains of generalised weakness and 2 episodes of seizures. CT and MRI brain was performed and was diagnosed with neurocystecercosis. Symptomatic treatment with antiseizure medications, along with anthelmintic therapy using albendazole and praziquantel, the two antiparasitics, was planned, accompanied by corticosteroids.

Unveiling A Hidden Peril: Unanticipated Emergence Of Diaphragmatic Hernia After Trauma, Deepak Benny Dr, Deepak K. S Dr, Vishal S. Dharpur Dr, Priyanshi Tapadia

Radiology Teaching Files

This case report presents a rare instance of a delayed diagnosis of obstructed diaphragmatic hernia in a 57-year-old male, a year after sustaining trauma. The patient initially presented with abdominal pain and obstipation, without any overt signs of diaphragmatic injury. Diagnostic challenges were compounded by the patient's non-specific symptomatology and the absence of immediate post-traumatic complications. The report discusses the clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and therapeutic management, underscoring the importance of considering diaphragmatic hernia in differential diagnoses of abdominal pain post-trauma. The case highlights the necessity for heightened clinical vigilance and the pivotal role of advanced imaging techniques in diagnosing …

Unveiling The Silent Specter: A Comprehensive Exploration Of Silent Sinus Syndrome, Deepak Benny Dr, Sudha Kiran Das Dr, Shwetha R. Poojary Dr, Priyanshi Tapadia

Radiology Teaching Files

A 42-year-old individual presented to the outpatient clinic with subtle facial asymmetry noted over the past year, primarily characterized by a progressive, painless sinking of the right eye (enophthalmos). The patient reported a history of mild, intermittent nasal obstruction but no acute sinus infections, significant nasal discharge, or facial pain. Despite these mild symptoms, the patient expressed concern over the noticeable change in facial appearance and occasional double vision, which prompted a visit to the clinic.The patient described a gradual onset of the right eye appearing "sunken" without any preceding trauma, infection, or significant weight loss. Initially dismissed as a …

Pericallosal Lipoma Unveiled: A Rare Case Of Incidental Discovery And Its Clinical Implications, Deepak Benny Dr, Sachin P. Shetty Dr, Kavitha B. C Dr, Sinchana N Dr

Radiology Teaching Files

This case report delves into the incidental finding of a pericallosal lipoma during routine neuroimaging conducted for non-specific neurological symptoms. It provides a detailed examination of the lipoma's radiological features, outlines the clinical significance of such findings, and discusses the management approach adopted, including considerations for surgical intervention versus conservative monitoring. The report further explores the implications of incidental pericallosal lipomas on patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for awareness among clinicians about this rare condition and the importance of individualized patient care strategies in the context of such incidental neuroimaging discoveries.

Emerging Mania In Young Adulthood: A Case Report Of Idiopathic Fahr's Syndrome Unveiling Neuropsychiatric Dimensions, Deepak Benny Dr, Shwetha R. Poojary Dr, Kavya B. T Dr, Sudha Kiran Das Dr.

Radiology Teaching Files

This case report outlines the diagnosis and management of an 18-year-old male presenting with first episode mania, attributed to idiopathic Fahr's Syndrome. Despite having no significant past medical or psychiatric history, the patient exhibited classic manic symptoms alongside grandiose delusions. Notably, CT imaging revealed brain calcifications characteristic of Fahr's Syndrome, absent metabolic disturbances commonly associated with the disorder. This case underscores the clinical complexity of Fahr's Syndrome, illustrating its potential to manifest primarily with psychiatric symptoms and the importance of integrating neuroimaging in the psychiatric evaluation to uncover underlying neurological disorders.

Pulmonary Infarction, Manu Chaudhary Dr, Sachin P. Shetty Dr, Sinchana N Dr

Radiology Teaching Files

68 years old female presented with breathlessness and chest pain to EMD, on clinical examination her saturation was low and D-Dimer levels were significantly elevated raising the possibility of pulmonary thromboembolism. Further the patient was referred for chest radiograph and CT thorax with contrast for better evaluation and was diagnosed with pulmonary thromboembolism with pulmonary infarct. The patient was treated for the same.

Examining The Effects Of Manualized Suicide Intervention Training On Clinical Psychology Doctoral Trainees: A Quasi-Experimental Trial, Alexander Dorfman M.S.

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Although most clinical psychology doctoral trainees encounter at least one suicidal client over the course of their training (Dexter-Mazza & Freeman, 2003), there is notable variability in the degree of formal suicide risk assessment and intervention training offered across clinical psychology doctoral programs (Monahan & Karver, 2021). Most suicide-related training involves passive (e.g., lectures) rather than active (e.g., role-plays, experiential exercises) training techniques, despite evidence for the effectiveness of the latter in improving clinicians’ skills (Gryglewicz et al., 2020). The Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a manualized, evidence-based training incorporating didactics and role-plays (LivingWorks, 2013; Rodgers, 2010). The …

Impact Of Education As A Social Determinant On The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Korean Adults, Mi-Joon Lee, Bum-Jeun Seo, Yeon-Sook Kim

Health Science and Human Ecology Faculty Publications

Education is correlated with health literacy, which is a combination of reading and listening skills, data analysis, and decision-making during the necessary health situations. This study aims to evaluate the effect of education on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This is a population-based cross-sectional study using the 2019 nationwide survey data in Korea. There were 3951 study subjects, after excluding participants with missing data for key exposures and outcome variables. Descriptive statistics, χ2 (chi-square) test, and logistic regression were performed to analyze the data. The prevalence of T2DM was associated with educational attainment, sex, age, smoking status, …

An Uncommon Culprit In Sma Syndrome: Navigating Through Duodenal Adenocarcinoma-Induced Obstruction, Deepak Benny Dr, Vikram Patil, Shrisagar R A

Radiology Teaching Files

Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) Syndrome is an infrequent vascular compression disorder, characterized predominantly by the extrinsic obstruction of the third part of the duodenum by the SMA, leading to a spectrum of gastrointestinal symptoms. While most commonly associated with rapid weight loss and anatomical variations, its occurrence in the context of adjacent malignancies remains exceedingly rare and clinically significant.

Here I detail a compelling case of a 49-year-old male, initially presenting with nonspecific symptoms of intermittent abdominal pain and vomiting. The diagnostic journey, propelled by computed tomography (CT) and subsequent investigations, unveiled an underlying duodenal adenocarcinoma exerting extrinsic pressure, precipitating …

Husr 336: Human Sexuality Undergraduate Course, Four Units, Emily Darrell, Rose Grace Grose

Open Course Materials

This brief Human Sexuality curriculum, offered as part of an undergraduate elective in the Human Services department, encompasses four units that collectively provide a comprehensive exploration of sexuality education in the U.S., the intersection of sex and disability, contraception, and variations in sexual behavior including kink and paraphilias. This curriculum provides varied, current, and accessible information about these topics using resources that students can continue to access for free after the end of the semester.

• Unit 1: Introduction to Human Sexuality & Sexual Education in the U.S. introduces students to the history of sex education in the United States, facilitating …

Doulas In Modern Health Care, Gabriella J. Lawrence

Soaring: A Journal of Undergraduate Research

This paper looks into whether the implementation of doulas by all hospitals would benefit mothers before, during, and after childbirth. Through previous research it is shown how traumatizing birth can be for mothers who don't feel that they have control within the labor and delivery room. High rates of augmentation, epidural anesthesia, and cesarean sections within hospitals are all causes of postpartum anxiety and depression among new mothers. By researching who a doula is and what they can do for mothers during childbirth, we can get a better understanding on how to prevent mental health disorders that are caused by …

Assessing Lung Cancer Screening Protocols And Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis Between Indonesia And The United States, Priscilla Sitorus

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background/Significance: Social inequity is a large problem within the healthcare system, especially in third-world countries, like Indonesia. Poor access to healthcare and screening protocols can contribute to delayed diagnoses, poorer outcomes, and increasing mortality rates. Purpose: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of lung cancer screening protocols in Indonesia compared to California and help identify potential barriers and factors in lung cancer screening in both regions. This will later help reform policy interventions and decisions to improve community access. Methods: The study will be divided into two portions using a mixed method approach. The qualitative component will include lung …

Primary Care Physician Trust: The Importance Of Early Medical Intervention For African American Children With Asthma, Harrish Ganesh

AUCTUS: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Asthma is a prevalent condition characterized by an individual’s airway becoming inflamed, constricted, and leads to the formation of mucus and difficulty breathing. Nearly 27 million individuals are currently diagnosed with Asthma in the United States, and African Americans are 40% more likely to be diagnosed with asthma than Caucasians. This literature review analyzed multifaceted barriers that restrict African American asthmatic children from gaining consistent asthma treatment. Some of these barriers range from historical racial discrimination that leads to parental mistrust to financial and educational barriers that result in inconsistent pediatric care for asthmatic children. The combination of the above …

Qualitative Study Of Hiv-Related Stigma In The Dental Care Setting, Sania A. Pullen, Dr. Dina T. Garcia

UROP Posters

Objectives: People living with HIV (PLWH) are susceptible to developing a variety of oral conditions that if left untreated can lead to sore gums, painful chewing, and tooth loss as well as compromise HIV management and viral suppression. Despite the increased risk of developing oral conditions, it is estimated that up to 58% of PLH do not receive regular dental care. This study aimed to examine HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the dental care setting.

Methods: Adults living with HIV who receive care through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program at the VCU Infectious Disease (ID) clinic were recruited to participate. …

Knowledge And Perception Of Hand Hygiene And Associated Factors Among Final Year Medical And Nursing Students In Dar Es Salaam Tanzania, Anthony Baltazary Ngowi

Master of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hand hygiene, when practiced correctly and consistently is a simple and effective

method to prevent healthcare associated infections. These infections are acquired during a patients’ hospital stay and pose a major worldwide public health problem. The knowledge and practices related to hand hygiene among health workers need to be instilled early on during their training to develop a culture of correct and consistent practice. Existing literature has explored hand hygiene among health workers but very few studies have looked at it amongst medical and nursing students, who are the healthcare workers of tomorrow. This study aimed to assess hand hygiene …

Challenges In Post Graduate General Surgery Training In Tanzania: A Trainee’S Perspective, Shabbir Adamjee

Master of Surgery

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General Surgery residency training is a complex vigorous program which includes long working hours and complex surgical cases, in order to develop and attain the knowledge and the skills the trainee needs by the end of the program. Worldwide, general surgery programs have high attrition rates and residents have identified challenges which may be work related, related to social wellbeing and/or the residency program structure. Tanzania has public and private institutions providing general surgery residency training and although most have a quality assessment program the data is not readily available. Each institution has its personalized curriculum with its unique …

Microbial Profile And Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns Of Surgical Intra-Abdominal Infections At A Tertiary Hospital In Tanzania A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study, Abduel Julius Kitua

Master of Surgery

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Among infections of surgical importance, intra-abdominal infections prevail among the most common in surgical patients with considerable morbidity and mortality. The ever-rising microbial resistance to commonly available antibiotics and geographical variations in microbial profile and resistance patterns poses a challenge to the management of these surgical infections of abdominal origin. The aim of this study was to evaluate microbiological characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of isolates from intra-abdominal infections at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania and how these influence early treatment outcomes.

Medications For Opioid Use Disorder & Implications For Mobile Methadone Units, Sarah Boeke, Samantha Singer, Stella Resko

Substance Use Research Team

Research has shown the urgent need for updates to guidelines regulating opioid treatment programs (OTPs), especially as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated overdose rates and the drug supply became increasingly contaminated with fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and xylazine (Moghtaderi et al., 2023)(DEA, 2022). Part 8 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), originally enacted in 2001, includes regulations that guide OTPs. The 42 CFR Part 8 final rule, issued by SAMHSA, updates these federal regulations. It is the first major revision since 2001, aimed at expanding access to care, improving patient outcomes, and integrating lessons learned from the COVID-19 …

Caregiver Burden And Resilience In Family Members Of Alcohol Dependent Patients: Observations From Eastern India, Shatavisa Mukherjee, Nikhil Era, Siddhartha Roy

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Caregiver burden for alcohol dependent patients refers to the physical, emotional, financial, and social challenges faced by individuals who provide care and support to someone struggling with alcohol dependence. Caregivers often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional distress when dealing with a loved one's alcohol dependence. The present study tried to analyse the caregiver burden and resilience among family members of alcohol dependent individuals in eastern India.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study patients attending general outpatient clinics who had positive alcohol consumption history and were being accompanied by their caregivers to the facility. Patient and caregiver’s demographics …

Evaluation Of The Role Of Prolactin To Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy, Suliman A. Suliman

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Abstract:

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a one of the long-term complications of DM and constitutes the leading cause of blindness in working-age individuals and affects a majority of diabetic patients by 20 years after disease onset.

Objective: The aim of this study it investigation of the potential role of prolactin in the prevention of Diabetic retinopathy.

Methods: The study was conducted on 90 diabetic patients who were divided into a group that included 37 patients without retinopathy and a group that included 27 patients with non-proliferative retinopathy and 26 patients with proliferative retinopathy who attended the Endocrinology clinic and …

The Crucial Role Of Community Medicine In Improving Public Health, Malik Maaz Ahmad, Imran Ahmed Khan, Neha Priyanka

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Community medicine, also known as Social and Preventive Medicine, is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on promoting and protecting the health and well-being of communities and populations. Unlike other medical specialties that primarily focus on individual patients, community medicine takes a broader approach, addressing the health needs of entire populations. The specialty of community medicine plays a vital role in clinical practice and public health. Its focus on prevention, population health, and evidence-based medicine makes it an essential discipline in improving the health and well-being of communities. Community-based medical education is of vital relevance in the modern change …

Umbrella Review As A Data Collection Tool: Towards Observation, Analysis, And Empirical Transformation Of Qualitative Drivers Describing Healthcare Workforce Shortage Factors Into Quantitative Data To Support Medical Education Interventions In A Global Challenge., Fabio Galli, Marco Grech

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

A healthcare workforce shortage of 18 million is expected by 2030, against a global demand of 80 million, and it is difficult to analyse and monitor the real drivers driving this personnel shortage on a global level. The transformation of qualitative data into quantitative data can be a strategy in this global challenge, that can implement the medical education intervention strategies.

Atypical Immune Response: Acquired Hemolytic Anemia In A Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patient With Unusual Findings, Mannan Mangal

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Acquired hemolytic anemia, caused by external factors like autoimmune disorders or infections, includes rare cases of Cold Agglutinin Syndrome (CAS), a cold-antibody-mediated condition affecting 1 in 1 million annually. This report highlights a unique case of CAS in a patient with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and polyclonal gammopathy, contrasting with the typical presentation of warm-reactive autoantibodies and monoclonal antibodies. The patient presented with weakness, breathlessness, and splenomegaly, with laboratory findings showing a hemoglobin level of 5.8 g/dL and elevated ferritin. Imaging revealed mesenteric lymphadenopathy and thickening of the cecum, suggesting possible lymphomatous involvement. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma was confirmed via lymph node biopsy. This …