Public Health Education and Promotion Commons^™

Occupational Therapy For People With Internet Gaming Disorder: A Concept Paper, Samuel R. Bender, Steven Gerardi

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is associated with occupational imbalance and disrupted routines, contributing to challenges in occupational participation and performance. Due to there being a gap in occupational therapy-based research and guidance for people with IGD, this capstone project focused on the development of a concept paper informed by The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) that frames problematic video gaming as an occupational issue. The concept paper organizes assessment strategies, identifies problems, outlines intervention ideas, and discusses potential next steps for assisting people with IGD within occupational therapy. This capstone project is intended to help current occupational therapists more effectively …

Healthcare Systems & Policy Implications For Tele-Dentistry Policies On Access To Dental Care For Underserved Populations In The United States, Deeya Bhadresa

Posters - 2026

Access to dental care remains a significant public health challenge for people in rural and low-income communities. Tele dentistry has shown the ability to expand preventive services, improve care coordination, and reduce geographic barriers. However, inconsistent Medicaid coverage, limited infrastructure, and low provider participation restrict its impact. The main recommendation is standardizing Medicaid tele dentistry coverage and reimbursement across states to improve access and equity. Action is needed now to preserve post–COVID-19 telehealth gains and address persistent oral health disparities.

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 …

Length And Framing Of Anti-Junk Food Ads Impact Inclinations To Consume Junk Food Among Normal Weight, Overweight, And Adults With Obesity, Ross C. Hollett, Brennen Mills, Stephanie L. Godrich, Julia Butt, Gina S.A. Trapp

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Unrestricted junk food advertising increases the risk of short-term junk food consumption among viewers. We aimed to estimate the impact of junk food and anti-junk food advertisements differing in length and framing on junk food consumption inclinations. Methods: Adult participants (N = 505) were exposed to a randomly selected junk food advertisement or anti-junk food advertisement and reported their immediate craving and consumption intentions. These responses were separately analysed for two groups based on Body Mass Index (BMI): participants classified as within the normal range (18.5–25), and a combined group with BMI values indicating either overweight (25+) or obesity …

Gynecological Effects Of Sex Trafficking, Tracey Sylvester

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

No abstract provided.

Factors Associated With Lapses In Care Among People Living With Hiv In South Carolina, Xueying Yang Ph.D., Fanghui Shi, Shujie Chen, Gavi Samuel, Bankole Olatosi Ph.D., Sharon Weissman, Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Jiajia Zhang Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Utilizing statewide electronic health records (EHR) data, this study aims to assess the factors determining the occurrence of lapses in HIV care among people with HIV (PWH) in South Carolina (SC). All adult (≥ 18 years old) PWH who were diagnosed with HIV between 2006 and 2018 with at least two HIV care encounters and at least 1-year follow-up record were included in the analysis. The outcome, a lapse in care, was defined as a repeated measure of HIV care encounter that occurs over a year following the previous visit. Generalized Estimation Equation models were employed. The study cohort had …

Investigating Social Justice Implications Of Glyphosate Residues In Human Urine, Ananya Malhotra

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Glyphosate, the nominal active ingredient in professional-grade Roundup weed and grass killer, is the most extensively used herbicide globally and in the United States (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2020). An increasing level of concern has surfaced regarding its health consequences, particularly because of contamination of our food supplies. Recent research indicates distressing levels of detection of glyphosate in human blood and urine samples, revealing many instances of frequent human exposure (Conrad et al., 2017; Zhang et al., 2020).Most of the research about exposure is focused on agricultural workers or individuals living in close vicinity to agricultural lands.  Few …

Implementation And Costs Of A Food Insecurity Resource Navigation Program For Primary Care Patients With Diabetes And Hypertension In South Carolina, Deeksha Gupta, Darin Thomas, Stella Coker Watson Self Ph.D., Ms, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Alain H. Litwin, Joseph A. Ewing, Lynnette Ramos-Gonzalez, Lynnette Ramos-Gonzalez

Faculty Publications

Objective

To examine food insecurity resource navigation program costs and how navigation intensity relates to clinical outcomes, healthcare costs, and quality of life (QOL) for diabetes and/or hypertension patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients receiving resource navigation (July 12, 2021-December 31, 2022 with twelve-month follow-up) across three primary care practices in South Carolina's largest health system. Participants were 18+ years old (from electronic medical records/Epic), had food insecurity (from Hunger Vital Sign™), and diabetes and/or hypertension (from Epic registries). Matched controls came from food insecurity screening-only practices. Patients in each group (n= 219) had diabetes (9.13%), hypertension …

Using Social Network Analysis To Visualise Place-Based Partnerships For Systems Change In Regional Australia, Stephanie L. Godrich, Isabelle Chiera, Melissa Stoneham, Jess Doe, Amanda Devine, Emily Humphreys

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issue Addressed: Social network analysis (SNA) is a novel approach to investigating food security systems change in regional and remote communities. With short-term, siloed food security solutions often proving ineffective, this study used SNA to visualise how organisations across a vast area in Western Australia (WA) were working in partnership to support systems change and identify where these partnerships could be strengthened. Methods: One hundred and one food security initiative leaders, representing 148 initiatives, participated in semi-structured interviews. The number and type of regional partnerships were measured, and region-based partnership network typologies determined. Results: Most regions’ partnership networks were ‘Scattered …

Knowledgable Births: Advancing Informed Consent In Maternal Healthcare, Ella A. Forrester

Senior Theses

Background:

Informed consent is both a legal requirement and an ethical cornerstone of healthcare, ensuring that patients understand and voluntarily agree to medical treatments. However, evidence suggests that the informed consent process is often inadequately implemented in maternal healthcare settings, particularly during childbirth. While giving birth, women retain full decision-making capacity but are not consistently provided with sufficient information or support to exercise this right. Contributing factors include ineffective patient–provider communication, limited health literacy, and insufficient access to culturally responsive educational resources.

Methods:

This study aimed to address gaps in accessible prenatal education by developing an online resource platform, Know …

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 …

Characteristics Of Leprosy Chemoprophylaxis Recipeints In The Tirtayasa Public Health Center Area, 2023–2024, Rifa Imaroh, Maria Angela Lumaksono, Izzah Imani, Dhelya Widasmara

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Leprosy remains a public health problem in Indonesia. In 2023, Indonesia ranked third globally in the number of leprosy cases, with 14,376 reported cases, after India (107,851 cases) and Brazil (22,773 cases). One of the key strategies for leprosy control in Indonesia is the implementation of preventive measures, including home visits and the administration of chemoprophylaxis using single-dose rifampicin (SDR). Post-exposure prophylaxis plays an important role in preventing leprosy transmission among contacts of confirmed patients. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of leprosy chemoprophylaxis recipients in the Tirtayasa Public Health Center area during 2023–2024. This study was an descriptive …

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. …

Prevalence And Determinant Factors Of Depression Among Pregnant Women In Poned Health Center In Tangerang City Area, Dian Geumala Hayati, Sudijanto Kamso, Popy Yuniar, Yuli Puspita Devi

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

According to World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10% of pregnant women experience mental disorders, with depression being particularly prevalent. In developing countries, this rate is was even higher, reaching 19.8% after childbirth and 15.6% during pregnancy. Various studies conducted in Indonesia show that the prevalence of depression among pregnant women ranges widely, from 21.4% to 26.2%.This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with depression during pregnancy in pregnant women at the PONED Community Health Center in Tangerang City Area. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 105 pregnant women attending antenatal check-ups at the 17 PONED …

Dyadic Internalized Stigma, Resilience, And Psychological Distress Among People With Hiv And Their Family Members: An Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model Analysis, Fanghui Shi, Xueying Yang, Shan Qiao Ph.D., Cheuk Chi Tam Ph.D., M.S., M.A., Shuaifeng Liu, Yuejiao Zhou, Xiaoming Li Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Despite robust evidence showing the mediation role of psychological resilience in the impacts of HIV-related stigma on psychological distress, most studies were conducted from an intrapersonal perspective. Limited studies have examined the dyadic effects of HIV-related stigma and resilience on psychological distress for people with HIV (PWH) and their family members. This study aimed to explore the actor-partner effect and the mediation role of resilience in the relationship between internalized stigma and psychological distress among PWH and family members dyads. Between October 2023 and December 2023, a total of 800 PWH-family member dyads were recruited from two urban cities and …

A Livelihood Intervention Improved Nutritional, Mental Health And Sexual Health Outcomes Among Hiv-Affected Adolescents In Western Kenya: Results From The Shamba Maisha Randomised Controlled Trial, Sheri D. Weiser, Lila Aziz Sheira, Pauline Wekesa, Jennifer Monroe Zakaras, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Elly Weke, Jason M. Nagata, Amy A. Conroy, Marguerita Lightfoot, Torsten B. Neilands, Lisa M. Butler, Elizabeth A. Bukusi, Craig R. Cohen, Maricianah Atieno Onono

Faculty Publications

Introduction Interventions that address household-level factors, including food insecurity (FI) and poverty, may reduce HIV risk and improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW).

Methods This cluster randomised controlled trial in Kenya assessed AGYW living in households of adults enrolled in Shamba Maisha (SM). SM was a multisectoral agricultural livelihood intervention designed to improve HIV health. At the trial end, we used linear and logistic regressions to compare differences between the intervention and control arms in FI, and mental health among AGYW-caregiver pairs and SRH outcomes among the AGYW, accounting for clusters with robust …

Predictors Of Employment Attrition In Lebanon During Multifaceted Crises: The Role Of Chronic Diseases – A National Cross-Sectional Study, Myriam Dagher, Ali Abboud, Ghada E. Saad, Rita Itani, Rindala Fayyad, Hala Ghattas Ph.D., Stephen J. Mccall, Jocelyn Dejong, Malak Ghezzawi, Nisreen Salti, Sasha Fahme, Serena Canaan

Faculty Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic and Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis exacerbated existing workforce and health disparities. This study explored the predictors of employment attrition during Lebanon’s concurrent crises and examined the association between chronic conditions and employment attrition. This cross-sectional study recruited adults aged 19–64 years residing in Lebanon through random digit dialing (January – July 2024). Data collected included socio-demographics, household characteristics, employment history and characteristics, and self-reported chronic conditions. The outcome was loss of paid employment (employment attrition) during the crises. Predictors were identified through a Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, and model discrimination and calibration were …

Depressive Symptoms, Campus Connectedness, And Campus Climate Related To Sexual Violence And Misconduct, Stephanie A. Navarro Silvera, Amanda S. Birnbaum, Eva S. Goldfarb, Ranju Mainali, Lisa D. Lieberman

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

Depression, although a consequence of sexual violence, has not been studied in the context of college students’ views of campus sexual violence climate. Depression is one of the most prevalent and impairing mental health concerns among college students and has well-established links to sexual violence victimization; therefore, it serves as a theoretically and clinically meaningful focal outcome. Therefore, we assessed perceptions of institutional climate in the context of self-reported depression. Undergraduates (n = 716) reported perceptions and experiences of campus sexual violence and misconduct, connectedness, attitude, and depressive symptoms in an online survey. More than a third of participants reported …

When To Continue, Pause, Or Stop Sglt-2 Inhibitors In Heart Failure: A Complication-Based Clinical Guide, Nicole Tesoro, Jasvin Kurundrayil Manha, Sumanth Kumar Bandaru

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have become an essential part of guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure due to their proven ability to reduce hospitalizations and improve survival, independent of diabetes status. Despite these benefits, their use can be complicated by genitourinary side effects such as genital mycotic infections, urinary tract infections, and, rarely, serious complications including urosepsis, Fournier’s gangrene, and euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis. These events often leave clinicians uncertain about whether therapy should be continued, paused, or permanently discontinued. Current guidance remains limited and inconsistent, with most recommendations derived from case reports, expert opinion, or post-marketing surveillance. In this …

Decision-Making At The Edges Of Capacity: Brain Science And Caregiving, Dr. Julie Yonker

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Keynote address at the Disabilities Resources Symposium at City Hope Church in Grand Rapids on 3/14/2026. Attached is her powerpoint.

• Describe why our brains don’t like decisions
• Understand the impact of different types of decisions
• Value suggestions for more sustained decision making
• Consider a faith perspective

Social Network Determinants Of Cigarette Forgoing And Quit-Related Conversations In A 15-Day Ecological Momentary Assessment Study In Mexico And The Us, Lizeth Cruz-Jiménez, Kevin A. Carson, Jim Thrasher Ph.D., Ma, Ms, Katia Gallegos-Carrillo, Dèsirée Vidaña-Pérez, Diego F. Leal

Faculty Publications

Introduction

Methods

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 …

Implementation Of Centering-Based Antenatal Group Care In Flanders (Belgium): Experiences Of Women And Health Care Providers; Modalities For Sustainable Integration Into The Health Care System, Bianca Eerens, Astrid Van Damme, Nathalie Leister, Florence Talrich, Christine Mccourt, Deborah Lynn Billings Phd, Marsha Orgill, Matty Crone, Marlies Rijnders, Katrien Beeckman

Faculty Publications

In Belgium, antenatal care is characterized by one-to-one care; with limited integration of community-based approaches. Centering-Based Group Care (CBGC), derived from the CenteringPregnancy^® model, offers an alternative by combining clinical follow-up, health education, and peer support in group sessions. This study focuses on the experiences of participants and facilitators with the implementation of CBGC in three Flemish cities (Aalst, Gent, Leuven) as part of the European Union GC_1000 project. We explored the experience regarding the implementation process along with factors influencing sustainable integration into the health care system.

Methods

A total of 193 women participated in 30 CBGC trajectories …

Modeling The Impact Of Shade Pavilions On Wet Bulb Globe Temperature And Activity Modification In Outdoor Sports Across Diverse U.S. Climates, Andrew Grundstein, Susan W. Yeargin Ph.D., Atc, Lat, Earl Cooper, Lilly Cargile

Faculty Publications

Extreme heat is an ongoing hazard for outdoor sports. In response, schools, recreation departments, and fitness clubs are increasingly installing shade pavilions over venues like football fields and tennis courts. While shading is known to improve thermal comfort and reduce heat stress, its effects on wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and related activity modification guidelines in sports remain underexplored. This study uses a modeling approach to quantify the impact of shade pavilions on WBGT and activity modification across a range of U.S. climates.

WBGT values were calculated using a model based on historical data from 221 weather stations, each with …

Cognitive And Emotional Conflict Control Among Children Affected By Parental Hiv/Aids In China, Huihui Wang, Juan Liu, Danfeng Wen, Wan Zhao, Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Junfeng Zhao

Faculty Publications

Background: Children affected by parental HIV/AIDS constitute a particularly vulnerable population, often facing heightened risks in psychosocial adaptation due to family disruption, social stigma, and resource deprivation. However, the characteristics of their executive functions, particularly the core component of conflict monitoring, remain unclear.

Methods: The present study compared the performance of children affected by parental HIV/AIDS (n=32) to a control group (n=32) on a cognitive conflict and emotional conflict face-word Stroop task.

Results: The results of the cognitive Stroop task demonstrated that both groups showed better performance in congruent stimuli compared to incongruent stimuli (86.20% vs.67.30%; 568.43ms vs.586.04ms). In the …

Text Messages To Improve Young Child Diets: Results From A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial In Kanchanpur, Nepal, Kenda Cunningham, Sidney Cech, Aman Sen Gupta, Pooja Pandey Rana, Debbie Humphries, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to test whether adding a text message campaign about the importance of eating eggs and other nutrition-related behaviours to an on-going package of large-scale, diverse social and behaviour change interventions would improve four types of nutrition-related knowledge and behaviour outcomes: child diets (egg consumption as the primary outcome), maternal diets, maternal nutrition knowledge, and maternal participation in additional interventions. The cluster-randomized controlled trial involved a repeat cross-sectional design, recruiting families with children 12–23 months of age at baseline and endline in one plains district of Nepal. Throughout the 1000-day period, 51 text messages were …

Impact Of Suaahara, An At-Scale Multisectoral Nutrition Programme, On Health Workers’ Maternal And Child Health, And Nutrition Knowledge And Skills In Nepal, Deependra K. Thapa, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Shalini Suresh, Ramesh P. Adhikari, Bhim Pun, Karuna L. Shakya, Raj Mandal, Subir K. Kole, Kenda Cunningham

Faculty Publications

Suaahara, an at-scale multisectoral nutrition programme in Nepal, aimed to advance knowledge and skills of frontline health workers to improve the quality of nutrition and health services at health facility and community levels. This study assessed the impact of Suaahara interventions on knowledge and skills of health facility workers and Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs). The study used a quasi-experimental design in which four Suaahara intervention districts were compared with pair-matched comparison districts. One health facility worker and three FCHVs from each survey cluster were included. Baseline survey consisted of 93 health facility workers (2015) and 118 FCHVs (2012), and …