Public Health Education and Promotion Commons^™

Cutting Through The Fog: Recognising Brain Fog As A Significant Public Health Concern, Darren Haywood, Susan L. Rossell, Nicolas H. Hart

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Brain fog is a highly common condition that can have significant impacts on quality of life and functioning. Most people will experience a condition, illness, or infection that might result in the development of brain fog. We provide a call to action to minimise the impacts of brain fog.

Assessing Post-Pandemic Engagement In The Supplemental Nutrition Program For Women, Infants, And Children (Wic) In Northeast Tennessee, Christen Minnick

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since 1974, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has provided healthy food resources, nutrition education, and provider referrals for families at risk for poor nutrition. Public health professionals have consistently presented evidence that WIC engagement reduces premature births and infant mortality, improves child health and development, and increases specialized care access for participants. While average monthly participation in WIC has increased since the program’s inception, trends indicate that only around half of eligible families have consistently engaged with the program since 2011. Research has linked declining WIC participation to administrative burden, citing learning, psychological, compliance, …

Residential Segregation And Breast Cancer In Louisville: Impact Of Race And Contextual Factors On Advanced-Stage Diagnosis, Delayed Treatment, And Disease-Specific Mortality., Toheeb Ajani Mustapha

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Female breast cancer (BC) remains the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women. Despite advances in detection and treatment, substantial inequities in BC outcomes persist, driven in part by structural forces such as residential segregation. This dissertation examined the relationship between residential segregation, BC outcomes, and key contextual factors in Louisville, Kentucky. Using data from the Kentucky Cancer Registry, American Community Survey, CDC’s Population-Level Analyses and Community Estimates, and the National Neighborhood Data Archive, the study tested two hypotheses: (1) higher Black/low-income segregation is associated with elevated risks of adverse BC …

The Importance Of Aged Care Policies In Assisting Older Adults Transition From Home To Permanent Residential Aged Care: A Focused Ethnographic Study, Stacey M. Scott, Annette J. Raynor, Julie S. Dare, Jennifer M. Grieve, Leesa N. Costello

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (RCAC) recommended a redesign of the Australian aged care system to ensure high quality care, respect, and dignity for residents. Responding to the RCAC recommendations, the Aged Care Quality Standards have been strengthened and continue to guide the delivery of safe, high quality care in Australia. This study investigated the experiences of new residents transitioning into an Australian residential care-facility, concentrating on how their experiences aligned with the core principles of the Aged Care Quality Standards. Methods: A focused ethnographic approach was used to address the aim of this study. …

Sex Differences In Cardiovascular Disease And Associated Factors In People Living With Hiv: Evidence From All Of Us Program, Hao Zhang, Huiyi Xia, Fanghui Shi, Qingyang Li, Sharon Weissman, Xiaoming Li, Xueying Yang

Faculty Publications

Background

People living with HIV (PLWH) face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with significant sex differences in outcomes. However, it is unclear whether these differences are driven by distinct risk factor profiles or by a differential impact of shared risk factors. This study aimed to identify factors associated with CVD among PLWH and to specifically assess for effect modification by sex using a large, diverse nationwide database.

Methods

We utilized data from the All of Us Research Program (AoU). The primary outcome was a composite of coronary artery disease or stroke. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify …

Workplace Policy And Associated Factors Of Minimum Acceptable Diet Practices: An Online Survey Among Working Mothers In Indonesia, Fadhila Iswi Deandra, Judhiastuty Februhartanty, Muchtaruddin Mansyur

Kesmas

Working mothers in Indonesia may influence complementary feeding practices, particularly their ability to ensure that their infants properly meet the minimum acceptable diet (MAD). In this cross-sectional study, an online survey was distributed through various online platforms where participants were recruited using convenience sampling. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic factors, workplace policies, and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted. A total of 394 working mothers participated, of which over 90% of the respondents reported meeting minimum dietary diversity, minimum milk frequency, minimum milk feeding frequency, and MAD indicators as assessed with a standardized …

Analysis Of Public Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices In Food And Drug Selection In Indonesia, Tina Wikara, Sri Astuti, Sri Nurhayati, Rotua Uli Carolina, Evi Ratna Sari

Kesmas

As consumers, the public plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and appropriate use of products. This study aimed to assess awareness of food and drug safety and quality among the Indonesian population. Using a cross-sectional survey, the authors measured public awareness across three key dimensions: knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Data were collected from 20,610 respondents aged 17–65 years from 34 provinces in Indonesia. The survey approach employed a three-stage stratified sampling design. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews, and the results were presented as an index ranging from 0 to 100 (low to high awareness). The respondents …

Challenges And Policies For Female Sex Workers’ Readiness To Participate In Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Program: An Explorative Qualitative Study, Rico Januar Sitorus, Anita Rahmiwati, Diana Dewi Sartika, Elvi Sunarsih, Asri Maharani

Kesmas

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus is high among female sex workers (FSWs) in Indonesia, underscoring the need for integrated prevention strategies supported by strong government policies. This study aimed to investigate FSWs' willingness to participate in a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with 20 participants residing in Pangkal Pinang City, Indonesia (4 stakeholders and 16 FSWs), recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected from July to September 2024. This non-probability sampling method was adopted due to the focus on specific study objectives and a targeted population. The analysis of the interviews revealed three theme …

Improving Glycemic Control Among Indonesian Urban Adults: A Digital And Behavioral Extension Of The Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Model, Imelda Appulembang

Kesmas

Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Indonesia continues to face challenges due to behavioral, informational, and technological gaps among patients. This study analyzed the influence of self-regulatory competence and information, motivation, family support, and digital health literacy on glycemic control behavior. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to April 2025 among 587 adults aged >30 years with T2DM enrolled in the Chronic Disease Management Program at primary health care in six major cities: Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Medan, Makassar, and Banjarmasin. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings …

Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Butchers Regarding Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever In An Endemic Area Of Iran, Mohammad Amin Gorouhi, Abbas Aghaei Afshar, Najmeh Mansoori, Parya Jangipour Afshar, Leila Shirani-Bidabadi, Ismaeil Alizadeh, Nariman Shahhosseini

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: In endemic countries, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an important zoonotic disease with significant public health implications. Previous studies in Iran suggests that CCHF poses a significant health risk to slaughterhouse workers and butchers. The main objecive of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of butchers regarding CCHF at their workplace in an endemic area in southeastern Iran.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2022 in Zarand city. In total, 60 butchers were included in the city. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.

Results: The average scores of …

Design And Refinement Of Cybercelltm, A Virtual Reality Health Education Program For Adolescents And Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease, Aimee Hildenbrand, Melanie Pitone, Benjamin Bear, Corinna L. Schultz, Sherman Finch, Danielle Morley, Stephanie Hubbard, Alyssa Decino, Melissa A. Alderfer, Lori E. Crosby, Fredric Freeman

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

For people living with sickle cell disease (SCD), the risk for disease complications and premature death rises sharply in adolescence and young adulthood, when chronic organ damage is compounded by reduced preventive care. To make informed health care decisions, adolescents and young adults (AYAs) require effective education about their health condition and treatment options. We aimed to systematically design and develop a user-centered, evidence-based virtual reality (VR) health education program to optimize the use of SCD therapies among AYAs with SCD. We engaged a diverse team including AYAs with SCD and their caregivers, multidisciplinary SCD clinicians and researchers, patient education …

The National Landscape On Wellness Culture And Well-Being Best Practices In Healthcare Systems And Academic Institutions: Results From The Fourth National Summit On Promoting Clinician Well-Being, Megan Amaya, Bernadette Mazurek-Melnyk, Josh Winn, Jeff Messinger

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: The health of our nation’s healthcare workforce continues to decline. A comprehensive, whole-system, evidence-based approach is key to a successful wellness initiative and is the foundation for culture change. Building a culture of wellness leads to better mental health outcomes, healthier lifestyle behaviors, higher levels of engagement and job satisfaction, improved patient satisfaction and employee retention, and a positive return (ROI) and value on investment (VOI).

Methods: The purpose of this cross-sectional, descriptive, anonymous survey was to assess the organizational wellness culture of participants who attended the National Summit on Promoting Well-being and Resilience in Healthcare Professionals. …

Understanding The U.S. Maternal Healthcare System At The Intersection Of Asian American Birth Outcomes And The Model Minority Stereotype: A Literature Review, Sophia Hevel

University Honors Theses

This thesis aims to explore the maternal healthcare system in the United States as it pertains to Asian American birthing people, the ways in which their racial, ethnic, and cultural identities are interacted with within the U.S. Healthcare system, and subsequently the detrimental effects of the medical system's devaluation of culturally specific birthing and postpartum practices have on Asian American birthing experiences. This will be accomplished through an exploration of the United States' maternal healthcare system, or rather, its crisis; how Asian Americans navigate a system that has not been structured to support their specific needs; and lastly, a discussion …

Sex Differences In Cardiovascular Disease And Associatedfactors In People Living With Hiv: Evidence From All Of Us Program, Hao Zhang, Huiyi Xia, Fanghui Shi, Qingyang Li, Sharon Weissman, Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Xueying Yang

Faculty Publications

Background

People living with HIV (PLWH) face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with significant sex differences in outcomes. However, it is unclear whether these differences are driven by distinct risk factor profiles or by a differential impact of shared risk factors. This study aimed to identify factors associated with CVD among PLWH and to specifically assess for effect modification by sex using a large, diverse nationwide database.

Methods

We utilized data from the All of Us Research Program (AoU). The primary outcome was a composite of coronary artery disease or stroke. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify …

What Covid-19 Taught Extension: Experiences Of Extension County Engagement Specialists Promoting Vaccinations In Meat Processing Plants In Rural Missouri., Wilson Majee, Ifeolu David, Lynelle Phillips, Rachel Buenemann, Kassandra Maturino

Journal of Extension

Extension played a significant role, in collaboration with other key community organizations, by disseminating information that debunked COVID-19 myths, and promoting vaccinations at the community level. In this article we present insights from the experiences of Extension faculty at the University of Missouri who were engaged in promoting COVID-19 vaccinations for meat processing plant workers. Findings from this quality improvement project highlight opportunities for leveraging Extension field faculty, and challenges to consider in future public health promotion efforts.

Vitamin D Deficiency And Cardiovascular Health Disparities In High-Melanin Populations: A Scoping Review, Jalen K. Luter, Silver R. Kaylor, Michael S. Boyer

Doctoral Projects

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of mortality and disproportionately affect individuals with darker skin tones, partly due to vitamin D deficiency (Sabzmakan et al., 2014). This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project uses a scoping review methodology to examine the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular outcomes, with an emphasis on high-melanin populations. Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Framework, the review synthesizes existing evidence, identifies gaps in representation and biomarker use, and highlights social and biological contributors to disparity. Databases including PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched, and studies were screened using standardized inclusion criteria: …

From Urban Models To Rural Realities: Adapting Hepatitis C (Hcv) Care For Underserved Communities, Caitlin A. Mccain

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

This literature review examines how Hepatitis C (HCV) screening and care programs can better serve underserved populations, particularly Spanish-speaking rural communities in border states. The research supports the Hep C- Colonias Advancing & Restoring Esperanza (C.A.R.E) program’s mission by incorporating recent findings from 32 studies gathered through PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar. Hep C C.A.R.E expanded from the HepVISTA expansion project provides HCV screening, education, vaccination and linkage to care for uninsured patients at partner sites in Laredo and Maverick County. Results indicate that while HCV elimination is feasible, significant gaps persist among rural uninsured and minority populations. Effective strategies …

In Vivo Pharmacokinetic Evaluation Of A Gastro-Retentive Triple Drug Delivery System Utilizing Natural Polymers For Enhanced Helicobacter Pylori Eradication, Edukulla Satheesh Kumar, Hindustan Abdul Ahad, Thirumalesh Naik Sugali Banoth

Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy Cairo University

This study evaluates the in vivo pharmacokinetics of triple-drug gastro-retentive formulation (metronidazole- Plantago ovata seed mucilage/ clarithromycin- Abelmoschus esculentus fruit mucilage/enteric-coated pantoprazole) for Helicobacter pylori eradication, with a focus on pharmacokinetic parameters (e.g., relative bioavailability vs. conventional doses) as the true contribution. In a cross over study using six rabbits, plasma concentrations of metronidazole, clarithromycin, and pantoprazole sodium were measured via High Performance Liquid Chromatography technique, and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. A single dose of the optimized formulation (C-8) produced optimal drug levels, with a mean Cmax of 24.36 ± 0.84 μg/mL and tmax at 6 hours. The other pharmacokinetic …

Editorial: Migration And Health: A Human Rights Perspective - Conference Insights And Beyond, Noemi Rodriguez, Mira Goral, Justine Mcgovern, Allison Squires, María Isabel Roldos

Publications and Research

No abstract provided.

Survey On Preparedness And Readiness For Technological Advancements In Ai Sparta Ai, Jegason Phosphorus Diviant

Population Health Research and Scholarship

Generative AI is rapidly entering academic workflows, yet readiness to use these tools in graduate training and the workplace remains unclear. The SPARTA AI was administered online to faculty and graduate students in the University of New Mexico’s Psychology Department and COPH (Feb–Sep 2025). The analytic sample included N=37 respondents. Descriptives, role-stratified academic AI usage, one-sample tests of perceived preparedness vs a 3.0 midpoint, and correlations between AI interest and academic usage were computed; Wilson CIs were used for proportions. The sample comprised 20 faculty and 17 graduate students, primarily from COPH and Psychology. AI usage was generally infrequent across …

People Living With Hiv Became Influencers On Social Media: Breaking The Stigma, Charisma Asri Fitrananda, Yogi Muhammad Yusuf, Qisthy Rabathy, Yusuf Bahtiar

JURNAL KOMUNIKASI INDONESIA

This study examines the differences in stigma experienced by people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) on social media and in broader Indonesian society. When PLHIV disclose their HIV-positive status on social media and attempt to break the stigma by becoming social media influencers, they receive both supportive and critical responses. Negative reactions arise when they are perceived as promoting risky activities, as burdens to the state, or when they face challenges securing sponsorship for their initiatives. This research employs a case study approach to explore the experiences of PLHIV use social media influence as a means to counter HIV-related …

Perceived Risks, Reasons For Use, And Barriers To Cessation Among Youth Who Use Multiple Tobacco Products, Sierra L. Patterson, Isabellle Duguid, Sonia A. Clark, Seth M. Noar, Allison J. Lazard, Jim F. Thrasher Ph.D., Ma, Ms, Adam O. Goldstein, Sarah D. Kowitt

Faculty Publications

Background

Many interventions aim to reduce youth tobacco use, but few have focused on youth who use multiple tobacco products (MTPs). This qualitative study sought to understand how youth who use MTPs view tobacco product risks, describe reasons for MTP use, and perceive barriers and facilitators to cessation.

Methods

We conducted seven virtual focus groups with 30 US youth ages 14–20 years who reported using e-cigarettes and smoking a combustible tobacco product in the past 30 days. We used a semi-structured focus group guide to ask youth about perceived health risks of tobacco products, reasons for MTP use, and thoughts …

Implementing Diabetes Education And Prevention Protocol, Lilyanna B. Conkle, Alyssa M. Woodall

Scholars Week

This Evidence-Based Practice project proposes the implementation of a diabetes education and prevention protocol in school systems to address the rising prevalence of diabetes among students. The initiative includes mandatory pre-academic year training for school staff to improve recognition and response to diabetes related emergencies. To support school nurses, often the sole healthcare provider on campus; a mobile app will be introduced to alert personnel during emergencies and provide evidence-based intervention steps. This approach aims to enhance student safety, improve health outcomes, and ensure timely, coordinated care.

Increasing Pediatric Hpv Vaccination Rates, Brooke A. Nicholas

Dissertations

Increasing Pediatric HPV Vaccination Rates

Abstract

Problem: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that affects more than 80% of the population within the United States (Eisenhauer et al., 2020). HPV can develop into cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers (Eisenhauer et al., 2020). About 4,000 individuals die from cervical cancer alone each year (O’Leary, 2022). The HPV vaccine, though recommended by the ACIP and AAP, is below national vaccination rates in comparison to other vaccines (O’Leary, 2022).

Methods: This quality improvement project is a non-randomized controlled trial that observed HPV vaccine dose completion rates for patients aged 9-14 …

N Y State Dent J November 2025

The New York State Dental Journal

In the November 2025 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• "Attitudes of New York State Pediatric Dentists Toward Treating Hasidic Patients"
• "A Qualitative Assessment of the Role of Dental Specialists in U.S. Opioid Epidemic"
• "Revolutionizing Dental Operatories"
• "An Update on Non-Cigarette Nicotine-Containing Products and the Periodontal Patient"

This issue includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New York membership including: editorial and legal columns, association activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Proportion Of Chronic Energy Deficiency In Relation To Macronutrient Intake And Other Determinants Among Pregnant Women In Selected Community Health Center Service Areas In Bogor 2025, Fathimah Afliansa, Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika, Diah Mulyawati Utari, Suparno Suparno

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

The prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) among pregnant women in Indonesia remains relatively high, ranging from 11.6% to 57.6%. This study aimed to examine the differences in the proportion of CED based on macronutrient intake and related factors. The study used a quantitative cross-sectional design with secondary data involving 124 pregnant women in selected areas served by community health centers in Bogor City and Regency. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. CED prevalence was 11.3% in the overall areas, with 10.9% in Bogor City and 11.7% in Bogor Regency. Significant differences in the CED proportion were found based …

New Mexico Snap-Ed College Food Insecurity Report, Belinda E. Vicuña, Yvonnie V. Baik, Elena E. Martinez, Mahtab Soleimani, Camille R. Velarde, Theresa H. Cruz

Reports & Documents

In New Mexico, 58% of college students experience some form of food insecurity. The College Food Insecurity Project—conducted by the University of New Mexico’s Division of Prevention and Population Sciences with support from the New Mexico Health Care Authority and USDA SNAP-Ed—examined how campus food pantries address student food needs across the state. Using a mixed-methods design, the study included semi-structured interviews with food pantry coordinators and staff at 13 institutions of higher education, on-site assessments using the Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool Plus (NEFPAT+), and content analysis of 15 college food pantry websites.

Findings revealed that campus …

Eye On The Prize: Expanding Student Awareness Of Optometry As A Profession, Lorena Flores-Hernandez

MedEd Teaching Certificate Program

The proposed Doctor of Optometry program at UTRGV has the potential to positively enhance the ocular health of our communities. Implementing an outreach program highlighting a career path in optometry will be essential for the future of eyecare in the Rio Grande Valley.

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the optometric workforce is projected to grow over the next decade. The increased demand for optometrists is related to multiple factors including an aging population with chronic diseases and a nationwide shortage of ophthalmology practitioners.

Nationally, the Optometry Gives Me Life campaign, launched by the Association of …

A Social Media Campaign And Web-Based Survey About Prostate Cancer Genetics: Mixed Methods Study, Amy Leader, Stacy Loeb, Preethi Selvan, Ashley Hunter, Rebecca Hartman, Scott Keith, Veda Giri

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Germline genetic variants are important for prostate cancer (PCa) management and hereditary cancer risk assessment, but testing is underused. Furthermore, patients are often unaware of the genetic connections to PCa. Social media is increasingly serving as a source of awareness for health information and a method to gather data from a large population.

OBJECTIVE: There were three objectives: to (1) create and test social media messages related to PCa genetics and genetic testing, (2) determine which social media message was most engaging, and (3) assess knowledge of and attitudes toward PCa genetic testing through an online survey using the …

Predictors Of Parental Behavior And Child Weight Status, Fidelia Senayah, Heba M. Athar, Allison G. Litton

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Childhood obesity is a major health issue globally. The prevalence rate remains high in Ohio, with associated complications among affected children and adolescents. The current study examined the association among obesity risk knowledge, risk perception, feeding behavior, and child weight outcome while controlling for race, gender, income, and education. We collected quantitative data through an online survey of parents in Northwest Ohio (n = 71) using the obesity risk knowledge scale and factors from the Child Feeding Questionnaire. We analyzed data using multiple linear regression. The primary outcome measures were feeding behavior and child weight status. Parental obesity risk …