Public Health Education and Promotion Commons^™

Evaluating What Works: A Comparison Of Five Diabetes Prevention Programs For Latino Children, Ruchi Patel

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Background: Children in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) are at increased risk of diabetes due to limited access to effective, culturally appropriate prevention programs. Existing programs are often time-intensive, require transportation, and lack cultural relevance, reducing participation and impacting outcomes. This project aimed to evaluate diabetes prevention programs (DPPs) in the literature and identify five that may benefit children in the RGV by reducing diabetes risk.

Methodology: The Eightfold Path policy analysis approach guided this project. A literature review identified DPPs for children, and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) was used to assess study quality. Limitations included difficulty finding …

Delusional Parasitosis With Depression, Hypertension And Migraine, Mouli Mandal, M Kishor, Mr Murali

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Delusional Parasitosis (DP) , also known as Ekbom Syndrome, is a psychiatric disorder characterised by the unshakeable belief of infestation by parasites, insects or other organisms, despite the absence of objective medical evidence.
This case report presents a 49 year old female with a history of chronic headaches, progressively worsening insect crawling sensations. She was initiated on treatment and supportive psychotherapy.
This case highlights the importance of a thorough multidisciplinary approach in managing Delusional Parasitosis, emphasising the need to differentiate between primary and secondary forms, address the potential medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and implement appropriate pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions.

Digital Tools To Promote Or Measure Health Literacy In Children Aged 3–5 Years: Scoping Review, Caron Molster, Jennifer Irvine, Amanda Devine, Ruth Wallace, Lennie Barblett, Leesa Costello

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Health literacy is a determinant of health that should be promoted and measured in early childhood. In the era of digitalization, this could involve digital platforms. However, little knowledge exists on the extent, range, and nature of literature on digital tools for promoting or measuring young children’s health literacy. Addressing this gap, a scoping review was undertaken to explore what digital health literacy tools for children aged 3–5 years could be identified in the literature, what their key features were, how they were designed, whether children were codesigners, and whether the tools had been evaluated. Eligibility criteria included the literature …

A Global Movement Takes Shape – Physical Activity, Health, And The New Era Of Responsibility: “Global Alliance For Promotion Of Physical Activity”, J. M. Steinacker, W. Van Mechelen, C. Joisten, S. Zanuso, C. A. Jaworski, Y. P. Pitsiladis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Restricting Outdoor Advertising Of Unhealthy Food: Can Australia's Food Category-Based Classification System Be Applied Consistently?, Clare Whitton, Frith Klug, Alexia Bivoltsis, Georgina S.A. Trapp, Claire E. Pulker

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Most outdoor food advertising (e.g. billboards and bus stops) features foods that are considered unhealthy. The most important technical challenge when designing policies to restrict unhealthy outdoor food advertising is defining 'unhealthy food'. To date, most restriction policies have used nutrient profiling models (i.e. foods are classified according to their nutritional composition) to determine which foods and beverages may be advertised. In Australia, state governments have endorsed a food category-based classification system, with no prescribed nutrient limits, which may create ambiguity when multiple users are identifying food advertisements to be restricted. This study aimed to assess the consistency of decisions …

Engaging In Movement At Work: Exploring Engagement And Physical Activity., Spencer A. Cavan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

High levels of employee engagement provide organizations competitive advantages such as increased customer satisfaction, profits, and employee productivity. Despite potential benefits, the number of engaged employees is declining and organizations need to find innovative ways to enhance engagement. Emerging evidence suggests workplace physical activity may generate organizational benefits extending beyond health improvement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of engagement among employees participating in a physical activity intervention at work. A qualitative design, guided by phenomenology, examined perceptions of workplace physical activity and perceived levels of engagement, as well as constraints related to involvement among university …

The Impact Of Mindfulness Therapy To Reduce Disruptive Behavior In High School, Wendy Peters

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this project was to determine the impact and effectiveness of Gina Biegel’s mindfulness techniques for stressed teens method on adolescent anxiety and the disruptive symptoms that lead to high school adolescents being assigned to detention. This project described a quantitative correlational design research project that investigated a small adolescent sample size, with a goal of decreasing the number of local high school adolescent students who are repeat detention offenders, by implementing Gina Biegel’s mindfulness techniques for stressed teens method on those high school adolescents who were assigned to detention. This was achieved by collecting demographic data from …

Shifting From Crisis To Prevention: Community-Generated Materials From The Core Sipp Listening Sessions (Version 1), Camille Velarde, Mahtab Soleimani, Yvonnie Baik, Theresa Cruz

Reports & Documents

The Core State Injury Prevention Program (CORE SIPP) in New Mexico sought to understand how communities can prevent injury and violence before crisis occurs. In 2025, the University of New Mexico Prevention Research Center, in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Health, listened to service providers, advocates, and community leaders working with youth and families across the state. Participants described overlapping challenges, including poverty, unsafe housing, limited mental health care, transportation gaps, and a lack of safe spaces for young people, and emphasized that real prevention must start early and address families’ basic needs. From these sessions, community members …

Cross-Cultural Adaptation And Validation Of Ranas-Based Instrument For Measuring Latrine Use Behavior In Indonesia, Vera Yulyani, Fatwa Sari Tetra Dewi, Iswanto Iswanto

Kesmas

Using toilets is a simple way to prevent diarrhea, yet no validated tool exists to measure this habit. This study aimed to develop and validate instruments for measuring latrine use consistency. This questionnaire was adapted from the risk, attitude, norm, ability, and self-regulation (RANAS) framework developed in India and modified for Indonesia. It was evaluated by three experts using the content validity index (CVI). The face validity index (FVI) was pilot-tested on 40 community respondents. Variables measured included behavior, habits, intentions to use toilets, knowledge, attitudes, norms, abilities, and self-regulation. Question items with relevance and clarity scores of item CVI …

Determinants Of School Health Unit Program Implementation In Junior High Schools Of Boyolali District, Indonesia, Ayu Khoirotul Umaroh, Noor Alis Setiyadi, Kusuma Estu Werdani, Tanjung Anitasari Indah Kusumaningrum, Purwo Setiyo Nugroho

Kesmas

Adolescent health problems such as stunting, attempted suicide, and tobacco use in Indonesia require attention. To address these challenges, the School Health Unit Program, a school-based health initiative, aims to improve student health and academic achievement. This study examined the relationship between human resources, teachers’ knowledge, facilities and infrastructure, financial resources, and the planning process for implementing the School Health Unit Program in junior high schools in Boyolali District, Indonesia. A cross-sectional design was utilized, involving 50 junior high school teachers responsible for the School Health Unit as respondents, with data collected through structured questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed …

Assessment Of Total Cardiovascular Risk Using Who/Ish Risk Prediction Chart Among Adults In Rural Areas Of Mysuru: A Cross-Sectional Study, Anchu R Nath, Amogha Shree, Rashmi S, Shweta N K, Deepshika R, Sunil Kumar D

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background:

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in rural India, where preventive healthcare infrastructure remains underdeveloped. Myocardial infarction and stroke are among the deadly events that are caused by a combination of risk factors that are present in the majority of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study aimed to estimate the 10-year CVD risk among adults in rural Mysuru using the WHO/ISH risk prediction charts, a practical tool designed for low-resource settings.

Methodology:

This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted over three months (January 2025- March 2025), involving 172 study participants from the rural field practice area …

Resilience Mediates The Association Between Discrimination And Psychological Distress Among Rural, Black Women In South Carolina: A Structural Equation Model, Camryn Garrett, Abhisheak Aggrawal, Huiyi Xia, Cheuk Chi Tam, Bankole Olatosi Ph.D., Sarah Wilcox Phd, Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Shan Qiao Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Introduction

The marginalization of intersecting racial, gender, and rural identities compounds the structural vulnerabilities (e.g., discrimination, stigma, health disparities) experienced by Black women in South Carolina’s rural areas. Discriminatory experiences can deteriorate mental health; however, resilience can potentially reduce the ill effects of discrimination by decreasing associated psychological distress. This study examines the mediating role of resilience in the association between discrimination and psychological distress among rural, Black women in South Carolina in the post-pandemic era.

Methods

Black women (n = 300, mean age = 48.6) living in rural South Carolina were recruited from January to February 2024 using …

Living In Fear: Be Empathetic (Life)-Tool Kit, Desiree A. Díaz, Heather Peralta, Samantha Stephenson, Danny Hernandez, Geraldine Luzincourt, Syretta Spears, Ann Marie Parker, Trysten Altamirano

Nursing Handouts, Tools, and Other Documents

Open source materials to immerse learners in rural and public health experiences are needed to ensure the new work force is equipped to care for a variety of people in differing circumstances. Public health remains a vital yet underemphasized component within healthcare education, specifically nursing education. This often limits opportunities for students to develop the skills necessary to become strong advocates for equity and systemic change. A

This project emerged from a commitment to provide experiential opportunities replicating the communities we serve. A Empathy Walk and LIFE Clinic (Díaz et al., 2025) was created as a strategy designed to engage …

Impact Of Food Insecurity Resource Navigation For Primary Care Patients With Diabetes And Hypertension: A Matched Cohort Study, Deeksha Gupta, Darin Thomas, Stella Self, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Alain H. Litwin, J. Alex Ewing, Lynnette Ramos-Gonzalez, A. Carolina Rudisill

Faculty Publications

Background

Food insecurity contributes to poor health and increased healthcare costs among patients with chronic diseases. Resource navigators can facilitate community-based resource connections, addressing food insecurity, but the impact on healthcare costs and quality of life remains unclear.

Objective

To examine whether food insecurity resource navigation improves clinical outcomes, healthcare charges, and quality of life for patients with diabetes and/or hypertension.

Design

Matched-control quasi-experimental study.

Patients

Patients underwent screening for food insecurity from July 12, 2021, to December 31, 2022, in South Carolina’s largest health system. Eligible patients (18 + years, having food insecurity, and diabetes and/or hypertension) enrolled for …

Public Understanding Of And Engagement With Community Health Workers And Promotores De Salud: Findings From Two National Surveys, Elizabeth A. Rohan, Julie S. Townsend, Andrea Torres, Hope L. Thompson, Dawn M. Holman, Avid Reza, Felicia Solomon Tharpe, Erin Caple, Ashley Wennerstrom

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Community health workers (CHWs) can improve health by helping people navigate health care services and systems and connecting them to community services that address nonmedical factors such as food insecurity, housing, and transportation. While CHWs have long been part of the US public health system, there are no data, to our knowledge, on the public's familiarity and interactions with CHWs. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2022 Porter Novelli FallStyles and Estilos surveys, online market research surveys of the general public delivered in English (FallStyles) or primarily Spanish (Estilos). Each survey asked the same 4 questions on familiarity and …

“The Technology We’Ve Been Forced To Use”: Impact Of Online Service Delivery For Kinship Families During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Angela Tobin, Amanda Klein-Cox, Ramona Denby

Social Work Faculty Research

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly changed the service landscape for both professionals and families. Kinship families, who often navigate multiple systems concurrently with higher service needs, were among the most vulnerable. This study explores kinship caregivers’ and child welfare professionals’ perceptions of changes in service delivery during the pandemic, specifically the sudden shift to virtual platforms.

Materials and Methods: To understand participants’ experiences, focus groups with protocols shaped by initial Delphi Rounds were implemented with 25 kinship caregivers and 34 child welfare professionals from a national sample.

Results: Caregiver and professionals shared themes related to how COVID-19 precautions impacted service …

Black Men And Health Literacy: Strategies For Improvement In A Digital Age Through The Adaptation Of A Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, Evelina Weidman Sterling, Laura Stevens, Vanessa Robinson-Dooley, Tyler Collette

Faculty Articles

Health literacy is a critical determinant of health outcomes, yet it is often overlooked, particularly among marginalized groups. This paper explores the significance of health literacy, with a particular focus on low-income African American and Black (AA/B) men, a population that faces unique challenges due to intersecting factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and educational disparities. We examine how these factors contribute to health literacy gaps, highlighting adverse effects on health outcomes for AA/B men compared to the general population. Additionally, we stress the growing importance of digital literacy in an increasingly technology-driven world. Not actively addressing digital health …

Academic Stress Among Jss High School Students In Mysuru And Chamarajanagar Districts: A Cross-Sectional Study, Lathika R, Dr Sunil Kumar D, Krishnamurthy K V, Dr Rakshitha J

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background

In today's world, students face academic stress which leading to anxiety, poor performance in academics and many other issues like nervousness, panic attacks and depression mainly derived from grades, parental pressure, and competition between the students. With the above background study aims to estimate the prevalence and assess the associated factors of academic stress among high school adolescents.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the academic stress among JSS high school students of Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts. A total of 379 were selected through Probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling. Structured questionnaire was used to assess the …

Community And School Programs, Policies And Environments Related To Child Dietary Intake:The Healthy Communities Study, Gail Woodward-Lopez, Alexander C. Mclain, Edward A. Frongillo Jr., Natalie Colabianchi, Vicki Collie-Akers, Lorrene D. Ritchie

Faculty Publications

Background

To reverse the epidemic of unhealthy eating and related chronic disease in the United States, intervening early in life is essential.

Objective

Identify features of community- and school-based programmes, policies and environments related to child intake of fruits and vegetables (FV) and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB).

Methods

Dietary intake of children 4–15 years old (n = 5138) from elementary and middle schools in 130 US communities was collected by survey (of parent and/or child) in 2013–2015. Features of community programs and policies (CPPs) and school environments were collected by staff surveys, direct observation, key informant interviews, and/or document review. …

A Cancer Education Needs Assessment: Informing Middle-Aged Female Patients About The Relationships Between Obesity And Women’S Health Concerns In The Reproductive System, Breast, And Endometrial Health, Batul Mirza

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Obesity significantly impacts women’s health, particularly among middle-aged women, by increasing the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, endometrial, and reproductive system cancers. This study examines the educational needs of this demographic group regarding obesity-related cancer risks and explores effective intervention strategies. Obesity-induced mechanisms – hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance – drive cancer susceptibility, emphasizing the need for targeted health education. The study employs a qualitative design, which includes interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs) and surveys of middle-aged women. The goal is to assess awareness, perceived barriers, and preferred learning methods. Findings suggest that with many …

State-Level Immigrant Policies And Diabetes Prevalence In Latino And Asian American Groups: A Weighted Multilevel Analysis, Md Towfiqul Alam, Jennifer Toller Erausquin, Erica Payton, Elizabeth Vásquez, Sandra Echeverria

Faculty Scholarship

Introduction: Growing literature has shown that immigrant-related policies influence population health by limiting or enhancing immigrants’ rights. However, less is known about the role of state-level immigrant policies shaping chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This cross-sectional study examined the association between state-level immigrant policies (both criminalising and inclusive) and prevalence of T2DM among individuals of Latin American and Asian American origin.

Method: We included adults aged 18+years sampled in the 2014–2018 behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS) (n=201 824), a survey design that allows the calculation of state-level estimates. Using existing policy measures, states …

Ageing And Occupational Medicine In Indonesia: A Timely Integration For An Inclusive Workforce, Iqbal Mochtar

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

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Incidence And Clinical Profile Of Cardiovascular Abnormalities In Infants Of Diabetic Mother, Kailas Randad, Praveen Das, Akash Dnyandeo Sarkate, Qudsiya Ansari

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Maternal diabetes is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, notably congenital heart disease (CHD) in infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs). This study evaluated the prevalence and spectrum of CHDs in IDMs and the effect of maternal glycemic control.

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months at a tertiary care centre in Mumbai. A total of 112 IDMs were enrolled. Maternal glycemic status was assessed using HbA1c and random blood sugar. All infants underwent clinical examination, oxygen saturation measurement, and echocardiography.

Results: CHDs were identified in 26.7% of infants. The most frequent lesions …

Evaluation Of Snap-Ed New Mexico’S Pilot “I Choose H2o” Campaign To Increase Water Consumption, Theresa H. Cruz, Mahtab Soleimani, Camille R. Velarde, Belinda E. Vicuna

Reports & Documents

The “I Choose H2O” campaign is a school-based pilot initiative developed by the University of New Mexico Prevention Research Center with SNAP-Ed NM funding from the USDA. Designed as a three-week social marketing effort, the campaign aimed to increase daily water consumption and reduce intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) among middle school students. The campaign engaged students and staff through activities such as water challenges, events, tastings, and prize incentives, while also encouraging broader school-level policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes.

This evaluation used direct observation before and after implementation to assess changes in water fountain usage and lunchtime beverage …

Unsuitable Underlying Cause-Of-Death Statements: Implementation And Evaluation Of A Structured Process For Healthcare Providers Certifying Natural Causes Of Death In An Outpatient Setting, Naida Rutherford

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Accuracy in death certification is crucial for effective public health initiatives. Inaccuracies in unsuitable Underlying Cause-of-Death (UCOD) statements can distort mortality statistics, influence health policy, and impact resource allocation. In South Carolina, changes in the death registration process and the introduction of an unsuitable cause-of-death list highlighted an urgent need for structured training among certifiers to enhance accuracy in death documentation.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement a standardized training program for healthcare providers certifying natural causes of death and assessing the impact of reducing the unsuitable underlying cause-of-death inaccuracies in an outpatient hospice setting.

Project …

Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates For Patients Without Insurance, Andrea F. Day

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States (U.S.), ranking as second most prevalent overall. Despite many initiatives, screening rates remain low, especially among clinic patients without insurance. The lack of an evidence-based screening protocol exacerbates these issues and increases the risk of advanced cancer and death. Initial data showed that 0% of patients were screened according to recommended guidelines.

Purpose: The project implemented a standard screening protocol to increase colorectal cancer screening rates in a rural Alabama free clinic for patients ages 45-64 lacking insurance.

Project Design: This quality improvement …

Utilizing Text Messaging To Increase Annual Mammogram Screening Compliance, Lacey B. Santa Cruz

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Routine mammography can lessen breast cancer deaths, but many patients do not follow the current screening guidelines. Limited access to mammography and insufficient awareness lead to missed screening appointments.

Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to improve annual mammogram adherence among women aged 40-74 by implementing an electronic medical record (EMR)-based text reminder system.

Project Design: Secondary patient data was collected from a privately owned, rural family practice clinic. Using the Mobilize-Assess-Plan-Implement-Track (MAP-IT) quality improvement framework, the project implemented a text message reminder intervention through the EMR. Eligible patients received a text reminder …

The Influence Of Sex Education On Sexual Behaviors From Adolescence To Young Adulthood In South Carolina, Megan Elizabeth Austin

Theses and Dissertations

Sex education in South Carolina (SC) is known to be limited, which may influence adolescent sexual behaviors, leading to a higher likelihood of lower ages of sexual initiation, more sexual partners, and more experiences of sexual violence. These behaviors are associated with many negative health outcomes.

A political content analysis of bills, laws, and educational standards provides insight to changes in political discourse around sex education from when the Comprehensive Health Education Act (CHEA) was passed in 1988 until 2024. A variable created through this analysis is used along with SC Youth Risk Behavior Survey data to assess changes in …

The Artichoke Model: A Conceptual Framework For Positive Food Environments In Early Childhood Education And Care (Ecec) Settings, Ros Sambell, Audrey Elford, Tori Overstone, Rebecca Byrne, Kirsty Elliott, Sandra Vale, Penelope Love, Lisa Vincze, Leanne Elliston, Fiona Nave, Janny Goris, Emma Esdaile, Amanda Devine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The Artichoke Model is a conceptual framework developed to support the understanding of the breadth and influence of food environments in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings. It identifies twelve interrelated components spanning food provision, mealtime practices, curriculum integration, staff capacity, family engagement, and systemic enablers such as policy, equity, and environmental sustainability. Represented visually as an artichoke with the child at its centre, the model encourages holistic analysis, recognising that sustainable change requires the interconnected operation of all components, rather than isolated interventions. The Artichoke Model is intended as a tool for researchers, policymakers, and advocates to guide …

Foundations And Strategic Vision Of The Canadian Translational Geroscience Network, Guy Hajj-Boutros, Andréa Faust, John Muscedere, Perry Kim, Gilles Gouspillou, Lea Harrington, James L. Kirkland, George A. Kuchel, Jeremy Van Raamsdonk, R. Jane Rylett, Chantal Autexier, Louis R. Lapierre, Michael Kobor, Mohammad Auais, Ann Beliën, Jeroen Aerssens, George Sutphin, Kenneth Rockwood, Alexandra Papaioannou, Marc Sim, Jamie Justice, Nancy Mayo, Gustavo Duque

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Geroscience is an emerging interdisciplinary field that explores the biological connections between aging and the development of chronic diseases, with the ultimate goal of identifying interventions to extend healthspan and delay age-related conditions. Recognizing the growing importance of this field, the Canadian Translational Geroscience Network (geroscience.ca) was officially launched during a conference held in Montreal on September 5-6, 2024. Building on the momentum of successful Geroscience meetings in Toronto and Montreal in 2023, this milestone event marked a transformative step forward for geroscience in Canada. This event brought together key stakeholders, including the Canadian Frailty Network (CFN), the Canadian Institutes …