Public Health Education and Promotion Commons^™

Community Voices, Climate Action Choices: Working Towards A Resilient Monterey County, Lesley A. Solano Alonso

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Vulnerable communities in Monterey County face disproportionate environmental and health impacts due to climate change, yet many residents remain unaware of the tools and resources available to support local action. This capstone project was implemented in partnership with Ecology Action (EA) and the Resilient Central Coast (RCC) campaign to increase awareness and engagement with the RCC platform. Serving diverse communities across Monterey County, the project included bilingual outreach efforts, community tabling, educational presentations, and a climate action survey. Over 650 residents were engaged directly, resulting in 99 new household sign-ups on the RCC website, a major milestone for the agency. …

Small But Mighty: Strengthening The Value Of Local Pocket Parks, Makana Sm Higa

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

In Monterey County, youth obesity rates are climbing at an alarming rate. Ventana Wildlife Society, and Wellness Through Nature program seek to help lower these rates. Ventana looks to achieve this through outdoor education and family trips with migrant farm working families in the cities of Soledad and Salinas. These trips attempt to increase environmental stewardship and improve community health. The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness and community engagement in regards to pocket parks. The parks visited were Bataan Memorial Park, Harden Neighborhood Park, Cesar Chavez Park, Joe Ledesma Park and San Antonio Park. The research seeks to increase …

Gender And Ethnic Differences In Mental Health Outcomes In Sexual And Gender Minority (Sgm) Youth And Young Adults In Texas And California, 2022-2024, Michelle Gil

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: Depression and anxiety affect populations differently, particularly LGBTQ+, ethnic minorities, and youth with limited access to competent care. Risk factors include harassment, victimization, and discrimination. Purpose: To examine gender identity and ethnic differences in depression and anxiety among SGM youth in Texas and California. It is hypothesized that both Latinx and gender minority youth will report higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to non-Latinx and cisgender youth. Methods: Secondary analysis used data from the Family, Housing, and Me (FHAM) Project, following 83 LGBTQ+ youth from South Texas and California's Inland Empire over 25 months. Data includes sociodemographic characteristics, …

Pilot Study To Compare A Therapeutic Exercise Protocol And Neuromuscular Taping On Improving Plantar Foot Pressure Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients, Sandra Rivera

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: Diabetes has become one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a common complication of diabetes as it causes peripheral neuropathy. It is estimated that up to 50% of peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes may be asymptomatic. Justification: The purpose of this study was to determine if the therapeutic exercise protocol and/or Neuromuscular taping can delay changes in the plantar pressure of the foot in patients with Diabetes. Methods: A two-group quasi-experimental design was used in this study; data was collected at two different points in time; pre- and post-intervention. Baropodometric was used …

Analysis Of Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, And Cholesterol Screening Results Collected During Street Outreach Events In Atlantic County, New Jersey, As Part Of A Mobile Community Health Worker Program To Identify Residents At High Risk For Severe Covid-19, Kenneth W. Stagliano, Richard T. Jermyn, Alexander E. Abbott, Donato F. Tassoni, Amy Palen, Frank Carozza, Nicole M. Miller

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: This study seeks to evaluate the status of random blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose screening results in Atlantic County, NJ. This study also aims to identify the rates of hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension within the target population, and potential differences between surveyed age demographics.

Methods: Medical students participating in the COVID-19 CHW Service Corps collected blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose screenings at multiple screening events in Atlantic County, NJ during a two-year period. This data was analyzed retrospectively using ANOVA, non-parametric Kruskal Walis Test, and Tukey's pairwise comparisons.

Results: Senior adults had significantly higher SBP than …

Examining The Relationship Between Nutritional Access And Childhood Obesity In Low-Resource South Jersey Communities, Anastasiya Matveyenko, Saul Madrid-Flores, Arleen Fortuna, Kirsten Marie Carlberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is defined as a child considered to have obesity when their body mass index falls in the top 5% compared to other children of the same age and gender. Unhealthy eating habits formed during childhood have been associated with diseases such as obesity and diabetes. We aim to examine the relationship between childhood obesity and barriers to optimal nutrition in our local South Jersey community.

METHODS: We conducted a literature review through Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed utilizing the key terms, “low socioeconomic status (SES),” “Childhood obesity in NJ,” “Nutritional Intervention,” and “Health Risks.”

RESULTS: Our study …

Patient Education And Health Literacy Effects On Statin Use And Adherence, Ian M. Smith, Richard G. Olarsch, Alison M. Mancuso

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: While the use of statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) plays a significant role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, it is estimated approximately 60% of patients who would benefit from a statin are receiving these medications. Current research suggests that a preference for life-style intervention over medical management, concern over medical adverse reactions, and a lower perceived risk of cardiovascular events is associated with statin non-adherence.

Methods: An IRB-approved paper survey was administered to patients aged 18 to 89 at an ambulatory primary care clinic for non-acute visits. Qualtrics was utilized to collect, store, and process data. Information elicited from …

Promoting Safe Firearm Storage Through Media-Based Interventions, Abigail Bordelon

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Given the ongoing phenomenon of unintentional pediatric firearm deaths, this project seeks to examine how the mainstream media reports on these events and how media frames could be altered to better promote public health prevention efforts.

Analysis Of Marshallese Perceptions Of Health And Weight In Adolescents, Sterling Thomas

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Purpose: The purpose of the research is to understand the perceptions of Marshallese adolescents on the topic of health and weight, in order to provide guidance for interventions and public health efforts. The United States has the largest Marshallese population outside the Marshall Islands. Perceptions of weight and health is under researched for minority communities and from the insight of adolescents. Pacific Islanders such as the Marshallese are often categorized as part of the larger Asian American ethnic population, which is not always accurate in certain aspects where public health could provide support areas of concern.

Design: Focus groups …

On Death And Disease: How Physicians’ Perspectives Compare Across Specialties Through Written Work, Stephanie Anne C. Alkonga

Honors Capstones

Narrative medicine is a tool that the medical field is increasingly utilizing to cultivate patient-centered and culturally competent doctors and to reflect on lived experiences through texts that focus on psychosocial best practices. This study aims to examine the language used in physician-written works that address how physicians in different medical specialties treat the aging and the terminally ill, and how they view the deceased. Qualitative data guided by thematic questions will primarily be used in the analysis and comparison of these texts’ tone, rhetoric, diction, and similar literary devices to uncover if certain patterns arise across such specialties. Findings …

A Review Of Praziquantel Resistance In Schistosomes And The Future Of Schistosomiasis Control, Gabriela G. Eastham

Senior Honors Theses

Schistosomiasis is a group of both acute and chronic parasitic trematode infections of the genus Schistosoma. Praziquantel (PZQ) has been the drug of choice to treat schistosomiasis for decades. Though it is effective against all three clinically relevant species, heavy reliance on PZQ has led to concerns of schistosome resistance, especially in areas that have implemented this drug in mass drug administration (MDA) programs. Although there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that schistosomes are becoming resistant to PZQ on a large scale, other control methods are a necessity to best treat and eliminate schistosomiasis. This article summarizes the …

Memory Matters: Cognitive Screenings For Dementia Detection In Monterey County, Cintia Gonzalez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The rates of Alzheimer’s disease in Monterey County are increasing. The Healthy Aging program from the Monterey County Health Department strives to promote the well-being and health of older adults and caregivers in Monterey County by offering education on brain health, support in adopting healthy lifestyles, and connecting to community services. Memory Matters is an example of a training or educational intervention. The purpose of Memory Matters is to bridge the gap of insufficient access to early detection of dementia by bringing awareness to brain health, and facilitating the conversation of cognitive exams with older adults, their caregivers, and their …

Testing A Benign Multi-Modal Bilingual Intervention To Increase Self-Efficacy, Intentions, And Willingness To Administer A Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test In A Predominately Hispanic Sample, Uchenna Gbugu

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Introduction. Testing is one of the most effective methods for reducing the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 antigen tests can detect proteins from the COVID-19 virus called antigens and produce results within minutes, making them suitable for at-home use. Several factors have been identified as barriers to self-administering a COVID-19 antigen test, including the language of the testing instructions, the cost of testing, and access to tests. Interventions to reduce barriers to self-administering COVID-19 rapid tests are warranted to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The purpose of the present study is to test the impact of a benign multi-modal bilingual intervention …

Racial And Ethnic Differences In Knowledge Of Gender-Affirming Care Among Community And Student Participants In The Bloom Transgender Health Education Program In The Paso Del Norte Region, 2022-2024, Tandra Ghosh

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE: There is a noticeable lack of training and knowledge regarding gender-affirming care (GAC) among providers and within the general community. OBJECTIVE: Assess racial and ethnic disparities in knowledge of GAC among participants in BLOOM, a quasi-experimental transgender health education program in the Paso Del Norte region. HYPOTHESES: Among community and student participants at pre-survey, assess racial and ethnic differences in sociodemographic characteristics, preparedness, attitudes, and basic knowledge regarding LGBT clients/patients and GAC. METHODS: Secondary data among community (pre: 53; post: 14) and student (pre: 29; post: 17) BLOOM participants in 2022-2024 were used. Descriptive statistics …

Finding Strength In The Struggle: The Impact Of Resilience On Life Satisfaction Among Veterans With Mental Illness, Marissa Gonzalez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: Veterans living with mental illness often face challenges that impact their overall life satisfaction and adjustment to civilian life. While resilience is widely considered a protective factor, limited research has examined its role in conjunction with personality traits, psychosocial factors, and demographic characteristics. Purpose: This cross-sectional study examined the associations between resilience and life satisfaction among U.S. veterans with mental illnesses, while accounting for personality dimensions, demographic variables, and psychosocial factors. Methods: Secondary data from 156 veterans diagnosed with mental illness were analyzed. Hierarchical linear regression was used to assess the relationship between resilience and life satisfaction, controlling for …

Navigating Travel Therapy: Balancing Benefits And Risks For Optimal Wellness, Fangli Hu, Jun Wen, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This research note examines travel therapy as a novel healthcare approach in which positive travel experiences serve to promote well-being. It emphasizes the need for a balanced assessment of the benefits and risks associated with travel therapy, offering insights into this practice's evolving roles in the health and wellness domains.

A Multivariate Analysis Of Reported Quality Of Life Among Medical Students In Jordan Using The Whoqol-Bref, Mohammad Hamad, Saba Al Smadi, Diana Arabiat

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

BACKGROUND: Low quality of life (QoL) in university students is often associated with unhealthy lifestyle and negative impacts on students' ability to learn and succeed. To date, no research has examined the QoL of medical students in Jordan or the demographic factors that may associate with lower QoL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional study with a descriptive design was chosen for this study. Participants were 512 medical students from one public university in Jordan. The Arabic version of the World Health Quality of life-brief survey (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to collect data online from students. RESULTS: Regarding the overall QoL, …

Exercise As An Intervention For Postpartum Depression (Ppd), Kylie P. Mistretta

Honors Scholar Theses

Objective: To illustrate the applications of exercise for preventing the development of postpartum depression (PPD) and addressing associated risk factors identified in the literature. Data Sources: PubMed and EBSCO: Academic Search Premier were accessed using the search terms exercise OR physical activity OR yoga AND postpartum depression OR postnatal depression. A secondary search of PubMed was conducted using the search terms exercise AND pregnancy AND depression OR gestational diabetes OR weight gain OR sleep quality.

Study Selection: Studies selected for inclusion were peer-reviewed, published after January 2012, written in English, and relevant to the PPD risk factors examined. Only clinical …

Social Media Use In Health Education: National Children's Dental Health Month Social Media Toolkit, Jazmin Pelayo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM) was created by the American Dental Association and is celebrated annually by local oral health programs all around the country. The celebration began as a one-day event on February 8, 1949, expanded to a week-long observance in 1955, and was later extended to a month-long celebration in 1981. Today local oral health programs celebrate NCDHM in a variety of ways but the one I will be focusing on is a social media tool kit. A social media tool kit consists of videos or posts that are posted on different platforms such as the www.smilesbc.org …

A Whole Person Care Approach To Ending The Hiv Epidemic In The Inland Empire, Roberto Daniel Gonzalez Coronado

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In the last 40 years, the United States has seen remarkable progress in the field of HIV treatment; however, the virus continues to burden the most vulnerable members of society, such as Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and Intravenous Drug Users (IVDU). Unfortunately, these vulnerable members of society continue to lack stable social conditions to get into proper HIV treatment. These social conditions are referred to as social determinants of health, which are non-medical factors that influence whole-person care. With these members of society continuing to face greater social disparities, their linkage to care and retention to care …

Awareness And Attitudes Toward Diabetes Among Students In The California State University System, Cesar Fajardo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background and Aims: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been increasing globally. Studies examining patient awareness and attitudes toward diabetes have been conducted and found that diabetes education does increase patient knowledge but has no effect on attitudes. Additionally, many of these studies did not assess university students’ views on type 2 diabetes. Given that type 2 diabetes incidence is increasing among young adults, more attention must be given to this population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate CSUSB students' understanding and attitudes toward type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using electronic surveys with …

Implementing A Sustainable Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Across Riverside County, Felipe Aperador

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This project focuses on improving health surveillance in remote communities, addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) enhancing connectivity and data collection. Geographic barriers, high shipping costs, and logistical challenges have historically hindered healthcare delivery in underserved areas. By integrating healthcare facilities into a cohesive surveillance systems, would improve specimen collection and data analysis. A systematic review of literature identified key strategies, including governmental support, strengthening laboratory capacity, addressing logistical barriers, and enhancing connectivity. Notable results include insights to integrate new facilities when creating a surveillance network, supported by training and state-funded resources. Actionable steps, such as implementing National Action Plans, establishing National …

Evaluating The Impact Of Community Gardens On Social Equity And Public Health: A Case Study Of Caramel Connections Foundation's (Ccf) Seeds Of Joy Community Garden, Elizabeth Pinder

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Community gardens have been increasingly recognized as effective public health interventions that address food insecurity, foster social cohesion, and promote environmental sustainability. This evaluation examines the impact of the Caramel Connections Foundation (CCF) Seeds of Joy Community Garden in Ontario, California, by assessing its effectiveness in advancing social equity, improving public health outcomes, and fostering community engagement. Using an evaluation framework, this study measures key program outcomes, including improvements in community well-being, inclusivity, and access to green spaces.

A mixed-methods evaluation design was applied, incorporating process and impact evaluation methodologies. Secondary data collected from CCF’s existing program records, survey responses, …

Investigating The Suitability Of Dichotomous Responses For The Water Insecurity Experiences (Wise) Scales Using Nationally Representative Data From 39 Countries, Indira Bose, Joshua D. Miller, Hilary J. Bethancourt, Olga P. García, Hugo R. Melgar-Quiñonez, Rosana Salles-Costa, Mauro E. Delgrossi, Scott M. Miller, Tessa L. Durham, Teresa Shamah-Levy, Pablo Gaitán-Rossi, Sera L. Young, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

The Water Insecurity Experiences (WISE) Scales have been validated to comparably measure water insecurity globally. The scales consist of 12 items that can be administered in approximately 3 minutes. There is interest in developing more rapid versions of the tools for when time is limited. One alternative is to use a subset of 4 items, which has been validated, but has some drawbacks. Here we investigate another alternative: dichotomous (yes/no) response options instead of the original four levels of frequency-based (polytomous) responses. We used nationally representative data from 39 countries to simulate dichotomized responses by collapsing the four levels of …

Produce Prescription Policy Project For The Securement Of A Grant To Address Food Insecurity For Low-Income Type Ii Diabetic Patients, Isabel D. Garcia-Gallegos

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE

This policy-focused Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement (QI) project aims to secure grant funding through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) to implement a produce prescription program at a community clinic in Texas. The program targets low-income adults (18-65 years) with type II diabetes who experience food insecurity and are affected by Medicaid non-expansion.

BACKGROUND

Texas’ decision not to expand Medicaid has exacerbated food insecurity among low-income residents, particularly those managing type II diabetes. This decision creates a healthcare policy gap that this project aims to address with a food-as-medicine program.

METHODOLOGY

Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) …

Analyzing The Association Of Competitive Food Policy On Competitive Food Content In U.S. Schools., Mary E. Curnutte

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

OBJECTIVES: School food can have a profound effect on the population’s health. Thirty million children receive food at school and consume half their daily calorie intake at school. Competitive foods are foods sold outside of school breakfast and lunch, such as those sold in vending machines. A new ruling for Smart Snacks Standards, a set of competitive food guidelines, started in the school year 2014-2015. It is known that competitive foods undermine school lunch participation, and a decrease in school lunch consumption is associated with poorer student health. Additionally, an increase in competitive foods tends to be of nutrient-poor …

An Examination Of Health Coaching As A Developing Profession, Katie Suleta, Jonathan M. Davis

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Health coaching is a field that is growing in popularity. Health coaching is not regulated and there is no standard for background, education, or training for those acting as health coaches. The purpose of this study was to investigate the burgeoning field of health coaching: who is performing it and common practices.

Methods

A total of 560 health coaching websites were reviewed to record educational backgrounds, recommendations for supplements, and the sale of supplements and/or other wellness products. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test associations between characteristics of health coaches and whether they recommend supplements, sell supplements, or …

Understanding The Care Experiences And Support Needs Of Uk Adults Treated In Hospital For Meningitis, Harriet Hay, Amy Tallett Dr, Bec Aeddi, Beverley Corbett, Claire Donovan, Jane Blewitt, Juan Abad Madroñero

Patient Experience Journal

Background: Meningitis often results in ongoing and multifaceted after-effects, which can impact many aspects of people's lives, yet relatively little support and follow-up is offered. This study explored post-treatment care experiences of UK adults aged 16 and over following a recent stay in hospital for meningitis. Methods: A survey was designed to ask about hospital discharge, recovery, information provision and aftercare support. The research involved 5 semi-structured, in-depth interviews and a 15-participant online asynchronous focus group. The themes arising from this qualitative stage informed the development of a quantitative 32-item questionnaire which was hosted and promoted online between September 2022 …

Health Literacy, Health Perception, And Influencing Factors Among Immigrants, Canan Birimoglu Okuyan, Ebru Deveci, Fatma Karasu

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Individuals living in rural areas face several healthcare disadvantages, including limited access to medical facilities and specialists during emergencies. This study examines healthy lifestyle behaviors, health perceptions, and influencing factors among immigrants in a rural region of southern Türkiye.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved immigrants registered at a family health center. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Perception of Health Scale, and the Health Literacy Scale.

Results: Statistically significant differences in THLS-32 scores were found based on participants’ occupation, marital status, and education level (p < 0.05). A moderately positive correlation was observed between health literacy and health perception scores (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Research on the relationship between …

Assessing Healthcare Students’ Self-Efficacy In Disaster Response: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Aydın Şenol, Abdülkerim Adıyaman, Canan Birimoglu Okuyan

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Assessing healthcare students’ self-efficacy in disaster response is crucial for preparing them to effectively manage real-world disaster situations. This study aimed to assess the self-efficacy status of healthcare students in disaster response.

Methods: The data for this cross-sectional analysis were gathered from 498 healthcare students between November 18, 2023, and February 14, 2024, using an individual diagnostic form and the disaster-response self-efficacy (DRSE) scale. This scale is used to assess an individual’s self-efficacy in responding effectively to disasters, including on-site rescue competency, disaster psychological nursing competency, disaster role quality, and adaptation competency.

Results: The mean age …