Women's Health Commons^™

Sparkled: Social Programming In Kids Affects Risk Of Latent Endothelial Disease, Rebecca Drakowski

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Social Health Programming (SHP) is a holistic intervention that can empower communities to address modifiable risk factors for poor cardiovascular health, including suboptimal nutrition or psychosocial stressors. SHP participation has been shown to increase dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, decrease perceived stress, and improve cardiovascular endurance. However, it is unknown how SHP participation during adolescence affects carotenoid serum levels, hair cortisol concentrations (biological marker of chronic stress), or vascular reactivity index (VRI; measure of subclinical cardiovascular health).

Methods: Adolescent girls and young adult women (12–29-year-old) were enrolled in this observational cohort study. Serum, hair, and saliva samples were …

Efficacy Of Probiotics For Treatment Of Acute Or Persistent Diarrhoea In Children From Birth Till 10 Years: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Anmol Minaz, Ridwa Alam, Uswa Jiwani, Khadija Vadsaria, Ahmad Khan, Aqsa Ishaq, Samar Sultan, Marium Mohsin, Ashraf Sharif, Yasir Bin Nisar, Jai K. Das, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Shabina Ariff

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background: Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of probiotics in treating acute and persistent diarrhoea. However, probiotics have not been established as a recommended management option for diarrhoeal illness by the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials to assess the efficacy of probiotics for the management of acute and persistent diarrhoea in children.
Methods: A systematic search on PubMed, CINAHL, Wiley Cochrane Library, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) was performed. All studies published in the year 2000 and onwards that assessed the use of probiotics in the …

Protocol For Culturing Patient-Derived Organoids Of Cervical Cancer, Rui Wang, Timothy Harris, Dalissa Negrón-Figueroa, David Lo, Allison Judge, D'Shaunique Walters, Bo Jiang, Lauren E Colbert

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Herein, we present a protocol for culturing patient-derived organoids (PDOs) of cervical cancer that includes workflows for tumor biopsy/resection tissue and cytobrush-sampled cells. We describe steps for PDO culture initiation, including rinsing, gentle dissociation, Lymphoprep separation, and cell assessment, as well as seeding cells from surgical and cytobrush tissue digestion. We then provide guidance on PDO maintenance and passage and techniques for producing conditioned medium. Overall, this protocol serves as a valuable guide for establishing and maintaining cervical cancer PDOs. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Colbert et al.

The Camden Study - A Pregnancy Cohort Study Of Pregnancy Complications And Birth Outcomes In Camden, New Jersey, Usa., Stephanie Shiau, Xinhua Chen, Ayana April-Sanders, Ellen C Francis, Shristi Rawal, Megan Hansel, Kehinde Adeyemi, Zorimar Rivera-Núñez, Emily S Barrett

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is a unique stage of the life course characterized by trade-offs between the nutritional, immune, and metabolic needs of the mother and fetus. The Camden Study was originally initiated to examine nutritional status, growth, and birth outcomes in adolescent pregnancies and expanded to study dietary and molecular predictors of pregnancy complications and birth outcomes in young women.

METHODS: From 1985-2006, 4765 pregnant participants aged 12 years and older were recruited from Camden, NJ, one of the poorest cities in the US. The cohort reflects a population under-represented in perinatal cohort studies (45% Hispanic, 38% non-Hispanic Black, 17% White …

"Does Anyone Believe Me"?: The Traumatization Of Domestic Violence Survivors In The Criminal Justice System, Olivia Depalma

Master of Arts in Human Services

Survivors of domestic violence are often subject to chronic trauma as well as a heightened risk of injuries and mental health problems and disorders. The intention of the author is to focus on how trauma impacts a survivor’s ability to maneuver and interact with the criminal justice system (CJS). Prior studies have shown how survivor’s behaviors, usually the result of trauma, can lead to misconceived notions and beliefs in court officials and those involved in the CJS. Survivors will often face judgment, doubt, and criticism in the CJS, and this can impact their willingness to come forward, report the abuse, …

Pathways From Socioeconomic Factors To Major Cardiovascular Events Among Postmenopausal Veteran And Nonveteran Women: Findings From The Women's Health Initiative, Hind A Beydoun, May A Beydoun, Rebecca L Kinney, Simin Liu, Rona Yu, Matthew Allison, Robert B Wallace, Qian Xiao, Longjian Liu, Philippe Gradidge, Su Yon Jung, Hilary A Tindle, Shawna Follis, Robert Brunner, Jack Tsai

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death for women in the United States, with veterans being at potentially higher risk than their nonveteran counterparts due to accelerated aging and distinct biopsychosocial mechanisms. We examined pathways between selected indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) such as education, occupation, household income, and neighborhood SES and major CVD events through lifestyle and health characteristics among veteran and nonveteran postmenopausal women.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 121 286 study-eligible WHI (Women's Health Initiative) participants (3091 veterans and 118 195 nonveterans) were prospectively followed for an average of 17 years, during which …

Predictors Of Low Birthweight Using Data From Electronic Medical Records In Flint, Michigan, 2013 To 2016, Rie Suzuki, Neida Monroy-Sechague

Michigan Journal of Public Health

Introduction: Infant mortality continues to be a major health problem in Michigan, with low birthweight (LBW) being a leading cause. Between 2020 and 2022, Black infants were nearly twice as likely to be LBW compared to White infants. The purpose of this study was to use electronic medical records (EMR) data to assess predictors of LBW and determine whether race influenced this relationship using a unique data source of EMR in Flint, Michigan (MI).

Methods: A retrospective study from 2013 to 2016 was conducted at the Health Resources and Services Administration local health center in Flint, MI. Demographics, birth …

The Evidence Is In: Breast Implants Are Making People Sick Increasingly Women Find When They Have Their Implants Removed, Their Symptoms Improve—Or Disappear., Pamela J. Appea

Capstones

Over the years, breast implants have been associated with a wide range of health issues, including cancer and autoimmune diseases, but surprisingly these issues are not well known to the public. In 1992, health concerns led the FDA to halt the use of silicone gel breast implants for cosmetic surgeries, although implants containing saline remained available (it was during this period that the Oprah segment that Gmitro remembered ran on TV). In 2006, after more research, which some experts believe was insufficient, the FDA re-approved the use of silicone implants. In 2019, a novel “textured” breast implant manufactured …

Disparities In The Pregnancy Experience: A Multi-Case Analysis, Tiffany C. Thomas, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Racial disparities in maternal healthcare continue to be a significant issue, with Black women experiencing worse outcomes compared to White women. Despite improvements in healthcare, Black women are still 2.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, and they face higher rates of preterm births, low birth weight, and insufficient prenatal care. This paper examines the experiences of three African American women from high socioeconomic backgrounds, focusing on where these negative experiences are most common throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. The study uses the Pregnancy and Maternity Care Patients' Experiences Questionnaire (PreMaPEQ) to explore different stages of care, …

Antibiotics For Acute Watery Or Persistent With Or Without Bloody Diarrhoea In Children: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Syeda Kanza Naqvi, Mustafa Bin Ali Zubairi, Ayesha Arshad Ali, Ashraf Sharif, Rehana Abdus Salam, Zain Hasnain, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Shabina Ariff, Yasir Bin Nisar, Jai K. Das

Institute for Global Health and Development

Background: The use of antibiotics in the treatment of acute and persistent watery diarrhoea has long been a subject of contention. While the advantages of using antimicrobials are acknowledged, concerns remain regarding potential adverse effects and antibiotic resistance. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of antibiotics compared to placebos for the treatment of diarrhoea.
Methods: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Scopus from inception until 20 July 2023 for studies published after the year 2000 assessing antibiotics vs placebo in acute …

Zinc Supplementation For Acute And Persistent Watery Diarrhoea In Children: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Ayesha Arshad Ali, Syeda Kanza Naqvi, Zain Hasnain, Mustafa Bin Ali Zubairi, Ashraf Sharif, Rehana Abdus Salam, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Shabina Ariff, Yasir Bin Nisar, Jai K. Das

Institute for Global Health and Development

Background: Zinc is a micronutrient that plays a role in immune system strengthening and regulation of intestinal epithelial cells, and can reduce the duration and severity of diarrhoea. We conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effectiveness of zinc compared to no zinc for the management of acute and persistent diarrhoea in children.
Methods: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from inception until 31 July 2023 for studies published from year 2000 onwards that assessed the use of zinc in the management …

Low-Osmolarity Oral Rehydration Solution For Childhood Diarrhoea: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Mustafa Bin Ali Zubairi, Syeda Kanza Naqvi, Ayesha Arshad Ali, Ashraf Sharif, Rehana Abdus Salam, Zain Hasnain, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Shabina Ariff, Yasir Bin Nisar, Jai K. Das

Institute for Global Health and Development

Background: Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is crucial in the management of diarrhoea. Until the early 2000s, the standard formulation of glucose-based ORS with a total osmolarity of 311 mmol/L was being used for this purpose. However, due to concerns about sodium levels and cases of hypernatremia, a low-osmolarity ORS solution (LORS) with an osmolarity of 245mmol/L or less was developed to replace the standard ORS. With this systematic review, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of LORS compared to standard ORS for the treatment of acute and persistent diarrhoea.
Methods: We comprehensively searched PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, the …

Adiposity Throughout Adulthood And Risk Of Young-Onset Breast Cancer Tumor Subtypes In The Young Women's Health History Study, Lydia Marcus Post, Dorothy R. Pathak, Ann S. Hamilton, Kelly A. Hirko, Richard T. Houang, Emily H. Guseman, Dan Sanfelippo, Nicole Bohme Carnegie, L. Karl Olson, Hallgeir Rui, Ann G. Schwartz, Ellen M. Velie

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The role of adult adiposity in young-onset breast cancer (YOBC) subtype risk is not well understood.

METHODS: In this population-based case (n = 1812)-control (n = 1,381) study of invasive YOBC (ages <50 >years), cases were identified from the Los Angeles County and Metropolitan Detroit Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries, 2010 to 2015. Area-based, frequency-matched controls were sampled from the 2010 Census. General adiposity [body mass index (BMI)] and central adiposity (waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio) across adulthood and covariates were collected from in-person interviews and measurements. ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for adiposity and YOBC tumor subtypes …

Personal Protective Equipment For Minoritized U.S. Agricultural Farmworkers: Community-Based Efforts During The Pandemic & Implications For Extension, Helen Trejo

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

There are an estimated 2 million farmworkers who are essential to the food system in the United States; however, they are exposed to hazardous environmental conditions with limited access and/or use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The primary purpose of this research is to evaluate community-based organizational efforts to provide farmworkers with apparel-textile basic needs, such as face masks. A primary goal is to address the research gap regarding common environmental factors that impact farmworkers, including pesticides and the pandemic, their use of available PPE, and community-based efforts to improve access to face masks as basic PPE. We consider the …

Domestic Violence And Mental Health In Pregnant Women, Arabella M. Co

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Domestic violence can include verbal, emotional, and physical abuse, which can lead to long-term mental health disorders such as stress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Purpose: This research includes a literature review, as well as a proposed research design to examine the significance of intimate partner violence in relation to mental health by implementing screening methods and interventions. Method: Participants will be recruited from prenatal clinics around the Bay Area. A quantitative, randomized, controlled-trial cohort study will investigate the effectiveness of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring Systems (PRAMS). A screening tool used in determining intimate partner violence within the …

Addressing The Public Health Concern Of Maternal Mortality In Houston, Texas, Lucy Couture

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Maternal mortality remains a pressing public health concern in the United States, with disproportionate consequences for marginalized communities. Despite being a developed nation, the U.S. reports one of the highest maternal mortality rates among its peers, with approximately 80% of maternal deaths deemed preventable. Texas reflects this national crisis, particularly affecting Black women, whose maternal mortality rate is significantly higher than that of other racial and ethnic groups. This thesis explores maternal mortality trends in Houston, Texas, analyzing the roles of systemic inequities, social determinants of health, and disparities in access to quality care. Drawing on data from the Texas …

Effectiveness Of Enhanced Care For Treatment Of Acute Or Persistent Diarrhea In Malnourished Children Aged 0 Months To 10 Years: A Systematic Review, Ridwa Alam, Khadija Vadsaria, Ahmad Khan, Uswa Jiwani, Aqsa Ishaq, Anmol Minaz, Ashraf Sharif, Jai K. Das, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Shabina Ariff

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background: Diarrhea poses a significant public health challenge, particularly affecting children under five. The link between malnutrition and diarrhea is well established, with diarrhea being a primary cause of malnutrition in young children and malnutrition exacerbating the severity of diarrhea. While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a comprehensive approach to both diarrhea and malnutrition management, including oral rehydration, continuous feeding, zinc supplementation, and antibiotics for specific strains, it does not adequately address the complex needs of malnourished children with diarrhea who may benefit from enhanced care in the form of follow-up and monitoring beyond initial treatment. We aimed to …

Parenting With Grace, Eva Nelson Cole

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Parents are often caught off guard by the upheaval of adding children to their lives. Feelings of guilt, shame, isolation, and depression can arise when parents are faced with the demands and stressors that come along with having children. Studies have shown that children who have distressed parents endure lasting negative outcomes that can extend into the primary school years (Mihelic et al., 2018). Educating parents and giving them some awareness about what to expect can make a real difference. To have these conversations, I created a two-part parenting workshop for new parents at Parents’ Place in Pacific Grove, CA. …

Home Births Among Ethnic Minority Communities In Bokeo Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Jukkrit Wungrath, Rungrasami Sriwongphan, Krissana Kapheak, Wanchalerm Ritthimon

Kesmas

Home births among ethnic minorities in developing countries pose significant risks to maternal and neonatal health. In Lao PDR, the government has taken steps to manage home births through training traditional birth attendants, improving transportation, and establishing referral systems. However, high home birth rates in regions like Bokeo remain concerning. This review emphasized the need for more skilled birth attendants and better access to emergency obstetric care in rural, ethnic minority areas. This review used 40 articles published between 2000 and 2023 and highlighted gaps in research regarding healthcare access, cultural practices, socioeconomic barriers, and the role of traditional birth …

Introduction—Bioethics After Dobbs, James Toomey

Pace Law Review

No abstract provided.

Post-Pandemic Needs Of Unpaid Family And Friend Caregivers To Effectively Continue Caregiving Duties In One Northern Ontario Health Authority, Jodi Webber, Erin Mulroney, Mark Tatasciore, Brianna Smith, Patti-Jo Duggan, Louis Ferron, Hannah Albani, Bianca Feitelberg, Laura Tenhagen, Sophia Myles

Patient Experience Journal

The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the support networks for older adults and caregivers as health and social care systems were forced to dramatically change the ways patients and clients interacted with providers, services, and programs. In Northern Ontario, caregivers are older, caring in more intense situations, more likely to be caring for multiple care recipients simultaneously and less likely to be in contact with health professionals. This research sought to explore the post-pandemic needs of caregivers in a Northern Ontario health catchment to better understand the needed supports. Using a collaborative and co-design approach with caregiver advisors …

Effects Of Sex And Estrous Cycle On Extended-Access Oxycodone Self-Administration And Cue-Induced Drug Seeking Behavior, Bhumiben P Patel, Jessica A Loweth

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

INTRODUCTION: Increasing evidence indicates that sex is a factor that impacts the abuse liability and relapse vulnerability of prescription opioids like oxycodone. However, while women are more likely than men to be prescribed and to use these drugs, the impact of sex and ovarian hormones on prescription opioid use and relapse vulnerability remains unclear. Accurately assessing these measures is complicated by the fact that chronic opioid exposure can lower ovarian hormone levels and cause cycle irregularities.

METHODS: Adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats self-administered oxycodone (0.1 mg/kg/infusion) under extended-access conditions (6 h/day, 10 days) followed by forced abstinence. Separate groups …

Evaluation Of A Primary Care Community Health Center’S Mammogram Program In Relation To Current Evidence-Based Practice., Brianna Childress

Doctoral Dissertations & Projects

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women over 50 years of age. Although mammograms have been proven to be effective in early detection of breast cancer, compliance rates are declining in the United States making it an objective for Healthy People 2030 to achieve and maintain a national compliance rate of 80.3%. For early detection of breast cancer among women between 50 to 74 years old to occur, an effective breast cancer screening program is vital. To understand why mammogram compliance rates were below the national average at a primary care community health center in …

Successful Application Of Craniosacral Therapy In A Case Of Colic In An 8-Week-Old Baby, Caro O’Neill, Angie Butterfield

Journal of Transformative Touch

This case study reports on the effectiveness of CranioSacral Therapy (CST) for an eight-week-old baby boy experiencing colic. A CST pediatric protocol was utilized during two sessions, a week apart, in May 2023. An improvement in symptoms was recorded after the first treatment. After the second treatment the baby was no longer presenting with symptoms related to infant colic. This case suggests that CST can be an effective support for babies experiencing infant colic.

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Demographic Characteristics, Perinatal Smoking Patterns, And Risk For Neonatal Health Complications Among Pregnant Smokers In The United States Who Begin Using Electronic Cigarettes During Pregnancy: A Descriptive Study Using Population-Based Surveillance Data., Hui Nian, Rachel Odland, Samantha Mindlin, Lin Ammar, Hilary Tindle, Angela M Miller, Kelli K Ryckman, Ethan Xie, Tina V Hartert, Brittney M Snyder, Steven M Brunwasser, Pingsheng Wu

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

INTRODUCTION: Health agencies have called for research evaluating e-cigarette (EC) use in supporting prenatal smoking cessation. This study aimed to describe (1) the characteristics of smokers who begin using electronic cigarettes (ECs) during pregnancy, (2) how frequently smokers reduce or eliminate pre- and post-natal combustible cigarette (CC) use, and (3) the risk for neonatal health complications among smokers who initiate ECs during pregnancy.

AIMS AND METHODS: Pregnant women using CCs exclusively during prepregnancy, who participated in a U.S. surveillance study, were classified by their reported late-pregnancy smoking behavior as CC-exclusive users, EC initiators, or quitters. EC initiators were further subclassified …

93rd Annual Georgia Public Health Association Meeting And Conference Report, Jimmie H. Smith Jr, Angela Peden, Patrina L. Bowles

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

The 93^rd Annual Meeting and Conference of the Georgia Public Health Association (GPHA) was held in Jekyll Island, Georgia, at the Jekyll Island Convention Center, on May 3-5, 2023. The goal of the 2023 Georgia Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Conference was to assemble emerging public health professionals, current practitioners, academicians, governing entities, and community stakeholders for educational opportunities and networking to support the vision and mission of GPHA.

The theme for the 2023 Georgia Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Conference theme was selected by the GPHA Executive Board during a meeting in the early fall of …

A Unique Advantage Of A 24-Hour Surgical Delay In Autologous Breast Reconstruction, Devin M. Melancon, Daniel Yoo, Zachary Stern-Buchbinder, Samantha Morin, Hugo St. Hilaire, Robert J. Allen

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Summary: The surgical delay technique can be used effectively in autologous breast reconstruction when there is unfavorable flap vascular anatomy or when the reconstruction necessitates a larger volume of donor tissue to obtain optimal results. The length of time between surgically delaying the flap to pedicle division and inset of the flap often varies based on surgeon preference but is typically approximately a week or longer. The authors present a case in which a 24-hour surgical delay was successfully used to augment deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps for autologous reconstruction. This technique is beneficial as it does not allow time …

Quality Improvement Of Breast And Cervical Cancer Screening Satisfaction Rate At A Utrgv Resident-Led Clinic., Eunbee Cho, Diana Othon Martinez, Jian Garcia Cruz, Nestor Gerardo Astorga, Martha Solis, Oliverio Abarca Guzman, Elimar Gonzalez Morales, Fatimah Bello

Research Colloquium

Background: In the US, 77.3% of women aged 21-65 years have had a Pap smear within the past three years and around 75.9% of women aged 50-74 years reported having a mammogram within the past two years as recommended according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). In UTRGV Resident-led Clinic located in Hidalgo County, the quality metrics data demonstrated screening satisfactory rate for cervical and breast cancer to be 18% in August 2023. This Quality Improvement project is aimed at enhancing the screening satisfactory rate of breast and cervical cancer by 20% at UTRGV Knapp IM Clinic by …

Effect Of Aquatic Exercises On Patellofemoral Joint Dysfunction In Middle Age Obese Women, Akshaya Joshi, Sandeep Shinde, Sawani Aphale

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: The patellofemoral joint, known for its incongruence, is susceptible to dysfunction due to abnormal pathomechanics, especially with increased body mass causing excessive stress on knee cartilage, leading to degeneration and dysfunction. Dysfunction results in pain, limited range of motion, and diminished quality of life.

Objectives: To determine the effect of aquatic exercises on patellofemoral joint dysfunction in middle-aged obese women and to compare the effect of aquatic exercises with land-based exercises on patellofemoral joint dysfunction in middle-aged obese women.

Methods: In this experimental study, 100 subjects with patellofemoral joint dysfunction were separated into group …

Healthcare Worker Practices For Hpv Vaccine Recommendation: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Damola Bakare, Elisa Gobbo, Kofoworola Akinsola, Ayobami Bakare, Julius Salako, Claudia Hanson, Sibylle Herzig Van Wees, Adegoke Falade, Carina King

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are trusted sources of information for vaccination and their attitude toward vaccination is thus critical. We aimed to synthesize existing literature on healthcare workers’ HPV vaccine confidence and their practices of recommending this vaccine. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis, with the search conducted last in March 2024. For the inclusion criteria, the studies needed to include healthcare worker practices or behaviors on recommending the HPV vaccination. Seventy-three articles were included. The proportions of HCWs recommending varied considerably by region and gender of the recipient, but there was no statistically significant difference in income level …