Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Sociodemographic And Patient Reported Outcomes By Racial And Ethnicity Status Among Participants In A Randomized Controlled Trial For Methamphetamine Use Disorder, Chukwuemeka N Okafor, Thomas Carmody, Angela L Stotts, Gavin Bart, Taryn L Mayes, Tara Karns-Wright, Madhukar Trivedi, Steve Shoptaw, Jennifer S Potter

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: There has been a significant increase in methamphetamine use and methamphetamine use disorder (Meth UD) in the United States, with evolving racial and ethnic differences.

Objectives: This secondary analysis explored racial and ethnic differences in baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics as well as treatment effects on a measure of substance use recovery, depression symptoms, and methamphetamine craving among participants in a pharmacotherapy trial for Meth UD.

Methods: The ADAPT-2 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03078075; N=403; 69% male) was a multisite, 12-week randomized, double-blind, trial that employed a two-stage sequential parallel design to evaluate the efficacy of combination naltrexone (NTX) …

Development Of An Antioxidant-Rich Sugar-Free Plantain Candy And Assessment Of Its Shelf Life In A Flexible Laminate, Poulami Sarkar, Paramita Bhattacharjee, Bidhan Das

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: Candy is a popular confection worldwide, and it would be beneficial to society if it were converted into a source of antioxidant molecules to eliminate its adverse health effects. The amount of antioxidants available even in fruit candies is questionable due to the high thermal processing losses they undergo and the presence of various food additives. Plantains (

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: To accomplish the first objective, lyophilized plantain powder, sorbitol and mannitol were used as base materials with minimal additives under minimal processing conditions to reduce processing loss. Sensory, proximate, physicochemical and phytochemical properties, including the antioxidant synergy among …

Trends In Shortages Of Lead Chelators From 2001 To 2022, James D Whitledge, Pelayia Soto, Kieran M Glowacki, Diane P Calello, Erin R Fox, Maryann Mazer-Amirshahi

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to describe drug shortages affecting lead chelators in the United States from 2001 through 2022.

METHODS: Drug shortage data were retrieved from the University of Utah Drug Information Service from January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2022. Shortages of first- and second-line lead chelators were analyzed. Drug class, formulation, administration route, shortage reason, shortage duration, generic status, single-source status, and presence of temporally overlapping shortages were examined. Total shortage months, percentages of study period on shortage, and median shortage durations were calculated.

RESULTS: Thirteen lead chelator shortages were reported during the study period. Median duration was …

Pharmacokinetic Analysis Of A Phenobarbital Overdose Treated With Urinary Alkalinization Alone, Justin Seltzer, Jeremy Hardin, Henrik Galust, Nathan Friedman, Bryan Corbett, Richard F Clark

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Phenobarbital is a long-acting barbiturate used to treat alcohol withdrawal and epilepsy. Acute overdoses present with varying levels of central nervous system depression and large overdoses can be life threatening. Phenobarbital is an attractive candidate for enhanced elimination using urinary alkalinization given it is a weak acid with a long half-life and extensive urinary elimination. Limited human data exist regarding use of urine alkalinization for the treatment of phenobarbital overdose. We present a fourteen-year-old female who was treated with urinary alkalinization alone following an intentional ingestion of 3800 mg (84.4 mg/kg) of phenobarbital tablets. Urine drugs of abuse screening was …

I See You! Play: A Therapeutic Playgroup For Caregivers And Their Intensive Care Group Infants, Mariana Cerqueira Aokalani

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

This paper articulates a new therapeutic playgroup for caregivers of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) infants, named I See You! Play. This intervention is an adaptation of WePlay! (Gross et al., 2021), a cooperative learning and therapeutic playgroup for caregivers and their children from 6 to 36 months old. Dr, Tracy Vozar developed this program inspired by Saleem Penny’s program with the same name in Chicago. Parents of ICU infants face several challenges that can affect their experience of parenthood, their parenting skills, caregivers' sensitivity, their mental health, and their relationship with their premature infant. This in turn affects infant’s attachment …

Challenges And Implications For Substance Use And Mental Healthcare Among Under-Resourced Women In The Covid-19 Era, Maria C Mejia, Alicia Kowalchuk, Sandra J Gonzalez, Muktha Nair, Lisa Webb, Nadine Scamp

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated disparities in mental healthcare and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment access, especially in under-resourced communities. This study aimed to comprehend the experiences of under-resourced women with SUD during the pandemic, their knowledge and attitudes toward it, and its impact on substance use and treatment access.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 66 under-resourced women receiving medically managed withdrawal treatment at a community residential SUD center. Data collection occurred between November 2021 and August 2022, utilizing a 75-item instrument covering COVID-19 exposure and its impact on health, substance use, treatment access, vaccination status, beliefs, and knowledge. Descriptive …

Family Members’ Experiences Of ‘Living Well’ With A Family Member With Depression, Amanda Cole, Julie Ann Pooley, Vivien Kemp, Lisa Whitehead

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: With the high and growing prevalence of depression worldwide, there is an increasing number of families assuming the role of caregivers for family members with mental health conditions such as depression. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore how family members describe and perceive the experience of living well with a family member living with depression. Methods: Narrative inquiry was used to elicit stories from eight participants who lived with an adult family member diagnosed with depression. Narrative and thematic analysis were used. Findings: Participants described the experience of living well through the themes of ‘times of …

Exercise As A Non-Pharmacological Intervention For The Management Of Sleep Disturbance In Primary Brain Tumour Survivors And Their Caregivers: A Study Protocol Of A Clinical Trial, Jason A. Martin, Nicolas H. Hart, Natalie Bradford, Fiona Naumann, Mark B. Pinkham, Elizabeth P. Pinkham, Justin J. Holland

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Sleep disturbance is a highly prevalent and impactful symptom experienced by those adversely affected by primary brain tumours. Despite this, there is a lack of literature exploring appropriate options for the management of sleep disturbance in these populations. As such, more holistic and patient-centred approaches to address sleep disturbance are needed. Exercise presents itself as a viable option for managing sleep disturbances given its numerous health benefits, minimal costs, and acceptability, though the feasibility of its use in the context of primary brain tumours is unknown. Methods: Primary brain tumour survivors and their caregivers will enrol and participate in …

Adaptive, Behavioral, And Emotional Outcomes Following Postoperative Pediatric Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome In Survivors Treated For Medulloblastoma, Kimberly P Raghubar, Andrew M Heitzer, Fatema Malbari, Jason Gill, Roy V Sillitoe, Livia Merrill, Johanna Escalante, M Fatih Okcu, Guillermo Aldave, Avner Meoded, Stephen Kralik, Kimberly Davis, Marina Ma, Emily A H Warren, Mark D Mccurdy, Howard L Weiner, William Whitehead, Michael E Scheurer, Lisa Rodriguez, Amy Daigle, Murali Chintagumpala, Lisa S Kahalley

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

OBJECTIVE: Patients who experience postoperative pediatric cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) during treatment for medulloblastoma have long-term deficits in neurocognitive functioning; however, the consequences on functional or adaptive outcomes are unknown. The purpose of the present study was to compare adaptive, behavioral, and emotional functioning between survivors with and those without a history of CMS.

METHODS: The authors examined outcomes in 45 survivors (15 with CMS and 30 without CMS). Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, which included parent-report measures of adaptive, behavioral, and emotional functioning, were completed at a median of 2.90 years following craniospinal irradiation.

RESULTS: Adaptive functioning was significantly worse in …

Evaluating The Safety And Efficacy Of A Novel Polysaccharide Hemostatic System During Surgery: A Multicenter Multispecialty Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial, Michael G House, Robin Kim, Elaine E Tseng, Ronald P Kaufman, Marc R Moon, Adam Yopp, Viraj A Master

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Operative blood loss is associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality in surgery. Hemostatic agents are used as adjuncts for hemostasis during surgery and help to prevent postoperative bleeding. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of an investigational polysaccharide hemostatic (PH) topical product compared to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved control in clinical use comprising microporous polysaccharide hemospheres (MPH) to achieve hemostasis of bleeding surfaces during surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: This prospective multicenter trial enrolled patients undergoing open elective cardiac, general, or urologic surgery. Patients were stratified by bleeding severity and therapeutic area, then randomized 1:1 to receive PH …

Caring For Our Colleagues: A Guide For Compassionate Action, Karen Foster Dds

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health in the dental profession, offering strategies for recognizing warning signs and encouraging proactive support for colleagues in distress, with resources available for assistance.

A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Of Telehealth Vs. Office-Based Delivery Of Buprenorphine At The Addiction And Substance Abuse Program (Asap) Clinic - University Of New Mexico Hospital: A Societal Perspective, Rana Alkhafaji

Pharmaceutical Sciences ETDs

This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of office-based versus telehealth delivery of buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). A retrospective chart review of 135 patients at the University of New Mexico Hospital's Addiction and Substance Abuse Program compared retention rates and costs between the two settings. Retention was defined as continuous treatment for at least six months. No statistically significant difference in retention rates was found, with 51% for office-based and 42% for telehealth. However, office-based treatment had higher total costs, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $3,750 per 1% increase in retention. The findings suggest telehealth is a cost-effective …

Conceptualizing Recovery From Mental Illness In Indonesia: A Scoping Review, Flora Cohen, Agus Sugianto, Hans Pols, Clement Bayetti

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia

Understanding how recovery is defined and realized across different cultural contexts is vital to upholding the dignity and rights of people with mental illnesses. Within the Indonesian context, there is a dearth of research on conceptualizations of recovery from mental illnesses. Questions remain regarding the extent to which service users and providers share common definitions of recovery. We conducted a scoping review to interrogate current definitions of recovery from the perspectives of the various actors working with people with lived experiences of mental illness and extreme mental distress. We found that definitions of recovery differ across multiple domains and include …

Online Mental Health Help Seeking Behaviors Among College Students, Rachel Johnson, Monica Nandan, Brian Culp, Dominic Thomas

Faculty Articles

Even before the pandemic, utilization of online mental health resources continues to grow among young adults. There is limited research on online help seeking behaviors, let alone specific research on college students’ online mental health help seeking behaviors. This study aims to identify which terminology college students utilize on online search engines to seek assistance related to mental health. A cross-sectional survey design was used during the 2019-2020 academic year. The respondents consisted of 259 college students at one of the 50 largest public institutions of higher education in the Southeastern United States. Overall, the sample data suggests that college …

Presynaptic Nanoscale Components Of Retrograde Synaptic Signaling, Benjámin Barti, Barna Dudok, Kata Kenesei, Miklós Zöldi, Vivien Miczán, Gyula Y Balla, Diana Zala, Mariana Tasso, Claudia Sagheddu, Máté Kisfali, Blanka Tóth, Marco Ledri, E Sylvester Vizi, Miriam Melis, László Barna, Zsolt Lenkei, Iván Soltész, István Katona

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

While our understanding of the nanoscale architecture of anterograde synaptic transmission is rapidly expanding, the qualitative and quantitative molecular principles underlying distinct mechanisms of retrograde synaptic communication remain elusive. We show that a particular form of tonic cannabinoid signaling is essential for setting target cell–dependent synaptic variability. It does not require the activity of the two major endocannabinoid-producing enzymes. Instead, by developing a workflow for physiological, anatomical, and molecular measurements at the same unitary synapse, we demonstrate that the nanoscale stoichiometric ratio of type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs) to the release machinery is sufficient to predict synapse-specific release probability. Accordingly, …

Rebuilding The Health Sector In Gaza: Alternative Humanitarian Voices, Karl Blanchet, Martine Najem, Lina Shadid, Rouba Ali Fehmi, Fawzi Al Hammouri, Ghassan Saed, Khaled J Saleh, Mosab Nasser, Nidal Moukaddam, Jonathan Polonsky, Omar Lattouf

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

In November 2023, a variety of disparate health organizations formed an international coalition to consolidate efforts and develop collaborative strategies in response to the increasing critical healthcare challenges caused by the recent war in Gaza. The coalition includes medical and public health experts, humanitarian practitioners, academics, and health policy-makers from across the world. Their membership has not much to do with mainstream humanitarian organisations. It is lead by the diaspora from the region. Their vision is the long-term reconstruction of the health system in Gaza while responding the most urgent needs. This collective effort will require explicit efforts to speak …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Well-Being In Cancer Survivorship: Implications For Counselors, Hallie M. Sylvestro, Lindsey K. Umstead, Heather Delgado, Christopher Lawrence, Keith Mobley, Kelly L. Wester, Andrew Wood

Adultspan Journal

Adult cancer survivors represent an important–and growing–population that could benefit from counseling services. This study employed consensual qualitative research to examine the well-being experiences of eight cancer survivors. Findings suggest a broad range of changes to individual well-being following cancer diagnosis and treatment, and indicate counseling can provide an ideal setting for processing such changes. Recommendations for counseling practice and future research are provided.

Examining The Impact Of Internal Family Systems (Ifs) Theory Versus Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (Efit) On Depression For College Students: A Comparative Study, Laura Anne Bowlin, Hillary Bucher-Brown

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

In light of the prevalence of depression in modern society, researchers persist in the quest for effective treatment approaches. This research proposal aims to examine the impact of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Theory and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) on depression among college students. The study will involve 20 college students recruited from local universities experiencing depression, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Each participant will undergo ten psychotherapy sessions, randomly assigned to a certified IFS or EFIT therapist. Subsequently, participants will complete a post-test using the BDI. Comparative analysis of the outcomes between the two groups will …

Effect Of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy On Couples' Reported Satisfaction And Intimacy: A Comparison Between Participants With And Without Simultaneous Individual Therapy, Aishleen O'Brien

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

While there is ample Emotionally Focused Therapy based research, exploration of simultaneous individual therapy’s importance is limited. This study aims to establish the significance of participating in individual therapy while also joining a partner in emotionally focused couples’ therapy. Individual therapy, in tandem with couples therapy, provides an opportunity to explore one’s own attachment style, as it is interwoven into a romantic relationship. Ultimately, by discerning the nuanced interplay between individual and couples therapy, clinicians can offer tailored, efficacious recommendations that enhance the likelihood of successful outcomes and promote enduring relationship satisfaction.

Is Emotionally Focused Family Therapy Effective In Alleviating Symptoms Of Bulimia Nervosa In Adolescents?, Susan Leonardson

School of Psychology, Family, and Community Research Conference

This study will investigate the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) in alleviating symptoms of bulimia nervosa (BN) in adolescents. Participants will consist of twenty adolescents enrolled in the Emily Program, with a DSM diagnosis of moderate to severe BN, and at least one of their caregivers. The subjects will attend twelve family therapy sessions with a therapist trained in EFFT, and complete the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) questionnaire. This study aims to determine if EFFT can effectively improve family dynamics to reduce symptoms of BN in adolescents.