Public Health Commons^™

The Relationship Between Sun Protective Behavior, Health Beliefs, Attitudes, And Norms Of Sun Exposure Among College Athletes, Avery B. Snyder

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to access the relationship between sun protective behavior, health beliefs, attitudes, and norms of sun exposure among college athletes. An electronic survey was provided to student athletes for about two weeks in October of 2023. Prior to student participation the Institutional Review Board approved the protocol and data collection. The survey was sent to the students by the athletic director through an app called Teamworks that connects to all the athletes at Coastal Carolina. The majority of students who took the survey reported they did not wear sunscreen in past games/practices. Of those who …

Social Influences On Quitting E-Cigarette Use: A Mixed Method Analysis, Olivia Peterson, Page Dobbs

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Social Influences on Quitting E-Cigarette Use: A Mixed Method Analysis

Page Dobbs, Olivia Peterson, Erin Arthur, Jessica Seymore, Jenn Veilleux, Robert Davis, Mance Buttram, Mufazzela Tabassum

Words: 250/250

Introduction. Young adult e-cigarette users report peers as a reason for using these products; however, it is unclear how social influences are associated with attempting to quit e-cigarettes. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine the relationship between social factors and quitting e-cigarettes.

Methods. E-cigarette users from a large southern university were recruited to take part in an explanatory, sequential mixed-methods study. First, participants (n=423) completed a cross-sectional survey about …

Examining Young Adult E-Cigarette Users By Device Type: A Latent Class Analysis, Mufazzela Tabassum

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Examining Young Adult E-Cigarette Users by Device Type: A Latent Class Analysis

Purpose. This study examined which factors influence the type(s) of e-cigarette devices someone uses and if there are heterogeneous groups of young adult e-cigarette users.

Methods. This study first quantitatively explored if there are heterogeneous groups of e-cigarette users by utilizing data from an online cross-sectional survey. E-cigarette users (n = 595) were able to participate in the survey if they were 18-29 years of age, used an e-cigarette for 1-5 days in the past 30 days, own their own e-cigarette, and live in the United States. Participants …

Nature At The Edge - Finding A Way Back, Anto Kerins

Reports / Surveys

This report discusses how to respond to the biodiversity emergency. First, it reviews trends in biodiversity and considers these through the lens of a single case – North Bull Island. Then it discusses habitat deterioration and solutions in the EU, followed by a review of how change happens. Finally, it considers how to deal with the biodiversity emergency.

Trends In The Utilization Of Metabolic And Bariatric Surgery (Mbs) Procedures By Race And Ethnicity In Florida (2006-2017), Siyao Liu, Sarah E. Messiah, Denise C. Vidot, Preesha Malladi, Wayway M. Hlaing

Florida Public Health Review

Abstract

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an increasingly common treatment option for individuals with severe obesity, but utilization disparities remain with race and ethnic minority groups completing the procedure less frequently than non-Hispanic Whites. We examined the trends in MBS procedure types and prevalence of utilization by race and ethnicity among Florida inpatients.

Discharge records with any MBS using the International Classification of Diseases 9th or 10th edition Procedure Coding System (ICD-PCS), were extracted from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) inpatients’ data (2006 to 2017). Those who completed either Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), Sleeve Gastrectomy …

The Hiv/Aids Epidemic In Miami: Perspectives Of Stakeholders And Frontline Providers, Tracy Pugh, Carrigan L. Parish, Pedro C. Castellon, Allan Rodriguez, Michael A. Kolber, Lisa R. Metsch

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Miami, Florida persists as an epicenter of HIV/AIDS nationally and has been more delayed than other areas with high HIV burden in implementing public health measures that mitigate transmission risk. These issues among other social and structural-level determinants have complicated progress in addressing HIV/AIDS in Miami.

Purpose: The stagnated progress in improving HIV outcomes in Miami necessitated a more comprehensive understanding of the experiences and insights of stakeholders within the system. We used a stakeholder analysis approach to understand the complexity of driving factors and key challenges facing this HIV epidemic.

Methods: A stakeholder analysis was conducted …

Effective Management And Implementation Of A Coordinated Health Program - The Steps Snap-Ed Experience, Moises Cisneros, Brenda Rodriguez-Guerra, Joseph Reyes, Emilio Puente Barrios

Research Symposium

Purpose: Coordinated health programs have been proposed for more than four decades to improve the health of children in school settings. Although a challenging task, it has the potential to touch many lives, especially those from impoverished communities (Darlington, Violon, & Jourdan, 2018). The South Texas Early Prevention Studies (STEPS) aim to positively impact the community of the Rio Grande Valley, a population known to have a high rate of obesity, by implementing a comprehensive and proactive approach with various components within a preschool students’ life. The project's goal has been to plant a seed at an early age for …

Treatment Strategies For Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (Mafld) In Childhood: A Systematic Review, Anthony Alanis, Alisha Valdez, Hector Rivera-Marrero, Joshua Membreno, Isabel Omaña-Guzman, Marisol Rosas-Diaz, Yoscelina Estrella Martínez-López, Esperanza Milagros Garcia-Oropesa, Nayely Garibay-Nieto, Alejandra Bustamante, Octelina Castillo-Ruiz, Beatriz Tapia, Leonel Vela, Kathleen V. Carter, Juan Carlos Lopez-Alvarenga

Research Symposium

Introduction. Obesity is associated with various metabolic conditions, but the impact differs between children and adults. Our previous research has demonstrated that children may exhibit reversibility in biochemical features, while experiencing less response in terms of anatomical damage. Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is a condition that necessitates urgent treatment during childhood to mitigate future complications, such as worsening chronic inflammation and increased predisposition to diabetes, hypertension, or endothelial damage. In this study, we aim to evaluate the main clinical interventions (including drugs, behavioral treatments, nutrition programs, and traditional medicine) that effectively reduce MAFLD in children with obesity. …

Covid-19 And Burnout Among Community Pharmacists In The West Bank – Palestine, Amjad H. Bazzari, Firas H. Bazzari

Journal of the Arab American University مجلة الجامعة العربية الامريكية للبحوث

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a strong impact on the physical and mental well-being of healthcare workers. However, the focus has been directed towards nurses and physicians compared to pharmacists. Here, the researchers investigated the prevalence of burnout among community pharmacists in the West Bank – Palestine during the pandemic and the associated COVID-19 factors. The study was conducted using a written questionnaire and the sample included a total of 70 pharmacists. The results showed a burnout prevalence of 45.7% with work-related burnout having the highest impact on both males (50%) and females (54.8%). The level of burnout …

Pastoral Leaders’ Perception Of Obesity And Their Role Within Faith-Based Organizations, Darren D. Moore, Clinton E. Cooper, Charles Williams

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of pastoral leaders regarding obesity and health within faith-based organizations (FBOs). In this study, the authors focused on gaining additional insight regarding how pastoral leaders conceptualize and make sense of their roles in terms of health promotion within FBOs. Utilizing a qualitative research methodological approach, specifically Qualitative Description, authors administered a qualitative survey to 12 participants which yielded three emerging themes: (1) perceived scope, (2) understanding and use of resources, and (3) defining obesity through pastoral leaders’ perspectives. In the study, investigators discuss clinical implications and provide recommendations.

Innovative Virtual Wellness Interventions At An Academic Medical Center: A Pilot Feasibility Study, Ritika Baweja, Michael Hayes, Aditya Joshi, Raman Baweja

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: There is generally a concerning likelihood of burnout in healthcare workers. Given the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers, our institution identified the need for wellness interventions to foster adaptive functioning and mitigate burnout. The purpose of this pilot project was to assess the feasibility of virtual holistic interventions like meditation, art, laughter therapy and dance and their impact on overall well-being of physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs).

Methods: A series of 12 virtual sessions (art therapy, dance therapy, mindfulness-based practices/meditation and laughter therapy) were offered to providers over a 6-month period. Participants completed an online survey reporting …

Proceedings Of The 23rd International Conference Of Public Health Sciences

Journal of Health Research

Chulalongkorn University aims to be a prominent national institution with global recognition. Its primary focus is on producing knowledge and innovation that are crucial for the creative and sustainable development of Thai society. To achieve this vision, the university consistently provides support to all of its faculties, institutes, colleges, and other entities in carrying out a range of academic activities, including in-class teaching, research, and conferences, such as the one we are gathered for today. With a primary focus on graduate-level teaching in the field of public health and public health sciences, the College of Public Health Sciences is a …

Barriers To Care For Children With Cerebral Palsy In The Rural State Of Maine: A Mixed-Methods Study, Rayne L. Whitten, Anya K. Cutler, Alexa K. Craig

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Guidelines on orthopedic hip surveillance in children with cerebral palsy have been published to minimize the effects of cerebral palsy and maximize quality of life. Researchers aimed to identify barriers to cerebral palsy care and to assess adherence to national hip-surveillance guidelines among a small subset of children with cerebral palsy who live in a rural state.

Methods: Parents of children with cerebral palsy were interviewed, and thematic analyses were performed on the recorded transcripts. Patient-specific data about imaging and demographics were manually extracted from the electronic health record to perform a mixed-methods analysis.

Results: Twenty-one parents were interviewed, …

A Life-Threatening Emergency Exacerbated By Untreated Mental Illness In A Low-Barrier Health Center, Brendan J. Prast, Byron Marshall

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: We report on a patient with untreated severe mental illness who presented with a life-threatening emergency: retained products of conception and hemorrhage.

Clinical Findings: A female patient experiencing homelessness developed life-threatening hemorrhage. Her mental illness impaired effective communication and treatment.

Clinical Course: The patient presented with fatigue, vaginal bleeding, and known retained products of conception. Her active mental illness complicated the situation as it limited effective communication and treatment due to delusions. She requested only treatment for an infectious cause of her symptoms. She refused most interventions and had a self-directed discharge from the hospital. Throughout this process, we …

Association Of Depression With Myocardial Infarction With Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries: A Systematic Review, Sarim Rashid, Khawaja Usama Maqbool, Umer Hassan, Subhan Ahmed, Hamayle Saeed, Fnu Avanteeka, Syed Muhammad Jawad Zaidi, Jahanzeb Malik, Amin Mehmoodi

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

This systematic review examined the association between depression and myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases, resulting in the inclusion of six small case-control and cohort studies reported from Spain, Australia, China, and Pakistan. The studies included various study designs, such as cohort studies, case-control studies, and prospective cohort studies. The results of the systematic review indicate a significant association between depression and MINOCA. Several studies reported a higher prevalence of depression among MINOCA patients compared to those with obstructive coronary artery disease. Additionally, depression was found to be associated with …

Contrasting Tick Species Behaviors: A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (Cure), Sara Benham, Shovan Dutta, Rohan Maddamsetti, Clayton Wright, Alena Anderson, David T. Gauthier, Holly D. Gaff

Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics

Tick-borne diseases are on the rise throughout the world, and there is a need to better understand tick behavior in order to identify potential new interventions. Ticks have a complex life history and can survive months off-host. There is a lack of large-scale data on off-host tick behavior, which leaves a gap in understanding of tick biology outside of tick-host interactions. Introducing undergraduate students to authentic research early in their studies can help prepare them for independent inquiry in upper-level classes. To address the student needs and fill gaps in tick research, students in introductory biology courses recorded observations of …

Free For All: Proposing Legislation To Eliminate Food Insecurity In Arkansas Public Schools, A. Mills Bryant

Journal of Food Law & Policy

Schools serve millions of students daily as one of the largest food distribution sites in the United States. However, more than 13.1 million children in the United States, and almost 150,000 in Arkansas, are food insecure. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, most Arkansas schools offered free and reduced lunch to students at or below the poverty line through participation in the National School Lunch Program (“NSLP”). During COVID-19, Congress passed The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) and The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES”) (hereinafter “The Acts”). This legislation effectively eliminated food insecurity in participating American public schools, …

The Contradictory Nature Of U.S. Laws And Nutrition Programs And Their Effects On Infant Feeding, Lily Patel

Journal of Food Law & Policy

The contradictory nature of U.S. laws, including the laws concerning infant feeding, though supposedly aligned with policies to promote wellness in Americans, can exacerbate gender and race inequality and work against the National Strategy. The overarching goal of U.S. laws concerning infant feeding is to ensure that infants are fed, nourished, and receive proper nutrition. However, the laws often appear to be directly contradictory to one another in the priorities they are promoting.

County-Level Trends And Potential Disparities In The Suicide Rates In Virginia, 2020 – 2022, Sharon A. Olowoyo, Oluwatosin M. Oduneye, Glodi B. Bokanya, Ayooluwa G. Olowoyo, Coralie E. Mugenga, Yuhan Yan, Robyn L. Anderson

Montview Journal of Research & Scholarship

Abstract

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the influence of social determinants of health (SDH) on suicide patterns in the state of Virginia.

Methods

A secondary statistical analysis was conducted using publicly accessible data from the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps database for Virginia. Data from 2020 to 2022 were analyzed, focusing on age-adjusted suicide rates and SDH factors, including % rural, mental health provider rate, median household income, high school completion, and unemployment rates. Multiple regression analysis and visualizations were employed for data interpretation.

Results

The analysis revealed that SDH factors significantly predicted suicide rates across the study period. …

Development Of Model Vaccination Initiative In Detroit, Muhammad Tarar

Rushton Journal of Undergraduate Humanities Research

The distribution of vaccines to Detroit residents faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 health crisis. Vaccine distribution was slow, ineffective, and resulted in significant disparities in vaccine coverage among various racial and ethnic populations. This study examines existing data barriers to vaccination efforts in the United States, including common factors associated with vaccine hesitancy and attempts to identify factors that impact racial and ethnic disparities in vaccine coverage. Finally, this study examines successful vaccination initiatives from other cities in the United States to discuss a model vaccination initiative in Detroit.