Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons^™

One-Stop-Shop (Oss): Community Health Nursing: (For Undergraduate Nurses), Sarmad Muhammad Soomar

Books

No abstract provided.

The Connection Between Medicaid And Obesity In Northeast Ohio, Sophie Kheder, Emmie Kelley

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Obesity is a major public health concern in the United States that is projected to increase exponentially over the next few years. Obesity is commonly associated with a lower socioeconomic status. Lower-income individuals tend to be supported by Medicaid, a federal insurance program for low-income Americans. Prior studies have shown a positive correlation between income status and obesity prevalence. Our goal was to find if there was a correlation between Medicaid patients and obesity in Northeast Ohio, to provide physicians with a set of characteristics to better combat obesity, since preventative and treatment guidelines are tailored to national trends. We …

Transition To Home Guideline For Patients With Diabetes, Kathleen R. Burgner

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Background: Diabetes is a leading contributor to preventable hospital readmissions. These hospital readmissions often result from fragmented discharge planning, poor care coordination, and limited post-discharge support. At a 915-bed academic medical center in Southern California, the diabetes-related readmission rate was 13.3%, compared with 11.4% among patients without diabetes. This project aimed to develop an evidence-based Transition-to-Home (TTH) guideline for hospitalized patients with diabetes and evaluate the strength of its recommendations through multidisciplinary stakeholder review.

Methods: An evidence-based guideline development project was conducted over 8 weeks. A comprehensive literature search in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and ScienceDirect identified current evidence on transitional …

Embracing Imperfection And Stress As The Foundation For Growth, Excellence, And Well-Being In Dentistry, John W. Claytor Jr., Dds, Magd-Llsr, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Studies reveal that stress in dentistry begins early in training and may progress throughout a dentist’s career. Fear of managing patient dissatisfaction, demanding schedules, time constraints, staff issues, and the stressors of clinical dentistry all contribute to professional strain. Difficulties associated with perfectionistic tendencies, burnout, and mental health concerns remain ever-present challenges within the profession. This article discusses evidence-based strategies, coping skills, organizational approaches, and professional resources that may help mitigate the effects of stress in dentistry. Particular emphasis is placed on reducing stigma surrounding mental health care and supporting initiatives such as the Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation’s “Safe Haven” …

Examining The Barriers To Healthcare Among Native Hawaiian And Pacific Islander Populations Living In Hawaii, Gracie L. Kaye

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The state of Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898, and served as a starting point from which the U.S. influenced Hawaii's socioeconomic conditions and healthcare access. The literature review examines healthcare views and outcomes among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander residents, utilizing various tools and resources to investigate how these factors have impacted overall health statistics and the reasons behind these trends. Results found that the western colonization of the island and the disease outbreaks led to an initial mistrust of “western ideas.” Additionally, due to long-standing cultural beliefs, there is a natural preference for traditional cultural …

Between Tradition And Transition: Cultural Negotiations And Contraceptive Perceptions Among Ghanaian Students In The United States, Beatrice Amissah

Theses and Dissertations

As global mobility continues to rise, international students often encounter new cultural norms and health practices that differ from those in their home countries. While some studies have focused on contraception within the context of gender and types, less focus has been placed on diasporic populations, especially how students navigate tensions surrounding contraception within new cultural environments. This study explores how Ghanaian students in the United States interpret, negotiate, and respond to contraceptive messaging while navigating the cultural transition between their heritage and host societies. Drawing on Berry’s (1980)  Acculturation Theory, the study examines the tensions students experience, the strategies …

Colorectal Cancer Screening In Carceral Settings: Barriers And Opportunities To Improve Early Detection Among Incarcerated Individuals, Daven K. Sarikonda Ba, Elijah Marquez Bs, Alexander Seidel Ba, Christine Larrea Bs, Jack S. Gurwin Bs, Maria Karla Bermúdez Piñero Ba, Suraj Suresh M.D., Laura Benjamins Md, Mph, Faap, Aahivs

Population, Patient, Physician and Professionalism Projects

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, with screening shown to significantly reduce mortality. However, incarcerated individuals experience substantially lower CRC screening rates and often present with more advanced disease than non-incarcerated individuals. Our project’s objective was to review the state of CRC screening in U.S. carceral settings, along with exploring possible alternatives to address the substantial disparity in CRC screening rates experienced by the incarcerated population.

Rare Manifestation Of Scapular Cutaneous Larva Migrans Infection Among Sand Porters In Warm Climate: A Case Report, Prio Hangudi Sampurno, Tri Wisesa Soetisna

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Cutaneous larva migrans is a serpiginous helminthic infection common among certain occupations dealing with contaminated soil especially in warm climate. Most common predilections include the feet, legs, and buttocks with only a fraction of cases found on the trunk and upper extremities.

Case Presentation A rare scapular cutaneous larva migrans manifestation on a thirty-six years old sand porter with high occupational exposure was described. Physical examination revealed progressive pruritic and warm rash in a serpiginous pattern on the left shoulder.

Results Diagnosis was established based on characteristic serpiginous rash physical findings supported by history of contact. This case needed …

Incident Of Sensorineural Hearing Disorder In Toll Road Workers Exposed To Noise And Lead, Fitria Rimadhanty Setyaningtyas, Muhammad Ilyas, Dewi Yunia Fitriani, Suryo Wibowo

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Toll road workers are exposed to traffic noise and lead, both of which may increase the risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This study aimed to examine the association between noise and lead exposure and the occurrence of SNHL among toll road workers.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data derived from medical check-up records of 1,445 toll road workers in 2022. Study variables included age, sex, length of employment, past medical history, smoking status, job position, blood lead levels and SNHL incidence. Descriptive analyses were performed, followed by bivariate analysis using the chi square test and …

Clinical Challenges Associated With Enhancing Hypertension Among The Underserved African American Population, Ashley Richardson

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Background 

African Americans face a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension, tend to develop complications at younger ages, and have disproportionately higher mortality rates. Key social determinants of health (SDoH)—including food deserts, unequal access to healthcare, and geographic disparities in healthcare resources—contribute to these ongoing inequities. Addressing both systemic and individual barriers is crucial for effective hypertension management.

Objective

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a culturally relevant, community-based intervention designed to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure among Black adults with uncontrolled hypertension.

Methods 

Quality improvement (QI) initiatives typically employ multicomponent, equity-focused models. The primary components of …

Systematic Review And Meta‑Analysis Of United States Childhood Obesity Public Policy Interventions, Marilyn Frenn, Maharaj Singh, Julia A. Snethen, Leigh Small, Nancy Browne, Cindy Smith Greenberg, Emily Horner, Sharon Y. Irving, Eric A. Hodges

College of Nursing Data

No abstract provided.

Exploring Psychological Safety And Workforce Experiences Among Employees In Recovery Community Organizations In The Southern United States: A Qualitative Study, Claire-Lorentz Ugo-Ike

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative study explored how employees in Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) in the Southern United States experience psychological safety and how these experiences shape employee well-being and their intentions to stay or leave their organizations. Guided by Edmondson’s Psychological Safety Theory and the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, the study examined how leadership practices, workplace culture, and the emotional demands of recovery support work shape employees’ perception of safety, support, and sustainability in the workforce. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 RCO employees working in various peer support roles. Thematic analysis identified five major themes: (1) leadership behaviors shape psychological safety …

Trends Among Suspected Opioid Overdose Emergency Medical Service (Ems) Incidents In Georgia From 2019-2023, Ashton Harris

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Opioid overdoses remain a problem in the United States, underscoring the need for additional surveillance tools to monitor trends in opioid overdoses. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) data is a timely surveillance method that captures more potential overdoses than hospitals by representing the pre-hospital setting. Research questions in the study assess EMS responses to suspect opioid overdose incidents from 2019-2023 in Georgia to encompass the following characteristics: timeframe (pre, during, post-pandemic), urban versus rural counties, race/ethnicity, categorical type of first responder, mean dosage of naloxone in milligrams administered, and death. 84,359 records meeting the inclusion criteria were initially retrieved from the …

From Vision To Impact: Strategic Planning For The South Health District, Jason D. Butler Jr

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study presents a community health assessment and strategic planning process for the South Health District (SHD), a rural, multi-county public health district.  Using a mixed-methods approach, quantitative surveys and qualitative data from County Nurse Managers, County Boards of Health, and internal staff were integrated with secondary sources to identify community health priorities and organizational gaps.  Broad stakeholder engagement through surveys, SWOT workshops, and town-hall meetings ensured credibility and contextual relevance.

Findings revealed challenges in behavioral health, substance abuse, chronic disease, access to preventive services, transportation, workforce capacity, communication, and infrastructure.  Four strategic issues—Communication, Workforce Development and Retention, Purpose-Driven District, …

Hs 6000 Food Systems And Health, Shannon Caravello

Open Educational Resources

Within the context of the US food system, students will examine the role of urban agriculture and its impact on local communities. Students will gain the ability to critically analyze current trends in urban agriculture and apply them to societal; cultural and health issues associated with the US food system as well as develop strategies to implement healthy eating in their own lives. Issues of food justice and insecurity will be addressed. Demonstrations and workshops on the KCC Community Farm and Garden may be included.

Facilitating Shared Reading Exposure To Promote Health Outcomes In A Rural Pediatric Primary Care Clinic, Meredith L. Longino

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this scholarly project was to address a gap in early literacy promotion for rural children by incorporating the Reach Out and Read program. This program bolsters foundational literacy by providing a book and anticipatory guidance at every well-child visit from birth through age 5. This project was expected to decrease no-show well-child attendance rates and improve provider morale.

Background

The project was implemented in an established rural pediatric primary care clinic in Northeast Texas. 

Methodology

Process implementation was measured through books distributed and EHR documentation of the intervention. Process objectives were measured by no-show rates for …

Exploring The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Preventive Healthcare Utilization In Rural Georgia, Ryan R. Traylor

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and preventive healthcare use among adults in Georgia, specifically within rural populations facing structural barriers. Using 2023 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, the research analyzes associations between ACE exposure, rural residence, and preventive care outcomes, including physical exams and flu vaccinations. Guided by an intersectionally adapted version of Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, the study evaluates how predisposing factors, enabling resources, and perceived barriers relate to healthcare engagement. Logistic regression analyses assess the correlation of ACE exposure, cost barriers, provider access, and sociodemographics with preventive …

Exploring Acculturation And Its Role In Substance Abuse Behaviors Among Refugee Populations In Bowling Green, Ky: An Interactive Learning Experience Through Provider’S Perspectives., Aishwarya Potluri

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Substance use among refugee populations is an emerging public health concern shaped/influenced by cultural, social, and structural factors associated with resettlement. This qualitative study explored providers’ perspectives on substance use behaviors among refugees in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Using Health Behavior Theory with acculturation as a contextual construct, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 providers working with refugee-serving organizations. Data collected through the interviews was analyzed using thematic analysis in NVivo. The findings indicate that substance use is being influenced by peer exposure, occupational stress, and the increased availability of substances in the United States. Providers identified cultural stigma surrounding mental …

Prevalence Of Grip And Leg Strength Asymmetries In U.S. Youth, Elyse M. Deschryver

Theses and Dissertations

Early-life physical activity is important for building muscular strength, supporting healthy growth and disease prevention, and for establishing physical activity and strength habits that often track into adulthood. Although grip strength asymmetry is a well-documented risk factor in older adults, evidence in children and adolescents is limited and largely based on small, sport-specific samples. PURPOSE: To describe grip and leg extension strength asymmetries in a nationally representative sample of U.S. youth aged 6–15 years using the National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS). METHODS: The analysis included 1,214 participants (606 boys, 608 girls) with valid grip or leg extension data. Age, sex, …

Empathy And Human-Centered Leadership In Community Health Center Dental Clinics, Pamela S. Alston Dds, Mpp, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

A person-centered approach, with empathy toward patients, can improve satisfaction among both patients and dental health professionals. A dental director with a human-centered leadership style can improve the well-being of oral health team members. This article describes the role that empathy, a core value of humanism and professionalism, plays in accomplishing these improvements in community health center dental clinics. This article also describes the risks of empathy, as experienced by the author in her role as a dental director and practitioner, as well as documented in the literature. It further focuses on dental directors’ human-centered approaches to supporting oral health …