Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons^™

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 …

How Dentists Can Remain Advisors Of Merit To Their Patients, Daniel L. Orr Ii, Dds, Ms (Anesth), Phd, Jd, Md, Facd (Nevada Section Chair)

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This article examines how members of the dental profession can sustain their longstanding reputation as trusted advisors amid declining public confidence in major institutions. Grounded in ethical principles, informed consent, and professional self-regulation, dentistry has historically ranked among the most trusted professions. The discussion explores challenges to credibility, including media scrutiny, concerns about anesthesia safety, controversial treatment hesitancy, and debates over community water fluoridation. Emphasizing the concept of the “advisor of merit,” the author argues that continued trust depends on truthful communication, transparency about risks, respect for patient autonomy, and freedom from conflicts of interest in clinical and public health …

The Role Of Resistance Training In Managing Menopause-Related Changes, Alyson K. Strauss

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Resistance training serves as a critical non-pharmacological strategy for mitigating the physiological and psychological declines associated with the menopausal transition. This natural biological phase, marked by declining estrogen levels, typically leads to accelerated bone mineral density loss, sarcopenia, metabolic regulation disturbance, and heightened mood disturbances. To evaluate the efficacy of targeted exercise interventions, a systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. From an initial pool of 60 relevant articles, 13 studies met the specific inclusion criteria, focusing on structured resistance training protocols for perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal cohorts.

The synthesis of these studies indicates that resistance training is a highly …

Investigating The Association Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos) And Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (Iih): A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Savannah L. Adams

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) are chronic conditions that disproportionately affect women of reproductive age and share several metabolic risk factors, including obesity, insulin resistance, and hormonal dysregulation. Despite growing clinical interest in a potential relationship between these conditions, limited research has examined awareness, knowledge, symptom presentation, and barriers to healthcare among young adult populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate awareness, knowledge, perceived healthcare barriers, and potential associations between PCOS and IIH among college-aged individuals. A cross-sectional survey was administered to students aged 18-25 at the University of Central Florida through classroom recruitment …

The Impact Of Substance Abuse Problems And Serious Mental Illness/Serious Emotional Distress On Post-Discharge Residential Status Among Clients With Behavioral And Cognitive Disorders: Evidence From Samhsa Mh-Cld Data, Eden Moges, Norma Rochez, William Peycha, Aditya Chakraborty

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Behavioral and cognitive disorders can undermine housing stability, a key determinant of mental health recovery, with persistent disparities across demographic and socioeconomic groups. This study examined the associations of substance abuse problems (SAP) and serious mental illness/serious emotional distress (SMISED) with residential status at discharge from mental health facilities.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study used the utilized data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics, whereas univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to assess associations between the covariates and the residential outcome, adjusting for a variety of …

Translating Evidence Into Action: Understanding How Community- Based Practitioners Make Intervention Implementation Decisions In Practice, Kristin C. Bennett

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

This study examined how community-based practitioners implement public health interventions in practice settings to identify gaps between existing implementation frameworks and real-world practice. Six farmers' markets in Southeast Texas served as cases to understand implementation decision-making by community-based practitioners addressing food access challenges. A qualitative case study approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews with program adopters and key stakeholders to examine how practitioners addressed food access problems, selected interventions, and navigated implementation decisions. This methodology captured the contextual nature of implementation decision-making in community settings. The findings revealed that program adopters recognized health problems through lived experience rather than formal …

Health Risk Assessment (Hra) In Home-Based Ironing Businesses: Risk Identification, Intervention, And Evaluation In Johar Baru District, Central Jakarta, Heru Alfares, Irawadi Darmaputra, Marsen Isbayuputra, Muhammad Ilyas

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Home-based ironing businesses in Johar Baru District, Central Jakarta, are part of the informal sector, vulnerable to health risks due to suboptimal working conditions. This study aims to identify, assess, and control health risks through a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) approach.

Methods Research methods include direct observation, interviews, environmental measurements, health screenings, and ergonomic surveys using the BRIEF (Baseline Risk Identification of Ergonomic Factor) instrument.

Results The results indicate that the temperature in the ironing area reaches 33°C, exceeding the comfort standard, and that 80% of workers have dark yellow urine, indicating a high risk of dehydration. Risk assessment …

Returning To Work On Chef With Graves’ Disease: A Case Report, Izzatul Abadiyah, Dewi Sumaryani Soemarko

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Graves’ disease has adverse effects on quality of life, because of somatic psychiatric symptoms and an inability to work. Chefs face many occupational hazards that can aggravate certain medical conditions, worsen the disease, and pose safety risks at work. This case report aims to assess the returning-to-work evaluation and program for a chef with Graves’ disease.

Case Description A forty-seven-year-old Indonesian male who was diagnosed with Graves’ disease from characteristic clinical features and biochemical abnormalities was admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath. TSH concentration was 0.001mU/L, FT4 concentration was 2.85 ng/dL, hemoglobin level was 10.6 g/dL, and …

From Medical Check-Ups To Risk-Based Health Governance: Reframing Fitness-For-Work And Preventive Health In Modern Health Systems, Kasyunnil Kamal, Iqbal Mochtar

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

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Efikasi Diri Dalam Melakukan Diet Sehat Pada Masyarakat Desa Cipacing, Sumedang, Hilmi Khairun Nisa, Neti Juniarti, Adelse Prima Mulya

Perilaku dan Promosi Kesehatan: Indonesian Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior

Background. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for 57 million deaths (71%) worldwide and 73% of all deaths in Indonesia. Eating habits are one of the factors contributing to the incidence of NCDs. In the process of improving a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, self-confidence or self-efficacy in maintaining a healthy diet is necessary.

Objective. This study aims to identify the level of self-efficacy in maintaining a healthy diet among the community in Cipacing Village, Sumedang.

Methods. This study was conducted using a quantitative descriptive research design among the community of Cipacing Village, Sumedang Regency, West Java. The sample was …

Hurricane Helene, One Year Later: Lived Experience, Geraldine A. Miller

Journal of Appalachian Health

Ashe County is located in the northwestern corner of North Carolina (NC), bordered by Virginia and Tennessee. The county is isolated, mountainous, and historically has lacked good highway access. Hurricane Helene, a category 4 hurricane at landfall, struck Western NC on September 27, 2024, resulting in flooding and wind damage that destroyed local communities in terms of land, homes, bridges, water, electricity, etc. with a damage of $59.6 billion.⁶ One year later, the recovery from the hurricane continues draining individuals and communities of their time, energy, and money. Geri Miller reflects on her hurricane impact experiences a year later. …

Impact Of West Virginia Abortion Ban On West Virginia Physician Trainee Practice Intentions, Rebecca Wald, Kristy Ward, Sarah Dotson

Journal of Appalachian Health

In June 2022, the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned the constitutional right to abortion established by Roe vs. Wade. Shortly after, West Virginia (WV) began enforcing a near total ban on abortion. Statewide restrictions on access to reproductive health care have important implications for the recruitment and retention of physicians. This project aimed to determine overall awareness of the 2022 changes in abortion laws among physician trainees, and whether the law influenced the intention of resident/fellow physicians to practice medicine in the state following completion of their medical training. A total of 178 resident and fellow physicians at …

Leveraging Community Health Worker’S Deep Community Knowledge To Address Food And Nutrition Security In Appalachia, Alexis Kimbro Scott, Melissa D. Olfert, Dawn Brewer, Makenzie Barr, Julie Plasencia

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Community health workers (CHWs) are trusted professionals in communities because of the deep understanding and cultural insights learned from their lived experiences. In Appalachia, CHWs are embedded in the community, giving them a unique understanding of how social determinants, like food and nutrition security, impact health outcomes.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the professional characteristics and knowledge of CHWs while identifying culturally sensitive practices around food insecurity.

Methods: This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study used an online survey and in-depth phone interviews with CHWs in the Appalachian Region to examine their professional characteristics and knowledge on food security in their …

Stigmatization And Healthcare Inequity Perceived By Individuals Served By Homeless Shelters In An Appalachian City, Molly Powney, James M. Mears, Reagan Sharp, Lisa Calderwood

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: People experiencing homelessness are medically vulnerable and suffer disproportionately from chronic physical and mental health conditions. Evidence-based standards to inform decisions surrounding care would be valuable for this population. Studies exploring how homeless individuals in Appalachia perceive their interactions with the healthcare system remain limited, however.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess perceptions of the healthcare system among homeless individuals served by temporary housing shelters in an Appalachian city.

Methods: A voluntary anonymous survey was administered to residents at three shelters in Charleston, West Virginia (WV) from September 2023 – March 2024. Responses were collected utilizing …

Geospatial Analysis Of Breast Cancer Incidence, Mortality, And Access To Screening In Rural And Appalachian Virginia, Jennifer Osher, Caleb Brown, Phillip Nichols, Tariq Ayubi, Jeremy Powers

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in the United States (U.S.), despite recent survival rates improving nationally. However, rural and Appalachian regions have experienced slower mortality declines. These communities face unique health care-related challenges that may contribute to observed disparities.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess differences in breast cancer incidence, mortality, and mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) between Appalachian and non-Appalachian counties, as well as rural and non-rural counties in Virginia (VA). Furthermore, we aim to evaluate whether availability of mammography is associated with these differences.

Methods: County-level breast cancer incidence and mortality data …

Influence Of Family Health History And Parental Education On Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, And Lipid Levels In 5th Grade Children: A Secondary Data Analysis Of The Cardiac Project, Madha Rani Das, Lee A. Plyes, Eloise Elliott, Christa L. Lilly

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Childhood obesity and related cardiovascular risks reflect the interplay of genetic predispositions and socioeconomic adversity. Appalachia’s poverty, limited health care, and educational gaps worsen family health risks, driving early cardio-metabolic problems in children, highlighting the need for effective interventions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the association of family health history and parental education with BMI, BP, and lipid profiles among 5^th grade children in West Virginia (WV).

Methods: The study used WV CARDIAC data from 2006–2009. Outcomes were BMI, SBP/DBP, and fasting lipids (HDL, LDL, TG). Predictors were parental education and family health history …

Association Of Abo Blood Groups With Dengue Fever And Its Severity: A Study In Surabaya, Indonesia, Sulistiawati Sulistiawati, Linda Dewanti, Ronald Pratama Adiwinoto, Raissa Manika Purwaningtias, Bilqis Inayatillah, Jan Nouwen

Journal of Health Research

Background: Indonesia, a dengue-endemic country, has high morbidity and mortality rates. Dengue infection manifestations vary from asymptomatic to mild to severe. One of the risk factors for infection that plays a role in this severity is blood type. A better understanding of the risk factors for dengue infection is required to prevent and control it.

Methods: This analytical observational cross-sectional study was conducted at three hospitals in Surabaya from March to May 2013. Consecutive sampling included 95 patients aged >12 years with confirmed dengue infection (IgM/IgG positive) and without comorbid severe illness. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and checklists, …

Evaluating The Impact Of A Community-Based Prostate Cancer Screening Program, Amy Leader, Kristine Pham, Nicola Cianci, Hannah Knapp, Fatuma Doka, Suzanne Barron, Oleksandr Kolesnikov, Jordan Dehoratius, Katie Bradley, Le'ann Robles, Robert Giamboy, Olivia Dahlgren, Leonard G. Gomella

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: One out of eight men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Black men are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from prostate cancer than other males, contributing to significant prostate cancer disparities. Early detection, often by routine screening, allows for more options for treatment and an increased chance of survival. Barriers to screening contribute to prostate cancer disparities, particularly among those who lack regular access to health care. Community based screening programs may overcome barriers to prostate cancer screening.

METHODS: An urban, NCI-designated cancer center collaborated with a national prostate cancer …