Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons^™

News You Need: Annual Session, Board Updates, And Regulatory News, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This comprehensive news section provides essential updates for Michigan dentists, including details on the 2026 Annual Session highlights and the launch of the "HERM-E" AI member assistant. It features critical regulatory reminders concerning mandated reporting for child abuse and neglect. The document also covers oral cancer prevention, dental therapy scholarship updates, and the appointment of new members to the Michigan Board of Dentistry. Additionally, it lists upcoming House of Delegates meetings and resources for donated treatment, ensuring members are informed on professional responsibilities.

Caregiver Challenges And Health Access For Individuals With Developmental Disabilities In Mississippi, Kirsten Cunningham

Honors Theses

Current literature has highlighted the health disparities faced by individuals within the disability community and how it affects the care they receive. However, for many individuals with developmental disabilities, they require caregivers to make medical decisions for them. The purpose of this study is to focus on the caregiver’s perspective of caregiver stress, physical access to care, and health literacy to combat the challenges faced when getting access to healthcare resources for individuals with developmental disabilities in Mississippi. The researcher hypothesized, based on the literature review, that caregivers with higher levels of educational attainment would have less caregiver stress, more …

The Role Of Community Health Workers In Rural South Carolina, Sarah W. Haselden

Senior Theses

This paper aims to explore the role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in rural South Carolina through a literature review as well as the data supplied from the Community Health Alignment Initiative (CHAI) and Community Health Workers Changing Outcomes in SC (CCOSC). Through reviewing the collection of materials and data, the effectiveness of CHWs can be studied. Community Health Workers (CHWs) provide a unique aspect to primary care within communities through their aid in prevention of health conditions. CCOSC and CHAI collected data throughout South Carolina to determine the needs of communities and how CHWs can work to address those …

A Qualitative Socioecological Exploration Of Community Health Promoters’ Barriers And Facilitators In Cardiovascular Disease Prevention In Kenya, Emily Muchina, Maureen Akolo, Rose Maina

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background:

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a growing public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, where there is an upsurge of risk factors. Community health promoters (CHPs) have the potential to play a crucial role in CVD prevention and care to underserved communities in Kenya. However, there are limited studies on their experiences, which are likely shaped by multilevel barriers and facilitators across the individual CHP, the community, relationships with primary health systems, and societal-level policies and structures. This study explored the barriers and facilitators shaping CHPs’ experiences in mitigating CVD in Kenya.

Methods:

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted …

Risk Factors Of Leptospirosis Among Agricultural Workers In Southeast Asia: Literature Review, Ronggo Adi Wibowo, Wawa Najwa Nurzakia, Meirany Sasitha Kirana, Yulia Arthemisia Wijaya, Jasmine Ayumaharani Sekaryudha, Dwi Sarwani Sri Rejeki, Rosita Dwi Jayanti

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

The agricultural sector is the primary source of livelihood for communities in Southeast Asia; however, these activities increase the risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases, particularly leptospirosis. Southeast Asia is one of the regions with the highest incidence of leptospirosis in the world. This literature review aims to identify risk factors for leptospirosis among agricultural workers in Southeast Asia. The search for research articles utilized three databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect) using a descriptive approach based on literature review and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 9,800 articles were screened for …

Characteristics Of Leprosy Chemoprophylaxis Recipeints In The Tirtayasa Public Health Center Area, 2023–2024, Rifa Imaroh, Maria Angela Lumaksono, Izzah Imani, Dhelya Widasmara

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Leprosy remains a public health problem in Indonesia. In 2023, Indonesia ranked third globally in the number of leprosy cases, with 14,376 reported cases, after India (107,851 cases) and Brazil (22,773 cases). One of the key strategies for leprosy control in Indonesia is the implementation of preventive measures, including home visits and the administration of chemoprophylaxis using single-dose rifampicin (SDR). Post-exposure prophylaxis plays an important role in preventing leprosy transmission among contacts of confirmed patients. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of leprosy chemoprophylaxis recipients in the Tirtayasa Public Health Center area during 2023–2024. This study was an descriptive …

The Effects Of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption On Cancer Development, Bailey G. Ottmann

Emerging Writers

The dramatic rise in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption worldwide has sparked growing concerns about its impact on cancer development and human health. UPFs contain high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, chemical additives, dyes, and toxic compounds formed during cooking and processing. This study investigates the relationship between UPF consumption and cancer through a review of primary and secondary sources, alongside an observational survey conducted among 15 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and nursing educators. Survey findings indicate that 53% of participants observed higher cancer prevalence in patients consuming large amounts of UPFs, with colorectal cancer most frequently reported. The …

Maternal Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination And Preterm Birth A Utah Statewide Retrospective Cohort Study, Amy Solsman, Torri Metz, Josh Benton, Shana Godfred-Cato

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

We conducted a statewide, retrospective cohort study to evaluate the association between maternal receipt of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine and preterm birth. All individuals who delivered a singleton neonate in Utah and were between 32 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation from September 2023 to February 2024 were included and followed up until delivery. Overall, 2,733 of 24,213 individuals (11.3%) received the vaccine. Vaccine receipt was associated with lower odds of preterm birth (5.5% vaccinated group vs 6.8% unvaccinated group, adjusted odds ratio 0.80, 95% CI, 0.67–0.95). Receipt of the RSV vaccine was not associated with any …

Optimizing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (Crrt) In The Icu: A Qsen-Based Framework For Nursing Decision-Making Support, Leslie Okhirkhian

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

Nurses in critical care environments must exercise precise clinical judgement to recognize patient destabilization cues while managing the complex biomedical technologies that support failing physiological systems. Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is a modality for hemodynamically unstable patients requiring fluid overload management and waste removal; however, it is a complex technology that demands nurses navigate a “tightrope” between renal perfusion and hemodynamic stability. Despite its prevalence, there is no concise decision-making support for nursing care in the current literature based on the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) strategies. This presentation addresses this gap by proposing a QSEN-based, standardized …

Educational Intervention To Improve Awareness Of The Female Athlete Triad Among Division I Athletes, Carly J. Haring, Jonathan Olson Md

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

Introduction: The Female Athlete Triad poses short- and long-term health risks for female athletes through the interrelated components of low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and impaired bone health. Despite its prevalence, awareness and education surrounding the Triad remain limited, contributing to delayed recognition and care. The objective of this project was to assess baseline knowledge and comfort discussing Female Athlete Triad–related topics among Division I female athletes and to evaluate the impact of a brief educational intervention on knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking intentions.

Methods: A community-based educational initiative was conducted in November 2025 among Division I female athletes …

When To Continue, Pause, Or Stop Sglt-2 Inhibitors In Heart Failure: A Complication-Based Clinical Guide, Nicole Tesoro, Jasvin Kurundrayil Manha, Sumanth Kumar Bandaru

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have become an essential part of guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure due to their proven ability to reduce hospitalizations and improve survival, independent of diabetes status. Despite these benefits, their use can be complicated by genitourinary side effects such as genital mycotic infections, urinary tract infections, and, rarely, serious complications including urosepsis, Fournier’s gangrene, and euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis. These events often leave clinicians uncertain about whether therapy should be continued, paused, or permanently discontinued. Current guidance remains limited and inconsistent, with most recommendations derived from case reports, expert opinion, or post-marketing surveillance. In this …

Undergraduate Health And Wellbeing Course And Study Away Program To Alaska, Lorraine S. Wallace, Steven J. Mousetes, Jennifer Bickley

Journal of Global Education and Research

High-impact practices, such as diversity/global education, have been shown to positively contribute to student development, engagement, and success. As the US is both culturally and linguistically diverse, domestic study away programs can offer students impactful multicultural educational experiences without leaving the country. The purpose of this study was to describe the design of a health and well-being academic course and accompanying study away program to Alaska for undergraduates at The Ohio State University (OSU). The authors (1) describe the application of the backward design process in guiding ELOs development, (2) provide a sample of course assignments and student responses, and …

J Mich Dent Assoc March 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The March 2026 (Volume 108, No. 3) issue of the Journal is published in a digital format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

This issue includes feature articles on Most-Asked Dental Benefit Questions, an interview with ADA Speaker Dr. Deb Peters, …

Conditions Affecting The Gi Tract: The Dental Professional’S Role, Sherri M. Lukes, Rdh, Ms, Faadh

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the critical role dental professionals play in identifying gastrointestinal (GI) conditions through their oral manifestations. It provides an overview of various pathologies, including HPV-induced oropharyngeal cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. The author describes specific oral signs, such as dental erosion and aphthous ulcerations, that can serve as early indicators of systemic disease. The piece advocates for an interdisciplinary approach to patient care, emphasizing that dental practitioners are often on the front lines of diagnosing serious systemic health issues.

News You Need, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This comprehensive news section covers a wide range of association updates, including previews of the 2026 Annual Session and the Mission of Mercy volunteer event. It provides critical "Dental Benefit Briefs" regarding claims appeals, CMS rule changes for prior authorization, and code deletions affecting reimbursement. The source also features a Q&A with the new ADA 9th District Trustee and highlights new guidelines for using generative AI in dental journalism. Additionally, it reports on community grants and charitable programs like Livingston District’s "Gold for Food".

The Back Page: Helping The Homeless Through The Delonis Oral Health Initiative, Sarah Tomaka, Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature story highlights a student-led initiative at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry to provide dental care to Ann Arbor's unhoused population. Through the Delonis Oral Health Initiative, students have partnered with a local shelter to connect over 100 vulnerable patients with essential treatment. The article discusses the profound impact of treating dental pain on an individual's ability to pursue stable housing and a better life. It also showcases how the program provides students with meaningful leadership and community service experience while addressing a critical gap in public health.

The Role Of Top-Down Appetite Self-Regulation In The Development Of Healthy Eating Behaviors Among Children: A Narrative Review And Socialization Framework, David J Bridgett, Sheryl O Hughes, Matthew Broussard, Daniela Mccourt, Christina M Croce, Jennifer O Fisher

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Appetite self-regulation (ASR) among children is thought to have a fundamental role in shaping the development of healthy eating behaviors, dietary intake, and growth during childhood. Parallel to developmental frameworks for understanding "general" self-regulation among children, ASR has been described as involving children's use of "top-down" cognitive processes to moderate "bottom-up" biological drives around food approach and avoidance in the interest of achieving desired eating behaviors or outcomes. Whereas bottom-up ASR processes during early childhood are well characterized, particularly in the context of dysregulation and obesity risk, the role of top-down ASR processes in the development of healthy eating behaviors …

Plasma Ca125 Levels As A Predictor Of Major Adverse Cardiac Events In Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Six-Month Follow-Up Study, Nazlı Dilek Çolak, Turgut Karabağ, Onuralp Çalışkan, Songül Tezcan

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) is associated with different cardiovascular conditions. This study aimed to determine CA125 levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and the potential relationship between major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in the short-term following.

Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in a coronary care unit between May and November 2022. Plasma CA125 levels were measured only once upon hospital admission. Patients were followed for six months. All-cause mortality, recurrent acute coronary syndrome, requirement for revascularization, decompensated heart failure, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, atrial fibrillation, and stroke were recorded as MACE.

Results: A total of 127 …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Progress, Successes, And Challenges Among Indiana Recipients As Part Of A National Initiative To Reduce Covid-19–Related Health Disparities, Marla Winters, Lily Darbishire

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided funding to states as part of the CDC Disparities Grant initiative. The aim of the funding was to reduce chronic disease and COVID-19–related health disparities among vulnerable communities through four unique strategies. Funding was awarded to the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) to begin an Indiana chapter of this initiative, called Indiana Healthy Opportunities for People Everywhere (I-HOPE). From 2021 to 2023, the IDOH provided I-HOPE funding to local communities (subgrantees) to support the design and implementation of programs to improve community health. For example, …

Facebook Interaction As A Potential Marker Of Cognitive Decline: Pilot Study, Esraa M. Qansuwa

Theses and Dissertations

One of the critical challenges in brain disorder research is the early identification of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who may later develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or other dementias. MCI in older adults is frequently associated with diminished social engagement and observable behavioral changes. With the rapid expansion of social media platforms and advances in Machine Learning (ML), digital traces from online activity present a novel and scalable avenue for mental health screening. In particular, predictive ML approaches have demonstrated strong potential in building reliable classifiers for early detection of neurocognitive decline. This study introduces an innovative framework that …