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- Creators: Department of Psychology
Description
Background: This paper details the development of screening and education tools for finding Social Determinants of Health (SDH) in Maricopa County’s vulnerable population. SDH is known as structural or physical differences that hinder everyone to have an equal opportunity for improved health, and one of the steps to overcome the differences is through understanding what SDHs are prevalent in the targeted community, so that the community can develop the needed resources. SDH screening process was developed in collaboration with Student Health Outreach for Wellness (SHOW), a student-run organization whose aim is to provide healthcare for underserved populations. SHOW has a unique multi-disciplinary approach of treating each of their patients, and this screening is planned to be implemented during the treatment.
Methods: A literature review was conducted and SDH screening tool were adapted from known SDH screeners, such as Health Leads, PRAPARE, and CLEAR, to fit to the general population that SHOW serves. Training was also developed to educate the student volunteers who will be conducting the SDH screening and included necessary education about the population and the importance of SDH in general. Training materials include a practice scenario, a resources guide, SMART goal sheet, an introduction to the resource guide, and a process flowchart.
Outcomes: This project consists of different versions of screening tools, a training presentation, activities, handouts, and implementation ideas required to succeed in accurate SDH determination.
Methods: A literature review was conducted and SDH screening tool were adapted from known SDH screeners, such as Health Leads, PRAPARE, and CLEAR, to fit to the general population that SHOW serves. Training was also developed to educate the student volunteers who will be conducting the SDH screening and included necessary education about the population and the importance of SDH in general. Training materials include a practice scenario, a resources guide, SMART goal sheet, an introduction to the resource guide, and a process flowchart.
Outcomes: This project consists of different versions of screening tools, a training presentation, activities, handouts, and implementation ideas required to succeed in accurate SDH determination.
ContributorsChung, Min Kyung Rebecca (Author) / Harrell, Liz (Thesis director) / Essary, Alison (Committee member) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
Studies on urban heat island (UHI) have been more than a century after the phenomenon was first discovered in the early 1800s. UHI emerges as the source of many urban environmental problems and exacerbates the living environment in cities. Under the challenges of increasing urbanization and future climate changes, there is a pressing need for sustainable adaptation/mitigation strategies for UHI effects, one popular option being the use of reflective materials. While it is introduced as one effective method to reduce temperature and energy consumption in cities, its impacts on multi-dimensional environmental sustainability and large-scale non-local effect are inadequately explored. This paper provides a synthetic overview of potential environmental impacts of reflective materials at a variety of scales, ranging from energy load on a single building to regional hydroclimate. The review shows that mitigation potential of reflective materials depends on a portfolio of factors, including building characteristics, urban environment, meteorological and geographical conditions, to name a few. Precaution needs to be exercised by city planners and policy makers for large-scale deployment of reflective materials before their environmental impacts, especially on regional hydroclimates, are better understood. In general, it is recommended that optimal strategy for UHI needs to be determined on a city-by-city basis, rather than adopting a “one-solution-fits-all” strategy.
ContributorsYang, Jiachuan (Contributor) / Wang, Zhi-Hua (Correspondent) / Kaloush, Kamil (Contributor)
Created2015-06-11
Description
Patient-physician interactions are the cornerstone of healthcare delivery, with the potential to significantly influence patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. The quality of patient-physician interactions is pivotal in facilitating efficient communication concerning patient care and treatment. This relationship impacts the patient's adherence to medical advice and trust in healthcare. Considering the diversity of the patient population, there are a multitude of pertinent variables to take into account, including but not limited to English proficiency, race, educational attainment, age, gender, and socioeconomic status. How do patient-physician communication patterns and demographic variables impact patient comprehension, perception of communication efficacy, and healthcare outcomes across diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds? The purpose of this thesis is to comprehensively understand the characteristics underlying effective patient-physician communication and its impact on patient compliance, retention of medical information, and healthcare outcomes. By addressing racial, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic disparities in healthcare, the research aims to establish a universal foundation for augmenting patient-centered care. The methodology of this research included an extensive literature review, shadowing of clinical visits, and patient care, along with the distribution of a survey to patients to gain insight into their satisfaction with healthcare. Practical applications include the development of targeted interventions, communication training programs for healthcare providers, and the formulation of policies aimed at improving patient outcomes and healthcare system efficiency. This research paper investigates the impact of physician attitudes on patient understanding and overall health through a comprehensive analysis of survey data collected from 115 individuals attending various clinics. Our findings highlight the significance of quality healthcare delivery in fostering favorable patient experiences, with 63.5% of respondents rating their visits as excellent or very good. Effective communication emerges as a key determinant of patient satisfaction, with 64.4% of respondents rating communication as excellent or very good. However, a notable proportion of respondents (26.9%) rated their overall satisfaction as neutral or dissatisfied, indicating areas for improvement in patient satisfaction related to unaddressed concerns or inadequate communication. Gender-related concerns, reactive versus proactive medicine, mental health, and shared decision-making emerge as overlooked topics in current clinical practice. Our observations underscore the need for a holistic approach that addresses patients' psychosocial and emotional needs alongside medical concerns. Gender-related differences in care delivery are evident, with female patients reporting feeling dismissed or misunderstood by male doctors, particularly regarding issues related to pain or reproductive health. Female physicians are associated with a greater likelihood of receiving preventive counseling and gender-specific screening, highlighting the importance of gender diversity in healthcare. Furthermore, patients express frustration with a reactive approach to medicine, advocating for a higher focus on addressing the underlying causes of health issues rather than merely treating symptoms. Patients also desire more information about natural remedies and holistic treatment options, emphasizing the importance of incorporating these discussions into shared decision-making between doctors and patients. The study underscores the pivotal role of specific provider qualities such as communication, empathy, and attention to patient comfort in patient-centered care delivery. The comprehension and cooperation rating between the doctor and patient was 81.8% excellent and good with a remaining of 18.2% indicating the need for a more interactive visit. Based on the survey, the important qualities of a provider from highest to lowest ranking include: communication (listening and understanding), empathy and kindness, medical knowledge proficiency, and quality listening. Due to the heavy importance on communication, it is imperative for healthcare providers to gain the necessary skills to cater to and address many of the concerns of their patients outside of simple medical knowledge. Given the doctor explanation comprehension rating of 25.2% being somewhat clear and not so clear, it is necessary for providers to develop their patient communication skills to optimize patient satisfaction and compliance. Cultural competency emerges as a critical aspect of providing effective and equitable care to patients from diverse backgrounds. However, there are limitations to the study, including the relatively small sample size and potential response bias. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of the doctor-patient interaction and underscore the importance of effective communication, patient-centered care, and shared decision-making in promoting positive patient outcomes. According to the patient experience survey, talking more in depth about the patient treatment plan and taking the time to display eagerness to help and be active in one’s health will significantly enhance visit satisfaction. In addition to patients' ratings of physician level of empathy and respect consisting of 93% of respondents as exceeded or met expectations, the patient confidence in their health situation out of 10 was 6 and above for 90 percent of the survey respondents. However, with the shared decision making rating, 28.3% of respondents felt being somewhat involved or a little involved in their own care. By addressing patient needs and preferences and fostering collaborative relationships between physicians and patients, healthcare providers can enhance patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment recommendations, and overall health outcomes.
ContributorsAbdul, Zahir (Author) / La Crosse, Amber (Co-author) / Agu, Nnenna (Thesis director) / Markabawi, Bashar (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This thesis examines the discourse on firearm suicide in the United States, focusing on the contrasting narratives of gun rights and gun control advocacy groups. It analyzes how these groups use rhetorical, visual, and linguistic strategies to shape public perception and policy discussions about the link between gun ownership and suicide rates. The study highlights the role of digital media in amplifying these divergent narratives, revealing a polarized discourse that simplifies the complexities of firearm suicide. The findings advocate for a more nuanced approach to the public and policy dialogue, aiming to foster more effective suicide prevention strategies.
ContributorsSinger, Sean (Author) / Young, Alex (Thesis director) / Cohen, Adam (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This project is a zine about the histories of the feminist self-help movement and the Treatment and Data Committee of ACT UP during the AIDS crisis. It also includes an interview with Peter Rodriguez, an original ACT UP NYC member. The zine explores these movements' connection to citizen science, layperson expertise, and knowledge production.
ContributorsZelinka, Audrey (Author) / Nelson, Elizabeth (Thesis director) / Brian, Jennifer (Committee member) / Boyles, David (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor) / Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
The InceptionTime model is a tool modified for time series regression. For the first time in history, Read Montague’s lab at Virginia Tech has developed methods to measure neurotransmitters in the human brain using InceptionTime to analyze fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) data. FSCV has been around for decades and has been previously used to study concentrations of the neurotransmitter dopamine. However, unlike older analysis techniques such as principal component regression, InceptionTime can distinguish between catecholamines such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, thereby vastly increasing FSCV’s utility. This paper serves as an investigation of the InceptionTime model, its applications in FSCV experiments, and provides information about electrochemical concepts that are integral in understanding the value of this research.
ContributorsAger, Katrina (Author) / McClure, Samuel (Thesis director) / Brewer, Gene (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
My thesis is a comprehensive, multi-page report highlighting the ethical concerns of Arizona’s English-only law, or Proposition 203. It will emphasize the detrimental effects the law has on bilingualism, language preservation, and educational equity. To do this, I will explore research on the benefits of bilingualism for cultural awareness, brain development, and career opportunities. The project will underscore the importance of embracing linguistic diversity in the public education system in Arizona. My report will provide some background on the topic by delving into the historical context and intentions behind the English-only law. This will essentially expose to readers the misguided attempts of the law, some of which include boosting test scores at the expense of genuine learning experiences. I will include information that supports my argument that Proposition 203 discourages bilingualism and strips impactful opportunities from students in the public education system. Additionally, anecdotes and personal opinions from educators will be included to strengthen my argument. By highlighting the ethical implications of prioritizing test outcomes over holistic education, my thesis aims to advocate for a shift towards inclusive, more immersive bilingual education models.
ContributorsErramuzpe, Sophia (Author) / Sipka, Danko (Thesis director) / Amrein-Beardsley, Audrey (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This study focuses on the connection between musical rhythm and dyslexia. Dyslexia has long been a disability that has been studied, but not one that researchers have a particular or in-depth treatment for. There has been a long time of research on the connection between dyslexia and creativity. This has led to looking at how dyslexic students are often found in art schools and engage in creativity. This has led to a new wave of research into EEG and how dyslexia occurs, including what causes dyslexia. This connection is proposed through the temporal sampling deficit hypothesis that theorizes “neuroelectric oscillations that encode incoming information at different frequencies could explain the perceptual and phonological difficulties with syllables, rhymes and phonemes,” (Goswami, 2011). My research aims to go further into the theory that dyslexia is caused by phonological perception and rapid timing skills (Overy et al., 2001). Music has many of these underlying deficits within it, so my theory is that dyslexic people have rhythm deficits, therefore, music therapy would be helpful in learning dyslexia. This paper does not find a negative correlation between dyslexia and rhythm. The trend points to dyslexic participants responding to claps faster and more accurately. All participants made a trend of fewer errors and faster responses the second time they heard a clap pattern. This leads to an inconclusive conclusion that requires more investigation to confirm whether this is statistically significant.
ContributorsSarraf, Maya (Author) / Bristol, Rachel (Thesis director) / Peter, Beate (Committee member) / Kim, Yookyung (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a wide range of symptoms and severities, affecting communication, behavior, and social interactions. With the prevalence of ASD rising to affect nearly 1 in 36 children in the United States, understanding and addressing the multifaceted needs of those with ASD is increasingly critical. This review explores the interplay between genetic, environmental, and immune factors in the onset of ASD, focusing on metabolic dysfunctions and the role of the gut-brain axis. Emerging research highlights the significance of abnormal metabolites and gut microbiota imbalances in contributing to the pathophysiology of ASD, suggesting that these factors may influence neurological function and behavior through modulating immune responses.
Recent analyses have uncovered metabolic disturbances in ASD, affecting amino acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, glycolysis and the TCA cycle, homocysteine metabolism, ketone body synthesis, and lipid metabolism. These disturbances offer insights into how metabolic dysfunctions may contribute to the neurological and behavioral features of ASD. Furthermore, the gut microbiota's role in immune responses and the controversial impact of antibiotic use on gut flora composition is important to the complexity of ASD and the need for a nuanced understanding of treatment effects.
This review delves into the current understanding of metabolic dysfunctions in children with ASD, emphasizing the critical role of gut microbiota and the impact of antibiotic use. Specifically, this review discusses SCFAs, para-cresol, amino acid metabolites, and glutathione and their respective specific treatments. It also explores the potential of vitamin/mineral supplementation as a therapeutic strategy, highlighting significant improvements in metabolic markers and behavioral symptoms associated with ASD. The findings from key studies, including those by Adams et al., suggest that targeted nutritional interventions and careful management of gut health could offer promising avenues for improving the quality of life for individuals with ASD. The review also acknowledges the need for further research to confirm the long-term effects of these interventions and to develop personalized treatment approaches that consider the unique needs in individuals with ASD.
ContributorsNandakumar, Keshav (Author) / Adams, James (Thesis director) / Flynn, Christina (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Mental health perceptions within the Somali community are shaped by cultural, educational, geographical, and religiosity factors. This study aimed to explore the mental health views of Somalis in Somalia and those in the United States, considering the influence of culture and religion. A comprehensive survey was conducted, and data from 44 participants were analyzed using paired t-tests and correlations. Results revealed diverse beliefs among participants, with some attributing distress to spiritual causes like possession by Jinn or punishment by Allah, while others viewed it as a result of loss of faith or biological factors. Despite limitations such as a small sample size and recruitment challenges, the study contributes to understanding the views of an understudied group. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to address the changing mental health views as well as the needs within the Somali community.
ContributorsNur, Istarlin (Author) / Cohen, Adam (Thesis director) / Johnson, Kathryn (Committee member) / Aglozo, Eric (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05