Capstone Abstracts & Posters
Community Health Practice - Loop Cohort 2023
Capstone abstracts are listed alphabetically from A-Z. Click on posters for enlarged viewing.
OARA External Tool's Impact on Quality Care
Practicum Site: University of Chicago
Christopher Ahmad
Introduction. One of the requirements for achieving equity across all populations would be to eliminate or reduce Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). Studies have found that discharge rates and access to care are impacted by such disparities. This ties in with the goal of utilizing the OARA tool and the overall goals, aims and objectives of this project. Approach. Patients were scored based on their answers to a questionnaire, which would predict the length of stay (LOS). Upon review of the data, the scores, LOS, complications, comorbidities and SDOH were compared to find any relationship. 200 patients had their scores evaluated. Outcomes. The tool predicted LOS and delivered on its promise. The analysis showed that a score of 55 was the optimal preoperative threshold for safe SDD following a lower extremity arthroplasty. No relationship was found between the score and SDOH. It was also noted that individuals with high OARA scores had notable comorbidities. Conclusion. The study demonstrated that the application of OARA scores depends on the justification of the cost/benefits to the specific institution to determine whether the LOS calculation is cost effective. The practicum also noted areas of improvement for quality care in the hospital.
Environmental Health Education: Creating Environmental Summaries with a Community Focus on Benton Harbor, Michigan
Practicum Site: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Sharon Delavega
Introduction. Brownfields are potentially contaminated sites that offer opportunities for community growth, provided that redevelopment is health focused. However, many communities lack the knowledge, resources, and training needed to redesign with health in mind. This project involved the development of environmental summaries to advance knowledge relating to brownfields and health, with the inclusion of a community focused environmental training. Approach. Environmental summaries were developed by utilizing databases like My Environment and Cleanups in My Community to find information on brownfield site locations, historical use, and contaminants found. The Environmental Health and Land Reuse (EHLR) training was modified to present key messages, message mapping, and risk communication related to the Benton Harbor community. Outcomes. Five environmental summaries were created. Thirty-one Benton Harbor community members, public health students and faculty, and environmental health specialists participated in the EHLR training. Twenty-five soil samples were collected during the community soil workshop. Results showed that participants increased their environmental health knowledge, as well as knowledge on risks and outcomes related to brownfield contaminants. Conclusion. The development of these summaries and EHLR training presents opportunities for communities to increase their capacity in building relationships, communicate contaminants and health risks, as well as engage in health focused land redevelopment.
Centering Community Needs to Prevent Violence: A Social Ecological Approach to Program Evaluation for BUILD Chicago
Practicum Site: Build Chicago
Katlyn Dillane
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Introduction. Community violence is a significant problem for many communities in Chicago, leading to substantial losses in life and health problems for community members. Although community violence is linked to structural factors, few programs or public health evaluations examine factors beyond individual-level behavior. This project involved the development of an evaluation toolkit to help BUILD Chicago identify evaluation tools that measure program impact beyond individual factors. The toolkit provided resources for participatory evaluation to facilitate power balancing and incorporate young people’s feedback. Approach. Using the social-ecological model (SEM), seven instruments were adapted or created for the evaluation toolkit. A presentation was completed to generate feedback from BUILD evaluation staff members. Outcomes. BUILD’s evaluation team found the presentation helpful. The project increased staff knowledge about the social-ecological model and participatory evaluation. Staff noted challenges in materializing program evaluation results to understand program impact. Conclusion. The toolkit provided BUILD’s evaluation team with the knowledge to evaluate structural factors related to violence. Greater collaboration is needed to prevent harm and address the root causes of community violence.
Examining the Impact of Immigration Status on Mental Health and Assessment of Impact of Health Literacy and Cultural Competency on Immigrants' Access to Healthcare Resources
Practicum Site: Center for Community Health Equity
Mary Frimpong
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Introduction. Mental health is a key factor in our overall health and well-being and has a huge influence on our relationships with others, our ability to cope with stress, and our capacity to make wise choices. However, certain groups of people have a high prevalence of mental health issues, making life more challenging. This study aims to examine immigration status impact on immigrant populations' mental health. This capstone focused on this aim in three different methods. Approach. Ten Chicago immigrant interview transcripts were analyzed and coded, a key informant interview was conducted and two mental health materials were created and distributed. Outcomes. The outcomes of this capstone would identify gaps in mental health care for immigrant populations and suggest solutions, especially for undocumented immigrants. Conclusion. This study provides recommendations for future studies on immigration status impact on mental health and aid researchers and professionals in bringing attention to the problem, and promoting immigrant mental health.
Impact Assessment of Educational Materials and Promotion of Environmental Justice on Three Communities affected by Brownfields
Practicum Site: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Khadijah Garnett
Introduction. Environmental justice is something that everyone deserves to have. Many communities do not have access to clean air, soil, and groundwater. Often times those living in an urban setting have to sacrifice those simple things. Brownfields are typically located in those areas which result in community members facing ongoing health conditions that they may not have the resources to correct or be educated on. It impacts these neighborhoods to lower the values and proper health opportunities that other communities are granted. This project developed educational materials as well as promoting environmental justice for the community members affected by certain toxins and pollutants surrounding them. Approach. Three case studies as well as three message maps were created to educate all community members. Outcomes. Majority of the community members in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Howardville, Missouri, and Navajo Nation, New Mexico have access to these educational message maps, and case studies. From those educational materials they were able to understand which contaminates and toxins were affecting their community, and helped them address many common health factors that resulted from the toxins. Conclusion. The development of those educational material allows for community members to gain a better understanding of their community as well as increasing their control over the most common health disparities shared within their community.
Strengthening Mind, Body, and Soul: The Impact of an Educational Health Program in Chicago's Imani Village Community
Practicum Site: Advocate Health Care
Michelle Gorrell
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Introduction. One’s environment is normally a place of comfort, safety, and often promotes wellness. However, that’s not always the case, when one’s environment may be unsafe and/or deprived of education and resources. This project involved the development of how to focus on evolving one’s mind, body, and soul by implementing six health workshops to promote mental and physical health knowledge and interventions among marginalized residents of the community. Approach. Six mental and physical health workshops and videos were developed for residents of the community. (e.g., recognizing emotions, understanding, and managing anxiety and depression, recognizing stress and burnout, how to maintain work-life balance, and developing better nutritional habits.). Outcomes. Over 50 people including staff, leadership, and participants viewed the flyers and program overview to the program while results showed that only 15 participants engaged and participated in the class. The participants acknowledged that the information being taught was beneficial to their health and lifestyle. Conclusion. The development of these presentations and handouts presents a promising approach to assure that community residents will continue to receive the health education necessary to better implement lifestyle habits. This approach can also advance understanding and developing research as to how one’s environment can affect their health.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Data Collection Best Practices: Recommendations from a National Working Group
Practicum Site: AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Jessica Kassanits
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Introduction. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, etc. (LGBTQ+) individuals face disparities across multiple health issues in the United States. To assess the needs of this community, proper demographic data must be collected on this population on a government level. This project aimed to assess existing efforts and develop recommendations for best practices of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection for government use to influence positive health outcomes for the LGBTQ+ population. Approach. Qualitative data was collected by creating a national working group of SOGI data collection stakeholders and through interviews with six members of this working group. A SOGI Data Collection Best Practices Report was created based on the interview data and a literature review. An additional report was generated to assess the inaugural year of data collection for an Illinois SOGI data collection bill (SB2133). Outcome. The reports will be shared with the Illinois Governor’s office, two SOGI data collection working groups and via the PAT website. Conclusion. The SOGI Data Collection Best Practices Report will provide guidance for state governments looking to collect SOGI data collection in a sensitive, accurate, and complete manner. Long term, quality SOGI data collection with have large implications for LGBTQ+ health outcomes.
Dissemination of Air Quality Data using Health Communication Strategies and Environmental Health Tools
Practicum Site: Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry
Raegan King
Introduction. Lead exposure is preventable but continues to be a public health concern due to the different routes of exposure and environmental injustices that plague different communities. Although every community can be at risk for exposure, not all populations are equally vulnerable. Education and resources can play a significant role in the dissemination of information. How this information is communicated is a crucial aspect in overall health outcomes. This project involved the development of a presentation to establish a relationship with the Lake County Health Department to create and promote initiatives to bring awareness to toxin exposure and how to minimize/understand health disparities.​ Approach. A presentation on lead exposure was developed using the Environmental Protection Agency and Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry Screening and Mapping Tools for region 5 partners and health department health officials. Outcomes. Introduced new forms of communication to region 5 partners and health departments through the utilization of social media and websites. Improved limitations with ATSDR mapping tools and engagement with region 5 partners. Conclusion. The partnership and collaboration with region 5 communities and health departments establishes a promising approach to assure that the dissemination of information is properly communicated to improve health education efforts.
Telehealth, Telemedicine, and Virtual Care Methods: An Analysis on Public Health Response
Practicum Site: Visiting Nurses Association Foundation
Isabella Lazarski
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Introduction. In a post COVID-19 environment, telehealth can be viewed as a solution for safe and socially-distant care. While telehealth can offer a bridge between diverse health professionals and a wide range of communities, accessibility to virtual care methods can be complicated and multi-layered. This project assesses the utilization of telehealth in efforts to better understand its effectiveness for future healthcare models. Approach. Through partnering with the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA), we created a detailed literature review and adapted a Program Evaluation Framework Model, to develop a 30-question survey, for better understanding of telehealth utilization and purposes. This survey was conducted with 15 participants from the VNA grantee network, who currently offer services via telehealth. Outcomes. Using a grounded theory approach, survey results were categorized and developed into theories for further assessment and conclusions. From the 14 grantee partners surveyed, results showed telehealth was widely accessible for providers, however disconnect between patients and types of services offered limited frequency and ease of use. Conclusion. The assessment of these surveys revealed the multifaceted complexities in utilizing telehealth. With influencing factors including access to technology, appropriate training, connection to providers, and language and disability accommodations, populations experience varying outcomes of telehealth satisfaction and utilization.
Understanding How Lead Exceedance is Communicated to Michigan Residents​
Practicum Site: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Melinda Muslimovic
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Introduction. Lead contaminations in city water can cause negative impacts to health. In Hamtramck, Michigan, Black residents experience a disproportionate rate of lead-related illnesses, such as high blood pressure, from water and lead-based paint contaminations in their homes. Communication strategies between environmental agencies and residents in impacted areas may determine how affectively new information is being shared, how residents are receiving it, and the accountability of local and state health and environmental agencies to take action. Approach. A key informant interview was conducted to address communication strategies about the impacts of lead in drinking water and homes with lead-based paint. This was to understand how to address gaps in knowledge and dissemination of information in an attempt to quantify the health and safety risks that residents of Hamtramck experience. Outcomes. The information collected from key informant surveys concluded that the Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) were aware of the severity of lead-related health risks in Hamtramck among Black residents. They are actively working to find a solution to address lead contaminations in the community. Their communication strategies on social media platforms inconclusively promote community engagement but other outreach efforts effectively provide useful updates to lead contaminations, resources, and current initiatives. Conclusion. The information acquired from this informant interview will provide the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) the opportunity to create partnerships with communities.
Immigration Policies Impact Mental Health in Undocumented Young Adults' and Young Adults with Mixed Status Families
Practicum Site: Center for Community Health Equity
Paulina Pinzon
Introduction. Historically, undocumented immigrants have been settling in the US, making undocumented migration a critical topic in public policy. However, there is limited literature on how immigration policies impact this population’s mental health outcomes. Approach. Interviews from the Undocumented Youth & Young Adult Project were reviewed to analyzed to understand the impact of immigration policies on young undocumented adults' and mixed-status families' mental health. Outcomes. The 10 participants from the Undocumented Youth & Young Adult Project identified immigration policies impacting their mental health regardless of their status. Stressors created by immigration policies were found in the levels that followed 1) intrapersonal level factors: characteristics within the person 2) interpersonal level factors: relationships between people 3) institution-level factors: rules, regulations, policies 4) community-level factors: social norms, environmental conditions 5) societal level factors: cultural norms, economics. Conclusion. The results of these interviews identify and build awareness of policy influences on immigrant mental health. Furthermore, the findings shared with community partners may create more effective resources and collaborations in addressing immigrant mental health.
An Assessment of the McK-UDOS Youth Coalition Project with Midwest Asian Health Association in McKinley Park, Chicago
Practicum Site: Midwest Asian Health Association
Stephanie Tingas
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Introduction. Substance use and mental health disorder prevention efforts are integral to improving youth’s future mental and physical health outcomes. Youth that reside in or attend school in McKinley Park, Chicago, IL are deprived of resources that can impact their probability of developing substance use or mental health disorders. Approach. This project aimed to address the need for increased education of substance use and mental health amongst youth in McKinley Park in two ways: (1) through the collaborative creation of public-view educational Instagram posts, and (2) through hosting table at MAHA’s community event in McKinley Park where educational and lifesaving resources were provided via informational brochures and no-cost Naloxone. Qualitative results were found from the students’ responses to the online survey, and other basic descriptive-level quantitative data was also recorded. Outcomes. Four new members were added during project timeline (total 7 members). A total of 14 Instagram posts were collectively created. The youth coalition hosted a table at MAHA’s Asian American Pacific Islander Month Community Event on May 20th, 2023. Conclusion. Incorporating youth members in our substance use and mental health prevention efforts has shown to be helpful in increasing knowledge and access to resources concerning substance use and mental health in both the target population and the broader community.
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Addressing Food Insecurity in Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center's Primary Service Area
Practicum Site: Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
Raphaelle Torralba
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Introduction. The hospital-based food pantry at Advocate Illinois Masonic medical center is improving accessibility to safe and nutritious foods for food insecure patients. However, the current parameters of program activities limit how often and how much food is distributed, therefore limiting consistent program use by some patients. Therefore, this project aims to expand the program’s reach by incorporating Nourishing Hope’s online market as an additional avenue for patients accessing food. Approach. In partnership with Nourishing Hope, an online market referral process was developed. Instructional guides on referral and enrollment processes were developed and distributed to pantry managers. A presentation was also developed and distributed to pantry managers to review the guides and educate them on the referral process. Outcomes. There is an assessment of the amount of service lines educated, the number of patients enrolled in the online market, and manager/volunteer feedback on the instructional material. Due to organizational constraints actual outcome data will not be seen. Conclusion. This project expanded the capabilities of the hospital-based pantry program. Future program activities should look into a program process evaluation and introduction of the expanded model to additional community organizations to generate impact beyond the AIMMC primary service area.
A Qualitative Analysis of the Howard Brown Syringe Exchange Program
Practicum Site: Howard Brown Health
Alfred Washington
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Introduction. Sharing and reusing injection equipment is associated with a high risk of transmission of blood-borne disease including life threatening HIV, hepatitis B, and HCV. By providing sterile injection equipment, syringe services programs (SSPs) aim to reduce transmission of infectious diseases. The goal of this project was to assess the public health impact of the Howard Brown Syringe Exchange Program in Chicago. Approach. My project consisted of conducting a literature review of current syringe exchange programs to investigate best practices for syringe exchange programs (SEPs) and compare them to the services and resources currently offered at Howard Brown Health. Using my practicum site as a means to gather data and observations, my methodology included the creation and distribution of a survey to identify the needs of the stakeholders and to assess their perception of the current syringe exchange program at Howard Brown Health. Outcomes. Best practices were evaluated by conducting an extensive literature review searching the DePaul Library, Google Scholar, and other internet sources using keywords such as “syringe exchange” and “harm reduction.” Additionally, three surveys targeting stakeholders, participants, and staff were created for this project to get detailed feedback and new insights that will improve the syringe exchange program at Howard Brown. The brief survey consisted of five open-ended questions that assessed barriers and facilitators to accessing services at the HBH syringe exchange. Conclusion. The survey tools were analyzed and presented to the Director of Public Health Interventions at Howard Brown who provided an assessment of the completed activities and resulting outcomes. The stakeholder feedback will be used to measure the quality of the implementation and potential for sustainability of the program.
