The media plays a crucial role in shaping intercultural and global health by influencing public perception, spreading information, and driving policy decisions. Through news coverage, advertising, and social media, the media can raise awareness about health crises, and promote preventative measures throughout the world. However, the media can also contribute to misinformation, reinforce stereotypes, and create biases in health narratives, which may lead to mistrust in healthcare systems.
AI MISINFORMATION
Spencer Gregar-Skillman - BSPS/PharmD Student
What is Artificial Intelligence?
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence refers to computers capable of learning and reasoning in ways that are representative of human intelligence. Generative AI is a subset of artificial intelligence that can create and produce its own information based on the data it has been trained on.
Artificial intelligence refers to computers capable of learning and reasoning in ways that are representative of human intelligence. Generative AI is a subset of artificial intelligence that can create and produce its own information based on the data it has been trained on.
Who Does This Affect?
AI is a tool that is becoming more and more prevalent in everyday life. Most people have used AI especially when looking on google. Many patients look up information about medications which could lead to the wrong information getting shared.
Where Do We Go From Here?
While AI has its flaws from hallucinations and getting information from unreliable sources, there is a huge potential upside for regulated medical information to be explained and easily accessible to patients. I believe AI being trained from reliable sources could help solve some of these issues.
Medical Misinformation
Since AI is a mostly automated process, based on where data and information is derived from, it can lead to the spread of misinformation. For example, a patient could ask a question and get information from an unreliable source, which could lead to worse medical outcomes. This is something that has the potential to be dangerous to patients if the wrong information is given.
What do I think?
“Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool for summarizing information, but there are clear limitations. I feel there is a lot more to be done before AI can be used for any sort of medical information purposes and this would be many years into the future.”
S.Gregar-Skillman
CYBER BULLYING
Connor Arick - BSPS Student
Media Impact on new method to bullying
The emergence of social media and its various platforms has become the most common vehicle for cyberbullying and catfishing victimization and perpetration. About half of American teenagers have experienced cyberbullying and numerous studies have shown that victims of cyberbullying develop psychiatric and psychosomatic disordersincluding low self-esteem, academic prpblems, violent behaviors towards oneself or others, and suicidal ideations, creating a global health issue
Who’s affected?
Cyberbullying and Catfishing pertains mostly to the young adult population. However, anyone and everyone can be susceptible to cyberbullying and the negative effects associated with perpetration.
What do you think?
“I personally believe that stronger efforts to educate youth on what cyberbullying and how the ‘digital footprint’ can impact more than just yourself in the long run - no one likes a bully and do not be afraid to report the perpetrator!”
C.Arick
What can be done?
Efforts have been made by social media platforms to detect phrases and punctuation that may be flagged as cyberbullying. Bystanders can also partake in reporting and blocking the perpetrator and take a stand against the perpetrator
Statistics:
Cyberbullying
About half of American teenagers have experienced some form of cyberbullying, and 10-20% of victims are involved in repeated cyberbullying events. A study involving 439 college students provided data that claims that of these students, 38% knew someone that had been cyberbullied, 21.9% had been victims of cyberbullying, and 8.6% admitted to cyberbullying perpetration.
Media Impact, Spring 2025
PROMOTION OF UNHEALTHY BEHAVIOR
TEJASWI YARRAM - BSPS STUDENT
Media Influence on Health
Media glamorizes harmful behaviors—smoking, drinking, drug use, fast food, extreme dieting, and hustle culture—without addressing long-term health consequences. Theories like Social Learning and Cultivation explain how repeated exposure shapes behavior, increasing risks of chronic illness and addiction.
References
Though a global issue, this analysis centers on the U.S. Hollywood influences global smoking trends, while Western dietary trends contribute to rising obesity. Despite strict regulations in some countries, globalization and digital media continue to spread these harmful portrayals.
Who’s Affected?
Youth are especially vulnerable—media exposure triples their likelihood of smoking (CDC). Public health systems face growing burdens, and mediadriven norms reinforce acceptance of unhealthy behaviors.
Efforts & Solutions
Countries like the UK and Australia restrict youth-targeted ads. Media literacy programs build awareness, and corporate accountability pushes platforms to reduce harmful promotions.
“I don’t think social media itself is the issue-it’s the influencers who shape narratives and people who blindly follow them, forgetting the importance of thinking for themselves. “ -TYarram
Bocci Benucci S, Fioravanti G, Silvestro V, et al. The Impact of Following Instagram Influencers on Women's Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorder Symptoms. Nutrients. 2024;16(16):2730. Published 2024 Aug 16. doi:10.3390/nu16162730 Pedalino F, Camerini AL. Instagram Use and Body Dissatisfaction: The Mediating Role of Upward Social Comparison with Peers and Influencers among Young Females. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(3):1543. Published 2022 Jan 29. doi:10.3390/ijerph19031543
AWARENESS AND DESTIGMATIZATION
KAROLYN PINEIRO - BSPS STUDENT
The general media, as well as social media, have greatly contributed to the increase in awareness and destigmatization of many conditions. A very high number of people use social media as a way to get healthcare news or connect with others with the same condition, with 80% of cancer patients finding peers on social media, and more than 80% of US health departments have social media accounts.
AWARENESS
“The improvements in support, awareness, and destigmatization of mental and physical health conditions would not have been possible without efforts from the media.” -K. Pineiro
Peer support and research for rare diseases have been better than ever due to social media. Awareness of these diseases can be spread easily, and it is easier to find peer support. Healthcare professionals also benefit, as they can monitor patients' needs/symptoms, recruit patients for clinical trials/research, and get an overall view of symptoms associated with diseases
DESTIGMATIZATION
Information regarding mental and physical health issues is more widespread and readily available to the public, due to the media. Desensitization begins when accurate information is accessible. Promotion of social groups, hotline numbers, and other resources all contribute to the destigmatization of some conditions. One example is the HIV/AIDS epidemic, where in the 1980s, people thought it was spread through casual contact and targeted specific marginalized groups. Now we know that this was all misinformation, and the disease does not carry as much stigma.
GOVERNMENTAL & NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
ARI ARZUMANIAN
KRISSY AUSTIN
ASH HALLISSEY
SKYLER KREUNEN
JOSHUA RANDALL
JENNA YEAGER
THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION - FUNCTION AND POLICY
Skyler Kreunen - BSPS Student
The World Health Organization is an international intergovernmental organization composed of member states. It detects global health threats, sets guidelines and standards, provides healthcare worldwide and assists with humanitarian response.
This subtopic and the function of the WHO is a global issue, considering that it gets its funding from all over the world and also ensures resources and healthcare is accessible worldwide. However, since the US is the largest financial contributor and there have been recent policy shifts concerning the WHO, it has become an intercultural issue within the US.
Low-income and developing countries are most directly affected by the efforts (especially humanitarian) of the organization, for example countries facing health crises. A large-scale example would be during COVID, the WHO was responsible for creating worldwide safety guidelines and declaring states of emergency: a pandemic and the WHO’s intervention affected everyone. Significant US contributions have included polio eradication and maternal health.
In 2020 Trump attempted to cut funding and end membership – this was reversed by Biden in 2021 before the decision went into effect. In January 2025 Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the WHO – this order, which takes 12 months to divest from financial commitments, will take away 1215% of the WHO’s funding, leading to fewer jobs and less ability to perform the WHO’s functions. This includes future pandemic surveillance, which has been a concern with rising bird flu cases in the US. The WHO’s response to COVID was cited as a reason for withdrawal (hoarding of vaccines) because of distrust of the way the organization operates in large crises. The US should rejoin the WHO or negotiate a better funding solution since it is such a large contributor. Most contributions by the US are voluntary and not “membership dues”.
OPINION: THE US SHOULD REJOIN THE WHO, ISOLATION
PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF AMERICA
Jenna Yeager - BSPS and Biochemistry Student
Planned Parenthood of America (PP) is an NGO providing reproductive health care and education services. PP provided 9.13 million services in 2023: 4.6 million STI testing and treatment, 2.25 million birth control, and 500,000 cancer screening and prevention, and 392,715 abortions. PP plays an active role in preventing, detecting, and treating the U.S.’s annual 20 million STIs and 2 million cancer cases. Abortion, a hot topic in media and politiics, has been legislated for almost 100 years. Policies affect PP’s services to communities- especially important as more than half of PP centers are in underserved areas. Policy affecting PP to provide reproductive health care and education services is an intercultural issue for the United States, as legislation by the U.S. government primarily enacts legislation affecting the American operating branch.
POLICIES AND COURT CASES AFFECTING OPERATIONS OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD
The “End Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Providers Act”, introduced into Congress 1/16/2025, would prohibit Federal funding of PP and all entities providing abortions in cases other than rape, incest, or life endangerment- a step up from the Hyde Amendment of 1976 which asserts Federal funds can only be used for abortion in the cases above. States regulate abortion access through Title X, which provides funding to low-income patients for family planning and reproductive services like STD testing, birth control, abortions, and cancer screening. Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic questions if Medicaid recipients have the right to choose their preferred provider at an organization that provides abortions, examining whether PP can accept Federal dollars for non-abortionrelated services.
and federally qualified health centers.
CALLS TO ACTION AND TEMPORARY SOLUTIONS
Planned Parenthood may opt to create two different organizations, one which serves its reproductive, education, and family health services, and another, its abortion related services. Explicit separation of abortion by PP from its other services could keep federal funding aboard. The U.S. must prepare current healthcare facilities for increased reproductive healthcare service demand, especially for lowincome patients. As PP has 2.7 million annual patients, displacement will cause major strain on healthcare clinics, hospitals, and physicians' offices.
PERSONAL OPINION
If Planned Parenthood is incorrectly using Federal funds, prosecution is called for. Opinion on abortion is affecting access to services that directly prevent abortion. Education, preventative services, and contraceptives are critical in reducing abortions- taking away bodily autonomy will damage progress made on women's rights and cause retaliation and polarization. ~ J. Yeager
GROUP 2 MONOGRAPH | PAGE 4
Planned Parenthood is more likely to service higher volumes of clients than health departments
Trump has signed an executive order establishing the FEMA review council to assess and recommend improvements to the operations. This raises concerns about the efficacy, priorities, and competence in disaster response and political bias/mission drift.
Types of Grants Available for Pre- and Post-Emergency Projects
Preparedness: Supports citizens and first responders to sustain, improve, and mitigate disasters
Hazard Mitigation Assistance: Sustainable action reducing long-term risk to people/property from future disasters
Shelter and Services Program: Provides funds to non-federal entities to noncitizen migrants who await immigration proceedings
Emergency Food & Shelter Program: Supplements and expands services to individuals who experience, or at risk of experiencing, hunger and/or homelessness
Next Generation Warning System: Supports investments that improve security of public broadcasting networks and systems
Opinion: I believe that FEMA may need some restructuring, which is expected as most organizations need to adapt to the current state of the U.S. politics and climate change. Though, it is an important organization that is essential for pre- and post-emergency assistance for the individuals that reside in the U.S. ~ A.Hallissey
THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH (NIH)
Ari Arzumanian - BSPS Student
The National Institute of Health (NIH) is the primary agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It devotes its resources and personel to biomedical and public health research. Through grants, the NIH funds research across universities, hospitals, and NGOs which impact both domestic and global health. Because the NIH is federally funded its priorities often change with new presidential administrations. Under President Trump there have been concerns about budget and structural changes within the NIH.
The Trump administration has proposed reductions of up to 15% (roughly $5 billion) from the NIH’s annual budget. Universities, hospitals, and NGO’s are at risk of losing essential grant support. New evidence has suggested that more than 2,000 new/existing grants may be delayed or cut entirely. This directly impacts thousands of scientists and research staff. In response to these proposals, lawmakers and advocacy groups have sprung into action expressing fear that these cuts will set medical innovation in areas such as cancer, heart disease, and infectious disease back decades.
TRUMP’S NIH OBJECTIVES
ALIGN NIH PROJECTS WITH ‘AMERICA FIRST’ AGENDA
REVIEW/REDUCE FUNDING FOR NIH INITIATIVES THAT DON’T FIT ADMINISTRATION’S PRIORITIES RESTRICT CERTAIN RESEARCH AREAS (REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, GENDER-RELATED STUDIES)
RESTORE PUBLIC TRUST IN RESEARCH BY ENCOURAGING DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES STREAMLINE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS BY DIRECTING FUNDING TOWARD ‘HIGHIMPACT’ MEDICAL RESEARCH
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya’s (recently appointed) support for these cuts emphasize the administrations goal to align NIH activity with national interests. However, this approach to funding alongside deep cuts/firings have triggered major concerns in the scientific community. The hope is that America will maintain it’s ability to stay on top of global research efforts and continue to make progress against chronic disease.
OPINION: WHILE IT IS REASONABLE TO ADJUST FUNDING TO ALIGN WITH THE ADMINISTRATIONS GOALS, PRESIDENT TRUMP’S APPROACH MAY BE TOO ABRUPT. - A. ARZUMANIAN
DIRECT RELIEF
Krissy Austin - BSPS Student
Direct Relief is a nonprofit organization that provides immediate assistance in emergency situations within healthcare, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc. They provide healthcare professionals in poor communities. Every is provided with the same care no matter of income, religion, or politics.
Direct Relief deals with a global issue. It is active in every state in America plus more than 80 other countries. Emergencies, natural disasters, and poor communities are an issue all over the world. Direct Relief is considered an NGO because 100% of their funds come from charity and donations.
Who’s affected?
Low-income areas
rural areas
areas prone to natural disasters
healthcare workers in these areas
uninsured patients
mothers and children
100% of Direct Relief’s funding goes toward the services they provide. They donate medications and supplies to health care professionals and centers around the world who need them to provide the best care possible for their patients. Emergency medical kits are sent out ASAP after natural disasters. Midwife kits have been sent to hospitals in Nepal, Sierra Leone, and Somaliland. Medical care and hygiene resources are provided for refugees. In 2018, Direct Relief aided health centers with installing solar power incase of power outages. In 2010, they donated $57 million worth of medical assistance after an earthquake in Haiti. They supported firemen with “advancing firefighter technology” in 2019 after Australia bushfires.
Geriatrics
1
Geriatrics are a category of patients aged 65 and above. With life expectancy increasing in many areas across the globe, the geriatric population is increasing rapidly. As geriatrics begin to compose a larger and larger portion of patients, more and more resources begin to be devoted to their care. This monograph includes information on a wide variety of issues the geriatric populationfacesinthisdayandage.
Table of Contents:
1. Geriatric Loneliness in Long-Term Care: A. Brock
Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) in Long-Term Care Facilities: A.Bennett
2. Geriatric Cognitive Health: E. Caldwell
3. Malnutrition in the Geriatric Population: A. Frias
4. Geriatric Physical and Occupational Therapy: V. Saca
6.
5. Diabetes in Geriatrics: S. Hartman
1.
Sieber C. The elderly patient--who is that?. Der ältere Patient--wer ist das?. 2007;48(11):1190, 1192-4. Die Innere Medizin. doi: 10.1007/ s00108-007-1945-3
in BioRender. Bennett, A (2025)
Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) in Long-Term Care Facilities
Background
“Frail elderly residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are especially at risk of acquiring health careassociated infections (HAIs) due to their dependence on care, sharing of facilities with other residents and living in a confined environment.”
There has been an overall increase in infections via long term care facilities (LTC) where in 2023 it was 0.98 infections per 1,000 resident days, which represents a 11.4% increase from 2022. Specific treatments that involve catheters (drainage tubes) can cause urinary tract infections and central line-associated bloodstream infections, ventilation mechanical breathing which may cause pneumonia, injections or surgery are all major risk factors.
How is this a global issue
The need for an action plan for HAIs is crucial in terms of preventing the spread of infections and diseases. All hospitals, no matter the country, should abide by certain sanitary precautions to prevent the elderly from contracting an infection from a long-term care facility.
Target Audience
This subtopic predominantly affects the elderly population, as a lot of geriatrics are enrolled in LTC facilities. In addition, the elderly population has a weaker immune system than younger healthier adults, and leads them to being more susceptible to infection.
Solution
References
As for an HAI action plan, goals and tasks envisioned for an interagency work group can be incorporated in the Patient Safety Working Groups (PSWGs) operations: Provides guidance to enable the integration of HAI data from multiple HHS databases for the purpose of benchmarking progress in reducing HAIs, mobilize health information systems to help reinforce recommended clinical practices for ensuring patient safety and seek strategic opportunities to make varied federal data systems interoperable to enhance understanding of HAIs.
PSWGs: Coordinated by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), serves as a key forum for federal partners to identify and initiate collaborations aimed at integrating HAI monitoring and measurement systems.
Personal Opinion
By abiding by certain sterile standards, the amount of HAIs can be reduced. Performing invasive procedures on elderly patients provides a greater risk of infection due to the weak immunity of the patient. This is also true for invasive treatments that allow pathogens and other bacteria to enter the body. The purpose of PSWGs operations is to track the spread of HAI as well as to educate about the spread and should overall be enforced by all LTC facilities in order to protect their patients.
1. Skilled Nursing Facility Healthcare-Associated Infections Requiring Hospitalization for the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program. February 2021. Accessed April 1, 2025. https://www.cms.gov/files/document/snf-hai-technical-report.pdf.
2. Haenen APJ, Verhoef LP, Beckers A, et al. Surveillance of infections in long-term care facilities (ltcfs): The impact of participation during multiple years on health careassociated infection incidence. Epidemiology and infection. September 9, 2019. Accessed April 1, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6805744/#:~:text=HAIs%20are%20defined%20as%20infections,infections%20%5B8%2C%209%5D.
3. Hai action plan part 3. National Action Plan to Prevent Health Care-Associated Infections: Road Map to Elimination. April 2013. Accessed April 1, 2025. https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/hai-action-plan-acute-care-hospitals.PDF.
4. How to avoid nosocomial infections (healthcare-associated infections). Cleveland Clinic. March 19, 2025. Accessed April 1, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16397-avoiding-healthcare-associated-infections-hais.
5. Kepner S, Bennett A, Jones R. Long-Term Care Healthcare-associated infections in 2023: An analysis of 23,970 reports: Published in Patient Safety. PATIENT SAFETY. April 22, 2024. Accessed April 1, 2025. https://patientsafetyj.com/article/116555-long-term-care-healthcare-associated-infections-in-2023-an-analysis-of-23-970-reports.
Patient on ventilator
Central Venus Catheter
Created in BioRender. Bennett, A (2025)
Created in BioRender. Bennett, A (2025)
Geriatric Cognitive Health as an Intercultural and Global Issue
Geriatric cognitive health is a critical issue that transcends cultural and national boundaries. Not understanding geriatric cognitive health can lead to numerous challenges for individuals and society. One major issue is the misdiagnosis or delayed treatment of cognitive disorders. Many people mistake normal aging for cognitive decline or fail to recognize serious conditions like dementia, which can prevent early intervention that could slow the progression of these diseases. In many cultures, elderly individuals are either cared for within family units or marginalized due to a lack of resources. Differences in healthcare access, social norms, and economic conditions shape how cognitive decline is perceived and managed. In developed nations, structured healthcare systems provide some support for cognitive disorders, whereas in developing regions, limited medical access and stigma surrounding mental health contribute to underdiagnosis and inadequate care.
Who is Affected
Cognitive health in older adults impacts individuals, families, healthcare systems. It diminishes quality of life, making everyday tasks more difficult and increasing dependence on caregivers. Family members often bear the emotional and financial burden of caring for a loved one with cognitive impairments, leading to stress, burnout, and financial strain. Caregivers may also lack proper training or resources to provide adequate support, resulting in poorer health outcomes for both the patient and the caregiver. Countries with aging populations, such as Japan and many European nations, are struggling to meet the demand for specialized care and long-term support services. In addition, cognitive decline increases vulnerability to financial scams, neglect, and elder abuse, issues that often go unnoticed due to a lack of awareness and advocacy.
What Has Been Done and What Can Be Improved
Efforts to address geriatric cognitive health include global awareness campaigns, and medical advancements. Groups that are raising awareness for geriatric cognitive health and developing strategies to promote early diagnosis include the National Institute on Aging and The American Geriatrics Society. Many countries have implemented dementia action plans, caregiver support, and investment in memory care facilities. Lifestyle modifications have been shown to play a crucial role in cognitive health preservation. Regular physical activity, balanced diets, cognitive training, and social engagement can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Personal Opinion
Creating an environment that supports cognitive well-being also involves making communities more age friendly. By raising awareness of brain health and proactive care, society can help the geriatric population maintain their cognitive abilities and overall quality of life. This includes reducing the stigma surrounding dementia in older adults. Healthcare providers should also integrate annual cognitive screenings into standard medical care, allowing for early detection and management of cognitive disorders. -E.Caldwell
References
1. Hale JM, Schneider DC, Mehta NK, Myrskylä M. Cognitive impairment in the U.S.: Lifetime risk, age at onset, and years impaired. SSM - Population Health. 2020;11(100577). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2020.100577
CDC.Cognitive Health and Caregiving. Chronic Disease Indicators. Published February 3, 2025. Accessed April 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/cdi/indicatordefinitions/cognitive-health-caregiving.html#cdc_data_surveillance_section_3-resources
2. NIHAging. National Institute on Aging. National Institute on Aging. Published 2019. https://www.nia.nih.gov
3. Center for Aging Research | IU School of Medicine. Iu.edu. Published 2025. Accessed April 1, 2025. https://medicine.iu.edu/internal-medicine/research/centers/aging
5.
4. National Academies of Sciences E. Preventing Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Way Forward.; 2017. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/24782/preventingcognitive-decline-and-dementia-a-way-forward
Geriatric physical and occupational therapy
Background Information:
As people age, their bodies undergo a variety of changes that can significantly impact their strength and mobility. These new physical limitations can impact their ability to perform daily tasks like walking, bending over, dre i going up and down stairs and therefore they becom independent This decline in physical ability can cause difficulties in balance, coordination and rea time, which significantly increases the risk for falls in the elderly population are a leading cause of injur can cause very serious damage Every year ther about 3 million emergency department visits and n 319,000 older people are hospitalized for hip frac due to falling. falls are the most common cau traumatic brain injuries (TBI) To address the ph challenges that come with aging, occupational th and physical therapy play vital roles in promoting safety, independence, and overall well-being among older adults.
Physical Therapy
Personal opinion
I believe occupational therapy and physical therapy are essential for the geriatric population because they help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life.
Focuses on restoring and improving strength, balance, coordination design personalized exercise programs to help elderly individuals regain or maintain mobility, reduce pain, and prevent falls. PT can also retrain movement patterns after injuries or surgeries, helping patients recover function and remain active in their daily lives By identifying and addressing factors like uneven steps or irregular gait patterns, physical therapists help improve posture and stability, ultimately lowering the risk of falls
Occupational Therapy
Emphasizes helping individuals perform daily tasks more easily and safely OTs assess how agerelated changes impact a person’s ability to carry out activities like dressing, cooking, or bathing They may recommend adaptive equipment, modify home environments, or teach new techniques to increase independence and reduce strain or risk of injury.
Canva (2025) Olderadults[Graphic] Canva
Tackling Nutrition Through Global and Intercultural Understanding
By Joyce Yu, Logan Hess, Ely Blum, Max Liao, Reece Fromme, & Robert Seabold
Nutrition,Spring2025
some of these include cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. A study conducted over a span of 19 years shows that there is a 31% mortality increase for the highest consumers of ultra processed food versus the lowest consumers. These foods are the perfect combination to promote overconsumption as they are engineered to maximize appeal, high in calories, have little to no dietary fiber, and are stripped of other beneficial micro/macronutrients.
What should we do? : As this issue becomes more and more prevalent in the United States, it is time to employ strategies that can decrease the consumption of ultra processed foods. One potential strategy is to ban certain ingredients and techniques. For example, bleached flour helps to give the flour a whiter color, softer texture, and finer grain which enhances the look and feel. These bleaching agents such as chlorine gas and benzoyl peroxide are banned in the EU but are recognized as safe by the FDA.4 The issue with this strategy is that many individuals don’t believe the government should tell them what they can and cannot eat. Another method is increased public education on the risks of these foods, although programs such as My Plate are already in use, this may not be enough. While UP foods make up 57% of the typical American diet, this number is even higher in children, at 67%, as shown in figure 2 (Berg 2024). Starting with increased education at public schools may help to bring this number down and set children up for healthier
Nutrition,Spring2025
futures. Personally I believe this issue is so common but remains unaddressed and unacknowledged by so many. In my opinion, until higher intervention comes into play, conscious individuals should aim to shop at the perimeter of the grocery store (where less processed and natural food is) and be conscious of the nutrition label, opting for foods with less ingredients and higher amounts of protein and whole grains.
References
1. Monteiro CA, Cannon G, Levy RB, Moubarac J-C, Louzada ML, Rauber F, et al. Ultra-processed foods: What they are and how to identify them [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2019 [cited 2025 Apr 6]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10260459/
2. [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 6]. Available from: https://ecuphysicians.ecu.edu/wp-content/pv-uploads/sites/78/2021/07/NOVA-Classificati on-Reference-Sheet.pdf
3. Berg S. What doctors wish patients knew about Ultraprocessed Foods [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 6]. Available from: https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew -about-ultraprocessed-foods#
4. Minassian L. 12 banned foods Americans should stop eating [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 Apr 6]. Available from: https://foodrevolution.org/blog/banned-ingredients-in-other-countries/
5. Time to inform the public about the adverse effects of ultra-processed foods, researchers say [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Apr 6]. Available from: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-10-adverse-effects-ultra-processed-foods.html
6. LeDuc B. The sadness of ultra-processed foods [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 6]. Available from: https://islandhealth.org/the-sadness-of-ultra-processed-foods/ Nutrition,Spring2025
References:
1. Tralongo AC, Ferraù F, Tomasello G, et al. The role of diet in the prevention and treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Acta Biomed. 2018;89(9-S):60-75. doi:10.23750/abm.v89i9-S.80001
2. Kolacek S, Hojsak I. Should the Mediterranean diet be recommended for inflammatory bowel disease? Nutrients. 2023;15(2):362. doi:10.3390/nu150203625
3. DeFilippis EM, Tabani S, Warren RU, et al. Personalized Nutrition for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1612. doi:10.3390/nu12061612
4. What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? IBD Relief website. https://www.ibdrelief.com/learn/what-is-ibd. Accessed April 15, 2025.
5. Legg TJ. How Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Is Diagnosed. Verywell Health website. https://www.verywellhealth.com/ibd-diagnosis-1942637. Accessed April 15, 2025.
These barriers are intensified by geographic challenges, particularly the existence of food deserts—areas with limited access to grocery stores offering fresh foods. Residents in these areas often rely on processed, less nutritious options, leading to higher rates of diet-related illnesses such as diabetes and obesity. Over 12.5% of U.S. households are food insecure, with racial and ethnic minority groups disproportionately affected, according to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.
As a Pharmaceutical Sciences student, I believe that addressing these issues requires targeted solutions like mobile food markets, improved transit options, and incentives for grocery stores to serve underserved communities. There has been progress made utilizing current efforts, but there’s more work to be done to best serve our entire community and make nutritious food accessible to everyone.
J Yu References
1. Ali A. A Hospital’s “Open-Access” Pantry Model Fuels Usage. Food Bank News. January 10, 2023. Accessed April 30, 2025.
2. Harvesters. Getting to the Root of Food Insecurity with Food+. Published March 2024. Accessed April 30, 2025.
3. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. Food Security and Nutrition Assistance. Updated January 8, 2025. Accessed April 30, 2025.
Foodborne illnesses are a preventable public health issue that is combated every single day in the kitchens of restaurants, and people's homes. 48,000,000 cases are reported every year, which is the equivalent to 1 out of every 6 Americans, but this is an issue that is not taken seriously as food poisoning has become easier to deal with as medicine improves, but still a challenge that can put people at risk. Everyone that eats food is at risk for getting sick with foodborne illnesses, and is worse for people with compromised immune systems. Keeping food clean and safe should be the main priority of any person preparing food.
These main ways to stop foodborne illness only pertain to when the pathogens are only on the food, but these illnesses can also be passed from the person preparing the food to the person eating the food. Norovirus, or Norowalk virus, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus, and is the leading cause for foodborne illness outbreaks in the United States. This is why preparing food while sick can lead to you infecting anyone who would eat said food, so it is highly discouraged for a sick person to be in the kitchen or working at a food service job.
Foodborne illnesses are caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, or fungus contamination ready to eat food and are then passed to a person after they eat the contaminated food. Salmonella, or Salmonellosis, is a bacteria that lives in the intestinal tracts of animals, and is usually transmitted by eating not fully cooked meats, but can be transmitted to produce as well. E. Coli, or Escherichia Coli, is another bacteria that lives in the intestines of healthy people and animals, which can become transmitted primarily because of unwashed hands, or unwashed produce.These foods can become contaminated even after the cooking process has ended so all safety precautions should be followed:
● Wash hands before starting and in between every task change
● Wash all produce under cool, running water and gently scrub
● Cook meats to FDC recommended internal temperature
● Hot foods must be kept at above 140°F and cold foods must be kept below 40°F
● Stop cross contamination at all stages of cooking from beginning to end
The reason that these practices are in place and that concerns about foodborne illness are everywhere is that the e ects can be fatal depending on the pathogen transmitted. Annually about 128,000 people are hospitalized because of foodborne illnesses, and 3,000 of those people will die. Most illnesses begin within 12-96 hours after exposure and last for upwards of two weeks. Common symptoms of foodborne illnesses are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever but more severe cases can lead to fatigue, chills, muscle aches, and dehydration. In extreme circumstances these symptoms can lead to dysentery which can be fatal if not treated.
I believe that foodborne illness is a problem that can be remedied because of modern medicine, but is a completely avoidable issue that can be dangerous for some. These issues stem from people not understanding proper food handling procedures and cautions to avoid these illnesses. So the best way to address these issues is to teach people about these issues with importance, but I understand the di culty with adding to curriculum in schooling. The ability to prevent foodborne illness is obtainable by any person with the proper education about it, which means that this is an end result that we should push for.
Diet related NCDs and their Relation to Malnutrition
By Max Liao, BSPS Student Spring 2025
NCDs, or non-communicable diseases, are chronic conditions that are not contagious and don't spread from person to person, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. They are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 74% of all deaths. The 4 leading risk factors for NCDs include tobacco use, malnutrition, physical inactivity, and harmful alcohol use.
The NCDs most affected by malnutrition include:
● Increased risk of heart disease and/or stroke
● Type 2 diabetes and hypertension
● Some cancers – including oesophageal cancer; tracheal, bronchus and lung cancer; lip and oral cavity cancer; nasopharynx cancer; colon and rectum cancer
Tableau.com. Published 2025. Accessed April 27, 2025. https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/willistowerswatson/viz/GlobalBurd enofNon-communicableDisease/GBD2015_1
Malnutrition, in all its forms, includes undernutrition (wasting, stunting), inadequate vitamins or minerals, being overweight/obesity. In recent years, it has become more and more of a global issue. For example, many countries now experience a ‘double burden’ of malnutrition. This is where under-nutrition occurs alongside over-nutrition, where unhealthy diets are contributing to unhealthy weight gain and diet-related poor health.
In a study of 141 countries, 88% (124 countries) experience more than one form of malnutrition, with 29% (41 countries) having high levels of all three forms. In addition, around the world, 1.9 billion adults are overweight or obese, while 462 million are underweight. A study from 2022 looked at global deaths from 1990 to 2017, it was found that one in every five deaths were the result of poor nutrition.
While malnutrition and NCDs are a global issue, they also affect countries disproportionately. Around two-thirds of Africans with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) die prematurely, before the age of 70. In Europe, less than a third of people living with NCDs die that early. In addition, Asia and Africa account for nine out of ten of all children with stunting and wasting and more than seven out of ten children who are overweight.
One way to improve this situation can be seen in Mexico. In 2014, Mexico implemented a 10% tax on sugary drinks and another tax on junk foods. These taxes resulted in a decrease in the consumption of these and an increase in education on the dangers of sugary beverages and malnutrition. Another thing that can be done is banning or greatly limiting advertising on junk foods.
My personal opinion on this topic is that there hasn’t been enough done to prevent it or to educate people on the dangers of malnutrition. However, I recognize that it is very difficult for any action to be taken due
Nutrition,Spring2025 to the lobbying power of companies who benefit from poor diets. This is a very serious issue that will continue to greatly affect the livelihood of people.
References
Fan Y, Yao Q, Liu Y, Jia T, Zhang J, Jiang E. Underlying Causes and Co-existence of Malnutrition and Infections: An Exceedingly Common Death Risk in Cancer. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2022;9(814095). doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.814095
NCD Alliance. Unhealthy diets and malnutrition. NCD Alliance. Published July 30, 2015. https://ncdalliance.org/why-ncds/risk-factors-prevention/unhealthy-diets-and-malnutrition
WHO Unveils “Invisible Numbers” Of The NCD Crisis As Leaders Meet At United Nations - Health Policy Watch. Health Policy Watch. Published September 21, 2022. https://healthpolicy-watch.news/who-unveils-invisible-numbers-of-the-ncd-crisis-as-leaders-meet-at-un/ World Health Organization. Malnutrition. World Health Organization. Published March 1, 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition
Winichagoon P, Margetts BM. The double burden of malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries. PubMed. Published 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565820/
Nutrition,Spring2025
Corruption in Food Regulation
By: Reece Fromme, BSPS Student
Corruption within the U.S. food regulatory system presents a critical barrier to ensuring public health and safety. Many agencies tasked with food inspection and regulation, such as the FDA and USDA, are subject to corporate influence and political pressure, leading to lapses in oversight and enforcement. One major issue is the role of bribery and corporate lobbying, where large food corporations exert influence over inspectors and policymakers through financial incentives and campaign contributions. This dynamic can allow unsafe products to enter the market, such as food items containing additives that are banned in other countries due to health risks, including Red 3, brominated vegetable oil (BVO), and titanium dioxide (Minassian, 2025).
This corruption extends beyond just bribery; it includes regulatory loopholes and weakened enforcement. Although laws like the Food Additives Amendment of 1958—particularly the Delaney Clause, which prohibits carcinogenic substances in food—were designed to protect consumers, later modifications such as the “de minimis” interpretation (allowing substances if the cancer risk is less than 1 in a million) have significantly diluted their impact (We Are What We Eat, 2018). This has resulted in the continued use of potentially dangerous compounds, despite scientific evidence suggesting links to cancer and other health risks.
Understaffing, lack of funding, and insufficient accountability within federal agencies further exacerbate the problem. Even when food safety violations are identified, the absence of adequate enforcement mechanisms means that many companies face minimal consequences (The Role of Corruption in Global Food Systems, 2021). In some cases, officials may deliberately overlook violations in exchange for personal gain or job security in the private sector after leaving government roles (Food Security and Corruption, 2021).
The food industry also exerts significant political pressure through lobbying, shaping policy to favor corporate interests over consumer health. This has led to deregulation and the watering down of food safety standards. For example, despite growing concerns and international bans, some additives remain legal in the U.S. simply because of industry resistance to change (Crimes Against Food, 2023).
Ultimately, corruption in food regulation undermines public trust and compromises the safety of the American food supply. Reforming the system will require greater transparency, stricter conflict-of-interest laws, and stronger protections for whistleblowers to ensure that health—not profit—is the top priority.
2. Minassian, L. (2025). 12 banned foods Americans should stop eating. Food Revolution Network. https://foodrevolution.org/blog/banned-ingredients-in-other-countries/
3. Reece, [Author First Initial]. (2025). Corruption in food inspection/regulation agencies [Unpublished manuscript or personal communication].
4. The Role of Corruption in Global Food Systems: A Systematic Scoping Review. (2021). U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5. We Are What We Eat: Regulatory Gaps in the United States That Put Our Health at Risk. (2018). U.S. National Library of Medicine https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5737876/
6. Crimes Against Food: Characteristics, Health Risk, and Regulations. (2023). Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Pandemics and Epidemics
Spring 2025
Anna Coffman, Grace Carlson, Cecilia Hinsey, Angie Lozano, Anthony Pabón, Owen Stephens
Our topic is epidemics and pandemics and how they have affected people's lives in many different ways. We have six different subtopics that we will be going through: mental health, life expectancy, misinformation, trust in healthcare, vaccines, and educational discrepancies. From these topics, we are conducting research to see how pandemics and epidemics can be taken care of differently in order to keep people safe Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are able to look back on how we handled it and what we could have done differently, along with epidemics such as the flu.
Cecilia Hinsey, BSPS Student
Life Expectancy
The Results of a Pandemic/Epidemic on Human Life Overview
Pandemics and epidemics are outbreaks of infectious disease — pandemics affect the globe; epidemics, localized regions. Both cause major mortality and disrupt social, economic, and political systems. By studying past pandemics, we can identify patterns and improve future responses.
Pandemics Throughout History
The 1918 Influenza was the deadliest modern pandemic in history, claiming the lives of ~50 million globally, over twice the number of WWI deaths. The virus came in two waves, with the second being the most detrimental. It targeted young adults (avg age 28 y/o), devastating the working age population and disrupting the economy.
In late 2019, COVID-19 emerged in China and rapidly spread worldwide. Opposingly, the elderly faced the highest mortality, and indirect impacts (mental health, isolation, suicide) were widespread. Despite the prior knowledge of pandemics, modern complexities introduced new challenges.
Statistics: Changes in Life Expectancy
● 1918: life expectancy dropped 12 years to the average of 39.1 years
● 2020-2021: life expectancy dropped 2.4 years to the average of 76.4 years
Understanding Trends to Mitigate Future Losses
Preparation for such events must be an ongoing effort, with flexibility as new threats emerge. Once a pandemic begins, responses should include surveillance, health communication, transmission control, and effective and ample medical care. Alongside preparation and response, proactive measures to prevent the emergence and spread of unknown pathogens are equally critical.
References
1. Madhav N, Oppenheim B, Gallivan M, Mulembakani P, Rubin E, Wolfe N. Pandemics: Risks, Impacts, and Mitigation. Nihgov 2019;17(3). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525302/. Accessed March 27, 2025.
2. James JJ. Of Lives and Life Years: 1918 Influenza vs. Covid-19. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. Published online July 15, 2021:1-7. Doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2021.230 Accessed March 27, 2025.
3. QuickStats: Life Expectancy at Birth, by Sex — National Vital Statistics System, United States, 2019–2021. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2023;72. doi:https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7228a5 Accessed April 1, 2025
Vaccines
By: Anna Coffman, PharmD Student
Pandemics and epidemics cause a huge concern in people all around the world especially with how to stop these diseases from spreading. The biggest way that pandemics and epidemics can stay controlled are vaccines. Vaccines have been a large controversy considering the safety for patients. Globally, we have been dealing with COVID-19 and are continually dealing with the influenza epidemic year after year. Both of these diseases have vaccines that are highly recommended by healthcare professionals each year to save all from getting diseases. How can vaccines help patients?
Each fall, patients are told to get the flu vaccine to prevent the spread and to prevent them from getting the sickness The flu vaccine prevents 7,000,000 cases of the flu each year which is stated by the Mayo Clinic Along with this, the COVID-19 vaccine is continually updated each year to prevent the contraction of the newest strand of the disease
What are patients' biggest concerns with vaccines?
When looking to stay safe from a certain disease, we do not also want to put harm to our body with a vaccine That is why many patients look into the clinical trials that are done on the vaccines before getting them, especially with new ones such as COVID-19. In a recent study at the University of Georgia (image 1), it showed that people are more likely to get the influenza vaccine over the COVID-19 vaccine and this may have to do with the newness of the COVID-19 vaccine. The influenza vaccine has been around much longer therefore people know the effects that it may have. Robert Jacobson, M.D. (Mayo Clinic) also stated that one of the biggest concerns for not getting the vaccine is the side effects and allergic reactions that some patients may have
How can healthcare systems convince more patients’ they are safe?
In terms of the healthcare system, they want to make sure as many people are vaccinated so that less people are contracting these illnesses There are patients that do not feel safe enough to receive these vaccines due to lack of clinical trials After the COVID-19 pandemic, Science Direct stated that the number of patients that were confident in getting vaccines decreased to 23.4% shown in image 2. This study also stated that vaccines are one of the safest options when trying to protect those around us. Even though there are many ways that vaccination is backed up, after the COVID-19 pandemic, the confidence in it went down.
From the research conducted, I believe that enough studies have proven that vaccines can help slow the spread of epidemics and pandemics happening all around the world.
The Great Influenza Outbreak/Spanish Flu (1918-1919): Worldwide, the most severe effects the Spanish Flu were sleep disturbances, depression, mental distraction, dizziness, difficulties coping at work, and suicidal ideation (which also led to increased suicide).6
Image 5: Klass P. A centennial of death: The great influenza pandemic of 1918. The New York Times. October 22, 2018. Accessed April 5, 2025.
What We Can Learn From All This/How To Prevent This:
Looking at the previous statistics/information, it should be noted that the main psychological effects plaguing the people during these moments of uncertainty and disease are some form of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. While there are many lessons we can learn about how to react and respond more appropriately to worldwide infectious outbreaks, I believe the biggest one is that we should work towards continuing to destigmatize mental health and its various services provided to others so that people can receive the help they need and deserve before another pandemic/epidemic comes around. If people are more aware of the state of their mental health beforehand, then their psychological wellbeing won’t take such a large hit during the next big historical pandemic/epidemic event because they’ll know how to better handle themselves (and maybe others) to keep their heads (and the people around them) afloat throughout it all. Hopefully by destigmatizing and learning from our past mistakes, we can better prevent the future impact of such a historically significant event and hopefully react and respond better to the less-than-ideal mental health effects of global pandemics/epidemics. ~ Anthony Pabón
References:
1. Mental health. World Health Organization. June 17, 2022. Accessed April 5, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
2. Covid-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. World Health Organization. Accessed April 5, 2025. https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxietyand-depression-worldwide
3. Xiong J, Lipsitz O, Nasri F, et al. Impact of covid-19 pandemic on Mental Health in the general population: A systematic review. Journal of affective disorders. December 1, 2020. Accessed April 5, 2025.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7413844/
4. Jude Mary Cénat et al. Prevalence of mental health problems in populations affected by the ebola virus disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research. April 29, 2020. Accessed April 5, 2025. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178119325272
5. Schindell BG, Fredborg B, Kowalec K, Shaw S, Kangbai JB, Kindrachuk J. The state of mental health among ebola virus disease survivors through a cross-sectional study in Sierra Leone. BMJ global health. May 23, 2024. Accessed April 5, 2025.
Public trust in healthcare systems is the cornerstone of public health, especially among pandemics and epidemics. During outbreaks of disease, public compliance with health measures—e.g., vaccination, quarantine, and sanitation regimens—is absolutely crucial. Nevertheless, this compliance largely depends on public faith in healthcare providers, scientists, and organizations Distrust can lead to misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and widespread nonadherence, amplifying the spread of the disease In the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, governments and healthcare institutions' lack of trust was an enormous setback in effective control and response.
Locating the Impact:
Healthcare trust is a very global and intercultural challenge because its determinants and expressions vary by culture and political system In others, historical exploitation by medicine exists, or an absence of access to care underlies a longstanding mistrust Other high-income nations have witnessed growing distrust fueled by misinformation and political polarization. For instance, COVID-19 vaccine coverage was significantly lower in communities with disenfranchised populations historically or where institutions lacked credibility. Trust disparities, globally, shed light on where public health, culture, and inequality merge
Echoes Through the Community:
Most affected are the poor, marginalized groups, and those who live in areas where healthcare systems traditionally were weaker. Even healthcare workers themselves are affected because low trust could foster hostility, violence, and refusal to collaborate among them in medical settings In the general picture, a whole public health campaign can be doomed to failure if trust fails. In the West African Ebola outbreak (2014–2016), fear and suspicion of health workers led to symptom concealment and attacks on health teams Due to this, many individuals turned to traditional healers and herbal remedies instead of seeking medical care at hospitals. Some communities believed hospitals were places where people went to die, or that traditional medicine would be more effective. As a result, herbal concoctions became a popular alternative in certain regions. Similarly, during the 1918 flu pandemic- also known as the Spanish flu, the healthcare system was overwhelmed, and there was widespread distrust of medical
Misinformation During Pandemics/Epidemics
Owen Stephens, BSPS student
Robert Califf, the FDA’s former Commissioner, once said that “misinformation & disinformation are now arguably the leading causes of death in America, and people are dying for completely preventable reasons”. Misinformation is classified as incorrect or misleading information. While misinformation is a fairly new buzzword, it has a history of relevance during pandemics and epidemics throughout the world, making this a global health issue. For instance, during WW1, misinformation was used by the US government to downplay the severity of the pandemic to increase war efforts. Another epidemic that was characterized by misinformation, was an outbreak of AIDS/HIV in which anonymity of transmission methods and unknown treatments of the disease from health officials led to mass speculation about the origins of HIV/AIDS.
Misinformation hinders response efforts/trust in public health
Social media has accelerated misinformation, with 80% of people reporting relying on the internet for healthcare information and 61.5% of people turning to social media for healthcare information (Image 2). A cultural shift whereby turning to the internet for healthcare information has presented a massive opportunity for misinformation, which was a defining undertone of the 2020 COVID19 pandemic and presented real problems for health officials.
The Scope of Misinformation during the COVID19 Pandemic
Misinformation was present in various forms, most of which was spread through social media (Image 3), to push many agendas during the pandemic; the first of which fit the anti-vax movement’s narrative that the COVID19 mRNA vaccine contained:
microchips, altered DNA, and caused infertility. These claims have since been rejected and disproven by the scientific community. Another form of misinformation that arose during the pandemic were misleading treatments intended to kill the virus, which included overconsumption of alcohol, colloidal silver supplementation (implicated in cognitive dysfunction and altered skin pigmentation), and bathing in bleach.
The Burden of Misinformation
Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of misinformation is its ability to cause a burden to the healthcare system; either by directly harming participants of online treatments, or undermining the efforts of health officials. Another burden misinformation carries is its economic impact through the delay of public health measures, leading to prolonged economic recovery from government shutdowns, business closures, and inflation.
Efforts to Reduce Misinformation
Although the effects of misinformation can be detrimental, especially to those who rely on the internet and social media for healthcare information, new organizations have been formed to combat the spread of misinformation online. Notably, FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, and the World Health Organization (WHO) provided accurate, science-backed responses to posts containing misinformation on major social media platforms (Instagram and X). Social media sites also removed posts containing blatant misinformation, and in some cases, permanently banned users who violated guidelines repeatedly.
I believe that the burden of misinformation, particularly during pandemics and epidemics, is especially detrimental to both the healthcare system and society as a whole. Despite the ongoing efforts to reduce online misinformation, more resources are needed to combat the spread of misinformation and establish trust between people and healthcare. The government should employ some form of online regulation to hold social media users and companies accountable for the content displayed online.
-Owen Stephens
MATERNAL HEALTH
Spring 2025
Maternal health is a critical aspect of healthcare, yet many mothers face significant challenges that impact their well-being and that of their infants. High maternal mortality rates, postpartum depression, and complications from C-sections pose serious risks, while inadequate postpartum recovery and prenatal care further contribute to poor outcomes. Additionally, disparities in delivery quality and access to healthcare leave many women vulnerable to preventable complications. Addressing these issues through improved maternal care, enhanced mental health support, and safer childbirth practices is essential to ensuring better health outcomes for mothers and their children.
Caitlin Chiu, Lex Thorpe, Emylee Tennant
Madison Lucus, Trevor Hoodenpyle, Ryan Qu
PostpartumDepression-CaitlinChiuBSPSStudent
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of mood disorder that affects individuals after childbirth, most commonly mothers, although it can also affect fathers and non-birthing partners. Maternal health encompasses the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Who’saffected?
Those who have a history of anxiety or mood disorders
30-35% more at risk
Genetics and family history also play a crucial role
Increased risk if related to someone with depression or mood disorders
Affects women across all regions, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Symptoms may vary depending on cultural norms and beliefs, the emotional and psychological impact of the condition is universally significant. Limited access to mental health services, stigma surrounding mental illness, and cultural expectations of motherhood contribute to the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of PPD.
More should be done to ensure all mothers receive the support they need. Making counseling and psychiatric services more accessible, especially in rural and low-income communities and training more healthcare providers in perinatal mental health, especially in countries with limited resources. In my personal opinion, I think there should be more awareness and advocacy about this issue so we can help moms and lower the chances of long term consequences between mom and baby. (C. Chiu)
Labor and Delivery Care- Emylee Tennant BSPS Student
152:FactorsInfluencingtheProcessofLaborandBirth MedicineLibreTexts PublishedOctober 24,2024 AccessedApril22,2025 https://medlibretextsorg/Bookshelves/Nursing/MaternalNewborn Nursing %28OpenStax%29/15%3A Process of Labor and Birth/1502%3A Factors Influencing the Process of Labor and Birth
TheseadditionalC-sectionsaren’t just superfluous, but dangerous. Forinstance,C-sectionsleadtoa 3.6x increase in maternal mortality, most often due to hemorrhaging or an embolism . Along with this, with each Csection received, the changes for placentaaccreta,bowelinjury,and other harmful outcomes increase In general, when a Csection is given, maternal risk increases in step with recovery time, showing us the need to mitigate the instances of these procedures.
The Neonatal Risks
In addition to the maternal risks, unnecessary C-sections can but newborns at risk as well. Most often, this manifests in immune systemimpairments due to the lack of exposure to maternal bacteria during vaginal birth. These impairments can follow these infants for the rest of their lives, the product of a surgery that may not have even been needed
The Incentives
One of the highest indicators of receiving a Csectionis whichhospital youwalkinto,showing the immense provider discretion when it comes to C-sections. For example, simply having privateinsuranceincreasesthechancesofaCsection, and rates spike during times of increasing provider demand such as midday. This is compounded by the fact that physicians receive a 15% increase in compensation as compared to a vaginal birth, with the patient paying significantly more for it. All in all, this system provides many incentives for the procedurewithoutmanydisincentives.
The Solutions
Toalterthiscourse,disincentivesneedtobeput it place, and there have been many examples. For one the use of a midwife has shown to decreaseratesby30-40%.Thoughonalarger scale, states like Minnesota with blended payment programs to reduce financial incentives have shown decreases in C-section rates. In my opinion it is important to be informed on this issue for one’s own well being, as well as to push for greater accountability in ourmedicalsystem(T.Hoodenpyle).
References
5. Oster E, McClelland WS. Why the C-Section Rate Is So High. The Atlantic.
4.Silver RM, Landon MB, Rouse DJ, et al. Maternal morbidity associated with multiple repeat cesarean deliveries. ObstetGynecol.2006;107(6):1226-1232.doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000219750.79480.84
Statista (2013)
Social Determinants of Health/ Disparities/ Access
Spring 2025
Neighborhood and Built Environment
The physical and built environment include all the physical things surrounding where a person lives or works. These factors have a significant amount of influence over a person’s mental and physical health, in both positive and negative ways.
Healthcare Access, Quality, and Cost
Often referred to as the “Iron Triangle of Healthcare”, these factors lay in a balance, when improvements in one area can negatively impact the others. In this section, we will explore how these factors interact with each other, how it affects our healthcare in the States, and the systems other countries use.
Education Access and Quality
Education Access and Quality received play a major role in short-term as well as long-term health consequences. Limited Access to Quality education can affect a person’s health literacy, access to resources, and overall healthcare experiences. Promoting improved Education Access and Quality in lower income neighborhoods can help transform how patients understand their conditions and become more aware about their own health outcomes.
Economic Stability
The study of how economically stable a population is and how the status of stability impacts the community’s health and access to care.
By: Luke Choi, Oliver Hu, Charles Mann, and Aayush Vachharajani
Neighborhood and Built Environment
Charles Mann - BSPS Student
Background
The neighborhood and built environment are social determinants of health that play a significant role in an individual’s physical and mental health. The neighborhood and built environment encompass all the physical parts where people live or work. This can include things such as parks, roads, buildings, infrastructure, and so much more. These are things present in everyday life for people all across the globe. By understanding the role of these factors, health literacy can be improved which empowers people to make the best decisions for themselves and their health.
Physical health
The walkability of neighborhoods has been associated with reduced body fat levels in both adolescents and adults Furthermore, a higher density of unhealthy food outlets like fast food restaurants was associated with a higher prevalence of obesity in adolescents. In Shanghai and New Delhi, the amount of garbage and trash in neighborhoods and the built environment were perceived to have a high impact on infectious and chronic diseases.
Solutions
Mental health
People living in homes characterized by poor internal and external conditions generally had higher alcohol usage Suggesting that alcohol is being used as a coping mechanism for the stress caused by living in a poor environment. Additionally, living in a poorer environment has been associated with higher instances of lifetime depression. Furthermore, urban areas with more green spaces had a positive effect on mental health and overall well-being. Highlighting the positive effects things like parks can have on an individual.
Because of the many effects the neighborhood and built environment can have on an individual’s health, solutions are required that can mitigate the negative effects or enhance the positive ones Increasing the amount of parks in a city or having a green belt that can be used for recreation would have positive effects on physical and mental health. Ensuring greater access to healthy food options by either increasing the amount of healthy stores/restaurants or upgrading public transport systems are also viable options to improve mental and physical health.
Professional/Personal Opinion
I believe that systemic changes are needed to have the greatest impact Municipalities need to consider the built environment and aforementioned factors when conducting urban planning Moreover, the physical environment and neighborhood where people live is not always left up to choice Therefore, greater work needs to be done at the governmental level to mitigate physical and mental health problems ~ C Mann
References
2
1 Gascon M, Vrijheid M,NieuwenhuijsenMJ. The BuiltEnvironmentandChildHealth:AnOverviewofCurrentEvidence.CurrentEnvironmentalHealthReports.2016;3(3):250-257. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-016-0094-z
Clark C, Myron R, Stansfeld S, CandyB.Asystematicreviewoftheevidenceontheeffectofthebuilt andphysicalenvironmentonmentalhealth.JPublicMentalHealth.2007;6(2):14-27. doi:10.1108/17465729200700011.
3
4
Krefis AC, Augustin M, Schlünzen KH,OßenbrüggeJ,AugustinJ.HowDoestheUrbanEnvironmentAffectHealthandWell-Being?ASystematicReview.UrbanScience. 2018;2(1):21. https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci2010021
Renalds A, Smith TH, Hale PJ. A Systematic ReviewofBuiltEnvironmentandHealth.Family&CommunityHealth.2010;33(1):68-78.doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/fch.0b013e3181c4e2e5 5
Economic Stability
Luke Choi - BSPS Student
Background
The economic stability of a community is based on individuals’ own economic stability. Understanding how certain factors that contribute to this idea is crucial to understanding how a community behaves when faced with challenges that threaten their health.
Financial
How much disposable income a certain population has a significant impact on their willingness to seek medical attention. However, disposable income is not enough to capture the entire picture. A closer look at spending habits, savings, and the development of an emergency fund is just as important to assessing someone’s willingness or unwillingness to receive treatment that they may need.
Affected Peoples
Economic stability reaches a broad community of people regardless of background Of course, individuals with lower income levels will be affected, but when associating healthcare with this topic, other individuals must be included This includes individuals who put a lack of emphasis on attributing the necessary resources to an unforeseen healthcare emergency, which ties into the subtopic of healthcare education
There are many different organizations and foundations that are dedicated towards improving the economic stability of individuals within the US However, the topic is so encompassing and vague that finding data to back the claim that these efforts are actually improving the cause can be troublesome A deeper insight into how these structures have attempted to improve economic stability provides unmeaningful results and there does not seem to be a positive correlation between resources spent versus outcome Perhaps this is insight to the conclusion that there are greater foundational errors that should be corrected before blindly pouring more resources into these attempts, and what these foundational errors are should be the first goal to reach. ~ L. Choi
References
Aguirre, D. L., Perez, C., & Burkett, E. K. (2022). Stability, security, and the social determinants of health. Global Security: Health, Science and Policy, 7(1), 13–23 https://doi org/10 1080/23779497 2022 2047092
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on the Review of Federal Policies that Contribute to Racial and Ethnic Health Inequities; Geller AB, Polsky DE, Burke SP, editors Federal Policy to Advance Racial, Ethnic, and Tribal Health Equity. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2023 Jul 27. 3, Economic Stability. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK596400/
Healthcare Access, Quality, and Cost
Oliver Hu - BSPS Student
Background
When analyzing social determinants of health, it is impossible not to examine the most influential factor in health—healthcare itself. While it is a heated topic in current American society, objectively, we can divide it into the “Iron Triangle”—access, quality, and cost. As proposed by William Kissick, this Iron Triangle model suggests that an increase in one area, quality, for example, will always lead to an increase in either one or both other areas (access and cost in this case). This is because there are inherent trade-offs between the factors that counteract one another.
So the subsequent question is this: what balance should we strike regarding these three factors? In America, we struggle immensely with cost, but is it worth giving up quality in the pursuit of cheaper care? In Sweden, they lack access to specialized healthcare, but make up for it in much lower costs and universalized healthcare. If we turn to our northern neighbor, Canada, they have universal access, but very slow wait times for simple procedures such as an MRI. This makes this issue highly globalized.
As a society, we must find a way to strike a happy medium that can satisfy most people. This question only becomes more pertinent as society advances in both technology and medicine, allowing us to live longer, but also burdening our healthcare system more. Such changes affect everyone in our society, no matter the race, religion, gender, or economic status, who will all eventually get sick and need healthcare. Governmental institutions, healthcare institutions, and insurance companies will also be affected by any changes that we make. This makes it more difficult, but all the more important to find a solution that benefits as many people as possible.
Efforts/Solutions
Of course, being such a pressing issue, the American government has taken massive steps to address the costs for the average American. In 2010, the Obama administration introduced the Affordable Care Act, which had the dual goal of increasing insurance coverage and decreasing costs. This was done through expanding Medicaid in many states so more people had coverage, increasing subsidies for health insurance marketplaces, and requiring large companies to offer health insurance with employment. The Biden Administration has also taken steps to reduce costs by requiring price transparency from hospitals to encourage competition, while signing the Inflation Reduction Act that lowers prescription drug costs for those under Medicare.
Personal/Professional
Personally I think we will never reach the optimal balance for our healthcare. Even if we take the Swedish system, which is highly regarded as one of the best, they only exist because of their near 50% tax bracket to fund much of their healthcare. Try putting a 50% tax in the States and see how that turns out. Swedes also on average are a more healthy population in general. I think as a society, instead of looking internationally, we should be focusing more on insurance, pharma, and hospitals that lobby our government for laws they want in place for their benefit. However this is a monumental task, as even the most honest of politicians often get corrupted the power of these companies. -O Hu
References
2
3
Education Access & Quality
Aayush Vachharajani - PharmD, BSPS Student
Background
There is plenty of evidence suggesting that lower-income neighborhoods or populations suffer from worse health outcomes when compared to higher-income neighborhoods The underlying cause for this can all be traced back to the issue of education access and quality Disparities in educational access driven by SDOH directly correlate with a persons overall healthcare experience due to the lack of understanding of health needs, preventative care, managing multiple health conditions, and also the potential lack of health literacy, which can affect their understanding of care instructions.
Affected Population
Generally, the population affected the most by this disparity are those who may be considered lower-income This includes rural areas, ethic minorities, the homeless population, or even the immigrant population In a study conducted to determine the association of income-disparities with patient-reported healthcare experience, 32% of the participants were high-income earners while 23% were very low earners It was found that the very low earners had a 134x greater odds of experiencing poor communication and were more likely to report poor provider satisfaction.
Lack of educational access or quality only worsens the health inequities that are seen with lower income populations The lack of exposure and understanding to how health insurance plans work and how they can take advantage of what they have access to can lead to a poor healthcare experience - and lead to patients avoid care altogether Furthermore, it can lead to a increased rate of preventable conditions, non-adherence to potentially life saving medications and even increased mortality rates due to the lack of exposure to iife-saving skills such as CPR
Solution
To address a problem that is faced at such a large scale ideally federal intervention would be a solution to improve the disparity in education access and quality. Investment in practical skills or adult learning programs, public health education courses, or even community-based training programs could be a leap towards improving the overall health outcomes Additionally, providers can take an extra step to ensure understanding my using plain language and asking patients to repeat instructions back to them, or even hiring translators to make sure patients who’s primary language isn’t English can have all their questions answered
Professional/Personal Opinion
As a student working to become a part of the healthcare industry and potentially work in patient centered care, making sure the patient understands the extent of their conditions and how they can better treat or control it is the forefront of our practice As providers I feel that it is important that we take the extra step in making sure that our patient’s healthcare experience is as idealistic as possible, and that they feel comfortable asking any questions. I personally believe that health literacy isn’t something that is determined by your socioeconomic status, and everyone should have an equal opportunity to properly care for themselves ~ A Vachharajani
References Concern
August KJ, Billimek J A theoretical model of how neighborhood factors contribute to medication nonadherence among disadvantaged chronically ill adults Journal of Health Psychology 2016;21(12):2923-2933 doi:https://doiorg/101177/1359105315589391
1 CDC Education Access and Quality | Prepare Your Health | CDC wwwcdcgov Published March 27, 2023 https://wwwcdcgov/prepyourhealth/discussionguides/educationhtm
Chisholm-Burns MA, Spivey CA, Gatwood J, Wiss A, Hohmeier K, Erickson SR Evaluation of racial and socioeconomic disparities in medication pricing and pharmacy access and services American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy 2017;74(10):653-668 doi:https://doiorg/102146/ajhp150872
Lazar M, Davenport L Barriers to Health Care Access for Low Income Families: A Review of Literature Journal of Community Health Nursing 2018;35(1):28-37 doi:https://doiorg/101080/0737001620181404832
4 Okunrintemi V, Khera R, Spatz ES, et al Association of Income Disparities with Patient-Reported Healthcare Experience Journal ofGeneralInternalMedicine 2019;34(6):884-892 doi:https://doiorg/101007/s11606-019-04848-4
Climate Change
Spring 2025
Grace Coomes, Darren Hung, Aaryaman Khurana, Blair Miles, Sameer Varma
In this monograph we will be addressing how climate change is a global crisis with widespread effects on health, economy, and energy systems. It intensifies natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, and droughts, leading to severe economic and health burdens, including malnutrition, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and increased mental health issues. Vectorborne diseases such as malaria and Lyme disease are becoming more prevalent as changing climates extend the active seasons and geographic ranges of disease-carrying organisms. Developing countries face disproportionate impacts, with extreme weather displacing millions and exacerbating healthcare challenges. Additionally, climate change strains energy systems, reducing hydropower output, stressing fossil fuel infrastructure, and increasing demand for cooling, which can lead to grid instability.
Economic Impact due to Climate Change
What's been affected by climate change?
Intensity of Natural Disasters 1.
My personal opinion on what can be done?
Having identified the damage and strain that climate change has had, it is all the more reason why we need to have more early warning systems, especially in countries that are less fortunate. By bringing awareness and addressing these issues now, we can help diminish some of the ailments caused by climate change, whether mentally, physically, or economically (BM).
Mental Health
Effects due to Climate Change
Climate change has triggered a cascade of devastating effects, including intensified natural disasters, worsening public health, and severe mental health consequences. Rising temperatures fuel wildfires, increasing air pollution, and exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Droughts lead to food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable populations. Extreme weather events displace millions, creating economic instability and widening global inequality. Beyond physical harm, climate change also takes a psychological toll, contributing to rising rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. These interconnected issues highlight the urgent need for global cooperation, improved disaster preparedness, and sustainable solutions to mitigate the long-term consequences of a warming planet.
More on the weather
“Droughts lead to higher levels of malnutrition, causing the stunting of growth and development among children, and an array of pervasive infectious diseases.” This is alone leads into malnutrition which can effect overall health and the economy since people will go without food.
Impact of Climate Change on Chronic Diseases
Darren Hung, BSPS
How climate affects chronic diseases
The most well-known effect of climate change is global warming causing increasing temperatures. Due to the upward trend in temperature, heat waves and wildfires also saw an increased presence. Many chronic diseases are heavily influenced by the patient’s environment, and with climate change being an increasingly severe problem, its impact on those afflicted with chronic diseases continues to deepen.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases
Those with cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, and arrhythmia can be exacerbated by heat waves and cause further complications such as stroke. Wildfires generate pollution serving as extra irritant for those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), causing additional and prolonged flare-ups.
Diabetes
Diabetic individuals are also susceptible to the detriments of climate change. Increasing prevalance of heat waves increase chances of dehydration, causing blood sugar levels to fluctuate, which is dangerous for diabetics due to poor control of glucose levels. Inherent nerve damage common in diabetic individuals can also negatively affect sweating functions, leading to increased chances of heat stroke.
Methods to mitigate risk + Professional Opinion
Be mindful of the weather, minimize outdoor events during peak heat hours. Use air filters indoors and masks outdoors if pollution/irritant levels are too high. Always maintain hydration and regular monitoring of blood pressure levels. Maintain healthy diet to prevent aggravation of chronic disease, cut back on sugars and pro-inflammatory foods.
References
1.Managing diabetes in the heat. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed April 6, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/articles/managing-diabetes-in-theheat.html#:~:text=Heat%20affects%20people%20with%20diabetes,that%20combines%20temperature%20and%20humidity.
2.Climate change and noncommunicable diseases: Connections. World Health Organization. Accessed April 2, 2025. https://www.who.int/news/item/02-11-2023-climate-change-andnoncommunicable-diseases-connections.
3.Climate Change and the Health of People with Chronic Medical Conditions. EPA. Accessed April 2, 2025. https://www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-and-health-people-chronicmedical-conditions.
4.Medicine BMC. Diabetes and climate change: Breaking the vicious cycle - BMC medicine. BioMed Central. July 31, 2023. Accessed April 2, 2025. https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-023-02980-x.
By Mezani Muniz, Sarah Huszar, Madelaine Driskell, Calvin Pickerill, Jasmine Wang
The Dangerous Cycle of Addiction - The Freedom Center
Addiction is a deeply complex and chronic condition that drives individuals to repeatedly engage in substance use or compulsive behaviors despite knowing the negative consequences. It is not merely a matter of willpower but a disorder that alters brain chemistry, particularly in the reward system, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to resist cravings and maintain self-control. The effects of addiction extend far beyond the individual, impacting physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. Furthermore, addiction is not limited to any one cause; it develops through a combination of biological, psychological, socioeconomic, cultural, and political factors, making it a widespread and multifaceted issue. While some individuals may have a genetic predisposition that makes them more vulnerable to addiction, others may develop it as a response to stress, trauma, or environmental influences. Additionally, the economic burden of addiction is significant, affecting healthcare systems, workplaces, and communities as a whole. Addressing addiction requires a comprehensive understanding of its many dimensions, including the different types of addiction, its connection to mental health, its financial and societal costs, and the various treatment approaches available. Through this discussion, we aim to explore these aspects in depth, shedding light on the complexities of addiction and the strategies for prevention and recovery.
Addiction, Spring 2025
Types of Addictions/Drugs Sarah Huszar, BSPS
There are multiple classes of drugs that have high risks of addiction and abuse. There are depressants, stimulants, and psychedelics. Depressants slow down the CNS, stimulants speed up the CNS, and psychedelics, also known as mind-altering drugs, cause hallucinations as well as many other side effects. The main depressants are alcohol, fentanyl, and opioids. Some stimulants are cocaine, methamphetamine, Adderall, and nicotine. Vaping is more addictive and harmful than the traditional cigarette due to the harmful chemicals such as lead, diacetyl, and formaldehyde. Cocaine is an extremely unreliable product as it can be mixed with many other things, such as fentanyl.
Drug addiction has become more of a global health issue as the years go on. One drug in particular, fentanyl, has become more prevalent whether by itself, or found in other drugs. Opioid drug abuse/overdose has become one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Other countries are now becoming involved as many of these dangerous drugs are coming from them, such as China and Mexico (Ferragamo & Klobucista, 2025). The World Health Organization, also known as WHO, has discussed the ‘world drug problem’ several times and has produced several different strategies for countering this issue. This being a global issue, will take more than just a few countries to contribute in order to see a real impact.
J Palamar, et al. National and Regional Trends in Fentanyl Seizures in the United States, 2017-2023. International Journal of Drug Policy DOI:10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104417 (2024).
Studies show that the individuals that are being the most affected by drug abuse and addiction are teens and individuals with mental disorders. These individuals being prescribed medications for their mental illnesses can easily become addicted. This works by them taking the drug as prescribed, feeling better, and wanting to continue to feel better all the time. Slowly they will become dependent on these drugs and may start experimenting with others to get that desired effect they once had. In today’s world, teens are often subject to peer pressure from their peers.
Programs such as D.A.R.E have been implemented in schools to instruct children of the dangers of drugs. Drug abuse programs and facilities have been established across the country and the world to be there for individuals seeking help. There can never be enough awareness about the dangers of drug use. Continuing to educate the youth as well as anyone who is willing to listen will be beneficial for the global health crisis.
I think there should be more control of what is coming in and out of the country as well as how quickly doctors are willing to prescribe drugs for mental health disorders. We should be looking into non-pharmacological solutions before getting individuals hooked on medications which can later lead to drug addiction and abuse. ~ S Huszar
Professional CC medical. What are addictive substances? Cleveland Clinic. November 19, 2024. Accessed February 23, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/addictive-substances
Ferragamo M, Klobucista C. Fentanyl and the U.S. opioid epidemic. Council on Foreign Relations. March 28, 2025. Accessed April 5, 2025. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/fentanyl-and-us-opioid-epidemic.
Drug misuse and addiction. National Institutes of Health. January 30, 2025. Accessed April 4, 2025. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction.
Addiction, Spring 2025
Genetic Predisposition
Madelaine Driskell, BSPS Student
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) commonly referred to as Alcoholism is defined as a chronic disease characterized by persistent alcohol use that causes distress in one’s daily life despite the negative consequences they may face. Although only one form of addiction, alcoholism has affected an estimated 400 million people worldwide according to WHO. Both family history and individual genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing alcoholism as well as other environmental factors. The body metabolizes alcohol primarily in the liver, however, mutations in specific genes can impact the process. Analogous to alcoholism, other substance use disorders are influenced by individual genetics as well as family history. Both of these are critical when understanding a person’s predisposition to SUD, more specifically AUD.
In determining whether AUD is a global or cross-cultural problem, it is important to remember that genetic mutations can occur throughout varying cultures. Environmental factors based on cultural norms, social attitudes, and alcohol availability also plays a large role in the prevalence of AUD. The issue at hand is considered to be a worldwide problem.
Building on previous statements, prior family history has been shown to significantly influence the risk of developing AUD. Research done on twins across several studies has shown consistent results. Li and Burmeister suggest that 50-70% of dependence and abuse in twins is due to related heritability. The high rate of vulnerability suggests that the heritability of specific genes is critical in increasing the risk of developing AUD. In some cases, AUD is associated with other substance addictions, but evidence for the genes involved is limited.
Researchers have identified two genes with known effects on alcohol metabolism. These two are known as ADH1B and ALDH2. As stated before, mutations in the associated genes can increase the risk of developing AUD, however, there are often societal and environmental factors at play as well. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1B) works in the first step of alcohol metabolism. This gene acts in the catalyzation of ethanol oxidation to acetaldehyde. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) acts in the second step of alcohol metabolism. This gene works to convert the acetaldehyde, synthesized in the first step, into acetate. The buildup of the intermediate molecule, Acetaldehyde, is what accounts for the effects of alcohol consumption. Mutations in either of these genes can impact the buildup of the Acetaldehyde. Edenberg and Foroud discuss the example of genetics and dependence is seen in the “Asian Flushing Reaction.” It is common in East Asia, where people carrying one allele of the mutated ALDH2 take effect even when drinking tiny amounts of alcohol.
In note of this global issue, studies should continue to focus on how genetics plays a role in all types of SUDs. Even though studies are limited, other forms of SUD research on AUD should be used as a starting point in identifying genes related to increased risks. Understanding the body process and genetics is the starting point for decreasing the number of those suffering from substance use disorders (~M Driskell).
Edenberg H J, Foroud T. Genetics and alcoholism. Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology. August 2013. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4056340/
Li MD, Burmeister M. New insights into the genetics of addiction. Nature reviews. Genetics. April 2009. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2879628/ Alcohol. World Health Organization. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol.
Addiction, Spring 2025
Mental Health
Background
Mezani Muniz, BSPS student
Addiction and mental health disorders are deeply interconnected, with each influencing and exacerbating the other. Individuals with conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and schizophrenia are at a higher risk of developing substance use disorders (SUDs), while chronic substance abuse can contribute to or worsen mental illness. This relationship, often referred to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis, presents unique challenges in treatment and recovery.
Who is this affecting?
This is affecting individuals who are vulnerable and surrounded by stress. This can range from places of work, previous trauma, cities and universities. Many individuals with mental health issues turn to drugs or alcohol to alleviate distressing symptoms, unknowingly creating a cycle of dependence. Past trauma increases susceptibility to mental health disorders, with substances often used as a coping mechanism (Giordano, 2021).
Psychologically, substance use can temporarily alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or mood instability, creating an illusion of control or relief. However, this coping strategy often becomes counterproductive, as individuals become reliant on external substances rather than developing internal emotional regulation skills.
How we move forward
Both addiction and mental health alter brain function, particularly in areas dealing with reward, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Substances of abuse directly act on the reward center of the brain, involving an intense release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The consistent release weakens the activity of the brain’s decision-making center in the prefrontal cortex. This behavior hijacks our dopamine system, allowing our body to become used to elevated levels and your body starts to produce less (Smith, 2022).
Focusing research on our dopamine cycle is how we can get a grasp on addiction and mental health disorders to help people get the treatment they need. Genetic research also plays a large role in new treatments in order to personalize it from patient to patient. More programs are now integrating treatment for both mental health and addiction focusing on the link between them.
Personal Opinion
I believe that people do not change unless they want to. Although the cycle of addiction and mental health is hard to get through and continues to be a struggle, change cannot happen unless the person themselves reaches out to get that help. ~M. Muniz
References
Giordano A. Why Trauma Can Lead to Addiction. Psychology Today. Published September 25, 2021. Accessed February 16, 2025. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understanding-addiction/202109/why-trauma-can-lead-toaddiction?msockid=0d26f3c513926e431e26e25f123a6fea
Smith L. Addiction and Mental health: What’s the connection? | recovered.org. Recovered. Published October 11, 2022. Accessed February 11, 2025. https://recovered.org/mental-health/addiction-and-mental-health
Addiction, Spring 2025
Limitation of Addiction Treatment
Background and Relation to Main Issue
Jasmine Wang, BSPS student
Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease that requires ongoing, multifaceted treatment. However, poor adherence is a major challenge for all forms of substance abuse treatment, including opioids, stimulants, and alcohol. For example, between 2011 and 2018, among U.S. Medicare beneficiaries, discontinuation of long-term opioid therapy, with short-term spikes in suicide attempts, withdrawal symptoms, and emergency visits. Medication alone is not enough without long-term psychological and behavioral support, especially when cravings and environmental triggers remain unaddressed.
Intercultural and Global Dimensions
Substance use disorders are prevalent globally, yet attitudes towards addiction and treatment differ across cultures. In many countries, addiction is still viewed as a moral defect rather than a disease, which leads to stigma against addiction and prevents people from receiving treatment. Immigrants and marginalized populations often face language barriers, legal fears, and cultural misunderstandings when it comes to healthcare, which further contributes to poor adherence. Therefore, effective treatment must consider these.
Who or What is Affected
Patients with addiction suffer the most immediate effects of poor compliance, including relapses, overdose, deteriorating health, and loss of employment or relationships. Their families, communities, and care providers are also heavily impacted. Healthcare systems face increased emergency visits and hospitalizations, while public health policies struggle to curb rising addiction-related mortality rates.
Efforts/Solutions and Future Directions
Measures to address poor adherence include integrating behavioral therapies such as CBT, motivational interviewing, peer rehabilitation counseling, and harm reduction approaches. BMC Health Services Research (Hoffman et al., 2019) supports combining medication with tailored psychosocial interventions to improve retention and efficacy. Globally, expanding access to culturally appropriate care, reducing stigma, and investing in workforce training are essential next steps.
Professional/Personal Opinion
As a future pharmacist, I believe that improving adherence to addiction treatment requires a change in the way we view and treat patients with substance use disorders. We must meet patients where they are, with empathy, flexibility, and ongoing support. Medication has a powerful role in the treatment process, but treatment must be comprehensive, communitybased, and take cultural realities into account. ~ J Wang
References
1. Sabety AH, Neprash HT, Gaye M, Barnett ML. Clinical and healthcare use outcomes after cessation of long term opioid treatment due to prescriber workforce exit: Quasi-experimental difference-in-differences study. The BMJ. May 16, 2024. Accessed April 5, 2025. https://www.bmj.com/content/385/bmj-2023076509?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
2. The Lancet, 29 March 2025, volume 405, issue 10484, pages 1027-1118. Accessed April 6, 2025. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS01406736(21)00476-1/abstract
3. 1. Hoffman KA, Terashima JP, McCarty D. Opioid use disorder and treatment: Challenges and opportunities - BMC Health Services Research. BioMed Central. November 25, 2019. Accessed April 5, 2025. https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-019-4751-4?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
Addiction, Spring 2025
Increased ADHD Prevalence in the Last 30 Years
Yana Gomon BSPS Spring 2025
Intercultural and Global Health Issues, Mental Health, Spring 2025
Misdiagnosed and Medicated: The Hidden Struggles When Diagnosing Mental Health - Clayton Wimmersberger BSPS Class of 2025
Diagnosing mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression presents significant challenges due to their subjective nature and the absence of definitive testing. This often leads to an overreliance on prescribing antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) While these medications can be beneficial for some individuals, newer research has shown them not to be as effective as once thought
E ectiveness of Antidepressants
Research shows that ~50% of individuals with moderate to severe depression experience symptom improvement within six to eight weeks of starting antidepressant treatment. While this is already pretty low for a prescription drug, it is also seen that 30% of those taking a placebo also report improvements, showing that it might not even be the drug doing the work.
Overprescription Concerns
A combination of the di culty in diagnosing mental health disorder and the pressure doctors have to prescribe medicines can lead to an overprescription of antidepressants. This is a major concern due to the severe side e ects of antidepressants and due to the fact that this does not help the mental health crisis, in fact it counteracts it.
Potential Downsides of Antidepressant Use
While antidepressants can provide relief for some, they are associated with many side e ects including emotional numbness and weight gain. Long-term use may lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.
Also, recent studies suggest that certain antidepressants may accelerate cognitive decline in dementia patients, particularly with higher doses of SSRIs like escitalopram, citalopram, and sertraline.
References:
Personal Opinion: Creating more streamlined ways for doctors to diagnose mental health by addressing the root causes of mental health issues (therapy, intervention, diet etc.) and exploring non-pharmacological interventions are essential steps toward improving patient outcomes and the mental health crisis in general.
and Global Health Issues, Mental Health, Spring 2025
Understanding the surge of Anxiety and Depression in College Students
Globally, college students in recent years have been facing greater challenges in mental health. Recent studies have revealed an alarmingly high rate of depression and anxiety. 44% of all college students are experiencing depression, 37% with anxiety, and 15% struggle with suicidal thoughts. These figures have grown 50% since 2013, marking an all time high and a frightening societal issue.
The Problem of the
Academic Pressure Cooker
With over 78% of college students reporting moderate-to-high stress levels, the ever increasing academic demands need to be addressed. Stress from exams, homework, and performance expectations are causing many students to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms like sleep deprivation and substance abuse. This creates a vicious cycle, as poor mental health is directly linked to lower academic performance and outcomes.
Personal Opinion
From Crisis to Care
Universities have responded to this by adopting new solutions and innovating. For example, in Dartmouth, the university has reformed many policies to address certain aspects of the issue. They have expanded their free wellness programs, and revised medical leave policies to cater to those struggling with mental health.
I believe universities must continue expanding mental health services to see greater improvement. The learning environment must be geared to combat or mitigate the alarming rise in depression and anxiety to see a genuine result More universities should take from Dartmouth and revise or expand policies accordingly.
Intercultural and Global Health Issues, Mental Health, Spring 2025
MENTAL HEALTH IN PHYSICAL DISABILITY -
GUNNAR ANDREAS JOHNSON, BSPS
BACKGROUND
A time of awakening in mental health brings a light impact to a new demographic, those with autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune disorders bring a new sense of pain management and way of life that often overshadows the emotional and mental impact of those diagnosed. Autoimmune disorder increases the risk of mood disorders by 45%, affecting one out of ten people (1)
Autoimmune disorders including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Type 1 Diabetes, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) have links to elevated levels of anxiety and depression Symptoms of declining mental health are seen in over 50% of populations with MS (2).
CAUSE
Chronic Illness promotes uncertainty of the future, unpredictability, disability, finance issues, and of course physical pain, all of which being major factors to affect mental health (3) Autoimmune disorders can affect anyone at any time regardless of factors such as age, race, and sex.
A study from the Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology urges pregnant women who display psychiatric disorder symptoms should be paneled for
autoimmune disorders (4) The Korean National Health Insurance Database recorded mental health prevalence in individuals diagnosed with ALS (5). The graph displays that during early onset of diagnosis is suicidal tendencies most prevalent The trends have been observable worldwide marking it a global issue
PROGRESS
Individuals with autoimmune disorders generally undergo immune based therapy that helps general symptoms of the autoimmune disorder, primarily inflammation. The reduction of inflammatory factors directly reduces factors that affect mood related symptoms (6)
STATEMENT
Coming to terms with an autoimmune disorder is not easy for anyone. Having personal experience with the matter has enabled myself to see the struggles that one undergoes in the process of coping and adjusting. While medication is effective, remembering that there are many affected who share similar experiences can bring reassurance and enable empathy. Support groups and charitable activities occur worldwide to help keep those affected on track to pursue dreams and life ~G A Johnson
SOURCES
1 Harvard Health Publishing (2013, June 17) Infection, autoimmune disease linked to depression Harvard Medical School https://www health harvard edu/blog/infection-autoimmune-dise ase-linked-to-depression-201306176397
2 Kim, M , Kang, T W , Oh, K W , Lee, S Y , Oh, I H , & Kim, S H (2021) Prevalence of psychiatric disorders among people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Korea: A nationwide population-based study Journal of Affective Disorders, 293, 315–321
5 Cleveland Clinic (n d ) Chronic illness https://my clevelandclinic org/health/articles/4062-chronic-illness Intercultural and Global Health Issues, Mental Health, Spring 2025
Reference
Understanding the surge of Anxiety and Depression in College Students:
Alonso, J. (2023). Student mental health worsens, but more are seeking help. Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs.
Newport Institute (2024, November 21). Depression in college students: New Statistics and Research. https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/mental-health/depression-on-college-campuses/
Heinze, J. (2023, March 9). College students’ anxiety, depression higher than ever, but so are efforts to receive care: News: University of Michigan School of Public Health: Mental Health: Healthy Minds Study. College Students’ Anxiety, Depression Higher Than Ever, but So Are Efforts to Receive Care | News | University of Michigan School of Public Health | Mental Health | Healthy Minds Study |.
