Public Health Projects, 2008-present

All posters from the UVM College of Medicine Public Health Projects, 2008 to present.

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Family-Centered Perspectives on Barriers to School Attendance

Cassidy Cottle, Brian A. Fellenstein, Steven M. Hepp, Molly Hurd, Kristin Karpowicz, Joshua H. Le, Jasmine M. Liu, and Sarah Yang

Background: Truancy, or chronic absenteeism, is defined as missing 10% or more of school days. Students who are chronically absent any year between 8th and 12th grade are seven times more likely to drop out. A Howard Center survey found that 33% of students in the Burlington school district were chronically absent. Schools identified the complex and intensive needs of students and families as the main driver of truancy. Our aim was to survey family perspectives on barriers to school attendance, the efficacy of attempted strategies, and family suggestions for future strategies to address truancy in Chittenden school districts.

Methods: We designed an interview script that was used to interview families recruited by community partners. Eight coders examined interview notes using a thematic content analysis to identify areas of need for families.

Results: We conducted a group interview of four Somali families via translator. Themes from caregivers’ responses included: 1) communication breakdown between the school and families, 2) racism as perceived systemic bias from school staff, 3) safety as a perceived lack of concern by the school for students, and 4) caregivers identified the biggest positive influence on their child’s attendance as teachers who create an inclusive and inspiring learning environment.

Conclusion: More work is needed to learn the diverse perspectives of the Burlington community. Families may be more comfortable with group interviews conducted at established, school-sponsored events. Based on the interviews, fostering positive relationships among teachers, families, and students may prove to be most beneficial at combating chronic absenteeism.
Recruitment of Primary Care Professionals in Rural Vermont: An analysis of factors motivating resident physicians and DNP students at UVMMC

Tanner L. Ferrell, Julia Halvorson-Phelan, Christopher Kruglik, Anton Krutyakov, Angelina Kuzina, Anna Landis, Joon Young Lee, and Kathleen Waeldner

Background: Windham Aging was created to analyze, primarily, ways for senior residents to age in place; a November 2022 report concluded that one of the barriers is lack of primary care professionals. The current physician workforce is aging into retirement with 48% of PCPs in Windham County being over 60 years old. Previous literature reported the following themes among primary care professionals as factors in determining retention and recruitment: financial, social, lifestyle, and community.

Methods: This research study aimed to identify strategies to enhance the recruitment of primary care professionals in rural areas of Vermont. The study team conducted interviews with family medicine residents and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students. Using a qualitative, inductive approach, the team identified key themes that could impact the recruitment of primary care professionals in rural Vermont, including a 5-point scale on previously identified factors affecting recruitment.

Results: Trainees (n=13) ranked housing, political association, community factors, and access to schools as most important. Qualitative analysis revealed that trainees’ financial incentives weigh less heavily than previous rural clinical experience and interest in living in a rural setting.

Conclusion: Recruitment of rural practitioners in Vermont is largely influenced by personal preferences regarding community attributes and exposure to rural clinical training experience.
Improving Access to Adult Home-Based Palliative Care Through Medicaid Expansion

James T. Go III, Adam M. Lewis, Rachel E. Miles, Surya Radhakrishnan, Shruthi Santhanakrishnan, and Anthony M. Vejar

Background: Palliative care is associated with a more than fifty percent reduction in costs associated with end-of-life care. Currently 30% of Vermonters receive their healthcare through Vermont’s state Medicaid program. Despite this large proportion of Medicaid recipients, there is no Medicaid-funded home-based palliative care program in the state. The objective of this project is to better understand the need for home-based palliative care and assess the barriers to these services.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to develop a palliative care service package based on the models of Arizona, California, and Hawaii. Interviews with medical professionals and a focus group with representatives from multiple Home Health Agencies (HHAs) were conducted. The interviews and focus group were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were reviewed by two separate coders in NVivo software, and the codes reconciled to unify qualitative themes and quotes.

Results: From qualitative data, several core themes were extracted such as: benefits to healthcare, staffing and reimbursement, and education. Overall, benefits to providers and patients and educational gaps were among the most emphasized themes. Staffing and reimbursement were the primary concerns for HHAs for whom fee-for-service models may not be sufficient.

Conclusion: Implementation of home-based palliative care services can benefit patients and healthcare providers by reducing hospitalizations and enhancing patient care. Delivery of these services remains challenging due to a variety of factors, including financial and staffing constraints from HHAs and educational gaps within the healthcare community. Medicaid expansion may help ensure effective palliative care delivery in Vermont.
Assessing College-Age Adult Attitudes and Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to HPV Vaccination

Arman S. Grewal, Katina Messier, Christopher Pham, Aina K. Rattu, Susanna L. Schuler, Deepinder Singh, Peter Vien, and Abigail B. Wootton

Background: The HPV vaccine is recommended for people aged 11 to 26 and is effective at preventing against certain types of cancers. Current vaccination rates among college-aged individuals remain inadequate. This study aims to assess attitudes to HPV vaccination and elucidate differences in awareness among individuals of different vaccination status.

Methods: Medical students and premedical undergraduate students engaged individuals in a central campus student location to collect survey responses and educate about HPV and HPV vaccination. A peer-education approach was utilized to engage students. Knowledge gaps were generally assessed via a true/false questionnaire during peer-to-peer interactions and a link to a REDCap survey was shared. Respondents completed it themselves. We used one-way ANOVA and T-tests to compare levels of awareness levels and HPV vaccination status.

Results: 209 survey responses from UVM students qualified for analysis. A majority of students had completed an HPV vaccine series. Survey results showed respondents learned of HPV and the vaccine from a variety of sources, but primarily from family or in a clinical setting. Average awareness also varied amongst individuals with differing HPV vaccination status.

Conclusion: There may be associations linking greater knowledge of HPV with “Completed” vaccination status. Results demonstrate that awareness may not equate to general knowledge of HPV, possibly contributing to disparities in vaccination rate. With year-to-year HPV vaccine awareness declining, there is an increased need for educational campaigns to not only raise awareness about HPV but also on HPV topics like its transmission, disease prevention, and federal guidelines.
Improving Health Communication: Testing Preferences and Choices for Health Information to Improve Literacy

Casey Norton, Wendy Memishian, Sarah Kohl, Kyle M. Gorman, Muhammad H. Zeb, Haziq Aziz, Taylor Lamarre, and Adam B. Thompson

Background: Health literacy and effective health communications are growing areas of concern. This project aims to determine differences in health literacy and preferred communication methods of health information between Vermont rural and urban populations.

Methods: In-person surveys were conducted in Vermont rural and urban settings. Clinical trials were used as a baseline example of health communication to gather information on preferred methods of receiving health information, and comfort interpreting health information. Survey questions were developed using pre-established questionnaire guidelines from CDC health status surveys. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism 6. Chi-squared and unpaired T-tests were used for data comparison.

Results: 272 individuals completed the initial survey with 262 meeting inclusion criteria. Of the 262 respondents, 89% white (n=233) and 54% female (n=141), 55% had a bachelor’s degree or higher (n=145); 14.5% reported having previously participated in a clinical trial (n=38). Distribution of zip codes based on Rural-Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) Codes showed individuals from rural area populations (RUCA = 10) and metropolitan area core populations (RUCA = 1). Survey results found statistical significance between rural and urban populations in comparing health communication preferences, with rural participants significantly preferring television and social media as outlets to receive health information.

Conclusions: Both urban and rural residents most frequently selected healthcare providers as a preferred communication outlet, followed closely by the internet. Mean confidence level differences between rural and urban populations for multiple modalities of medical information were not statistically significant.
Inclusive Sexual History for Sexually and Gender Diverse Individuals in Vermont

Krystal Ramos-Barrera, Kimberly Michelle Jones, Elizabeth Karakashian, Ian Minearo, and Ashley Lucero

Background: Patients that identify as lesbian, gay and/or transgender (LGBTQ+) experience poorer healthcare outcomes due to discrimination, stigma, and marginalization. Interaction with a new healthcare environment is through intake forms which often use hetero-centric language around sexual history gathering. We address this by the assessment of these forms through the lens of members of the LGBTQ+ community. We aim to decrease the harm associated with current wording and improve the experience and trust of patients who identify as sexual or gender diverse.

Methods: We used focus groups as our primary means of data collection. First, we recruited a group of participants based on our research objectives. Second, we conducted 2 focus group sessions totaling 6 participants in a private setting and took detailed notes. Third, we analyzed the data using thematic analysis and 5 people coded the data into categories. Then, we visualized the findings using quotes and summarized the main themes. Finally, we presented the survey of updated questions to guests at the LGBTQ+ Health Summit to gain feedback.

Results: Thematic analysis of the focus group data demonstrated multiple prominent themes. These themes reflected gender and sexually exclusive word choices, phrasing that was exclusive to patients for which English is not a primary language, and lack of question clarity.

Conclusion: Despite major advancements in the quality of care LGBT+ patients receive in the primary care setting, there are still considerable adjustments that need to be made to ensure all individuals feel respected and included while giving a sexual history.
Vermont Stakeholder Views Regarding Psychedelics in 2023

Cole Zweber, Josephine Yalovitser, Sarah Tran, Lauren Tien, Mallory Stultz, Ava Siegel, Henry M. Mitchell, and Jonah Levine

Background: Psychedelics, such as MDMA, LSD, ketamine, and psilocybin, are defined as mind-manifesting substances. While Indigenous communities have used psychedelics for millennia, scientific research in the United States began in the 1940s. Following a rise in recreational psychedelic use during the Counterculture Movement of the 1960s, many psychedelics were issued Schedule I status. In the past fifteen years, research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics has emerged as a burgeoning field. The objective of this study was to assess opinions towards psychedelics in Vermont.

Methods: Using a literature review on psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, ketamine, and ayahuasca, an interview guide was designed to explore current attitudes on the state of psychedelics, policy surrounding psychedelics, and ongoing training and treatment practices. A convenience sample of 16 healthcare providers, legislators, investors, advocates, and law enforcement officers was interviewed.

Results: Qualitative analysis of interview transcripts indicated a need for superior pharmacologic treatment to address the growing mental health crisis and expressed cautious optimism with regards to the promise of psychedelics. Interviewees emphasized the importance of further research on efficacy and safety and expressed concerns for current models of legalized psilocybin. Counselor training and education emerged as crucial considerations for psychedelic treatment. Other barriers included cost, scalability, and equitable access.

Conclusion: While the growing body of research on psychedelics indicates promise in addressing intractable mental health disorders, voices from all sides advise the field to exercise caution. Further research is needed to ensure equitable access, establish safe treatment procedures, and enact responsible policies.
Assessing Cancer Prevention Knowledge During COVID-19 Pandemic

Robert Anthony Adamian, Lily Deng, Nicholas W. Krant, Trevor AR McDonald, Natalie Qin, Ally Sarkis, and Althea Jem Darbin Tapales

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, adjustments in the provision of health care resources have caused a significant decrease in cancer screenings. These missed screenings may have considerable impacts on patients, health care practitioners and health systems.

In addition to the importance of resuming timely screening, studies have shown that a large portion of cancer deaths stemming from breast, skin, and colorectal cancer are preventable by risk factor modification at the patient level.

Many people remain uncertain of how best to prevent cancers, despite general awareness of concerns.

Raising awareness can empower patients to reduce their risk factors for developing breast, skin and colorectal cancer.

It has been shown that increased knowledge of colorectal cancer screening leads to increased participation in early screening, which can lead to better overall outcomes.
Initial Assessment of a Suicide Prevention Resource for Vermont Primary Care

Sam Afshari, Eliot Binkerd-Dale, Zain Chaudry, Varun Gupta, Morgan Howlett, Colleen McCarthy, Benjamin N. Price, and Rebecca B. Rawlings

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Vermonters ages 10-44. Studies have shown that of those who die from suicide 45% have seen their primary care provider in the month prior to their death and only 20% saw a mental health provider.

To help strengthen suicide risk screening in primary care, a group of Larner College of Medicine students partnered with Chittenden Accountable Community for Health to curate a suicide prevention informational resource to be used in Vermont's primary care practices to promote universal suicide screening.

We then surveyed users of the tool to assess its utility and identify barriers to suicide screening within their practices.
Age Well: Home Health Care Shortages in Northwestern VT during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Jeremy Altman, Matthew Breseman, Edom Alemayehu Girma, Alexander M. Kubacki, Louisa Moore, Amanda Nattress, Noah Sorkow, and Kristen Wright

As of February 2021, there have been over 26.6 million cases and over 450,000 deaths in the United States due to COVID-19. Since the outbreak, a critical focus in the healthcare system has shifted towards protection of healthcare providers as well as vulnerable patients such as the elderly. The growing shortages of providers has resulted in a growing need for home health care (HHC). Beyond HHC addressing this workforce gap, evidence has shown a reduction in emergency department (ED) visits, hospital admissions and a 14- million-dollar savings in healthcare cost. While the role of HHC has been crucial for the efficacy of the healthcare system, like many other sectors, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unforeseen challenges. According to a 2020 survey conducted by Home Health Care News, 92% of HHC agencies have lost a substantial amount of revenues due to shortage of resources in addition to an increase in patient and caregiver anxiety.
Motivators for Convalescent Plasma Donors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Betsy Assoumou, Natalie J. Bales, Amy K. Chang, Hannah K. Cook, Kiana Heredia, and Colby J. Fischer

This study will seek to explore the motivators for convalescent plasma donors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, the global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 increased donations of transfusion products, particularly convalescent plasma from COVID-19 survivors that is used to provide passive antibody immunity to those infected. Convalescent plasma therapy has been identified as one of the only therapies for COVID-19 beyond supportive care.

Much of the current research focuses on the current motivators of whole blood and plasma donations, commonly citing altruistic motivations, knowing someone who has previously donated, and social media influence as common motivators for donations.

It is important to explore not only what motivates COVID-19 survivors to initially donate plasma, but also the motivations of repeat donors. By gaining a greater understanding of what these motivators are, we may be able to convert these convalescent plasma donors to regular blood donors.
Addressing Food Insecurity Within New American Communities in Vermont

Lorena Ayoub, Carl W. Brasch, Aria Elahi, Justin L. Esteban, Juwairiyyah Fatima, Brianna J. Spano, Sean Wang, and Erik J. Zhang

Food insecurity is defined as not having safe, nutritious, or culturally appropriate foods available, or having limited ability to acquire these foods/uncertainty as to when one can acquire these foods.

Reasons for food insecurity can be multifactorial such as language barriers, unfamiliar foods, and limited information about food environments.As a result, many turn to processed and energy- dense foods, contributing to the development of chronic diseases.

Food banks and local food shelves provide supplemental food assistance to residents and communities in need. However, with diverse New American populations living within the same community, it is challenging to determine which foods best fit their needs.

Vermont has welcomed 535 refugees in the last 4 years. Many of these new Americans currently reside in Winooski and Burlington. This study seeks to address the issues of mental health, food insecurity, access to the food shelf, and food preferences within the New American communities located in Winooski, Vermont.
Perceptions of Mask Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

David Bachoy, Clara Berard, Nicholas D. Brunette, Sadie M. Casale, Tonya Conley, Krystal Gopaul, Tyler Landman, and Rhys Niedecker

The CDC recommends covering of the face and nose during the COVID-19 pandemic as a primary mitigation strategy for viral transmission. Masks minimize the number of viral particles emitted by the wearer; mask use serves to reduce the effects on population transmission.

Mask wearing behaviors have been shown to vary across different groups like gender identity, however, differences between people with and without lung disease have yet to be explored.

Goal: Examine perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors related to mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic of those with and without lung disease nationally.
Health Benefits Are Associated With Employment Status For People With Intellectual Disabilities

Rachel Bombardier, Mialovena C. Exume, Jeremy Frank, Timothy W. Greenfield, Kaela Mohardt, Nathan Schweitzer, and Devan Spence

Recent studies demonstrate that people with developmental disabilities are at increased risk for preventable illnesses. In our study, we examined several variables suspected to be major contributing factors, with emphasis on job security and employment. The development of sheltered workshops was initially an attempt to promote employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), though at subminimum wages.

We explored whether these workshops allow for adequate community and healthcare engagement that is necessary for overall health and wellbeing. We designed a study that allowed us to statistically compare health-related data among states that eliminated sheltered workshops with those continuing this practice. These results were compared with internally available data (N=79) at Champlain Community Services (CCS), a specialized employment organization in Vermont serving people with IDD. We quantified health outcomes based on Medicaid standards which include annual wellness visits with a PCP, annual dental visits, and ensuring individuals are up to date on vaccinations. Additionally, we quantified other predictors for general wellbeing including current smoking status and body mass index (BMI).

The results of our study indicated that people with IDD from states that have eliminated sheltered workshops tend to have better health outcomes with notable exemplary outcomes in consumers involved with CCS.

We anticipate the results of this study will assist organizations, such as CCS, by articulating the impact of sheltered workshops on people living with IDD and receiving subminimum wage.
Bridging the Gap: Improving the relationship between social service organizations and healthcare providers

Gabriela Bosmenier Cruz, Linda L. Cui, Liberty J. Dupuis, Ian Guertin, S. Halsey, Ying K. Loo, Finlay Pilcher, and Joaquin Reategui

In Vermont, a significant social determinant of health is rurality. Barriers to healthcare services include distance to providers, lack of integration with social services, and failure to recognize community needs.

Integration and robust collaboration between healthcare and social services can likely improve outcomes for individuals who have high utilization of both categories of services.

Understanding relationships between healthcare and social services may provide an important framework for translating interventional research to rural communities to improve health equity.

Project Goal: To understand barriers affecting collaboration between social service providers and community health providers in order to promote research-based improvements in health outcomes in rural populations.
Vermont School Districts Meal Service Response to COVID-19

Stephen Brand, Will D. Buick, John E. Fernan, Gina Jin, Rebecca Lapides, Jennifer Lor, Paul McCleary, and Timothy L. Long

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed many challenges worldwide, including lack of food access and security. Food insecurity in Vermont has increased from 18% to 24% since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Food insecurity among families with school-aged children puts children at risk for developmental delays, poor social functioning, and poor academic performance.

The goal of this project is to identify the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed for meal distribution services in school districts across Vermont, recognize the adaptations that were made by schools to address these challenges, and determine which adaptations had positive effects to encourage widespread implementation of these and other strategies to maximize food security for school-aged children nationwide.
Attitudes Toward Informational Health Videos among People with Intellectual Disabilities

Sydney M. Cardozo, Julie P. Connor, Jake Ermolovich, Tyler A. Harkness BS, Anneliese Lapides, Jack F. Mangan, Nicole Obongo, and Maxwell T. Tulimieri

An intellectual disability (ID) can be defined as a limit to a person's ability to learn and function in daily life when compared to an expected level. Due to these differences, a person with ID can face more challenges in daily life, including those that impact their health.

Special Olympics Vermont (SOVT) is an organization that hosts athletic events and competitions for people with an ID. We worked with them to formulate a plan for providing educational resources for people with an ID.

We created educational videos with corresponding one-page pamphlets containing material and imagery that was relatable to the athletes with ID, to inspire positive changes in their health habits.

We hypothesized that if content and material relatable to SOVT athletes were incorporated into health education videos, then athletes would learn more about healthy habits that they could apply to their lives.

We created surveys that evaluated the reception of the educational videos, whether athletes learned from the videos, and if they planned on incorporating what they learned into their lives.
Improving the Accessibility and Efficacy of the UVMMC CHNA to Populations Experiencing Homelessness

Rachel Carpenter, Jamie A. Cyr, William Kim, Megala Loganathan, Weida Ma, Dinukie-Chantal Perera, Sean Taylor, and William J. Yakubik III

Under provisions in the Affordable Care Act, tax-exempt hospitals are required to conduct a triennial Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to identify and prioritize the health needs of the community served. UVMMC is preparing to conduct the 2022 CHNA and is exploring best outreach approaches to marginalized or historically underrepresented populations within Chittenden and Grand Isle counties.

Research Question: What actions can be taken to effectively understand the diversity of needs in the homeless population of Chittenden County?

Hypothesis: The current CHNA incompletely captures how health barriers are disproportionately experienced by the homeless population in Chittenden County.

Goals: Identify best practices and tailor outreach methods to better assess the needs of the homeless population.
No Fall Too Small: Assessing Barriers to Fall Prevention Programs

Christina Cobb, Arley Donovan, Heather G. Giguere, Arjune Singh Nibber, Brian L. Shaw II, Aathman Swaminathan, and Ryan Warner

In Vermont, 1/3 of adults 45 years or older fell in the year 2018, statistically above the national average, which has not changed since 2012. Of those who fell, 34% experienced an injury after their fall.

Evidence-based interventions and fall prevention programs effectively reduce falls, and these programs aimed at reducing falls appear to reduce fractures. In fact, it has been shown that exercise intervention reduces fall risk by 30%.

Our review of the literature highlighted that there are numerous barriers to accessing fall prevention programs, including loss of independence, transportation, cost, and lack of interest. With this in mind, we investigated the potential barriers to accessing and attending fall prevention programs in Vermont.
Naturopathic Medicine in Vermont's Healthcare System: A Thematic Analysis

Trevor D. Coles, Tayler Drake, Rose Eiduson, Daniel J. Fried, Max C. HoddWells, Simran Kalsi M.S., Mahima R. Poreddy, and Clifford A. Reilly

Naturopathic Medicine is a system of health care that utilizes education, natural medicines, and natural therapies to support and stimulate a patient's intrinsic self-healing processes and prevents, diagnoses, and treats human health conditions, injuries, and pain.

There are 5 accredited schools of naturopathic medicine in the US and 2 in Canada. Naturopathic physicians were recognized as primary care providers (PCP) in 2009. There are 355 NDs licensed in VT, and 88 NDs with a VT address. 81% participate in Medicaid.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of naturopathic physicians in Vermont's healthcare system
Addressing the Needs of Sara Holbrook Community Center Caregivers

Stephen J. Foley, Shubhankar Joshi, Ankrish Milne, Izabella Ostrowski, William Robinson, John A. Steinharter MS, Rachel A. Wayne, and Alayna M. Westcom

Previous research: parental stress can negatively impact behavioral and cognitive development of children.

Each year, over 4,000 people use SHCC resources: preschool, after school care, teen programs, food shelf, ESL services, etc.

SHCC supports families at the center itself, but many families still experience difficulties at home that contribute to caregiver stress.

The purpose of this study: understand the needs of the caregivers of students who attend SHCC and propose actionable solutions to address the top identified needs.
Assessment of SNAP Utilization and Accessibility in Vermont

Amanda Galenkamp, Mohamad K. Hamze, Elie Kaadi, Elise A. Prehoda, W. Evan Shaw, Nicole A. Walch, Shari J. Zaslow, and Paula Tracy

Food insecurity exemplifies one of the many public health crises that the COVID19 pandemic both exposed and amplified. In 2019 an estimated 10.5% of households (13.7 million households) were food insecure as determined by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) including 5.3 million children. In 2020 this number increased to 15.6% of households, including 17.0 million children as projected by Feeding America. Food insecurity in children, especially in infancy, is associated with the development of obesity and hyperlipidemia, highlighting the necessity of federal and state food assistance programs.

We believe that increased funding for SNAP incentive programs and wireless EBT devices for Farmers will result in a longitudinal and sustainable increase in produce consumption among low income individuals in VT. We hypothesize such changes will ultimately result in improved health outcomes and decreased burden on Vermont Medicaid systems.
Analyzing the Outcomes of a Comprehensive Pain Management Program

Alia Johnson, Joshua Kohan, Cole Lutz, Patrick McClurg, Grace Merritt, Warrick Sahene, and Katie Tang

An integrative and comprehensive approach to pain management seeks to advance patient outcomes with respect to quality of life, pain management, mindfulness, and physical function. This biopsychosocial approach is an evidence-based medicine modality that has been executed to be cost-effective and targeted to meet individual patient values. Participants can enroll in integrative pain intervention modalities to treat their chronic ailments; examples include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, PT, OT, nutrition, reiki, hypnosis and yoga. In a systematic evaluation of integrative health projects, Turk et al. concluded interdisciplinary programs yielded better outcomes than traditional pain treatments.

This project tested the hypothesis that the UVMMC Comprehensive Pain Program produces beneficial patient outcomes with respect to pain management. We evaluated pre- and post- patient physical function, levels of anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and social role engagement.

Based on our data, we believe further investigation into the benefits of Integrative Medicine is warranted for the advancement of patient outcomes with respect to pain management.
What’s Going on with E-cigarette use in Vermont High Schools?

Fay Abdullah, Elizabeth Baumgartner, Delaney Curran, Noorin Damji, Madeline Fritz, Catherine Gereg, Ray Mak, Shayan McGee, Alex Crimmin, and David Kaminsky

The use of electronic cigarettes (e cigarettes) has become popular practice among teenagers in the United States. E cigarettes have been marketed as a “healthier” alternative to traditional cigarettes and include several flavor options to make them more appealing to teenagers. However, studies have shown that e cigarettes are still harmful, leading to addiction, nausea, vomiting, headache, and upper airway irritation. Most recently, the outbreak of severe lung illnesses is believed to be related to e cigarette use; the CDC and FDA are investigating the cause of this outbreak.
E-cigarette and tobacco use on a tobacco-free UVM campus

Sameer Alidina, Lauren Gernon, Kalin Gregory-Davis, Alexa Pius, Olivia Quatela, Samuel Raszka, and Zeynep Tek

The prevalence of e-cigarette use has significantly increased in recent years. In the US, e-cigarettes are now the most common nicotine products used by adolescents. The CDC reported 1,299 cases of lung injury correlating to the use of e-cigarette and vaping products; the current recommendation is to refrain from using e-cigarette products that contain THC and/or nicotine.