Health Science
Kinda Abou-Hamdan, kinda.ahamdan@gmail.com
The University of Texas Austin, with Dr. Chiu-Mi Lai
Traditional Chinese Medicine Use, Health-Promoting Behaviors, and Beliefs
Immigrants in a Chinese ethnoburb of San Gabriel Valley are selected to study the prevalence of traditional Chinese medicine use and routine health behaviors that keep them healthy and living long lives. With a community replicating that of an authentic "Chinatown", there is a greater likelihood of household health behaviors that can be studied in order to fill a gap in knowledge on health practices that promote and preserve one's health. Through a series of structured and unstructured interviews, as well as participant observation, a better understanding of the role of traditional Chinese medicine and individual/familial health practices in immigrant health will be gained, centering the home as a site for health promotion. With an emphasis on diet throughout the interviews, a deeper examination of the role of food on health and wellbeing would be relevant for further study.
Jennifer Sanchez Flores, jxs8183@mavs.uta.edu
University of Texas Arlington, with Dr. Jennifer Murphy
Predictors of Adolescent Alcohol Use: The Role of School Experience, Peer Influence, and Parental Support
Adolescent alcohol use poses significant risks to healthy development, particularly when initiated at a young age. Early alcohol use can lead to both short- and long-term consequences that disrupt critical areas of brain development and emotional regulation. This study examines how school experiences and related social-behavioral factors—such as academic performance, peer influence, and parental support—shape the likelihood of alcohol use among adolescents. Using data from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), this study analyzed a nationally representative sample of adolescents aged 12–17 (N = 8,688). Descriptive analyses show that 22.1% of adolescents reported lifetime alcohol use. Logistic regression results indicate that adolescents whose peers used alcohol were significantly more likely to report alcohol use themselves. Lower academic performance and negative school experiences were also associated with higher odds of use. In contrast, greater parental support was linked to reduced likelihood of alcohol use. Additionally, adolescents who reported experiencing a major depressive episode in their lifetime were significantly more likely to report alcohol use. These findings underscore the importance of school and family contexts in shaping adolescent behavioral health. Prevention efforts should consider strategies that improve school engagement, foster supportive peer environments, and strengthen family relationships. Addressing these modifiable factors through school-based and family-centered interventions may reduce early alcohol use and its associated risks. Ultimately, such efforts can support healthier developmental trajectories for adolescents and reduce the long-term public health burden associated with underage drinking.
Lexie Valdez, lvaldez@mail.snu.edu
Southern Nazarene University, with Dr. Joel Frees
Uncovering the Intersection of Occupational Therapy and Maternal Health: A Study on the Needs, Interests, and Awareness Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women
The emerging field of Maternal Occupational Therapy presents a valuable opportunity to enhance support, resources, and education for pregnant and postpartum women. This study aims to assess the awareness, interests, and needs related to maternal occupational therapy among women in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Participants consisted of women within the Oklahoma City metropolitan area who were pregnant or had given birth in the past 5 years. A self-report survey focusing on experiences and perceptions of pregnancy and postpartum regarding participants' most recent pregnancy or birth was given. Data analysis revealed significant gaps in awareness of occupational therapy services and access to relevant support resources. The most significant and consistent gaps shared by participants include awareness of maternal occupational services, consistency of healthcare, mental disorder treatment, and treatments for pelvic floor complications. These findings highlight a disconnect between available occupational therapy interventions and maternal health needs. In order to truly impact maternal health outcomes and help reduce the elevated maternal mortality rate in the United States, it is essential not only to expand maternal occupational therapy services but also to ensure that women are aware of and can access these resources through targeted education and outreach efforts.