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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION SERVICES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Get PDFThis research project aimed to determine the effectiveness of available prevention services for individuals and families at risk of experiencing homelessness in a region of Southern California. Homelessness is a prevalent social problem for society and the social problem has been growing significantly. The study adopted an exploratory and qualitative research design by interviewing social services professionals working in the arena of homelessness. The Snowball Sampling method was used to recruit social services professionals after interviewing a select few individuals first. Ten interviews of social services professionals were completed via a Zoom setting.
Data analysis revealed the following ten open codes: accessibility to preventative services, limited preventative services, inefficiency issues of the preventative services, housing affordability, housing scarcity, unfamiliarity of available preventative services, inequitable access to preventative services between individuals and groups, collaboration between service providers and intersectionality affecting the population’s ability maintain and obtain housing. These open codes were utilized to develop axial codes, which explored the relationships between the open codes. The four axial codes that were developed were the following: promoting collaboration, promoting awareness, encouraging strategic approaches, and understanding ongoing development in the solution for effectiveness prevention services. The relationship that was observed through the development of the axial codes were potential solutions to the developed open codes. Lastly, the axial codes were utilized to develop a selective code, which emphasized that the main issue in the effectiveness of prevention services is that the homeless population is actively experiencing a multitude of intersecting issues. These intersecting issues resulted in limited implemented methods of strategic approaches to the development of a solution for effective homelessness prevention.
The findings of this research paper implies that social workers can assist the homeless population by advocating for policy and legislation changes to assist in shifting the public opinion of the homelessness from a stigma to an empathetic and humanistic approach. The findings also implies that social workers could assist the individuals and families that are at risk or actively experiencing homelessness by promoting personal and professional support networks for streamline access to prevention services
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GLP-1 MEDICATIONS IN REDUCING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
No full textAlcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious public health issue, and current treatments often have limited effectiveness. This study explores whether glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, commonly used for diabetes and weight management, can help reduce alcohol consumption.
Using data from the All of Us Research Program, alcohol drinking behaviors were compared between matched groups of GLP-1 users and non-users. Statistical tests and visualization tools (Python and Tableau) examined differences in drinking frequency, daily alcohol intake, and episodes of heavy drinking.
Results showed significant reductions in alcohol consumption among GLP-1 users. Specifically, GLP-1 users drank fewer drinks per day (p=0.0042), drank less frequently (p\u3c0.0001), and had fewer heavy drinking episodes (p\u3c0.0001). Additionally, the effectiveness of GLP-1 medications did not significantly vary based on body mass index (BMI), indicating potential benefits regardless of obesity status. The study also considered how demographic factors and healthcare access might influence treatment availability.
Although limited by small cohort sizes and data from only one point in time, these results suggest that GLP-1 medications may effectively reduce alcohol consumption. Future studies should use larger participant groups, track changes over time, and collect detailed medication dosage information
Leveraging Data Analytics For Enchanced Economics Prediction: A Study Of Predictive Models and Economics Indicators
Get PDFThe purpose of this project is intended to investigate the lack of use of data analytics in predicting and managing the impacts of economic crises. This project investigates what economic key factors can be used to create a framework model and evaluate the effectiveness of the key economic indicator being tested as early warning signs. The project uses programs such as Excel, RStudio, and Tableau for the collection of historical data, and regression analysis to determine if certain economic indicators have a statistically significant correlation with GDP, that may help enforce systems in place to help us mitigate economic crises in the future. Analyzing previous economic crises, such as the Great Depression, the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, I explore the statistical relationship between variables such as unemployment rates, business applications, CPI, exports and import against GDP, revealing some significant economic indicators. The data revealed unemployment and inflation may be economic indicators, we can use them as early signs to predict early warnings. This paper also emphasizes mental health impacts associated with the economic crisis and the need to study this field more in depth. TThis study continues to underscore the need for comprehensive proactive policies and the integration of data-driven models to enhance our crisis preparedness to ensure a resilient economy and protect societal well-being
UNDERSTANDING HOUSEHOLD FINANCIAL STABILITY: EXAMINING THE EFFECTS OF INFLATION AND INCOME
Get PDFThis study aims to investigate the impact of inflation on US household financial stability from 2013 to 2023. As inflation rises, individuals’ purchasing power erodes leading to influence economic behaviors. Behaviors such as spending, saving, and borrowing should be a priority concern in the US economy. Results of this study reveal that inflation does not affect financial well-being and its direct impact on household stability is statistically weak. Regression testing shows that income emerges as the most significant factor. Most noticeably income influences savings and debt management in a positive way. As per these results, economic policies should be focused on increasing income growth. This study explores the results of the interactions between CPI rate, consumer debt, consumer savings, and real median family income. In the analysis chapter, the test shows that economic policies solely targeting inflation control may show little to no improvement to the objective. The complexity of this project could also bring new insights for future research
What is Clinical Excellence, And How do Healthcare Companies Achieve It?
Get PDFClinical excellence is the benchmark for quality in modern healthcare organizations, encompassing safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable care. For organizations to develop excellent care facilities, they must clearly define the roles and responsibilities of their healthcare teams. These necessities include strong leadership, a structured staff, a functioning clinical support system, and finally, a focus and strategy to help their community\u27s population health needs. By examining existing programs and developing them in response to the needs of healthcare organizations and communities, this article explores various ways to achieve excellence
STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION: IDENTIFYING THE MECHANISMS
Get PDFStudents’ mental health is critical for their personal and educational engagement, particularly among First Generation College Students (FGCSs). There is a growing need in higher education to openly discuss mental health challenges, emphasizing the importance of understanding available resources and campus culture in influencing student well-being. Adopting a salutogenic perspective, this study highlights the necessity of viewing student mental health as an ongoing process rather than a one-time task. In this context, the study examines the relationship between student mental health and overall engagement in higher education, specifically focusing on the roles of a sense of belonging, psychological flexibility, and coping strategies as mediating factors. Four hypotheses were tested: a positive association between student mental health, avoidant and substance use coping strategies, and psychological inflexibility; a positive relationship between a sense of belonging and student engagement; and the mediational roles of personal capacities between mental health and engagement. The study may assist administrators in developing trauma-informed and evidence-based policies and strategies to alleviate the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and foster a supportive environment within their institutions. The study also highlights the importance of promoting adaptive coping strategies, such as mindfulness, to mitigate the negative impact of mental health challenges arising from daily stressors
POVERTY IN ETHNIC MINORITY CHILDREN: SOCIAL WORKERS/SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF EFFECTIVE INTERVENTIONS
Get PDFRacial and ethnic minorities experience poverty at rates significantly higher than the rest of the United States population, especially when considering children. This disparity leads to decreased positive outcomes for children growing up in impoverished ethnic minority households. By examining the interventions utilized to address childhood poverty and how social workers and social work students create targeted interventions for this population, the current study provides insight into effective methods for addressing childhood poverty in ethnic minority populations. The current research expands on information gathered regarding effective interventions for minority children in poverty. This is an exploratory study that used a qualitative approach to conduct online interviews consisting of 11 open-ended questions. Participants were required to be practitioners and students who practice or study in the state of California. Data was gathered via the online interview guide and was coded to find common themes and patterns in practice amongst social work practitioners in California. The results included consensus on the efficacy of current practices and suggestions for current practices. The findings from this study address ways social workers can implement culturally informed practices and commonalities in interventions utilized by practitioners to combat poverty within ethnic minority families
AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE EFFECT OF BRAIN DRAIN “JAPA SYNDROME” ON AGILE PRACTITIONERS DEVELOPING HEALTHCARE INFORMATION SYSTEMS SOFTWARE IN NIGERIA
Get PDFWithin the software engineering context, agile approaches encourage customer collaboration, iterative development, and flexibility. However, the mass exodus of highly skilled professionals, known as the “brain drain” or Japa Syndrome, has emerged as a significant challenge, especially in Nigeria. This phenomenon has particularly impacted agile software development practitioners by undermining project continuity, knowledge transfer, and team dynamics. This study empirically examines the effect of brain drain, “Japa Syndrome,” on agile practitioners developing healthcare information systems software in Nigeria. It employed a qualitative, multi-method approach to gather empirical data from 13 agile practitioners in Nigeria’s healthcare information systems sector. The study used semi-structured, open-ended interview questions and snowball sampling from our network of professional experts. The collected data were analysed using a grounded theory-based approach, including open coding, constant comparison, memoing, and reaching theoretical saturation. The study identified 24 codes and organised them into five memos, which cover the sudden loss of agile team members, increased technical debt, delays in decision-making, psychological effects on the agile team, and organisational coping mechanisms. The contribution of this research is a detailed analysis of these five memos. We recommend urgent systemic policy reforms and the development of a privacy and secure-by-design culture. These measures are vital to minimise reputational damage and to maintain the viability and competitiveness of Nigeria\u27s healthcare information systems software development
Knowledge and Perceptions of Prebiotics and Probiotics Among University Students
Get PDFBackground: Gut health gained significant attention in recent years, with prebiotics and probiotics widely promoted for their potential health benefits. However, misinformation about this topic was common, particularly among young adults who were heavily influenced by social media and advertising on health-related topics. Research studies had indicated that knowledge and perceptions of prebiotics and probiotics are based on factors such as age, gender, and academic background. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perceptions of university students on prebiotic and probiotic foods, identify commonly used resources for information, and analyze the impact of media and demographic variables on their knowledge, attitudes, and dietary behaviors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous online survey distributed to university students attending two California State University campuses in Southern California. Participants were recruited through campus wide email notifications and announcements by instructor of courses on campus. The survey assessed students’ familiarity with prebiotics and probiotics, dietary habits, perceived health benefits, and sources of information.
Results: The findings provided insight into the factors that influenced students’ understanding of prebiotics and probiotics, highlighting areas where targeted educational efforts could improve awareness and promote informed dietary choices for a better gut microbiome
PROJECTING ECHOES: VALERIA LUISELLI\u27S WRITING ON IMMIGRATION
Get PDFThe growing concerns of immigration has been a fraught topic in both U.S. society and the American political landscape. Certain political narratives are formed which fuel the debate for and against immigration. This coincides with how immigrants are treated and how legal processes change throughout each term of presidency within the United States. This has sparked outrage from both advocates and adversaries of immigrants coming into the United States. Papers, speeches, news articles, and more have been created from both sides of the argument concerning how to handle the immigration crisis along with the question of how immigrants and asylum seekers are being treated. Many false narratives find their way into American politics which are then used to spread hate and continue the mistreatment of individuals and families trying to form new lives in the United States. To counter those narratives, Mexican-American author Valeria Luiselli has written two works that delve into the problems of the immigration crisis. Luiselli’s Tell Me How It Ends and Lost Children Archive help explain the immigration crisis while also forming their own narratives on the subject. Tell Me How It Ends is a book-length essay based on the questions that Luiselli herself asked undocumented children who had just made the journey to the United States when she was serving as a translator for immigration services. Lost Children Archive is a novel that centers on a family—consisting of a mother, father, son, and daughter—on a road trip to Arizona for the mother’s and father’s respective work projects. The mother’s work is focused on the undocumented children being processed through immigration services and being deported out of the United States. The father’s work concerns Native Americans, particularly the Apache tribe. The novel is narrated alternately by both the mother and the son as both have different perspectives of the undocumented children and the history of the Apache tribe. The mother and father’s relationship is strained throughout the novel and is evident by the way the mother narrates the story while navigating through their respective projects.
In this project I examine how, in both her fiction and nonfiction, Luiselli extends her work as a translator for undocumented children by narrativizing their traumatic experiences crossing the border. By channeling her advocacy for undocumented minors through her art, Luiselli demonstrates the need for new, more imaginative solutions to the immigration crisis in the United States. In her writing on immigration, I argue, Luiselli leverages storytelling across the perspectives of multiple generations. Her transgenerational narrative approach, especially in Lost Children Archive, offers a strategy for combating the superficiality and ephemerality of 24-hour news cycles and social media