Underserved Communities Research Articles

The role of pharmacogenomic testing in optimizing depression treatment in medically underserved communities: Implications for nurse practitioner practice.

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) affecting approximately 30% of patients who do not respond to standard antidepressants. In underserved and uninsured communities, where Nurse Practitioners (NPs) often provide essential mental health care, the challenges of managing TRD are compounded by limited access to specialized services. Pharmacogenomic testing offers a promising approach to overcoming these barriers by providing personalized medication recommendations based on a patient's genetic profile. This brief report examines the medical records of 46 patients from underserved communities who underwent genetic testing for TRD. Of the patients reviewed, 31 achieved remission within 2 months of receiving genetically guided treatment, resulting in a remission rate of 67.39%. Patients with specific genetic markers, such as poor metabolizers for CYP2D6 or CYP2C19, experienced the most significant benefits. These findings suggest that pharmacogenomic testing can significantly improve treatment outcomes for TRD in underserved populations, enabling NPs to provide more personalized, effective care. Further research is necessary to explore the long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness of integrating pharmacogenomic testing into NP-led practices, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Becoming a leader for underserved patients—the importance of student run free clinics

Many students enter medical school with aspirations of expanding healthcare to underserved communities and reducing healthcare access barriers; yet they lack the leadership skills to achieve this goal. This perspective discusses the role of student-run free clinics in developing medical students’ leadership abilities—problem-solving, partnership building, planning, decision-making, and resource acquisition—to address the healthcare needs of marginalized patient populations. It also discusses how fostering leadership skills in the context of serving underserved patients also develops medical students’ structural competency and thus awareness of how inequities embedded within hierarchies and social institutions shape health outcomes. We use the example of the development of the Coachella Valley Free Clinic, a student-led and community engaged primary care clinic, to illustrate how student-run free clinics create opportunities for medical students to build leadership skills while addressing the healthcare needs of marginalized patient populations. Medical students, working alongside community health workers and federally qualified healthcare centers, devised a “pop-up” clinic model aimed at delivering care that is both culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate, thereby addressing health disparities rooted in systemic inequality. As we argue, SRFCs create real-world settings where medical students can develop their leadership skills and understanding of inequities in health ultimately contributing to the broader goal of reducing health inequities by improving healthcare access for underserved patient populations.

Promoting Digital Citizenship in Social Work: Training Students for Inclusive and Accessible Tech-Health Practices.

This article details a pedagogical approach to training graduate social work students in tech-health equity, emphasizing technology access as a fundamental human right. A tech-health training taxonomy was developed for a new social work course, aiming to equip students with macro-level skills to support equitable client access to telehealth. The training program was designed to illuminate and cultivate digital citizenship, an essential competency for advancing health equity and inclusivity among disadvantaged populations. To achieve this, the authors outline four pedagogical strategies to enhance students' understanding and application of digital citizenship, digital self-efficacy, and the empowerment of underserved communities in navigating telehealth. Additionally, the article proposes a research framework to assess the effectiveness of these strategies in supporting students' mastery of digital citizenship competencies and self-efficacy, including both reactive self-efficacy and generative self-efficacy. This novel approach seeks to prepare future social workers to address the digital divide in healthcare services and promote inclusivity.

Practice Intention: Addressing the Needs of Diverse Underserved Communities in Medical Education

Background and Objectives: The US physician workforce is at a critical juncture, with a projected shortage and misdistribution of primary care physicians. Culturally and linguistically diverse states, such as California, are challenged to search for innovative approaches in medical education to address the physician needs of diverse underserved communities. The University of California recognizes this imperative and supports Programs in Medical Education (PRIME), including PRIME Leadership and Advocacy (PRIME-LA) at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). This study examines medical education outcomes for PRIME-LA graduates versus a comparator group. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of the graduation questionnaire responses from UCLA graduates between 2018 and 2023. Our study included 97 PRIME-LA graduates and 811 comparator graduates. Primary outcomes included intentions to practice in underserved areas and intentions to care for underserved populations. Secondary outcomes included participation in experiences related to health disparities, health education, providing mentorship, and specialty of interest. Results: A higher proportion of PRIME-LA graduates reported an intention to practice in underserved areas than the comparator group (89% vs 32%, P<.001). Intentions to care for underserved populations were higher among PRIME-LA graduates than those in the comparator group (93% vs 44%, P<.001). Family medicine is the most common specialty among PRIME-LA graduates in contrast to graduates of the comparator group (26.4% vs 6.3%, P<.001). Conclusions: Mission-based medical education programs play a critical role in addressing the physician workforce gap in underserved communities. The PRIME-LA program may equip students with additional skills and training to address California’s physician workforce needs.

Factors associated with utilization of mobile health clinic hepatitis C virus services among medically underserved communities in South Carolina

BackgroundMobile health clinics (MHCs) are effective mechanisms for hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening and treatment in underserved populations. However, effective strategies for identifying and prioritizing high-risk communities are lacking. This study examined individual-level and community-level predictors of MHC utilization, HCV positivity rates, and HCV treatment initiation to assess the utility of these programs and improve MHC allocation.MethodClemson Rural Health (CRH), a health service delivery organization focused on rural and underserved communities, mobilizes MHCs for HCV screening and treatment initiation in the Upstate and Midlands regions of South Carolina. Participants for this study were individuals screened at CRH MHC sites between May 2021 and January 2024. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the association between community-level predictors and number of individuals screened and community- and individual-level predictors and infection status and treatment initiation.ResultsThe community-level analysis showed that individuals from census tracts with higher rates of poverty (relative risk; RR = 1.32, p = .012), higher rates of uninsurance (RR = 1.31, p = .003), and less rural areas (RR = 0.74, p = .029) were more likely to utilize the MHC for HCV screening. The individual-level analysis showed that an individual’s age of 30–44 (RR = 2.28, p = .020), non-White race (RR = 0.32, p < .001), history of injection drug use (RR = 10.16, p < .001), and lack of insurance (RR = 1.99, p < .001) were significantly associated with infection status. Lack of insurance (RR = 2.67, p = .012) was the only individual-level factor associated with treatment initiation. Community-level factors associated with treatment initiation were higher rates of poverty (RR = 1.72, p = .027) and uninsurance (RR = 1.74, p = .023), while a greater percent of individuals ages 30–44 was associated with less treatment initiation (RR = 0.47, p = .028).ConclusionsWhile programs and protocols for care for difficult-to-treat populations exist, understanding the effectiveness for uptake among target populations is necessary. The study demonstrated the utilization of MHC HCV services by the individuals and communities that would most benefit from this type of care. Screening services were utilized more by communities that tend to be medically underserved, and HCV infections were identified in groups that are known to be at high risk. Going forward, these findings can be used to direct allocation of MHC HCV resources for targeted intervention.

Heartwheels! STEM Mobile Outreach Program.

Heartwheels! STEM Mobile Outreach is a scientist-led collaborative, innovative, and reproducible experiential educational program and mobile lab developed to engage people young and old in the cardiovascular sciences, improve health literacy and awareness of heart-healthy living, and spark curiosity in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Applied hands-on interactive activities at Heartwheels! events include heart dissection, cardiovascular physiology, and mock flow loops (science), medical devices (technology), instrumentation and sensors (engineering), and calibration and validation methods and models (math). These modules are complementary to school activities and are particularly successful from an educational standpoint because they are fun, interactive, engaging, voluntary, open-ended, not graded or assessed, and can lead participants and their families to develop STEM-positive identities. Primary learning objectives include a broad understanding of cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, advanced technologies and emerging medical devices, the benefits of a heart healthy lifestyle, and to stimulate interest, to build self-confidence, and to help participants envision themselves participating in and making potentially significant contributions to STEM fields. To date, 10,284 attendees of all ages and backgrounds have participated in 47 Heartwheels! events. Excellent programmatic ratings (1-5 scale; 1=poor, 5=excellent), including 91.7% participants self-reporting that it was a fun educational experience and 93.1% reporting that they learned new things, with complimentary verbal and open-ended written feedback, demonstrate the significant impact and value that Heartwheels! and hands-on experiential educational events contribute to our diverse, resource limited, and underserved communities.

Low-Cost Approaches in Neuroscience to Teach Machine Learning Using a Cockroach Model.

In an effort to increase access to neuroscience education in underserved communities, we created an educational program that utilizes a simple task to measure place preference of the cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) and the open-source free software, SLEAP Estimates Animal Pose (SLEAP) to quantify behavior. Cockroaches (n = 18) were trained to explore a linear track for 2 min while exposed to either air, vapor, or vapor with nicotine from a port on one side of the linear track over 14 d. The time the animal took to reach the port was measured, along with distance traveled, time spent in each zone, and velocity. As characterizing behavior is challenging and inaccessible for nonexperts new to behavioral research, we created an educational program using the machine learning algorithm, SLEAP, and cloud-based (i.e., Google Colab) low-cost platforms for data analysis. We found that SLEAP was within a 0.5% margin of error when compared with manually scoring the data. Cockroaches were found to have an increased aversive response to vapor alone compared with those that only received air. Using SLEAP, we demonstrate that the x-y coordinate data can be further classified into behavior using dimensionality-reducing clustering methods. This suggests that the linear track can be used to examine nicotine preference for the cockroach, and SLEAP can provide a fast, efficient way to analyze animal behavior. Moreover, this educational program is available for free for students to learn a complex machine learning algorithm without expensive hardware to study animal behavior.Significance Statement This method demonstrates a novel utilization of machine learning using free cloud-based programming to analyze cockroach behavior in a linear track. This educational program can be implemented in the classroom as a low-cost tool to teach neuroscience and machine learning. Further, implementing these computational tools allows students to explore important questions in behavioral neuroscience, such as learning and memory, drug seeking, and exploratory locomotor behavior.

Enablers to high vaccination uptake among a disadvantaged minority population: a qualitative study of the Arab population of Israel

BackgroundOver 1.9 million Arabs live in Israel and constitute 21% of the total population. Despite being a disadvantaged minority population with wide gaps in health indicators, Arabs have higher Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination rates compared with the general Jewish population.MethodsIn-depth interviews with 21 health care providers, 16 Arab mothers, and 16 teenagers were conducted to collect information about health system enablers to HPV and MMR vaccination. All interviews were conducted in Arabic by an Arab researcher, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis of the transcripts. Themes were mapped according to the WHO Health Systems Building Block Framework.ResultsWe identified several health system enablers. On the service delivery level, accessible and availability of vaccination services, delivery of vaccines through the school system and mother child clinics, and framing vaccinations as the norm were themes. Personable characteristics of the health workforce, the health care providers belonging to the same cultural group, and high levels of trust towards healthcare professionals were reported. Vaccination provided at no cost was also identified. On the leadership/governance level, the Arab community felt equal treatment and distribution of services, which was also an enabler reported. Despite high vaccine uptakes, parents and teenagers had limited knowledge regarding vaccination, particularly HPV.ConclusionsThis study highlights that a combination of good access and delivery to vaccination, delivered by a culturally competent, available, accessible respectful workforce can enable disadvantaged minorities to achieve high vaccine coverage, in particular in a cultural context where the population trusts and follows medical advice. Such evidence can serve as a basis for developing policies, interventions, and guidance to improve vaccine uptake among other underserved minority communities.

Artificial Intelligence in Dermatology: A Systematized Review

Artificial intelligence (AI) has gaining more and more importance in diagnosis of dermatologic conditions since COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the literature on AI in dermatology focus on melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer detection, with reporting from 81.0%-99.0%. Other commonly studied diseases include psoriasis, acne vulgaris, onychomycosis, atopic dermatitis. While AI has the potential to improve access to dermatologic care, especially in underserved communities, challenges remain in its implementation. Here we review the different application of AI in dermatology and their outcomes, focusing on the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity of different AI algorithm in diagnosis of different skin conditions. This review may provide an organized summary of the various applications of AI in dermatology and their potential outcomes.

Messaging the Rip Current Threat from Distant Tropical Cyclones in the Carolinas

Rip currents are the number one weather-related killer in the Carolinas, and rip currents generated by swells from distant tropical cyclones pose a unique messaging challenge for the National Weather Service (NWS). A database of surf fatalities from Atlantic basin tropical cyclones was compiled, with 87 surf fatalities along the continental United States coastline between 2000 and 2022 attributed to distant storms, where direct impacts from the storm remained far from the local area. Hurricane Lorenzo in 2019 led to eight drownings along the United States East Coast despite remaining more than 3110 km (1680 n mi) offshore in the central Atlantic. The rip current impacts from Lorenzo led to efforts to increase communication and improve several products from the NWS offices in Wilmington and Morehead City, North Carolina. Efforts have also been made to increase the NWS reach into underserved communities and vulnerable populations, including translating rip current briefings into Spanish and developing a partnership with the North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. In the last few years, NWS Wilmington has begun messaging rip current outbreaks similar to other weather threats, such as potential severe weather events.

How Do We Get the Public Into Public Health Research? Learnings and Key Recommendations From Initiating a Community Involvement Project Scheme.

There are many recognised benefits of public involvement, including more relevant research. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the existing health inequalities and disparities in access to care and treatment for under-served groups, necessitating meaningful and sustainable approaches to engaging them in health research. However, there is limited guidance to suggest what groundwork and processes are necessary for initiating such projects. This paper outlines the practical approaches taken to initiate a community involvement project scheme and offers key recommendations from this work. The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit established a community involvement scheme in 2021, funding four community involvement projects enabling researchers to engage with under-served communities. Reflections were captured through regular quarterly meeting group discussions, meeting notes and email correspondence. The paper presents the steps taken to initiate a scheme that provided funding for a diverse range of projects working with under-served communities. The projects demonstrated the value of allocating time to build relationships and trust, maintaining flexibility, and providing short-term benefits such as remuneration and training to the community. This paper has highlighted the need for research organisations to allocate funding and resources within their infrastructures for building trusting relationships with community leaders and communities. This paper has outlined the steps undertaken to engage with under-served communities to bridge the gap between public health research and those communities. We present key recommendations to guide future initiatives aspiring to engage under-served communities in health research. Public contributors have been involved in all of the four community involvement projects mentioned in this paper. Two public contributors are also co-authors and have provided input to the writing and review of this manuscript.

Overcoming barriers to HIV prevention: population health considerations on optimizing PrEP access.

The HIV epidemic remains a critical public health priority in the United States. The Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative seeks to reduce HIV diagnoses by 75% by 2025 and by 90% by 2030. Certain demographic groups-including transgender women, cisgender Black women, and Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men-are disproportionately affected by HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has proven effective in reducing HIV transmission. Real-world data indicate that the states with higher PrEP coverage have experienced steeper declines in new HIV diagnoses; however, several barriers hinder equitable PrEP access and uptake. Challenges such as stigma, discrimination, lack of education, and insurance barriers contribute to disparities in PrEP uptake and access to care, particularly in underserved communities. Population health decision-makers, including managed care organizations and federal and state policy makers, can play a vital role in expanding PrEP coverage and uptake by addressing these barriers and ensuring zero out-of-pocket costs for individuals who need PrEP. Enhancing health care provider education and person-centered HIV prevention strategies (eg, same-day PrEP services, telePrEP programs) also can increase PrEP uptake and adherence and patient satisfaction. A continuous focus on improving PrEP access can substantially contribute to achieving the EHE initiative's goal to end the HIV epidemic.

Adapting a mobile TB screening unit to provide integrated screening services and linkage to primary care.

We adapted a mobile TB screening unit to create an integrated screening program for noncommunicable diseases and TB, using community health worker (CHW) navigators to support linkage to care. We piloted the model in underserved communities of Lima, Peru, evaluating its feasibility, acceptability, and ability to continue supporting TB case detection. The program provided screening for TB, hypertension, diabetes, and depression and was rebranded to avoid TB-associated stigma. CHW navigators were trained to link people to care for all four conditions. Implementation barriers and facilitators were identified from the implementation team's meeting minutes. During August-December 2023, we screened 1,000 adults, of whom 254 (25%) were referred for evaluation and paired with CHW navigators. Of these, 197 (78%) underwent evaluation at a health center, and 151 (59%) initiated some form of treatment, including 4 for TB. Completion of the linkage cascade was 93% for TB, 81% for hypertension, 71% for diabetes and 69% for depression. Limitations in equipment and staff were implementation barriers, while multiple flexibility-related facilitators were identified. The integrated screening program was acceptable and feasible and still identified people with TB. CHW navigators were effective in supporting linkage to primary care services.

The role of renewable energy in achieving sustainable development goals

Renewable energy is a critical enabler of global efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), serving as a foundation for addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. This review explores the multifaceted role of renewable energy in driving progress across several SDGs, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), while also contributing to goals such as poverty alleviation (SDG 1), improved health outcomes (SDG 3), economic growth (SDG 8), and sustainable cities (SDG 11). The transition to renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal—offers pathways to reduce global carbon emissions, mitigate climate change, and ensure universal access to clean energy. In addition, renewable energy projects promote economic empowerment through job creation and rural electrification, driving inclusive growth in underserved communities. The integration of renewable energy in urban planning also supports sustainable development in cities. However, the adoption of renewable energy faces barriers such as high initial investment costs, technological limitations, and regulatory challenges. This review discusses strategies to overcome these obstacles, emphasizing the importance of supportive policy frameworks, international cooperation, and public-private partnerships. It highlights successful case studies from countries that have leveraged renewable energy to make significant strides toward the SDGs, offering valuable insights for global implementation. As the world approaches the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, renewable energy remains a vital driver of sustainable development, providing innovative solutions to complex global issues while fostering a cleaner, more equitable future.

IMPLEMENTATION OF OPEN HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM AT DOÑA FRANCISCA LACSAMANA DE ORTEGA MEMORIAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

The study examined the implementation and challenges of the Open High School Program (OHSP) at Doña Francisca Lacsamana de Ortega Memorial National High School (DFLOMNHS). The OHSP serves as an alternative mode of secondary education, designed to accommodate learners who cannot attend traditional schools due to personal, economic, or geographical constraints. This descriptive research investigated the relationship between learner profiles, academic performance, and the level of program implementation. The study involved 48 learners and 16 teachers, utilizing surveys to assess various factors, including the program’s effectiveness and the challenges faced by teacher-implementers. The results revealed that the majority of learners are female, aged 16-20, and come from low-income families with parents who generally have low educational attainment. The academic performance of these learners varies, with a significant portion not meeting expectations. The level of program implementation, as perceived by both learners and teachers, is generally positive, but challenges remain, particularly in addressing the diverse needs of learners and improving academic outcomes. The study underscores the importance of continued support and evaluation to enhance the effectiveness of OHSP in achieving its goals of reducing dropout rates and providing quality education to underserved communities. The following conclusions were drawn based on the findings. Open High School learners and teachers possessed varied characteristics as to gender, age, highest educational attainment of parents, occupation of the parents, family monthly income, academic performance, and years in service. Open High School is generally-well implemented by both teachers and the learners. There is no significant difference in the level of implementation of Open High School as perceived by the learners and the teachers. There is no significant relationship between the profile characteristics of the learners and various dimensions of the implementation of the Open High School program. Similarly, the profile of the teacher-respondents also showed no significant relationship with the implementation of the Open High School program across the same dimensions. The respondents face significant challenges in the implementation of the Open High School program, which can be categorized into three primary clusters: role challenges, general challenges, and instructional challenges. Based on the findings and conclusions drawn, the following are highly recommended. Schools should implement programs that equip parents with skills to support their children academically, particularly for those with lower educational attainment and low family monthly income. Regular workshops on seminars on modern teaching methods, time management, and academic support could be beneficial. Professional development programs should be intensified to equip teachers with innovative teaching methods, such as integrating technology and differentiated instruction. This will address the gap in teaching methods and promote more engaging and effective learning experiences. Efforts should be made to maintain or enhance open communication and collaboration between learners and teachers. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the Open High School Program’s effectiveness should be carried out to ensure its goals are being met. Comprehensive evaluation of the Open High School program to identify other factors that might influence its implementation effectiveness such as program resources, training quality, and support system should be conducted. Similar studies should be conducted to further determine the effectiveness of the Open High School program.

Empowering Access to Justice through Automated Legal Case Management

This article presents an analytical framework for understanding automated legal case management systems, specifically focusing on Pega's implementation across public defense organizations. A comprehensive examination of system architecture and empirical evidence gathered from multiple jurisdictions demonstrates how workflow automation and intelligent case routing can substantially enhance case processing efficiency while reducing operational costs. This article examines implementation patterns across immigration, family law, and public defense sectors, revealing significant improvements in case management efficiency. This article indicates that automated case management systems markedly improve access to legal services for underserved communities, demonstrated through substantial reductions in case backlogs and increased case handling capacity. A novel framework is used to evaluate legal automation systems that consider technical performance and societal impact metrics. This article extends the current understanding of legal technology implementation by providing detailed insights into system architecture, data flow optimization, and social impact assessment. This article reveals that properly implemented automation systems can transform public legal services, creating more equitable access to justice while maintaining high standards of legal service delivery

AI in the Nonprofit Human Services: Distinguishing Between Hype, Harm, and Hope

ABSTRACT Human service organizations (HS) are important for serving historically underserved communities, faces challenges adopting digital technologies. The emergence of generative AI (GenAI), such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, presents unprecedented opportunities and risks for the sector. This paper explores how GenAI, with its easy to use interface and ability to automate tasks, could enhance nonprofit operations, from fundraising to program evaluation. However, its adoption is not without significant concerns, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and misinformation risks. The sector must navigate the “hype cycle,” balancing optimism with cautious, responsible implementation. By understanding GenAI’s capabilities and limitations, leaders can craft policies that align with nonprofit values, ensure ethical deployment, and protect marginalized populations. Encouraging staff experimentation, developing AI literacy, and fostering collaboration are essential steps to integrate AI responsibly. We offer a roadmap for nonprofits to engage GenAI’s potential while safeguarding against harm, fostering innovation, and supporting mission-driven outcomes.

Glaucoma Screening and Referral Risk Factors in a High-Risk Population: Follow-up Study of the Manhattan Vision Screening Study (NYC-SIGHT)

Précis: Community-based eye health screenings that incorporated fundus photography and optometric exams in a high-risk NYC population effectively identified a higher than average number of participants that required an in-office glaucoma evaluation. Purpose: To report glaucoma screening rates and risk factors associated with referral for in-office glaucoma evaluation in the Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-up Study (NYC-SIGHT). Methods: In this 5-year, cluster-randomized clinical trial, eligible individuals aged 40 and older were recruited from affordable housing developments and senior centers. Visual acuity with correction, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, and non-mydriatic fundus photography were conducted. Images were graded by a glaucoma specialist; those with an abnormal image were referred; those who failed the screening or had an unreadable fundus image were examined by the study optometrist. Chi-squared tests and stepwise multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with glaucoma referral. Results: 708 participants were screened; 189 (26.6%) were referred for an in-office glaucoma evaluation due to an abnormal optic disc image (n=138) or abnormal optometric exam (n=51). Those referred had a mean age 68.5 ±11.7 years and were 60% female, 57% Black, and 37% Hispanic. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression showed participants with self-reported glaucoma (OR 8.096, 95% CI 4.706–13.928, P=0.000), IOP&gt;23 mmHg at the screening (OR 3.944, 95% CI 1.704–9.128, P=0.001), or wore prescription eyeglasses (OR 1.601, 95% CI 1.034–2.48, P=0.035) had higher odds of being referred for an in-office glaucoma evaluation. Of those referred, 106 (56%) attended, 36 participants (34%) were diagnosed with glaucoma and 38 participants (35.8%) as glaucoma suspects. Conclusion: Our findings support public health approaches that focus community-based eye health screenings on high-risk populations and prioritize underserved communities.

Exploring the Influence of Quezon City Scholarships on Advancing Educational Equity and Fostering Social Mobility

The study, "Exploring the Influence of Quezon City Scholarships on Advancing Educational Equity and Fostering Social Mobility," examines scholarship programs on advancing educational equity and promoting social mobility among Quezon City's underserved communities. Using a mixed-methods approach, it gathered insights from 174 scholarship recipients through surveys and interviews, focusing on how financial aid affects academic achievement, financial stability, and career opportunities. The findings indicate that these scholarships significantly enhance educational access by lowering financial obstacles and fostering long-term social mobility through improved career prospects and economic stability. Respondents expressed a high level of agreement on the program’s positive influence, with recommendations to cover non-tuition expenses and expand outreach for underserved groups. Ultimately, the research underscores the value of localized scholarship initiatives in fostering both individual development and broader community growth.

Community-Based Nursing and Public Health: A Synergistic Approach to Health Promotion

Community-based nursing and public health are pivotal in addressing the complex health needs of populations, particularly in underserved and vulnerable communities. This article examines the synergistic relationship between these fields and their collective impact on health promotion. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines qualitative insights from community-based nurses with quantitative analysis of health outcomes in three diverse communities. Results indicate that collaboration between community-based nursing and public health improves health literacy, enhances access to care, and reduces preventable health disparities. Key challenges, such as resource constraints and workforce shortages, are discussed alongside opportunities for leveraging technology and policy support to strengthen these partnerships. The findings underscore the transformative potential of integrating nursing expertise with public health strategies to achieve sustainable health outcomes.