Public Health students present capstone research

The next generation of public health leaders took the spotlight July 13 as Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) students at Campbell University's College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences presented their capstone research projects.

The presentations marked the culmination of the students' graduate education, highlighting months of research focused on pressing public health issues affecting rural and underserved populations. Throughout the event, students presented evidence-based findings on topics including vaccine confidence, mental health, opioid prevention, maternal and infant health, chronic disease, food access, hypertension, dental health and health disparities.

Several projects examined health concerns through a rural lens, including studies on COVID-19 vaccination among older adults, food access in Harnett County, maternal health inequalities, diabetes risk factors, social vulnerability, and falls prevention among older adults. Other students explored topics such as campus mental health resources, depression in North Carolina, sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), childhood dental health and community-based approaches to addressing the opioid crisis.

The annual capstone presentations provide students with the opportunity to communicate their research to faculty and peers while demonstrating the analytical, research and communication skills developed throughout the MSPH program.

"One of the biggest lessons I learned is that where people live can have a significant impact on their health," said Hannah Waller ('28 MPAP/MSPH candidate). "I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore this important topic and share my findings. Public health research has the power to inform meaningful change in our communities."

Congratulations to the students on successfully completing this significant milestone. Their research reflects Campbell University's commitment to preparing public health professionals who use evidence-based solutions to improve the health and well-being of communities across North Carolina and beyond.

Student presentation topics included:

• COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and mortality among rural older adults
• Campus mental health resources
• Camp health
• Community approaches to the opioid crisis in Harnett County
• Rural diabetes risk factors
• Food access in Harnett County
• Maternal health inequalities
• Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) risk factors
• Childhood dental health
• COVID-19 vaccination and social vulnerability
• Falls prevention in older adults
• Depression in North Carolina
• Hypertension disparities through a rural lens

As these students prepare for the next chapter, these capstone presentations serve as a reminder that meaningful research has the power to improve lives. Through their dedication to advancing public health, Campbell's MSPH graduates are prepared to make a lasting impact on the communities they will serve.