American Journal of Medicine and Health Studies
The American Journal of Medicine and Health Studies is a peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary journal dedicated to advancing scholarship that contributes meaningfully to the prevention of severe and long-lasting diseases and the improvement of individual and community health outcomes. The journal publishes high-quality original research, evidence-based reviews, and scholarly analyses that bridge biomedical discovery, clinical practice, and public health implementation. The journal prioritizes research that strengthens the translation of scientific evidence into medical and public health practice. It provides a platform for interdisciplinary inquiry spanning preventive medicine, clinical and translational sciences, behavioral and mental health, addiction medicine, environmental and occupational health, critical care, respiratory medicine, community and global health, and health systems innovation. By fostering dialogue between researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals, the journal aims to close the gap between research findings and their practical application in healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on rigorous methodology, measurable health impact, and contributions that advance disease prevention, treatment effectiveness, health equity, and long-term population well-being. Journal Sections Preventive Medicine and Population Health: Focuses on disease prevention, health promotion, epidemiology, vaccination strategies, chronic disease prevention, health equity, and global and community health initiatives. Clinical Medicine and Translational Health Sciences: Includes clinical research, translational biomedical science, therapeutic innovation, precision medicine, critical care, primary care, and advances that bridge laboratory discovery and clinical application. Behavioral, Mental, and Addiction Health: Covers mental health research, addiction medicine, neurobehavioral health, psychosocial determinants of health, and behavioral interventions aimed at improving individual and population outcomes. Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences: Addresses environmental exposures, air quality, respiratory health, climate-related health risks, occupational hazards, and the health impacts of built and natural environments. Health Systems, Policy, and Implementation Science: Encompasses healthcare delivery innovation, health policy research, implementation science, public health systems, global health governance, and strategies to translate evidence into practice. Current Openings: We are currently inviting expressions of interest for the following roles: Senior Editor | Assistant Editor Apply Here Online ISSN: 3070-5320 Print ISSN: 3070-5312
Copyright (c) Authors This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluating Dalipawen’s (Alstonia scholaris) Efficacy as Herbal Medicine: A Qualitative Analysis of User Feedback and Testimonials in Bitalag, Bacnotan, La Union, Philippines.
This qualitative study explored the perceived efficacy of Dalipawen (Alstonia scholaris) as an herbal medicine among residents of Bitalag, Bacnotan, La Union, Philippines. It developed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials promoting responsible use of herbal medicine. Using a descriptive qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected participants with prior experience using Dalipawen. Thematic analysis revealed that participants perceived Dalipawen as beneficial for respiratory conditions, body pain, urinary tract infections, and other minor illnesses. Continued use was influenced by perceived effectiveness, affordability, accessibility, and cultural familiarity rooted in indigenous medicinal practices. The findings support the Health Belief Model and Cultural Competence Theory in explaining traditional health behaviors. An IEC brochure evaluated by experts received a satisfactory rating for its educational value and cultural relevance. The findings highlight the importance of preserving indigenous medicinal knowledge while promoting culturally responsive health education.
Preventive Medicine and Population Health
Copyright (c) 2026 John Poul Munar, Dr. Jomar L. Aban, Dr. Violeta F. Collado, Dr. Annellene Badua https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
AI-driven healthcare analytics for early disease detection
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used to support earlier disease detection across imaging, electronic health records, physiologic signals, wearable devices, and biomarker-based platforms. However, reported performance is highly variable across diseases, data environments, and validation settings, and the translational maturity of the field remains uneven. Objective: To map the breadth and characteristics of empirical studies on AI-driven healthcare analytics for early disease detection and to identify patterns in model application, validation, implementation relevance, and evidence gaps. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework with further refinements and reported in line with PRISMA-ScR. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for English-language peer-reviewed studies published from 2018 to 2025. Eligibility was defined using the Population, Concept, and Context framework. Data were charted on study characteristics, data modality, target disease, analytic method, reference standard, performance metrics, and implementation relevance, and synthesized narratively. Results: Twenty-nine studies were included. The evidence covered sepsis and septic shock, diabetic retinopathy, breast cancer, skin cancer, colorectal polyps, pulmonary nodules and lung cancer, tuberculosis, pancreatic cancer, atrial fibrillation, and chronic kidney disease. Imaging dominated visual detection tasks, whereas EHR, physiologic, wearable, and lipidomic data were more common in temporal or multimodal prediction tasks. Most studies reported moderate-to-high discriminatory performance, but the strength of evidence depended heavily on external, temporal, or prospective validation. The most consistent gains were earlier case identification, reduced missed lesions, improved prioritization, and workflow support rather than autonomous replacement of clinicians. Conclusion: AI shows substantial promise as a clinically embedded decision-support tool for earlier and more targeted disease detection, but widespread adoption still depends on robust external validation, local adaptation, and stronger real-world implementation evidence.
Behavioral, Mental, and Addiction Health
Copyright (c) 2026 Emmanuel Agbeko https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
"I Don't Want It to Give Me the Answer": AI Literacy, Ethical Awareness, and Curricular Readiness Among Nursing Students at a Historically Black College and University
Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare, yet nursing education lacks systematic frameworks for AI literacy training. Students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) prepare to serve communities most harmed by biased healthcare algorithms while receiving minimal formal AI education. This study explored nursing students' AI literacy, use patterns, ethical awareness, and curricular recommendations at one HBCU. A descriptive qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured interviews (N = 10) were conducted with nursing students. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: AI as assisted thinking; intentional and boundary-setting use; ethical alertness without institutional support; and curricular demand for embedded, ethics-centered AI training. Nursing students at this HBCU demonstrate meaningful AI literacy developed through self-directed engagement. Their heightened awareness of racial bias in healthcare AI represents an asset and an unmet educational need. Nursing programs must integrate AI literacy as a core professional competency.
Health Systems, Policy, and Implementation Science
Copyright (c) 2026 Monika Gurung, Smriti Garbuja, Krishna Bista, Hersaw Davis, Hazel Jones-Parker https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparing foundational and advanced nursing textbooks
This comparative review evaluates three recent nursing textbooks representing distinct curricular orientations: a comprehensive pre-licensure medical-surgical reference, a theoretically grounded gerontological nursing text, and an advanced post-licensure surgical nursing resource. Each is assessed for theoretical coherence, evidence-based currency, pedagogical design, and alignment with accreditation standards. Findings indicate that each text occupies a discrete and complementary niche within nursing education, with implications for course adoption decisions across program levels.
Copyright (c) 2025 Monika Gurung, Smriti Garbuja, Surakshya Paudel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Psoriatic arthritis develops in 25–30% of psoriasis patients. Diagnostic delays of one to five or more years are common, during which irreversible joint damage may accumulate. Despite validated screening tools and effective therapies, PsA remains substantially underdiagnosed in dermatology settings.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Development and evaluation of nurse leader directed depression screening program in an adult primary care practice
Depression remains underdiagnosed in primary care despite national screening recommendations. This quality improvement project evaluated the impact of embedding the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) into an electronic health record (EHR) in an adult primary care clinic. Using a pre–post design and Plan-Do-Study-Act framework, screening rates increased from 29.8% to 75.28%, with a corresponding rise in referrals for treatment (1.75% to 8.71%). Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences between groups (p < .001). Findings support EHR-integrated screening as an effective, scalable strategy to improve detection and management of depression and advance nurse-led practice transformation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Hershaw Davis, Jr., DNP, MBA, RN, Dr. Kathryn Leach, DNP, CPNP-PC , Dr. Hazel Jones-Parker, DNP, MSN, AP, RN, BC, FNP, Dr. Njideka Udochi, MD, MPH, FAAFP https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Self‑transcendence and identity transformation in recovery from substance use disorder
Substance use disorder (SUD) is typically treated using biomedical and psychosocial approaches that focus on reducing symptoms, regulating neurobehavioral processes, and managing behavior. While these approaches are effective for many individuals, they may not fully address the deeper challenges associated with long-term substance use, such as existential distress, disruptions in identity, and a diminished sense of meaning. Drawing on a phenomenological hermeneutic perspective, this paper presents a single-case study of a spiritually oriented intervention that emphasizes self-transcendence and transformation of identity rather than solely focusing on symptom reduction. Through structured spiritual practices, including narrative reconstruction and contemplative techniques, the participant moved away from an identity centered on addiction and avoidance toward a more integrated spiritual self capable of engaging with everyday life. These findings suggest that reorganizing identity through spiritually grounded approaches may represent an important mechanism of change in the treatment of SUD.
substance use disorder; spirituality; self‑transcendence; identity shift; case report; meaning‑making
Copyright (c) 2026 Mehrdad Falavarjani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessing the physical, fertility, and psychosocial burden of uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are common benign gynecologic tumors that impose substantial physical and psychosocial burdens on women of reproductive age. This narrative review examined the association between uterine fibroids and mental health outcomes through a review of literature published between 2014 and 2024. Searches of PubMed, CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews identified 16 studies that met inclusion criteria. Three overarching themes emerged: physical symptom burden, reproductive and fertility concerns, and psychosocial impacts. Evidence consistently demonstrated associations between fibroid symptom severity and diminished health-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression. Fertility concerns and treatment-related decision-making further contributed to psychological distress. Findings underscore the need for comprehensive, patient-centered approaches that integrate mental health assessment, reproductive counseling, and symptom management to address the multidimensional burden of uterine fibroids.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Joyvina Evans, Temiloluwa Banwo, Jordan Banks https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Structured Wellness Interventions and Their Impact on Perceived Stress and Academic Success Among Doctor of Nursing Practice Students
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students often experience elevated psychological stress due to the rigorous academic, clinical, leadership, and scholarly project requirements of doctoral nursing education. These demands frequently occur alongside professional employment and personal responsibilities, creating pressures that can negatively affect well-being and academic performance. High levels of perceived stress among graduate nursing students have been linked to burnout, reduced engagement, cognitive fatigue, and delays in program completion. This systematic review examined the effects of structured wellness interventions on perceived stress and academic success among DNP students. Interventions such as mindfulness training, resilience programs, structured physical activity, peer support, and coaching were generally associated with reduced stress and improved academic engagement and self-efficacy.
Doctor of Nursing Practice students; wellness interventions; perceived stress; academic success; mindfulness; resilience; graduate nursing education
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. James Maiden, Dr. Delarious Stewart https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Novel peptide-based remineralization of dental caries
This systematic review aims to provide an understanding of the mechanisms of action, and to compare and evaluate the efficacy of novel peptide-based remineralisation strategies based on P11-4, QP5, DSS and Sp-H5 in the treatment of dental caries. Of the 46 studies included, P11-4 working via β‑sheet fibrillar scaffold and de novo nucleation was found to be the most studied to have progressed to the clinical phase. Meanwhile, QP5 primarily stabilises amorphous calcium phosphate via domain-specific ion interactions, whereas DSS exhibits electrostatic adsorption and nucleation templating on demineralised surfaces. DSS has been studied in the form of varying numbers of amino acid repeats, with the most efficacy demonstrated in longer chains.
Copyright (c) 2025 Daisy Mulvey, Petros Mylonas, Zi Hong Mok https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Music as Medicine: An Integrative Review of Psychophysiological and Mental Health Outcomes in College Students
Music is increasingly recognized as a therapeutic modality with measurable psychophysiological, emotional, and behavioral benefits for young adults. Evidence from both clinical and experimental studies demonstrates that music reduces anxiety, improves heart rate variability, regulates sadness, counteracts mental fatigue, and enhances pain tolerance. Research also highlights its potential to strengthen immune responses and support emotional well-being in diverse populations. This review synthesizes multidisciplinary evidence to argue for integrating music-based strategies into public health interventions and campus wellness frameworks, especially those centered on mental health. These findings suggest that music represents an accessible, non-pharmacological intervention well-suited for college-aged individuals facing high academic and psychosocial stress.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sujata Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mental health and well-being, perceived academic stress, and dual enrollment students
The mental health of students has decreased, representing a significant challenge to the institutions that serve them. Academic stress contributes to poor mental health and reduced well-being, which causes a myriad of other negative effects. One group of students that has been understudied regarding academic stress and mental health is dual enrollment students. Dual enrollment programs are growing in nearly every state, and while the academic benefits are well-documented, previous research has largely ignored students who are simultaneously enrolled in high school and in college. This study, therefore, aimed to compare the perceived academic stress and mental health and well-being of high school students, dual enrollment students, and college students at a Midwestern regional campus and the surrounding community.
Mental health, student well-being, perceived academic stress
Copyright (c) 2026 Christine Junker, Dave Hochstein, Joshua Ricker, Angie Clayton, Joelle De Lisle, Stephen J. Jacquemin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ancient respiratory healing traditions in Nepal
Respiratory diseases remain a major global health burden, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. Nepal, home to more than 1,700 medicinal plant species, possesses a deep reservoir of ethnobotanical knowledge used for treating cough, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and other respiratory disorders. Across Ayurvedic, Tibetan (Amchi), and diverse Indigenous healing traditions, respiratory care relies on a pharmacopeia of herbs including Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, Phyllanthus emblica, Acorus calamus, Ocimum basilicum, Mentha arvensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Swertia chirayita. Evidence from contemporary studies confirms the strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, bronchodilatory, and immunomodulatory activities of these medicinal plants. These properties have been documented across Nepal’s rural districts, including Kaski, Kavrepalanchok, Bardiya, and the Terai Plains. For example, Terminalia bellirica is widely used for cough and cold, and Acorus calamus for respiratory congestion. Several herbs traditionally used for respiratory infections also featured prominently during Nepal’s COVID-19 response, including Tulsi, Aloe vera, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Mentha species. For Nepal’s global diaspora now widespread in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia, traditional respiratory remedies remain a culturally meaningful and cost-effective adjunct to biomedical care, supporting intergenerational knowledge transfer and community health. Yet rapid biodiversity loss, climate change, commercialization pressures, and declining ethnobotanical transmission threaten these practices. This article uses an integrative review approach to synthesize ancient respiratory healing traditions of Nepal with contemporary pharmacological evidence, identify priority areas for clinical research, and outline pathways for culturally grounded integration of herbal medicine into public health systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Surakshya Paudel, Mariem Chouchen, Kusum Basnet , Tiago Reis da Silva; Simana Rimal , Peter Okputu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The end-of-life journey is one of the most critical and sacred transitions a person will face. For hospice nurses, this phase demands not only clinical precision but emotional presence, cultural sensitivity, and unwavering compassion. This nursing-focused narrative explores the multifaceted role of the hospice nurse, offering insight into the practices and philosophies that define high-quality end-of-life care. Through the lens of a hospice nurse, the article examines pain and symptom management, culturally competent care, family engagement, ethical considerations, and the preservation of dignity in dying. A patient case study and practical nursing implications are presented to illustrate the broader impact of hospice care on families, healthcare systems, and the nursing profession.
Keywords: Hospice nursing, End-of-life care, Palliative care, Cultural competence, Dignity in dying, Family-centered care, Symptom management, Terminal illness, Bereavement support, Patient autonomy
Copyright (c) 2026 Earlene Tate https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mapping discipline-specific English language needs in Egyptian medical EMI university programs
This study provides a comprehensive, discipline-specific analysis of English language needs across EMI medical university programs. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, the study surveyed 220 undergraduate students and 58 faculty members from Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, and Public Health. It complemented these data with interviews with 18 healthcare employers and 15 recent graduates. Quantitative results revealed significant disciplinary variations, with clinical documentation and patient communication as the most challenging domains. Qualitative findings emphasized three critical themes: clinical communication efficacy, mastery of specialized genres, and pragmatic professional competence. Integrated analysis exposes a systemic misalignment between academic language training and workplace expectations.
Copyright (c) 2025 American Journal of Medicine and Health Studies
This qualitative study examines the familial impact of opioid addiction and the restorative role of Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) among 13 Iranian male outpatients in Esfahan, Iran. Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, the findings reveal a three-stage progression of familial withdrawal—emotional, behavioral, and perceptual—resulting in detachment, conflict, and stigma. Engagement in MMT facilitated emotional regulation and reconnection with family members, highlighting its potential beyond pharmacological stabilization. Cultural values such as family honor and social image both hindered and motivated recovery. The study underscores the need for culturally meaningful engagement rather than direct symptom reduction.
Copyright (c) 2025 American Journal of Medicine and Health Studies https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis in African Americans
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) is a rare, progressive disease caused by mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene, resulting in amyloid deposition in multiple organs. African Americans are disproportionately affected, primarily due to the V122I TTR variant. Despite advances in diagnostic tools and therapies, hATTR remains underdiagnosed and frequently misdiagnosed as congestive heart failure (CHF) or diabetic neuropathy, leading to delayed treatment. This article explores the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis of hATTR amyloidosis, with a focused discussion on its impact within the African American community. The critical role of nurses in reducing misdiagnosis and improving patient outcomes is also highlighted. Addressing disparities and enhancing education in nursing practice are crucial steps toward better management of hATTR amyloidosis.
Physical literacy and perceived benefit of quarantine physical activity among university students
University students face unique stressor in the transitional phase of their life and are prone to physical inactivity. Physical literacy is knowledge, confidence, motivation, competence for sustainable physical activity. This study aims to assess whether physical literacy predicts the perceived benefits of alternative physical activity adopted during Covid 19 quarantine period among university students. Results indicated that physical literacy was a significant predictor of perceived usefulness of alternative physical activities adopted during pandemic isolation after controlling for individual factors (p<0.001). This study contributes to the understanding of how physical literacy influences perceived benefits of engagement with alternative physical activities during the COVID-19 pandemic and has implications for health promotion strategies in restricted settings.
Implicit bias education for future health leaders
This study examined undergraduate healthcare students’ reflections after completing the Harvard Implicit Association Test (IAT) as part of a health marketing course. While most students exhibited implicit biases, they also expressed a commitment to equitable treatment. Students recognized that, although implicit bias does not imply intentional discrimination, it can subtly influence behavior. Many reported surprise or disagreements with their results, revealing internal tension when unconscious biases conflicted with their self-perception. The assignment, paired with a lecture and classroom discussion, fostered self-awareness and underscored the importance of incorporating implicit bias education into healthcare training. A supportive, nonjudgmental learning environment is essential for honest reflection and open dialogue.
Uncovering the hidden curriculum in nursing education
The hidden curriculum in nursing education encompasses the unspoken norms, values, and expectations that shape student learning beyond the formal curriculum. This qualitative study explores how undergraduate nursing students at an HBCU experience the hidden curriculum during their first-semester courses. Using focus group discussions and a faculty survey, the study identified recurring themes, including pressure to appear confident, reluctance to ask questions, and reliance on modeling faculty behavior. Recommendations include faculty development in reflective teaching and the implementation of validated tools such as the Hidden Curriculum Assessment Scale in Nursing Education (HCAS-NE). Addressing the hidden curriculum is essential to fostering inclusive, transparent, and supportive learning environments that prepare nursing students for professional practice.
Eviction is increasingly viewed as a social determinant of health, linked to mental illness, chronic illness, and death, while children experience ongoing developmental harms. During COVID-19, eviction moratoriums operated as a public health measure, providing protections against displacement and contagion. As the eviction moratoriums expired, there was an exploitation of this protection, resulting in rising filings and replicating health risks and health inequities. This article reviews the evidence that links eviction and health, so we can posit responses that integrate housing and health policy.
eviction, housing instability, health disparities, social determinants of health, eviction moratoria
This review of Beyond Coercion and Malign Neglect (Oparah, 2023) analyzes how racism and medicalization impose stressors that undermine safe birthing for Black women—highlighting midwifery traditions, critiquing punitive obstetric practices, and advancing community-based strategies. Despite limited attention to policy and immigrant perspectives, this compilation underscores the need for multilevel reforms.