Students share research on hunger, suicide, health care access

Managing disease in Ethiopia, health improvement in Uganda and access to health literature for the blind were just a few of the research topics presented by students at the 2018 Global Health Showcase.

The event, sponsored by the College of Health Professions, was held October 5 in the L. William Seidman Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. 

Alexandra Hryciuk, a public health graduate student, explained her research on the seasonality of adolescent suicide in Michigan.

"Studying suicide rates from 2000-2015 for those under age 18, data showed an increase in suicides in the month of October and a decrease in summer months," Hryciuk said. "Knowing this, we can make an extra effort in the month of October to promote resources that are available."

Occupational therapy graduate students Ella Savalox and Amanda Deel spent 10 days in Guatemala this summer working at pop-up clinics and nutrition centers.

"Some people had been waiting three years for treatment for issues like back and shoulder pain from carrying heavy items or traumatic brain injuries because many people are hit by cars but don't receive treatment," said Savalox.

Cloe Bielby, a public health graduate student, studied the use of speedstacks, a game of stacking cups, at a Challenging Heights school in Ghana. Challenging Heights is an organization that works to end child trafficking.

"Speedstacks is a teaching tool that research shows helps children gain better eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity and fine motor skills," said Bielby. "These children are the victims of human trafficking. This activity also allows them to work in teams and begin to trust again."

Dami Olufosoye, a public health graduate student who was raised in Nigeria, presented her research on the lack of access to health care for those living in Nigeria. She said in Nigeria life expectancy is age 55 for men and 56 for women.

"The health care system struggles because of a lack of resources, very few clinics or hospitals and government corruption," said Olufosoye. "People still suffer from polio, measles and malaria. I have had malaria several times, but my parents could afford to get me treatment."

Other sponsors of the Global Health Showcase include Environmental Studies, Department of Anthropology, Frederik Meijer Honors College, and Department of Political Science.

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/gh.