Students from the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program at Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies have been actively engaged in presenting their research projects. These projects cover a wide range of critical healthcare topics, showcasing the students' dedication to enhancing patient care and advancing the healthcare field.

Uncovering Insights for a Healthier Future

Freshman Health: Weight Gain and Academic Performance

Jennifer Casadonte, hailing from Melville, NY, along with her team, delved into the connection between weight gain during the first year of college and grade point average (GPA). Their research explored various factors such as alcohol consumption, sleep duration, and breakfast habits.As Casadonte stated, "Although weight gain did not have a statistically significant impact on GPA, our data indicates that factors like alcohol use and skipping breakfast play a role in weight changes. This emphasizes the significance of maintaining healthy habits for both physical well-being and academic success. Healthcare providers should stress the importance of nutrition, sleep, and consistent eating habits to patients."In another aspect, Erin Steinert, from Dix Hills, NY, presented research on the influence of personal health monitors (PHMs), like smartwatches and fitness trackers, on exercise habits. Despite the widespread popularity of such devices, Steinert and her team found no statistically notable increase in structured physical activity among PHM users compared to non-users.Steinert said, "Technology has tremendous potential for promoting healthier lifestyles. Although these devices did not show a measurable impact on activity in this study, they still serve as valuable tools for tracking health behaviors and inspiring small, positive changes. Future research can explore integrating smartwatch activity metrics into electronic medical records to monitor patient progress and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases."The research also shed light on demographic trends in PHM use, with younger, tech-savvy adults showing the highest adoption rates.

Bridging the Digital Divide in eHealth

Juliana Feeney, from Congers, NY, and her co-authors examined how age, education level, and digital literacy affect the use of electronic medical records (EMRs) and telehealth. Their findings revealed no significant differences among these demographics, challenging the commonly held belief in a persistent "digital divide."Feeney explained, "Our results suggest that as internet usage has become more widespread, barriers to eHealth access may be decreasing. This could lead to broader adoption of telehealth and EMRs, which are crucial for improving access to care for older adults and those with mobility issues. Further research is needed to explore additional factors influencing eHealth adoption, such as geographic location and socioeconomic status."These projects not only demonstrate the students' capacity to address complex healthcare challenges but also highlight their potential as future leaders in the field. Their work emphasizes the importance of integrating research into clinical practice to enhance patient outcomes. Hofstra's PA students continue to show their preparedness to tackle pressing healthcare issues through research that informs their future practices and contributes to the broader medical community.