Browsing by Author "Tannir, Shadia"

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    Corneal Nerve Assessment by Aesthesiometry: History, Advancements, and Future Directions
    (MDPI, 2024-05-12) Crabtree, Jordan R.; Tannir, Shadia; Tran, Khoa; Boente, Charline S.; Ali, Asim; Borschel, Gregory H.; Surgery, School of Medicine
    The measurement of corneal sensation allows clinicians to assess the status of corneal innervation and serves as a crucial indicator of corneal disease and eye health. Many devices are available to assess corneal sensation, including the Cochet–Bonnet aesthesiometer, the Belmonte Aesthesiometer, the Swiss Liquid Jet Aesthesiometer, and the newly introduced Corneal Esthesiometer Brill. Increasing the clinical use of in vivo confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography will allow for greater insight into the diagnosis, classification, and monitoring of ocular surface diseases such as neurotrophic keratopathy; however, formal esthesiometric measurement remains necessary to assess the functional status of corneal nerves. These aesthesiometers vary widely in their mode of corneal stimulus generation and their relative accessibility, precision, and ease of clinical use. The development of future devices to optimize these characteristics, as well as further comparative studies between device types should enable more accurate and precise diagnosis and treatment of corneal innervation deficits. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe the advancements in the use of aesthesiometers since their introduction to clinical practice, compare currently available devices for assessing corneal innervation and their relative limitations, and discuss how the assessment of corneal innervation is crucial to understanding and treating pathologies of the ocular surface.
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    Empowering Youth: Examining Health Literacy Gains in High School Students
    (2024-04-26) Grischke, Tyra; Tannir, Shadia; Bohn, Camden; Hoffman, Leslie A.
    Research Statement/ResearchQuestion This study assesses the health literacy of high school students’ before and after an educational presentation about hypertension, a health condition more prevalent in underserved communities. Background Low health literacy is associated with worse health outcomes, particularly within underserved communities. Improving health literacy among high school students can empower them to take action to improve health and well-being within their communities. Methods In spring 2023, medical students from IUSM visited four high schools to educate students on health literacy and hypertension. Participants completed a 15-item test prior to and immediately following the presentation. Demographic data (grade level, race, ethnicity, and gender) was collected. Data was collected anonymously, using assigned codes to match pre- and post-tests. Data was analyzed using paired samples t-tests and ANOVA. Results A total of 104 high school students completed pre- and post-tests. There was a significant improvement in quiz scores from pre- (7.95±1.74) to post-test (9.41±2.01; p<.001). One-way ANOVA found significant differences in pre- and post-test performance based on race, with Black students scoring lower than White students on both pre-test (7.28±1.28 vs. 8.31±1.70; p<.05) and post-test (8.55±2.21 vs. 9.85±1.76; p<.05). There was also a significant interaction between students’ gender and their pre- and post-test scores with female students showing greater improvements in test scores than male students. Limitations This study was conducted in a single school district in a small midwestern city and may not be generalizable to larger urban or rural populations. The presentation was given during a science class and may have been biased by students’ prior knowledge. Differences among presenters may also impact students’ comprehension. Conclusion High school students’ health literacy improved after an educational presentation on hypertension. This study revealed racial disparities in health literacy, highlighting the need for more health education in schools that have more students from underserved racial and ethnic groups.