Research Projects
Exploring the Impacts of Language and Cultural Barriers on the Underdiagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Bosnian Immigrants in the United States.
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Principal Investigator (PI)
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Dr. Sharon DiFino, CCC-SLP
University of Florida
Department of Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences
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Affiliation Timeline
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Undergraduate Student Researcher at the University of Florida’s Bilingual Language Access and Outcomes Lab in the College of Public Health and Health Professions
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(May 2024 - Present)
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Research Proposal Title
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​Exploring the impacts of language and cultural barriers on the underdiagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among Bosnian Immigrants in the United States
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Research Focus
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This study examines the relationship between barriers to mental health services and PTSD outcomes among Bosnian immigrants in the U.S. The research includes a literature review on cultural attitudes toward mental health services and PTSD symptoms, followed by a survey administered in Bosnian. The goal is to understand post-war experiences and propose culturally competent mental health interventions for this population.
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Project Responsibilities
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Conducting literature reviews
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Administering and analyzing surveys
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Writing a research paper to propose interventions based on findings
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Language Barriers: Accessing Primary Healthcare by Balkan Immigrant Populations in the United States
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Principal Investigator (PI)
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Dr. Sharon DiFino, CCC-SLP
University of Florida
Department of Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences
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Affiliation Timeline
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Undergraduate Student Researcher at the University of Florida’s Bilingual Language Access and Outcomes Lab in the College of Public Health and Health Professions
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(August 2023 - January 2024)
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Research Proposal Title
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​Language Barriers: Accessing Primary Healthcare by Balkan Immigrant Populations in the United States
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Research Focus
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​This study explores how language barriers affect access to primary healthcare among older Balkan immigrants in the U.S., specifically those impacted by the Yugoslavian wars. These populations face challenges such as scheduling appointments, understanding medical instructions, and communicating health concerns. Data was gathered from Balkan communities across the U.S. to examine regional and ethnic differences in healthcare access.
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Project Responsibilities
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Conducting literature reviews on older adult migrant populations
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Analyzing data from Balkan communities
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