Louisiana Via Research Day Book 2026

Community / Public Health

Community / Public Health

Taylor Hardin MA, OMS-II; Francheska Brazazgon, OMS-II; Trinity Smartt, OMS-II; Margaret Bailey, OMS-II; Michael Rommen, DO VCOM-Louisiana 124 HOW INDIVIDUALS IDENTIFYING AS LGBTQIA+ DECIDE WHERE TO ACCESS HEALTHCARE: EXPLORING BARRIERS TO EQUITABLE ACCESS IN NOTHERN LOUSIANA

125 RETROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF TRAUMATIC DENTAL INJURIES FROM THE YEARS 2021 TO 2024 USING THE NATIONAL ELECTRONIC INJURY SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM (NEISS) DATABASE

Suman Akhtar, OMS-II; Michaela Austin, OMS-II; Margaret Bailey, OMS-II; Rose Deshler, OMS-II; Jenna M. Dittmar, PhD, FSAScot

VCOM-Louisiana

Context: Individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+ experience persistent barriers to accessing identity-congruent healthcare in the United States, particularly in Southern regions where structural constraints and variability in available services may influence healthcare seeking behavior. Even when affirming providers or organizations exist within a region, real-world factors such as distance, appointment availability, cost, scope of services, and perceived safety may shape where and when individuals seek care. Examining how these constraints influence decision-making is necessary to identify actionable barriers to equitable access. Objective: This study aims to examine the factors that influence how individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+ seek healthcare across Northern Louisiana, with the goal of identifying key drivers, barriers, and potential points for intervention that affect access to care. Methods: This study will employ a cross sectional, anonymous survey design with an anticipated sample size of 50 participants. The

survey was developed using existing literature and organized into four access domains

April, followed by data analysis and dissemination during third-year research rotations.

Context: Traumatic dental injuries are a common presentation in emergency care settings and have lasting implications on oral health. Current clinical and public health guidance relies largely on outdated data that fail to reflect contemporary injury patterns. Updated data analysis would assist in risk stratification, injury prevention efforts, and resource allocation. Objective: The primary goal of this study is to identify common causes of dental injuries and to recognize trends in dental injuries among different demographics from 2021 to 2024, using publicly accessible data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database. database, traumatic dental injury cases were identified using relevant diagnosis codes and narrative review. Variables examined included patient age, sex, injury mechanism, associated consumer products, and emergency department disposition. Injury patterns will be summarized using descriptive statistics. NEISS Methods: Using data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s NEISS

sample weights will be applied to generate national estimates where appropriate.

across demographic groups. Upon completion, this study is expected to identify the most common causes and risk factors for dental trauma and inform targeted, age-specific injury prevention strategies. By addressing an underrepresented area in both medical and dental literature, these findings may help reduce the long-term clinical, economic, and social burden of dental injuries.

accessibility (e.g., distance, timeliness, logistical barriers), visibility (e.g., awareness of services and pre-visit perceptions of safety), quality (e.g., perceived cultural competence and comfort with identity disclosure), and utilization (e.g., care setting choice, care substitution, and delayed or foregone care). The paper-based survey is expected to require approximately 5–10 minutes to complete and will be self-administered after a brief explanation by study personnel. Participants in Shreveport will be recruited at The Philadelphia Center clinic during check in or check-out, while participants in Monroe will be recruited through NELA Pride via organizational dissemination to members. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative analyses to characterize patterns of healthcare access and decision making across regions. Results: IRB submission is planned for late winter, with anticipated approval in early spring. Data collection is expected to occur in March and

Conclusion: This study seeks to characterize how individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+ navigate healthcare access under real-world constraints in Northern Louisiana. Findings will inform a peer-reviewed manuscript and academic poster presentation and may provide guidance for clinics, community organizations, and educators seeking to reduce barriers and improve equitable healthcare access for LGBTQIA+ populations in the Southern United States.

Results/Anticipated Results: From 2021 2024 the incidence of dental injuries was highest among children ages 0-5, with a progressive decline observed across older age groups. The most common reported injuries include lacerations, contusion/abrasions, and fractures. Floors or flooring materials (Product Code 1807) were the most common injury related product across all ages, particularly in young children. Stairs or steps (Product Code 1842) contributed consistently to injuries throughout the lifespan, while bicycles and bicycle accessories (Product Code 5040; excluding mountain or all-terrain bicycles) were more common in older children and adults. These patterns highlight age-specific injury risks driven by environment and activity. The study is currently in progress, and the results are not complete. Conclusion: Preliminary review suggests that dental injuries are more common in children under the age of 5 and are associated with distinct mechanisms and consumer products

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2026 Research Recognition Day