Ksheetisha Bhat
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Dr. Nikhil Parekh
Research Mentor School/College/Department: VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System / NonUM
Program:
Authors: Ksheetisha Bhat
Session: Session 4: 1:40 pm – 2:30 pm
Poster: 52
Abstract
The Whole Health Program within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is an integrative approach to healthcare that encompasses the eight dimensions of well-being: Food and Drink, Recharge, Relationships, Spirit & Soul, Power of the Mind, Physical Movement, Surroundings, and Personal Development. According to a three-year pilot study, opioid use decreased by 27% and pharmacy costs by 9% among Whole Health users, proving how impactful this system is to patient lives (Bokhour, Barker et al. 2020). This study aims to assess the Whole Health system’s applicability to young adults by determining which dimensions are most commonly neglected due to poor habits and negative perceptions. The first part of the study involved the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data via a survey through the Qualtrics platform. To better understand participants’ raw behaviors, the questionnaire included 3-4 neutral questions for each of the eight dimensions. After collecting approximately 170 responses, I centered my quantitative analysis on animal-based products and their effect on emotional homeostasis using chi-squared testing. The final aspect of the project involved launching a free, accessible, and short course on plant-based eating education and tips – a public health implementation project designed to encourage wholesome, balanced, plant-based eating among children with the intent to raise healthier adults.
