Community and Behavioral Health Sciences
At Augusta University’s School of Public Health, the Department of Community and Behavioral Health Sciences promotes advancements in health and wellbeing for individuals, families, and communities through applied research, service, and teaching.
The department includes nationally recognized and award-winning scholars in intellectual and developmental disabilities, opioid and alcohol use disorders, childhood trauma, implementation science, physical activity across the lifespan, healthy aging, rural health, and more.
We use multidisciplinary approaches, such as experiential education, interventional research, population health data analysis, and community-engaged research and teaching to move medical and public health innovations out of clinical trials and classrooms and into the real world, where they can inform clinical practice and transform community health across populations in Georgia and beyond.
Contact Us
Community and Behavioral Health Sciences
Summerville Campus
706-721-1104
Recent Faculty Publications
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The feasibility, acceptability, and effects of the adapted 6-month Otago exercise program on cognitive, physical, and psychological function in people living with dementia in residential care facilities: The ENABLED randomized controlled trialJehu, D. A., Patel, C., Soares, A., Waller, J. L., Carrick, R. M., Hergott, C., Young, L., Hall, W., Robinson-Johnson, D., Allen, C., Sams, R., Hamrick, M., Huang, Y., Zhu, H. & Dong, Y., Nov 2025, In: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 108, 2, p. 629-642 14 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Development of a physical performance summary score in middle age: Findings from the CARDIA Function studyBurrows, B. T., Sloane, R., Faldowski, R., Pieper, C., Lewis, C. E., Gabriel, K. P., Jacobs, D. R. & Bowling, C. B., Oct 1 2025, In: American journal of epidemiology. 194, 10, p. 2820-2828 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Association of multimorbidity trajectories from early adulthood through middle age with middle-age physical functionBowling, C. B., Sloane, R., Faldowski, R. A., Pieper, C. F., Brown, T. H., Dooley, E. E., Burrows, B. T., Bhatt, A. S., Lloyd-Jones, D. M., Lewis, C. E. & Gabriel, K. P., Oct 1 2025, In: Journals of Gerontology - Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. 80, 10, glaf140.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
The Association Between Short-Term Blood Pressure Variability and Inflammation in Healthy Young AdultsWeeks, C. J., Bekele, B. B., Altvater, M., Cheng, J., Zhu, H., Huang, Y., Jehu, D. A., Simon, A. B., Li, W. & Dong, Y., Oct 2025, In: Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease. 12, 10, 399.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Disparities in Preventive Care Utilization at the Intersection of Socioeconomic and Demographic Characteristics: A Survival Analysis of COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake in the United StatesDatta, B. K., Ghosh, S., Jaremski, J. E., Ansa, B. E., Islam, K. M. M. & Johnson, J. A., Sep 1 2025, In: Journal of Public Health Management and Practice. 31, 5, p. 726-736 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Systematic review and meta-analysis of combined cognitive-behavioral therapy and physical activity and exercise interventions for pediatric chronic diseaseBlack, W. R., Von Klinggraeff, L., White, D. A. C., Forseth, B., Jackson, J. L., Bates, C. R., Pfledderer, C. D., Dobbins, S., Hoskinson, K. R., Gehred, A. & Davis, A. M., Jul 1 2025, In: Journal of Pediatric Psychology. 50, 7, p. 620-632 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Diverse perspectives on supporting the health and wellness of people with intellectual and developmental disabilitiesNicholson, J., Faughnan, K., Silverman, A. F., Lesser, V., Andresen, M. L., Bahr, M., Corey, T., Benevides, T. W. & Pham, H., Jul 2025, In: Disability and Health Journal. 18, 3, 101775.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Body mass index and colorectal cancer screening among cancer survivors: the role of sociodemographic characteristicsMeng-Han, T., Elinita, P., Marlo, V. & Chen, J., Jul 2025, In: Cancer Causes and Control. 36, 7, p. 641-651 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Psychological Resilience and Physical Function in Veterans With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Brief ReportBurrows, B. T., Olsen, M. K., Berkowitz, T. S. Z., Smith, B., Whitson, H. E., DePasquale, N., Wang, V., Maciejewski, M. L., Crowley, S. D. & Bowling, C. B., Jun 2025, In: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 73, 6, p. 1877-1883 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
The Effects of Six Months of Exercise on Single- and Dual-Task Posture, Gait, and Functional Mobility Relative to Usual Care Alone Among People Living with Dementia: The ENABLED Pilot Randomized Controlled TrialJehu, D. A., Langston, R., Patel, C., Soares, A., Waller, J. L., Carrick, R. M., Hergott, C., Young, L., Hall, W., Robinson-Johnson, D., Allen, C., Sams, R., Hamrick, M., Huang, Y., Zhu, H. & Dong, Y., Jun 2025, In: Applied Sciences (Switzerland). 15, 12, 6624.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Exploring the association between physical activity and cognitive function among people living with dementiaJehu, D. A., Pottayil, F., Dong, Y., Zhu, H., Sams, R. & Young, L., Jun 1 2025, In: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 105, 4, p. 1037-1046 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Family and Home Environment Predictors of Children’s 24-Hour Movement Guideline Adherence: A Mixed-Methods StudyDugger, R., Williams, T., Burkart, S., Zhu, X. X., Reesor-Oyer, L., Pfledderer, C. D., Klinggraeff, L. V., Parker, H., White, J., McLain, A. C., Weaver, R. G., Armstrong, B. & Beets, M. W., Apr 1 2025, In: Childhood Obesity. 21, 3, p. 297-308 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Trends in Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health: Opportunities to Optimize CarePoon, J. K., Benevides, T. W. & Emrick, B. B., Apr 2025, In: Pediatrics. 155, 4, e2024070122.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review |
A Survival Analysis of Rural-Urban Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake in the United StatesDatta, B. K., Jaremski, J. E., Ansa, B. E., Odhiambo, L., Clary, C., Islam, K. M. M. & Johnson, J. A., Mar 2025, In: American Journal of Health Promotion. 39, 3, p. 405-416 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Risk Factors for Fall-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review Highlighting Research GapsOkrah, A. K., Tharrington, S., Shin, I., Wagoner, A., Woodsmall, K. S. & Jehu, D. A., Feb 2025, In: International journal of environmental research and public health. 22, 2, 255.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review |
Guidelines for sex-specific considerations to improve rigor in renal research and how we got thereIlatovskaya, D. V., Ogola, B., Faulkner, J. L., Mamenko, M., Taylor, E. B., Dent, E., Ryan, M. J. & Sullivan, J. C., Feb 2025, In: American Journal of Physiology - Renal Physiology. 328, 2, p. F204-F217Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review |
Structural, Institutional, and Interpersonal Racism: Calling for Equity in Autism Research and PracticeSingh, J. S., Brasher, S., Sarrett, J., Barger, B., Guerra, K., Dilly, L. J., Rubin, I. L., Stapel-Wax, J. L., Benevides, T. & Fernandez-Carriba, S., 2025, (Accepted/In press) In: Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Engagement to Identify Health Priorities of People With Intellectual and/or Developmental DisabilityBenevides, T. W., Pham, H. H., Andresen, M. L., Bahr, M. R., Corey, T., Nicholson, J., Faughnan, K., Jaremski, J. E., Langer, C., Siasoco, V., Hernandez-Hons, A. & Shore, S. M., 2025, (Accepted/In press) In: OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Editorial: Exploring effects of group and partnership dynamics in dance on mental and physical healthJehu, D. A., Bek, J. & Hackney, M. E., 2025, In: Frontiers in Psychology. 16, 1697858.Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial › peer-review |
Social support may not impact physical function outcomes following a tango or walking intervention in people with Parkinson’s disease: an exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trialJehu, D. A., Bek, J. & Hackney, M. E., 2025, In: Frontiers in Psychology. 16, 1525172.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
The Inaugural Engage Summit: Proceedings and Call to ActionMagasi, S., Kramer, J., Benevides, T., Hammel, J., Ideishi, R., Johnson, K. R., McCollough, M., Patten, K. K., Reistetter, T. A. & Ziebarth, B., 2025, (Accepted/In press) In: OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Digital dance programs for Parkinson's disease: challenges and opportunitiesBek, J., Jehu, D. A., Morris, M. E. & Hackney, M. E., 2025, In: Frontiers in Psychology. 16, 1496146.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review |
Assessing the Inter-Rater and Inter-Trial Reliability of the NeurOptics Pupillary Light Response-3000 PupillometerJehu, D. A., Bolgla, L. A., Armas, S. & Dutton, F., 2025, In: International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 20, 2, p. 157-167 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Association Between Polypharmacy and Physical Function in Middle-aged Adults: Findings from the CARDIA Function StudySloan, C. E., Ashner, M. C., McDermott, C. L., Burrows, B. T., Pieper, C., Bhatt, A. S., Gabriel, K. P. & Bowling, C. B., 2025, (Accepted/In press) In: Journal of General Internal Medicine.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Quality of Life Defined by Autistic People: A Thematic AnalysisLaPoint, S. C., Kiernan, B., Heinly, J., Hector, B. L., Benevides, T. W. & Maddox, B., 2025, (Accepted/In press) In: Autism in Adulthood.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Group and partnered dance for people living with dementia: an overview of intervention design and measurement considerationsJehu, D. A., Bek, J., Bennett, C. & Hackney, M. E., 2025, In: Frontiers in Psychology. 16, 1500688.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review |
A systematic umbrella review and meta-meta-analysis of eHealth and mHealth interventions for improving lifestyle behavioursSingh, B., Ahmed, M., Staiano, A. E., Gough, C., Petersen, J., Vandelanotte, C., Kracht, C., Huong, C., Yin, Z., Vasiloglou, M. F., Pan, C. C., Short, C. E., Mclaughlin, M., von Klinggraeff, L., Pfledderer, C. D., Moran, L. J., Button, A. M. & Maher, C. A., Dec 2024, In: npj Digital Medicine. 7, 1, 179.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review |
Comprehensiveness of State Insurance Laws and Perceived Access to Pediatric Mental Health CareFoster, A. A., Hoffmann, J. A., Douglas, M. D., Monuteaux, M. C., Douglas, K. E., Benevides, T. W., Hudgins, J. D. & Stewart, A. M., Aug 12 2024, In: JAMA network open. 7, 8, e2426402.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Advancing Health Policy and Outcomes for People With Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities A Community-Led AgendaPham, H. H., Benevides, T. W., Andresen, M. L., Bahr, M., Nicholson, J., Corey, T., Jaremski, J. E., Faughnan, K., Edelman, M., Hernandez-Hons, A., Langer, C., Shore, S., Ausderau, K., Burstin, H., Hingle, S. T., Kirk, A. S., Johnson, K., Siasoco, V., Budway, E. & Chin Kit-Wells, M. D. & 24 others, , Aug 2 2024, In: JAMA Health Forum. 5, 8, p. e242201Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review |
Effects of 8 Weeks of Balance Training, Virtual Training, and Combined Exercise on Lower Limb Muscle Strength Balance, and Functional Mobility Among Older Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial: ResponseSadeghi, H., Jehu, D. A. & Daneshjoo, A., Jul 1 2024, In: Sports Health. 16, 4, p. 667-669 3 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Letter › peer-review |
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Community Mental Health Use Among Autistic Adolescents and Young AdultsBenevides, T. W., Jaremski, J. E., Williams, E. D., Song, W., Pham, H. H. & Shea, L., Jun 2024, In: Journal of Adolescent Health. 74, 6, p. 1208-1216 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Balancing best practice and reality in behavioral intervention development: A survey of principal investigators funded by the National Institutes of Healthvon Klinggraeff, L., Burkart, S., Pfledderer, C. D., McLain, A., Armstrong, B., Weaver, R. G. & Beets, M. W., May 1 2024, In: Translational behavioral medicine. 14, 5, p. 273-284 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
The Impact of Dual-Tasks and Disease Severity on Posture, Gait, and Functional Mobility among People Living with Dementia in Residential Care Facilities: A Pilot StudyJehu, D. A., Langston, R., Sams, R., Young, L., Hamrick, M., Zhu, H. & Dong, Y., May 2024, In: Sensors. 24, 9, 2691.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Creating the Global Criminal Justice Survey: A Questionnaire Designed to Gather Perspectives from the Autism Community and Criminal Justice ProfessionalsLove, A. M. A., Gibbs, V., Cooper, D., Benevides, T. W., Mogavero, M. C., Basketbill, I. L. & Shea, L. L., Apr 2024, In: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 54, 4, p. 1425-1437 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Prevalence of intellectual disability among adults born in the 1980s and 1990s in the United StatesBenevides, T. W., Datta, B., Jaremski, J. & McKee, M., Apr 2024, In: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. 68, 4, p. 377-384 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Public Library Partnerships for Public Health: Health in all Policies (HiAP) as a New Conceptual Framework for LIS Teaching and ResearchLenstra, N. & Peritore, N., Apr 2024, In: Journal of Education for Library and Information Science. 65, 2, p. 216-225 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review |
Human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis and care among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are publicly insuredJames, T. G., Argenyi, M. S., Gravino, A. & Benevides, T. W., Feb 2024, In: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. 68, 2, p. 150-163 14 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Brief Report: Under-Identification of Symptomatic Menopause in Publicly-Insured Autistic PeopleBenevides, T. W., Cook, B., Klinger, L. G., McLean, K. J., Wallace, G. L., Carey, M. E., Lee, W. L., Ventimiglia, J., Schiff, L. D. & Shea, L., 2024, (Accepted/In press) In: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Public Librarianship and the US Food System: Results from a 2022 National SurveyPeritore, N., Lenstra, N. & D’arpa, C., 2024, In: Public Library Quarterly. 43, 1, p. 91-108 18 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Creation of a Healthy Partnership: A Pilot StudyPeritore, N., Mims, A., Logan, A., Poe, J. & Denny, K., 2024, In: Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition. 19, 1, p. 149-164 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Department News
AU researchers share insight with local community through forum
AU researchers share insight with local community through forum
$2.4 million grant will place mental health professionals in areas of need
$2.4 million grant will place mental health professionals in areas of need