Saren S's Senior Project Blog
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Project Title: How does the lack of affordable epipens affect people's own perceived mental wellness and stress levels? BASIS Advisor: John Goodwin Internship Location: Arizona Allergy Associates Onsite Mentor: Dr. Radha Rishi, MD |
Project Abstract
My research investigates the impact of limited access to affordable EpiPens on individuals' mental well-being, focusing specifically on anxiety and stress. Between 2007 and 2016, the price of EpiPens surged by over 500%, creating significant financial barriers for individuals with severe allergies. For many, this price increase has led to the difficult decision of rationing or forgoing the purchase of the device altogether, which not only poses serious health risks but also exacerbates psychological distress. Individuals are often burdened with the anxiety of potential allergic reactions, compounded by the financial strain of securing the necessary medication. The core research question of my project examines how economic barriers to accessing EpiPens contribute to elevated stress and anxiety levels, particularly in individuals with severe allergies who depend on these devices for life-saving protection. By conducting surveys at allergy clinics, I aim to collect data from individuals directly impacted by the EpiPen pricing crisis. These surveys will assess their mental wellness in relation to the financial difficulties of healthcare, while also gathering demographic and income information to understand the broader socioeconomic implications.
Final post
Hi everyone! I’m excited to say that my research project has officially come to a close. This has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey, and I’ve learned so much—not just about EpiPen affordability and stress, but also about how to design and conduct meaningful research that can have a real-world impact. My final paper... Read More
Week 10 Updates
Hi everyone! As I conclude my AP Research project, I’ve gained valuable insight into the relationship between healthcare access and mental wellness. My research explored how the lack of affordable EpiPens affects individuals’ perceived stress and anxiety levels. Using a mixed-methods approach, I distributed a survey to 53 individuals in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area.... Read More
Week 9 Updates
This week, I shifted focus to synthesizing the qualitative feedback from my survey and using it to inform the direction of my research paper. I’ve been especially interested in the narratives people shared about how allergy care intersects with everyday life. These lived experiences are helping me shape a more human-centered angle in my analysis,... Read More
Week 8 Updates
Hi everyone! This week, I’ve been diving deeper into the trends emerging from my survey results and organizing the data to highlight the most significant financial challenges families face when accessing EpiPens. One of the most striking patterns I’ve found is that a majority of respondents have had to make financial sacrifices in other areas... Read More
Week 7 Updates
This week, I’ve been focusing on compiling and analyzing the results from my surveys to better understand how financial barriers impact access to EpiPens. As I go through the responses, I’m seeing a range of experiences that highlight just how difficult it can be for families to afford life-saving allergy medication. Many respondents have shared... Read More
Week 6 Updates
Hi everyone! This week, I’ve been looking into the inconsistencies in pharmacy pricing for EpiPens and how that affects accessibility. One surprising thing I’ve found is that the price of an EpiPen can vary widely depending on the pharmacy, even within the same city. Some pharmacies offer manufacturer discounts or generic alternatives at lower costs,... Read More
Week 5 Updates
Hi everyone, welcome to week 5 of my research project! As I continue my research into the financial burden of EpiPens, I’ve been investigating government assistance programs to see if they provide sufficient relief for families struggling with the high costs of epinephrine auto-injectors. Medicaid does cover EpiPens, but eligibility requirements vary by state, creating... Read More
Week 4 Updates
Welcome back everyone! This week, I’ve been diving into the complexities of insurance policies and how they impact the affordability of EpiPens. I initially thought insurance would make these life-saving devices accessible to most patients, but after researching different plans, I’ve realized that isn’t always the case. As part of my research, I’ve been analyzing... Read More
Week 3 Updates
Hi everyone! This week, I’ve focused on speaking directly with patients and staff at the allergy clinic to gain more insight into the emotional and financial burden of managing severe allergies. Rather than just observing, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in conversations with patients about their experiences accessing Epipens. Many have shared frustrations about... Read More
Week 2 Update
Hi everyone! This week, I’ve primarily been shadowing at my site placement in the allergy clinic, which has given me a much deeper understanding of how allergists interact with patients and how stress manifests in those managing severe allergies. Observing patient consultations has been especially insightful—I’ve noticed that many individuals, particularly parents of children with... Read More
Week 1 Update – Finalizing Surveys and Meeting with Professionals
Hi everyone! Welcome back to the first week of my research project. This week, I have been finalizing the surveys I plan to administer, ensuring they effectively capture the different aspects of stress that come with affording and accessing EpiPens. The surveys include questions on financial strain, emotional distress, and the impact on decision-making regarding... Read More
Introduction – The EpiPen Crisis
Hello everyone! My name is Saren, and my research focuses on the affordability of EpiPens and how it impacts individuals who rely on them. As someone with a personal connection to severe allergies, I’ve seen firsthand how the high cost of life-saving medication creates stress and anxiety for families. EpiPens aren’t just a convenience—they’re an... Read More