Digital Commons Network^™

Flow: An Ot-Based Yoga Program, Na'talia Orebeau, Keisa Boykin, Sadé Barnswell

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

At-risk youth are at risk for decreased mental wellness and occupational engagement. There are limited programs available from an occupational therapist standpoint for the population. Flow: An OT-Based Yoga Program focused on bridging this gap by providing a 10-week program focusing on emotional regulation skills, social skills, and occupational engagement.

Developing A Summer Enrichment Program For School-Aged Children: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Summer Experiences, Morgann Lonczak

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Participation in summertime experience for youth have become increasingly popular in most recent years. With the growth in summer experiences including summer camp participation, there is a need to determine the role of occupational therapy in this emerging practice area to best serve the community. A 16-week capstone experience was completed under the supervision of Great Strides Rehabilitation occupational therapy staff. The capstone project aimed to fill a gap in summertime experiences by designing and implementing an occupational therapy led enrichment program to achieve the best outcomes for children and youth. A six-week enrichment program was successfully developed, and two-weeks …

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Recovery High Schools For Adolescents With Substance Use Disorder And Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders, Taylor P. Buono

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Substance use is a public health crisis, and adolescents struggle the most with substance use disorder (SUD), which often persists into adulthood and even until midlife (Estreet & Privott, 2021; Mattila et al., 2022; Rothman & Jimenez, 2023; Volkow & Blanco, 2023). School performance is often affected by the adverse effects of drug and alcohol use among adolescents, and multiple risk factors for substance use occur in the school context, such as drug-using peers, availability of substances, and academic challenges (Finch et al., 2017). Recovery high schools (RHSs) are safe and supportive alternative educational environments that provide additional support not …

An Occupational Therapy Guide To Promoting Social And Emotional Health Among Youth In A Post Covid-19 Era, Alejandra Olvera, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a significant rise in mental health challenges among children and adolescents, impacting their daily performance and overall well-being. These psychosocial effects underscore an urgent need for comprehensive support from educators, parents, and communities to effectively address the increasing mental and behavioral health issues among young individuals.

The purpose of this project was to implement a program that would improve the social and emotional health of youth and adolescents, as well as to educate educators and parents. By fostering resilience and promoting mental well-being among youth and adolescents, the program's initiatives seek to mitigate the …

Digital Gaming And Exercise Among Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: Cross-Sectional Analysis Of Data From The Type 1 Diabetes Exercise Initiative Pediatric Study., Susana R. Patton, Robin L. Gal, Simon Bergford, Peter Calhoun, Mark A. Clements, Jennifer L. Sherr, Michael C. Riddell

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity and exercise are fundamental components of a healthy lifestyle for youth living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Yet, few youth living with T1D achieve the daily minimum recommended levels of physical activity. For all youth, regardless of their disease status, minutes of physical activity compete with other daily activities, including digital gaming. There is an emerging area of research exploring whether digital games could be displacing other physical activities and exercise among youth, though, to date, no studies have examined this question in the context of youth living with T1D.

OBJECTIVE: We examined characteristics of digital …

Investigating The Factors That Lead To Sports Related Injuries In Children, Kinjal Shah, Shawna Rotoli

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This project’s focus is to investigate if playing contact versus non-contact sports at a young age leads to more sports related injuries and to identify which factors correlate with increased injury rate in order to develop the most effective prevention and treatment methods. Data was collected through a survey including questions that delve deeper to quantify the amount of strain being put on the youth athlete’s body such as hours played a week, level of competitiveness, weeks played in a year, contact versus non-contact sport, and number of sports played. The following set of questions then addressed the actual injury …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Youth Depression Prevention Program In Improving Life Satisfaction, Roshani Patel, Steven M. Brunwasser, Alissa Hochman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, known as the global burden of disease. Incident cases from 1990 to 2017 have increased by 49.86%. Additionally, rates have been seen to dramatically rise in adolescents aged 18-25 (17%) compared to rates in individuals aged 10-14 (1.1%). This makes it beneficial to have prevention programs for middle school aged children. The Penn Resiliency Program (PRP) is a youth depression prevention program focused on cultivating healthy thinking styles and behavioral coping skills. In our study, we used archival data from a randomized control trial of PRP to evaluate whether the program led …

Promoting Life Skills Through An Occupation-Based Program For Youth In The Juvenile Justice System, Maggie L. Dejong

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Youth who have experienced trauma are at risk for negative developmental changes to their brain, which may lead to poor health outcomes, involvement in the juvenile justice system, and early death. This population may experience a lack of occupational engagement, decreased self-regulation strategies, and difficulty forming life skills that are necessary for carrying out everyday tasks. Having trauma-informed awareness in the contexts of these individuals is essential when providing care and meeting their needs. The doctoral capstone project aimed to promote life skills through an occupation-based program for youth in the juvenile justice system. Current literature supports the need for …

Occupational Therapy Services In Pediatric Mental Health, Hallie Jerome

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Children and youth experiencing mental health concerns often have limited or decreased engagement in meaningful occupations. Additionally, children and youth who experience mental health concerns at an early age are more likely to experience negative health outcomes such as poor occupational engagement, academic achievement, adverse childhood experiences (ACES), maltreatment/abuse/neglect, family and peer conflict/rejection, low self-esteem, early substance use, and many others impacting their overall health and well-being. My capstone project aimed to administer occupation-based interventions in a pediatric mental health program while I advance my skills working with an interdisciplinary team. The literature and needs assessment indicated a need for …

The Effect Of Using A Meal Tracking Smartphone Application In Overweight And Obese Adolescents With Prediabetes Or Type 2 Diabetes To Improve Bmi And Hba1c, Lauren Torhorst

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Obesity has become one of the most common chronic pediatric illnesses worldwide and is closely linked to the onset of prediabetes and subsequent Type 2 Diabetes (T2D); therefore, preventing and treating childhood obesity has become a high priority (Hampl et al., 2023). The purpose of this Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project is to lower Glycosylated Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) and Body Mass Index (BMI) in overweight and obese youth with prediabetes and T2D using a meal tracking smartphone application. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model (JHNEBP) was utilized to pilot this project between two pediatric endocrinology offices located in Southeast Wisconsin. …

How And Why Foster Care Impacts Maltreated Youths' School Performance, Mallory Constantine

Lincy Institute Events

Youth mistreated within the foster care system are more likely to miss school as compared to non-maltreated peers. A single report of child maltreatment has a rapid and negative effect on school attendance and causes serious, long-term effects on school performance. A report of maltreatment substantiated by the department of family and child services removes a youth from a foster home and places the child in an alternative setting. These disruptions in foster care often result in additional problems with school behavior, achievement, and attendance. This lecture will explore how disruptions in foster care affect school behavior and performance and …

Understanding The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Non-Suicidal Self-Injury In Youth: A Systematic Review, Meghana Mehendale, Mahnoor Yousif Shaikh, Sourav Sudan, Sadia Suhail Usamani, Prathima Guntipalli, Lara Ouellette, Anem Sajid Malik, Naila Siddiqi, Namrata Walia, Kaushal Shah, Fahimeh Saeed, Domenico De Berardis, Sheikh Shoib

Library Staff Publications

Objective: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), defined as a deliberate destruction of one’s own body without a suicidal intent, is a global public health issue. Adverse childhood events (ACEs) have been shown to be associated with various mental illnesses; however, to date the impact of such events on NSSI in youth has not been reviewed.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review, searched 5 databases for published articles evaluating ACE and NSSI in youth less than or equal to 21 years of age. After screening 247 articles, we included 21 unique articles in this systematic review.

Results: Increasing ACE score, physical, sexual or …

Informing Modifications To Social Participation And Navigation (Span) For Adolescents With Social Anxiety Incorporating Pet Dogs, Nicole Porter, Gary Bedell, Jason Getzler, Megan Mueller

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Social anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health challenges of adolescence and profoundly impacts social participation. This study obtained adolescent and parent feedback to inform a future modification of Social Navigation and Participation (SPAN) for use with adolescents with social anxiety incorporating pet dogs.

Methods: The study had two phases: Phase 1 included interviews with adolescents with social anxiety (n = 8) about their social participation experiences, strategies, pet dogs, and thoughts on a proposed intervention to promote social participation; and Phase 2 included on-line survey completed by the adolescents and their parents (n = 14) assessing …

Unlv Mental Health Initiatives: Unifying Through Innovation And Collaboration, The Lincy Institute, Unlv Practice, Behere Nv, Unlv Department Of Psychology

Lincy Institute Events

Nevada persistently ranks at or near the bottom in the country for overall access to mental health services despite the need (Mental Health America, 2015-2023). UNLV faculty are developing initiatives to change this unacceptable situation. The Lincy Institute, in partnership with UNLV PRACTICE, BeHERE Nevada, and researchers from the Department of Psychology, offered a community forum showcasing three mental health initiatives harnessing faculty collaboration and innovation to drive overdue changes in Nevada’s mental-health landscape. Following the presentations policymakers engaged in open discussion with UNLV presenters and the audience. The three main initiatives showcased in this forum …

Occupational Therapy Program Fostering The Development Of School Readiness Skills In Refugee Children, Grace Reminder

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)- Cleveland offers programming and services that help immigrants, refugees, and uprooted individuals transition to life within the United States. Refugee children face challenges with socialization, mental health, and experience a great deal of trauma and are unable to engage in meaningful activities. This paper aims to highlight programming that was created throughout a 14-week capstone experience at USCRI Cleveland that fostered the development of school readiness skills needed for pre- school aged refugee children and exposed them to new occupations and skill development, increased their quality of life, self-esteem and self-confidence

A Video Based Training Review, Sarah Kessel, Rachel Cyers, Alicia Johnson, Macky Juan, Malia Lafrance, Julia Zajac

Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement Projects

A Video Based Training Review

This project addresses the issue of homeless youth in Seattle by supporting those working with this population. Our intervention intends to provide staff with training materials to better support the homeless youth in Seattle. The agency that we are partnering with provides temporary housing for homeless youth and seeks to find permanent housing solutions. The purpose of our project is to help agency employees review and assess their knowledge on selected topics relevant to their initial training. This project compiles a collection of evidence-based training videos with knowledge competency quizzes to help strengthen understanding on …

Changes In Real-World Dispensing Of Adhd Stimulants In Youth From 2019 To 2021 In California, Anika Patel, Rishikesh Chavan, Cyril Rakovski, Richard C. Beuttler, Sun Yang

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common pediatric neurobehavioral disorders in the U.S. Stimulants, classified as controlled substances, are commonly used for ADHD management. We conducted an analysis of real-world stimulants dispensing data to evaluate the pandemic’s impact on young patients (≤ 26 years) in California.

Methods: Annual prevalence of patients on stimulants per capita across various California counties from 2019 and 2021 were analyzed and further compared across different years, sexes, and age groups. New patients initiating simulants therapy were also examined. A case study was conducted to determine the impact of socioeconomic status on patient …

Exploring The Neural Correlates Of Mindfulness-Based Interventions In Youth, Jovan Jande, Clara Zundel, Samantha Ely, Sneha Bhargava, Carmen Carpenter, Reem Tamimi, Leah Gowatch, Mackenna Shampine, Emilie-Clare O'Mara, Shravya Chanamolu, Hilary Marusak

Medical Student Research Symposium

Mindfulness based interventions (MBI) reduce the severity of anxiety and depression among a variety of populations. While the psychological benefits of MBIs are increasingly recognized, less is known about the underlying neural correlates—particularly during childhood and adolescence, a time when many psychopathologies begin to emerge. Here, we provide the first systematic review on the neural correlates of MBI in youth. We reviewed the PubMed database for original articles examining the neural correlates of MBI in youth (0-18 years) leveraging neuroimaging. The search yielded 331 studies, of which 13 were included in the review. These studies comprised 451 participants and were …

Vaccine Hesitancy Among Youth Living With Hiv In Detroit, Madeline B. Simone

Medical Student Research Symposium

Vaccine hesitancy among youth with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was evaluated to determine if the pandemic affected vaccine acceptance. A retrospective chart review was conducted to analyze vaccine rates over a five-year (pre-post COVID) in one university-based clinic. Results indicated a variation in acceptance rates between vaccines, with the MenACWY, MenB, tetanus, and HPV having the highest acceptance rates and COVID-19 and annual flu vaccine having the lowest acceptance rates. Vaccine hesitancy did not correlate with HIV treatment hesitancy nor with aversion to needles. Negative messaging around vaccines from a variety of sources appeared to be the primary factor in …

Understanding The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Non-Suicidal Self-Injury In Youth: A Systematic Review., Sadia Suhail Usmani, Meghana Mehendale, Mahnoor Yousif Shaikh, Sourav Sudan, Prathima Guntipalli, Lara Ouellette, Anem Sajid Malik, Naila Siddiqi, Namrata Walia, Kaushal Shah, Fahimeh Saeed, Domenico De Berardis, Sheikh Shoib

Library Staff Publications

OBJECTIVE: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), defined as a deliberate destruction of one's own body without a suicidal intent, is a global public health issue. Adverse childhood events (ACEs) have been shown to be associated with various mental illnesses; however, to date the impact of such events on NSSI in youth has not been reviewed.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review, searched 5 databases for published articles evaluating ACE and NSSI in youth less than or equal to 21 years of age. After screening 247 articles, we included 21 unique articles in this systematic review.

RESULTS: Increasing ACE score, physical, sexual or …

Assessing The Types Of Juvenile Detention Medical Issues: A Focus On Florida, De’Angelo Dean

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

The justice system for young people in the United States has been a source of worry as more people acknowledge the possible adverse outcomes of involvement in the justice system during adolescence. Involvement with law enforcement can lead to various difficulties for young people, such as heightened susceptibility to psychological problems, interruptions in their education, and reduced prospects for achievement in the future. Hence, it is crucial to understand the interplays between the health care for juveniles referred by courts or law enforcement for hospital care to identify opportunities for process and outcome improvements. The interaction between juveniles and the …

Challenges And Opportunities For Improving Access To Adolescent And Youth Sexual And Reproductive Health Services And Information In The Coastal Counties Of Kenya: A Qualitative Study., Evaline Chepchirchir Langat, Abdu Mohiddin, Flaura Kidere, Anisa Omar, Job Akuno, Violet Naanyu, Marleen Temmerman

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background: Globally, adolescents and youth experience high unmet need for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services. In Kenya, evidence shows that more than half of teenage pregnancies are unintended and that half of all new HIV infections occur in people ages 15-24-year-olds, with the majority of those being female. The coastal counties in Kenya record a relatively high adolescent pregnancy rate and higher rates of unmet need for contraception for all women of reproductive age compared to the national average. This study focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the existing challenges to and opportunities for accessing SRH …

A34: Factors To Indicate Overweight For Youth From 5-11-Year-Old: Data Mining Tree Regression Application, Danji Lu, Yuanlong Liu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Purpose: According to the World Health Organization, obesity has nearly tripled since 1975 in the U.S. (Obesity, n.d.). Considerable research was done to find reasons to deal with obesity. In last 10 year’s obesity related research, the major focuses were metabolic syndrome, physical activity, and eating disorder. In this study, two subsets of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2014 NHANES) were used to test what variables were critical to indicate overweight of youth from 5- to 11-year-old. Dietary subset reflected nutrients obtained from foods, beverages, and water. Physical activity subset based on the Global Physical Activity …

Examining Immune Markers As Determinants Of Cognitive Difficulties Among Perinatally Infected Youth With Hiv, Addie Halbrook, Jacob Bolzenius, Julie Mannarino, Robert Paul

Undergraduate Research Symposium

This research explores the relationship between immune markers and cognitive performance in perinatally HIV-infected youth. While the use of antiretroviral therapy has greatly improved the mortality rate among children with perinatal HIV, these children still experience various health consequences, including cognitive difficulties. Previous studies have reported that children with perinatal HIV have worse cognitive performance in domains of learning, memory, processing speed, executive function, and motor function when compared to their HIV-uninfected peers. However, there is substantial heterogeneity in cognitive performance reported across studies, possibly due to significant heterogeneity in psychosocial and demographic backgrounds. This study aims to investigate whether …

Improving Parental Communication With Adolescents About Sex, Amanda Blanton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

In 2018, 68 million people in the United States were infected with a sexually transmitted infection. Of those 68 million, 26 million cases were newly diagnosed, and of that 26 million, half were youth aged 15-24 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022a). The approaches to educating our youth about sexual health are inconsistent, leading to misconceptions about the dangers associated with risky sexual behavior. However, parents have the upper hand in discussing sexual health information with their children by being the child’s first contact and source of information. Teens who report talking with their parents about sex are …

Teachers' Perception On Physical Activity Promotion In Kindergarten Children In China: A Qualitative Study Connecting Social Ecological Model, Yahan Liang, Fangyuan Ju, Yueran Hao, Jia Yang, Yang Liu

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Background

Globally, the majority of kindergarten-aged children face obesity issues and insufficient physical activity (PA) engagement. Regular PA participation can provide various health benefits, including obesity reduction, for kindergarten-aged children. However, limited studies have investigated the factors influencing kindergarten-aged children's PA engagement from the perspective of their teachers. This qualitative study aimed to identify factors that could help promote PA among kindergarten-aged children from teachers' perspectives, including facilitators, barriers, and teachers' recommendations.

Methods

Fifteen kindergarten teachers (age range: 28-50 years; mean age: 38.53 years) with teaching experience ranging from 2 to 31 years (mean: 16.27 years) were recruited from Shanghai …

Assessment Of Interest In A Virtual Avatar-Based Nutrition Education Program Among Youth-Serving Community Partners, Basheerah Enahora, Gina L. Tripicchio, Regis Kopper, Omari L. Dyson, Jeffrey Labban, Lenka H. Shriver, Lauren A. Haldeman, Christopher K. Rhea, Jared T. Mcguirt

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Objective

Examine the appeal of a virtual avatar-led nutrition education program among youth-serving community partners in North Carolina.

Methods

We surveyed community partners using the Diffusion of Innovation Theory constructs of relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity. Logistic regression evaluated the appeal and likelihood of the program's future use.

Results

Community partners (n = 100) agreed that the program was an innovative (87%) and convenient (85%) way for youth and parents to learn about nutrition. Partners who perceived the program as a relative advantage to current programs had significantly higher odds of future use intention (P = 0.005). Those who found …

A Picture Of Spirituality In Youth Living With Bipolar Disorder, Michelle S. Solomon

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

There is a paucity of literature concerning how youth living with bipolar disorder understand and experience spirituality. The management of bipolar disorder through psychosocial interventions such as spirituality is critical due to the chronic and complex nature of the illness and the fact that pharmacotherapy has not been found to fully restore mood and quality of life (Michalak et al., 2016; Miller et al., 2014; Sanchez-Moreno et al., 2009; Stroppa & Moreira-Almeida, 2013). Spirituality has been defined as being concerned with the ultimate questions in life; the meaning in life that a person gains in relation to something bigger than …

Effects Of A Preventive Mental Health Curriculum Embedded Into A Scholarly Gaming Course On Adolescent Self-Esteem: Prospective Matched Pairs Experiment., Christopher Jenson, Sharon Fitzgerald Wolff, Libby Milkovich

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Positive self-esteem predicts happiness and well-being and serves as a protective factor for favorable mental health. Scholarly gaming within the school setting may serve as a channel to deliver a mental health curriculum designed to improve self-esteem.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the impact of a scholarly gaming curriculum with and without an embedded preventive mental health curriculum, Mental Health Moments (MHM), on adolescents' self-esteem.

METHODS: The scholarly gaming curriculum and MHM were developed by 3 educators and a school-based health intervention expert. The scholarly gaming curriculum aligned with academic guidelines from the International Society for Technology Education, …

Substance Use Patterns Among High School Students - A Replication Study Of The 2020 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Haley Irons

Capstone Experience

The study selected for replication is “Prescription Opioid Misuse and Use of Alcohol and Other Substances Among High School Students” by Christopher Jones and colleagues published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Supplement in August 2020. The original report used data from the Centers for Disease Control’s 2009-2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), which is a cross-sectional survey administered every two years to a sample of public- and private-school students in 9th–12th grade in the United States. Researchers from the original report aimed to use the 2009-2019 YRBS data to examine substance use among high school students, characterize the …