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Improving An Outpatient Diabetes Program Telephone Follow-Up Process: Evaluating Its Impact On Glycosylated Hemoglobin Levels, Joan B. Niemczewski

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Telephone follow-up for diabetes self-management is used to facilitate ongoing support for individuals striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With the use of telephone follow-up after Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME), key concepts can be emphasized and goal reinforcement can occur. When successfully managed, improved glycemic control occurs, as evidenced by reductions in glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) levels. A review of the literature surrounding this topic and description of a capstone scholarly project utilizing findings from the literature to create an evidence-based telephone follow-up pilot study are included. Findings from this study did not reveal statistically significant reductions in A1C levels with …

Assessing Quality Outcomes In A Behavioral Oncology Program: Capstone Project, Elizabeth M. Archer-Nanda

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

The landscape of cancer care has changed dramatically over the past several decades. An illness that was once often fatal, now represents both an acute life threatening illness and a chronic condition. While there have been tremendous advancements in the treatment of the physiological aspects of cancer, management of related psychosocial and emotional issues have not seen this same progress. Limited information exists related to both the evaluation and outcome metrics associated with the screening and management of psychiatric sequelae after referral to specialized psychiatric services in cancer patient populations. This capstone project focused on (a) implementation of consistent use …

Comparison Between Two Methodological Paradigms Of Conditioned Place Preference With Methlyphenidate., Bryce D. Watson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The aim of this thesis is to examine the mechanisms of Methylphenidate (MPH) on Conditioned Place Preference (CPP), a behavioral test of reward. The psychostimulant MPH is therapeutically used in the treatment of ADHD, but has been implicated in many pharmacological actions related to drug addiction and is considered to have abuse potential. Past work in our lab and others have shown substantial sex-differences in the neuropharmacological profile of MPH. Here a discussion of the relevant mechanisms of action of MPH and its relationship to neurotrophins and CPP are reviewed. Furthermore, previous work is reviewed and a rationale for two …

Hand Hygiene Perceptions Of Student Nurses., Brittany Berger

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Compliance with hand hygiene is widely recognized as the most important factor in preventing transmission of infection to patients in healthcare settings (Haas and Larson, 2007). Hand hygiene dramatically decreases the potential pathogens on hands and is considered the first measure for decreasing the risk of transmitting organisms to patients, healthcare professionals, and family members. Noncompliance with hand hygiene practices has been shown to increase healthcare-associated infections, costing hospitals $35.7-$45 billion each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2012). Education about hand hygiene starts in school and should transfer into the real world of nursing. The purpose of …

Surveys Of Women With Hpv And Their Healthcare Experiences., Danielle Defayette

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Genital human papillomavirus infection is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States, with almost 20 million Americans currently infected and an additional 6.2 million becoming newly infected each year. Women rely strongly on their health care providers to educate and comfort them regarding this distressing diagnosis. This study will use an online, self-completion questionnaire to obtain women’s opinions regarding their health care providers’ performances concerning the initial consultation after learning of their HPV diagnosis. Findings from this study provided insight as to how women prefer receiving information from their health care providers concerning their diagnosis of HPV. …

Effects Of Wii Fit™ Plus Cardiovascular Exercises On Cognitive Function In Older Adults: Feasibility Study., Ifeanyichukwu Chinedozi

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Cognitive decline increasingly plague older adults. Although various studies have correlated aerobic exercises with decreased incidence of the development and progression of cognitive deterioration in older adults, there is no evidence as to whether or not the Wii Fit Plus Rhythm Kung-Fu, Hula-Hoop and the Wii Just Dance can improve the cognitive function of older adults as measured by the Standardized Mini Mental State Examination (SMMSE) instrument. A descriptive study design was used to explore the feasibility of implementing an aerobic exercise program for older adults in an assisted living facility using these Wii games, and evaluating whether or not …

Impact Of Oxidative Stress On Female Fertility., Tasha Harris

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study examined nutritional status and fecundity of women and was approved for patient enrollment by the ETSU Institutional Review Board (IRB). Once enrolled, participants filled out two food frequency questionnaires (FFQ, fruit/vegetable intake, fat intake), self-reported anthropometric data, and had one 5 mL vacutainer of whole blood (EDTA) collected for measures of oxidative stress (OS), coenzyme Q10 level, and fatty acid profile of the red blood cell (RBC) membrane. Participants were either designated to the case group (13 women experiencing fertility problems and an anti-mullerian hormone level of 1 ng/ml or less (AMH, <1 ng/mL)) or the control group (13 women experiencing normal ovulation cycles and no evidence of polycystic disease). This study hypothesized that the case group would have poorer plasma antioxidant status, consume more dietary saturated fat and have lower levels of omega-3 and higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids in the RBC membrane. Results showed that case participants had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) when graduating from high school, BMI upon enrollment in the study, and trended to gain more weight since high school. Antioxidant status of the plasma tended to be higher for the case group. This result was surprising as case participants consumed significantly fewer servings of fruits and vegetables (sources of antioxidants) than control subjects. FFQ results indicated that case participants consumed significantly higher amounts of total fat (g), saturated fat (g), unsaturated fat (g), and their diets had a higher dietary fat percent. No significant differences were noted in the individual fatty acids isolated from the RBC membrane or in calculated ratios of fatty acid between case and control groups. The fatty acid profile from RBC membranes are in agreement with self-reported fat intake from FFQ data and may provide a rationale for no differences observed between the two groups.

The Impact Of Intrauterine Exposure To Gestational Diabetes Mellitus On Early Childhood Body Mass Index Trajectories, Aniq Anam

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Background: Although gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been linked to pediatric obesity, there is limited research on the impact of intrauterine exposure to GDM on trajectories of childhood growth. Objective: To assess the effect of prenatal GDM exposure on childhood body mass index (BMI) trajectories. Design: Analyses were conducted using data from cycles 2 to 6 (1994-2004; N=3412 children) of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth. Latent growth curve modelling (LGCM) was used to model BMI trajectories from age 2 to 10 years with prenatal exposure to GDM as a predictor. Effect modification by breastfeeding was assessed. Results: …

Mitigating Risk Factors For Disease Progression In Patients With Varus Gonarthrosis, Angelo Boulougouris

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Its growing burden is related to an aging population, obesity and physical inactivity. The progression of knee OA involves both biomechanical and systemic mechanisms. Known risk factors that might be altered through interventions include lower limb alignment, the distribution of loads across the knee during walking, body composition and muscular strength. The overall purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the effects of multi-modal, rehabilitative and surgical interventions that target different risk factors for disease progression in patients with medial compartment knee OA and varus mal-alignment (varus gonarthrosis). The thesis …

Innovative Approach To New Nurse Residency, Meaningful Use And Health Care Reform, Pamela V. Stanley

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

The project’s aim was to examine the financial impact of replacing registered nurse (RN) travelers, RN registry and RN overtime with new graduate RNs. Newly graduated RNs are often viewed by hospital administrators as a more costly staffing resource. This project contributes knowledge regarding the potential cost savings with the utilization of a centralized float pool incorporating new graduates. In addition, it contributes a novel idea for reducing organizational costs of implementing an electronic medical record with the utilization of new graduates as super users.

A new graduate program, which incorporated the use of a formal preceptor and mentoring program, …

Factors Influencing Youth Self-Perceptions Of Overweight And Obesity, Caitlin Helen Sommers

Dissertations and Theses

This study sought to examine whether participation in physical activity affects the ability to correctly classify body size, based on body mass index classifications. Secondarily, this study determined whether adolescents who incorrectly classified their body size overestimated or underestimated their size. Self-report data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were analyzed. Logistic regression was performed to examine relationships between self-perception of body size and physical activity, television viewing time, computer/video game use, physical education class time, and extracurricular sports activities. Significance was set to p<0.05. Physical activity was the only statistically significant independent variable (p=0.058, OR = 1.060). Although physical activity was shown to be statistically significant, it did not appear to meaningfully increase the ability of youth to correctly classify body size. Secondary analysis showed that adolescents who incorrectly classified their body size were more likely to underestimate their body size. Females more frequently underestimated their body size (females=673; males=384).

How Age Friendly Is This City? Strategies For Assessing Age-Friendliness, Michelle Dellamora

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The Age-Friendly Cities framework, created by the World Health Organization (WHO), has emerged as a community-based response to the challenges of demographic aging and increasing urbanization. In 2010, London, Ontario, became the first city in Canada to join the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Communities. Network milestones require the measurement of the baseline age-friendliness of the community. The objectives of this thesis are: 1. Determine the best available assessment tools for measuring the age-friendliness of a community, and 2. Establish the baseline age-friendliness of London, Ontario. A scoping review was utilized to collect and assess available surveys and questionnaires. A …

Are Health Care Providers Following Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines For The Screening, Diagnosis And Treatment Of Childhood Obesity?, Cara Harris, Thu Tran

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if preteens and adults are screened and given the diphtheria toxoid and acelluar pertussis vaccine.

Healthcare Provider Adherence To Asthma Education Guidelines, Jill Lyle, Misti Garnett, Lisa Hayes

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this project was to compare the care provided to congestive heart failure patients by three different provider types. The providers chosen were a cardiologist, a family physician and a nurse practitioner. The researchers used guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.

Adherence To Guidelines For The Screening And Treatment Of Vitamin D Deficiency In Elderly Patients, Kelly Massey, Rebekah Overstreet, Franklin Golden

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if health care providers are educating adult asthma patients according to the NHLBI guidelines.

Primary Care Management Of Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Dyslipidemia According To Ncep Atp Iii Guidelines, Alyssa Simmons, Mary Williams

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate healthcare providers compliance with the guidelines established by The Endocrine Society regarding Vitamin D.

Tetanus, Diphtheria, And Pertussis Screening And Pertussis Prevention Throughout The Age Span, Lacey Gullick, Kevin Miller

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the number (percentage) of boys, ages 9-21, who were educated on or who received the HPV vaccine at their local community clinic.

Healthcare Provider's Adherence To The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention's Guidelines Regarding The Human Papillomavirus Vaccine In Males, Lacey Gullick, Kevin Miller

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the number (percentage) of boys, ages 9-21, who were educated on or who received the HPV vaccine at their local community clinic.

Managing Congestive Heart Failure : A Study Comparing The Management Provided By A Cardiologist, Family Physician And Nurse Practitioner, Jill Lyle, Misti Garnett, Lisa Hayes

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this project was to compare the care provided to congestive heart failure patients by three different provider types. The providers chosen were a cardiologist, a family physician and a nurse practitioner. The researchers used guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.

Healthcare Provider Adherence To Asthma Education Guidelines, Kelly Massey, Rebekah Overstreet, Franklin Golden

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if health care providers are educating adult asthma patients according to the NHLBI guidelines.

Adherence To Guidelines For The Screening And Treatment Of Vitamin D Deficiency In Elderly Patients, Alyssa Simmons, Mary Williams

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate healthcare providers compliance with the guidelines established by The Endocrine Society regarding Vitamin D.

Tetanus, Diphtheria, And Pertussis Screening And Pertussis Prevention Throughout The Age Span, Cara Harris, Thu Tran

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if preteens and adults are screened and given the diphtheria toxoid and acelluar pertussis vaccine.

Factors Mediating Disruptive Behaviors In A Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Marylois Lacey

Dissertations

. Disruptive behaviors are often related to care giving situations in which the patient wants something that is not possible, refuses to participate in what is required, demands instant gratification, or demands immediate emotional support. In response to the patients’ demands and actions, health care providers use limit setting, activity demand, and denial of request. This study sought to answer the following questions: (a) Are code greens associated with symptoms of a medical and/or psychiatric diagnosis, denial of request, limit setting, and activity demand? (b) Are activity demand, denial of request, and limit setting more likely to be associated with …

Children At-Risk For Hearing Impairment: A Retrospective Study Of The Ontario Infant Hearing Program Population, Katherine M. Smith

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

There is widespread agreement that infant hearing screening programs are effective but such programs may fail to detect all hearing impairment and children can develop subsequent hearing loss after passing the initial screen. This is the core rationale for surveillance programs that are analyzed in this thesis. Infants with hearing risk factors are followed using surveillance programs that include monitoring by audiological assessment.

The study population in this thesis consists of 2,390 children with normal hearing and 248 children with hearing impairment from different referral routes. The Infant Hearing Program Surveillance group is 1.48% of the number of hearing-impaired children. …

Resilience As Health Promotion In Action: University Students Who Grew Up Amid Violence Directed Towards Their Mothers, Tatiana Murkin (Zdyb)

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Abstract

Violence against women is among the greatest threats to the health of our population. An estimated three hundred and sixty thousand children in Canada, and over two million worldwide are exposed to violence in their homes (UNICEF, 2006). Growing up amidst such violence seriously compromises children’s capacities for healthy development. Violence against women is not limited by culture, geography or socioeconomic status. It constitutes one of the most pervasive and yet least openly discussed human rights violations and public health issues known today.

Researchers and allied health professionals generally agree that children whose development has been interfered with by …

An Exploration Of Early Childhood Education Students' Knowledge And Preparation To Facilitate Physical Activity For Preschoolers, Olivia Martyniuk

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Early childhood educators play an important role in influencing preschoolers’ physical activity levels. The current study sought to explore Early Childhood Education (ECE) students’ physical activity (PA)-related knowledge and educational experience. A total of 1,113 ECE students from 20 Ontario Colleges completed the study survey (online or on paper), which examined students’ PA course content; awareness of PA guidelines; understanding of health-related benefits of PA; self-efficacy to facilitate PA for preschoolers; as well as PA resource needs. Survey results identified that 72.1% of ECE students had not completed any PA/physical education specific courses, while only 28.7% were familiar with, and …

An Exploration Of Threatened Harm As A Type Of Maltreatment And Its Relation To Recurrence Of Maltreatment, Roxann Mcneish

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

There were no studies found in the literature that primarily focused on threatened harm as type of maltreatment. This study utilized Florida's child welfare administrative data to explore threatened harm as a type of maltreatment, particularly as a predictor of recurrence of maltreatment within six and 12 months for children who had a verified report of maltreatment in FY2005-2006. Threatened harm was examined in three ways; when it was reported as the only maltreatment, the initial maltreatment, and in situations where there was a prior report. The most prevalent acts of threatened harm were examined separately. It was examined as …

A Pilot Study To Investigate Concerns In Patients Undergoing Neck Dissection Surgery, Daniel Sundar Raj Arulananda Doss

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Abstract:

This study investigates concerns in patients undergoing neck dissection surgery. Forty patients were recruited at Pre-surgery, Discharge and 1-month Post-surgery. The Patient Concerns Inventory - Level of Importance questionnaire (PCI-LOI), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Neck Dissection Impairment Index (NDII) and the University of Washington - Quality of Life questionnaire (UWQOL) were used.

The study identified "Anxiety" at Pre-surgery and "Appearance" at Discharge and 1-month Post-surgery as the important patient concerns. Patients’ concerns were found to change over time. Support for cross-sectional convergent validity of the PCI-LOI was evidenced by significant correlations between the PCI-LOI and the UWQOL …

Exploring Factors That Influence The Choice To Retire From Driving In Older Adults, Debra J. Jenkins

Theses and Dissertations

No

Primary Care Management Of Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Dyslipidemia According To Ncep Atp Iii Guidelines, Kate Totty, Nancy Grissom, Shannon Weathers

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to identify patient care practices of primary care providers in the monitoring and management of dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes according to the third report of the National Cholesterol Education program Adult Treatment Panel. The study presented here was a retrospective chart review of 300 charts completed in three primary care clinics in a southeastern state.