Barriers To Gluten-Free Diet Adherence And How They Relate To Quality Of Life And Self-Efficacy In College Students With Celiac Disease, Caitlin Elizabeth Wall

Master's Theses

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic, autoimmune disorder with an increasing global prevalence. As the only current treatment is a strict gluten-free diet (GFD), adherence is imperative to maintain optimal health in individuals with the disease. There are many potential barriers to GFD adherence, including social, mental, and financial difficulties. College also presents a unique set of challenges for students with CD that may not be experienced by those without the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential barriers to GFD adherence experienced by college students with celiac disease in the United States. This study also …

An Integrated Review: Outpatient Care And Management Of Fever And Neutropenia Among The Pediatric Oncology Population, Sarkis Makarovich

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

Abstract

In the pediatric population, comprehensive cancer treatment and its associated side effects significantly impact their physical and emotional well-being. Though chemotherapy drugs are valuable agents against cancer cells, they also damage healthy dividing cells, such as bone marrow, thus weakening the immune system. Febrile neutropenia (FN) and associated infections remain the most critical complications of the extensive chemotherapy regimen and can threaten life if not appropriately addressed. Appropriate primary evaluation and treatment of FN in children with cancer includes administering proper broad-spectrum antibiotics. Ongoing research has focused on improving quality of life (QoL); yet, FN has persisted as the …

Integrating Health-Related Quality Of Life And Evidence-Based Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Management: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Kami Beveridge Wast

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, characterized by symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and metabolic issues (Fatemeh et al., 2021). Despite its prevalence, the management of PCOS remains challenging due to its manifestations and impact on quality of life. Current treatment paradigms often fail to adequately address the comprehensive needs of this patient population, highlighting a substantial gap in care.

Utilizing the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology, this quality improvement (QI) project aimed to enhance the management of PCOS and improve the quality of life for patients in a …

Improving Quality Of Life In Menopausal Women Through A Best Practice Protocol: The Use Of Hormone Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Module And Exercise, Claire Czerwonka

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Menopause is a normal process of aging, but many of the symptoms negatively impact women’s day-to-day quality of life (QOL), as well as activities of daily living, physical and mental health (ACOG, 2014). Generally, systemic estrogen hormone therapy is indicated for menopause-related vasomotor symptoms, but there is no research further addressing QOL issues or lifestyle management in addition to hormone therapy. The purpose of this evidence-base practice (EBP) project was to implement a menopause protocol to address QOL issues in menopausal women with the use of hormone replacement therapy, education through an online mindfulness module, and the use of exercise. …

Beyond Rehabilitation: Exploring The Field Of Occupational Therapy And The Transformative Impact Of Care, Sierra C. Fox

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

As a profession that implements unique approaches to empower people of all ages and abilities to actively participate in activities that are meaningful to them, occupational therapy is an essential service for providing holistic healthcare (Darawsheh, 2018). As an undergraduate approaching graduation, the process for applying to graduate school programs has finally begun, and it has become obvious the lack of public knowledge there is regarding the profession. Even among other healthcare professionals, there is often an inadequate understanding of the field, which can be problematic and result in patients not being referred to receive the services that may benefit …

Quality Of Life And Well-Being Of Breast Cancer Patients While Following A Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Surveillance Protocol, Madisen L. Prasek

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

With breast cancer being one of the most common cancers in women globally and treatments being one of the greatest risk factors for secondary lymphedema (Eaton et al., 2020; He et al., 2023; Jørgensen et al., 2021), it is essential to understand how a breast cancer diagnosis and treatments affect an individual’s quality of life (QoL) and well-being. This capstone project aimed to gain in-depth clinical skills in lymphedema care, specifically in breast-care related lymphedema (BCRL), and educate on the psychosocial needs of the breast cancer population, with an emphasis on how being at risk for or diagnosed with BCRL …

Association Of Psychological Quality Of Life Scores And Adverse Experiences In Stop2 Multi-Center Clinical Trial, Blessed Mbogo

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

Background: Prior research has observed the relationship between psychological stressors and onset of chronic diseases as well as increased severity. This begs the question of whether psychometric qualities in Health-Related Quality of Life instruments can preliminarily predict participant risk of pathology or adverse events (AE) in clinical trials. Specifically, in studies of cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs due to mucus accumulation. Methods: The study design was an ancillary analysis of a clinical trial (STOP-2) examining duration of intravenous antimicrobial treatment for pulmonary exacerbations in CF (n=908). Demographic characteristics, genotype, clinical …

”To Be Or Not To Be – It’S Good”: Actor And Student Experiences In A Drama Club For People With Aphasia, Jade K. Hannan

Senior Theses

Individuals with aphasia, a disorder caused by damage to the brain’s language network, confront a variety of social and emotional struggles. While leaving their cognition largely intact, aphasia tremendously impacts a person’s ability to communicate confidently, fracturing their social network and contributing to feelings of loneliness and frustration. To address this persistent need in the chronic aphasia population, the Play on Words drama club at the University of South Carolina provides a forum for people with aphasia (PWA) to engage in dramatic exercises focused on non-verbal communication of emotions, ideas, and stories, culminating the production of an original devised play. …

Physical And Mental Health Benefits Of An Intergenerational Yoga Intervention On Individuals And Communities, Crystal Rose Mckinney

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Intergenerational health programming has been shown to elicit positive physical, mental, psychological and social health benefits of all participants due to the educational impact and social engagement of synchronized movement and understanding of other generations. Research continues to show the efficacy of yoga in mind - body - spirit - connection health benefits and is accessible to bodies across the lifespan. People of all ages can benefit from an intergenerational yoga program, particularly in a rural location where there are less opportunities for physical activity participation. The purpose of this project is to apply for Humboldt Area Foundation + Wild …

Self-Care And Quality Of Life Of Remotely Monitored Appalachians With Heart Failure, Patrick Rexrode Murphy

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

ABSTRACT

Self-Care and Quality of Life of Remotely Monitored Appalachians with Heart Failure

Patrick R. Murphy

Background: About 6.2 million persons are living with heart failure in the United States and over 960,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. The cost to provide care to this population exceeds $30 billion per year. Rates of heart failure are higher in the Appalachian region where persons are more likely to experience poverty, lack resources, and be geographically isolated. Heart failure coupled with these unique challenges can negatively impact self-care and quality of life. Numerous interventions have been attempted to support this population, but …

The Impact Of Boxing Exercise On The Quality Of Life In People Living With Parkinson's Disease, Jen Baker

Master of Science in Nursing Final Projects

This integrative review aimed to explore the effects of boxing exercises on the quality of life (QOL) of people with Parkinson’s Disease (PwP). Boxing exercise programs are popular in the Parkinson’s Disease (PD) community. Decreasing motor symptoms tends to be a primary focus in exercise and PwP. However, non-motor symptoms are a side effect of PD that varies amongst individuals and can impact QOL. Understanding the effects of boxing, especially on non-motor QOL, can support practitioners when prescribing specific exercise modalities for PwP. An integrative review with the search of PUBMED, CINAHL, and MEDLINE was performed, and the methodology of …

Lvad Therapy Versus Medical Management In Heart Failure: An Integrative Review, Megan Cherry, Sandi Coker

Master of Science in Nursing Final Projects

Background: Advancements in technology have increased management options for heart failure (HF) patients. Options include guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy, and/or heart transplant. Due to resource allocations, the most accessible options for many HF patients include GDMT and LVAD therapy. Authors of this integrative review (IR) sought to examine quality of life (QOL) and hospitalization rate outcomes among patients receiving GDMT versus LVAD therapy.

Methods: 417 articles were screened across multiple databases (CINAHL, Medline, ProQuest, Ovid, PubMed) for inclusion into the integrative review based on inclusion criteria: published within five years, peer-reviewed, written in English, …

Parents’ Emotional And Psychological Perspective Of Caring Children With Oncological Disorders: A Descriptive Qualitative Study, Ambreen Navroz Ali Salyani

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Childhood cancer has a profound effect on the emotional and psychological well-being of parents, yet often their own psychological health is overlooked as the primary focus while treating the child. These parents silently suffer from psychological distress while caring for their children. They use their own coping strategies to overcome the situation. However, limited studies have been carried out in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) regarding parents’ emotional and psychological perspectives of caring their children with oncological disorder.
Purpose: The objective of this study was to explore the psychological perspectives that parents of children with cancer diagnosis, treatment, social …

Targeting Loneliness In Older Adults With Weekly Socialization, Tanja Johnson

Dissertations

Problem: Loneliness related to social isolation among the older adult population has become an increasing health concern with few interventions available for the general population. Loneliness has been directly associated with depression, poorer physical health outcomes, and overall quality of life.

Methods: The purpose of this study is to evaluate loneliness in the older adult population residing in a senior living community in an urban area in Missouri. Weekly one-on-one socialization, ranging from 45-60 minutes, will be implemented over 6 weeks, with pre and post-intervention screening for loneliness with the 28-item Visit-A-Bit (VAB) screening tool. Approval was received by both …

The Influence Of Psychosocial Factors On Opioid Decision-Making For Cancer-Related Pain Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Mixed Method Study, Melody Nichole Chavez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequently reported malignancy among women in the United States. Cancer-related pain is highly prevalent occurrence and is often the most fearful side effect following curative intent treatment. Opioid pain management is considered a standard of care and can be of great benefit to treat moderate to severe pain. However, undertreatment of pain remains a significant issue affecting the patient’s physical function, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life. Barriers to adequate pain management are multifactorial and often attributed to patients’ beliefs and attitudes revolving around opioid pain management. In addition, the opioid epidemic has …

The Caregiver Of The Child With Cerebral Palsy: The Unnoticed Victim, Taylor Tusinski

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to better understand the overall quality of life (QoL) in the primary caregiver who provides care to the child or adolescent, aged 0-17 with mild, moderate, or severe Cerebral Palsy (CP). This study aligned with a nonexperimental or observational design and examined the severity level of CP and the QoL in the mother and/or father.

For research question 1, regression results indicated that the overall model did not significantly predict the mother’s and father’s QoL [R² = .000, R² _adj = -.012, F(1,80) = .003, p = .957]. Regression results indicated that …

Ovarian Cancer Survivorship Checklist, Emily Lott

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: The cancer survivorship population has been growing significantly in the last few years due to advancements in treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted medications and other types of chemotherapy. However, these survivors can have lifelong symptom burdens due to their diagnoses and adverse effects of their curative therapies. Symptoms are not always physical and can include emotional distress. Ovarian cancer patients in particular tend to have symptom complications because of their disease process. Symptoms include pain, constipation, neuropathy and fatigue. Ovarian cancer patients also experience a high level of cancer relapses. Early detection is key in cancer recurrences for patients …

Black American Men's Resiliency And Persistence To Grow Old: A Midwest Qualitative Study, Kimberly Ann Walker

Theses and Dissertations

AbstractAs Black American men continue to experience the highest premature morbidity and mortality, few studies have centered on the intersection of class (low-income) and race (middle-aged and older Black men) with multiple morbidity from a critical race approach in the Midwest region of the U.S. Middle-aged Black men have 31% higher death rate than their White counterparts. A qualitative study was conducted by a community health nurse in the spring of 2021 in a metropolitan city. Thirty-one, low-income Black American men were interviewed focusing on their understanding and perceptions of their complex comorbidities, symptom management for quality of life, short …

Symptom Experience Of Patients With Advanced Melanoma Undergoing Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy, Natalie Jackson-Carroll

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are novel therapeutic agents utilized in the management of advanced melanoma. Though generally well-tolerated, patients receiving ICIs experience treatment-related toxicities at varying onset and intensity. Assessment and evaluation of these toxicities and their impact on a quality of life is essential to comprehensive cancer care. Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) contribute vital data to a clinical assessment, supporting clinicians in their ability to improve outcomes. To date, there is no melanoma-specific or ICI-specific PRO measure of symptom burden available.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the symptom experience from the patient's perspective and how …

Managing Menopausal Symptoms Through Exercise And Dietary Changes, Ae Rah Kang

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: The most critical aging stage for women is the menopausal transition period, which causes various symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleeping disturbance, and mood swings that lower women's quality of life. Menopausal symptoms that are not managed can exacerbate severe medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, bone illnesses, neurological diseases, and psychosocial problems. As the first non-pharmacological treatment for menopausal syndrome, several studies have shown that regular exercise and diet control can potentially improve menopausal symptoms and the quality of life.

Purpose: This project aimed to examine the effect of improving the quality of life by reducing …

The Benefits Of Art Therapy On Stress And Anxiety Of Oncology Patients During Treatment, Helen Shiepe

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Within the last ten years research on art therapy and its positive impact on oncology patients’ stress and anxiety during treatment has been minimal. Oncology patients whether they are children or adults when diagnosed experience similar reactions due to their diagnosis, treatment, and in some cases end of life care. The current question is whether or not art therapy does have a positive impact on decreasing the stress and anxiety with oncology patients while undergoing treatment. Deane, Fitch & Carmen (2000), discussed art therapy as a healing art that is “intended to integrate physical, emotional, and spiritual care by facilitating …

Interventions That Address Quality Of Life For Those Transitioning To Long Term Care, Sharan Bhander, Michaela Mikulis, Kiana Serrao, Laice Valera

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

This research was proposed by community collaborator Lauren Gilliland, OTR/L, the director of occupational therapy at the Villages, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, in central Florida. Gilliland was interested in adding new interventions to her current practice, especially with older adults affected by transitioning to a long term care facility, who experience a shift of daily roles, routines, and identity that may impact their quality of life. The focus of this evidence-based project was to explore current literature of occupational therapy interventions aiming to improve quality of life for older adults, specifically transitioning into long term care facilities. The …

Quality Of Life Among Caregivers Of Individuals With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome And Intellectual Disability, Sandra Garza Ochoa

Theses and Dissertations

Caregiving for a person with 22q11.2 chromosome deletion syndrome (22q) often entails dealing with medically life-threatening complications and is significantly compounded when the care recipient has comorbid 22q and intellectual disability (ID). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of support, spirituality, and resiliency on the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of individuals with comorbid 22q/ID to ascertain if these protective factors would reduce their caregiving burden. Study participants consisted of 469 caregivers of persons with 22q/ID who were recruited through 22q social advocacy groups. Correlational analyses, analyses of variance, and multiple regression analysis were used …

The Relationship Between Communicative Confidence And Identity In Everyday Life For People With Aphasia, Karina Escobar

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

Aphasia is primarily a neurological language disorder, which can also affect cognition, attention, and executive functioning skills. In recent years, researcher has taken an interest in understanding quality of life for people with aphasia, specifically communicative confidence, social relationships, and identity. The aim of this study was to determine how communicative confidence and social relationships affect a person’s identity, as well as the importance of therapy groups. We designed and used confidence and independence survey scales pre-aphasia, post-aphasia but before attending aphasia therapy groups, and post-aphasia and after having attended aphasia therapy groups. We also asked clarifying questions based on …

Mental Confidence In Alzheimer's Disease, Harrison Adams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A simple symptom like forgetfulness can lead to a gradual, subtle decline in the individual’s sense of identity. In dementia, self-efficacy is the foundation that allow individual to prolong their capacity of independence and identity. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prominent form of dementia with tens of millions in the world currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. AD is most often associated with impaired memory, confusion, language impairment, and unpredictable, agitated, aggressive, and paranoid behavior. While there are many studies examining the quality of life in individuals with AD, there are fewer investigating the psychological effects of AD on the …

Occupational Therapy In End-Of-Life Care, Shannon Sudrla

Student Capstone Papers

Patients at the end-of-life (EoL) experience functional decline in response to terminal illness and the active dying process, inhibiting participation and engagement in meaningful daily activities. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) are equipped to address patients’ occupational needs and desires despite their declining capacities; however, the absence of occupational therapy (OT) services in EoL care leaves patients’ occupational needs unmet, directly affecting their quality of life. The literature demonstrates the need for enhanced education and training among occupational therapy students (OTS) and practitioners to better prepare them to work with terminally ill patients who face progressive functional decline and imminent death. …

Improving Early Utilization Of Palliative Care Services To Impact Quality Of Life, April Mcdonald

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Despite studies indicating the benefits of palliative care, many barriers remain that prevent individuals from accessing this specialty service. Palliative care needs improved utilization. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve the utilization of palliative services and increase general knowledge and confidence among nursing staff within one nursing home facility. In the intervention bundle, training was provided on the use of a Palliative Referral Flowchart and the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) along with evidence-based materials made available to residents and families. Data was collected pre and post intervention. Knowledge was improved by 26 %. Confidence was improved …

Using Data And Evidence To Improve Quality Of Life For Patients With Alzheimer’S Disease, Ying Wang

2023

As an irreversible, progressive brain disorder, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) imposes a severe burden upon patients and their caregivers, as well as the healthcare system. Of the ten leading causes of death in the United States, Alzheimer’s disease is the only one without a pharmacological intervention that has been proven to cure or delay the onset of the disease. Aging is the primary risk factor contributing to Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly. With an aging population that continues to grow, the challenges for the healthcare system surrounding AD become more and more serious. My dissertation aims to contribute to a better …

Sociodemographic Predictors Of Veterans’ Health-Related Quality Of Life, Tamala Jones Choice

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a theoretical concept that intertwines physical, mental, emotional, and social functioning, with a focus on the impact that health status has on quality of life. Although sociodemographic factors are associated with lower HRQoL, how these factors influence HRQoL in military veterans is less understood. The study’s purpose was to examine the relationships between sociodemographic characteristics (gender, military pay grade, military branch, and geographic location) and perceived HRQoL measured by the SF-8 survey among veterans living in a metropolitan community in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. A cross-sectional recruitment study design yielded 90 …

Effectiveness Of Self-Care Education On The Perceived Quality Of Life In Adults With A Tracheostomy, Elizabeth A. Bonnet

DNP Projects

Background: A tracheostomy is an operative procedure performed to create a stable surgical airway for patients with respiratory compromise due to a variety of clinical reasons. Living with a tracheostomy has tremendous impact on the patient as they experience alterations in their ability to eat, speak, breathe normally, and care for themselves. There is also a potential negative impact to their quality of life. Under ideal circumstances, the tracheostomy is a planned event and education is given to the patient prior to the procedure in an effort to lessen the impact and prepare them to cope with the expected life …