Digital Commons Network^™

An Examination Of The Big Five, Mental Illness Stigma, And Crisis Intervention Training, Trista Wolfgram

Theses and Graduate Projects

The number of individuals incarcerated with mental illness continues to grow, and correctional officers may play a critical role in rehabilitation. A correlation analysis was conducted between Big Five personality traits and mental illness stigma to determine whether there is a significant relationship in a sample of state correctional officers who participated in Crisis Intervention Training. A mixed model ANOVA was also conducted to assess whether personality traits impacted levels of mental illness stigma following completion of the training. A moderate negative correlation was found between agreeableness and mental illness stigma. All other findings were not clinically significant, potentially due …

Reducing Severity Of Primary Dysmenorrhea With The Utilization Of Acupressure, Tatum N. Britton

Theses and Graduate Projects

Primary dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition associated with painful

cramps during menstruation in the absence of other diseases. It impacts large populations of women worldwide yet is often disregarded and inadequately treated. The ways in which women are treated for this condition often bring forth issues including overuse of medications, drug dependence, adverse reactions from medication use, and increased medical expenses. The utilization of non-pharmacological options has been shown to be effective in managing pain related to primary dysmenorrhea, including the complementary and integrative treatment of acupressure. Guided by Jean Watson’s Human Caring Science Theory, this scholarly DNP-FNP project …

Utilizing Aromatherapy To Decrease Anxiety In Adults Experiencing Homelessness, Thomas A. Clawson

Theses and Graduate Projects

This scholarly project analyzes health disparities faced by people experiencing homelessness, specifically in regard to their mental health and how they experience heightened levels of anxiety when compared to individuals who have stable housing. Through a literature review, the use of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) was analyzed and has shown to be an effective non-pharmacologic treatment for anxiety in a multitude of settings. Utilizing a theoretical framework distilled from Margret Newman’s theory Health as Expanding Consciousness, and Martha Rogers’ The Science of Unitary Human Beings. The quality improvement project was implemented at an inner city resource center for people experiencing homelessness. …

Implementation Of Vinyasa Yoga For Adults Experiencing Anxiety, Megan K. Malyuk

Theses and Graduate Projects

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental illness in the United States (US) and holistic treatment approaches, such as vinyasa yoga, are often practiced to alleviate the severity of symptoms (The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2020). A comprehensive literature review including evidence-based research, Metis-based knowledge, and personal accounts are used to support this scholarly project. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring is explicated and synthesized as a theoretical framework. Methodology and evaluation of the scholarly project are described, analyzed, and reflected that vinyasa yoga has a positive impact on individuals who experience anxiety. This scholarly project was implemented …

Power And Control Wheel Tactics: Assessing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) Epistemology Among Domestic Violence Survivors, Lisa Hady

Theses and Graduate Projects

Domestic violence affects more than 10 million adults in the United States annually (National Network to End Domestic Violence, 2020). The Power and Control Wheel (PCW) places power and control at the center of physical and sexual violence, with eight surrounding tactics representing the abusive behaviors perpetrators use to retain power and control over survivors. Although the PCW has been extended to understand various abusive relationships, and the PCW tactics have been examined in both Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Non-Intimate Partner Violence (NPV; Basile et al., 2004; Scott, 2018), limited research compares tactics used based on the perpetrator’s relationship …

Traumatic Brain Injury Severity In Older Adults: Impact On Anxiety And Depression Symptoms And Community Engagement, Ashley Tomford

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of physical and cognitive disability worldwide. TBI can negatively impact cognitive, physical, social, and psychological functioning.

Objective: This study investigated interactions between TBI severity, mental health symptom severity, and community engagement among older adults. Specific aims included investigating 1) the relationship between TBI severity at the time of injury and psychiatric symptom severity at one-year post-TBI; 2) the relationship between TBI severity and community engagement at one-year post-TBI; and 3) whether mental health symptom severity moderated the relationship between TBI and post-injury community engagement.

Methods: Archival data was analyzed …

Underlying Mechanisms Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder In An Experimental Fear-Conditioning Paradigm, Melissa Hartnell

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential underlying mechanisms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) including fear generalization, maladaptive avoidance, and intolerance of uncertainty (IU) in a sample of adults with GAD, as compared to healthy controls in the context of a lab-based fear conditioning paradigm. The current study utilized data from the University of Minnesota ANGST Laboratory’s Danger Zone – Research Domain Criteria (DZ-RDoC) neuroimaging study. Participants consisted of 40 individuals ranging from ages 18-60, with 19 meeting criteria for GAD (M age = 30.57, SD = 11.70) and 21 healthy controls (M age = …

The Combined Effects Of Discrimination And Holding Multiple Intersecting Marginalized Identities On Substance Use Among Adolescents, Ashley Thomas

Theses and Graduate Projects

Individuals with multiple intersecting marginalized identities may be at greater risk for negative outcomes and exposure to discrimination during development. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of discrimination and having multiple marginalized identities on substance use among Minnesota youth. Using data gathered from the 2019 administration of the Minnesota Student Survey, a large statewide survey of 80,456 9th and 11th grade students, this study aimed to identify how holding multiple intersecting identities related to experiences of discrimination and substance use in Minnesota youth. Findings revealed that participants with more marginalized identity statuses experienced higher rates of …

Sports, Family, And Leadership In Youth: Impacts Of Family Environments And Sport Participation On Youth Leadership Development, Michael Stout

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study investigated the effects of family relationships/environment and sport participation on youth leadership development using the 2016 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS) questionnaire. Responses from 9^th and 11^th graders were used, resulting in 81,885 total participants between the ages of 13 and 19 for this archival, cross-sectional study. This study had two aims: One, to investigate the relationship between family relationships/environment and sport participation, and their impact on youth leadership skills and development; and two, to investigate whether participation in youth sports provides enough scaffolding to foster the development of youth leadership skills despite poor family relationships/environments. Scales …

Stress Management For Healthcare Providers In The Emergency Department During Covid-19 Pandemic, Carrie A. Warns

Theses and Graduate Projects

The challenges healthcare providers face during the COVID-19 pandemic are

unprecedented, leading to work-related stress and burnout symptoms. Stress management for health care providers is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare providers must find effective modalities during this time. Animal Assist therapy is a stress management modality that evidence-based research has proven to be effective. A comprehensive literature review of the importance of stress reduction for health care providers and the effectiveness of Animal Assist Therapy will help support this project. Jean Watson's human caring theory will serve as a model for this project. The implementation of the scholarly project …

Virtual Reality Pain Intervention For Pediatric Burn Patients, Tanya Ann Hinrichs

Theses and Graduate Projects

Burns can be devasting trauma in the pediatric population, leading to lifelong physical and psychological pain and anxiety. Burn pain management is complicated and undertreated traditionally. The purpose of this scholarly project is to examine the use of virtual reality (VR) for distraction in pediatric patients who have experienced a burn to determine if VR improves pain management during painful procedures. A literature review revealed a gap in pain management in pediatric burn survivors with just traditional pharmacologic analgesia during painful procedures. Leininger’s Culture Care Theory provides a theoretical framework for this project’s purpose to determine if implementing a virtual …

Medical Academic Burnout: A Us Problem Or A Worldwide Problem?, Ryan Rivard

Theses and Graduate Projects

Objective: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the provider shortage, the United States has been conducting a lot of research into the factors that lead to burnout amongst healthcare providers. One such area of particular focus has been academic burnout correlating to the training of future medical providers. The aim of this study will be to explore whether medical academic burnout is only prevalent in the United States or if other countries around the world have recognized this problem in their population of healthcare students and have started to pursue ways to address this problem. Methods: Through the …

Emergency Department Thoracotomy As An Intervention For Penetrating Trauma To The Thoracic Cavity: A Systematic Review, Samuel Scherf

Theses and Graduate Projects

Emergent thoracic surgery involving the heart has been taking place for 126 years. Thoracic penetrating trauma is occurring more and more frequently in the US, and while 90% of patients with penetrating thoracic trauma die en route to hospital, the ones who arrive in extremis have better chances of survival now than ever due to an improving 60+ year practice of emergency department thoracotomy (EDT). This review has a primary objective of comparing the literature and history of EDT as a lifesaving intervention for patients with penetrating thoracic trauma and resulting mortality. It also aims to give context on EDT …

Safety First: Assessing First Aid Educational Needs Of Outdoor Education Participants, Melissa Niemiec

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Much of the general population has a lack of first aid knowledge, despite engaging in activities that might end in needing some level of medical care. Even when first aid education is gained, sometimes it is subpar or less relevant to wilderness excursions. In order to create a high quality wilderness first aid course, it should be interactive and take place in a wilderness setting. Having basic first aid skills increases confidence and reduces anxiety of participants, possibly reducing the rate of injury.

Purpose: This needs assessment sets out to determine the first aid needs and concerns held by …

Sisyphean Frustrations: The Impetus For Improving Harm Reduction Strategies In Minneapolis, Mn, Jordan Baker

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: The last decade has seen an alarming rise in deaths attributed to opioid use. Considering the ever-increasing mortality rate contributable to opiate use disorder, it is important to identify and utilize more efficacious public health interventions.

Purpose: The focus of this paper is identifying the current harm reduction strategies being implemented in Minneapolis MN, the history of harm reduction in the US, and opportunities to improve existing systems to better engage current conditions.

Methods: The primary research method for this community assessment was volunteer work with Southside Harm Reduction in Minneapolis, MN. Through community clean-ups the researcher was able …

Herbal Medicine Use In Costa Rica: A Case Study Examining Herbal Medicine’S Utilization And Cultural Significance, Jules Schlicting-Bader

Theses and Graduate Projects

Introduction: Herbal medicine has been widely used in the past and present, as it is deeply rooted in many cultures' histories. Literature Review: Herbal medicines are used for health maintenance and treatment in Costa Rica. The country's rich natural environment, accessibility, and tradition led to prominent herbal medicine use. Annona muricata (Soursop), Uncaria tomentosa (Cat's Claw), Mikania species (Guaco), and Neurolaena lobata (Gavilana) have commonly been used in Central American medications and have diverse indications based on their plant parts.

Case Study: A discussion with an herbalist, founder, and citizen of Longo Mai, a community in southern Costa Rica, was …

Improving Minnesota’S Access To Opioid Use Disorder Treatment And Naloxone, Annasha Doane-Ramkhalawon

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: In 2020, Minnesota recorded 4,920 admissions with associated opioid use for adults 18 years of age and older.1 2021 put Minnesota's Opioid-related overdose mortality number at 1,017 individuals.2 Methadone and Buprenorphine as MOUD is the first line treatment for Opioid Use Disorder and long-time management as the standard of care.3 Naloxone is the drug of choice for opioid reversal and overdose prevention.3

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the barriers that OUD feel when attempting to receive treatment for OUD and access Naloxone. The indication is the number of OUD- related admissions and OUD-related overdose fatalities. In addition, the …

The Efficacy Of Limbic System Retraining And Neuroplasticity In The Management Of Chronic Pain And Disease: A Systematic Review, Julia Carr

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Chronic pain and disease are prevalent, affecting 51.6 million people in 2023. Therefore, due to the high complexity of chronic disease, many providers try different interventions to alleviate pain and improve their patient's quality of life. The limbic system is a critical component of the brain involved in pain perception and emotional regulation. With an overactive limbic system, the perception of pain is enhanced and continues to cause discomfort for the patient. By retraining the limbic system to alter the fight or flight response, a significant reduction in pain can be achieved, which results in better emotion regulation. The …

Sedative Hypnotic Medications: Effect On Negative Cognition And Insomnia, Austin L. Larsen

Theses and Graduate Projects

The pursuit of healthy sleep in the United States often involves the use of prescription medications that were never intended for long-term treatment of insomnia. The use of medication to address sleep difficulty has multiple sources, including the medical system and a consumer driven economy within the United States. Behavioral interventions for insomnia have been increasing in availability and effectiveness over time, but medication use continues to be a first-line treatment for sleep problems. The focus of the current paper is the exploration of relationships between sedative use, sleep difficulties, and negative cognition in a sample of 104 adult participants …

Unique Posttraumatic Growth Expression Among Homeless Males Currently Enrolled In Chemical Dependency Treatment, Travis T. Mord

Theses and Graduate Projects

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) has gained considerable research and clinical attention for the past three decades. While the impact of PTG has been well-researched in relation to trauma exposure, medical ailments, or mood related conditions, there are still a number of mental health conditions requiring further analysis. The current study examined the relationship between PTG and key substance use significance indicators, including diagnostic severity of the use disorder and number of previous substance use treatment attempts, among a sample (N = 136) of adult men who were enrolled in a mental illness/chemical dependency (MICD) intensive outpatient program (IOP). This study also …

An Ethiopian Health Center: A Transcultural Approach To Health For Immigrants Living In Minnesota, Liyu Daniel

Theses and Graduate Projects

The growing cultural diversity and universality in the United States calls for the understanding of all members of society. Health care in the 21st century has become a human rights issue, where every member of the society desires to be treated within the specific culture. To Ethiopians, culture is seen as the embodiment of one’s existence, it influences perceptions and views of varying life dimensions. Culture, as seen in through the lens of individuals, is highly dependent on upbringings, traditions, beliefs and lifeways. Individuals from varying cultures perceive health and wellness from a cultural perspective. For Ethiopians, what it means …

The Differences Between The Quality Of Life And Personal Health Profile Between Individuals Diagnosed With Celiac Disease And Those Who Follow A Gluten-Free Diet For Non-Celiac Reasons, Ellie Fuechtmann

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten proteins in wheat, barley, and rye, necessitating a strict gluten-free diet. However, many individuals without celiac disease are adopting gluten-free diets for various health reasons.

Purpose: This study compares the quality of life and health profile of individuals with celiac disease and those following a gluten-free diet for non-celiac reasons.

Methods: A survey was conducted and distributed via social media to people diagnosed with celiac disease and those adhering to a gluten-free diet non-celiac. The results were analyzed via Google Forms and Excel to better interpret the data for visualization. …

A Systematic Review Of The Long And Short-Term Effects Of Sports Related Concussions In Youth And Adolescent Athletes, Yasin Ahmed

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Sports-related concussions impact thousands of young athletes. They can lead to short- and long-term effects, such as headaches, behavioral changes, and memory issues. These consequences lead to general concerns about the safety of young athletes participating in sports. Comprehending the effects of concussions in this vulnerable population is crucial for developing more advanced preventive measures and management strategies. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, searching Google Scholar, PubMed, and the Augsburg University Lindell Library databases. Relevant studies were identified using specific terms. Articles were included based on their relevance to youth or adolescent athletes and sports-related concussions. Studies …

Home-Based Primary Care In Patients With Dementia: Impact On Cost, Medication Use, And Patient Satisfaction, Megan O'Leary

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Individuals living with dementia deserve affordable, accessible, and effective healthcare. These patients often face barriers that make it difficult to consistently access traditional in office primary care. Home-based primary care (HBPC) holds the opportunity to bridge the gap between individuals with dementia and preventative healthcare resources.

Purpose: Dementia rates are increasing as the population ages, and additional research is needed to determine the optimal treatment model for individuals with dementia. This literature review evaluates if patients with dementia receive improved care with HBPC vs in office primary care through examining cost, medication use and compliance, and patient satisfaction.

Methods: …

Evaluating Physician Assistant Students’ Knowledge And Competence In Lifestyle Medicine: Assessing The Need For Implementing Lifestyle Medicine Curriculum In Physician Assistant Programs, Tori Koopman

Theses and Graduate Projects

This research study evaluated PA students’ knowledge and competence in educating patients on topics in lifestyle medicine to assess the need for implementation of lifestyle medicine curriculum in physician assistant programs. An anonymous survey was conducted to obtain subjective data on first- and second-year PA students’ knowledge and competence in topics surrounding lifestyle medicine, as well as input on whether additional education on lifestyle medicine would benefit students in practice. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the American Academy of Physician Assistants, American College of Preventative Medicine, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and …

A Unique Hiv Harm Reduction Perspective From Costa Rica: Hogar De La Esperanza An Ethnographic Case Study And Comparative Examination Of Approach To Hiv Treatment Between The United States And Costa Rica, Kim Marie Day

Theses and Graduate Projects

This case study presents a real, currently operational scenario of harm reduction in action in Costa Rica, focusing on its success and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, the experiences of those who live at Hogar de la Esperanza, and the implications for healthcare policies and interventions in the United States. By examining this specific case of a Costa Rican community-based HIV treatment model, the aim of this ethnographic report is to shed light on the complexities and factors contributing to the success or failure of harm reduction treatment strategies within the United States and what can be learned by …

The Efficacy Of Prp Injection Vs Corticosteroid Injection In The Management Of Common Tendinopathies: A Systematic Review, Eric Caloud

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Tendinopathy is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders in active patients, accounting for at least 7% of physician visits in the United States. In recent years, there has been an increasing body of evidence for the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the management of tendinopathies compared to corticosteroid injections (CSI) for patients refractory to conservative treatment.

Methods: This review was performed in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases were searched for randomized controlled studies published between 2010 and 2023. The keywords utilized in the …

From In-Person To Technology-Based Interpreting: Evolution And The Need For Flexible, Community-Based Standards, Muhiyadin (Mo) Aden

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study examines the significance of language access in healthcare and the transformative impact of technology-based interpreting modalities. Language barriers in healthcare can lead to misunderstandings and negative health outcomes for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients. The case study presents a Safety Net hospital, Hennepin Healthcare System (HHS), which successfully transitioned from in-person to a hybrid model utilizing Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) and Over-the-Phone Interpreting (OPI). Data analysis revealed improved productivity, reduced wait times, and surplus budget. The study challenges misconceptions around technology-based interpreting and recommends standardized protocols, interpreter documentation, and interhospital collaboration. By embracing technology and cultural understanding, healthcare …

Outcomes Of Unbalanced Versus Balanced Crystalloids In Sepsis: A Systematic Review, Gus R. Whittington

Theses and Graduate Projects

This systematic review attempts to examine current literature regarding the outcomes of septic patients who receive fluid resuscitation with balanced versus unbalanced crystalloids. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), retrospective cohort studies, and clinical trials that presented either pediatric or adult patients who were admitted to the hospital in critically ill condition and received either 0.9% normal saline or any type of balanced crystalloid, with the presence of at least one out of three primary outcomes: comparative rates of mortality, renal dysfunction, or metabolic acidosis. Reports were excluded if they did not contain information regarding any primary outcome measure, …

A Systematic Review Of The Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Early And Accurate Diagnosis For Lung And Breast Cancer, Elena Luu

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: This systematic review examines how the use of artificial intelligence compares to conventional methods in the early detection and accuracy of diagnosing lung and breast cancer. Methods: A comprehensive systematic review was conducted using Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, MDPI Journals, PubMed, JAMA Network, The Lancet Digital Health, Frontiers, Journal of Patient Safety, Thorax, NPJ Breast Cancer, BMC, and Nature Medicine. The inclusion criteria were artificial intelligence models or components of artificial intelligence detecting or classifying breast or lung cancer and articles published within the last five years. The study excluded articles that did not include either breast or lung cancer. …