Digital Commons Network^™

Alcohol Use Disorder And Major Depressive Episodes: Findings From The National Survey On Drug Use And Health, Samantha Madler

Theses and Graduate Projects

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the leading causes of death and disability among individuals in the United States (Bergmann et al., 2013; Jung, 2019; Sliedrecht et al., 2019; Witkiewitz, 2019). A number of individuals reporting an AUD diagnosis also report difficulties related to numerous physical, social, and mental health consequences, most notably, major depression. Major depressive disorder (MDD) and AUD co-occur at high rates, and researchers have been investigating the negative consequences and outcomes related to these co-occurring illnesses (McHugh & Weiss, 2019; Tolliver & Anton, 2022). Using a large nationally representative sample of 18–36-year-olds, treatment completion within …

Moderating Factors In The Relationship Between Bully Victimization And Psychosomatic Symptoms, Tonya Paulson

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between bully victimization and psychosomatic symptoms, and to examine the protective influence of perceived parent and peer support across developmental age groups. Bully victimization frequency, somatic symptom severity, perceived parent support, and perceived peer support were assessed using archival data from 7,304 youth who participated in the 2009-2010 Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) U.S. survey, excluding perpetrators of bullying. Bully victimization and somatic symptoms were significantly positively correlated. Older adolescents consistently reported more severe somatic symptoms, but age did not moderate the relationship between bullying and somatic symptoms. Higher …

Pediatric Seizures: Access And Utilization Of Specialty Care And Mental Health Care, Samantha Delos Santos

Theses and Graduate Projects

Epilepsy is the leading neurological disorder among children, and requires specialized health care (Zack & Kobau, 2015). However, many patients with seizures do not receive appropriate specialized care (Begley et al., 2009; Burneo et al., 2009). This study examined the impact of health insurance type on access to and use of specialty care and mental health care among pediatric patients, ages 3-17, whose parents reported that they had experienced at least one seizure in the last year. This study was a secondary analysis of data collected in the 2011 (n = 77) and 2016 (n = 87) National Health Survey …

Integrative Music Therapy: A Healing Intervention For Children With Disabilities, Francesca N. Do

Theses and Graduate Projects

Children with developmental delays have barriers to accessing early interventions to help develop their childhood milestones. An accessible intervention considered a universal language to all cultures is integrative music therapy. Music therapy paired with in-home care can create a healing environment for children to learn developmental skills, initiate play, and express their emotions with the nurse’s guidance. An integrative music therapy educational program was developed using Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring as a theoretical framework for the pediatric nurses working in a rural Midwest home health care company. The goal of the educational program is to promote awareness of …

Self-Healing With Reiki For Homeless Individuals Suffering From Past Traumatic Events, Kathryn Piha

Theses and Graduate Projects

Living with symptoms that resemble PTSD from past trauma can be detrimental to health, healing, and quality of life. Symptoms that resemble PTSD are intrusive and disruptive to daily life and can cause anxiety, vivid flashbacks and nightmares, and intense memories. Homeless individuals navigate challenges and are at increased risk for developing symptoms that resemble PTSD. This project explored Reiki as a healing modality to improve health, healing, and quality of life from the negative implications of past traumatic experiences. Guided by Martha Roher's SUHB Theory, this project connects Reiki with energy as healing. Understanding energy and energy fields can …

Addressing Lgbtq Anxiety With Mindful Meditation, Mark Pequignot

Theses and Graduate Projects

The current study investigated the effect of mindful meditation on anxiety levels in the LGBTQ+ urban student population. An incorporation of Margaret Newman’s Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness and theoretical concepts of living in the present moment guided these participants in exposing traumas and relational development forming anxiety. Ten LGBTQ+ urban students (N=10) were randomly selected to examine their involvements via the practice of mindful meditation, further determine past traumas associated with identifying within the LGTBQ+ community, and examine how these impact daily experiences of anxiety. Participants completed Likert Surveys to ascertain the effect that mindful meditation had on …

Mindfulness Meditation Program For Parents, Jennifer L. Lothert

Theses and Graduate Projects

A literature search on parenting stress determined there is a need for treatment options to reduce parenting stress. Stress resulting from parenting can be physically and emotionally damaging to both the parent and their child. Mindfulness meditation provides parents with the skills to become conscious of their emotions before acting upon them. Newman's (1994) Health as Expanding Consciousness Theory (HEC) explained that as a person continues to develop, the persong's consciousness expands and coexists with the universe, resulting in higher levels of consciousness. The more conscious parents become will help to reduce the parenting stress they are experiencing. The scholarly …

Building Resiliency In Children Through Mindfulness, Karissa Buck

Theses and Graduate Projects

This scholarly work recognizes the profound impact of toxic stress on children as a result of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). According to the MDH (2011), ACEs are the main contributor to toxic stress within children. ACEs include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, mental illness of a household member, drug or drinking problems of a household member, divorce or separation of parents, domestic violence between adults in the household, and incarceration of a household member (MDH, 2011). Fifty-five percent of Minnesotans experience at least one adverse childhood experience during childhood. Results of toxic stress can include impaired brain development, behavioral …

Improving Advanced Practice Nursing Care To Children With Autism In The Emergency Department, Suzanne J. Bartell

Theses and Graduate Projects

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) prevalence rates are increasing within the pediatric population. Often, these children present to emergency departments (EDs) for care that could typically be managed in a primary care setting. Furthermore, pediatric patients with ASD utilize EDs at a rate higher than children without (Baio et al., 2018). Parents, patients, and providers within the pediatric ED setting report a lack of understanding and tools needed to provide quality and meaningful care to this population. The utilization of nurse practitioners in the ED setting is increasing due to affordability and quality of care delivery. The intersection of these two …

Adolescent Anxiety: Implementing Mindfulness Techniques To Lessen Mental Health Crises, Britt Schultz

Theses and Graduate Projects

Adolescence is one of the most challenging times in life as many transitions occur while a child grows into a young adult. In a school-based program, this doctoral of nursing practice project implemented mindfulness techniques to lessen mental health crises in anxious adolescents. This scholarly project educated adolescents in a small town in rural southeast Minnesota on the effective coping exercises of mindfulness and deep breathing to lessen anxiety and decrease mental health crises. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring is the framework for the project and three of her Carative Factors guided this project. A literature review identified opportunities …

The Impact Of Conventional And Expanded Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces) On Juvenile Offending Outcomes, Jesma C. Revering

Theses and Graduate Projects

Previous research has established a correlation between conventional adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and juvenile offending. However, the possible moderating effect expanded ACEs has on this relationship remains unclear. Using the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), the study included 278 youth from juvenile correctional facilities in Minnesota to examine the impact of conventional ACEs on juvenile offending, the impact of expanded ACEs on juvenile offending, and the impact of conventional ACEs on juvenile offending, moderated by expanded ACEs. Findings revealed a statistically significant positive effect of conventional ACEs on juvenile offending. Expanded ACEs had a significant negative relationship with juvenile offending. …

What Alternative Models Are Effective In Improving Health Outcomes In Children With Obesity In The United States?, Kelsey Reineke

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Obesity in children has increased at an alarming rate in the past three decades and has been associated with multiple comorbidities. This literature review has been focused on pediatric obesity management research utilizing Family-Based Therapy, community-centered interventions, behavioral modifications, and implementations for management within the Primary Care setting.

Purpose: There has not been an established standard of care for children suffering from obesity. This investigation was focused on the question; What alternative models are effective in improving health outcomes in children with obesity in the United States?

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Pub …

What Are Barriers And Contributing Factors Limiting Healthcare Access In Southern Africa?, Ron Chitekwe

Theses and Graduate Projects

Introduction: Equitable access to timely and basic health care is an intrinsic component of overall equity in health and lack of it may be both an indicator and “contributory cause” of a population’s health inequalities, especially in developing countries.1 Therefore it is important to find the root causes that are causing the barriers and those contributing to people not being able to access healthcare when they need it and in a timely manner. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to review barriers and contributing factors that are limiting access to healthcare in Southern Africa.

Methods: A comprehensive …

A Review Of Monoclonal Antibody Regimens In Small Cell Lung Cancer Compared To Chemotherapy Standard Of Care, Rachael St. Clair

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine tumor closely linked to tobacco use. Chemotherapy with platinum-etoposide is the current standard of care, with positive initial response rates and subsequently high rates of recurrence and death. Monoclonal antibodies are a therapeutic drug class attempting to block suppression of T cell activation, enabling a stronger immune response.

Purpose: The current predicament in SCLC treatment is determining if monoclonal antibodies have any effect on overall survival. Chemotherapy briefly suppresses SCLC, but given its rapid progression and recurrence, it is necessary to investigate alternative treatments. The following literature review …

Effective Models In Community And Student Run Clinics, Jonathan Nyman

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Over 3.5 billion people—half of the world’s population, did not have access to any healthcare facilities or services in 2017.1 In order to provide more healthcare to more individuals, student run clinics (SRCs), community-based health systems, and other low-cost clinics have opened up all over the world.

Purpose: It is important, however, to understand how these clinics run, their effectiveness, and how they may increase healthcare access. This study analyzed articles involving free or low-cost clinics to determine which models are utilized within free or low-cost clinics to provide effective standard of care resulting in increased healthcare …

Investigating The Relationship Between Mental Health And Co- Morbidity Management During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review, Alejandra Soto

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused many disruptions to millions of lives, especially with the enforcement of government shutdowns, isolations, and social distancing. These measures lead to increased anxiety and depression in the general population. With many high- risk patient populations having chronic comorbidities, accessing routine medical care and supplies became difficult during the pandemic.

Purpose: How has mental health affected the management of pre-existing comorbidities during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the research engine PubMed using the search terms: “pandemic”, “COVID-19”, “comorbidities”, “mental health”, “morbidity”, and “mortality”. Inclusion criteria were studies …

Does Probiotic Supplementation Improve Depression/Anxiety Outcome Measures?, Kathryn M. Decleene

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Depression and anxiety continue to be a healthcare burden worldwide. Current depression and anxiety treatments include medications and psychotherapy; however, for many patients this is not enough. Literature has recently come out detailing the gut-brain axis and its potential impact on mental health.

Purpose: This literature review sought to answer the question if probiotics could play a role in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Specifically, does supplementation with a probiotic improve clinical outcome measures of depression, anxiety, or both? Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar using the search terms probiotics, …

Incorporating Quality Improvement And Problem-Solving Into A Unit Safety Huddle, Kay M. Rowles

Theses and Graduate Projects

The complex nature of healthcare creates significant risks of harm to patients. Safety huddles are a mechanism some hospitals utilize to raise awareness of safety concerns and minimize risks. Typically occurring at the start of each shift, safety huddles generally take the form of a brief, structured discussion with visual management for information sharing. In addition, safety huddles create a safe space for nursing staff to escalate concerns, supporting a culture of safety. This quality improvement project describes the expansion of a safety huddle process that has become a mere ritual at the start of each shift on a 25-bed …

A Role For Cox Inhibition In The Prevention Of Progression Of Barrett’S Esophagus To Esophageal Adenocarcinoma, John Speakman

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Barrett’s esophagus is the most significant predictor of the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The current treatment recommendation is a proton pump inhibitor to control acid reflux, yet there remains a significant number of individuals who progress to cancer. More can be done to prevent this progression.

Purpose: To this end, this paper seeks to answer the following PICO question: P: Patients with Barrett’s esophagus not yet esophageal adenocarcinoma; I: Standard PPI treatment with the addition of Aspirin; C: Standard PPI treatment only; O: Prevention of progression of Barrett’s esophagus to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Methods: A comprehensive literature …

Lowering Depression Symptoms In Adults: Exploring Nonpharmacologic/Non-Talk Therapy Based Approaches, Alyssa A. Raiolo

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Depression has a high prevalence, affecting more than 300 million people worldwide.1 Antidepressants and talk therapy are the current mainstays for treatment. Given the high prevalence of depression, there is value in the research regarding further treatment options.

Purpose: A literature review of studies exploring additional treatment modalities to lower depression symptoms in adults.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using with the search terms <(adults) AND (depression, low mood, mental health) AND (pharmacologic, SSRI, SNRI) OR ( physical activity, fitness, exercise), OR (time outdoors, UV exposure, phototherapy) OR (non-talk therapy)>. Inclusion criteria were studies that were published from 2015 to the present. Exclusion criteria were studies not in English.

Conclusions: Aside from the currently recommended approaches to treating …

Integration Of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (Sane’S) Care Program, Erin B. Mehta

Theses and Graduate Projects

Sexual assault is a public health issue, especially for individuals experiencing homelessness, violence, and victimization. Barriers to post-sexual assault health care must be addressed to ensure individuals experiencing homelessness receive effective and adequate care. Traditionally found in Emergency Departments, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) offer patient-centered, comprehensive health care to sexual assault survivors. To reduce barriers for individuals experiencing homelessness, SANEs must be accessible where health care services are utilized. Guided by Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring and trauma-informed principles, this project aims to embed a SANE program into a homeless-specific Midwest Health Care Center. The SANE program will …

Stroke Prevention In Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: The Watchman Device Versus Warfarin, Emma Delaney

Theses and Graduate Projects

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart arrhythmia that leads to an increased risk of stroke. Warfarin was the original anticoagulant that would be used as the treatment for atrial fibrillation. However, there are people who have contraindications to anticoagulation or are a high fall risk and shouldn’t be on Warfarin. The Watchman Device was originally designed in 2005 as a way to close the left atrial appendage where clots are usually present with atrial fibrillation. The watchman may be a superior way to help reduce the risk of stroke compared to the traditional use of Warfarin. Purpose: Literature review …

Thermal Ablation As An Alternative To Standard Breast Conserving Surgery In The Treatment Of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Of The Elderly, Dani Ducharme

Theses and Graduate Projects

An aging population means an inevitable increase in cancer diagnoses, and thus, a novel solution is needed to address this looming problem. Within the field of breast cancer, thermal ablation has emerged as a promising alternative to surgical excision. As a minimally invasive treatment, it significantly reduces the morbidity and mortality for geriatric patients, as well as healthcare costs overall.

The purpose of this analysis is to understand the utility of thermal ablation for the treatment of invasive ductal carcinoma. Specifically in the context of elderly patients, it is determined if this treatment modality is superior to traditional breast conserving …

Effective Pharmacological And Non-Pharmacological Treatments For Sleep Disturbances And Fatigue In Patients Who Have Experienced A Mild To Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, Mika Muras

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: In the United States alone, an estimated 1.5 million people sustain a head injury every year.1 With improved recognition of traumatic brain injuries by healthcare providers, the number of patients diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is only increasing. Unfortunately, many patients who sustain a TBI, regardless of the severity, experience sleep disturbances, insomnia, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness.

Purpose: For the purposes of this systematic review, the focus will be primarily on the comparison of nonpharmacological treatments of sleep disturbances or fatigue secondary to a TBI. In addition, the focus will include recent studies on pharmacological …

Impact Of Provider Cultural Competency On Latino/Hispanic Patients During End-Of-Life And Hospice Care, Nicholle Nacionales

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Cultural competency in healthcare means delivering high quality care to patients with diverse beliefs, attitudes, values, and behaviors. Latinos/Hispanics are one of the fastest growing ethnic group and with an aging population, there is an increased need for providers to deliver culturally sensitive end-of-life and hospice care. Latino/Hispanic patients face many disparities that affect their quality of care which cultural competency aims to address. Purpose: The purpose of this literature review is to identify factors that affect Latino/Hispanic patient’s end-of-life and hospice care and how cultural competency of providers can influence management of their pain and quality of …

Immunotherapy Versus Chemotherapy: Which Treatment Offers Better Survival To Adults With Advanced Melanoma?, Nadeline Abro

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that can lead to metastasis. The main treatment for melanoma is surgical removal — a wide excision. Patients with advanced melanoma require further treatment such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy due to the concern of continuous spread.

Purpose: Literature review of studies to examine if patients with advanced melanoma, treated with immunotherapy, enjoy better overall survival rates than patients treated with chemotherapy?

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using using the search terms <(advanced melanoma) AND (immunotherapy)) AND (chemotherapy)) AND (skin cancer)>. Inclusion criteria were studies that were related to immunotherapy and chemotherapy among advanced melanoma patients. Exclusion …

Socioeconomic Determinants Of Antibiotic Resistance, Kausar Jama

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Antibiotics were first developed to treat wounded soldiers and cases of pneumonia in World War II. By the 1940s, antibiotics became widely used to treat several infectious processes. It was not long after antibiotics were being used frequently by clinicians that resistant strains began to emerge. Today, antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern seen in many parts of the world. There are many factors that contribute to the prevalence of antibiotic resistance.

Purpose: This paper aims to demonstrate how socioeconomic factors play a role in the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. The literature review …

Can Exercise Be An Alternative Treatment Option For Depression, Walker Rogers

Theses and Graduate Projects

As most people know, exercise has always been beneficial for our overall health. No matter which exercise program it is, they all provide some sort of benefit. A growing problem has been depression as more and more people are being diagnosed. Since normally, most people would be prescribed SSRIs, I wanted to find out if there were alternative options. I sought to determine if exercise can be an alternative treatment option for depression. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the websites PubMed, NCBI, Science Direct, & Academic Search Premier and using the search terms depression, anxiety, exercise, yoga, resistance …

Intermittent Fasting And Reduction Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk, Ethan Dekam

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Intermittent fasting is a unique intervention that is beginning to be studied more extensively for weight loss, positive alterations in serum lipid profile, and improvement of insulin resistance which are all modifiable risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease.

Purpose: The research question at the center of this literature review is: does the addition of intermittent fasting reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease? The reduction of cardiovascular disease was studied through alterations in weight, cholesterol, and diabetic labs.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review …

Sound And Silence For Patients With Dementia, Jess Porteous

Theses and Graduate Projects

Dementia, a condition that causes cognitive and physical impairments in the aging population, is becoming a global health issue as life expectancy continues to rise. Ineffective and inhumane interventions, such as physical and chemical restraints, are often used in acute hospitalizations due to safety concerns stemming from behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Nurses often feel overwhelmed by the complex needs of patients with dementia and may suffer from moral injury while trying to care for them with limited interventions. Fortunately, integrative therapies such as mindfulness meditation, energy therapies, and sound healing, show promising results for patients with dementia. Resonant …