Digital Commons Network^™

Impact Of Physical Intimate Partner Violence On Postpartum Depression And Breastfeeding Duration In American Indian And Alaska Native Women, Zoe Resnick Milavetz Green, Marcia Bennett, Abby Hughes-Scalise, James Theisen, Julie Beans

Theses and Graduate Projects

In Alaska, 46 to 91 percent of American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced physical intimate partner violence (IPV), compared to all women in other states, where the prevalence ranges from seven to 51 percent (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). Experiencing physical IPV has negative consequences on the mother’s physical and mental well-being, and has been associated with increased vulnerability to postpartum depression (PPD). Compared to other populations, American Indian and Alaska Native women are at greater risk for PPD due to less access to resources and less research on treatments (MacDorman, 2011). Additionally, American Indian and Alaska Native women …

Intersection Between Psychopathy And Aggression In Correctional Officers, Lindsay Bergeson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Excessive use of force incidents within the last decade has resulted in high media coverage. One consequence of this high media coverage is the community more frequently questioning the personality characteristics of police and correctional officers. While the literature has begun to dive into the maladaptive traits of police officers and its relationship to excessive use of force, research on this topic in correctional institutions is scarce. The present study examined the relationship between psychopathy, aggression, and use of force in 27 correctional officers (COs) in Minnesota. The study collected self-report data from COs enrolled in Crisis Intervention Training. Using …

Impact Of Race On The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experience And Mental Health In The Minnesota Homeless Population, Sally Keckeisen

Theses and Graduate Projects

It is well established that the homeless population endorses more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) than the general population and is also more susceptible to mental health and substance use disorders. Of note, individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are disproportionally affected by homelessness compared to their White counterparts. Little is known about the relationships between ACEs, mental health, and substance use in the homeless community. The present study examined the relationship between ACEs and a number of psychosocial outcomes, including mental health diagnoses, current substance use, and long-term substance use in an adult homeless population …

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 …

The Sudden Escalation In Average Fastball Velocity: A Biomechanical And Cost-Benefit Analysis, Jacob Meiners

Capstone Projects

Average fastball velocity throughout Major League Baseball has increased dramatically over the previous 15 years. This research examines the factors leading to this increase and provides a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether throwing consistently at high velocities is worth the injury risks, compared to financial benefits, from the player perspective. Additionally, this analysis examines if paying hard-throwing pitchers is worth the monetary risk from a team executive’s perspective, due to increases in leaguewide throwing injury rates. The production of advanced motion capture technology to obtain real-time biomechanical data has given way to the optimization of pitchers’ biomechanics, with the goals …

Worst Practices: Departmental Predictors Of Police-Involved Deaths In Minnesota, 2013–2022, Joseph D. Ramlet

Capstone Projects

For decades, police departments in every part of the United States have been scrutinized for incidents of excessive and unjustified force. Some departments kill more of the citizenry than others, both with and without justification. Attention is drawn to Minnesota in the decade since the advent of the Black Lives Matter movement, through and after the murder of George Floyd and subsequent racial reckoning. Existing scholarship categorizes factors as individual and contextual, both of which are included in partial least squares regression performed on crowdsourced data and responses to Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics surveys from 29 departments in …

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 …

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 …

Effects Of Meditation On Chronic Pain Management Among Older Adults, Katelyn R. Forsell

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The older adult population is expected to continue to grow. This population is more susceptible to facing chronic health conditions that often contribute to pain. Pain affects many aspects of an individual's life and can be debilitating, affecting physical and mental wellbeing. Chronic pain among older adults is often not well managed. Mindfulness meditation is a holistic healing modality that literature supports for pain mitigation (Creswell & Khoury, 2019). This scholarly project provided mindfulness meditation sessions to older adults in an independent and assisted living facility setting to help educate and guide them in reducing chronic pain. Pain reduction scores …

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 …

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 …

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. …

Barriers To Hpv Screening And Prevention In Latin America: A Systematic Review, Lauren Rutten

Theses and Graduate Projects

In Latin America, cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer and the fourth most leading cancer of women around the world, with an estimated 342,000 deaths in 2020.1 This systematic review of literature gives insight into Latin Americas barriers to Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV) screening and prevention. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using google scholar, the WHO, and the CDC. Search terms included: barriers to HPV screening, cervical cancer, Latin America, Central America, Costa Rica, Prevention of HPV, and Human Papillomavirus. Three main barriers to HPV screening and prevention were found including, fear, lack of education, and …

Systematic Review Of The Effect Of Exercise On The Reduction Of Myocardial Remodeling Following A Myocardial Infarction Compared To A Sedentary Approach, Vladislav Gladis

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in humans worldwide. Ventricular remodeling following a myocardial infarction leads to detrimental outcomes due to cardiovascular death and ventricular dysfunction. Exercise training is an adjunct strategy to reduce the myocardial remodeling process.

Purpose: The paper seeks to answer the following PICO question: P: Population with post- infarct myocardial-remodeling I: Exercise following a myocardial infarction C: Sedentary approach O: Prevention of deleterious myocardial remodeling post-MI

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was done using PubMed and Science Direct with articles published in 2019 or after. The search was conducted …

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 …

A Systematic Review Of Sodium Intake And Its Impact On Cardiovascular Health: Insights From Costa Rican Studies, Benjamin M. Hillebrand

Theses and Graduate Projects

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with dietary sodium intake identified as a critical risk factor. This systematic review comprehensively examines the existing literature on sodium intake and its impact on cardiovascular health in Costa Rica. Fifteen relevant studies were analyzed, revealing concerning patterns of sodium consumption, particularly among youngsters and adolescents, with processed and fast foods being major contributors. High sodium intake was consistently associated with elevated blood pressure, a well-established CVD risk factor. The review also assessed sodium reduction initiatives and strategies, demonstrating the potential benefits of interventions in reducing cardiovascular risk. …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Patient Positioning To Prevent Pressure Injuries, Maria D. Trevis

Theses and Graduate Projects

Skincare is an important intervention to prevent pressure injuries (PIs) during hospitalization. Prolonged pressure on a body part can result in restricted blood flow and oxygen, inadequate nutrition, and varying degrees of tissue damage, ultimately leading to a PI. Patients who have undergone surgery or have limited mobility are particularly vulnerable to developing PIs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services made a ruling in 2008 that hospitals would not be reimbursed for any hospital-acquired PIs as they are costly and preventable. Unfortunately, there is a knowledge gap in PI prevention due to a shortage of nursing staff, and changes …

Growing Pains: A Needs-Based Assessment Of Aging In Place In The Twin Cities, Emma Burt

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: As they age, older adults are often forced to change their living environments to accommodate their growing medical and personal needs. However, alternative living options are often less desired and present other challenges. Aging in place is the ability for individuals to choose where they live as they age, prioritizing the aging person’s choice and providing resources to support it. Purpose: The Twin Cities metropolitan area of Minnesota currently has a population of nearly 472,000 older individuals, and it is only continuing to rise. Although infrastructure exists that supports aging in place, not all older individuals get adequate services …