Digital Commons Network^™

Gut Feelings: A Literature Review On The Gut-Brain Axis And Its Potential Influence On Mood, Grace Johnson

University Honors Theses

In recent decades, research on the gut-brain axis has evolved due to an increasing interest in the connection between gut health and mental health. The gut-brain axis presents a new frontier of health for both medical professionals and psychologists as there is expanding evidence illustrating the comorbidity of gut disorders and mood disorders. Due to the complex nature of studying the gut-brain axis and the myriad of influences on mood disorders such as depression, research has yet to find significant results definitively tying the two together. Nonetheless, the current body of literature on the topic provides a promising outlook on …

Psilocybin With Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (Act) For The Treatment Of Social Anxiety Disorder (Sad), Aspen E. Allred

University Honors Theses

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a debilitating mental health condition characterized by an overwhelming fear and anxiety of social rejection that can lead to chronic patterns of social behavioral avoidance. Despite the existence of traditional efficacious treatments, a significant number of individuals either do not respond to treatment or experience a recurrence of symptoms over extended periods, spanning 10-12 years. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a form of acceptance-based behavioral therapy considered part of the "third wave" of cognitive behavioral therapies, has shown promising results in early studies, comparable to those of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that is considered the …

Exploring Attrition And Linguistic Shifts: The Impact Of Covid-19 And Anti-Asian Discrimination On The East And Southeast Asian Diaspora, Amy Wan-Ling Lin

University Honors Theses

This thesis investigates the complex interplay of language and identity among speakers of East Asian and Southeast Asian languages in the United States, within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the concurrent rise in anti-Asian hate. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach to delve into these complexities, guided by three research questions exploring changes in language use since the onset of the pandemic, changes in perspective on language identity since the onset of the pandemic, and the effect of geopolitical climate, specifically the rise in Asian hate, on language use and perspective on language identity. The qualitative methodology employed …

Economic Analysis Of Population-Based Next Generation Sequencing For Breast Cancer, Sapphire Curelaru

University Honors Theses

Breast cancer develops due to accumulated DNA replication insults which causes cancer to uncontrollably proliferate. An individual's predisposition to developing cancer, as well as the composition of a tumor, can be sequenced using genetic tests. Myriad's BRACAnalysis CDx^® seems to be the most utilized genetic test. However, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) seems to be a better genetic test for breast cancer when compared to Myriad's BRACAnalysisCDx^® in terms of return-time, accuracy, efficiency, and healthcare cost. By using Next Generation Sequencing tests, stakeholders can save money on genetic testing which can be invested in more genetic tests. Payers can …

Effects Of Language Status, Community Advice, And Parent Beliefs On Heritage Language Maintenance In The U.S.: A Scoping Review, Jasmine Loeung

University Honors Theses

This scoping review examines the effects of language status, community advice to parents, and parents' beliefs on heritage language maintenance within a U.S. context. A total of 34 articles met the inclusion criteria. Four key themes were identified as follows: (1) status of a language in society affects maintenance, (2) parents' beliefs about the impact of the heritage language affect family language practices, (3) community advice impacts parents' beliefs and practices, (4) other factors affecting maintenance of the heritage language across generations. Overall, HL maintenance was observed as a dynamic relationship between a variety of factors, with individuals as well …

Understanding Veteran Perceptions About Mental Health And Its Treatment, Quinn Turner Stoddard

Dissertations and Theses

Mental health illnesses are a growing issue for a large part of the country, and veterans in particular are vulnerable to the numerous negative effects they pose. Despite the high number of people that may benefit from treatment, a variety of issues with trust, stigma, and attitudes may act as barriers to care utilization. In response, this study investigated the perceptions that veterans within the Pacific Northwest hold in regards to mental health treatment as well as their intentions to seek it out should they require it. Using the integrated model of behavioral prediction (IMBP), data was gathered about veterans’ …

The Association Of Patient-Provider Language Concordance With Healthcare Comprehension Among Latino/As In Oregon, Grace Parra

University Honors Theses

Background: The purpose of this study is to describe the need and preferences among Mexican-origin Latinos in Oregon for language-concordant healthcare providers. We hypothesize that the presence of a language concordant provider is associated with greater health care comprehension.

Methods: This is a cross sectional study in collaboration with the General Consulate of Mexico. We developed a 20-item survey that includes questions about socio-demographics, a validated language-based acculturation scale, and questions regarding language concordant care experience and preferences used in previous studies. We are recruiting at the Mexican Consulate 500 Latino/as ages 18 or older who had a healthcare visit …

The Impact Of Period Poverty On Low-Income Adolescents In The United States, Makayla Olson

University Honors Theses

Period poverty is an issue that impacts menstruators globally. This creates a significant health disparity for menstruators, including difficulties accessing menstrual products, inadequate menstrual and puberty health education, and shame and stigma that come from societal misunderstandings and misinformation regarding menstruation. This paper examines the effects of period poverty on low-income adolescents in the United States. It looks at the current literature that addresses how the financial and accessibility barriers that cause period poverty, as well as how these causes impact school-aged menstruators. It aims to address the role that schools play in creating safe environments for menstruators, including staff …

Let Kids Sleep: The Role Of Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Outreach In Stimulating Brains And Developing Research-Informed Approaches To Community Concerns, Marc Chenard

University Honors Theses

Northwest Noggin (NW Noggin), an all-volunteer neuroscience education outreach non-profit, serves its community by bringing students, artists, scientists and other participants together for artistic collaboration and learning. The outreach takes place in K-12 schools and other institutions (such as museums, coffee shops and correctional facilities) all over the Pacific Northwest. Neuroscience education outreach generates discourse surrounding community concerns through illuminating the brain-centric qualities of issues and by drawing on neuroscience research to create solutions. The neuroscience research-informed perspectives on these concerns stimulate awareness, create momentum towards evidence-based reform, and can result in policy interventions. This thesis details how NW Noggin …

Resistance Training And Running Performance And Economy: A Literature Review, James Bottrill

University Honors Theses

Running performance is largely determined by maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max), velocity at VO₂ max, fractional utilisation of VO₂ max and running economy. Running economy is relatively under-researched and could be improved by resistance training because of its neuromuscular underpinnings. However, existing research on this topic is quite unorganised and inconclusive and is yet to prove a direct linkage between resistance training, running economy and performance. This literature review aimed to provide an organised overview of the existing literature, identify and address confounding variables and provide recommendations for future research. A search for studies was conducted via …

Reconceptualizing The Interaction Between Adhd Symptoms And Environmental Context, Oliver G. Mcfadden

University Honors Theses

Difficult questions regarding etiology, prevalence, and individual treatment allude to the heterogenous and complex neurocognitive profile ADHD. Current understandings do not point to there being any yet-undiscovered, succinct set of features for the condition that will answer these questions. ADHD in fact has a heterogeneous etiology and neurocognitive profile, suffers from both overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis, and a variety of styles of treatment are conceivable to address this. Sociocultural factors have crucially guided the direction of ADHD pathology and medicalization and are woven into institutional environments. These extant problems have eluded ADHD research, and the debate over the construction and validity …

Tattoos And Trauma: Are Tattoos Healing For Trauma?, Krystal Bell

University Honors Theses

Prior research and literature reviews suggest that there is medicinal value in tattooing for the healing of trauma. However, tattooing is still a burgeoning topic in academic studies and still mostly taboo as a western societal practice, so there are gaps in qualitative and quantitative data that could further validate the healing benefits of tattoos for trauma. This literature review analyzed 30 peer reviewed articles that focus on "contemporary tattoo data," "indigenous traditions and practices," "tattoos and trauma," and other alternative healing such as "MDMA, psilocybin, EMDR" to establish a well-rounded investigation into tattoos as an alternative healing option. The …

Sound-Category Learning And Memory Skills In Neurotypical Adults And Adults With Language-Learning Disabilities, Allison Fulcher

University Honors Theses

This study evaluates the impact of memory skills (procedural, declarative, and working) and sound discrimination abilities, on the ability of adults with and without Language Learning Disability (LLD) to learn two sound-category structures, one designed to be learned implicitly and the other designed to be learned explicitly. This design tests a theorized etiology for LLD, the Procedural Deficit Hypothesis (PDH), which posits that LLD is caused by selective impairments to procedural memory and implicit learning. It also serves to evaluate factors and conditions that contribute to success in second-language learning for adults, who are less neurologically suited to the task …

Model Minority Myth And Oral Health Disparities In Asian Americans Of Multnomah County In Oregon, Taylor Kang

University Honors Theses

This thesis explores the concept of the Model Minority Myth (MMM) and its impact on minority groups such as Asian American communities. It discusses how the MMM is one of the many reasons why health disparities such as oral health disparities, may exist for these groups, particularly in the context of White-majority places like the city of Portland and Multnomah County in Oregon. These disparities, as a result, prevent communities from achieving racial equity in areas such as employment, education, occupation, and income, to name a few. At first glance, the MMM seems to shed an optimistic light with its …

The Influence Of Microorganisms On Human Health, Tiffany Bui

University Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the interplay between the environment, lifestyle, and composition of human microbiomes across different communities, with a specific focus on immune and digestive health. This literature review investigates three distinct types of communities: isolated/traditional, transitional, and urban/industrialized communities, each characterized by unique environments, societal structures, and interactions. These factors contribute to the distinct microbial populations and compositions within each community. It is impossible to avoid contact with microorganisms as they are present in every aspect of our lives, from the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil we walk on, the …

International Comparison Of Literature On Home Health: Taiwan And The United States, Jaden Gloden

University Honors Theses

Taiwan is one of the world's fastest-aging societies and in 1994 implemented its universal National Health Insurance program which would later include a comprehensive long-term care system. The United States is also an aging society and a growing number of Americans are in need of long-term care services that the government has yet to provide or finance. Aging in place, the desire of older adults to stay in their homes as they age has consistently remained popular among Americans 50+ resulting in the popularity of home-based medical care. Taiwan society also values aging in place and an emphasis on Confucian …

Neural Correlates Of Comorbidity Of Anxiety Disorders And Eating Disorders, Karsen Coelho

University Honors Theses

The presence of eating disorder and anxiety disorder comorbidity has raised the question of whether or not there is a causal relationship between them. Previous studies have found that this comorbidity has been present in various patients with anxiety disorders and eating disorders, going further to try and determine which diagnosis came first (Swinbourne et al., 2012). By conducting a literature review, studies were examined to determine neurobiological regions impacted by both disorders. Prefrontal cortex abnormalities are consistent among both disorders, contributing to differences in behavior and reward systems. With the irregular structure and activation of the amygdala, emotion and …

Sex Education In American Public Schools: Policy And Outcomes, Alexandra Mattingly

University Honors Theses

Sexual Education in American public schools is the subject of a long-standing debate between educators, parents, and policy makers. From the beginning of public schooling in the United States, the role that public schools ought to serve in educating students about sexual health has been unclear. This remains a topic of debate despite the fact that since the 1980s studies have shown consistently that comprehensive sexual education unequivocally leads to lower rates of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection spread among students. Comprehensive sexual education is sexual education that includes information on safer sexual activity practices as well as information about …

Examining Benefits Of Early Intervention In Cases Of Pediatric Chronic Hypoxia, Kendra Stefan

University Honors Theses

There is a strong foundation of evidence and consensus in the literature that hypoxia has adverse impacts on brain function. Recent research has broadened the field in two directions. One is the treatment for acute hypoxic injuries, and the second is regarding the accumulative impact of intermittent or chronic hypoxia. Historically, in cases of acute hypoxia, action is taken to remedy the source of hypoxia. Physical and cognitive rehabilitation has typically been provided as needed depending on the severity of the injury. While cases of intermittent or chronic hypoxia may not demonstrate an acute urgency for treatment and rehabilitation, current …

Investigating The Mammillary Bodies As An Early Target Of Alzheimer's Disease, Cole Martinson

University Honors Theses

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. With minimal treatment options and no cure, developing a deeper understanding of the pathology of the disease is crucial. For nearly four decades, the accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques has been correlated with the disease and its progression. Previous studies mapping this accumulation show that the mammillary bodies (MB) are an early target of the disease. Glutamatergic neurons are of key interest due to their prevalence in the central nervous system, specifically the MB. To understand the effects of AD on the glutamatergic system, we used vesicular glutamate transporter 2 …

A Literature Review On Understanding, Solidifying, And Expanding The Role Of Art Therapy In Death And Dying, Deborah D. Clark

University Honors Theses

The purpose of this literature review is to weave together an understanding of what research exists around art therapy in death and dying, what the role of art therapy is in end-of-life care and education, and determine what gaps exist for further study. When it comes to the topic of death and dying, most of us would agree that end-of-life care is extremely important, though this agreement often falls apart regarding what that care looks like, and how we do (or don't) talk and learn about death and dying. This review argues for an integrated holistic model of care concerning …

A Hierarchical Decision Model To Evaluate Healthcare Organization's Readiness To Implement Clinical Decision Support Systems, Mohammed Oussama Laraichi

Dissertations and Theses

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) are essential tools for healthcare organizations as well as for healthcare providers to improve clinical care. However, successful implementation of CDSS can be challenging. Therefore, before implementing CDSS, it is crucial to assess the readiness of healthcare organizations to implement these tools.

Through a literature review, the first step of this research explores the concept of clinical decision support and CDSS, discussing their features, characteristics, and organizational hurdles to implementation. It also provides perspectives on CDSS adoption in the context of Information Systems and Health Technology. The review helped identify research gaps, objectives, and questions. …

Experiences Of People With Serious Mental Illness Seeking Services At Community Mental Health Centers During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Emily Leickly

Dissertations and Theses

Community mental health centers (CMHCs) have been underfunded and overburdened since Reagan-era disinvestment and the United States' move toward neoliberalism. Rates of mental illness have been rising consistently, particularly in Oregon, as CMHCs face continuing financial pressures and staff retention issues. This was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we are still trying to understand the ongoing pandemic's impact on people with serious mental illnesses (SMI). Most of the studies in this area thus far are quantitative, and first-hand accounts of the pandemic from people with SMI are largely absent. Additionally, research in this area fails to draw on critical alternative …

Exploring The Plausibility Of Human Ecosystem Disruption Being The Cause For Increased Viral Prevalence, Andrew Ventura

University Honors Theses

Viral diseases and their prevalence--including both the number of cases and the appearance of new viruses--has increased in the last century, and these diseases have become an increasing threat to human health and well-being. The influenza and COVID-19 pandemics served both as introductions and reminders respectively to the power these viruses have to destroy and disrupt human life. As such, it intimates a necessity to investigate possible causes for the increase in these deadly diseases. Among these plausible causes is the dilution effect hypothesis, which states that decreasing the biodiversity of an ecosystem increases a pathogen's ability to infect, both …

Homelessness, Water Access, And Environmental Justice In An Urban Environment, Alicia Gamble

Environmental Science and Management Professional Master's Project Reports

Only in recent years has houselessness been viewed as an environmental justice issue, and little is understood about the environmental injustices of water insecurity among unhoused individuals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to understand the environmental injustices (i.e., distributive, procedural, and recognition) of the water insecurity process using the cause-response-effect theoretical model, unhoused participants living near services were interviewed in Portland, Oregon about their lived experiences gaining access to water, the barriers they encounter when trying to access water, and the impacts that result from these barriers. Results revealed that COVID-19 was a barrier to water access and …

Paid Sick Leave, Chronic Disease, And Systemic Racism: A Systematic Review, Lauren Yee

University Honors Theses

The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the impact of paid sick leave (PSL) availability on chronic disease prevention, treatment, and recovery. Furthermore, this study aims to investigate the role of race on this relationship as a possible source of systemic racism. The findings of this review show a growing body of evidence that affirms the statistically significant association between PSL and chronic disease-related outcomes. The availability of PSL has the potential to remove financial barriers allowing employees to access preventative services for chronic diseases. Access to PSL also increases work resumption by improving financial stability after being …

Classifying Severe And Enduring Anorexia Nervosa: A Literature Review, Phoenix Black

University Honors Theses

Little focus is placed on the subsection of the eating disorder patient population who struggle chronically with their illness. This review synthesizes research on the topic to identify gaps in knowledge and reflect on implications for diagnosis and classification of severe and enduring anorexia nervosa. There was some variability between both clinicians and researchers who focused on this patient population, which is discussed based on different classifying criteria used to include or exclude an individual into the study. This review considers traditional methods used for classifying psychiatric diagnoses in relation to this disorder.

The Practice Of Dry Needling In Physical Therapy, Sarah A. Robertson

University Honors Theses

This thesis is a systematic review that discusses the current state of the treatment modality of "Dry Needling" in the field of physical therapy. To do this, current studies of the patient outcomes associated with Dry Needling are analyzed and discussed, as well as legislation at both the state and national levels.

An Assessment Model Of The Healthcare Entrepreneurship Ecosystem To Foster Solutions For Underserved Communities, Abdalilah Saleh Owaishiz

Dissertations and Theses

There are significant disparities in access to healthcare treatment and this study investigates the healthcare entrepreneurship ecosystem and the challenges and considerations associated within. There is a lack of research on how to evaluate and assess the healthcare entrepreneurship ecosystem especially when applying multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. The Hierarchical Decision Model (HDM) has been utilized to identify several perspectives and factors grouped under them by the expert’s quantification. This research concentrates on underserved communities because that is where the biggest needs and impact can be made to support achieving health equity and universal health coverage. The findings of this research …

Health Of Transgender Adults, 2020, Addie Furrer

University Honors Theses

Transgender and gender diverse individuals are known to experience barriers to accessing medical care while also being at higher risk of chronic conditions. In this study, the health conditions, disabilities, and health care access of 1,017 transgender and gender diverse(TGD) respondents to the 2020 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System were examined in relation to both cisgender men and cisgender women. This analysis was done to further the effort of understanding the health disparities experienced by TGD populations. Transgender and gender diverse individuals were more likely to have poor overall health and mental health, have multiple chronic health conditions, and have …