Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Social Workers’ Preparedness For Practice With Patients Experiencing Psychotic Disorders, Paula Crespin

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The present study explored the preparedness of social workers when providing services to individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders who present with non-affective psychosis. The present study sought to examine the perceived barriers to mental health service utilization for individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders as well as the perceived preparedness of social workers when providing services to individuals with non-affective psychosis. Social workers are crucial frontline workers in the treatment and support of individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorder. This qualitative study was comprised of twelve semi-structured interviews to gauge the preparedness of social workers (N=12). Results from the thematic analysis demonstrated …

Barriers To The Use Of Palliative And Hospice Care Among The Latino Population, Diana Ramirez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Patients suffering from irreversible and terminal illnesses may benefit from the services provided by Palliative and Hospice Care to control any symptom burden and assist in navigating complex medical decisions. Many patients may express hesitation in accepting and enrolling to this service due to misconceptions. Language barriers may add an additional layer of complexity. This study explored the challenges Palliative Care providers encounter when introducing concept of hospice to Spanish-speaking patients their families for the first time. This study implemented qualitative research methods by using semi-structured one-on-one interviews. Ten members of an In-patient Palliative Care Team at a University Hospital …

Accessibility Of Mental Health Resources In Schools, Zitlaly Lizeth Cruz-Roman, Vianney Consepcion Sandoval

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study aimed to examine parents’ and staff’s perception of the accessibility and awareness of mental health resources in school. Mental health resources are made available in school settings; however, not all families and students are aware of the resources being provided. To address the accessibility of mental health resources, research needs to take place to understand why these resources are not being utilized. Individuals’ mental health will improve by creating awareness of the resources since they will be aware of the resources and use them based on their needs. The research project utilized quantitative research methods and descriptive research …

Promoting Health Equity Among Racial And Ethnic Minorities During And After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Alexandra Viramontes, Deserry Salgado

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Racial and ethnic minorities experience disproportionate health outcomes during a pandemic, yet preparedness plans have failed to address the social determinants of health that produce the most severe impact. By examining social workers’ perspectives on the health disparities faced by racial and ethnic minorities during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study provides insight into the ways in which services can be improved in a future health crisis. In this exploratory study, a qualitative approach was utilized where social workers were asked to participate in interviews consisting of open-ended questions. The qualitative data was obtained in the form of interview transcripts, which …

Treatment Access For Dual Diagnosis Substance Use And Mental Health Disorders, Pedro Banuelos

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In 2018, of 1.3 million Latinx adults in the United States facing concurrent issues with substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health disorders (MHD) 93% remained untreated for either diagnosis. This is concerning since Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) data reveals that this population is at greater risk for suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts. They also face structural barriers such as employment, housing, legal involvement, and insurability that further impede access to treatment.

This study’s purpose was to examine barriers to accessing treatment for Latinx populations confronting co-occurring SUDs and MHDs. This study used a qualitative design …

An Examination Of The Impact Traumatic Events Has On Psychosocial Impairment In Eating Disorder Patients, Jennifer Parker Hackett

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Research suggests that trauma has an impact on eating disorders. While prior research has demonstrated that the trauma from abuse has a significant impact on eating disorders, research has failed to explore other types of trauma. In addition, previous studies have stopped short of examining the impact trauma has on functioning among individuals with an eating disorder. This study aimed to address that gap in the literature. The purpose of this study is to examine whether traumatic life events impact psychosocial functioning among individuals living with an eating disorder. Furthermore, this study aimed to identify which traumas are shown to …

A Descriptive Study Of The Elderly In California Substance Abuse Treatment Programs, David Berenschot

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

As gerontologists may know, there are a great deal of studies and a variety of academic literature on the misuse of alcohol and prescription medication amongst the elderly population. While there is a plethora of information on alcohol and prescription misuse, there is little reported data about the prevalence of other substance misuse experienced by this population. This study aims to help to fill that gap in the data by using quantitative methods to describe the scope of substance abuse of individuals 55-years or older. This study utilizes data from the Treatment Data Set Admission (TEDS-A). The TEDS-A is a …

Exploring The Relationship Between Occupational Burnout And The Behavioral Well-Being Of Social Workers, Damian A. Pisapia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between occupational burnout and the behavioral well-being of social workers. Burnout is a multidimensional syndrome where workers experience feelings of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment as a consequence of work related stress and overwhelming job demands. Burnout can negatively affect organizational functioning, work performance, and pose significant health risks to workers. There are a limited number of studies focusing on the impact of occupational burnout on the behavioral well-being of workers. The findings of this study indicated that there was a significant relationship between burnout …

Clinical Social Workers’ Perspectives On Illicit Drug Use And The Development Of Psychotic Disorders, Asma Naseer

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This purpose of this study was to explore social workers’ perspectives of drug-induced psychosis. More specifically, it sought to determine how knowledgeable clinical social workers are on the impact illicit drug use on the development of psychotic disorders. The study also aimed to discover clinical social workers’ perspectives regarding the influence of illicit drug use on the development of psychotic illnesses. This study used mixed methods approach in attempt to solve the research question. The quantitative portion of the research, an anonymous survey, allowed for the assessment of social workers’ knowledge of drug-induced psychosis. The qualitative portion of the research, …

Substance Abuse Among The Elderly: What Works In Treatment, Sophia Morelli

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Social workers are trained during the course of their education to work with the elderly and to understand the various dynamics of aging. These professionals also receive education on substance abuse and how to assess clients as well as link them to appropriate supportive services. How can social workers be more inclined to effectively treat the elderly substance abuser? What are, if any, special considerations a social worker should be aware of when working with the geriatric population? What treatment modalities seem to be more effective with the elderly client? This study utilized a qualitative analysis consisting of interviews with …

Evaluation Of Support Groups For Adults With Diabetes, Julie Angelita Gonzalez

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of the study is to evaluate support groups for people with diabetes to find out information about the facilitators, social workers involvement, if any, details of how the groups are facilitated, resources used and the way in which behavioral change is addressed.

Medical Practitioners' Death Anxiety And The Advance Directive, Daisy Macias, Natalie Macias

Theses Digitization Project

This study examined whether there is a correlation between medical practitioner's level of death anxiety and communication about the advance directive. Even though there is a lot of common sense in stating the obvious complexity of issues surrounding end of life, there is also a clear discomfort with accepting the advance directive and the patient's wishes at face value and the underlying reasons for that may lie in the physician's own feelings over death.

Assessing Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing Attitudes Among African Immigrants, Hazel Namona Nachembe

Theses Digitization Project

This study attempted to assess and explore the attitudes of African immigrants towards HIV testing and seeking HIV services in the U.S. The pool of HIV/AIDS cases among blacks at risk in the United States does not clearly distinguish between African Americans and Black African immigrants in regard to attitudes on HIV testing. A closer exploration of African immigrants as specific black sub-groups within the larger group of blacks or African Americans infected with HIV may help distinguish and explain the increase in incidents and high risk behaviors among blacks.

What Children Should Know About Cancer: Parent's Perception, Kristyn Gina Sutton

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project will focus on how and for what reasons parents inform their children of their cancer. Through the use of focus groups and the participation of parents, sick and healthy, this study will bring to light the truth of what parents feel their children should know about their cancer and why they may feel it necessary to tell them about their cancer.

African-Americans' Perceptions Of Hospice Care, Gina Elizabeth Wagner

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to reveal how African Americans view hospice care and how cultural values, economic factors and the amount of knowledge about hospice further impact the experiences African Americans have with hospice.

Psychosocial Needs Of Family Caregivers Of Cancer Patients, Graziano Mario Mauriz

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to examine caregivers' psychosocial needs in order to develop supportive programs and implement proper interventions intending to improve their quality of life and quality of care for their loved one's affected by cancer.

Quality Of Service And Treatment Adherence In Individuals With End Stage Renal Disease, Kyle Joseph Fraga

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study will focus on the patient's attitudes about their treatment. There is a certain stigma attached to dialysis that makes it an undesirable form of treatment. Individuals on dialysis may feel dependent and vulnerable. In addition, hospitals and dialysis clinics can be an unwelcoming and intimidating place. A person's belief about their treatment will influence how well they adhere to it.

Barriers To Hiv Couples Testing: The African American Woman's Perspective, Frederick Scott Smith

Theses Digitization Project

African American Women continue to contract HIV/AIDS at an alarming rate. Of all the women living with Aids in the United States, 64% were African American and two out of three African American women got HIV from having unprotected sex with a man. The purposes of the study are to identify perceived barriers to HIV testing of the intimate partners of African American Women and subsequently identify an effective couples of HIV testing strategy. The research study investigated the primary causes for low HIV testing rates of African American couples. This study uttilized a quantitatve method using self-administered questionaires. The …

Mental Health Of Medical Social Workers In The Workplace, Jenna Christina Gailani

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to examine medical social workers' experiences, job burnout, and coping strategies. Participants in this study were recruited from various hospitals in the Inland Empire. The findings were able to act as a pilot study to help augment policies that effect medical social workers.

The Effects Of Immediate Follow-Up On Psychiartric Rehospitalization Rates, Jennifer Erin Mccreight

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an immediate post hospitalization follow-up intervention on the rehospitalization rates of consumers of public mental health services with a classical experimental design. The intervention involves reinforcing the discharge plan, providing psychoeducation, encouraging medication adherence, and triaging each discharged client for additional needs.

Hispanics' Experience With Hospice Care, Maria Rosario Diaz

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project was to learn about Hispanic's experience with hospice care and gain insight into their unique needs. The findings will offer Hospice programs with information on how to provide the most appropriate care to the Hispanic population. This study found that the quality of patient care transcended cultural and spiritual boundaries.

Perceptions Of Breast Cancer Patients On Communicating Sexuality-Related Issues, Farrah Joy Oblepias

Theses Digitization Project

The research project focused on the perceptions of breast cancer patients on addressing sexuality-related issues to their health care provider. A female breast cancer survivor is likely to have low sexual functioning when experiencing change in hormonal status, problems in partner relationships, and vaginal dryness. Moreover, women who undergo a mastectomy due to breast cancer had difficulties in their self-image and their sexual relationship with men.

Health Literacy And Treatment Adherence Among Latinos With End Stage Renal Disease, Marielena Michel

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to examine health literacy and treatment adherence among Latinos with end stage renal disease. Health literacy has been overlooked as one of the factors that affects one's ability to comply with the physician's prescribed medical treatment.

Levels Of Subjective Quality Of Life Among Adults With Psychotic Disorders Formerly In Foster Care: Compared To A Matched Sample, Rosa Arias, Flora Irene Dharmaraj

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to explore whether or not adults with psychotic disorders, who were formerly in foster care, are more likely to report a lesser quality of life as compared to a matched sample with no history of foster care.

Cultural Beliefs And Attitudes Among Latinos With End Stage Renal Disease, Guillermina Robles-Burgos, Ada Ocasio-PaŕE

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to provide a quantitative analysis of beliefs and attitudes among Latinos who are diagnosed with end stage renal disease. This study explored the common attitudes and beliefs of this population, which may be both beneficial and harmful in their medical care.

An Exploratory Study Of Barriers To Psychotropic Adherence From The Client's Perspective, Nicole Nanchy, Michelle Sereese Green

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to psychotropic adherence regimens in clients with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI). Medication non-adherence perpetuates the cycle of psychotic episodes, which leads to rehospitalization, incarceration, and homelessness.

Prevalence Of Type 2 Diabetes Among Minority Groups, Patricia Elizabeth Sanchez

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was twofold. First, the study evaluated Loma Linda University Medical Center's (LLUMC) Diabetes Treatment Center's (DTC) effectiveness in providing diabetes education and services to high risk minority populations. Second, the results of the study helped the DTC determine the need for expanding its present efforts in the form of community health prevention services to San Bernardino County residents.

Korean Americans And Barriers To The Use Of Mental Health Services, Kimberly Joy Steiner

Theses Digitization Project

Based on data concerning Korean Americans affected by mental health problems, it is apparent that current methods of providing mental health services are not adequate. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of various mental disorders and barriers keeping Korean Americans from utilizing mental health services.

Compliance With Dialysis Regimens: The Effects Of Coping And Social Support, Toyoko Yagi

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of compliance behavior. Since compliance among dialysis patients increases survival rate, it is important for social workers to identify patients who are at risk of noncompliance.

Spirituality And Compliance Correlates Of Hemodialysis Patients, Paula Luz Ferro, Gloria Del Fernandez

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of a study of spirituality and its relationship to the compliance of hemodialysis patients is to consider changing the approach of the treatment team in the dialysis setting. The interdisciplinary treatment team at the dialysis center consists of physicians, nurses, dietitians, and social workers. One of the many roles of the dialysis social worker is to facilitate the adjustment to and acceptance of the patient's need for dialysis.