Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Implementation Of A Wellness Program To Address Health Disparities In A Vulnerable Population, Patricia Clark Pappas

Seton Hall University DNP Final Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement a Wellness program to address the health disparities in a vulnerable population. The population targeted was a local population that was served at a mental health facility for socioeconomically disadvantaged. The program focused on improving knowledge of cardiovascular health, empowerment and communication skills. Significance: The significance of the project is the improvement in ones wellness by provision of education, empowerment and communication skills. The attaining of these skills can translate into other areas of wellness and improved health outcomes. Populations at risk due to socioeconomic and racial differences can …

Improving Patient Care Outcomes To Reduce Recurrent Admissions Of Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Lisa Maria Friedrich

Seton Hall University DNP Final Projects

Purpose:Transitional care is time-limited, with the goal of ensuring safety and health continuity for at-risk patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as they move from one setting to the next. An acute care episode of COPD ranges from relatively healthy adults to adults with multiple chronic conditions or those in the end-of-life phase. The primary quality concern of an urgent need to improve health care is in response to the gaps of sufficient experience to manage patients with COPD, leading to hospital readmissions. Implementation of standards of care for the improvement of health-related quality of life (HRQL) of COPD …

Advocacy In Action: A Framework For Implementation Of The American Counselors Association Advocacy Competencies On A Local Level, Jeffrey M. Lown

Educational Specialist, 2009-2019

Despite calls from within the professional field and external forces, counselors have faced ongoing challenges in their efforts to be effective advocates for their clients and themselves. A review of the literature reveals that throughout the history of the profession, prominent figures have called on counselors to assume advocacy roles, and that some initiatives have been successful in fostering lasting change. However, as counselors and their clients’ needs continue to evolve, so too must strategies to address these needs be reevaluated and new initiatives put into place.

In this paper, I have outlined a committee structure and agenda that seeks …

The Effect Of Body Mass Index On Graft Function And Kidney Transplant Outcomes, Morgan Galle

Theses & Dissertations

Background: When determining eligibility for kidney transplantation, body mass index (BMI) is often a debatable criterion for transplant due to the clinical indication, an elevated BMI has adverse effects on kidney transplant outcomes. There is a current gap in research on the effect BMI has on kidney transplant outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the role BMI plays in post-kidney transplant clinical outcomes including delayed graft function, new onset diabetes after transplant, wound complications, hospital length of stay, albumin, and readmissions to the hospital from initial hospitalization and at six months following kidney transplantation. The primary …

Health Education: An Unmet Needs For Refuges, Zahra Goliaei

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the organizations that serves refugees and asylums arriving into the United States. Each year between 4 to 500 individuals will resettle in Oakland through the IRC. However, after relocation, these individuals need information about life in the new country , community resources , and social services especially health care system in the country. Life pressures during the resettlement process, along with the language barrier and poverty usually lead to a less healthy diets and lifestyles. During the time, these factors will put refugees at the risk of obesity and later, chronic …

Educated Birth: Beliefs Vs. Outcomes, Lauren Presley

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

“Our infant mortality rate is a national embarrassment.”¹ The words seem shocking and harsh across the headline of a 2014 Washington Post article. The thought of America not only not being the best at something, but falling upsettingly behind, is a foreign concept to many who view America as a nation inferior to none. However, the statistics on infant mortality rate tell the stark truth that of 26 “wealthy” countries, the U.S. ranks last, with a sobering 6.1 deaths per 1,000 live infant births.²

Part of the Healthy People 2020 Objectives is to reduce the rate of infant …

Access To Oral Health For Children On Mainecare In The Lakes Region Towns Of Bridgton, Casco, Sebago, And Naples, Carissa L. Parent

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

Although we know that children covered by Medicaid often do not receive needed dental services, the extent of the problem in Maine is not fully understood. In particular, rural communities in Maine may face challenges for families to access dental services for their children given low reimbursement rates and fewer available providers. This project addresses these gaps in knowledge by examining MaineCare- funded utilization and dental care access for children with MaineCare in four rural Maine towns in the Lakes Region.

Hospital Practices Related To Breastfeeding In Mississippi: A Socio-Ecological Approach, Amir Alakaam

Dissertations

Mississippi continues to have one of the lowest rates and the weakest support in respect to breastfeeding in the nation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014a). Hospital practices supporting breastfeeding such as the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (TSSB) can dramatically increase breastfeeding rates and duration (Rosenberg, Stull, Adler, Kasehagen, & Crivelli-Kovach, 2008). The aim of this study was to explore breastfeeding practices in Mississippi hospitals based on two levels of the Socio-Ecological Model: the organizational level (phase I) examined the hospital practices based on the level of implementation of the TSSB; the individual level (phase II) examined knowledge …

Influence Of Child Injury Risk Perceptions On Adult Supervision Behavior, Ha Huynh

Master's Projects and Capstones

Parenting practices play an important role in child safety and injury prevention, and inadequate supervision poses a significant threat to child health. Intervention programs targeting injury beliefs have been shown to positively reduce risky play in children though these efforts vary with age and context. There is a need to further evaluate the influence of social context, environmental characteristics, and parenting practices on supervision behavior. Research has classified supervision characteristics based on dimensions of attention (level of interaction with the child and visual/auditory attentiveness), proximity (physical touch and distance to a child), and continuity (frequency/timing of supervision). Prior studies suggest …

The Association Between The Neighbourhood Food Environment And Prevalence Of Three Chronic Diseases In Urban Canada: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Jagraj Singh Pandher

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Research on the association between the neighbourhood food environment and prevalence of chronic diseases is very limited in Canada. The objective of this thesis was to investigate: (i) the associations between the neighbourhood food environment and prevalence of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension among Canadian adults living in urban areas; and (ii) whether or not dietary patterns, obesity and physical activity mediate such associations. Self-reported diagnosis of three chronic diseases, and individual-level socio-demographic and lifestyle variables were taken from the 2009-2010 Canadian Community Health Survey; neighbourhood-level socio-economic data were taken from the 2011 National Household Survey; and the …

The Sixties Scoop Among Aboriginal Veterans: A Critical Narrative Study, Munira Abdulwasi

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This study explored the experience of Aboriginal Veterans adopted and/or fostered during the Sixties Scoop using critical narrative inquiry. The objectives were to: 1) understand the lived experience of Aboriginal veterans adopted and/or fostered during the Sixties Scoop, 2) explore any health needs expressed by Aboriginal veterans adopted and/or fostered during the Sixties Scoop, and 3) provide recommendations for the implementation of health services and programs to assist this group of Aboriginal veterans with their health needs. Eight individual interviews were conducted with participants in Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Vancouver. All interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using …

Health Hub Program Evaluation, Natalie Macias

Master's Projects and Capstones

This paper examines and evaluates the work of LIFT-Levántate a non-profit organization in San Rafael, California on their school-based nutritional education “health hub,” through health promotion interventions with adolescents. The James B. Davidson Middle School health hub educates students on topics related to nutrition and physical activity with the goal of providing access and increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables while lowering students’ intake of high-fat and sugary processed foods. Through research and observations of the students and families in this community, the data seems to indicate apparent disparities which vary by ethnicity, socioeconomic status and access. Underserved populations, including …

The Role Of Public Libraries In Addressing Food Insecurity: A Model For Community Feeding, Monica De La Cruz

Master's Projects and Capstones

Food insecurity is a serious problem in the United States. Not having enough food to eat can negatively impact children more severely than adults. Children who are food insecure are more likely to suffer from a range of physical, mental, and developmental delays in growth. There is prior evidence that the effects of food insecurity in children can be ameliorated through national feeding programs, like the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which provides daily lunch at school for eligible low-income children. Though these types of programs are considered successful in addressing food insecurity within the community, the lack of these …

Impact Of A Preschool Workplace Intervention On Classroom Teachers’ Physical Activity Levels And Quality Of Life, Ogechi O. Nwaokelemeh

Doctoral Dissertations

PURPOSE: To examine the feasibility and efficacy of a three-month, cluster-randomized workplace PA intervention on PA levels and wellbeing measures in preschool classroom teachers. METHODS: Ten preschool centers were randomized into two groups; short-bouts of structured PA (SBS-PA, n=5) or traditional unstructured PA (TRAD-PA, n=5). The SBS-PA intervention consisted of 10-minute structured, teacher-led PA routines implemented within the classroom setting, followed by 20 minutes of unstructured playtime. The TRAD-PA intervention consisted of supervised 30-minute of unstructured free playtime. Both interventions were implemented during the morning and afternoon designated gross-motor playtime for 30 min/session, five days/week for three months. Participants’ …

Exploring Mothers' Influence On Preschoolers' Physical Activity Levels And Sedentary Time, Alana M. Maltby

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Physical activity (PA) patterns continue from childhood into adulthood; therefore, establishing healthy PA levels early is imperative. Mothers have been identified as influencing preschoolers’ activity behaviours; however, a holistic exploration of maternal influence is lacking. The purpose of this study was to explore maternal influence on preschoolers’ PA and sedentary time. Preschoolers (n = 30) and their mothers wore ActicalTM accelerometers, and mothers completed the adapted Environmental Determinants of Physical Activity in Preschool Children - Parent Survey. Direct entry regression analyses were conducted to explore maternal influence (e.g., support, enjoyment) on preschoolers’ activity levels. Maternal support was a significant predictor …

Roles Of Serum Lycopene In The Prevalence And Mortality Of Metabolic Syndrome In The Adult Population, Guang-Ming Han

Theses & Dissertations

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic disorders, including increased fasting glucose, blood pressure, plasma triglyceride, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and abdominal obesity. It leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The growing prevalence of MetS is strongly related to the increasing prevalence of overweight/obesity. As an antioxidant, lycopene can reduce the risk of MetS. However, it is unclear whether lycopene has similar effects among overweight/obese individuals and whether lycopene can reduce the risk of mortality among individuals with MetS. The purpose of this study was to explore the roles of lycopene in the prevalence and …

The Effect Of A Multiple Modality Mind-Motor Exercise Intervention On Single And Dual-Task Gait, Balance, And Executive Function, In Community Dwelling Older Adults With A Subjective Cognitive Complaint: A Randomized Controlled Trial., John P. Bocti

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Cognitive decline disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent, with older adults at increased risk. Combined exercise has been recently explored as an intervention to help to prevent the decline, however cognitive activation in combination with physical activity has yet to be explored. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to determine the effects of multiple modality exercise programs in combination with a mind-motor task and their effects on mobility and cognitive variables. A total of (n=89) older adults (55+ yrs), with subjective cognitive complaints participated in a multiple modality exercise class, three days a week over six months, with the intervention …

A Pre-Test Post-Test Tool Development And Evaluation For The Abstinence-Plus Curriculum “Against The Tide”, Nicole C. Boucuvalas

Master of Science in Nursing Theses

Problem and Significance: Adolescents in the U.S. are subjected to multiple media messages, peer influence, and cultural acceptance of sexual activity that result in one of the highest rates of teen pregnancy, teen abortion, and sexually transmitted disease among all developed nations. Varying educational curriculums have been studied regarding their effectiveness in decreasing these negative societal issues with our youth. The Women’s Pregnancy Center within Peoria Rescue Ministries has been administering abstinence-plus sex education curriculum, Against the Tide (ATT), to various school systems for the past 15 years. However, the effectiveness of the ATT curriculum had not been measured. …

Evidence-Based Recommendations For The Assessment Of Severe Acute Malnutrition In Children Aged 6-59 Months In The Central African Republic, Rachel R. Wong

Master of Science in Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Projects

Thirty-five percent of mortalities in children under the age of five can be attributed to malnutrition (World Health Organization (WHO), n.d.). Nearly 24 percent of children less than five from 2008-2012 in the Central African Republic were moderately or severely underweight and nearly eight percent suffered from severe or moderate wasting (The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, 2013). As a result of recent sectarian violence which began with a coup in March 2013, the Central African Republic is facing a nutrition crisis. As a result, an estimated 28,000 Central African children under the age of five are predicted to …

Smoking Cessation During Pregnancy: An Evidence Based Practice Protocol, Katherine J. Ruhlman

Master of Science in Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Projects

Intrauterine exposure to nicotine is one of the largest modifiable risk factors for infant morbidity and mortality. Previous progress toward decreasing the number impacted by intrauterine nicotine exposure has recently plateaued. While guidelines for assisting pregnant women to stop smoking are available, few providers have a formalized protocol in place. This project will evaluate most current research evidence regarding smoking cessation during pregnancy in order to develop a formalized protocol for implementation in an obstetric clinic in Southwest Ohio. Reviewed literature was summarized and level of evidence was established. Recommendations were made and categorized as strong, moderate, and weak. The …

Socially Constructing Drug Addicts From The Poor: A Critical Discourse Analysis, Kalynn Susan Amundson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Welfare drug testing was authorized by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996, and has subsequently garnered extensive legislative interest in numerous states. This policy raises several questions, which are the subjects of the two journal articles and one manuscript included in this dissertation.

The first article addresses the question of a possible confluence of War on Drugs and Welfare Reform policies as evidenced through welfare drug testing policy, and indicated by continuity in policymakers’ rhetoric. This study examines federal-level policymakers’ debate discourse in these two policy streams. The analysis finds themes of the Social pathology, …

The Utility Of A Protection Motivation Theory Framework For Understanding Sedentary Behaviour, Tiffany S. Wong

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This study aimed to 1) examine the factor structure and composition of sedentary-derived Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) constructs and 2) determine the utility of these constructs in predicting general and leisure sedentary goal intention (GI), implementation intention (II), and sedentary behaviour (SB). PMT, GI, II constructs, and a modified SB questionnaire were completed by undergraduate students. After completing socio-demographics and the PMT items (n = 787), participants were randomized to complete general or leisure intention and SB items. Irrespective of model, principal axis factor analysis revealed that the PMT items grouped into eight coherent and interpretable factors. Using linear …

Awareness And Utilization Of The Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System By Physician Assistants, Julia Cathleen Rose

All Theses And Dissertations

Chronic pain has become a public health epidemic. As pain complaints increase, so does the potential for drug abuse/misuse. Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are active in 49 of the 50 states to assist providers in recognizing drug abuse/misuse. There is no clear standardization of who utilizes the PDMP and how. Little is still known about the ways PDMP results are incorporated into clinical decision making, what barriers exist, and how providers may or may not alter their prescribing plans based on the results. Laws surrounding prescribing practices and use of the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS) are constantly …

Wecan Implementation For Parents Of At-Risk Hispanic Adolescents In Middle School, Shannon Leigh Devita

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

CDC-reported childhood obesity rates have tripled in the past three years. Among children in grades five, seven and nine, 30% are overweight or obese, with Hispanic students more likely to be overweight than White students. This evidence-based project examined the effectiveness of NHLBI’s WeCan! for at-risk middle-school-age Hispanic children and parents. The program was implemented at school in two weekly sessions, and its effectiveness was evaluated using the WeCan! survey. The program resulted in improved knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes related energy balance, portion size, healthy foods, physical activity, and screen time and may be useful in other school settings.

Patient Engagement In Transitional Care, Sheeree Dela Pena

Master's Projects and Capstones

The Clinical Nurse Leader Master’s project was conducted about a public health program called the Transitional Care Program that was working in partnership with a county hospital system, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. The specific aim was to reduce hospital re-admissions of high-risk patients by supporting patient motivation and engagement in the Transitional Care Program by May 2015. Over a four-month period, data was collected through ten client visits, interviews with two public health nurses, information available about the program, and current research conducted on transitional care, hospital discharges, and patient engagement. Various aspects of the program were assessed, such …

Prevalence Of School Nurses In Kentucky And Student Outcomes, Teena Darnell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify whether the presence of a nurse in the public high school setting was associated student outcomes. Data gleaned from the study will be used to enact a new legislative policy mandating the presence of a nurse in all public schools in the state of Kentucky.

Background: Nurses employed in the school setting support both the educational mission of the institution, as well as the health and well-being of students. Studies have explored the relationships between school nurse presence and student health. It has been suggested that when children experience poor …

Perinatal Health Education Intervention For Adolescent And Young Adult Pregnant Homeless Women Living In Transitional Housing, And Best Practice Teaching Intervention Program For Staff Responsible For Care Of The Mother-Baby Dyad, Colleen Carrington

Seton Hall University DNP Final Projects

Purpose: A population at great risk is pregnant homeless adolescents and young adult women. Research shows that about 20% of homeless young women become pregnant (Bender, & Thompson, 2007). These pregnant young women are at an increased risk for low birth weight infants and a high infant mortality due to inadequate health care, poor dietary habits, and a knowledge deficit related to maintaining good health during pregnancy and to care of the infant and growing child. A transitional shelter may offer many psychosocial services to assist the women in becoming independent; however, a significant gap exists regarding the medical …

The First Year: The Relationship Between Loneliness & Wellness Among College Freshmen, Isabel M. Jimenez-Bush

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Loneliness is common in the majority of first-semester college students, but if left unaddressed, long-term loneliness may cause physical health problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived loneliness and physical health among college freshmen at James Madison University using a Qualtrics survey. The relationship between loneliness and health was assessed using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) to gauge physical health and the UCLA Loneliness Survey (UCLA-LS) to gauge perceived loneliness. Contrary to the hypothesis, results indicated there was no relationship between loneliness and physical health. It was thought the BRFSS was a …

The Effect Of Communication Type On Knowledge Retention Of Brain Injuries, Alyson Cregger

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Misconceptions about traumatic brain injuries have been seen in the general population since 1988. Previous research has demonstrated that the misconceptions are not limited to geographical area and have been seen in health care professionals. A possible explanation for these misconceptions could be the ineffective transmission of knowledge. The current study examined the effect of an educational intervention on eight misconceptions and their ‘real life’ applications, as well as the general knowledge surrounding traumatic brain injuries. Comparative and absolute risk were also examined. Thirty undergraduate students were given a pre-test consisting of four surveys (misconceptions, application of misconception, general knowledge, …

Growing Food And Community: An Exploration Of Local Food Initiatives In Cape Town, South Africa, Megan Bradley

Honors Capstone Projects - All

Local food has recently arisen as a social movement, a diet, and an economic strategy. While the concept is abstract, it is characterized by an emphasis on organic production, conscious consumption, and the convergence of the farm and table. In Cape Town, South Africa, efforts exist across a wide variety of businesses, organizations and communities defined geographically, socially, and economically. This study explores the role of local food initiatives in sustainable community development with a focus on the notions of food sovereignty, community capacity, and social capital. It aims to compare diverse schemes in the movement to identify commonalities in …