Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Faculty To Faculty Incivility In Iowa Nursing Education Programs, Candace Chihak

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Uncivil work relationships are common in several professions, including nursing. Experiences of incivility within nursing education have been well described in the relationships between students, students to faculty, and faculty to students, however, there is less empirical evidence on the presence of incivility between nursing faculty. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify the perception of incivility in faculty-to-faculty relationships in nursing education. Additionally, this paper will look for relationships between nurse educators and their intentions to stay within higher education. Methods: Nursing faculty from one Midwest state were surveyed utilizing the Workplace Incivility Civility Survey (WICS). Additionally, …

The Effectiveness Of A "Patient Discharge Information" Booklet In Patient Education Programs In Saudi Arabia, Amani Mohammed Al Rebeh

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of the Patient Discharge Information (PDI) booklet on the knowledge, attitude, and behaviors of participants who were cesarean patients in local hospitals in Saudi Arabia. This study investigated the following two research questions: (1) does the participant have information, resources, and understand basic personal health information regarding her health conditions including diagnosis, treatment, self-care management, medication instructions, normal expected symptoms, dangerous signs and what to do, as well as lifestyle changes?; and (2) how does patient discharge information provided by the hospital make a difference in participants’ knowledge, attitude, and …

Examining Aided Input Intervention In A Classroom Setting For Children Labeled With Significant Disabilities, Jennifer L. Flores

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this research was to examine aided input as an intervention strategy for teaching children language and communication skills through Augmentative and Alternative Communication. This study examined whether a coaching package is effective for enabling teachers to use aided input strategies and also examine the impact of the aided input strategies on children’s communication skills. Data was collected for six weeks using the AB alternating reversal design with the last two weeks being maintenance phases without coaching and support. There were three pieces of data collected; student pre and posttests of target words, daily observations of teacher instruction …

Depression In Children And Adolescents: The Role Of School Professionals, Emily Dawn Hoerman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Depression in children and adolescents is a significant issue for schools. Research has indicated that most students who see mental health professionals do so within the school setting, indicating a need for effective school-based programs to address mental health issues in the schools. The symptoms of depression and short and long term effects are reviewed. The need for, and necessary components of, a comprehensive mental health system in the school setting is discussed.

The Role Of Animal-Assisted Therapy In Initial Psychotherapy Sessions With Adolescents, Erin B. Stromberg

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is defined as "a goal directed intervention in which an animal, meeting specific criteria, is an integral part of the treatment process" (Nebbe, 1995, p. 40). Since its first introduction into the scientific community in the 1960s, AAT has grown in both recognition and application. This is primarily attributable to the characteristics of AAT that allow it to be appropriate for a wide range of populations. These qualities are shown to be especially effective in research with children (Menzies Inc., 2003). Interventions that exercise the advantageous qualities of AAT, and its service in promoting the well being …

Effective Professional Development For Teachers Of Students With Autism, Erin Marie Torruella

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The number of students with autism is on the rise. The main treatment for children with autism is their education. It is essential that teachers are prepared to work with students with autism. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a teacher training workshop held by Area Education Agency 267. Fifty-one participants of the workshop training responded to a survey regarding their implementation of strategies learned, their understanding of the content and strategies learned, the change in their planning and delivery of instruction, and the impact on their students' achievement.

The study found that the training …

The Impact Of A C.A.R.E. Based Martial Arts Class On Students' Academic Achievement, Peer Relationships, And Social Interactions, David Hite Jr.

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

What is the goal of education in America today? Why is education so important to our society? Why do we spend millions of dollars each year towards the success of America's educational system? What processes and procedures should be employed to insure an efficient and effective education for all individuals? These questions and more arise as we consider the current academic, social, and economic climate of America, as well as the rest of the world; and the role education has played in shaping our past, impacting our present, and directing our future as individuals of a free society. Abraham Lincoln …

The Heart Rate Response Of 5th Grade Students To Various Physical Education Activities, Mark Jungmann

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In an effort to make future curricular choices, the primary purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of participation in various activities on 5th grade students' heart rates. It was hypothesized that different activities would influence students' mean heart rates and time in target heart rate zone (THRZ) differently. Heart rate measurements were obtained through the use of Polar E600 heart rate monitors (HRM) during the 2006-2007 school year at Grundy Center, Iowa Elementary School. The data from the heart rate monitors were downloaded into Polar PE Manager Software to gather necessary information for this study. Subjects of …

Allergies In University Of Northern Iowa College Students, Lisa Krausman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Allergies diseases, comprising of asthma and allergies, in some direct or indirect way affect most American families as more than 40 to 60 million or one in four Americans suffer from allergic diseases. Allergic diseases are a widespread problem that has a great monetary cost to society and a negative impact on the quality of life for those afflicted. This research was based on an analytical cross-sectional study design with a convenience sample of young adults in a college population. The paper based survey consisted of 55 questions asking various questions throughout various periods of life including the topics of …

How The Clinical Settings Of Radiography Programs Affect Learning Perceptions, Peggy Fortsch

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

A main purpose of clinical education is to prepare practitioners who can deliver excellent skills and care vital to the health and safety of persons in their care and to society. Clinical education is an essential component for students pursuing careers as health care providers. The purpose of this study was to examine the place of clinical experiences in radiography programs and to describe how students and clinical instructors in three different radiography program models (bridging, external, and internal) perceived the learning experiences in clinical settings.

From the perspectives of students and clinical instructors the following questions were addressed:

(1) …

Approaches To Studying And Study Tactics Of Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Lisa D. Brodersen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This research was designed to describe study approaches and study tactics used by baccalaureate nursing students. Previous inquiry indicates that students will take a Deep, Strategic, or Surface approach to studying and will use specific study tactics to meet the demands of their learning contexts.

The Approaches to Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) was administered to 174 students in Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Nursing Care of the Adult Client. Failing students were less likely to participate. The ASSIST bad acceptable internal consistency reliability and construct validity. A majority (55%) of students took a Strategic approach to studying; smaller …

The Effects Of The Nutriactive Healthy Experience Intervention On Nutrition Knowledge In Kindergarten And First Grade Students, Jennifer Marie Bruss

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Over the past 30 years obesity in elementary school age children has gone from almost non-existence to common place. With obesity on the rise, the occurrence of diseases associated with it such as Type II diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia have also risen for children. These diseases are often carried into adulthood since overweight children are more likely to become overweight or obese adults. This will create another generation of obese children, continue to strain a failing health system, and add additional problems to our economy as the current obese generation heads into retirement.

Poor eating habits and insufficient physical activity …

Application Of Case Study Methodology In The Context Of Undergraduate Critical Care Nursing Education, James A. Hauschildt

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study represented an initial effort to investigate how a case study methodology could be used in the context of critical care nursing education. The study hoped to improve students' content specific knowledge of critical care nursing and facilitate critical thinking processes vital to clinical decision making. The study describes the transformation of a critical care-nursing course from a traditional lecture-based approach to a case study approach.

The traditional approach addressed the content through abundant teacher centered lecture, but did not require students to actively engage in discourse or apply critical thinking skills to real nursing problems. The case study …

Selected Influences On The Smoking Behavior Among Female And Male College Students Of The University Of Northern Iowa, Evelyn Adom-Boateng

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study primarily, was to investigate and identify the influence of the four focus areas (media, family, peer, and psychological coping technique) on the smoking behavior among female and male college students of the University of Northern Iowa. A description of differences in the influences of the focus areas on the smoking behavior on gender was included in the study. A non-random (convenient) sample of 100 students was drawn from the various Departments and Schools from five colleges in the University (57% males and 43% females).

The Sample responded to a 44-item self-report (survey) questionnaire. Overall means …

Job Satisfaction Among Nurse Educators Of Private Colleges And Universities, Jacqueline Kay Kuennen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

It is widely known that a nursing shortage exists in the health care field today. Less well known is the existence of a nurse educator shortage. Most research has been directed toward investigating the nursing shortage in general rather than the nurse educator shortage in particular. Research on job satisfaction among nurse educators has received recent attention and has been regarded as the most urgent and immediate step in ameliorating the nurse educator shortage.

The purpose of this study was to investigate job satisfaction among nurse educators in private colleges and universities in a midwestern state. In addition to investigating …

Comparison Of Health Practices Of International Students At The University Of Northern Iowa Before And After Coming To The United States, Joseph Kwesi Ogah

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The primary purpose of this study was to compare the health practices of international students at the University of Northern Iowa before and after coming to the United States (US). Also included in the study was a description of differences in the selected health behaviors by gender, age, marital status, residence type, place of origin, and length of stay in the US. A random sample of 81 international students from about 60 different countries (35% male, 65% female) responded to a 50-item health behavior survey in the Fall semester of 1999.

The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was …

Cancer Prevention Behavior In Traditional College-Age Individuals, Michelle Renee Hartwig

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to describe cancer prevention behaviors practiced by traditional college-age individuals enrolled at a four year university. Specifically, the study was designed to determine what primary and secondary prevention behaviors the students were practicing and if there was a difference in prevention behaviors between males and females. Demographic information collected was limited to sex of the participant. The behavioral categories examined included tobacco use, early detection practices, alcohol use, nutrition, physical activity, ultraviolet radiation exposure, and sexual behavior. The distribution of the 210 respondents was almost equal with 102 males and 108 females participating. The …

A Comparison Of The Speed Of Two Defensive Step Patterns By Women Volleyball Players, Sergei Y. Sherstnev

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to compare the speed of two defensive step patterns in volleyball. The shuffle step and long step were evaluated in terms of the speed of the shift of the center of gravity and stability. Subjects were 14 former female collegiate volleyball players. Each subject performed both the shuffle step and the long step in both directions. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in speed of the two step patterns, movement time, and height of the center of gravity (p >.05). There was a significant difference in displacement (F = 15.3687, p <.0001). The long step showed significantly greater distance from the line of gravity to the center of the base in the direction of the step than did the shuffle step (F = 24.2806, <.0001). The long step showed significantly greater size of the base of support as compared to the shuffle steps on both sides {F = 55.1042, p <.0001). The long steps demonstrated more mobility in the direction of the step, and the shuffle step showed more stability in the final position.

Determining The Effects Of Environmental Issues Instruction On Iowa Teachers, Paul P. Torbert

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Environmental Issues Instruction (eii) program. The study utilized the pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test survey design with a retrospective pre-test. Statistical analysis of four issue topics revealed 198 participants attained two-tailed probability levels less than the .01 level of significance. Analysis of teacher grade levels revealed kindergarten through eighth grade teachers attained two-tailed probability levels less than the .01 level of significance. Ninth through twelfth grade teachers also attained two-tailed probability levels less than the .01 level of significance with one exception. The researcher concludes that the Environmental Issues …

Trait Competitiveness In N.C.A.A. Division I And Division Iii Female Basketball Players, Kristin Renee Huffman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to examine trait competitiveness in female basketball players of Division I and Division III universities. It was hypothesized that Division I female basketball players and Division III female basketball players would not differ in trait competitiveness.

The research design for this study was quasi-experimental. The level of N.C.A.A. competition, Division I or Division III, served as the independent variable. Trait competitiveness, as measured by the Sport Orientation Questionnaire (SOQ) (Gill & Deeter, 1988), served as the dependent variable.

The subjects (N = 190) for this study were members of women's basketball teams in the …

The Incidence Of Elevated Total Cholesterol Levels In Elementary School Aged Children In The Absence Of Familial Cardiovascular Disease, Nancy C. Fauser

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of elevated blood cholesterol levels of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students in four schools in Cedar Falls, Iowa and to determine the relationship between total cholesterol level and family history of cardiovascular disease in this population. A total of 645 students were invited to participate in the blood cholesterol screening research project. Of this target population, 215 children whose parents gave consent for their participation became subjects for the research project. A cardiovascular family health questionnaire was sent home with each student which was completed by the parents of …

A Descriptive Study Of The Academic And Professional Backgrounds Of Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurses In Iowa, Paulette M. Herold

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to describe the professional backgrounds, experience, roles and responsibilities, and selected attitudes and opinions of cardiac rehabilitation nurses in the state of Iowa. Nurses were identified through the membership lists of the Iowa Association of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (IACPR) and the American Association of Cardiovascular Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Additional programs were identified through the Iowa Blue Cross/Blue Shield approved list of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in the state. A total of 100 surveys were mailed. The data results, based on the responses of 71 (71%) of these nurses, are summarized below.

The basic nursing education of …

The Effect Of An Alcohol Consciousness-Raising/Information Packet And An Alcohol Education Program On Alcohol-Related Family Discussions And Student Alcohol Use, Sandra S. Havlik

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of an alcohol consciousness-raising/information packet and an alcohol education program on student alcohol use behaviors and family discussion regarding student alcohol use. In addition, the relative difference in effectiveness of the alcohol consciousness-raising/information packet and alcohol education program among males and females was investigated. A total of 1,595 incoming first-year students were randomly assigned to one of four groups, and 1,634 of their parents were assigned to the same group as their child. Group A consisted of 425 students and 429 parents who received both the alcohol consciousness-raising/information packet and …

A Descriptive Study Of Breastfeeding Promotion In Iowa Hospitals, Joyce Kay Hansel

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to describe the practices of selected Iowa hospitals in the promotion of breastfeeding. Routine hospital policies, procedures, and patient education programs regarding breastfeeding mothers and their infants were investigated.

The study sample consisted of hospitals in the state of Iowa which had 200 births or more for the reporting year as listed in the 1989 American Hospital Association Guide to the Health Care Field. Based on this criterion the sample size was 44. A 20 item self-reporting questionnaire was designed and used as the tool for data collection. Frequencies and percentages were reported for …

The Sex Variable And Reactions To A Peer With An Orthopedic Disability By First- And Second Graders, Virginia Lynn Ruark

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Prior research has indicated that people react differently to a person with a physical disability than to a person without a disability, and that these different reactions vary with age and sex. While paper-and-pencil measures of reactions to persons with a disability have questionable validity, actual face-to-face interaction studies have yielded inconsistent results on measures of interaction time, eye contact, physical distance, and impression formation. Moreover, few studies have been conducted in which children were used as subjects. The purpose of the present study was to assess the behaviors of first- and second-grade children when reacting to peers of the …

Placing A Parent In A Nursing Home: Factors Related To Adult Children's Decisions, Ruth Cordle Hatch

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify alternatives and factors considered in the decision to place parents in nursing homes and to Identify feelings, relationships, needs, and satisfaction levels of the adult children involved in the decision. The researcher also sought suggestions of ways adult children's needs might be met.

Procedure. Adult children who were listed as next-of-kin of parents residing in Black Hawk County, Iowa intermediate care nursing homes were sent questionnaires developed by the researcher. Structured interviews were conducted with 12 of the 106 respondents to obtain information of greater depth. Instruments included multiple …