Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Evaluation Of The Control Of Water Sanitation And Hygiene Related Disease Through Community Hygiene Club Intervention In Rwanda, Amans Ntakarutimana, Elias Nyandwi, Nadine Rujeni, Chantal Marie Ingabire Dr, Kato Jonas Njunwa, Théoneste Ntakirutimana, Gaspard Rwanyiziri, Joseph Tuyishimire, Schaddrack Ngabonziza

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

This article consists of a review article reporting the results of previous evaluations of the control of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) related disease through the Community Hygiene Club (CHC) intervention from 2010 to 2020. CHC constitutes the main intervention for the control of WASH-related disease in Rwanda and is implemented countrywide. The study objective was to evaluate if the CHC intervention significantly reduced the prevalence of WASH-related disease after 10 years of its implementation in Rwanda. The study utilized online existing policy documents, research reports, and experiences on the CHC intervention in Rwanda published between 2010 and 2020. We …

Narrative Inquiry Into Postsecondary Transition Outcomes For Young Adults With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, Eric R. Sarrett

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) continue to struggle with community engagement despite decades of research and policy initiatives addressing postsecondary transition. Evidence shows that persons with IDD are engaging in employment, postsecondary education, independent living, socialization, and other roles at significantly diminished rates, yet little data exists describing this participation in the voices of those affected. The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to describe community integration of persons with IDD in the decade following postsecondary transition in their own words. Critical disability theory was used as a lens to explore the successes and failures of public …

Mental Health, Chronic Disease, And Substance Use: Findings From Rural Texas, Subi Gandhi, Ryan Glaman, Elizabeth Wachira, Muna Bashir, Sushma Sharma, Chelsea Mowles, Jasmine Luttrell

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

There are vital links among mental health conditions, chronic diseases, and substance use disorders. Simultaneous examination of the relationship among these three conditions is essential for providing well-integrated care to rural residents who have limited resources and for representing medically underserved areas. We aimed to assess the burden of behavioral health conditions and chronic diseases from a rural Texas community to garner context-specific insights and inform effective health promotion strategies in similar communities. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 181 residents from various zip codes in a rural Texas county. A self-administered, 18-item health-needs questionnaire was used to collect data …

Social Cognitive Theory Constructs That Predict Betel Nut Chewing Among Secondary Students In The Solomon Islands, Lepani Waqatakirewa, Manoj Sharma, Hadi Danawi, Ambrose Roots Gali

Journal of Sustainable Social Change

Background: After alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, areca or betel nut is the fourth most commonly abused substance in the world. The prevalence of betel nut use in the Solomon Islands is estimated at 68% in young people. Long-term use can result in detrimental health outcomes such as oral cancers and metabolic syndrome.

Methods: The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to determine whether the constructs of social cognitive theory (SCT) can predict betel nut use in Year 12 secondary students in the Solomon Islands. Five SCT constructs of expectations (outcome expectations and outcome expectancies), self-efficacy, self-efficacy to overcome barriers, …

Health Expectations, Risk Tolerance, And Walking In Peripheral Artery Disease-Related Claudication, Sherene Sharath, Panos Kougias, Neal Barshes

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

We examined the association between health expectations, baseline physical activity, and self-reported symptom severity among patients with claudication: calf pain that occurs during walking and is relieved at rest. Beliefs and attitudes toward exercise influence the behavior. When walking is prescribed as an alternative to surgical intervention with the intention of decreasing symptom severity, as is the case with claudication, it is important to assess patient perceptions, beliefs, and expectations. Through a phone survey, participants described the severity of their symptoms via the Walking Impairment Questionnaire. Data were collected on (1) health expectations and attitudes, assessments of value placed on …

Relationships Between Stress Self-Management, Social Support, And Health In Hispanic Informal Caregiver Burnout Prevention, Nicole Alexandra Mas Román

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Burnout syndrome is a psychological disorder characterized by physical, emotional, and mental distress and exhaustion resulting in feelings of depression, anxiety, irritability, and negative attitudes. If left unattended, burnout syndrome can lead to new or worsening health outcomes. The purpose of this nonexperimental quantitative study was to examine the relationship between stress self-management, perceived social support, health status, and burden among Puerto Rican informal caregivers. The theoretical foundations for this research were the informal caregiving integrative model and the individual and family self-management theory. Survey data were collected from 415 participants. Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship …

Use Of The Hester Davis Falls Risk Assessment Scale In Medical-Surgical Patients, Gideon M. Nyakundi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractIdentifying and containing patient falls before they happen, reporting fall occurrence, and analyzing fall causes could increase patient safety to achieve the triple aim of improved quality, reduced cost, and accessibility in healthcare. Patient falls within the medical-surgical population continue to present challenges to patients, families, hospitals, and society, despite the use of fall-related predictive analysis tools. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the extent to which the overall score on the Hester Davis Falls Risk Assessment Scale (HDS), comprised of patient-related factors such as medications, volume/electrolyte status, age, last known fall date, mobility, toileting needs, communication/sensory …

Comprehensive Sex Education, Religious Affiliated Organizations, And Std Knowledge Among Young Adults, Leslie Marie Shaffer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractEvery year there are approximately 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States, and half of these are among young adults. Stark County, Ohio recently experienced an increase in chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases among 18- to 24-year-old individuals. Public health practitioners have since called for research regarding factors that affect STD knowledge and perceptions in this population. This cross-sectional study was guided by the social-ecological model and assessed the association between attendance at a religious-affiliated institution, access to comprehensive sex education, and STD knowledge. One hundred thirty-eight (n=138) participants, aged 18 to 24 years, …

Readiness Of Adolescent And Young Sickle Cell Patients To Transition From Pediatric To Adult Care, Tanisha D. Belton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) face many challenges as they enter adulthood; therefore, preparing for the transition to adult care is crucial. Assessing the knowledge and skills adolescents and young adults (AYAs) possess before transitioning to adult care can aid in the success of their transition. However, a gap exists regarding factors attributed to guiding patients’ sense of readiness. The purpose of this quantitative study, driven by the theory of self-care management of SCD, was to examine the self-perceived readiness of SCD patients as they prepare to transition to adult care. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 68 sickle …

Perceived Diabetes Susceptibility Among African American Female College Students, Khaliah India Wilson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of death among African American women ages 20-44 years, and African American female college students are at high risk. Research shows that college students tend to underestimate their susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes, despite their existing risk factors. There is a gap in knowledge concerning African American female college students and their perception of diabetes susceptibility, despite their increased risk. The purpose of this quantitative nonexperimental, correlational study was to identify the factors associated with perceived personal susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes-related health behavior among African American female college …

Perceived Barriers To Health Care Access And Delivery Among Arkansas Medicaid Beneficiaries, Kimbra D. Butler

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Arkansas has historically been one of the lowest ranking states in the United States in education, economy, opportunity, crime and corrections, and health care. Though more than 3 million Arkansans live in the state, nearly 1 million receive Medicaid-funded health insurance. This phenomenological study employed a constructivist paradigm and focused on the perceptions of underserved Arkansans regarding their health and their access to health care; additionally, within this study, the Health Belief Model shifted the study’s focus to individuals’ perspectives, perceptions, experiences, and opinions through interview responses. The research was intended to identify factors that may relate to the higher …

Association Between Opioid-Related Emergency Department Visits And Financial Liability Of Hospitals, Mary-Zitta Muabe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Emergency departments (EDs) are experiencing an influx of patients with opioid-related which result in increased opioid misuse, abuse, and overdoses. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between opioid-related ED visits and financial liability of hospitals by evaluating if an increase in opioid-related ED visits leads to an increase in average ED visit costs. The framework used for this study was Reason’s theory of failures, which involves improving healthcare maturity in terms of risk management, achieved through enhanced efficiency. The analyzed research questions included analysis between the number of opioid-related ED visits and financial liability of hospitals …

Health Department Prevention/Education Plans And Perceived Risks Of Zika Infection, Lacey Jacques

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractZika virus is an infectious disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito that has been linked to increased rates of microcephaly and other devastating birth defects. The existing body of knowledge has focused on the individual-level factors that influence a person’s decisions about prevention activities and risk perceptions related to Zika virus. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between state-level plans for prevention and education and individual-level risk perceptions. Rosenstock’s health belief model lays a foundation for why individuals make the health decisions they do and helps explain how these can be influenced for …

Preconception Protective Factors Associated With Preterm Birth In Black/African American And Non-Hispanic White Women In Nyc, Joyce Yvonne Hall

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Racial disparities in preterm birth have persisted during the past two decades. Though studies have delineated the medical, behavioral, and social risk factors explaining racial disparities in preterm birth, less is known about protective factors. This quantitative, correlational study was conducted to examine the prevalence, association, and risk of preconception health protective factors and sociodemographic covariates between Black/African American and non-Hispanic White women with preterm birth in New York City (NYC). The maternal and child health (MCH) life course approach was the theoretical foundation. The NYC Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System 2016–2018 Phase 8 survey data, which included 2,161 women …

Association Between Parental Socioeconomic Status And Childhood Obesity In The Southwest Geopolitical Zone Of Nigeria, Omatsola Aboyowa Sifo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractGlobally, childhood obesity is a major social and public health concern characterized by complications such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to examine the association between childhood obesity in children age 6–12 years and the socioeconomic status of their parents in the Southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Social cognitive theory served as the theoretical framework for the study. Questionnaire data were collected from 384 parents/guardians of children age 6–12 years across three states in the Southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression at …

Socioeconomic And Health Impact Of Opioid Overuse On Working-Age Population In Minnesota, Colette Ngum Ngwa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract The United States faces numerous challenges associated with the ongoing opioid crisis. Although the opioid epidemic is complex, opioid overuse affects users’ health and has a far-reaching impact on socioeconomic well-being. This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design using secondary data from a 2018 national survey of working-age individuals ages 18 to 45. Multivariate regression analysis was used to examine the associations between opioid overuse and socioeconomic status, health status, and perceived need for substance abuse treatment. The addiction career concept and chronic illness model theory were used to analyze these correlations. The findings indicated that people with higher …

Experiences Of Critical Care Nurse Managers In Addressing Nurses' Work-Related Stress, Mariana Tsucuneli

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractNurses who work in the critical care unit are more likely to experience work-related stress, fatigue, understaffing, undesirable performance outcomes, and compromised workplace safety than general care nurses. Nurse managers in these units possess insights into nurses' stress-inducing challenges, in addition to managerial and administrative perspectives. Yet there is a lack of available knowledge about the experiences of critical care nurse managers in addressing nurses' work-related stress. The purpose of this study was to explore critical care nurse managers’ experiences of potential strategies to effectively address work-related stress among nurses. The job-demand resource model was the theoretical framework for the …

Providers’ Perspectives On Barriers Associated With Repeat Teen Pregnancies In Rural Southeastern United States, Vanessa Iheoma Iheanachor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teen (or adolescent) pregnancy remains a significant public health problem in the United States. Rapid repeat pregnancy, defined as any pregnancy that occurs within 24 months of a previous birth, has been linked to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional study was to understand the perceptions of health care providers (HCPs) regarding barriers that influence repeat pregnancies among adolescents in rural southeastern United States. The theoretical framework that guided this study was Urie Bronfenbrenner’s social ecological model. A survey instrument was developed and disseminated to HCPs using Qualtrics, an online survey platform. Data (n=32) were …

Spirituality-Based Programs For African American Women, Sophelia Predom Kelly

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Because spirituality or personal value conflicts might arise between social workers and their clients, the purpose of the study was to understand personal and spirituality value conflicts. The theoretical framework for this study was adult transformative learning theory. The research questions examined how the participants described personal and spirituality value conflicts. Data were collected from interviews with two groups from Houston, Texas; Group 1 represented homeless or previously homeless African American women who self-identified as spiritual but nonreligious, and Group 2 represented White licensed master social workers. Researcher responses to the same interview questions were also recorded. Thematic data analysis …

Lifestyle Modifications To Reduce Hypertension In Obese Patients: A Clinical Practice Guideline, Tiffany Lynn Oates

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the United States, obesity affects almost 50% of the population with estimates of 60–70% of hypertension in adults attributable to adiposity. The practice gap addressed in this project is a lack of standardized patient education on lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing hypertension in the obese patient, which is the recommended first line of treatment for these patients. The practice focused questions were answered when evidence from the literature supported the implementation of a clinical practice guideline developed from evidence-based literature focused on patient education about lifestyle modification as the initial treatment for the reduction of hypertension in the obese …

Treatment Outcomes And Associated Factors In Tb/Hiv-Coinfected Patients In Namibia, Esland Shilongo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractHIV and TB have merged into a deadly co-epidemic in Namibia. Currently, though, TB and HIV data at the national, regional, and district level might be underreported and insufficient to understand the full burden and outcome rates of TB and HIV. Targeting the TB outcomes rate among TB/HIV-coinfected individuals is an effective strategy for decreasing future TB burden and furthering the gains in the control of both diseases. The objective of this study was: to assess the outcomes of patients registered for anti-TB treatment in //Karas Region which has the largests burden of TB in Namibia. A 5-year retrospective cohort …

Parents' And Caregivers' Attitudes About Child Passenger Safety, Latoya Wider

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of childhood injury and death in the United States. Many car seats are installed incorrectly, and many children under the age of 6 are seriously injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between age of child, age of parent/caregiver, attitudes, and behaviors of child passenger safety among parents and caregivers in South Carolina. The influence of age and attitude on consistent car seat use was also examined. The study was based on the theory of planned behavior. A survey design featuring questions …

Working Mothers’ Lived Experiences Of Maintaining An Exercise Practice During A Pandemic, Sabrina Marie Cali

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Working mothers have been associated with low levels of exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic. This population faces many challenges and obstacles to exercise as they manage a household and work; this lack of exercise could leave their health at risk. Researchers have not yet considered working mothers’ lived experiences with exercise during a pandemic. Existing research on working mothers indicates there are barriers to exercise for this population, but more information on what allows these mothers to sustain exercise is needed. This qualitative narrative study was conducted to explore the lived experiences of working mothers who maintained an exercise practice …

Nutrition And Physical Exercise Prevention Strategies To Reduce Obesity During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Carmesha Vajill Carter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Obesity has reached an epidemic level of 75 million obese adults and 15 million obese children in the United States. The research problem addressed in this study is the lack of information on how obese people manage their weight-loss strategies to prevent or reduce obesity during shut-in place restrictions for the COVID-19 Pandemic. This study included the Prochaska and DiClemente Trans-Theoretical Model of Behavioral Change and the Stage of Change Theory. The phenomenon approach using phenomenology described participants' lived experiences of being obese. The researcher completed data collection and evaluation among sixteen participants using email questionnaires to analyze participant's responses …

Emergency Department Operational Strategies, Joyce W. Davis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractEmergency Department Operational Strategies by Joyce W. Davis MBA/MHA, Pfeiffer University, 2011 BS, North Carolina A&T State University, 1980

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration

Walden University December 2022

Relationship Between Early Years’ Activities Of Daily Living And Alzheimer’S Disease Onset, Linyi Fan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A few promising studies have indicated that activities of daily life (ADL) may be a useful way of predicting Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). However, the existing cross-sectional studies fail to show how ADLs in early years predict AD, and how social factors influence health either in addition to or in interaction with individual risk factors. Using a social epidemiology framework, this study examined the relationship between early years’ ADL and the development of AD in later years. This quantitative study included 4,526 participants derived from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) dataset. The dependent variable was whether the participant has been …

Fully Automated Life Support Training Effects On Inpatient, Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates, Adessa D. Goss

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the United States, more than 200,000 adult patients die annually from inpatient cardiac arrest with survival rates stagnated at 22%–25% nationally. Recently, the adoption of fully automated life support training modalities by health care organizations has become widespread with limited literature available showing the effects on inpatient, cardiac arrest survival. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the effects of fully automated life support training on inpatient, cardiac arrest survival. Applying Bloom’s mastery learning theory, the impact of the Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) quarterly training and hospital unit compliance on inpatient cardiac arrest return of spontaneous circulation …

The Role Of Health And Diet In The Development Of Metabolic Syndrome Stratified By Race, Sex, And Age, Michael D. Harada

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Obesity is now recognized as a disease in need of treatment by the medical profession and is associated with other chronic diseases including hypertension, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin-resistance, and reduced levels of high density lipoproteins. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) occurs when a combination of at least three of these chronic conditions are comorbid with each other. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to find significant health and nutritional predictors of MetS status across race, sex, and age. The evolutionary mismatch hypothesis and health belief model provided the framework for this study. Data were collected from 2,303 participants from the 2015-2016 …

Lead Toxicity, Attention–Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, And Gun Violence Among Young African American Men, Gwendolyn Hooker-Mcintosh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Violence among adolescents and young adults is a major public health concern in the United States, but it disproportionally affects African Americans. This racial disparity is especially concerning in New Orleans, Louisiana, where fatal and nonfatal shootings have been consistent since 2010 for young African American men. Also, Louisiana ranks third in the nation in prevalence of attention–deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children. African Americans in New Orleans have lived in areas known to have greater concentrations of lead in the soil, and African American children and their parents have a lower level of awareness of lead toxicity. The purpose …

Water/Sanitation, Hygiene, And Risk Factors Associated With Under-5 Mortality In Côte D’Ivoire, Ouda Kamagate

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite remarkable progress in children’s survival since 1990, the global burden of the under-5 mortality rate (U5MR) remains immense. According to the World Health Organization, about 5.2 million children below 5 died in 2019, with 14,000 dying each day. Literature reveals that the lack and limitation of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) are linked to deaths in childhood. Cote d’Ivoire still lags behind expectations with 79 per 1000 live births in 2019 rather than 25 and below, so there is a need to uncover to what extent the U5MR is affected by WaSH. Through a cross-sectional design guided by the …