Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Attitude Of School-Based Nurses Towards Incorporating Advanced Dental Therapist In School Settings: Increasing Access To Care, Sonika Masih, Cynthia A. Degner

Dental Education Department Publications

Objectives: The disparities in access to dental care experienced by children of underserved families have been documented. Despite being largely preventable, oral diseases are highly prevalent. Around 3.5 billion people worldwide live with dental conditions.These conditions are associated with lower academics and missed school days among children. Dental therapy has a long history and is seen in multiple countries. Comparatively, dental therapy is in the early stages of implementation in the United States. Minnesota is the most diverse state to recognize dental therapists to practice in various settings. Commentary showcasing how a dental therapist works in a school-based setting while …

Identifying Barriers To Dental Care Among Hispanics In Southwest Minnesota, Lissette Garza

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to assess the different barriers for dental health care among the Hispanic population in a rural, southwestern community in Minnesota. To collect data, an adaptation of the survey written by Vazquez and Swan (2003) was distributed to Hispanic individuals at an agricultural facility, religious organization, and an early childhood organization. The findings for the research question are presented in the cross-sectional study utilizing descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages. The results of this study indicate that not having a dental provider of the same cultural background, having a language barrier, and …

Perceptions Of Individual Burnout, Team Burnout, And Coping Resiliency Among Elite Pre-Professional Female Soccer Athletes, Kathleen Stapleton

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Mental illness is a significant contributor to physical illness and disease worldwide and is more prevalent in young adult females. Stress and burnout are both inputs and outputs affecting mental and physical health. Elite athletes are particularly susceptible to stress and burnout due to the added pressures of achieving champion status in their respective sports. Previous studies focused on individual perceptions of athlete burnout, but research is increasingly showcasing the need to understand the social aspect of team sport environments. This study used a cross-sectional survey to assess the levels of perceived burnout in a convenience sample of elite female …

Detecting Overlapping Gene Regions Using The U-Net Attention Mechanism, Samuel Lemma

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The current issue of locating, diagnosing, and treating cancer and other diseases linked to specific target genes necessitates the creation of a reliable system for precisely identifying target genes that are initially extracted from a human chromosome. Current methodologies often suffer from overlapping gene regions in the target gene that occurs during the analysis process, which can have a substantial impact on the accuracy of the results. Our recommended approach, which was the appropriate model to apply for this particular problem, is set to enhance the analytical process by utilizing neural networks' U-Net with an attention mechanism. We were able …

Effect Of Decorating Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles With Silver Nanoparticles On Their Magneto-Photo Thermal Heating Efficiency, Anthony Joseph Afful

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Cancer treatment is rather dangerous to the body, often involving many secondary effects, including nausea, hair loss, and weight fluctuations. The search for non-invasive, highly efficient, and targetable treatments ameliorates these issues. Super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONS) have been used for other medical purposes such as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent and is being extensively studied as a potential candidate for many cancer therapeutic and diagnostic approaches due to its biocompatibility and superior magnetic properties. When subjected to an external alternating magnetic field SPIONS generate heat mainly due to the friction of the SPIONS against the fluid it is …

Cultural Healing Practices: Incorporating Cultural Healers Into Minnesota's Mental Health Care System, Raymond Shoup, Allyson Endersbe, Nayeli Hernandez Moctezuma, Patty Balderas-Johnson

Master of Social Work Student Policy Advocacy Briefs

Minnesota’s approach to health and mental health is based on western cultural traditions of illness, help seeking behaviors, healing and wellness. This approach does not work for many of the cultural communities in Minnesota, especially those with a deep history of generational trauma, oppression, and discrimination. We need to make mental health a priority for Minnesotans by expanding the availability of holistic approaches rooted in the cultural traditions of Minnesota’s diverse cultural communities. We must address the impact of generational trauma and work to lessen the harm by incorporating cultural healing practices into our mental health care system, including the …

The Expression Of Satanist Identity: Does Visible Identification Of Satanism Predict Discrimination And Depression?, Allyson Dudley

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The current research examines the relationship between visible expression of religion, identification within Satanism, experiences of discrimination, and depression in a sample of modern Satanists (n = 1,272). Historically, Satanism has been scrutinized as immoral and a threat to public safety. The current research attempts to challenge that viewpoint by employing culturally competent methods and understanding of modern Satanism. Findings indicate a negative relationship between expression of Satanism and discrimination, expression of Satanism and depressive symptoms, in-group ties and discrimination, and identification (in-group ties and in-group affect) and depressive symptoms. Results show a positive relationship between identification with Satanism and …

Stress Coping Responses Of Undergraduate University Students Prior To & Since The Onset Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kaylee Diefenderfer

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The stress coping mechanisms used by undergraduate university students affects their psychological well-being, stress level, and mental health outcomes. Increasing students’ use of positive coping mechanisms may increase academic outcomes, and overall health and well-being. This study evaluated the stress coping mechanisms used by undergraduate university students prior to and since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The Brief COPE inventory was used to measure stress coping responses. The results of this research indicated a significant change in 9 out of the 14 main coping mechanisms used by undergraduate university students prior to since the pandemic began. The top two stress coping …

Perceptions Of Well-Being Among College Majors, Baylee Jahraus

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research was to assess the well-being perceptions of selected college students at a midsize midwestern university. To collect data, an adaptation of the Open Science Framework’s (n.d) College Student Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire and the CDC’s (2018b) Health-related Quality of Life scale was used. The 26-item survey was distributed to junior and senior students enrolled in 300-400 level courses in a variety of majors. The findings for each research question are presented in the cross-sectional study. The results of the study indicate there are differences in perceptions of physical and mental health between males and females and …

The Assessment Of Emergency Preparedness Among University Students, Arliah Cox

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

University students have been an understudied population when it comes to the topic of emergency/ disaster preparedness. While there have been a few studies carried out to examine students’ perceptions of preparedness, the level of preparedness must be determined to be able to close the gap when it comes to barriers preventing them from being prepared. One hundred and eighty-seven undergraduate participants at a Midwestern university completed both online and in-person surveys in March 2022. The survey included questions regarding emergency/ disaster preparedness, perception of being prepared, and barriers which can prevent preparedness. Results showed that a lack of time …

Front End Justice: Diverting People Affected By Mental Illness From The Criminal Justice System, Ariel Esqueda, Kelliann Kutschke, Matthew Miller, Kayleigh Wendland

Master of Social Work Student Policy Advocacy Briefs

Many of the people caught up in the criminal justice system are non-violent offenders struggling with mental illness, which cannot and should not be addressed through incarceration. Our jails and prisons are ill-equipped to provide effective mental health services. Incarceration compounds the problem by contributing to increased psychological distress. We are relying on the criminal justice system to respond to mental illness, rather than investing fully in the spectrum of mental health care from prevention to recovery. Minnesota must invest in diverting people affected by mental illness away from the criminal justice system and into community-based treatment, services, and supports …

Investing In A Culturally Diverse Mental Health Workforce In Minnesota, Emma Fuhrman, Teia Kopari, Cody Reinke, Josie Schultz

Master of Social Work Student Policy Advocacy Briefs

Minnesota’s mental health workforce lacks in both cultural diversity and cultural responsiveness. Each is critical for providing equitable mental health care to Minnesota's increasingly diverse population. Without ensuring that Minnesota’s mental health workforce is culturally diverse, culturally responsive mental health care for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) will not be attainable. Minnesota must broaden, strengthen, and create structures to support a racially and ethnically diverse mental health workforce.

Contraceptive Accessibility And Reproductive Outcomes In Adolescents Seeking Care At School-Based Health Centers: A Systematic Review, Jamie Jenkins

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Context: Adolescent pregnancy continues to be a public health concern in the United States. School-based health centers are an ideal setting for providing affordable, accessible, and confidential reproductive services for adolescents that can help prevent unintended pregnancies. However, there are great variations in the reproductive services offered at school-based health centers across the United States. Objective: This study aims to explore the question: Do school-based health centers that provide on-site contraception access have lower adolescent pregnancy rates and higher reported contraception use when compared to school-based health centers that do not provide on-site contraception? Methods: A literature …

Peoples’ Experiences With Birth Doulas, Emily A. Gunderson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Birth doulas, as a non-medical resource for people going through the birthing process, have seen overall positive reception by providing a service otherwise missing from the recently medicalized birth environment (Gruber et al. 2013, Steel et al. 2015); this coincides with a time when fathers are being asked to play a more active role in their child’s birth (Coltrane 1996, Odent 2009). However, while we know a little about how mothers experience the services of a birth doula and how fathers experience birth generally, we have yet to find out how birthing people, both partnered and un-partnered, make sense of …

Advance Care Planning And Palliative Care In Heart Failure: A Literature Review, Laura Dack

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Despite advancing therapies, heart failure remains a progressive disease with high symptom burden. Advance care planning and palliative care assist in maximizing the quality of life for affected individuals. These interventions are supported by current heart failure guidelines yet application into practice is poor. The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the relationship between advance care planning and palliative care interventions on the quality of life of adults with heart failure. A search of the literature was completed between October 20^th, 2020 to November 10^th, 2020. Databases searched include Academic Search Premier, CINAHL Plus, …

Cannabis As A Prescription Opioid Substitute For Adults With Chronic Pain: A Systematic Literature Review, Lani Kranz

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Objective: To determine whether the use of cannabis improves pain control and/or reduces the amounts of opioids needed to control pain in adults with chronic pain.

Methods: A systematic literature review of research conducted from the past five years. Five databases were searched, resulting in 14 peer-reviewed articles relevant to the objective.

Results: The majority of the literature reviewed demonstrated the use of cannabis by adults with chronic pain resulted in better pain control and/or fewer opioids required to control pain in this population. The two articles which contradicted these findings only evaluated illicit, not medical, cannabis use by individuals …

The Impact Of Social Media On Teenage Females Self-Esteem, Amanda C. Perkovich

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Social media has become the way we connect with the world. Social networking sites, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and TikTok, allow users to share intimate details of their lives, upload photographs, initiate and maintain relationships, plan social gatherings, observe the lives of others and express beliefs, values and emotions. In the last ten years, numerous articles have focused on the relationship between social media use and mental health however, very few studies have concentrated on self-esteem, especially in teenage females. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the associations between increased social media activity (greater than 2 …

Younger Hmong People’S Willingness To Communicate About Depression, Wa Yang

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This research examines the underlying issues about mental illness, particularly depression within the Hmong community. Previous scholars have focused on the Hmong culture’s origins, mental health status of Hmong refugees arriving in the United States, martial roles and mental health on Hmong females, and comparisons of Hmong traditional healing and Westernized medicine. These studies intersect in fields including psychology, medicine and public health, Hmong history, and social work. However, one missing component to this body of scholarship has been communication. Thus, my study focused on younger Hmong people’s willingness to communicate about depression within their families. Specifically, I conducted semi-structured …

Effectiveness Of Behavior-Based Counseling For Weight Loss Maintenance: A Systematic Literature Review, Jaime V. Stanczyk

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Obesity is linked to the development of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) at an annual expense of $147 billion in related healthcare costs. Effective lifestyle modification treatment for long-term WLM remains elusive. Traditional advice from primary care providers regarding dietary modification and increased physical activity has not led to WLM as a long-term outcome. Newer guidelines for the treatment of obesity now recommend high-intensity behavior-based counseling (BBC) programs that deliver traditional weight loss education in tandem with behavior-change strategies. Methods: A database search was conducted for peer reviewed literature published in 2012-2020 on …

Choosing Between Medical Surveillance And Preventive Surgical Interventions Among Asymptomatic Brca Positive Women, Hillary Zupan

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Women with a known BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genetic mutation are at an increased risk for the development of cancer, most commonly breast and uterine types. Risk reduction strategies to manage cancer risk include increased medical surveillance and various preventive surgeries. This is a deeply personal decision and one that is influenced by a variety of factors. The aim of this literature review is to identify the key factors impacting the decision-making process of a woman with a BRCA mutation and how a woman ultimately decides between the cancer risk management strategies. Six electronic databases were used to obtain …

Perceived Barriers And Facilitators To Cervical Cancer Screening In Asian American Women, Bouathong Thepsombath

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this systematic review is to explore barriers and facilitators of cervical cancer screening in Asian-American women. Articles selected for review were found using a database search method using select predetermined key terms. The clinical question this review sought to answer is: In Asian-American women (21-65 years of age), how does perception of cervical cancer screening impact screening compliance? Nine articles addressing the topic of interest were included in the review. Emerging themes related to answering the question under study included the health literacy of Asian-American women, modesty, acculturation, income comfortability, and self-efficacy. This review found information that …

Impact Of Telemedicine On Heart Failure Readmissions And Mortality: A Literature Review, Stephanie R. Ledvina

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Background: Heart failure is a chronic condition that commonly results in frequent hospitalizations and increases risk of mortality (Kotb et al., 2015; Ong et al., 2016; Pekmezaris et al., 2018). In addition, heart failure places a significant burden on healthcare costs and utilization of resources (Hale et al., 2016; Kotb et al., 2015; Ong et al., 2016). Measures to reduce heart failure readmissions, mortality, and overall costs are needed. Telemedicine interventions may be beneficial in the management of heart failure; however, the current research provides unclear and inconclusive findings in regard to the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions on heart failure …

Reducing Disease Exacerbation In Women With Confirmed Copd: A Systematic Literature Review, Jill Essay

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Abstract

A systematic literature review was conducted to establish whether gender specific treatment exists for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), specifically, women with (COPD). The PICO question developed for this review is as follows: In women with confirmed diagnoses of COPD, does gender-specific treatment, compared to standard treatment, impact the frequency of exacerbations? Could the number of COPD exacerbations in women be reduced by incorporating interventions designed with (female) gender in mind? Four databases were included in the search: CINAHL, Pubmed, Medline, and Nursing and Allied Health. Articles included addressed gender differences in relation to the disease process, …

Reducing Polypharmacy In Older Adults At End Of Life: The Outcome On Quality Of Life, Melissa Jenson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Background: Older adults at the end of life are commonly prescribed multiple medications which can lead to polypharmacy. Research has shown that optimizing medications through targeted deprescribing reduces inappropriate medications, reduces adverse effects and improves select outcomes. However, the impact of deprescribing remains uncertain--specifically whether this intervention improves quality of life (QOL). Objective: Explore polypharmacy in older adults at the end of life examining outcomes of deprescribing on the QOL. Methods: A systematic literature search using Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Medline, JSTOR and Nursing and Allied Health Database was conducted between October 2020 to November 2020. Select articles …

Cannabis Treatment Of Autism In Children: A Literature Review, Mai Xiong

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Objectives: This literature review aims to summarize the effects of medical cannabis use in children on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms, side effects and provide recommendations for practice, education, and research. Background: ASD is characterized by core behaviors of significant impairment in social communication and interaction and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities (APA, 2013). In addition to these core behaviors, individuals with ASD often have noncore behavioral disorders and several medical comorbidities. Treatment for ASD symptoms includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), aripiprazole (Abilify) and/or risperidone (Risperdal). As of this review, 14 states have added ASD …

The Effects Of Therapist Expertise And Concerns Of Involuntary Hospitalization On The Disclosure Of Suicidal Ideations And Behavior, Zane Hensel

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Suicide continues to grow as a complex and multi-faceted problem in prevention and treatment, particularly for college students with an increased predictor of risk of suicidal behaviors. Previous research has indicated that one of the largest concerns for suicide disclosure is a fear of involuntary hospitalization. Over 200 college students participated in examining therapist expertise and understanding information on involuntary hospitalization on their rate of suicide disclosure. A 2x2 MANOVA, a 2x2x2 MANOVA that included gender, and a factor analysis were performed on an ad-hoc 11-question survey assessing suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior disclosure. The results indicated that there was …

Examining Differences In Rural, Micropolitan, And Metropolitan School Psychologists Roles And Delivery Of Mental Health Services, Ashley A. Williamson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Mental health service delivery in rural settings has become increasingly limited while rates of mental health concerns among youth have increased. Schools form a common hub in rural areas and they present an opportunity for the assessment of developing disorders as well as a means for delivering mental health services in an affordable and acceptable fashion. School psychologists supporting rural school districts are presented with a unique opportunity to provide various aspects of rural mental health service delivery. Over the last 40 years, little research has been published on rural school psychologist’s roles and responsibilities and their relationship to mental …

The Primary Care Provider’S Role In Screening And Intervening In The Human Trafficking Of Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review, Brittany Schmid

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Human trafficking (HT) is a growing concern within the United States (U.S.) and internationally. With the alarming number of HT victims presenting for medical care, primary care providers (PCPs) are in a unique and privileged position to encounter HT victims within the healthcare system. Adolescents, in particular, are vulnerable to HT because of minimal life experiences, inadequate social support, and limited coping mechanisms (Ertl et al., 2020). Failure to recognize and intervene in cases involving HT victims who are minors is detrimental to the individual’s health, wellbeing, and safety. With the assistance of education and training, community resources, guideline adoption, …

The Impact Of Social Isolation And Cognitive Decline In Older Adults: A Systematic Literature Review, Jody L. Doll-Wilhelm

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, deaths of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and dementia patients surged. Increased social isolation and decreased activity levels in older adults have been suggested as contributing factors to accelerating AD and dementia. However, assessment tools to gauge interventions and outcomes of cognitive decline are variable among the literature.

Objective: Examine the impact of social engagement versus social isolation, like that experienced with the COVID-19 pandemic, on cognitive decline/dementia in older adults (greater than 60 years of age).

Method: A systematic search for studies evaluating the relationship between social isolation and social activity in cognitive …

Safety And Efficacy Of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy In Menopause: A Literature Review, Kathryn Akre

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) experienced during menopause can negatively impact a woman’s quality of life, productivity, sleep, and mood. Systemic hormone therapy (HT) is the most effective treatment for moderate to severe VMS, however safety concerns raised by the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) trial have led to a decrease in overall HT use and a growing demand for custom-compounded bioidentical HT. Misconceptions regarding the superior safety and efficacy of custom-compounded hormones and lack of clinician expertise in menopause management contribute to ongoing uncertainty and low uptake of United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved bioidentical HT products. This …