Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Examining Factors Associated With The Use Of Face Coverings During Covid-19: A Survey Of Shoppers In Greater Grand Forks, Minnesota And North Dakota, Isaac Karikari, Tanis J. Walch, Ashley Evenson, Carenlee Bardull, Bret Weber, Stephanie Scallon, Delton Gabe, Mikale Kuntz, Gabriel Wavra, Emily Possis, Courtney Leben, Hailer Boushee, Madeline Comeau

Social Work Faculty Publications

Despite the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, the pandemic’s persistence and recent spikes in cases have heightened the need for the promotion of protective behaviors notably, the continued use of face coverings (or ‘masks’ in the common parlance for COVID-related face coverings). Effective messaging on mask use is essential to more fully resonate with individuals and their shared communities. Studies covering rural or mostly-urban regions in the U.S. are sparse. Accordingly, an interdisciplinary team of social work and public health researchers explored mask wearing behaviors in a small, urban metro community consisting of two cities spanning North Dakota and Minnesota that …

Well-Being And Health Promotion Template, Nichole Arn, Cody Mach

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an occupational therapy intervention template that could be utilized at LaGrave on First. LaGrave on First is a new Housing First facility that opened in Grand Forks, ND during the summer of 2018. Literature reviews regarding occupational therapy and its' role with the homeless population were limited and challenging to find, especially with a Housing First emphasis. Within this scholarly project, the reviewed literature was used to develop an intervention guide that could be implemented in conjunction with other occupational therapy interventions for this population. The interventions were created for …

A Group Protocol For Promoting Wellness In Rural Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Emily Bachmeier, Laurel Busch

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: In the United States, there are currently 46 million citizens aged 65 and older. This number is projected to more than double by the year 2060 (Mather, 2016). As the elderly population continues to grow, the need for evidence-based, client centered prevention programs for community-dwelling older adults becomes more crucial to promote independence and preserve well-being in the community. Older adults living in rural areas are at an even higher risk of losing independence secondary to decline in activity tolerance, which further elevates their need for targeted interventions (Park, Kim, & Lee, 2015). Creating a preventative program to maintain …

Wellness Programming For Men In Long-Term Care, Katie Hautman, Ashley Heinze

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: The purpose of this project was to develop a wellness guide for staff to implement in long-term care (LTC), to increase participation of meaningful activities and well-being for male residents of all abilities, both physically and psychosocially.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted to understand the need for activities of male residents in LTC. Sources included: online databases, textbooks, and government websites. The Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOPE) was selected to direct the development of the program guide. The CMOP-E promotes engagement in occupations and enablement of occupational performance, both of which are important for male …

Using Leisure As A Therapeutic Activity To Enhance Health, Well-Being, And Quality Of Life Among Long Term Care Residents, Olivia Mayasich, Alexis Tyce

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose The purpose of this scholarly project is to address health, well-being, and quality of life with the use of leisure activities as modalities with residents in long term care (LTC) facilities.

Methodology The results of a thorough literature review supported the need for a program to address leisure participation in residents in LTC facilities. An abundance of literature supporting participation in leisure to enhance health, well-being, and quality of life emerged from the literature review, revealing an obvious gap between literature and practice. The information gathered in the literature review helped guide the development of a program manual to …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Post Cva Education, Sadie Larson, Brooke Westrich

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The average literacy rate for healthcare client education materials is currently 11th-16th grade (Dignan & Hunter, 2015). Due to cognitive impairments, difficulty understanding healthcare education materials increases after experiencing a stroke (Danzl et al., 2016). Poor health education results in lower adherence to treatment and limited participation in everyday activities at home (DeMarco, Nystrom, & Salvatore, 2011). Clients and caregivers specifically reported a lack of understanding of post-stroke impairments (O'Connell, Baker, & Prosser, 2003).

A literature review was conducted on topics related to health literacy, post-stroke residual deficits, client education, and occupational therapy’s role in client education. There was an …

Secondary Stroke Prevention And Support: An Occupational Therapy Program, Kaitlyn Bosch, Jamie St. Germain

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Many individuals in the United States experience a recurrent stroke and evidence suggests that strokes, primary and secondary, could be prevented through lifestyle modifications. The objective of the scholarly project was to develop an occupational therapy (OT) led secondary stroke prevention program to address modifiable risk factors for stroke. A literature review was conducted to identify research to support development of this program. Based on the review of literature and through the use of the Model of Human Occupation, The Secondary Stroke Prevention and Support: An Occupational Therapy Program was designed to address competence in the occupational role of managing …

A Review Of Community Aging In Place Programs To Minimize Social Isolation In Older Adults, Heather J. Goodwater, Joanna M. Yutrzenka

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The aging baby boomer population calls for new solutions to enable older Americans to age in place in their communities of choice. Nine out of ten adults age 50 and older prefer to remain in their homes indefinitely as they age, or as long as they possibly can (Gonyea, & Burnes, 2013). However, program funding that supports aging in place does not come close to keeping pace with the rapid growth of the 65 and older population (American Institutes for Research, 2016). There are a limited number of programs in place to address socialization in community-dwelling older adults. The prevalence …

The S.P.I.R.I.T. Program: Spirituality Promotion Interdependence Resiliency Inclusive Therapy, Alycia Heisler, Brianna Safranski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Native American children and adolescents are some of the most underserved people in the United States (Warzak, Dogan, & Godfrey, 2011). Common mental health problems this population typically experiences are depression, suicidal thoughts or ideation, traumatic experiences, substance use, and results of historical trauma (Brockie, Dana-Sarco, Wallen, Wilcox, & Campbell, 2015). They have the highest rates of these mental health problems, more than any other ethnic group (Evans-Campbell, Walters, Pearson, & Campbell, 2012). There is a need for preventative programs to be implemented with elementary school-aged Native American children and adolescents (Ohl, Mitchell, Cassidy, & Fox, 2008; Stigler, …

Generationactive: Creating Healthier Communities Two Generations At A Time, Jerrica Thiel, Mallory Manecke

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Obesity has become an epidemic across all ages, as the prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled over the last 40 years (World Health Organization, 2017-a). Obesity can have a detrimental impact on the health and future of Americans, as many diseases are correlated with obesity. Diabetes, which often occurs secondary to obesity and is the 7th leading cause of death in America, is similarly on the rise (CDC, 2012). To combat these issues, there is a great need for a health promotion initiative that provides individuals of all ages an opportunity to learn about health and wellness, to take steps …

Wise And Well: A Pilot Study On The Effects Of Providing A Wellness Group Protocol To Enhance Occupational Fit Among Rural Community Dwelling Elderly Women, Brianna Berendt, Carly Hills

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: There is a need for rural services for community-dwelling women due to a lack of resources, transportation, and social opportunities (Bacsu et a!., 2016; Averill, 201 2). Likewise, Shimada et a!. (2014) emphasized the impact and causes of social isolation on elderly individuals and how important it is for elderly individuals to establish a support system when facing challenges throughout later life. A third problem was described by Choi et a!. (2013) in that elderly individuals may experience a loss of independence and functional decline can result from being physically inactive. This indicates that there are increased health risks …

Perceptions Of Wellness Among Community Dwelling Older Adults, Sara Johnson, April Schmiesing

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Most older adults prefer to age in place where they are more likely to experience greater health benefits and cost savings as opposed to living in skilled care facilities. Literature supports the role of occupational therapy in community-based wellness programming that helps older adults age in place; however, there is a need to conduct needs assessments to inform wellness program topics and activities. This study explores health and wellness needs of older adults living in a low-income, senior housing complex in order to inform current health and wellness programming provided at this site.

Researchers used a non-experimental, cross-sectional survey study …

Promoting A Culture Of Mental Health And Wellness At The Smhs: Smhs Wellness Program, Brian Lefavour, Alexa Martel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

McManus (2007) indicates that healthcare professionals, who are highly committed and involved in their profession, often experience stress and burnout. A multitude of stressors effect health care professionals, including time restraints, workload, multiple roles, and emotional investment in the career (McCann et aI., 2013). Jennings (2009) makes the connection that stress does not begin when medical students enter the workforce, but starts during their academic preparation as well. Allied health profession students and professionals are not exempt from experiencing considerable stress and burnout (Harris, Cumming, & Campbell, 2005; Othman, Farooqui, Yusoff, & Adawaiyah, 20\3). Harris and colleagues (2005) found that …

Transitioning To Retirement: Useful Topics For A Wellness Program With Retired Older Adults, Katie Spitzmueller, Amy Feller

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Retirement has evolved from traditional stereotypes to an individualized plan. Transitioning into retirement can be a stressful time and it is generally accepted that pre-retirement attitudes impact post-retirement success (Marshall, Clarke & Ballantyne, 2001). A wellness program can make the transition into retirement less difficult by incorporating different dimensions of wellness: social, intellectual, occupational, physical, emotional, and spiritual (Strout & Howard, 2012). Currently there is very little research indicating the effectiveness of a wellness program that addresses these dimensions. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain insight into useful topics for a wellness program based on perspectives of …

An After-School Wellness Program For Children In Low Socioeconomic Neighborhoods, Sarah Faehnrich, Kalee Mccann

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an interdisciplinary after-school program for fifth graders living in low socioeconomic neighborhoods. This program entitled Let’s Move, Cook, and Learn With Friends! is intended to reduce obesity through promoting healthy habits in children by increasing physical activity, consumption of healthy food, and positive interactions with peers. Childhood obesity is a worldwide epidemic that can result in lifelong health problems if not treated proactively (Vizcaino et al., 2008). Therefore, the goal of this scholarly project is to raise their knowledge about obesity and decrease the risk factors for childhood obesity.

A literature …

Occupational Therapy Practitioners' Views On Health And Wellness Promotion Programming: A Qualitative Study, Danielle Nelson-Deering, Haley Pratt

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Explore the essence of occupational therapy (OT) practitioners’ perceptions of their experiences with health and wellness programming; to further understand the lack of this type of programming by finding out what their needs are in order to provide it.

Methods: A qualitative, phenomenological study was used to gather data to answer the research questions. Following IRB approval, convenience/snowball sampling was used to access participants and gather data. Five registered occupational therapists participated in this study.

Results: OT practitioners have positive views for health and wellness promotion; however, in order to be successful to OT practitioner must have an internal …

A Community Grant Application To Support People With Dementia And Their Caregivers, Jessica Montomery

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In upcoming years, the population of older adults with dementia is expected to rise exponentially, with the expectation that the majority of these individuals will choose to age in place with increased caregiver support (AARP, 2011; National Alliance for Caregiving, 2009; Vincent & Velkoff, 2010). Without adequate education to prepare for the caregiving role, education, instruction, and support, informal caregivers are at an increased risk for caregiving burden, stress, and mortality rates (Morimoto, Schreiner, & Asano, 2003; Schulz & Beach, 1999; Thinnes & Padilla, 2011). The goal for this scholarly project was to create a home and community-based program for …

Making The Better Half Even Better: A Support Program For Military Wives, Chelsey Jones, Kayley Knapek

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to develop a program that addresses the needs of military wives and the challenges they experience due to having a spouse in the military. Through utilization of an occupational therapy perspective, this program focuses on the promotion of wellness and increased quality of life for military wives which in turn facilitates overall cohesion and support among military families.

Making the “Better Half” Even Better: A Support Program for Military Wives was influenced by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance Model due to the focus on an individual’s valued roles, tasks and activities along with their performance in those …

Assisting Occupational Therapists In North Dakota: An Agricultural Resource Guide, Teresa Bunn, Caitlin Layden

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Within the state of North Dakota, agriculture and farming are of the most essential and influential factors within the state's economy (Rathge et. al 2012). Rural communities are among the medically under-served areas within the United States; establishing the dire need of healthcare services (Hagglund et al., 1998; Schweitzer et al., 2011). A study conducted by Meyer and Fetsch (2006) deduced the four prominent disabilities affecting farmer's engagement in occupations as arthritis, spinal cord injury, amputation, and back injuries. Farmers, and their family members, are also at higher risk for work related stressors which may result in severely disabling conditions; …

A Lifetime Of Work: A Guide To Health Promotion And Wellness On The Farm, Andrea Hensrud, Gregory Holubok

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project is to develop a guide to health promotion, wellness and adapting to life changes on the farm from an occupational therapy perspective to enhance quality of life for aging farmers and rural community dwellers. The authors completed a focused literature review on topics related to health promotion, wellness, adapting to life changes, making changes and aging in place. Data was collected through an extensive study of relevant information through professional journals, clinical text books, class discussion and related state and national associations. Upon completion of the review of literature, it was determined that older adults …

Developing An Occupational Therapy Community/Client Wellness Program, Lindsey Sauer, Lindsey Wolsky

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Health promotion is gaining more recognition with the increase of chronic diseases worldwide and the growing elderly population in the United States. The World Health Organization (2011) places a particular emphasis on health promotion as well as preventative care. The role of occupational therapy fits directly with this emphasis. The American Occupational Therapy Association (2008) identified occupational therapy's roles to include promotion of healthy lifestyle, use of occupation as a means to improve health and provide services to both individuals and populations.

Problem: Although health promotion and prevention is well within the realm of occupational therapy, Flannery and Barry (2003) …

A Lifestyle Modification Program For Community Dwelling Adults With Obesity, Ashlee M. Lee, Julie A. Stolt

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Obesity is significantly rising among adults in the United States. The Center for Disease Control (CDC, 2009e), estimates that obesity increased by 15% to 32.9% within a 20 year span (1985 – 2008). Clinical obesity is defined as having a BMI 30 and over; it is correlated with secondary complications that include hypertension, type II diabetes, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, cerebral vascular accidents, sleep apnea, and respiratory illnesses (CDC, 2009d; World Health Organization [WHO], 2009). Beyond the many health consequences caused by obesity, there are also psychosocial, genetic, and discriminatory aspects of this disease that negatively impact the quality of …

An Occupational Therapy Program To Help Community Dwelling Seniors Age In Place, Amy Lundberg, Kayla Novacek

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: It is estimated that by 2030, one in five people in the United States will be 65 or older (US Census Bureau, 2008). An aging in place initiative has come to the forefront of health care to help seniors cope with the age related challenges, allowing seniors to experience productive aging in their own homes. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an occupation based aging in place wellness program for community dwelling elderly.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to identify the current challenges associated with aging. In addition, the literature review identified strengths and limitations …

Evidence-Based Intervention For Sleep Disturbance In Healthy Elderly Individuals, Sarah Gregory, Heather Hoffman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Elderly individuals have a predisposition to experiencing sleep disorder, yet many remain untreated. Consequences of untreated sleep disturbance may result in decreased cognitive functioning, lowered perceived quality of life, and loss of independence. A literature review describes the definition of sleep, consequences of sleep disorder, sleep disturbance in the elderly population, intervention efficacy, principles of gerogogy, and the role of occupational therapy in sleep intervention.

The scholarly project presents a manual designed for use with well-elderly populations and intended to be guided and/or distributed by occupational therapists. The manual is entitled “Take Control of Your Sleep: An Occupational Therapy Manual …

An Occupational Therapy Approach To A Wellness Program For Adolescents With Mental Illness, Holly Silewski, Christina Thompson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to identify wellness needs of adolescents with mental illness (MI) and to provide a structured program that incorporates occupational activities into wellness programming within a mental health setting.

A literature review was conducted using PubMed, EBSCOhost, PsychInfo, SCOPUS, OT search, and CINAHL to determine the need for wellness programs for this population. Resources included journals, books, websites, government agencies, and government reports.

After an extensive literature review it was found that there are a limited number of wellness programs, as well as a need among adolescents with MI, as evidenced by increasing rates of …

A Wellness Program For Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Kristina Bouley, Lynsey Schirado

Occupational Therapy Capstones

When researching wellness programs for adults with developmental disabilities, the authors found there to be several barriers to wellness for this population, with one of these barriers being physical activity. Many adults with developmental disabilities do not engage in adequate amounts of physical activity (Havercamp, Scandlin, and Roth, 2004). This may be impart to inadequate access to transportation to get to and from the fitness facility (Heller, Hsieh, & Rimmer, 2004; U.S. Public Health Service, 2001), the cost of joining a fitness facility program (Heller, Hsieh, & Rimmer, 2004; Temple & Walkley, 2007), or challenges in accessing fitness equipment (Heller, …

Promoting Children's Health In The Home Environment: A Parent/Guardian Handbook, Shannon Troje, Stacie Voth

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The World Health Organization (2003) stated that "obesity is a global epidemic". The United States (U.S.) in particular has a statistically significant higher rate of obesity in children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2003), 15.3% of children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old are obese as a result of unhealthy habits and routines. Because these habits and routines often begin in the home environment, health promotion activities should involve parents/guardians (Manios, Kafatos, & Mamalakis, 1998).

At this time there are few resources available for parents/guardians and their children to promote wellness in the home environment. …

Comparison Of Pilates And Hydraulic Circuit Training In Women, Shauna Differding, Sandra Hoff, Sara Murray

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Obesity continues to be a rising problem in the United States. Women typically are the majority of consumers in weight treatment programs. Due to conflicts with time and social roles, they struggle to remain committed to an exercise program. Most women enter into weight treatment programs not for health, but rather for appearance.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of cardiovascular function, flexibility, strength and circumferential measurements between mat Pilates and hydraulic circuit training over a six-week period. The benefits of these comparisons will help women find an effective and efficient fitness program. As …

A Wellness Program Module For Employees Of A Skilled Nursing Facility, Cindy Janssen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Wellness Program For Pre And Newly Retired Individuals Living In Rural Communities, Nicole R. Miller

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.