Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Differences In Immigrant And U.S. Native Born Patients’ Experiences In The American Healthcare System: A Correlational Study, Betaneya W. Daniel

Virginia Journal of Public Health

Objective: To examine any perceived barriers that might exist in the United States healthcare system and gather data on how different patients experience the system.

Methods: The study utilized a correlational analysis with usage of a Likert scale survey administered to U.S.- born natives, immigrants, and healthcare providers. The survey assessed respondents of their access to healthcare services, barriers to healthcare services, healthcare provider trust/relationships, and health institutions’ relations. Another survey assessed healthcare providers’ belief in the efficacy of their services and health institutions’.

Results: No statistically significant differences were found between U.S. natives and immigrants, but notable distinctions were …

Moving Forward With Ketamine Therapy: Ensuring Safety, Efficacy, And Accessibility In Depression Treatment, Julienne Desanto

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Ketamine, a medication long used in anesthesia, has emerged as a promising treatment for depression and other mental health disorders. Its rapid onset of action and mechanism, which differs from traditional antidepressants by targeting NMDA receptors, offers a novel approach to managing depressive symptoms. Despite its potential, ketamine's use outside anesthesia, particularly in off-label ketamine clinics, is fraught with regulatory, safety, and accessibility challenges. This paper explores the historical medical use of ketamine and its emerging role in mental health treatment. It compares the efficacies and administration routes of different forms of ketamine, including intravenous (IV) and intranasal (nasal spray) …

The Deaf Experience In National Parks With An Emphasis On Rocky Mountain National Park, Madeline Dannewitz

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This research investigated the experiences of Deaf visitors to the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). The little research available focuses on how the National Park Service and its workers interact with Deaf people. Conversely, this study investigated the experiences of Deaf people and their perspective regarding interacting with the park and its members. A study regarding Deaf visitors in Yosemite National Park found that many were invisible to its employees. The desire from the Deaf community and lack of research shows the significance of this study. This analysis is crucial to the human experience as quality of life is improved …

Perceptions Of Oral Health-Related Care For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review, Ismail Nabil Albhaisi, Shahida Mohd-Said, Yan Jia Lim, Tuti Ningseh Mohd-Dom, Ahmad Shuhud Irfani Zakaria, Colman Patrick Mcgrath

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: This review aimed to seek insights into the challenges faced by caregivers and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when performing and accessing oral care and their recommendations to overcome the matter. Methods: Six electronic databases were used to search for published English full articles using a standardised strategy and grouped using thematic analysis as findings to the study’s goal. Results: The initial screening found 46 relevant articles, but 21 were deemed eligible. Studies were mostly observational (18 crosssectional surveys and 3 case-controls), retrieving data from online or face-to-face surveys and insurance health info. The perceptions …

Theme Park Experiences Of Families With A Child Who Has A Disability Regarding Accessibility And Participation - A Mixed Methods Study, Kylie Kathryn Allan, Karen Park

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Despite the large number of children with disabilities, there is no research focused on the experience that families with a child who has a disability have while at theme parks. Utilizing surveys and semi-structured interviews, this mixed-methods study explored the experiences of these families, specifically looking at accessibility and participation within the theme park environment. Thirty-seven parents/guardians completed the online survey, while ten individuals also elected to participate in the semi-structured interviews. Results of the study revealed that families are driven to visit theme parks by a want for connectedness. The positives of theme parks include the staff/cast members and …

Education And Advocacy For Universal Design And Accessibility In Housing, Apisara Vairojanakich, Amy Lyons-Brown, Molly Wuebker

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

In the United States, there is a lack of adequate numbers of universally designed and accessible houses in the housing market for the older population and people with disabilities. Many barriers, such as financial support and lack of knowledge for housing-related professionals, can prevent this population from participating in home occupations. The project developed educational products, including the universal design housing experience booklet, universal design housing checklist, and universal design blueprints. These products were delivered through the blog post on Uncurbed LinkedIn website. The needs assessment was conducted to provide the guidelines for the chapters in the booklet and checklist. …

The Factors Causing High Food Insecurity Rates In U.S. Undergraduate Students, Natalie S. Byrd

Soaring: A Journal of Undergraduate Research

The cliché of a college student surviving off ramen noodles sheds light on a deeper issue — high rates of food insecurity among undergraduate college/university students in the United States. There have been countless studies in recent years exploring the hidden causes of why an estimated 40% of students experience food insecurity as of 2022. These studies conclude three main reoccurring factors causing these high rates: costs, accessibility, and demographic characteristics. Food insecurity rates are important for higher education officials to address due to the countless physical and mental health, academic, and equity implications for the students.

Exploring The Usefulness Of Pre-Visit Materials For Children With Autism At A Public Museum, Jennifer K. Fortuna, Elaine Chamberlain, Libby Filice, Madeline Kurt, Taylor Porter, Shannon Twichell, Stephanie Ogren

Translational Science in Occupation

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) participate in community-based settings at lower rates than typically developing children. Museums provide a structured, predictable, and supportive place for children with ASD to learn. Visiting a museum may create unique challenges for children with ASD and their families. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a common barrier to participation that makes it difficult to process information coming in through the senses. For children who are easily overstimulated, crowds, noise, and long lines can be a source of anxiety and stress. Providing pre-visit materials such as social stories, accessibility maps, and communication books can …

Visit North Carolina: Trail Accessibility, Hannah Caitlyn Guschel

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

This paper focuses on the perceived barriers to travel from marketing material for individuals with disabilities compared to those without disabilities and the direct impact on leisurely travel participation, particularly in outdoor spaces. Employing a cross-sectional study design encompassing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, this research investigates the experiences and transparency of trail accessibility in the state of North Carolina. Quantitative data were gathered through trail assessment accessibility checklists, while qualitative insights were obtained via in-depth interviews. The findings reveal an improved understanding of accessibility and the application of an accessibility checklist. Moreover, the study underscores the importance …

Toying With Adapted Toys, Joshua King

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

My project is a design for an adapted toy that occupational therapists (OT) can use when working with kids. OTs are people who help others to be able to do daily tasks that they need to do to live their lives. This can look like helping a person who has been injured or has a disability to accomplish tasks like getting dressed or feeding themselves. It can also involve helping school children to improve their writing or to use assistive technology. My project started out as an idea from my mom who is an OT and was using a coffee …