Digital Commons Network^™

Psychobiobehavioral Model For Preterm Birth In Pregnant Women In Low- And Middle-Income Countries, Shahirose S. Premji, Ilona S. Yim, Aliyah Dosani (Mawji), Zeenatkhanu Kanji, Salima Sulaiman, Wangira Musana, Pauline Samia, Kiran Shaikh, Nicole Letourneau

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Preterm birth (PTB) is a final common outcome resulting from many interrelated etiological pathways; of particular interest is antenatal psychosocial distress (i.e., stress, anxiety, and depression). In LMI countries, both exposure to severe life stressors and rate of PTB are on average greater when compared with high-income countries. In LMI countries women are exposed to some of the most extreme psychosocial stress worldwide (e.g., absolute poverty, limited social resources). High prevalence of antenatal stress and depression have been observed in some studies from LMI countries. We propose a psychosocial, biological, and behavioral model for investigating the complex multisystem interactions in …

Relaxation Techniques For People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review And A Meta-Analysis, Eleonora Volpato, Paolo Banfi, Sheena M. Rogers, Francesco Pagnini

Dartmouth Scholarship

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) people suffer from severe physical impairments, which often elicit significant psychological distress and impact their quality of life. This meta-analysis aimed to assess evidence from the scientific literature on the effects of relaxation techniques. Methods. We investigated 9 databases to select 25 RCTs. Studies included both inpatients and outpatients with COPD. Both respiratory and psychological outcomes were considered.

Fmic Annual Report 2015 | English, French Medical Institute For Mothers And Children

French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children (FMIC) Archives

No abstract provided.

Engagement In Activities And Cognitive Functioning Among Older Adults In The Health And Retirement Study, Pamela Emily May

Wayne State University Dissertations

The goal of this dissertation is to examine the effect of cognitive and social activities on cognitive performance and health conditions in a national sample of older adults from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). This dissertation first aimed to identify longitudinal relations between activity frequency and cognitive functioning. Two hypotheses were tested, baseline activity frequency predicts change in cognitive functioning over time, and baseline cognitive performance predicts change in activity frequency over time. The dissertation’s second aim was to identify links between activity frequency and cognitive trajectories. The third aim was to identify longitudinal relations between activity frequency and …

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Comparing And Contrasting Operative Versus Non-Operative Treatment Abstract, Ethan Morris

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

• Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of scoliosis. It affects 2-4 percent of adolescents aged 10-16 years. Although most adolescents diagnosed with scoliosis will not develop clinical symptoms, ten percent will progress and require medical intervention due to the potential for rib deformity and respiratory compromise as well as significant emotional distress due to aesthetic changes in appearance. Primary care providers should be prepared to evaluate and recommend treatment when idiopathic scoliosis is discovered or addressed by the patient. Three major factors that determine whether scoliosis will progress are patient gender, magnitude of curve on presentation, …

The Effect Of Continuous Heat Wraps On Balance And Gait In The Elderly, Jerrold S. Petrofsky, Michael S. Laymon, Iman Akef Khowailed

College of Health & Human Services (TUN) Publications and Research

Background: In an ageing geriatric population, tremor and poor balance become more pronounced and can lead to falls. Falls are the leading cause of mortality in this population. Continuous heat wraps have been shown to increase tissue flexibility. It was the purpose of this study to examine the effects of heat on balance and gait in the elderly with impaired mobility.

Subjects: Twenty people with impaired mobility (assessed as a score of more than 4 on the “Stepping On” questionnaire) were tested with a balance platform after using ThermaCare continuous heat wraps on their legs and knees for …

Joint Attention Intervention With Assisting Parent­ Mediated Techniques To Increase A Toddler With Autism Spectrum Disorders' Use Of Joint Attention: A Single Case Study, Rebecca Schulz

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Attention Intervention (JAI) conducted by graduate researcher, parent, and caregiver, would change the use of joint attention (JA) by a three-year-old suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The participant was a three-­year-­old child suspected of having ASD. Intervention was conducted twice per week for 30-45 minute duration by the student graduate researcher at a university clinic under the supervisor of Dr. Bonnie Berg, CCC­SLP. The parent and child's caregiver were trained in JAI and implemented the intervention daily in the home environment. The author's research question was, "Will the use of a JAI parent­mediated intervention model increase the JA …

The Impact Of Disability: A Comparative Approach To Medical Resource Allocation In Public Health Emergencies, Katie Hanschke, Leslie E. Wolf, Wendy F. Hensel

Faculty Publications By Year

It is a matter of time before the next widespread pandemic or natural disaster hits the United States (U.S.). The international response to the 2009 H1N1 influenza stands as a cautionary tale about how prepared the world is for such an emergency. Although the pandemic fortunately proved to be less severe than initially anticipated, it nevertheless resulted in shortages of medical equipment, overburdened hospitals, and preventable patient deaths, particularly among young people.

A pandemic will inevitably lead to difficult decisions about the allocation of medical resources, such as who will have priority access to ventilators and critical care beds when …

Psychological Wellness And Health-Related Stigma: A Pilot Study Of An Acceptance-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Intervention For People With Lung Cancer, Suzanne K. Chambers, B A. Morris, S Clutton, E Foley, L Giles, P Schofield, D O'Connell, J Dunn

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

People with lung cancer experience health-related stigma that is related to poorer psychosocial and quality of life outcomes. The present Phase 1 study applied mixed methods to test the acceptability of an acceptance-focused cognitive behavioural intervention targeting stigma for this patient group. Fourteen lung cancer patients completed a 6-week Psychological Wellness intervention with pre- and post-test outcome measures of psychological and cancer-specific distress, depression, health-related stigma and quality of life. In-depth interviews applying interpretative phenomenological analysis assessed participants' experiences of the intervention. Moderate to large improvements were observed in psychological (ηp 2=0.182) and cancer-specific distress (ηp 2=0.056); depression (ηp 2=0.621); …

Effective, Clinically Feasible And Sustainable: Key Design Features Of Psycho-Educational And Supportive Care Interventions To Promote Individualised Self-Management In Cancer Care, P. Schofield, Suzanne Chambers

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

As the global burden of cancer increases healthcare services will face increasing challenges in meet the complex needs of these patients, their families and the communities in which they live. This raises the question of how to meet patient need where direct clinical contact may be constrained or not readily available. Patients and families require resources and skills to manage their illness outside of the hospital setting within their own communities. Aim. To propose a framework for the development and delivery of psycho-educational and supportive care interventions drawing on theoretical principles of behaviour change and evidence-based interventions, and based on …

Psychological Distress And Quality Of Life In Lung Cancer: The Role Of Health-Related Stigma, Illness Appraisals And Social Constraints, Suzanne Chambers, P. Baade, P. Youl, J. Aitken, S. Occhipinti, S. Vinod, P.C. Valery, G. Garvey, K.M. Fong, D. Ball, H. Zorbas, J. Dunn, D.L. O'Connell

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objective: Health-related stigma is associated with negative psychological and quality of life outcomes in lung cancer patients. This study describes the impact of stigma on lung cancer patients' psychological distress and quality of life and explores the role of social constraints and illness appraisal as mediators of effect. Methods: A self-administered cross-sectional survey examined psychological distress and quality of life in 151 people (59% response rate) diagnosed with lung cancer from Queensland and New South Wales. Health-related stigma, social constraints and illness appraisals were assessed as predictors of adjustment outcomes. Results: Forty-nine percent of patients reported elevated anxiety; 41% were …

The Effect Of Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation On Brain Structure And Cognition In Huntington's Disease: An Exploratory Study, Travis M. Cruickshank, Jennifer A. Thompson, Juan F. Dominguez D, Alvaro P. Reyes, Mike Bynevelt, Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis, Roger A. Barker, Mel R. Ziman

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: There is a wealth of evidence detailing gray matter degeneration and loss of cognitive function over time in individuals with Huntington's disease (HD). Efforts to attenuate disease-related brain and cognitive changes have been unsuccessful to date. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation, comprising motor and cognitive intervention, has been shown to positively impact on functional capacity, depression, quality of life and some aspects of cognition in individuals with HD. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, whether multidisciplinary rehabilitation can slow further deterioration of disease-related brain changes and related cognitive deficits in individuals with manifest HD. Methods: Fifteen participants who …

Surveys Of Cancer Patients And Cancer Health Care Providers Regarding Complementary Therapy Use, Communication, And Information Needs, Ngaire King, Lynda G. Balneaves, Gregory T. Levin, Thao Nguyen, Jill G. Nation, Cynthia Card, Tracy Truant, Linda E. Carlson

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background. Complementary therapies (CTs) are increasingly utilized by cancer patients. Nonetheless, patients report insufficient support from health care practitioners (HCPs) and there is a general lack of patient-practitioner communication about CT use. Best care practices suggest that HCPs should address the needs of patients, including CT use. This study examined current practices of patients and HCPs as well as their interactions relating to CTs. Methods. A total of 481 cancer outpatients and 100 HCPs completed questionnaires. Patient questions addressed CT use and information needs; HCP questions addressed knowledge, opinions and beliefs about complementary and alternative medicine. Patient-practitioner communication around CT …

Amyloid-Related Memory Decline In Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease In Dependent On Apoe Ε4 And Is Detectable Over 18-Months, Christine Thai, Yen Ying Lim, Victor L. Villemagne, Simon Laws, David Ames, Kathryn A. Ellis, Stephanie Rainey-Smith, Ralph Martins, Colin L. Masters, Christopher C. Rowe, Paul Maruff, Australian Imaging, Biomarkers And Lifestyle (Aibl) Research Group

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

High levels of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain and carriage of the APOE ε4 allele have each been linked to cognitive impairment in cognitively normal (CN) older adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cerebral Aβ level, APOE ε4 carrier status, and cognitive decline over 18 monthes, in 317 cognitively healthy (CN) older adults (47% males, 52.4% females) aged between 60 and 89 years (Mean = 69.9, SC = 6.8). Cognition was assessed using the Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB) and the California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition (CVLT-II). Planned comparisons indicated that CN older adults …

Association Between Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics And Depression In Chinese Population : A Cross-Sectional Study, Zhikun Li, Xin Yang, Anxin Wan, Jing Qui, Wei Wang, Qiaofeng Song, Xizhu Wang

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The study aimed to examine the association between ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics and depression. We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study of 6,851 participants aged 20 years or older (3,525 men and 3,326 women) living in Tangshan City, China. Information on the seven CVH metrics (including smoking, body mass index, dietary intake, physical activity, blood pressure, total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose) was collected via questionnaires, physical examination and laboratory test. Depression status was assessed using the Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and a score of 16 or above was considered depression. The relationship between CVH metrics and depression was …

Do Patients With Long-Term Side Effects Of Cancer Treatment Benefit From General Practitioner Support? A Literature Review, Irene M. Ngune, Moyez Jiwa, Alexandra Mcmanus, Jeff Hughes

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Alongside specialist cancer clinics, general practitioners have an important role in cancer patients ’ follow-up care, yet no literature summarises the nature, extent and impact of their involvement. This paper addresses this issue through a review of the literature. Methods: Studies were sourced from six academic databases - AustHealth ( n = 202), CINAHL ( n = 500), the Cochrane Library (reviews and trials; n = 200), Embase ( n = 368), PHCRIS ( n = 132) and PubMed/Medline ( n = 410). Studies that focused on interventions designed for patients receiving follow-up care and reported cancer care provided …

The Specialist Breast Care Nurse's Role In The Indentification And Minimisation Of Distress In A Members' Only, Breast Cancer Focused Online Support Community, Cynthia Witney, Joyce M. Hendricks Phd, Vicki C. Cope Ms

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objectives: To show how a specialist breast care nurse (SBCN) can use the distress thermometer to determine an online community member’s distress level and then use the information in their posts and blogs to identify the cause(s) and deal with them appropriately. To highlight the use of a structured written emotional expression (SWEE) format online, as a way of minimising distress. Method: A survey of online community members together with analysis of the content of members’ posts and blogs to determine whether their distress thermometer score had decreased since the SBCN had been online to deal with member distress. Results: …

Maternal Fish Oil Supplementation In Pregnancy: A 12 Year Follow-Up Of A Randomised Controlled Test, Suzanne Meldrum, Janet A. Dunstan, Jonathon K. Foster, Karen Simmer, Susan L. Prescott

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

A number of trials have been undertaken to assess whether the intake of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) during pregnancy can influence the neurological development of the offspring, yet no consensus from these trials has been reached. We aimed to investigate the long-term effects (12 years) of fish oil supplementation in pregnancy on neurodevelopment, including cognition, language and fine motor skills. In a follow up of a previously published randomised controlled trial of 98 pregnant women, their children were assessed at 12 years of age using a battery of neurodevelopmental assessments. Fifty participants were assessed at 12 years, …

Strategy For Improvement Of Maternal Health In Nepal, Gehendra Mahara, Xiuhua Gua, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Maternal death is a public health problem in like Nepal. Still women have been facing the pregnancy related problems due to inaccessible and poor quality health service as well as a less available health service from skilled health workers. This is due to lack of essential knowledge about pregnancy and its complications. The main aim of this article is to evaluate and synthesize the current public health issues of maternal health of women in Nepal. Syntheses the problems, challenges and issues regarding maternal health and what can be done for the improvement of those problems with the evidence base practice. …

Employees' Interests And Preferences Regarding Worksite Exercise Programs, Amber Butcher

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

In order to address the problem of an unhealthy workforce, employers often implement disease prevention and health promotion strategies, referred to as worksite wellness programs. The purpose of this study was to examine employees' interests and preferences regarding worksite exercise programs. To collect data, a 12 item survey was developed and administered to employees from a company based in Rochester, Minnesota. A total of 21 participants completed the survey (66.7% male, 28.6% female). The mean age was 51 years old. The findings of the study indicated an interest in worksite exercise programs and that incentives may motivate employees to participate …

Short-Term Effects On The Fetus And Long-Term Outcome On Children Exposed To Maternal Chemotherapy, Yocheved Kramer

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Ethical questions with regard to treatment arise when pregnant women are diagnosed with cancer. Does the health of the mother or the health of the fetus take priority? However, research suggests that concern over transplacental transfer should not deter those seeking treatments since avoidance of favorable transfer drugs can allow chemotherapy to be a viable option if properly administered. Doctors highly contraindicate the use of chemotherapeutic drugs in the first trimester due to high risks such as teratogenesis and fetal death. However, they reassure that treatment can be given in the final two trimesters. It presents minimal consequences as long …

Exploration Of Factors Associated With Patient Adherence In Upper Extremity Rehabilitation: A Mixed-Methods Embedded Design, Enrique V. Smith-Forbes

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Adherence is considered a prerequisite for the success of exercise programs for musculoskeletal disorders. The negative effects of non-adherence to exercise recommendations impact the cost of care, and also treatment effectiveness, treatment duration, the therapeutic relationship, waiting times, the efficiency of personnel and use of equipment. Adherence to therapeutic exercise intervention is a multifaceted problem.

The World Health Organization (WHO) established the multidimensional adherence model (MAM). The MAM describes five interactive dimensions (socioeconomic, healthcare team and system, condition-related, therapy-related, and patient-related factors) that have an effect on patient adherence.

The first purpose of this dissertation was to explore the MAM …

Factors Facilitating Constructive Coping With Stress, Kamilla Bargiel-Matusiewicz, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

This review focuses on coping with stress, with particular emphasis on mechanisms facilitating constructive coping with stress. An important area of contemporary research is the attempt to identify factors that make it possible to stay mentally healthy or preventing the weakening of the cognitive and social functioning. The currently prevailing approach to stress is the relational approach. According to this approach, the criterion for the occurrence of stress is the cognitive assessment of the situation made by an individual. This review presents the most recent proposals concerning the analysis of specific methods of coping with stress, in particular from the …

Cyberbullying In Adolescents: The Prevalence Of Mental Disorders And Suicidal Behavior, Elizabeth L. Mirsky, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

This paper defines the phenomena of cyberbullying in relation to traditional bullying, along with its negative consequences on adolescents in modern society. The reasons for the highly destructive effects of cyberbullying are given along with information about psychological instability resulting from the occurrence of cyberbullying. The correlation of cyberbullying with suicidal thoughts and behaviors is also discussed. Finally, some prevention techniques are listed in an attempt to lower the prevalence of cyberbullying.

Paper I: Stress In Adolescents, Stephanie Stockburger, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

It is well known that adolescents experience stress. In this article, sources of adolescent stress will be discussed as well as the physiological effects of stress on the body. Stress disorders will also be briefly reviewed. Mainly, research on stress management strategies that have been evaluated in adolescents will be presented. Many studies have a small number of participants and lack control groups. Therefore, there is a need for ongoing research in this important area.

Part Ii - Stress And Stress Management Strategies In Adolescents, Stephanie Stockburger, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

It is well known that adolescents experience stress. In this article, sources of adolescent stress will be discussed as well as the physiological effects of stress on the body. Stress disorders will also be briefly reviewed. Mainly, research on stress management strategies that have been evaluated in adolescents will be presented. Many studies have a small number of participants and lack control groups. Therefore, there is a need for ongoing research in this important area.

Female Athlete Triad Review, Hannah Harrison, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

This article defines the female athlete triad and discusses long-term consequences for adolescents and women symptoms related to the triad. The pillars of the female athlete triad consist of menstruation disruption, decreased bone mineral density, and disordered eating (energy availability). We will discuss the problems that can arise from each of the three pillars of the female athlete triad and the relationships among them. There are different treatments for the triad based on the needs of the individual and new treatments are being researched. Finally, the need for more informed coaches, parents, and medical professionals is discussed.

Effective Youth Suicide Prevention: Evidence From Kentucky, Dessi Slavova, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

In 2013, Suicide was the second leading cause of death among U.S. young adolescents (15-19 years of age), accounting for 18.4% of all deaths in this age group. According to a nationally representative study on the lifetime prevalence of adolescent suicidal behaviors, 12.1% of U.S. adolescents experience suicidal ideation, 4.0% develop a plan, and 4.1% attempt suicide. The same study estimated that approximately 60% of young people with a suicide plan will attempt suicide, and most of the adolescents who subsequently make an attempt do so within the first year after the onset of ideation.

These findings support the importance …

Children With Asthma: What About The Quality Of Life Of Their Parents?, Anna Trzcieniecka-Green, Kamilla Bargiel-Matusiewicz, Agnieszka Wilczyńska, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

An increased frequency of asthma in children has been lately observed. The course of asthma depends not only on treatment. but also on the actions taken by the parents of a sick child. Design: A non-experimental cross-sectional design. Methods: In this study the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were administered to 60 parents of children with :asthma. Two groups of parents were compared. The first group consisted of parents of children who had been diagnosed with asthma less than three months before the beginning of the study. The second group consisted of …

Self-Cutting And Suicide In Adolescents, Donald E. Greydanus, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a common and typically secret phenomenon in adolescents, especially females that involves two main features—self-derogation and negative emotionality. Causes of non-suicidal self-injury include attempts to get help from professionals, express disgust or self-anger, resist suicidal thoughts, and correct episodes of dissociation. DSH is associated with eating disorders and alcohol abuse, as well as other illict drug abuse. Fortunately, most self-cutters are not at high risk for eventual suicide; however, all those with DSH histories should be carefully assessed for suicide as well as offered comprehensive management. Programs for prevention of suicide should be implemented for adolescents …