Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring Direct Support Professionals' (Dsps) Attitudes Regarding Trauma Informed Care And Its Impact On Turnover Intention, Lorraine D'Sylva-Lee

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The relationship between Direct Support Professionals’ (DSPs’) attitudes toward trauma-informed care (TIC) and their turnover intention has remained empirically untested, despite DSPs’ exposure to primary and secondary trauma. An estimated 8.38 million Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) depend on this workforce, yet 2024 turnover rates reach 53.7%. This convergent mixed methods study examined TIC attitudes, turnover intention, and their relationship among 109 DSPs in IDD provider agencies in New Jersey. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the cross-sectional design used the ARTIC-10, TIS-6, and two open-ended items. DSPs with more favorable TIC attitudes were significantly less …

Multiple Interest Holder Perspectives Of The True Grit Sci Residential Program: A Mixed Methods Program Evaluation, Keara Mcnair

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Young adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) face significant challenges during the transition to adulthood, including barriers to independence, community participation, and psychosocial adjustment (Ingimarsdóttir et al., 2023; Zebracki et al., 2010). Current rehabilitation models in the United States prioritize short-term physical recovery and offer limited support for the developmental and contextual needs that shape long-term outcomes after SCI, particularly during transitions from inpatient rehabilitation to the community (Anderson et al., 2024; Bryden & Gran, 2024). Community-based programs may help address these gaps, though few have been rigorously evaluated using implementation science frameworks that attend to health equity, contextual influences, …

The Moderating Role Of Psychological Power Distance On The Relationship Between Moral Disengagement And Submissiveness To Authority In Senior Healthcare Executives, Carl Kirton

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: Understanding how senior healthcare executives respond to authority is critical in complex health systems where ethical decision-making, hierarchy, and organizational culture intersect. This study explored the relationships among moral disengagement, submissiveness to authority, and psychological power distance (PPD) in U.S. healthcare executives, as well as the influence of selected demographic and professional covariates.

Methods: A descriptive correlational design was used with a non-probability sample of senior healthcare executives (N = 98). Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and three validated instruments: the Submissiveness to Authority Scale (SOAS), the Moral Disengagement through Displacement of Responsibility Questionnaire (MDDR), and the Psychological Power …

Incivility In Nursing: The Experience Of Registered Nurses In The Emergency Department, Karen Voorhees

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) predicts that due to the anticipated retirement of the “baby boomer” generation coupled with an expanded need for medical care across the United States, the need for nurses will expand 6% by 2032 (AACN, 2024). This need will be impeded by nurses leaving the profession due to feelings of a poor work environment, burnout and job dissatisfaction. Incivility in nursing has been shown to be a contributor to nurses leaving their current work environments or the profession of nursing entirely.

Incivility in nursing has roots in organizational psychology and has been shown …

Beyond Translation: A Patient-Centered Research Agenda For Artificial Intelligence Interpreter Services In Healthcare, Olivia F Lynch, Emily E Witt, Alicia Fernandez, Jeslyn A Rodriguez, Maria Alejandra Montoya Rubiano, Helen Burstin, Susan Sheridan, Maia Hightower, David W Bates, Kevin B Johnson, Regan W Bergmark, Gezzer Ortega

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly utilized in healthcare, including in language access services, but certain aspects remain understudied. We offer a research agenda to guide the development of evidence on how AI language access services are perceived by patients and how they impact trust and comprehension in clinical encounters, and to inform implementation strategies. We recommend a governance system to mitigate potential harm and capitalize on benefits for patients with a non-English language preference.

Dnp Scholarly Project For Providing An Educational Offering To The Population Affected By Environmental Allergies, Jillian Otter

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

Environmental allergies are a problem that many people suffer from. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023) has reported that 25.7% of adults have experienced seasonal allergies annually. The concern has arisen that the general public has difficulty properly identifying environmental allergies. This has become evident in recent times with COVID. The rise of COVID has made people wary when it comes to certain symptoms, such as coughing. However, between COVID, cold, allergies, and flu several symptoms are shared and can be mistakenly diagnosed (News in Health, 2022). Improper identification can lead to poor management of any illness and …

Turnover In Nursing, Kylie J. Farris

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

A major challenge currently facing the United States healthcare system is a shortage of nurses. Nurses are essential to healthcare, yet in recent years, the rate of nursing turnover has increased rapidly, exacerbating the shortage. The aim of this project is to identify the factors contributing to nurses leaving their positions and to explore potential solutions to reduce the number of nurses exiting the profession. This will be accomplished by surveying clinical nurses across the United States through a multi-part survey. The survey will identify nurses who are considering leaving their current positions and explore potential interventions that could be …

Improving The Assessment And Treatment Of People With Low Back Pain, Kayla Krueger

WUSM Theses and Dissertations – All Programs

Low back pain (LBP) is a significant and continually growing public health problem. While some people recover from an initial episode, a proportion will develop chronic or recurrent LBP that limits their ability to perform daily functional activities. The variable and often function-limiting course of LBP underscores the clear need for improved methods of assessment and treatment. One way to improve the assessment and treatment of LBP is to develop a more comprehensive understanding of factors that contribute to LBP. In this dissertation, we investigated two categories of factors that may contribute to a person’s LBP: (1) spinal movement impairments …

Tumor Implantation Site Of Syngeneic Oral Cancer Models Differentially Induces Site-Dependent Local And Systemic Immunosuppression, Andrea H Molina, Gemalene M Sunga, Shawn Nguyen, Neeraja Dharmaraj, Ratna Veeramachaneni, Roberto Rangel, Jeffrey N Myers, Jeffrey D Hartgerink, Andrew G Sikora, Simon Young

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background/objectives: Preclinical studies of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) commonly use subcutaneous heterotopic (flank) tumor models for simplicity; however, orthotopic models may better reflect the native tumor environment. Direct comparisons of the tumor immune microenvironments (TIME) and tumor-draining lymph nodes (tdLNs) between these models remain limited. Better understanding of site-specific immune differences could improve model selection and interpretation of translational HNSCC studies.

Methods: ROC1 tumors were established in murine heterotopic and orthotopic sites, followed by assessment of tumor growth kinetics, survival, and the tumor microenvironment. Immune composition of tumors, blood, tdLNs, and spleen was evaluated at three tumor …

Mid- To Long-Term Recovery After Non-Traumatic Lower Limb Amputation: A Scoping Review Of Longitudinal Research Studies, Chloe Akiona-Bannan, Jocelyn Contreras, Kayla Cheyenne Bonsol Francisco, Kentaro Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective

Longitudinal research studies are essential for understanding the time course of functional recovery after lower limb amputation (LLA). The purpose of this scoping review was to evaluate the existing evidence base regarding mid- to long-term outcomes following non-traumatic LLA.

Data Sources

A scoping review was conducted per Joanna Briggs Institute and Open Sciences Framework guidelines. Based on purpose, seven databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SportDiscus, and Google Scholar) were searched for studies published between 2000–2024, in English, Mandarin Chinese, Tagalog, Persian, or Spanish.

Study Selection

Eligible studies must include at least 50% of participants with non-traumatic …

Golden Steps: A Dance-Based Program To Improve Balance In Older Adults — A Feasibility And Acceptability Study, Ramyr Bognot, Sophia Botelho, Nolan Caberto, Lauren Valerio, Joshua Yu, Jason Zeidman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background

Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence among older adults. Evidence-based programs such as Otago and Tai Ji Quan reduce fall risk, yet barriers to access and adherence remain. Dance-based interventions may offer a practical, enjoyable approach to engage older adults in balance training.

Purpose

This formative pilot study aimed to develop four dance routines grounded in evidence- based balance principles and evaluate their feasibility and acceptability among older adults, including factors influencing enjoyment and willingness to continue participation, to inform future clinical and community implementation.

Methods

Four routines (Polka, Country, Rockabilly, Salsa) were developed …

Unlv Pt Admissions: The Relationship Between Mismatched Gender Or Race Of Applicants Compared To Interviewer On In-Person And Asynchronous Interview Scores, Sarah Dudley, Calvin Kwok

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis:

Despite a growing push for diversity in healthcare, the impact of interviewer-applicant demographic alignment on scoring remains under-researched within the specific context of physical therapy admissions, particularly across different interview platforms. A sex or race concordance bias has the potential to compromise a program’s reliability of applicant evaluations and conflicts with the ethical standards of equity and nondiscrimination that guide healthcare education and practice. In this study we aimed to determine the relationship between sex and race concordance of interviewers and applicants for both in-person and asynchronous virtual interview scores at the University of Las Vegas Physical Therapy (UNLV …

Effects Of A 12-Week Physical Therapy-Based Exercise Intervention On Gait In Adults With Down Syndrome, Samantha Betts, Stephen Kiraly, Paige Lucero, James Malabanan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Individuals with Down Syndrome (Ds) frequently have sedentary lifestyles and Ds-specific physical impairments such as ligamentous laxity and hypotonia. These impairments often contribute to gait deviations that reduce the efficiency of ambulation. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 12-week exercise program on spatiotemporal characteristics of gait and kinematic variables at the hip, knee, and ankle in adults with Down syndrome (Ds). Methods: A randomized control trial of 40 participants was conducted with two groups: one group of adults with Ds who participated in a 12-week exercise program, and a control group who …

Exploring Health Insurance’S Role In Chronic Disease Management Among Hispanics, Romelyn Dones

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This qualitative study examined how insured non-English- and English-speaking Hispanic adults perceive the role of health insurance in the management of chronic disease. Chronic conditions remain a leading cause of morbidity in the United States, and although prior research suggests that insurance coverage improves access to care, it does not always enhance how individuals understand or utilize support for chronic disease management. Limited research has explored how individuals with chronic conditions interpret the role of insurance in their daily self-management practices, particularly among Hispanic populations. Guided by Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, this study explored how contextual, enabling, …

Quality Improvement (Qi) Project Aimed At Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotic Usage Among Older Adult Patients By Addressing Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing In Primary And Long-Term Care Settings, Pamela M. Thomas

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Antibiotic overuse among older adults remains a significant patient safety and public health concern. Recent national data indicate that approximately 30%–50% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions may be unnecessary, particularly for viral or self-limiting conditions (Chua et al., 2021). Antimicrobial resistance has been associated with more than 1.27 million deaths globally (Murray et al., 2022). This quality improvement project evaluated a multifaceted antimicrobial stewardship intervention in primary and long-term care settings. Baseline review of 167 antibiotic cases revealed 37.1% were inappropriate or questionable, and 28.7% lacked adequate diagnostic documentation. The intervention incorporated provider education, electronic health record decision-support tools, audit and …

Enhancing Independence: A Home Environmental Safety Program For Stroke Survivors, Ka'iulani-Joy Genevieve Conlu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Stroke is a common cause of physical limitations, leading to decreased independence and participation in daily activities. Individuals post-stroke transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care typically do not receive in-person home safety recommendations to decrease environmental challenges and improve overall well-being. Methods: Participants were recruited conveniently during the inpatient and outpatient care process at Post Acute Medical (PAM) Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Henderson. The Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool (HOME FAST) was administered to identify environmental hazards and to guide individualized home safety recommendations. Participants will complete a questionnaire before and after the program within 14 weeks to …

Evaluation Of Two Bioaerosol Sampling And Analysis Methods For The Collection Of Airborne Bacteria And Viruses, Elizabeth Detrick

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Bioaerosols, defined as airborne particles of biological origin, include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their byproducts. They are ubiquitous in both indoor and outdoor environments and can cause respiratory infections, allergic reactions, and toxin-mediated illnesses. Air sampling plays a vital role in bioaerosol monitoring by enabling the collection and analysis of airborne microorganisms to assess exposure risk and inform mitigation strategies. The objective of this study was to determine the relative collection efficiency of two air samplers, the MD8 Airscan, a filtration sampling method, and the SKC BioSampler, an impingement sampling method. Aerosolization tests were conducted in a controlled test chamber …

The Lotus Project: An Occupation-Based Online Module To Support Healthy Matrescence, Virginia Genato

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Becoming a mother is a meaningful life event that occurs amid complex physical, psychological, and social changes. During this period, individuals undergo an occupational role transition as they assume new caregiver responsibilities while navigating contextual demands. The ease of this transition influences overall maternal adjustment. The dominant sociocultural model of intensive mothering promotes child-centered caregiving, often at the expense of maternal well-being and adjustment. Efforts to meet these expectations may disrupt an individual’s transition into motherhood and place them at risk for developing postpartum mental health challenges.

The concept of matrescence provides a developmental framework that views motherhood as an …

The Impact Of Youth Sport On Occupational Balance: A Survey Study, Sean Jones

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Youth sport has been highly researched, exploring both positive and negative health impacts (Adetunji & Akendutire, 2017; Brengtsson et al., 2025; Conway, 2024; Hoffman et al., 2022). Despite the high prevalence of youth sport participation, and variability of health-related outcomes, there has been no research regarding the impact youth sport participation has on occupational balance, an occupational therapy concept that has been linked with overall health and well-being (Park et al., 2021). A mixed-methods, cross-sectional survey study was used to gain better insights into the impact youth sport participation may have on occupational balance. A sample size of 466 Nevada …

Inclusiveness With Sensory Maps; Enhancing Engagement In A Children's Museum, Victoria E. Davila

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Sensory processing challenges can affect a child’s ability to engage in play, especially when participating in community activities. When a child feels overwhelmed by sensory features in an environment, such as noise or bright lights in a community space, they may experience sensory overload. Caregivers often observe this behavior but may not have access to resources to help their child navigate these challenges. This capstone project aimed to implement a program development initiative at the Discovery Children’s Museum focused on developing sensory-inclusive resources for caregivers visiting the museum with a child. The role of occupational therapy in this project is …

Promoting Classroom Management Through Elementary Teacher Education On Movement-Based Social-Emotional Learning, Daija Renee Georgette

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This doctoral capstone project addressed a knowledge gap among K–5 th–grade teachers at Cornerstone Christian Academy (CCA) regarding the purpose, benefits, and educational value of movement-based brain breaks. Although CCA currently incorporates social–emotional learning (SEL) frameworks such as the Zones of Regulation, teachers have received limited training on how structured movement opportunities can enhance student engagement, attention, and regulation. This program aimed to strengthen teachers’ understanding and confidence by providing a series of evidence-informed workshops that explored the connections among movement, self-regulation, and classroom management.

The project consisted of orientation, teacher recruitment, needs assessment, workshop development, and program delivery over …

Healthcare Provider Trust As A Predictor Of Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Nevada Residents, Joanna Joseph

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Trust in healthcare providers is one of the strongest predictors of vaccine hesitancy in the literature, yet it has not been examined as an independent predictor of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Nevada. Nevada ranks last nationally in healthcare providers per capita and is among the lowest in immunization coverage for both adults and children. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated negative vaccine attitudes, and vaccine hesitancy continues to be a central public health issue. Prior Nevada analyses identified vaccine hesitancy across racial, political, educational, and economic groups but did not assess the role of provider trust in vaccine hesitancy. This cross-sectional study …

The Contribution Of Psychophysiological Stress Factors On Muscle Cramp Susceptibility, Lauren D. Levine

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMCs) are painful phenomenon that involves involuntary muscle spasms occurring during physical activity or directly after. 1 The landscape of the research on EAMC etiology has expanded from focusing on a single prevailing cause (e.g., hydration status) to a more holistic approach of how numerous factors contribute to the onset of neuromuscular fatigue, and the significance of each factor in those who suffer from EAMC. Following the multifactorial theory of cramp pathophysiology, this research sought to advance the knowledge of cramp susceptibility by investigating if there is a relationship between common psychophysiological factors like high anxiety, sleep …

Feasibility Of High-Intensity Training (Hit) For Academic Engagement In Young Adult Women, Raleah Tenorio Kastner

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: This feasibility study aimed to identify the impact of a high-intensity training (HIT) exercise protocol on healthy behaviors related to academics to decrease stress levels and enhance academic engagement and overall quality of life in young adult female students, measured by a modified version of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) and the Occupational Experience Profile (OEP).

Methodology: One young adult female student enrolled at UNLV who is 18-25 years old was recruited via convenience sampling to engage in a 12-session HIT exercise program, developed by a certified personal trainer and licensed occupational therapist, with the participant’s target …

Postpartum Depression Protocols In A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Benefits And Outcomes, Myrnnda Miller

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This capstone project aimed to reduce postpartum depression symptoms in mothers with infants admitted to the University Medical Center (UMC) of Southern Nevada’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) by integrating early screening with occupation-based, trauma-informed support. The intervention combined the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for early detection with occupational therapy–facilitated maternal support sessions, providing emotional validation, education, and strategies for coping and parent–infant bonding. Guided by Trauma-Informed Care and Backwards Design frameworks, the project prioritized maternal safety, empowerment, and confidence. A paired sample t-test was conducted to compare pre and posttest EPDS scores and showed that the participant’s EPDS …

The Impact Of Language-Concordant Diagnosis Education On Discharge Readiness For Spanish-Speaking Patients, Jorge Noel Perdomo Rodriguez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Current language service practices fail to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) resulting in decreased satisfaction with care, understanding of diagnosis education, and increased risk of post-discharge health disparities. Language-concordant care has been found to improve patient satisfaction with care and increase quality of transition from hospital to home. Research on language-concordant OT care is scarce and current studies suggest that language discordance leads to decreased quality of OT care for Spanish speakers. Problem: Language discordance leads to poor understanding of OT’s role and decreases patient-centered care for Spanish-speaking patients. Purpose: This project aimed …

Efficacy Of Dorsal Application Kinesio® Tex Tape On Esports Performance, Charlie Moua

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This mixed-methods pilot study examined dorsal Kinesio® Tex Tape as a nonrestrictive occupational therapy intervention for adult PC gamers with carpal tunnel–type symptoms. As gaming participation increases, players may experience repetitive wrist and hand movements, prolonged postures, and high performance demands that contribute to discomfort, overuse symptoms, and reduced participation in meaningful gaming occupations. Four adult PC gamers completed five in-person sessions and were assigned to either dorsal wrist taping or sham scapular taping. Quantitative outcomes included the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire– Symptom Severity Scale, visual analog pain ratings, and Kovaak’s Aim Trainer performance scores and accuracy. Qualitative data were …

Evaluating An Educational Intervention On Screen-Time And Behavior Change: A Pilot Study, Kayla L. Sweeney

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Excessive screen time among adolescents has been associated with negative health outcomes, including sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. Despite growing awareness, many parents lack sufficient understanding of these risks and their impact on adolescent well-being. This project evaluated whether a brief educational intervention improved parents’ knowledge of the health effects of excessive screen time. Methods: A pre-and post-survey design was used to assess changes in parents’ understanding following an educational video intervention. The educational intervention consisted of evidence-based content highlighting the impact of screen time on mental health and sleep. The survey measured knowledge, beliefs, behavioral intentions, and strategies …

Exploring Lifestyle Habits Between Gamers And Non-Gamers: A Survey-Based Approach, Janavi Sathappan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Video gaming is a prevalent and meaningful occupation for a growing number of young adults, yet its relationship to health behaviors is inconsistent and unclear in literature. This cross-sectional survey-based study examined the differences in nutritional pattens, sleep hygiene, and physical activity between self-identified gamers and non-gamers in a sample of young adults aged 18-34. Recruitment occurred primarily through the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and associated networks. Participants were asked to complete the Mini Eating Assessment Tool, Sleep Hygiene Index, and the International Physical Activity- Short Form. Data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests and Pearson’s chi-square tests, and …

Exploring A Boxing Community Exercise Porgram For Women With Parkinson's Disease, Emily Truong

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: The purpose of this capstone project was to explore the lived experiences of 10 women with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who participate in the Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) program, an exercise community-based non-contact boxing program. Because women remain underrepresented in PD research and exercise-based interventions, this project aims to better understand how women perceive the physical, emotional, and social impacts of participating in RSB.

Methods: This qualitative case series included 10 women diagnosed with PD that participate in RSB at the Tony Cress Training Center. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews and audio recordings. Interviews were consented, transcribed verbatim, …