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Iron Deficiency And Iron Deficiency Anemia: Inconsistent Screening Practices And Delayed Result Processing In Children 12-18 Months, Madonna J. Mahoney Marshall

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Introduction:

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in children aged 12 to 18 months are prevalent conditions that, if not identified and treated early, are associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose:

This quality improvement project evaluated the impact of a standardized screening and follow-up protocol on laboratory result retrieval, provider review, and caregiver follow-through in a military pediatric clinic.

Method:

A pre-post intervention design guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework was implemented over 11 weeks and included staff education, standardized workflows, and caregiver outreach.

Results:

The intervention improved laboratory completion and caregiver follow-up rates; however, sustainability was limited by staffing constraints …

One-Stop-Shop (Oss): Community Health Nursing: (For Undergraduate Nurses), Sarmad Muhammad Soomar

Books

No abstract provided.

Understanding The Link Between Infant Sensory Profiles And Breastfeeding/ Chest Feeding Co-Occupation, Lindsey Mcneill, Danielle Bomzer, Caitlyn Morin, Maya Shourie Ots

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

Breastfeeding/ chest feeding are complex co-occupations that support both infant development and parent infant bonding. There is limited research that has investigated how sensory processing factors may influence infants' experiences. Existing literature has focused on the challenges associated with breastfeeding such as latching complications, feeding aversions, allergies, and caregiver stress (Masztalerz-Kozubek et al., 2022). Other literature has focused on sensory profiles of infants; however, no real connections have been made to breastfeeding/ chest feeding (Freund-Azaria et al., 2023).

This gap indicates insufficient understanding of the influence of early sensory characteristics on feeding behaviors and the outcomes of breastfeeding or chest …

Effects Of Academic Workload On Work-Life Balance, Haylee Canadas, Kara Zumbahlen, Sadie Lindgren, Elizabeth Kwak

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

Origins and Importance: There is a significant gap in research regarding the toll of the workload assigned to students within specialized fields within the United States. These students have been found to have increased depression, anxiety, and burnout as well as decreased life satisfaction. This extends not only to physician assistants or medical students, but to students within many allied health fields. Positive occupational balance has been found to be associated with positive wellbeing. Dedicating research efforts to explore the work-life balance of health professional students will help students maintain their health and wellbeing as they become equipped to practice …

Safe Plate - Food Allergy Research & Education, Sarah Hecht

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

The Safe Plate Cafe© Series is a Nutrition Education initiative meant to spread awareness and increase accessibility for individuals with food allergies. The Safe Plate Cafe© Series is an extension of the Safe Plate Cafe©, which is a program meant to educate culinary professionals on how to properly cater to and care for individuals with food allergies in their establishments. The Safe Plate Cafe© Series is modeled after the Congregate Cafes supported by Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island. This model is meant to be more accessible and encourage participation from a community who is apprehensive about eating outside of …

Implementation Of A Greenhouse Growing Method, Kheara Zito

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

The Metcalf-Franklin Historic Community Garden is a volunteer driven farm in Cumberland, RI that grows fresh produce throughout the late spring and summer months. 100% of the food grown at the community garden is donated to the Rhode Island Food Bank and various different soup kitchens throughout the County. The intervention is to implement a greenhouse growing system to help lengthen the growing season throughout the winter months. This intervention can help aid in providing food insecure individuals with more fresh produce and nutrients throughout the entire year.

Improving Infant Feeding Practices, Ytossie Graves

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

This project addressed knowledge gaps and misconceptions related to infant feeding practices among participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Rhode Island. Infants in this population face increased health risks influenced by socioeconomic disparities, cultural beliefs, and limited access to consistent breastfeeding education. The project aimed to improve maternal understanding of breastfeeding and formula feeding while supporting informed, culturally responsive decision-making. Guided by the Health Belief Model, a bilingual (English and Spanish) educational intervention was developed, consisting of an evidence-based infographic and a structured nutrition education class for expecting and new mothers. A pre-test …

Healthy Starts: Cooking, Culture & Confidence, Lindsey Plumb

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

Healthy Starts: Cooking, Culture, and Confidence for Healthier Families is a culturally tailored nutrition intervention designed for pediatric patients and caregivers served by the Nutrition Teaching Center at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. The program addresses high rates of childhood overweight and obesity, food insecurity, and low caregiver confidence in meal preparation among racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse families. Grounded in Social Cognitive Theory, Healthy Starts focuses on building practical cooking skills, nutrition knowledge, and self-efficacy through bilingual, hands-on cooking classes, family nutrition workshops, and peer support circles. Sessions emphasize preparing affordable, culturally familiar meals while accommodating religious …

Wic Gestational Diabetes Wellness Program, Anna Tobin

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

BACKGROUND: An average of 9% of pregnancies in the United States are affected by gestational diabetes (GDM), with higher rates among individuals with food insecurity, including participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Uncontrolled GDM increases the risk for pregnancy complications and health risks for the mother and baby. GDM management requires education and lifestyle interventions. METHODS: First, a needs assessment was conducted for WIC participants to identify health risks and service gaps. Next, a logic model was used to identify resources/inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes of potential nutrition programs. This information was used …

Community Intervention: Cooking And Nutrition Education, Vanessa Mello

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

With my intervention, I hope to address the high rate of food insecurity amongst households with children (keiki) in Hawai`i. The target population are Native Hawaiians and marginalized communities that have long-term risk of developing CVD, hypertension, and T2DM (Hawaii Foodbank, 2024). This program will be an extension of the Food 4 Keiki program that distributes food to this population; however, with my program addition, it will promote self-efficacy by hosting community cooking classes and nutrition education events. This intervention incorporates elements of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to encourage observational learning that reflects these families‚Äô social and community needs. SCT‚Äôs …

Heart Disease Prevention, Alyssa Bernier

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

This intervention was created for the education of low-income youth and families in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and related conditions. Participants received nutrition education on cardiovascular disease, heart healthy food choices, and recipe ideas.

Feed The Folk: Soybeans As Snap Inputs, Tymon Childs

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

The objective of this study was to explore the possibility of using surplus agricultural commodities as inputs for SNAP or other need-based programs surrounding food access and nutrition. This study specifically explored the possibility of using surplus soybeans based on end stock projections for the year 2025/2026, following the soybean trade conflict between the United States and China. This project details the processing of soybeans from the farm gate to the plate, utilizing pre-existing soybean and food processing infrastructure within the United States.

Nourish & Grow: Wic Family Cooking Program, Kelly Mccormick Bs

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

This project developed a practical nutrition education program for caregivers of infants and young children enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The goal was to increase confidence and skills related to preparing healthy, affordable meals using WIC-approved foods. The intervention focused on hands-on cooking demonstrations, simple meal planning and budgeting strategies, and culturally appropriate recipes designed for families with limited time and resources. The target population included low-income households experiencing food insecurity, diverse cultural backgrounds, and barriers such as limited transportation or access to fresh foods. A logic model was used to guide program planning, and evaluation …

Biological Dental Hygiene: Principles, Educational Pathways, And Clinical Practice Considerations, Tara Newcomb

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Dental hygiene practice is rapidly evolving in response to emerging evidence on the oral–systemic health connection, advances in preventive technologies, and increased emphasis on individualized, minimally invasive care. A commitment to lifelong learning and continuing professional development is essential for maintaining clinical competence and integrating new scientific knowledge into practice. Biological dental hygiene has emerged as a complementary framework that emphasizes whole-body health, biocompatibility, reduction of toxic exposures, and prevention-centered care. This approach expands traditional dental hygiene practice by incorporating enhanced risk assessment, salivary diagnostics, targeted preventive strategies, as well as patient education focused on nutrition, inflammation reduction, and systemic …

Impact Of An Educational Video Intervention On Word Recognition And Vocabulary Knowledge Of Paediatric Dental Terms Among Low-Income Caregivers Of Youth Children, Melissa L. Sullivan, Denise C. Mckinney, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Deanne Shuman

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Objective

To evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on paediatric dental term recognition and vocabulary knowledge among low-income caregivers of young children.

Methods

A randomized two-group pretest-posttest trial was used to analyze the impact of an educational intervention on caregivers' word recognition and vocabulary knowledge of paediatric dental terms. The study included 60 pregnant women and caregivers with children enrolled in a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the Southeastern United States. Both groups received an educational pamphlet on children's oral health. The experimental group also received an educational video with common paediatric dental …

Leading The Way In Pediatric Oral Health Promotion, Denise C. Mckinney

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

[Introduction] Dental hygienists promote oral health and provide preventive services to patients throughout their lifespan. The Commission on Dental Accreditation, Dental Hygiene Standards emphasize that graduates must be competent in providing dental hygiene care for all patient populations, including children.¹ In fact, promoting pediatric oral health begins prior to birth with the expectant mother and/or caregiver. Oral health care to include education is essential during pregnancy; specifically, around the prevention and treatment of dental caries for the mother and the unborn child.² In the U.S., from 2013-2016, roughly 30% of women aged 20-44 years had untreated dental caries.³ Expectant mothers …

Early-Life Dietary Habits And Parental Support Among Female Collegiate Soccer Athletes, Christina Uribe, Kate Alvarez, Ryan Harding

Loma Linda University Research Reports

This study examined the relationship between early-life dietary habits, perceived parental support, and collegiate competition level among female soccer athletes. Current and former NCAA Division I, II, III, and junior college athletes completed an anonymous retrospective survey assessing dietary behaviors, meal patterns, parental nutrition support, and sport-related factors. Of the 112 surveys received, 81 complete responses were included in the analysis. Participants had a mean age of 23.0 ± 3.8 years. Higher levels of collegiate competition were associated with more supportive home nutrition environments during childhood and adolescence. Significant associations were identified for parental encouragement to eat full meals before …

Assessing The Scope Of Knowledge And Decision-Making Patterns Regarding Healthy Eating During Pregnancy In Pregnant Female Adults In Southern California, Raegan Soffel

Loma Linda University Research Reports

While recognizing the link between prenatal nutrition and maternal-fetal health, this investigator-initiated study seeks to identify pregnant women's understanding of prenatal nutrition guidelines and the influences on their dietary choices. Thirty-eight eligible women completed an online, anonymous surveying assessing the scope of knowledge and decision-making patterns of healthy eating during pregnancy. The average knowledge score among the participants was 6.05/14. There was no significant difference in the knowledge scores among pregnancy periods or among total number of pregnancies. Perceptions of nutrition guidance in prenatal care, factors influencing eating behaviors, and primary sources of nutrition information were explored. The findings may …

Comparing Perceived Ideal Protein Intake In Plant-Based Versus Meat-Based Diet Consumers, Gysel Avendano, Saya Iwanaga

Loma Linda University Research Reports

High-protein diets have gained significant popularity in both social media and public discussion and more recently, a significant rise in protein consumption has been observed. Existing research has reported differences in actual protein intake across dietary patterns, with animal-based diets generally associated with higher total protein intake compared to plant-based diets. This growing focus on protein raises important questions about perceived ideal protein intake and the factors that shape it.

The primary objective is to compare perceived ideal protein intake among Southern California adults consuming meat-based versus plant-based diets. Additionally, we explored the influence of protein-related knowledge, beliefs, values, information …

Exploring The Relationship Between Bmi Classification And Levels Of Food Noise, Edmarie Billosillo

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Rising rates of obesity in the United States necessitates an understanding of the multitude of factors that contribute to it. Recently, “food noise” has emerged as a topic of interest in this space. The current survey-based observational study aimed to understand the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and levels of food noise. The results indicate a significant association between BMI and food noise levels and a connection between a history of disordered eating and food noise levels. Additionally scores on the Food Noise Questionnaire (FNQ) and the Food Cravings Questionnaire - Trait – reduced (FCQ-R-r) were found to be …

What Is The Association Between Iron Deficiency Anemia And The Frequency Or Severity Of Febrile Seizures In Children Under The Age Of 5?, Rehab Fawzy Abdel Mohsen Soliman, Samar Mahmoud Ahmed, Yasmen Ahmed Said, Shaimaa Mohamed Hassan, Dalia Hassanin Hussin, Dina Gaber Soliman, Zeinab Abdalla Ali, Eman Farouk Osman

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background and Aim Febrile seizures (FS) are a common type of convulsion in young children and are frequently associated with fever in the absence of a central nervous system infection. This study aims to investigate the relationship between iron deficiency and febrile seizures, focusing on their occurrence, severity, and recurrence in children aged 6 months to 5 years. Methodology This study employed a case-control design and was conducted at El Sahel Teaching Hospital in Cairo, Egypt, over 12 months. The study sample consisted of 160 children, 80 of whom had febrile seizures and another 80 who were age- and sex-matched …

Rheumatic Resilience: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Shannon N. O'Donnell

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Rheumatic conditions affect nearly one in four adults in the United States (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.) and are characterized by chronic, often progressive symptoms, requiring long-term self-management. Despite this need, accessible and non-pharmacological resources remain limited. The capstone project, Rheumatic Resilience: An Occupational Therapy Approach, was developed to address this gap by promoting sustainable symptom management strategies through programming and education, while increasing awareness of occupational therapy (OT)’s role in chronic pain management. This project focused on areas of program development, education, clinical practice, and advocacy. A 10-week, in-person program based on Lifestyle Redesign principles was …

Harmony In Health: Supporting College Students Through Multidimensional Wellness, Hannah Strong

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Young adults entering college face a critical developmental transition in which they assume greater responsibility for managing their health and wellness, often without adequate guidance or supportive structures. National data indicate rising rates of mental health concerns, sleep deprivation, and food insecurity among college students, highlighting the need for holistic, context-specific wellness initiatives. The Harmony in Health doctoral capstone project was developed to address this gap by applying occupational therapy’s holistic, occupation-based perspective to promote balance across the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Eight Dimensions of Wellness within the Misericordia University community. The purpose of this capstone …

Study Of Endocrine Complications In Children With Beta-Thalassemia Major. A Recent Insight, Randa Mohamed Darwish, Omnia Salah El-Din, Samar Mohamed Samir, Mona Ahmed Gabr

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background β-thalassemia major (BTM) is a severe form of transfusion-dependent hemolytic anemia associated with multiple complications, primarily due to iron overload. Endocrinopathies are among the most common long-term morbidities in this population. Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of endocrine complications including hypothyroidism, hypocalcemia, delayed puberty, impaired fasting blood glucose, and diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents with β-thalassemia major, and to assess their association with serum iron overload. Methods This cross-sectional study included 52 children and adolescents 11-18 years age with β-thalassemia major attending Ahmed Maher Teaching Hospital (2022–2024). Anthropometric measurements, Tanner staging, thyroid function tests, gonadal hormones, serum calcium, …

Are The Risks Of Asthma And Allergic Diseases In Children Born By Cesareansection (Cs) Influenced By Maternal Factors (E.G., Maternal Asthma, Diet, Antibiotic Use During Pregnancy)?, Rehab Fawzy Abdel Mohsen Soliman, Samar Mahmoud Ahmed, Yasmen Ahmed Said, Shaimaa Mohamed Hassan, Dalia Hassanin Hussin, Dina Gaber Soliman, Zeinab Abdalla Ali

Journal of Medicine in Scientific Research

Background and Aim The increase in the number of Cesarean Section deliveries (CS) in the world has triggered questions about the possible long-term health consequences for the children being delivered, particularly the chances of being affected by asthma and other allergic ailments. Some prior studies suggested that CS deliveries may negatively influence immune system development due to altered microbial colonization and an increased risk of respiratory morbidities. However, trying to separate the impact of delivery methods and the maternal as well as the surroundings is a hard nut to crack. The present study aims to establish whether maternal asthma, diet, …

Improving Maternal Health: Investigating The Early Impacts Of Medicaid Coverage Of Doulas In Oregon, Miriam Akhmetshin

Scripps Senior Theses

While the U.S. spends more per-capita than any country on healthcare, we experience the worst maternal health outcomes of high-income nations. In addition to hefty healthcare bills, an overwhelming majority of mothers experience pregnancy-related health issues that decrease productivity and utility. Thus, it is critical to research cost-effective solutions that can improve maternal health and promote equitable outcomes. Doulas are trained non-medical professionals who support mothers and families before, during and after birth. As a growing body of medical literature points to the role of doulas in decreasing costly medical interventions, insurance companies have begun covering their services. In 2014, …

Food Stamp Participation And Health Outcomes In Ca Immigrants, Esther Kang

Scripps Senior Theses

The U.S. social welfare system includes programs aiming to increase access to nutritious food to reduce nutrition insecurity. However, studies suggest that immigrants continue to face disproportionate risks of nutrition insecurity and may face barriers to enrollment due to legal status. This study, using secondary data from the 2023 California Health Interview Survey, examines the associations between food stamp participation, food insecurity, and clinical diagnosis of diabetes among adult U.S.-born, naturalized, and non-citizen adults in California. The findings suggest that those enrolled in food stamps are more likely to report food insecurity than those who are not enrolled, and that …

Research News, Publications, 2026, Volume 2, Soumyajit Majumdar

Publications (2015-)

Publications that appeared during the period of April 1 - June 30, 2026.

Research News, Publications, 2026, Volume 1, Soumyajit Majumdar

Publications (2015-)

Publications that appeared during the period of January 1 - March 31, 2026.

Ethanol And Iron Absorption Interactions Within Crayfish Invertebrate Models, James Rollman, Andrew Wissmar

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Analysis of the effects of alcohol consumption (ethyl-alcohol) on iron absorption within crayfish model. The use of tube-feeding provides a novel, more precise output, and less invasive procedure compared to the traditional approach of dissolving the target substance in tank water and measuring hemolymph changes. The project aims to determine the extent to which alcohol influences iron absorption. Ultimately, the choice of iron reflect the future potential to aid in research with genetic hemochromatosis and or Iron overload.