Digital Commons Network^™

Enhancing Care For Psychiatric Patients Boarding In The Emergency Department, Abby Ford

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

Psychiatric boarding in the emergency department has become a common phenomenon in emergency departments throughout the United States. The purpose of this DNP Scholarly Project was to create a quality improvement project to enhance the care that psychiatric patients receive while they are boarding in the emergency department (ED). This quality improvement project consisted of an educational PowerPoint module for ED nursing staff and the dissemination of a care plan that nursing staff utilized while caring for psychiatric patients in this specific ED. The target population for this scholarly project was emergency department nursing personnel in a 40-bed metropolitan ED. …

The Relationship Between Female Genital Mutilation And Infertility: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Narges S. Soltani, Farahnaz Heshmat, Mohsen Dehghani, Robab L. Roudsari, Mohadese B. Ghalibaf, Samira E. Zagami

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

This systematic review aimed to investigate the relationship between female genital mutilation (FGM) and infertility. Online databases were systematically searched up to January 2024 using MeSH keywords to retrieve relevant observational studies. The methodological quality of the analytical cross-sectional studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and a random-effects meta-analysis was used to address any heterogeneity. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was performed. A total of 5 analytical cross-sectional studies involving 37,146 participants, with 3 studies meeting the criteria for the meta-analysis. The results indicated that female circumcision (FC) was …

Emergency Medicine Residency Website Wellness Pages: A Content Analysis, Alexandra Sappington, Brian Milman

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the way medical students seek residency positions. In 2020, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education advocated for virtual interviews. Most emergency medicine (EM) interviews in 2023 remained virtual, and this format will persist for the foreseeable future. Since students are not evaluating programs in person in most cases, residency websites are crucial for prospective residents. Resident wellness is critical for resident training and important to prospective residents; it follows that programs must be transparent about resident wellness on websites. In this study we aimed to quantify the number of EM programs with wellness pages …

Effect Of Magnesium Supplements On Improving Glucose Control, Blood Pressure And Lipid Profile In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Nasiba Al Maqrashi, Salim Al Busaidi, Sara Al-Rasbi, Abdullah M. Al Alawi, Juhaina S. Al-Maqbali

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

This study evaluated the effects of magnesium (Mg) supplementation on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus through a meta-analysis of 23 randomised controlled trials involving 1,345 participants. Mg supplementation significantly increased serum Mg levels (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.06) and reduced fasting blood glucose levels (WMD = -0.58, 95% CI: -0.87 to -0.28). However, the impact on glycated haemoglobin was minimal (WMD = -0.16, 95% CI: -0.32 to 0.00). Subgroup analysis showed a greater reduction in glycated haemoglobin among participants aged ≥65 years and those receiving longer durations of supplementation. Additionally, Mg supplementation …

Reaching Tomorrow’S Extension Customer: A Food And Health Needs Assessment, Morgan Szczepaniak, Sarah L. Francis, Ruth Litchfield, Ulrike Genschel, Shannon Coleman, Anirudh Naig

Journal of Extension

The food and health needs and preferences of Iowans (n=452) were examined. The leading food and health information sources were online platforms, social media, and print media. Program topics with high participation likelihood were cooking, food preservation, food safety, and gardening. Short, low-cost, online programs were preferred. Extension use was more likely among those who identified as persons of color, Hispanic/Latino, or were food insecure (p < 0.030). Those with less education and chronic disease were less likely to be interested in Extension programming (p < 0.040). These results provide valuable information regarding future directions for Extension programming.

Lead And Iron Levels In Maternal And Umbilical Cord Blood In Basrah, Iraq, Balqees Kadhim Hasan, Jafar Sadek Abdulazeez, Meaad Kadhum Hassan, Hamid Jaddoah Abbas, Lamia Mustafa Al-Naama

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Lead can pass from a mother to her developing foetus and is associated with well-established risks for the foetus. This study aimed to evaluate maternal and cord iron and lead levels and study the association of maternal and cord blood lead levels (BLLs) with newborn anthropometric measurements. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Basra Maternity and Children Hospital, Basrah, Iraq, and included women and their newborns over the period from January through June 2023. Blood samples from mothers and umbilical cords were collected and sent to determine the complete blood count and lead and iron levels. Linear …

Nurturing The Future: Understanding Maternal Knowledge Of Child Development In Oman, Watfa Al-Mamari, Ahmed B. Idris, Saquib Jalees, Muna Al-Jabri, Mohammed A. Mirghani, Dina Al Khalili, Asila Al Yarubi, Jamana Al Zadjali, Zahra Al Lawati, Ayat Al Lawati, Ahmed Al Saidi, Kamila Al Alawi, Sathiya Murthi, Wafa S. Al-Maamari

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the knowledge of Omani women of childbearing age concerning infant developmental care. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1,006 Omani women of childbearing age, recruited from outpatient clinics at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (response rate = 71%). Their knowledge was evaluated using the Knowledge of Infant Development Inventory (KIDI), a validated self-report questionnaire. The KIDI scores were analysed to identify associations with demographic variables such as women’s age, education level, employment status and number of children. Data were collected from June 2023 to October 2023. Results: The mean age of the participating women was 31.6 …

Assessing One-Year Health Impacts From Wildfires In Rural Communities: Roles For Extension In Promoting Wildfire Preparedness And Recovery, Marc T. Braverman, Sandi Cleveland Phibbs, Emily Jane Davis, Amanda Rau, Elijah Penner

Journal of Extension

Wildfires can produce health impacts that persist for years in affected communities. This article describes an Extension-led study of health impacts in rural Oregon communities one year after a destructive wildfire. Data collection included key informant interviews (n=36), an online survey (n=80), and three focus group interviews with survivors (n=23). Mental health, exposure to contaminants, physical stress, food insecurity, and other issues were frequently identified health concerns. Survivors’ difficulties in dealing with housing displacement significantly exacerbated health challenges. We describe potential roles for Extension in addressing wildfire risk and mitigating health impacts, including a description of the Oregon Fire Program.

Implementation Of A Clinical Pathway For Complicated Appendicitis In Children, Kristin E. Lemarbe, Andrew Glaza, Alexander L. Chen, Diane Studzinski, Amanda Henderson, Anthony Stallion, Nathan Novotny, Begum Akay, Pavan Brahmamdam

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Engineering A Novel Treg Population To Control Autoimmune Diabetes, Sofia Colon Guzman, Elly Puckett, Mary A. Markiewicz, Ryan T. Fischer

Research Days

We created a model to test the immunosuppressive capacity of Helios+FOXP3+ eTregs compared to nTregs against islet-specific autoreactive T cells. We also showed that nTregs decrease the response of these cytotoxic T cells when co-cultured with BetaLox5 cells.

Food Insecurity In Adolescent Athletes, Andrew Donaldson, Shannon Margherio, Jay Roberson, Kevin Latz

Research Days

Background: The prevalence of food insecurity among children in the United States is estimated at 21%. Food insecurity during childhood leads to worse school performance, more emotional and behavioral health concerns, and increased suicide attempts. Further, food insecurity has been noted to have multiple deleterious effects on the collegiate student athlete, including lower GPA, disordered eating, and substance use.

Hypothesis: Food insecurity is prevalent in the adolescent athlete population and exists across demographics.

Methods: Voluntary surveys were distributed to parents at all sports medicine clinics at our institution. Demographic data was collected including athlete age, race, school and school district, …

Weight Loss In A Predominantly African American Patient Cohort In Jeffwlp, The Jefferson Weight Loss Program, Muskaan Uppal, Nicholas Demario, Maxwell Reed, Tamanaa Atrafi, Cindy Cheng, Md, Phd

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Introduction and Objectives

• Minority groups, particularly African Americans (AAs), are disproportionately affected by obesity^{1, 5}
• Available diet programs and nutrition classes are assumed to be constructed for majority groups^{1, 2}
  • Research and clinical care includes fewer AA patients³
  • AAs may respond differently to the widely used conventional nutrition education¹
• Motivational interviewing (MI) is uniformly effective across diverse populations and empowers individual patients to initiate behavioral changes, especially in weight loss interventions^{3, 4}
• Our goal is to better support underserved communities, such as within the Philadelphia area, to provide further investigation involving diverse and marginalized communities, …

Culturally-Affirming Service-Learning For Counselors-In-Training: Child-Parent Relationship Therapy Training With Spanish-Speaking Families, Karen M. Roller, Szu-Yu Chen, Katrina Volante

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The Spanish-speaking community is the largest underserved language group in the United States. To advance social justice advocacy and multicultural humility for this language group, the field of counselor education needs to create pedagogical scaffolding for non-Spanish-speaking counselors-in-training to work with interpreters to support Spanish-speaking families, while also enhancing language-concordant training for Spanish-English bilingual counselors-in-training. We utilized a critical race research design to explore six counselors-in-training’s experience participating in service-learning through online facilitation of Child-Parent Relationship Therapy with Spanish-speaking families. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of qualitative data yielded four major themes: (a) collaboration, (b) improved awareness, (c) growth and strength, and …

A Pilot Study Of A Manualized Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention For Opioid Use Disorder Delivered In A Community-Based Public Health Organization, Michelle R. Lent, Denise Botcheos, Chad Gurdgiel, Hannah R. Callahan, Liam Gilroy

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

This pilot study evaluated a previously untested cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention designed specifically to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Adults (N = 20) taking medication for OUD were recruited from a public health organization providing harm reduction and treatment services to people who use drugs in Philadelphia. Outcomes collected at baseline and 12 weeks included urinalysis-confirmed use of illicit drugs and surveys of mood (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), recovery capital (Brief Assessment of Recovery Capital-10), and cravings (Brief Substance Craving Scale). Feasibility and acceptability were assessed via retention rates, the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8, and the number of …

Framing The Future: A Community Health Analysis Of The Pee Dee Region, Stephen Borders, Jean Anton, Rian Fontaine, Donielle Phillips, Treyton Ringer, Jessica Robinson, Caitlin Thompkins

Public Health

This report presents a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of community health across South Carolina’s Pee Dee region, encompassing Florence, Darlington, Chesterfield, Marlboro, Marion, and Dillon Counties. Using tract-level data from CDC PLACES, the U.S. Census, and the National Provider Identifier registry, it assesses chronic health conditions, health behaviors, and social determinants of health. The analysis incorporates the South Carolina Healthy Communities Index (SCHCI) and a Suitability Analysis to identify the region’s most disadvantaged communities. The findings highlight persistent disparities, particularly in rural counties, where high rates of poverty, chronic disease, and unmet basic needs intersect with limited access to care. Despite …

Enhancing Patient Outcomes: Improving Hcahps Scores Via Implementing Pressure Injury Prevention Care Bundle Education In Acute Care Setting, Jasmeen Kaur

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) have a powerful effect on patient outcomes, satisfaction, and health costs. In the face of multiple interventions, nurse-patient communication failures and decreased HCAHPS scores reveal patient safety hazards. Aim: The purpose of this quality improvement effort was to enhance HCAHPS nurse communication scores by instituting a Pressure Injury Prevention Care Bundle (PIPCB) on a 93-bed medical-surgical/telemetry unit. Methods: The intervention was nurse-implemented education through educational posters and education cards distributed at admission and shift report. Nurse participation and education delivery were measured through pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and observations. The change in the HCAHPS nurse …

A Pressure Injury Prevention Care Bundle (Pipcb) Education Approach To Improving Hcahps Scores In Nursing Communication Domain, Cathline Ma

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Patient education is crucial for improving patient outcomes. An issue that has been consistent in healthcare is pressure injuries in inpatient care. Despite existing prevention efforts, there is an education gap between nursing communication and patient understanding. Aim: This QI project aims to improve HCAHPS scores, specifically in the nursing communication domain, by 5% and enhance patient understanding of pressure injury prevention strategies through the implementation of a Pressure Injury Prevention Care Bundle (PIPCB). Methods: The intervention included educational posters and fliers distributed to patients on a 93-bed acute care medical-surgical/telemetry unit. Educational materials focused on …

Increasing Formation Of Advance Directives In Acute Care Through Staff Education, Piper E. Parres

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

In the acute care setting, the condition and stability of patients can change in an instant. Oftentimes, patients that were ambulatory, independent, and high functioning may be rendered critically ill and unable to communicate due to the rapid onset of an illness. When this happens, the care team must act quickly to stabilize the patient by any means necessary. With the wealth of medical knowledge and technology available in modern healthcare, life may be sustained indefinitely with the help of machinery such as ventilators, continuous renal replacement therapy, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. While some patients may welcome these interventions, others …

Educating Community Health Workers: To Improve Maternal And Infant Health In Rural Areas, Katerina Markova Shikhvarg

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background

Community Health Workers (CHW) are lay workers who are beneficial in reducing health disparities, in their communities. They provide culturally sensitive home visits and help coordinate resources for their patients. These visits have been shown to benefit the psychological, behavioral, and social health of their patients.

Local Problem

Despite the benefits of CHW involvement, they lack standardized training that could improve their services.

Methods

A partnership was entered by the University of San Francisco (USF) and an international philanthropic organization, focused on helping children. The partnership developed a certification program for CHWs in the Tulare County with USF Nurse …

Leading The School Team: A Professional Development Training On Eating Disorders For School Nurses, Michelle Samaniego Concepcion

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic sharply increased the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) among youth. These conditions are associated with high treatment costs and have the second-highest mortality rate among mental illnesses, surpassed only by opioid overdose, making them a critical concern for school communities.

Local Problem: A learning needs assessment conducted by the Alameda County School Nurses Network identified gaps in school nurses’ knowledge and confidence regarding ED identification, referral, and care coordination. Methods: In response, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student scholar developed and implemented an evidence-based, virtual professional development training focused on EDs. The module was …

Implementation Of Standardized Mobilization Assessment Tools To Promote Patient Ambulation At Medical Surgical Units, Yunxuan Su

Master's Projects and Capstones

The objective is the cardiac medical surgical unit in a hospital in San Francisco not meeting the ambulation goal. This study aims to provide a context for enhancing patients' ambulation levels by using standardized assessment tools Prior Level of Functional (PLOF) and Current Level of Functional (CLOF) in daily practice, thereby strengthening care plans and shortening hospital stay. The methods are microsystem evaluation, SWOT analysis, causal analysis, cost-benefit analysis, Gantt chart, pre & post survey, and flyer education for staff to guide the project implementation. The results are that after the intervention, the compliance of PLOF and CLOF documentation and …

Developing An Evidence-Based Continuing Education Program For Physical Therapists Working With Individuals With Down Syndrome, Luis Azpeitia, Chantel Montayre, Rebecca Peterson, Alyssa Pociernicki

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Despite the abundance of resources available for physical therapists (PTs) treating children with Ds, the resources are limited for PTs working with teens and adults. This suggests that this population is underserved within the healthcare community. This project aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by developing a comprehensive continuing education program for physical therapists, focused on the treatment and care of teens and adults with Ds. This education program will give physical therapists a resource for treating teens and adults with Ds, an under-resourced population. Two modules focusing on musculoskeletal (MSK)/gait and communication strategies were developed, and then pilot tested …

Fostering Intergenerational Connection Through The Implementation Of Bingocize: A Community-Based Fall-Prevention Program, Dejeigh Herrera, Shelby Humphreys, Kayla Lee, Danielle Platt

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Falling is an experience that can be traumatic and detrimental to the overall health of those aged 65 and older. As this portion of the population in the United States continues to grow, so does the importance of understanding the general health concerns of these individuals and the way they contribute to their risk of falling and impact their ability to live independently. One program to help address these risks is Bingocize, an evidence-based program designed by Jason Crandall, a professor of exercise science at Western Kentucky University in 2011. Bingocize is a 10-week fall prevention program designed to educate …

Core Temperature While Swimming In Warm Open Water With And Without A Wetsuit, Katsiaryna Afanasyeva

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Triathlon is a popular sport which attract participants from all over the world. In general, triathlon is a safe sport with risk of death being about 1.74 deaths per 100,000 participants (Harris et al., 2017). The swimming portion of the race can be dangerous, posing particular risks due to open water conditions and the physical demands of the event. This study investigated the effects of wetsuit use on core temperature in warm open-water swimming (27.9–28.3°C). Four experienced triathletes (2 males, 2 females; age 49.50 ± 7.83 years) completed two 700-meter open-water swims at a submaximal pace—once wearing their personal full-sleeve …

Plagiocephaly In Premature Infants: Enhancing Nicu Caregiver Education, Hailee Efferson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: To improve NICU nurses’ confidence in preventing and managing plagiocephaly in premature infants through a one-on-one educational session.Design: One-group post-test design for a quality improvement initiative. Setting: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center. Participants: 20 NICU Nurses. Measures: Post-session questionnaire including close-ended Likert scale and open-ended questions. Results: Mean scores ranged from 3.5 to 4.0, with the highest rating for the helpfulness of the session format (mean = 4.0) and the lowest for confidence in alternating infant positioning (mean = 3.5). Standard deviations ranged from 0 to 0.59, indicating strong agreement regarding the session format …

Exploring The Occupation Of Parenting With A Cognitive Disability, Alysa Polley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: To investigate how parents with cognitive disabilities perform child-rearing tasks and barriers associated with their disability, to determine their needs and self-efficacy to improve the role of occupational therapy in supporting child-rearing for parents with cognitive disability.Design: Qualitative Case-study, Phenomenology Setting: Gigi's Playhouse Participant(s): Inclusion criteria: parents or expecting parents, individuals with a cognitive disability resulting from an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, English speaking, 18+, and autonomy to consent participation. Exclusion criteria: non-English speaking, individuals without a cognitive disability resulting from an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, and under 18. Measure(s): Semi-Structured Interview and Tool for Measuring Parental Self-efficacy. Results: …

Qualitative Analysis Of Clinical And Community Perinatal Providers’ Perceived Barriers To Equitable Care For Food Insecurity In Underserved Communities In Southern Nevada, Kaelia Lynn KeapomekuʻUaloha Saniatan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Food insecurity is prevalent among underserved communities and contributes to increasing maternal-child health disparities. The perinatal period from pregnancy through one year postpartum provides a critical window of opportunity to identify and address food insecurity (FI). However, barriers such as inadequate staffing, lack of institutional and community resources have prevented perinatal providers from offering equitable care for FI, defined as providing screening, referrals, and follow-up services. The Social Ecological Model (SEM) is a framework that observes concepts at multiple levels, including (i) individual, (ii) interpersonal, (iii) institutional, (iv) community, and (v) policy. The objective of this study is to understand …

The Effects Of Sugar Alcohols On The Growth Of Cariogenic Bacteria, Jake Sanders Boone

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential of sugar alcohols, commonly used as sugar substitutes to reduce the activity of dental caries causing bacteria. Specifically, the sugar alcohols xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, and mannitol were placed into the growth media of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The effects on their bacterial growth were observed. 10% xylitol, 10% erythritol, 10% sorbitol, 10% mannitol, 5% xylitol + 5% erythritol, and 3.3% erythritol + 3.3% xylitol + 3.3% sorbitol combinations were compared to the control groups for differences in bacterial growth. S. mutans samples were significantly inhibited by all groups except …

Emerging Adult Gamers: Nutritional Insights On Dietary Intake, Physical Well-Being, And Occupational Performance, Justine Dualan Tuason

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study aimed to gather insights from Emerging Adult (EA) gamers (between 18 and 24) regarding their nutritional literacy, dietary patterns, and its potential impacts on their occupational performance and physical well-being. There is a need to gather gamers' perspectives to identify the specific facilitators and barriers regarding their ability to discern appropriate dietary choices, as it provides more information regarding preventative and client-centered measures for future healthcare professionals. Occupational Therapists (OTs) are uniquely equipped to address this population's needs, as the profession's holistic principles allow for a well-rounded and sustainable approach. Additionally, growing emphasis is placed on preventative rather …

Prevalence Of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Stages In Us Adolescents And Relationship To Social Determinants Of Health, Carissa M. Baker-Smith, Abigail M. Gauen, Lucia C. Petito, Sadiya S. Khan, Norrina B. Allen

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease begin in youth. Knowledge of the prevalence of cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome in adolescents and its risk factors is critical to understanding the cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk burden.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the 2017 to 2020 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data and determined the prevalence of each CKM stage in adolescents aged 12 to 18 years. We then assessed the relationship between the family income-to-poverty ratio, health insurance, routine health care access, food security, health behaviors, and CKM stage. We quantified associations between social factors, behaviors, …