Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Physical Exercise On Stress Reduction Among College Students, Natalie Luna

Honors College Theses

Stress is a prevalent issue among college students, often contributing to mental healthchallenges such as anxiety and depression. While physical exercise is recognized as a beneficial strategyfor stress reduction, there is limited understanding of the specific exercise factors that influence stresslevels, including type, duration, and intensity. This study aimed to explore these factors, identify barriersand facilitators to regular exercise, and evaluate students' perceptions of physical exercise as a stressmanagement tool. Insights from this research aim to inform strategies for promoting physical activity toenhance student well-being.

A non-experimental, cross-sectional survey design was used to investigate the relationshipbetween exercise habits and stress …

Improving Outcomes Of Patients Being Seen In The Emergency Room For Mental Health Crisis, Kimberly Hudson

Doctoral Projects

Mental health is a significant problem, especially in males aged 20 to 50 years old (Omary, 2019). Lack of a primary mental health care provider, lack of proper treatment and follow up appointments for this population, and bottlenecking patients in the emergency room are all factors that contribute to the problem. As a result, these patients experience negative outcomes such as not receiving proper care and/or causing harm to themselves or others. In this doctoral project we will explore the option of patients having better outcomes if seen immediately by a psychiatric health care provider.

Having psychiatric healthcare providers in …

Know Your Birth: Improving Knowledge And Confidence Through Education On Childbirth In Rural Kenya, Stephanie Cortez, Jasmine Ochoa, Manvi Pal, Carol Xiong

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Efficacy Of M-Health Solution On The Paternal Postpartum Depression Affecting The Relationship Of The Couple: A Pilot Study In Four Hospitals Of Karachi, Pakistan, Syeda Sakina Mehdi, Naghma Rizvi, Saleema A. Gulzar, Nuruddin Badruddin Mohammed, Vardah Bharuchi, Syeda Aleena Abbas, Mehak Barolia

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly impacts mothers and fathers, with paternal PPD (PPPD) affecting 28.3% of fathers in Pakistan. PPPD exacerbates maternal symptoms and disrupts family dynamics but remains underdiagnosed due to cultural stigmas and gender-specific presentations, such as aggression and stress. Socio-economic challenges, marital dissatisfaction, and limited support further heighten PPPD risks. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer accessible, stigma-free solutions for mental health support. This study explores PPPD health needs and evaluates an mHealth intervention for improving detection, support, and relationship outcomes among postpartum couples in Pakistan.
Methods: This exploratory sequential mixed-methods study will be conducted in two phases. …

Beyond Tradition: Exploring The Underlying Factors Of Delayed Cord Clamping, Sehar Aslam

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Delayed cord clamping (DCC) benefits mothers and infants by improving iron levels and neurodevelopmental outcomes while reducing neonatal complications. It is a crucial intervention, especially where iron-rich foods are scarce. Despite its advantages, DCC is often neglected due to medical complications, inconsistent policies, and clinical time constraints. Promoting DCC requires comprehensive education, clear protocols, interdisciplinary collaboration, and adequate skilled staffing. This paper emphasizes the importance of consistent DCC practices to enhance maternal and infant health and urges healthcare providers and parents to prioritize DCC in birth plans.

Knowledge And Attitudes Regarding Pubertal Changes Among Adolescent Males In Karachi: A Study Protocol, Sabah Muhammad Nazim, Saleema A. Gulzar, Hussain Maqbool Ahmed Khuwaja, Zohra Lassi

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Adolescence (the period between childhood and adulthood) is characterized by significant changes in bodily functions, along with psychological and cognitive growth, which lays the foundation for future health. The unanticipated changes in that phase (especially related to sexuality) can cause adolescents embarrassment and distress, thus impacting their well-being and development. Despite the critical role of puberty in adolescents’ physical, psychological, and social development, research focusing on the knowledge and experiences of male adolescents going through puberty is limited, especially in urban Karachi, Pakistan. Several Pakistani studies have mainly focused on female adolescents and their experiences with puberty, leaving a …

“Time To Rebuild The Healthcare Workforce”: Addressing Socio-Cultural And Psychological Perspectives Of Men’S Presence In Nursing And Midwifery, Sarmad Muhammad Soomar, Salima Farooq, Sarosh Tahar Khymani, Nargis Asad

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: There is a global scarcity of healthcare workers, particularly nurses and midwives, who make up more than half of the current workforce associated with “care”, which is the essence of nursing and midwifery in patient and family care. This is always considered as a profession for women in most of the global workforce. In a patriarchal society, nursing and midwifery limits the choice to be adopted by men. Based on male nurses and midwives’ experiences and stories, it was aimed to explore the present literature to see the citations related to this area, which have been cited to address …

Indications And Outcomes Of Emergency And Elective Cesarean Section Deliveries In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Karachi, Pakistan: A Retrospective Study, Bakhtawar Muhammad Hanif Khowaja Bk, Sabahat Naz, Komal Valliani, Aqsa Nizar Maknojia, Asfa Anwer Ali, Mahek Zaheer Maknojia, Tabish Ali Shalwani, Sheikh Irfan Ahmed, Farida Mughal

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: This study identified major determinants of Cesarean-sections and the outcomes in one referral center.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare facility and all women who had cesarean section between January 2020 to July 2021 were enrolled. A chi-square or independent t-test was used to compare maternal and pregnancy characteristics, and neonatal outcomes between emergency c-sections (EmCS) and elective c-sections (ElCS) groups. A multivariable logistic regression analysis compared indications and outcomes between the two groups.
Results: Among 767 women, there were 417 (54.4%) emergency and 350 (45.6%) elective cesarean sections. A multivariable logistic regression revealed that …

Impact Of Climate Change On Maternal Health In Pakistan: A Review Paper, Ihsan Ullah, Kiran Mubeen, Dilshad Begum, Rafat Jan

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Pakistan is one of the country’s most susceptible to the effects of climate change. Recent floods, heavy snowfall and rain have significantly impacted maternal and infant health. Indigenous women of child-bearing age especially those in rural areas are among the most vulnerable, facing food insecurity, disruptive food systems, rising food prices, and disrupted food production due to climate change. This review highlights a critical gap in research on indigenous women's maternal nutrition in the context of climate change, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It emphasized the necessity for culturally responsive approaches and a deeper understanding of how climate change …

Maternal Care Providers’ Perspectives Of Selective Vs Routine Episiotomy, Uzma Akhtar, Salma Rattani, Rahila Meghani, Nadeem F. Zuberi

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Normal Vaginal delivery is considered the favorable mode of delivery, but perineal trauma due to episiotomy is a significant concern in obstetric care nowadays. Although, routine episiotomy practice is discouraged because there is no evidence regarding its benefits, the rate of episiotomy is very high especially in lower-middle-income countries as compared to recommended rate given by the World Health Organization (WHO) which is 10% of all normal vaginal deliveries.
Method: Utilizing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. (PRISMA) guidelines, the study searched for appropriate literature on Investigating Healthcare Professionals' Views on Selective versus Routine Episiotomy. Significant databases: …

Unilateral Tongue Atrophy In Smad3: A Case Report, Gloria Galloway

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Mothers Against Decapentaplegic Homolog 3 (SMAD3) is a disorder of the protein encoded at locus 15q22.33 and involved in the transcription of growth factor-beta (TGF) signalling. In this disorder, SMAD3 encoding is impaired, resulting in a connective tissue disorder with multisystem involvement (Bertoli-Avella et al., 2015; Dulac et al., 2019). This case is the first to describe unilateral tongue atrophy as an initial presentation of SMAD3, thereby providing an important contribution to the literature. Clinical History and Exam: A 43-year-old patient described a 1–2-week history in which he noted that half of his tongue had wasted away, and he …

Management Of Possible Serious Bacterial Infections In Young Infants Where Referral Is Not Possible In The Context Of Existing Health System Structure In Mbeya, Tanzania: Experience And Lessons From The End Line Assessment, Esther Ngadaya, Alexander Manu, Mary Mmweteni, Dorica Burengelo, Doreen Philbert, Gibson Kagaruki, Kahabi Isangula, Mbazi Senkoro, Godfather Kimaro, Amos Kahwa

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Severe bacterial infections (SBIs) are a leading cause of neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries. World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) guideline for outpatient management of danger signs indicating possible serious bacterial infections (PSBI) when referral is not possible was adopted by three pilot district councils in Mbeya Region, in Tanzania (Busekelo, Kyela and Mbarali Districts) in 2018 (the PSBI project). This study documented changes in practice during the PSBI project, and lessons learned. A cross-sectional study was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods between July 2021 and January 2022, post-implementation. The study participants comprised stakeholders, health workers, …

An Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of An Updated Pre-Service Midwifery Curriculum Integrated With Emergency Obstetric And Newborn Care In Kenya: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial, Duncan N. Shikuku, Catherine Mwaura, Peter Nandikove, Alphonce Uyara, Helen Allott, Lucy Waweru, Lucy Nyaga, Edna Tallam, Issak Bashir, Eunice Ndirangu

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction Quality midwifery education is central to improving midwifery service delivery and maternal and newborn health outcomes. In many settings, midwifery educators insufciently prepared for their teaching role and defcient curriculum compared to international standards afect the quality of healthcare provided by the midwifery graduates. This study assessed the efectiveness of an EmONC enhanced midwifery curriculum delivered by trained and mentored midwifery educators on the quality of education and student performance in Kenya.

Methods A cluster randomised controlled trial in 20 midwifery colleges (12 intervention, 8 control colleges). Educators in both arms received training in teaching/EmONC skills to deliver the …

Effectiveness Of Clinical Training In Influencing The Outcome Of Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid In Selected Facilities At A County In Kenya, Evah Maina, Abednego Ongeso, Nancy Maingi

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major health concern in developing countries, primarily due to the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) is a common and affordable screening method, yet its effectiveness is closely tied to the skills and competency of healthcare providers. This study aimed to assess the impact of clinical training on improving VIA screening outcomes for cervical cancer in a county in Kenya.

Methods: Seven government health facilities equipped with cryotherapy machines were selected, with two healthcare providers sampled from each. A six-day VIA training intervention was conducted, combining …

The Relationship Between Early Dysphagia Screening And Incidence Of Pneumonia Among Acute Stroke Patients, Sabreen Elsedeek Ahmed Assistant Lecturer

Nursing

Background: Post-stroke dysphagia is a common complication of acute stroke, which could increase the risk of mortality and aspiration pneumonia. Aim: This study aimed to assess the relationship between early dysphagia screening and the incidence of pneumonia among acute stroke patients. Research design: A correlational descriptive design was utilized in this study. Setting: The study was conducted at the stroke and neurology intensive care units at As-Salam International Hospital. Subject: a purposive sample of (87) adult patients newly admitted with a diagnosis of acute stroke was included in the study. Tools: Three tools were used in this …

Impact Of Educational Sessions On Compassion Fatigue Among Home Healthcare Nurses: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Adebimpe Blessing Ogunsefunmi

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Nurses are compassionate professionals who provide critical care, often at the expense of their own well-being. As the healthcare system faces rapid changes due to an aging population, nursing shortages, and the impact of COVID-19, compassion fatigue has become increasingly common. Despite its prevalence, few healthcare institutions address this issue. Objective: The objective of this DNP project was to evaluate whether weekly educational sessions enhanced perceptions of a positive quality of life, which typically declines with increased compassion fatigue, as measured by the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale. PICOT Question: Do weekly educational sessions on compassion fatigue …

Exploring Intensive Care Registered Nurses’ Perceptions Of The Family Support Person During Family-Witnessed Resuscitation, Carmen Petersen, Martha O. Morales, Natalie Bermudez

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: In-hospital cardiac arrests are common occurrences that family members may be present for. Family-witnessed resuscitation (FWR) is a well-studied, evidence-based practice with positive outcomes for family members. However, some nurses disagree with FWR because of the potential for family member disruptions. The presence of a hospital-employed family support person (FSP) dedicated to providing care to family members during FWR may be beneficial in improving nurses’ perspectives on FWR. While evidence shows the benefits of the FSP for family members during FWR, there is little evidence related to nurses’ perceptions of the FSP. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative descriptive …

Addressing End-Of-Life Care Education Gaps For Registered Nurses: A Quality Improvement Project, Mayra Villalba, Alejandra Angel, Arvinder Singh

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: As the global elderly population grows rapidly, end-of-life care (EOLC) needs have expanded, warranting comprehensive nursing education. There is a significant gap in exposure to EOLC during nursing undergraduate education, clinical experiences, and training opportunities in the professional setting. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to educate nurses about end-of-life care. Methods: In an established medical-surgical unit, hospice patients with comfort-only measures were placed into a cohort labeled Transitional Care Unit (TCU). Between October 2023 and May 2024, nurses working in the TCU were surveyed on their knowledge regarding EOLC. Staff attended mandatory education sessions after the …

Nurse-Led Advocacy In Reducing 30-Day Readmission Rates For Heart Failure Patients With Reduced Ejection Fraction, Lourdes M. Talavera, Madeleine Turco, Hector Gonzalez, Catherina Chang Martinez, Daniela Wintersteen, Stephanie Villadamigo, Alexandra Palau, Maria L. Perez, Cindy Delgado, Stephani Cardona, Christina Davis, Gustavo Ramirez, Marta Larranaga, Betty Muniz, Jessica G. Bundy

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and readmission rates. Evidence-based practice outlines that HFrEF patients should be on guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), including medication from four categories: renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, β-blockers approved for the treatment of heart failure, aldosterone antagonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Nurse-led patient advocacy for patients to be discharged on GDMT can help reduce 30-day readmission rates in patients with HFrEF in an inpatient heart failure unit. The purpose of this project was to implement a new practice involving the utilization of a discharge form and empowering nurses …

Challenging A Sacred Cow: Implementing Clear Liquids During Labor, Paloma Casemeiro, Carey B. Acosta, Judith E. Bowling

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Traditionally, patients in labor could not have anything to eat or drink (nothing by mouth [NPO]) due to long-standing beliefs, often labeled "sacred cows." However, recent research indicated that clear liquids during labor can be safe and beneficial. Methods: Prior to implementing this project, the team collected information from 20 low-risk laboring mothers regarding their satisfaction level and their perception of the overall childbirth experience. Clear liquids were permitted for low-risk mothers and data were collected from the same population to evaluate the impact on their labor experience. The primary goal of this project was to challenge the “sacred …

A Multi-Pronged Collaborative Approach To Harness The Implementation And Sustainability Of Bedside Shift Report, Diane S. Kramer, Lourdes C. Castaneda, Catherina Chang Martinez, Shelli A. Chernesky, Lisette Hurtado, Harold Girado, Yessenia Muniz

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Implementing nurse bedside shift report (BSR) remains a critical practice during shift changes that improves the delivery of safe patient care. The practice of BSR remains susceptible to variability and sustainability in the acute care setting. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to harness the implementation and sustainability of BSR using a multi-pronged approach. We aimed to improve nurse-sensitive indicators discussed during the BSR process and include patients in the BSR process. Methods: Implementing Lorenzi and Riley's change cycle methodology, executives, leaders, and educators collaborated to create a multi-pronged approach to standardize the BSR process for nurses …

Retrospectively Exploring Differences, Relationships, And Predictors Associated With The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool And Patient Outcomes​, Sandra Torres, Angela Ramirez, Nicole Boswell, Sigrid Somarriba, Simone Cheong, Natalie Bermudez

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Prolonged immobility in hospitalized patients is prevalent and associated with hospital-acquired functional decline and other adverse hospital outcomes. Early mobilization (EM) of hospitalized patients reduces the incidence of hospital-acquired conditions. Therefore, early identification of patients’ mobility status and EM are essential. Evidence shows that using the Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) promotes early mobility and improved patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the BMAT assessment on patient outcomes (falls, hospital-acquired pressure injuries [HAPIs], and length of stay [LOS]). Methods: This was an IRB-approved retrospective research study. Data were collected from patient records …

Overdose Watch: Educate, Prevent, And Respond…Equitably, Amber Childress, Christine Nava, Genevie Porlaris

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Emergency Room Nurses' Perceptions Of Medication Errors In The Emergency Department, Yasmeen Mustafa

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Medication errors (MEs) remain a pervasive issue in United States emergency departments, where emergency room (ER) nurses play a central role in the medication process. The medication process involves transcribing, prescribing, dispensing, administering, and monitoring. Proper adherence to the process ensures that the right medication is given to the right patient in the correct dose, route, and time. It also allows consideration of potential interactions and side effects, with the goal of achieving safe and efficacious therapeutic outcomes. Given the potential life-altering consequences of MEs, it is imperative to harness the unique insights and experiences of ER nurses who are …

Improving Primary Care Providers Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, And Intention To Change Practice About Uncontrolled Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Its Effect On Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, Formerly Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Prognosis, Olivia Amoakowaa-Senya

Doctoral Scholarly Projects & Capstones

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in the world. The mechanisms involved in its development and progression continue to be a mystery that scientists are trying to unravel. However, many research studies found a correlation between uncontrolled obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and worsening of NAFLD. Chronic intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation in OSA increase sympathetic activity and promote oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and metabolic dysregulation, which increases the risk of various diseases, including NAFLD/MASLD progression. Early assessment and screening for OSA in patients …

The Role Of Nurses In Environmental Sustainability, Olivia Monroe

Honors Projects

This project explores the current literature on pollution originating from the United States healthcare sector, with emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions and waste production. Strategies healthcare organizations are implementing to reduce their pollution and actions nurses can take to support these initiatives are discussed.

Tackling Fall Risk In Geriatric Dementia Patients: The Impact Of Medication Reconciliation Relating To Polypharmacy & Falls, Jenl Khristen Ang

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Over half of the elderly population are taking three or more prescription drugs daily. For those aged 65 and older, polypharmacy, taking five or more medications, is common due to conditions like hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes (CDC, 2019). Managing these medications can be challenging, especially for those with dementia, who may also take drugs for conditions such as diabetes or depression, which can worsen cognitive impairment (Chippa & Roy, 2023). The complex regimens and increased sensitivity to medications heighten the risk of adverse events, particularly falls, a major cause of injury, hospitalizations, and loss of independence in older …

Domestic Violence And Mental Health In Pregnant Women, Arabella M. Co

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Domestic violence can include verbal, emotional, and physical abuse, which can lead to long-term mental health disorders such as stress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Purpose: This research includes a literature review, as well as a proposed research design to examine the significance of intimate partner violence in relation to mental health by implementing screening methods and interventions. Method: Participants will be recruited from prenatal clinics around the Bay Area. A quantitative, randomized, controlled-trial cohort study will investigate the effectiveness of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring Systems (PRAMS). A screening tool used in determining intimate partner violence within the …

Medical Aid In Dying Education For Hospice Nurses, Ian K. Woo

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Medical aid in dying (MAID) is an option surrounding end-of-life care for hospice patients. This process gives patients the autonomy to end their life during the time and location of their choosing. MAID is growing in legalization and practice across the US. However, many nurses feel uncomfortable or unprepared when providing care for patients contemplating it. Hospice nurses should have confidence in their ability to care for patients through the process of MAID. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of education in strengthening new hospice nurses’ ability to care for patients through the process of MAID. Method: The research will …

Editorial – Dec 2024, Edwin Van Teijlingen, Abeer Musaddique, Rafat Jan

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

No abstract provided.