Digital Commons Network^™

Design And Implementation Of A Community-Based Mother-To-Mother Peer Support Programme For The Follow-Up Of Low Birthweight Infants In Rural Western Kenya, Jemma Wright, Florence Achieng, Linda Tindi, Manasi Patil, Mwanamvua Boga, Mary Kimani, Hellen Barsosio, Dan Juma, Helen Nabwera, Laura Kiige

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Globally, low birthweight (LBW) infants (

Methods: Key informant interviews were conducted with 10 mothers of neonates (infants days) from two rural communities in western Kenya. These data informed the identification of key characteristics required for mother-to-mother peer supporters (peer mothers) following up LBW infants post discharge. Forty potential peer mothers were invited to attend a 5-day training programme that focused on three main themes: supportive care using appropriate communication, identification of severe illness, and recommended care strategies for LBW infants. Sixteen peer mothers were mentored to conduct seven community follow-up visits to each mother-LBW infant pair with fifteen …

Parenting During A Pandemic: Understanding The Impact Of Covid-19 On Early Childhood Development, Jessica A. Manes

Senior Theses

The early years of a child's life are crucial for their development, shaping their ability to process information, communicate, and form their identity. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted essential elements necessary for optimal early childhood development, including quality education, nurturing environments, and social stimulation. This study explored how parents in South Carolina perceived the pandemic's impact on their children's development. Five themes emerged from the study. Firstly, remote work due to pandemic protocols significantly affected the parent-child relationship. Secondly, the family's socioeconomic status influenced their ability to cope with and protect their children from the pandemic's impact. Thirdly, isolation resulting …

Is It Safe To Have Sexual Intercourse During Pregnancy? A Commentary Paper, Misbah Zafar, Mehreen Aslam

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Sexuality is an expression of love, care, and intimacy between couples but pregnancy, and the early postnatal period can have a significant impact on sexual health. Numerous physiological and psychological changes take place during pregnancy^[1]. These changes may have a deep influence on the sexual lives of married couples in a variety of ways. ^[2]

The degree of sexual health awareness, myths, rituals, and beliefs about sexual activity during pregnancy are some of the contributing factors which promote or hinders the sexual relationships during pregnancy ^[3]. The most common fear related …

Father’S Role In Family Planning: A Case Study, Inara Muhammad Karim

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

When a married couple decides the optimum time to start a family, how many children they want, how long they want to wait between kids, and the type of contraception they want to use it is called family planning. In Asian countries like Pakistan, men are decision makers inside the families and dominantly take decisions about contraception, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STI), finance distribution for antenatal care, childbirth, and nutrition requirements during pregnancy. Financial status, misconception, myths, and lack of knowledge about the use of contraception are a few factors apart from religion and culture which influence the father’s …

A Peculiar Case Of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever: A Case Report Of Radical Outcomes: A Case Study, Neelam Ubaid-Ur-Raheem

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Dengue is the arthropod-borne flavivirus infection, its severity increases during pregnancy, and results in worst maternofetal outcomes, which is an alarming issue. Dengue fever (DF) is the most common cause for preterm delivery and abortion. Dengue-related thrombocytopenia increases the risk of bleeding during pregnancy and delivery and can also leads to high maternal mortality rates. Globally 3.9 billion people are at risk of dengue fever, especially in Asia.
This case study focuses on a 22-years old pregnant woman from Pakistan without known co-morbidities. She presented in an emergency department with high fever, nausea, vomiting, and bleeding gum. She was positive …

Harvesting Health: Indigenous Mothers’ Resilience In The Face Of Climate Change And Maternal Nutrition Challenges In Rural Bajaur, Pakistan: A Study Protocol, Ihsan Ullah, Rafat Jan, Dilshad Begum, Kiran Mubeen, Laila Amir Ali Lalji

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

No abstract provided.

International Day Of Midwives: Honoring Midwives' Dedication And Zeal In Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, Arusa Lakhani, Rafat Jan, Sadia Karimi, Mehreen Aslam

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

No abstract provided.

Implementing An Evidence-Based Pressure Injury Bundle To Reduce Acquired Pressure Injuries In A Long-Term Care Facility, Latecia Rhoden

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Pressure injuries in the United States affect between 1-3 million people. Of the percentage of patients affected by pressure injuries, a range from 2% to 28% of those patients are in long-term care facilities. In Alabama, the pressure injury rate in long-term care facilities ranges from 2.3% to 18.4%. According to this long-term care facility's November 2022 quality improvement report, the acquired pressure rate rose from 2.2% to 8.3% in a year. A total of nineteen newly acquired pressure injuries were reported. Eleven of the nineteen pressure injuries occurred in the long-term stay unit, accounting for almost 58% of …

Implementation Of A Postpartum Depression Screening Protocol, Samantha Abercrombie

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major depressive disorder that can occur after having a baby and anytime during the first year postpartum (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Symptoms of PPD may include anger, crying more than usual, withdrawing from family, inability to bond with the baby, feelings of anxiousness, or thoughts of the mother harming herself or the baby. PPD can yield many challenges and hinder daily living activities. Recent research by the CDC (2021) estimates that 1 in 8 women experience manifestations of PPD. Findings also suggest that 1 in 5 women were not …

Reducing The Incidence Of Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries With An Interprofessional Collaboration Using Range Of Motion Exercises, Angela Johnson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Hospital - Acquired Pressure Injuries (HAPIs) are an enormous problem for healthcare institutions and patients. HAPIs are painful, can lead to additional infections, increase the length of stay, and even cause death. Hospitals around the country are experiencing increases in the number of HAPIs. This project was implemented in a medical-surgical unit of a local urban hospital in the southeastern United States. The medical-surgical unit reported an increase in the number of HAPIs that exceeded the national average of 3%.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to apply an interprofessional approach to reduce HAPIs using a …

Utilizing The Cdc T-Dap Educational Material To Increase Parental Consent Of T-Dap Vaccination Rates Among Children 11-14 Years, Anita Pates

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background:The T-dap vaccine is vital to combating vaccine-preventable diseases. "T-dap vaccine can prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis" (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Therefore, providers must identify and educate parents whose child is unvaccinated with the T-dap vaccine. "If an increase in unvaccinated children continues to rise, there is risk for a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases and potential increase in deaths related to these infectious diseases" (Bowling, 2018, p. 128).

Purpose: The purpose of this DNP project was to implement an educational session targeting parents of children aged 11-14 in a pediatric clinic in an urban area …

Implementing An Emergency Severity Index (Esi) Triage Refresher Training To Decrease The Under-Triage Rate In The Emergency Department (Ed), Monique Wallace

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: The Emergency Severity Index (ESI) is a triage tool used in most emergency departments in the United States (U.S.) that assesses acuity and resource allocation for emergency care patients. Registered nurses (RNs) must assign the appropriate triage category to ensure patients are seen in a proper time frame, have ideal patient outcomes, and have efficient patient throughput.

Purpose: This quality improvement project aims to decrease the under-triage rate of patients in the emergency department (ED) by implementing an Emergency Severity Index (ESI) triage refresher training.

Methods: This project used an A3 methodology. The triage specialist completed retrospective chart reviews …

Pregnancy In United States Immigration Detention: Listening To Migrant Women's Stories, Amanda Heffernan

Nursing ETDs

Over the last five years, dramatic shifts in immigration policy across three presidential administrations have impacted migrants arriving at the U.S.’ southern border, with unique impacts on pregnant migrants. The purpose of this study was to document, analyze and contextualize the experience of pregnancy in United States immigration detention. Specifically, the study aimed to: 1) understand the situation of pregnant migrants detained in United States immigration detention facilities between 2017-2022; 2) situate the experience of detained pregnant migrants within multiple contexts, including their own individual and family migration stories and the larger context of United States immigration policy; and 3) …

The Implementation Of The Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol To Reduce The Incidence Of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries In A Va Medical Surgical Unit, Nekia Whitlow

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: The clinical gap in service addressed in the DNP project was hospital-acquired pressure injuries. A hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) is a local injury to the skin and underlying tissue during an inpatient hospital stay. The injury is caused by pressure, shear, or both (The Joint Commission (TJC), 2022). The development of a HAPI can result from other factors, such as advanced age, immobility, perfusion issues, nutritional status, illness severity, and chronic conditions (Rondinelli, Zuniga, Kipnis, et al., 2018). Immobile or sedated patients in the intensive care units are the most at risk because they have medical conditions that prevent …

Barriers And Facilitators Of Diet, Physical Activity Levels, And Sleep Among Nursing Undergraduates And Early-Career Nurses: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Michael D. Wirth, Jaclyn Meyer Phd, Rn, Faan, Angela Jessup, Robin M. Dawson Phd, Rn, Cpnp-Pc

Publications

Purpose: Mechanisms leading to burnout, associated with high turnover in nursing, may start as early as in nursing school. Given health habits (e.g., diet, physical activity, and sleep) can exacerbate or lessen the impact of burnout, this study examined current barriers and facilitators to healthy diet, physical activity levels, and sleep among nursing undergraduates (UGs) and early-career nurses (ECNs). Research Design: Qualitative descriptive study. Sample: 25 nursing UGs and 25 ECNs (within 3 years of graduation) from a Southeastern college of nursing. Data Collection and Analysis: After development of theory-informed interview guides, participants conducted interviews either in-person or by phone, …

A Retrospective Study Of The Association Between Bsn Courses Grades And Scores On The Specialty Health Education Systems Incorporated (Hesi) Exams, Joshua Lambert, Teenu Xavier, Henry Ofori Duah, Donna Green, Julie Mccullough, Caroline Sanders

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this study was to determine how students' individual grades in BSN courses associated with their medical surgical, fundamentals, and pharmacology raw HESI scores. The average of three HESI scores were calculated and recursive partitioning and regression trees were used to identify associations between course grades and the composite HESI score. The model results provide insight into assessing student progression and can help in implementing tailored remediation strategies.

Do Obese Patients Lose Weight After Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Phillip Vorster, Abhijith V. Matur, Paolo Palmisciano, Fatu S. Conteh, Louisa Onyewadume, Henry Ofori Duah, Geet Shukla, Sai S. Chilakapati, Xu Tao, Sahil Gupta, Sanjit Shah, Benjamin Motley, Joseph Cheng, Justin Virojanapa, Owoicho Adogwa

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

Obesity is a major health care concern in the United States and is associated with high rates of postoperative complications after spine surgery. Obese patients assert that weight reduction is not possible unless spine surgery first relieves their pain and concomitant immobility. We describe the post-spine surgery effects on patient weight, with an emphasis on obesity.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched according to the PRISMA guidelines. The search included indexed terms and text words from database inception to the date of the search (15 April 2022). Studies chosen for inclusion had …

Unlocking Population-Specific Treatments To Render Equitable Approaches And Management In Cardiovascular Disease (Upstream Cvd): African American Emerging Adults, Shannon Bright Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in America. African American people have disparate CVD outcomes, and African American emerging adults (AAEAs) aged 18-25 have CVD risk factors. This study aimed to examine the state of CVD risk factors in AAEAs, assess upstream and population factors in AAEAs attending a southeastern historically black college/university (HBCU), compare their perceived and objective CVD risk, explore their level of CVD knowledge, and examine responses when they learn their objective CVD risk.

Chapter 1 presents background literature on CVD in AAEAs and the research plan. Chapter 2 presents a newly synthesized situation-specific …

Health Professionals’ Breastfeeding Practices And Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study, Maria Estela Diniz Machado, Marialda Moreira Christoffel, Luis Guillermo Coca Velarde, Ana Maria Linares, Ana Luiza Dorneles Da Silveira, Ana Leticia Monteiro Gomes, Luciana Rodrigues Da Silva

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Objective: To analyze primary care health professionals’ breastfeeding practices and associated factors.

Method: A cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out with all health professionals working in breastfeeding support in five primary healthcare units, through a self-administered questionnaire. The chi-square test was used with a significance level of 5% to analyze the association of categorical variables with professional practice.

Results: Thirty-eight professionals participated. There was a statistically significant association (p=0.04597) between the variable update on breastfeeding in the last five years and the practice of implementing breastfeeding through support groups. Clinical management, guidance on maternal rights, and support for resolving …

Bariatric Surgery Before Spine Surgery Is Associated With Fewer Postsurgical Complications: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Sahil Gupta, Xu Tao, Abhijith V. Matur, Andrew Wu, Sai S. Chilakapati, Paolo Palmisciano, Fatu Conteh, Henry Ofori Duah, Geet Shukla, Phillip Vorster, Julia Garcia-Vargas, David Kwan, Owoicho Adogwa

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Study Design.  Systematic review and meta-analysis. Objective.  To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the rate of adverse events after spine surgery in patients who underwent bariatric surgery (BS). Summary of Background Data.  Obesity is an established risk factor for postoperative complications after spine surgery. BS has been associated with improvements in health in patients with severe obesity. However, it is not known whether undergoing BS before spine surgery is associated with reduced adverse outcomes. Materials and Methods.  PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web-of-Science were systematically searched according to “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” guidelines. The search …

Primary Care Provider Density And Social Ecological Factors Related To County-Level Diabetes Prevalence In The United States, Robert Alan Kemsley

Theses and Dissertations

Diabetes is a critical public health concern with considerable financial and personal costs in the United States. Research has identified several interventions available to primary care providers to prevent diabetes. These interventions may prevent diabetes by influencing personal, community, and public health policy factors. These factors are key components of the social ecological model, which examines the influence of diverse social influences on health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the univariate relationship between PCP density and diabetes prevalence, as well as the multivariate relationship between PCP density and diabetes prevalence with physical inactivity prevalence, obesity prevalence, …

Prevalence Of Overweight And Obesity Among Secondary School Students In Gaza Strip- Palestine, Abd Elkareem Abd Raboh El-Majdalawi, Yousef Aljeesh, Bothina Bassyonie Etewa

Journal of the Arab American University مجلة الجامعة العربية الامريكية للبحوث

Background

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The effects of childhood overweight and obesity are devastating to the health and well-being of children now and throughout adulthood. The overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and more likely to develop non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer at a younger age.

Study Aim: The aim of the study is investigating the problem of overweight/obesity among secondary school students in Gaza Strip, Palestine.

Study design: The design of this study was cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical, …

Early Activity And Mobility Of Intensive Care Unit Patients To Reduce Hospital Length Of Stay And Improve Patient Outcomes: An Integrative Review, Scott D. Crofts

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Patient physical inactivity during hospital admission is a key contributor to increased length of stay and poor outcomes. Patient inactivity and immobility in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting promote the loss of physical function and increase the risk of complications such as pressure injuries, bone demineralization, lung infections, and ICU delirium. The cumulative effects of immobility are persistent through discharge, as patients are at risk for the long-term effects of posthospitalization muscle atrophy and weakness. The purpose of this integrative review was to examine current evidence to determine if early activity and mobility in the ICU setting reduce length …

The Effects Of Dietary And Lifestyle Management On Diabetic Neuropathy, Courtney Renee Wyatt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Numerous patients who have uncontrolled diabetes have developed complications associated with diabetic neuropathy. The apparent knowledge deficit and noncompliance have led to the development of clinical concerns related to improving patient outcomes. This scholarly project assesses the effects of dietary, weight, and exercise management on improving diabetic neuropathy symptoms. The debilitating effects of diabetes continue to affect numerous people each day. Uncontrolled diabetes can create innumerable complications, including diabetic neuropathy. Appropriate nutrition associated with accountability, monitoring, and proper education can alleviate the progression of uncontrolled diabetes. Assessment of the improvement of diabetic neuropathy with dietary and exercise management is examined …

A Nurse-Led Telehealth Program For Diabetes Foot Care: Feasibility And Usability Study, Hsiao-Hui Ju, Rashmi Momin, Stanley Cron, Jed Jularbal, Jeffery Alford, Constance Johnson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus can lead to severe and debilitating foot complications, such as infections, ulcerations, and amputations. Despite substantial progress in diabetes care, foot disease remains a major challenge in managing this chronic condition that causes serious health complications worldwide.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and usability of a telehealth program focused on preventive diabetes foot care. A secondary aim was to descriptively measure self-reported changes in diabetes knowledge, self-care, and foot care behaviors before and after participating in the program.

METHODS: The study used a single-arm, pre-post design in 2 large family …

Innovative Strategy To Improve Enteral Nutrition In Prone Positioning With Patients With Covid-19., Jan Powers Phd, Rn, Ccrn, Janette Richardson, Jennifer Rechter Msn, Rn-Bc, Agcns-Bc

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

BACKGROUND: Enteral nutrition is essential to improve outcomes in patients who are critically ill. Patients in the prone position, including those diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) present additional challenges for enteral nutrition initiation.

METHODS: A novel technique for placing feeding tubes while in the prone position was developed using an electromagnetic placement device and specialty trained clinical nurse specialists. Data were assessed retrospectively to determine effectiveness of this new practice.

RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients had feeding tubes placed while in the prone position; 75% were able to be placed through the postpyloric route, 22% were placed through the gastric route, …

Commencement Program 2023, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

1 | Message from the President

3 | 2023 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

6 | Institutional Administration

7 | Board of Trustees

8 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | University History Highlights

11 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

13 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

25 | The Program, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

• School of Medicine, 26
• School of Pharmacy, 52
• School of Dentistry, 69
• School of Public Health, 93
• San Manuel Gateway College, 108
• School of Allied Health Professions—Allied Health Studies, Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Clinical Laboratory Science, Communication …

Carboplasty, A Minimally Invasive Procedure For Knee Osteoarthritis: Surgical Technique And Clinical Evidence, Antonio Madrazo-Ibarra, David A. Kolin, Tracey Hunter, Joseph A. Ogyaadu, Henry Ofori Duah, Henry O. Tutu, Anthony Bandoh, Prudence Nutsuklo, Kwadwo Boachie-Adjei, Kaitlin M. Carroll, Amoli Vad, Eric Zhao, Vijay B. Vad

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Knee osteoarthritis affects ~16% of adults in the world and is considered one of the most incapacitating diseases. Despite the advances in scientific knowledge and biological treatments in the field of orthopedics, available nonsurgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis are limited and still ineffective in delaying or stopping the progression of arthritis. Biologics such as platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate, and progenitor cells have emerged as potential treatments for osteoarthritis; however, the results are still not as expected. Carboplasty is a new treatment that involves the application of bone marrow aspirate into the bone-cartilage interface and intra-articularly, with the intention of …

The Factors Associated With Caesarean Section At A Rural Hospital In Southwestern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study, Lilian Nuwabaine, Mathius Amperiize, Patience Annet Nakalega

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background

Globally, the overall prevalence of caesarean section (CS) is estimated at 18.6%, with 27% in high-income countries and 6% in low- and middle-income countries. There is an increase in trends of CS in Uganda from 8.5% in 2012 to 11% in 2016. No studies have been carried out to account for the high rates of CS at Kisiizi Hospital in Uganda. This study determined the proportion and factors associated with CS delivery at a rural hospital in southwestern Uganda.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 321 immediate postnatal women in a rural hospital in southwestern Uganda. A structured …

Mitigating Risks To Improve Hypertension Medication Adherence In A Medically Vulnerable Population, Donna Hales-Teat

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This project assessed the effect of an evidence-based medication adherence intervention on adherence rates at a Northern Indiana clinic led by a sole nurse practitioner, receptionist, and continuous rotation of graduate nursing students from several nursing programs in the Northern Indiana area. Patient education and comprehension were poor in terms of understanding disease process, treatment options, and disease management that led to poor communication with the medical provider. The process and steps in which patients matriculate through was described by Johnson’s (2002) Medication Adherence Model (MAM) with concepts of purposeful action, pattern behavior, and feedback; these helped to construct, steer, …