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Variability Of Fev And Criterion For Acute Pulmonary Exacerbation, Bradlee A. Jenkins, L. Lee Glenn

ETSU Faculty Works

Excerpt: Morgan et al. (1) concluded that cystic fibrosis (CF) in children and adolescents with a high baseline forced expiratory volume (FEV₁) were less likely to have a therapeutic intervention or slower rate of FEV₁ decline after a single acute decline in FEV₁ of 10%. This conclusion is not well supported due to the arbitrary criteria used for defining a pulmonary exacerbation, as explained below.

Palliative Care's Sacramental And Liturgical Foundations: Healthcare Formed By Faith, Hope, And Love, Darren M. Henson

Dissertations (1934 -)

Medical history identifies Dame Cicely Saunders as the founder of modern hospice and palliative care for the unique care she gave to the incurably and terminally ill. Less known is how her Christian faith, combined with her knowledge of medicine, influenced her vision. This work retrieves the Christian roots of palliative care and asserts that the practice of faith preserves the practice of medicine from succumbing to medicalized dying--a phenomenon that excessively relies on technology with the implied hope that it will ultimately conquer illnesses and even death. Efficiency and effectiveness ground modern medicine's epistemology. These concepts follow the philosophical …

Epigenetics And Social Context: Implications For Disparity In Cardiovascular Disease, Karen L. Saban, Herbert L. Matthews, Holli A. Devon, Linda W. Janusek

Nursing: School of Nursing Faculty Publications and Other Works

BACKGROUND:

Although it is well established that African Americans (AA) experience greater social stressors than non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), the extent to which early life adversity and cumulative social stressors such as perceived discrimination, neighborhood violence, subjective social status, and socioeconomic status contribute to disparity in coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke between AA and NHW are not well understood.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual model based upon McEwen’s Allostatic Load Model suggesting how the relationships among social context, early life adversity, psychological stress, inflammation, adaptation, and epigenetic signature may contribute to the development of …

Development And Utilization Of An Acuity Scale For Oncology Patient Navigation, Raizalie Roman-Rosado Bsn, Ocn, Cmsrn, Laura Beaupre Bsn, Ocn, Cbpn-Ic, Kathy Sevedge Rn, Ma, Aocn, Jane Zubia Rn, Ocn, Cbpn I-C, Martiza Y. Chicas Rn, Pccn, Diane Mchugh Bsn, Ocn, Cbpn-Ic, Dorothy Morrone Rnc, Ms, Ocn, Tracy Kichline

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Exploring Adolescent Reproductive Health Knowledge, Perceptions, And Behavior, Among Students Of Non-Government Secondary Schools Supported By Brac Mentoring Program In Rural Bangladesh, Bachera Aktar, Malabika Sarker, Andrew Jenkins

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Adolescence is the transition period from childhood to adulthood. Since Bangladesh is such a conservative society, reproductive health education for adolescents has not been widely introduced. Very small adolescent health components are included in the secondary and higher secondary school curricula. The BRAC Mentoring Program provides mentorship training to secondary school pupils to develop them as peer leaders. However, this program does not provide adolescent reproductive health education. Therefore, a study, supported by BRAC Education Program in rural Bangladesh, was conducted to explore the current status of reproductive health knowledge, perceptions and practice among the students of secondary schools. This …

Stress And Health Behaviors: Zoe Transformation Challenge Findings, Jeana Handley

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

School Of Nursing News, Georgia Southern University

Nursing: News & Publications (2013-2023)

• School of Nursing Receives $2.2M in Grant Funding

Increasing Patients’ Knowledge In Transmission Of Bacterial Vaginosis And Its Treatment Regimens, Debra Garner

Dissertations

Research has shown bacterial vaginosis to be one of the most common vaginal disorders in women of child bearing age (Chen, Tian, & Beigi, 2009; Centers for Disease Control, 2012; Menard, 2011). Each year many women are seen by their gynecologist, sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics, and emergency rooms (ER) for complaints of having malodorous discharge (Bradshaw, et al., 2005). Several STI’s and adverse pregnancy outcomes have been attributed to women having bacterial vaginosis (Bradshaw, et al, 2005; Chen, et al.2009; Elkins, & Mayeaux, 2010). Women are predisposed to bacterial vaginosis by the use of wearing non cotton underwear, douching, …

Nutrition, Appetite And Weight Loss In Elders Living In Long-Term Care Facilities, Karene Marie Goodman

Dissertations

Abstract Elders living in long-term care facilities often experience weight loss. Weight loss in elders has been shown to increase their risk of death. Existing research has identified numerous factors associated with appetite and weight loss in elders. Dementia, depression, acute and chronic illness, and medications have all been identified as potential causes of decreased appetite and weight loss in elders. Only a few nutritional and appetite assessment tools exist, and these tools are not widely used in long-term care facilities. The purpose of this descriptive study was to validate the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ), an appetite assessment tool …

Transitioning Traditional Acute-Episodic Primary Care Visits To Group Visits: An Evidence-Based Approach To Diabetes Care, Bridget Michelle Smith

Doctoral Projects

Diabetes is a national problem that has extended epidemic magnitudes. Its management difficulty impends to overwhelm acute-episodic healthcare systems and challenges the resources of current and future individual primary care providers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2012), there are 25.8 million people in the United States or 8.3% of the population who have diabetes. Mississippi ranks second in the nation in the prevalence of diabetes and has the highest percentage of overweight and obese adults in the nation (CDC, 2012). In an effort to bridge the gap with delivery of quality care to patients with …

Identifying Populations At Risk For Infection After Knee Arthroplasty: An Integrated Literature Review, Christian Coker

HIM 1990-2015

The purpose of this integrated review of the literature was to explore the postsurgical infection complications commonly occurring in individuals undergoing total knee replacement surgery, and the relationship of co-morbidities, lifestyle choices, and genetics on the risk for complication. A comprehensive search of the literature focusing on the patient surgical site infection and total knee replacement surgery using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Medical Literature On-line (MEDLINE). Initial searches revealed 80 results. Upon closer scrutiny, duplicates were removed, as well as those not relevant to infection in total knee arthroplasty. This resulted in a …

The Effect Of Dietary Interventions On Fetal Birth Weights In Pregnant Adolescents: A Systematic Review, Seeta Nath

HIM 1990-2015

Nutrition status during adolescent pregnancy and childbearing is a complex, multifaceted condition that can impact the health status of the teen mother and her baby. Adolescent mothers are at higher risk for low birth weight infants because of the unique dietary requirements needed to accommodate for both the growth needs of the adolescent mother and her unborn child. The purpose of this research was to examine dietary interventions that have the greatest effect on fetal birth weight outcomes in adolescent mothers. Secondly, this study explored dietary nutrients effective in reducing the likelihood of complications commonly associated with low birth weight …

The Use Of Mobile Applications In Preventive Care And Health-Related Conditions: A Review Of The Literature, Naomi Ringer

HIM 1990-2015

The purpose of this review of literature was to understand the role of mobile device applications in health related conditions and to analyze their effects on health outcomes related to the management of chronic illnesses. Implications for future use of applications in client-centered care and interpretation of the data by health care providers was also explored. Peer-reviewed, English-language research articles published from 2008 to present were included for synthesis. Study results revealed positive outcomes when health-related mobile applications were used in practice and support clinicians' use of mobile applications as a tool for monitoring symptoms and communicating with individuals. The …

Association Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness And Adiposity With Inflammatory Biomarkers In Young Adults, Eunduck Park

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Background: Low grade systemic inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis, and C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF -a), markers of systemic inflammation, are associated with cardiovascular events and adiposity. Cardiorespiratory fitness has shown health benefits by reducing circulating levels of inflammatory markers. However, it remains uncertain whether the negative association between cardiorespiratory fitness and inflammatory biomarkers is due to cardiorespiratory fitness itself or results from lower levels of adiposity. Moreover, the evidence examining the interaction between cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity in inflammation in young adults is lacking.

Purpose: The aims of this study were …

Instituting A Behavioral Wellness Program And Updating A Clinical Pathway For Economically Disadvantaged Overweight And Obese Adults In A Community Health Center: A Clinical Scholarship Project, Kimberly D. Buck

Dissertations

This project is intentionally instituted in an underserved community in an attempt to bridge the gap of health disparities in a population that would otherwise not have access to such programs. The purpose of this clinical scholarship project is to work with the Midwestern health center to encourage weight loss as well as to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce risk factors among economically disadvantaged persons by: (a) starting a wellness program that incorporates both behavioral and physical health using principles of motivational interviewing and health coaching, and (b) updating a clinical pathway for persons with a body mass index twenty-five …

Dietary Restrictions For Neutropenic Patients, Stephanie Baunach Bsn, Rn, Amanda Bodnar Bsn, Rn, Arielle Combs Bsn, Rn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Tsu Bowel Protocol, Megan Anderson Bsn, Rn, Alison Bahnick Bsn, Rn, Amanda Thorpe Bsn, Rn, Janel Werner Bsn, Rn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

The Use Of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners In Establishing And Maintaining A Healthy Weight, Derrick Pickering, Mary Williams

Student Works

Obesity is an epidemic and continues to rise. The associated increased risk of mortality and co-morbid conditions is well documented. The use non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) is a strategy being used to manage weight by reducing calorie intake. Research is inconclusive regarding the efficacy of NNS in weight management due to their inappropriate use and also the potential they may increase appetite. To most effectively manage weight, a comprehensive individualized plan must be devise of which proper use NNS may be a part.

Pediatric Skin Integrity Practice Guideline For Institutional Use: A Quality Improvement Project, Elizabeth Kiss, Mark Heiler

Nursing Faculty/Staff Publications

Superior skin care is a nurse-sensitive outcome measure (Young, T., & Clark, M. (2009). Re-positioning for pressure ulcer prevention (protocol). The Cochrane Database of Systematic Review (2009) 3). This study sought to decrease incidence and risk of skin breakdown in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU). The study was conducted in a large hospital in upstate New York. A practice guideline was created and guided PCICU nurses on the interventions for potential skin-breakdown issues in their patients. The patients had a significant change in skin breakdown with a one-sided Fisher's Exact Test (p=.0422). A logistic regression model showed intervention …

Unmet Need For Contraception And Unintended Pregnancies Among Women Of Reproductive Age Group: A Situation Analysis, Sumera Aziz Ali, Savera Aziz Ali

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Each year approximately 210 million pregnancies occur worldwide and more than one-third (75 to 80 million) of these are unintended, more than half of these (46 million) unintended pregnancies undergo unsafe abortions. In Pakistan 16% of the births are reported to be unwanted and if the unwanted fertility is eliminated, total fertility in Pakistan would be 3.1 births per woman. Total demand for family planning in Pakistan is 55%, while the contraceptive prevalence rate is 35% and unmet need for family planning is 20%. Reasons for unmet need and unintended pregnancy include lack of permission, fear of side effects, poor …

Evaluation Of An Educational Breastfeeding Program For A Non-Profit Agency In South Texas, Marcela Urbina Zavala

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Breastfeeding has been recognized as the most cost effective practice to promote healthier babies among populations (Dennis, 2002). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of an educational breastfeeding and a prenatal + breastfeeding program for individuals attending group classes and to compare the differences between Spanish only and English only versions of the curriculum. Two research questions were stated to know if there were significant differences between pre and post-tests scores and if there were any significant differences in the impact of the intervention between English only and Spanish only versions of the classes. The present …

Telehealth In The School Setting: An Integrative Review, Cori A. Reynolds, Erin Maughan

Student Works

Telehealth, the provision of healthcare through long-distance telecommunications technology, is a tool that can be used by school nurses to address and improve the health status of school children. The purpose of this literature review is to examine research related to implementation of telehealth in the school setting. A review of the literature was conducted using CINAHL, ERIC, Medline, and Pub Med databases, and the search terms telehealth, telecare, telemedicine, school, and schools. Fifteen research studies related to telehealth in the school setting were identified. Themes identified included: benefits, barriers, feasibility, and limitations of telehealth. Implications for practice are presented, …

The Lived Experiences Of Nurses Caring For Dying Pediatric Patients, Danna Leigh Curcio

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research study was to explore the lived experiences of nurses caring for dying pediatric patients. Nurses and health care professionals may at times have difficulty adjusting and processing when life ends and this may have the potential to interfere with patient care. Reflection on past events and actions enable critical discovery of strategies to benefit both nurses and patients. The method for conducting this research study was from a qualitative phenomenological perspective exploring the lived experiences of nurses caring for dying pediatric patients. The philosophical underpinning of Merleau-Ponty (2008), in combination with the research method of …

Commencement Program 2014, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

1 | Message from the President

3 | 2014 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

7 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | The Good Samaritan

10 | University History Highlights

12 | Loma Linda University Song - "Healing Love"

13 | The Speakers

24 | The University Honorees

40 | The School Honorees

64 | The Programs

• School of Medicine, 65
• School of Pharmacy, 87
• School of Dentistry, 95
• School of Behavioral Health and School of Religion, 114
• School of Nursing, 126
• School of Public Health, 138
• School of Allied Health Professions - Physical Therapy, 156 …

The Association Of Health Literacy With Self-Care Agency In Older Adults In Jamaica, Heather F. Fletcher

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the population in Jamaica. With an increase from 10% (252,225) of the total Jamaican population in 1995 to 11% (279,051) in 2005, the rate is expected to rise to 25% by 2025. Thus, it will be critically important to understand factors that may contribute to health maintenance, disease prevention, and wellness promotion. Two such factors – not studied extensively in this country - are health literacy and self-care. The purposes of this study were to (a) generate health literacy profile data with the newly-developed Health Literacy Questionnaire for community-dwelling older adults in …

Psychometric Properties Of The Index Of Relocation Adjustment, Abir K. Bekhet, Jaclene Zauszniewski

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

More and more American older adults are relocating to retirement communities, and they experience challenges in adjusting to new surroundings that may increase their depression and mortality. An instrument not previously tested in the United States, the Index of Relocation Adjustment (IRA), may help in early identification of poor relocation adjustment. This study examined the psychometric properties of the IRA using secondary data from a convenience sample of 104 older adults who relocated to 6 retirement communities in Northeast Ohio. Cronbach’s alpha was .86. The IRA was correlated with measures of positive cognitions (r = .48, p < .01) and relocation controllability (r = …

Bariatric Surgery Versus Lifestyle Interventions In Managing Obesity In Patients With Type Ii Diabetes: A Systematic Review, Leslie C. Nakaya, Mary Williams

Student Works

Obesity, with coexisting T2DM, is difficult to treat successfully for various reasons and carries enormous health risks and financial burdens. The purpose of this systematic review is to compare outcomes of conventional medical treatment to bariatric surgery for the treatment of T2DM, and determine which patients may be appropriate for referral. Data Sources: An electronic search of the literature was conducted to identify studies from 2008 to 2014 in the following databases: CINAHL, National Library of Medicine PubMed®/MEDLINE®, EBSCO, SciVerse®, Springer Link®, and the Cochrane library. Conclusions: Bariatric surgical options, even before weight loss occurs, positively affect glucose homeostasis and …

Acculturation, Self-Efficacy And Breastfeeding Behavior In A Sample Of Hispanic Women, Ivonne F. Hernandez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Breastfeeding confers immunological, physiological and psychological benefits for the infant and mother as well as social and economic benefits to the nation. The United States Department of Health and Human Servcies (HHS), Healthy People 2020 has established national objectives for the initiation and duration of breastfeeding at 82% initiation, 61% at six months and 34% at one year. In addition, they have set goals for exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months to be 46% and 25% at 6 months of infant's age. Currently breastfeeding initiation is at the highest recorded level of 76.9%, yet significant disparities exist (CDC, 2012). The purpose …

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Of Tunneled Central Venous Catheter Dressings In Canadian Blood Stem Cell Transplant, Melanie Keeler

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Central venous catheters (CVC) are an integral tools used in blood stem cell transplant with registered nurses responsible for maintenance and catheter care. However, CVC practice guidelines in the literature are inconsistent or absent. Gaps in the evidence generated several research questions regarding potential variability in CVC practice across Canada and the impact that variability may have on healthcare spending and patient outcomes. A survey of Canadian practice revealed differences in CVC practice across the nation that coincide with discrepant and/or absent guidelines. Device-associated complications such as catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) are both costly and avoidable. Current cost-analyses within the …

Health, Health Perceptions, Healthcare Practices, And Influencing Factors Among Korean Immigrants Living In Rural Texas, Mary Beth Winton

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

The population of Asian immigrants in the United States increased 43.3% from 2000 to 2010. During the same period, Texas experienced an increase of Korean immigrants of over 47%. Despite the increase of Korean immigrants, only a minimal number of studies explored health and healthcare needs specific to this population. Furthermore, none of the studies addressed Korean immigrants living in rural Texas. Hence, an ethnographic study was conducted to examine the health and healthcare among Korean immigrants living in rural Texas. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and transcribed. Five major themes emerged which included acculturation, health and health perceptions, healthcare, relaxation …