Digital Commons Network^™

Improving Patient Self-Advocacy And Communication With Providers Through Diabetes Self-Management Education: Analyses From A Randomized Controlled Trial, Brenna Owens Kirk

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: West Virginia (WV), a rural state in Appalachia, has the highest type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevalence in the United States. Open communication in the patient-provider relationship is an integral part of comprehensive chronic disease management. This is especially true for patients living with T2DM, a disease that requires many complex, daily self-management activities and is associated with increased emotional distress. However, patients living with T2DM are often reluctant to openly share their concerns regarding self-care with their provider. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of the Diabetes and Hypertension Self-Management Program (DHSMP), a 12-week group lifestyle …

Developing And Adapting An Art Therapy Mask Creation (Atmc) Intervention For Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi) Across Select Clinical And Non-Clinical Settings, Stephen John Heck

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The study aimed to explore the feasibility and adaptation of the Art Therapy Mask Creation (ATMC) technique in select clinical and non-clinical settings for individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Utilizing the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), qualitative interviews were conducted to assess barriers, facilitators, and feasibility of implementing the ATMC. Major findings included the ATMC’s adaptability across diverse settings, the flexibility and accessibility of art therapy as an intervention, and the significance of addressing emotional and psychological needs in individuals with TBIs. These insights contributed to understanding evolving healthcare practices, the role of technology, the importance of human …

Examining Adolescent Sexual Patterns In Creek Town, Nigeria: Insights From A Cross-Sectional Survey And Implications For Tailored Interventions, Rowland Edet, Kabiru K. Salami

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

In the dynamic landscape of global health, the sexual behaviors of adolescents are of particular significance due to their profound implications for individual well-being and public health. This article focuses on Creek Town, a vibrant community in Nigeria, and aims to provide a nuanced exploration of the sexual behaviors of adolescents within the context of local culture and socioeconomic factors. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving a multi-stage sampling approach with 422 participants. A comprehensive 112-item questionnaire captured various aspects of adolescent sexual behaviors. Additionally, four focus group discussions, including both in-school and out-of-school adolescents, provided qualitative insights. The …

Predictors Of Occupational Distress Of Catholic Priests On The Eastern Seaboard Of The United States, Michael D. Kostick, Xihe Zhu, Justin A. Haegele, Pete Baker

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

With ever-increasing demands placed upon active priests in the United States, insight into protecting their mental health may help strengthen vocational resilience for individual priests. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of individual variables, workplace characteristics, and physical activity participation with occupational distress levels among Catholic priests. A 22-question survey consisting of a demographic questionnaire, the Clergy Occupational Distress Index, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was employed to collect individual variables, workplace characteristics, physical activity participation, and occupational distress levels of Catholic priests from the Eastern seaboard of the United States. Regression analyses showed that …

The Associations Of Physical Activity And Sedentary Behavior With Self-Rated Health In Chinese Children And Adolescents, Yahan Liang, Youzhi Ke, Yang Liu

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Objective

The study aimed to analyze the independent and joint associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with self-rated health (SRH) among Chinese children and adolescents.

Methods

Cross-sectional data on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), school-based PA, extracurricular physical activity (EPA), screen time (ST), homework time, and SRH were assessed through a self-report questionnaire in the sample of 4227 Chinese children and adolescents aged 13.04 ± 2.62 years. Binary logistic regression was used to compare gender differences in PA, SB, and SRH among children and adolescents, and analyses were adjusted for age and ethnicity.

Results

In independent associations, boys …

Teachers' Perception On Physical Activity Promotion In Kindergarten Children In China: A Qualitative Study Connecting Social Ecological Model, Yahan Liang, Fangyuan Ju, Yueran Hao, Jia Yang, Yang Liu

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Background

Globally, the majority of kindergarten-aged children face obesity issues and insufficient physical activity (PA) engagement. Regular PA participation can provide various health benefits, including obesity reduction, for kindergarten-aged children. However, limited studies have investigated the factors influencing kindergarten-aged children's PA engagement from the perspective of their teachers. This qualitative study aimed to identify factors that could help promote PA among kindergarten-aged children from teachers' perspectives, including facilitators, barriers, and teachers' recommendations.

Methods

Fifteen kindergarten teachers (age range: 28-50 years; mean age: 38.53 years) with teaching experience ranging from 2 to 31 years (mean: 16.27 years) were recruited from Shanghai …

Challenges And Coping Strategies In Transitioning From Caregiving To Widowhood: A Systematic Review, Abby Baumbach, M. Courtney Hughes, Yujun Liu

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Ninety-one percent of surviving spouses in the U.S. cared for their spouses before they died. This review explores the challenges of the transition from caregiving to widowhood and different coping strategies used by widowed spousal caregivers. A systematic review of literature on the transition from caregiving to widowhood was conducted using four major academic search engines. Overall, 280 articles were identified, with 22 meeting the inclusion criteria. Challenges for widowed caregivers included experiencing care burden, letting go of the caregiver role, grief, and triggers. Widowed caregivers’ coping strategies included social support and services use, filling the time gap, finding spirituality, …

Correlates Of Transactional Sex Among Black Men And Women Who Misuse Opioids, Shemeka Thorpe, Paige Orphé, Gabriella Pitcher, Kendall Mccleod, Natalie Malone, Danelle Stevens-Watkins

Kinesiology and Health Promotion Faculty Publications

The rise in opioid misuse coincides with increased sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV incidence. Transactional sex is an under-researched phenomenon among Black Americans who misuse opioids, and may increase their risk of STI or HIV transmission. Given the disproportionate impact of the opioid epidemic on Black Americans and the risks associated with opioid misuse, the current study aims to investigate sociostructural factors, history of violence, and sexual risk factors associated with transactional sex among Black men and women. A sample of n = 375 Black adult Kentuckians reporting opioid misuse completed a survey including transactional sex, sociostructural, violence history, …

Pathways To Health: Linking Accessible Green Space To Improved Health And Well‐Being In Rural Appalachia., Udday Shankur Datta

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Green spaces are essential for our physical health. The quality of its green space often determines the health of a community. The presence of green space in our lives is associated with reduced stress levels, better sleep, and increased feelings of safety. Lack of access to green space can lead to many health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, and has been linked to obesity and physical inactivity.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) defines Appalachia as a region covering 420 counties across 13 states in the eastern United States. A large part of this region is …

Examining Menstrual Health Experiences In Philadelphia, Pa: A Qualitative Investigation, Allison Casola, Oriana Pando, Lynette Medley, Brianna Kunes, Nya Mcglone, Olivia Rea

Department of Family & Community Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: While menstruation is a physiologic process, it remains highly stigmatized. Despite the sheer number of menstruators, menstruation is a highly individualized experience, with wide variation in duration, symptoms, and management. This wide variability lends itself to large disparities in access to menstruation management products and subsequently the lived experience of menstruators.

OBJECTIVES: The research team sought to understand lived menstrual experiences, symptoms, management tactics, and commonly used and desired resources among 20 cisgendered women aged 18-45 years in Philadelphia.

DESIGN: This project was a qualitative research study.

METHODS: We used a collaborative, community-based participatory research approach with No More …

Differences In Health-Related Quality Of Life Among Breast Cancer Survivors By Hispanic Origin In A Cross-Sectional Study, Meera Lakshmanan

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among American women. Research has examined the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among breast cancer survivors of various races/ethnicities, reporting that Hispanic women have lower levels of HRQOL compared to non-Hispanic whites. Hispanics are not a homogenous population, and subpopulations may have different lifestyles, socioeconomic status, and cultural/personal/social ideals that could affect their HRQOL after treatment of breast cancer. The objective of this study was to examine the differences in HRQOL by Hispanic origin among breast cancer survivors in Central Florida.

Patient data was obtained from the Florida Cancer Data …

Sleep, Sedentary Time, And Physical Activity In Heart Failure Subtypes: Multi-Ethnic Study Of Atherosclerosis (Mesa), Demi M. Nott

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have examined the associations between physical activity (PA), sedentary time (ST), and sleep on the risk of heart failure (HF). The primary aim of this study was to examine PA, ST, and sleep quality (SQ) in those diagnosed with preserved ejection fraction HF (HFpEF) and reduced ejection fraction HF (HFrEF). The secondary aim of this study was to examine these relationships in those with and without HF, independent of sub-type.

METHODS: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) collected data from 6,814 adults from a diversified cohort who range in age from 45 to 84. Subjects were classified …

Food Insecurity And Eating Disorders In College Students: Two Scoping Reviews, Barbara Jan Goldman

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Objective: These scoping reviews explore the broad body of research post-secondary students experiencing food insecurity and eating disorders, to identify trends and gaps to inform future research.

Methods: Three search engines (PubMed, Web of Science, and CINHAL Full Text) were systematically searched for articles reporting on food security status in U.S. college students for manuscript one and post-secondary students experiencing food insecurity and maladaptive eating behaviors or eating disorders for manuscript two.

Results: One-hundred and sixty studies met inclusion criteria for manuscript one. Emerging high-risk student characteristics include gender non-conforming (GNC) and non-binary, financial independence in college, and pregnant and …

The Effects Of Resistance Training On Older Adults: Increasing Healthspan And Lowering Disability Rates, Michael M. Samuel

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study analyzed the research on older adults and resistance training exercise and assessed effects on health span and lowering disability rates. A targeted search of the literature was employed using the following key words: sarcopenia, resistance training, hypertrophy, quality of life, disability, activities of daily living, strength training, falls, and functional strength. These were used to find articles that were relevant to the research. Articles were excluded if they focused on young athletes as they did not meet my research age group. Articles that focused on nutrition were also excluded as they pulled the focus away from the impact …

Fertility Preservation: A Critical Review Of Information Available To Testicular Cancer Patients, Markram Groenewald

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Fertility preservation remains a crucial component of Testicular Cancer patients’ health-related quality of life. Significant inconsistency is present in the availability and accessibility of information related to fertility preservation for patients with Testicular Cancer. The purpose of this critical review was to determine the quantity and quality of fertility preservation provided through the websites of top cancer care centers. A total of 15 centers were chosen based on the top cancer centers from US News and World Report and expanded upon using Definitive Healthcare’s top 10 centers treating Testicular Cancer by volume. Webpages were collected and graded for accessibility of …

Challenging The Let’S Move Campaign: Advocating For A Weight-Inclusive Approach To Public Health Programming, Sapphire J. Pilney

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

No abstract provided.

Student Attitudes Towards Their Program Area Of Study In A College Of Health And Human Services, Melanie Regan

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Poor retention rates can be an indicator of systematic problems within a university’s culture of academic affairs and administration. Improving student retention rates requires an understanding of why students are not returning to campus. This research aimed to develop and implement a survey analyzing students' sensory comfort, relevance, reaction to their area of study, sense of belonging, and self-efficacy within a College of Health and Human Sciences. A descriptive research design was utilized for this study to obtain information on the study population to survey participants' overall attitudes towards their experience in a program of study in a college of …

Quality Of Life Among Cancer Survivors: Comparison Of Multiple Cancers Using Icare2, Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, Rachael L. Schmidt, Kendra Ratnapradipa, Kristin Dickinson, Abbey Fingeret, Whitney Goldner

Manuscripts: Epidemiology

Background: The number of cancer survivors continues to increase due to dramatic improvements in cancer treatment, accounting for approximately 5% of the entire population. As cancer survivors continue to live longer, it is important to understand their quality of life (QoL) in order to maximize supportive care efforts.

Objectives: In this study, the quality of life (QoL) among patients with different types of cancer was examined. The objectives were to: 1) compare patient-reported outcome measures of QoL using the Short-Form (SF-36) Health Survey scores among patients of different cancer types and 2) identify demographic, oncologic, and clinical factors that are …

Healthcare Disparities Among Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder And Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Patients, Brooke A. Martinez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is the most common subtype of rare connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder (HSD) is a connective tissue disorder that presents itself similarly to hEDS. Both disorders primarily affect individuals assigned to females at birth (AFAB), and symptoms range from joint instability, musculoskeletal pain, dizziness, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Due to many factors like lack of education or attitudes among medical professionals (MPs), receiving a diagnosis of either of these conditions can be a challenging and grueling journey for patients. An online survey was conducted and distributed over social media platforms to …

Understanding Guardian Perceptions Of Whole-Foods Plant-Based Diets As Interventions In Pediatric Medicine, Vijay R. Luthra

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The obesity epidemic is widespread in American society, often affecting children who bear its consequences innocently. Due to a lack of nutrition knowledge, children rely on caregivers to meet their nutritional needs and instill healthy habits. This study examines parents' attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors, as well as perceived barriers to adopting a whole-foods plant-based diet (WFPD) for their children. Using a modified survey instrument by Morton et al., this study focused on parents and children regarding dietary choices. Participants were recruited from the waiting area of a pediatric clinic at the Medical College of Georgia between April and May 2023. …

The Impact Of Telehealth-Based Behavioral Lifestyle Program On Hypertension Control In African American Participants: Results From The Heals Med-Tech Randomized Controlled Trial, Sunita Dodani Dodani, Amanda Clarke, Ismail El Moudden, Tharidu Gunawardena, Navdhit Bedi

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: The HEALS Med-Tech program offers a unique blend of lifestyle changes and technology to improve hypertension (HTN) management in African Americans (AAs), a group disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods: A randomized controlled trial compared HEALS Med-Tech against usual care for uncontrolled hypertension in AAs, focusing on diet, medication adherence, and telehealth.

Results: In a study of 61 participants, HEALS Med-Tech significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by 12.95 mm Hg (p = 0.008) and 9.19 mm Hg (p = 0.013) at 3 and 12 months, respectively, demonstrating improved hypertension control.

Conclusions: HEALS Med-Tech demonstrates potential in HTN management …

Disability Reduction Following A Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program For Low Back Pain: Large Vs. Small Improvement Subgroup Analyses Of Physical And Psychological Variables, Christian Larivière, Richard Preuss, Marie-France Coutu, Michael J. Sullivan, Nicolas Roy, Sharon M. Henry

Études primaires

Background: Little is known about why patients with low back pain (LBP) respond differently to treatment, and more specifically, to a lumbar stabilization exercise program. As a first step toward answering this question, the present study evaluates how subgroups of patients who demonstrate large and small clinical improvements differ in terms of physical and psychological changes during treatment. Methods: Participants (n = 110) performed the exercise program (clinical sessions and home exercises) over eight weeks, with 100 retained at six-month follow-up. Physical measures (lumbar segmental instability, motor control impairments, range of motion, trunk muscle endurance and physical performance tests) were …

Occupational Pressures Of Frontline Workers Enforcing Covid-19 Pandemic Measures In Ontario And Quebec, Canada, Pamela Hopwood, Ellen Maceachen, Daniel Côté, Samantha B. Meyer, Shannon Majowicz, Ai-Thuy Huynh, Meghan K. Crouch, Joyceline Amoako, Yamin T. Jahangir, Amelia León Correal, Antonela Ilic

Études primaires

BACKGROUND:During the COVID-19 pandemic, low-wage public-facing frontline workers (FLWs), such as grocery store clerks, were required to monitor retail customers and enforce COVID-19 protocols. OBJECTIVE:This analysis aimed to examine FLWs experiences of enforcing COVID-19 pandemic measures. METHODS:Between September 2020 and March 2021, in Ontario and Quebec (Canada), we conducted in-depth interviews about customer-related work and health risks with FLWs who interacted with the public (n = 40) and their supervisors (n = 16). Using a lens of situational analysis, verbatim transcripts were coded according to recurring topics. RESULTS:We found that enforcing public health measures placed already-precarious workers in difficult occupational …

Genetic Knowledge And Causal Beliefs: Implications For Health Behavior In Clinical And Non-Clinical Samples, Jamey T. Brumbaugh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Objective: As the genomic era in healthcare continues to surge, it is vital to examine genetically-related psychological concepts, such as genetic knowledge and genetic causal beliefs, in genetically relevant clinical groups. Parents /caregivers of children born with cleft lip and/or palate represent a population whose knowledge and beliefs about genetics may be influenced by their frequent utilization of genetically-related healthcare services (e.g., genetic testing and genetic counseling). To date, little is known about how such beliefs vary across disease types. Even less is known regarding how disease-specific genetic causal beliefs relate to perceived behavioral control for disease development. Method: A …

Demonstrating The Need For Intergenerational Trauma-Specific Substance Use Treatment For Mothers Receiving Substance Use Treatment And Their Children, Brittany Ti-Esha Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

For decades the United States has faced substance use epidemics that have devastating public health consequences, with the most recent epidemic being the opioid epidemic. While the substance that is the center of the epidemic’s changes over time, one factor that has been found to be positively related to substance use has remained consistent, that preventable risk factor is adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Those who experience ACEs are at elevated risk for developing SUD. If the trauma that is a result of experiencing ACE is not treated it can complicate recovery and impact the individuals’ families. The children of individuals …

Changes In Psychiatric Diagnosis Associated With Sars-Cov-2 Infection And Predicting The Development Of New Psychiatric Illness In Covid Patients By Using Machine Learning Approach: A Study Using The Us National Covid Cohort Collaborative (N3c), Asif Rahman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The enduring impact of COVID-19 extends beyond acute illness, with potential long-term psychiatric consequences raising significant concern among healthcare professionals and researchers alike. Emerging evidence suggests a multifaceted relationship between COVID-19 and the development of different psychiatric illnesses like Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders (SSPD), Depression, Bipolar disorder, Personality disorder, Trauma, and a range of other mental health conditions. Considering these emerging connections, our study endeavors to rigorously assess the associations between COVID-19 and various psychiatric illnesses while simultaneously employing machine learning techniques to predict the development of new psychiatric disorders in individuals affected by the virus. Leveraging the extensive …

Grading Of Malnutrition Among Under 5 Children Residing In Urban Slum In Mysuru Using Who Classification And Indian Academy Of Pediatrics (Iap) Classification: A Comparative Study, Ravali Annaram Dr, Amogha Shree Dr, Saurish Hegde Dr, Krishnaveni Y S Dr

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background

Malnutrition in Indian children under five is widespread, driven by insufficient food intake and diseases like diarrhoea and respiratory infections. Factors such as food security, maternal literacy, and healthcare access influence malnutrition rates. Growth monitoring utilizes WHO standards globally and IAP guidelines in India. Implementing these charts improves early identification and management of malnutrition, crucial for addressing childhood health challenges in India. This study compare the prevalence of malnutrition in WHO classification with Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) classification among under 5 children residing in urban slum.

Methodology

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 6 …

Steps Towards Operationalizing One Health Approaches, Kim M. Pepin, Keith M. Carlisle, Dean Anderson, Michael G. Baker, Richard B. Chipman, Jackie Benschop, Nigel P. French, Suzie Greenhalgh, Scott Mcdougall, Petra Muellner, Emil Murphy, Dion R. J. Neale, Michael J. Plank, David T. S. Hayman

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

One Health recognizes the health of humans, agriculture, wildlife, and the environment are interrelated. The concept has been embraced by international health and environmental authorities such as WHO, WOAH, FAO, and UNEP, but One Health approaches have been more practiced by researchers than national or international authorities. To identify priorities for operationalizing One Health beyond research contexts, we conducted 41 semi-structured interviews with professionals across One Health sectors (public health, environment, agriculture, wildlife) and institutional contexts, who focus on national-scale and international applications. We identify important challenges, solutions, and priorities for delivering the One Health agenda through government action. Participants …

Pediatric Dentists’ Considerations Concerning Obesity-Related Education For Parents Of Young Children: Who Should Educate About What, How And When?, Arianne Swanson Dds, Ms, James R. Boynton Dds, Ms, Larry B. Salzmann Dds, Yu-Ju Yang Dds, Marita R. Inglehart Dipl. Psych., Dr. Phil., Dr. Phil. Habil

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This study aimed to explore pediatric dentists' perspectives on obesity-related interventions for parents of young children. A web-based survey was administered to 210 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry members. Findings revealed that respondents considered it important for various healthcare professionals, especially pediatricians and nurse practitioners, to engage in obesity-related parent education. Strong consensus existed on educating parents about the link between early childhood caries and diet, soft drink and fruit juice consumption, and healthy snacking. The study also found positive attitudes correlated with increased engagement in objective weight determination, data collection, and diet/nutrition counseling.

Using Education To Confidently Identify And Report Concerns Of Child Abuse And Neglect: A Qualitative Improvement Initiative Through Staff Development, Sarah E. Neilson

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND: Pre-licensure education on child abuse and neglect is crucial for nurses in the healthcare field. It helps to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively identify, report, and intervene in cases of child abuse and neglect. Having this education available and understanding the signs and effects of child abuse and neglect, empowers nurses to take quick and decisive action in early intervention and prevention. Within the microsystem of a local Operating Room (OR), this quality improvement (QI) project will determine the muchneeded addition to the healthcare curriculum.

METHODS: The Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) framework was …