Digital Commons Network^™

Challenging Life Events Of Undergraduate Students, Kristi Lewis, Gayle Roux, Catherine Dingley

The Qualitative Report

College students often face many difficult or stressful personal life events such as academic pressure, financial worries, family stress, or a relationship breakup. These events can impact their mental health and academic performance. Amid the growing mental health crisis on college campuses, it is important to explore the strategies that college students employ to tackle challenging life events. The purpose of this study was to (1) explore the experience of college undergraduates as they navigate challenging life events; and (2) examine strategies and resources utilized by the students. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study informed by phenomenology (Giorgi, 2009) using …

The Current - Volume 36 Issue 1, Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.

Educational Lifecycle: Transitioning From Undergraduate To Graduate-Level Expectations, Khalil A. Mrabe, Rosie Defeo, Arlenys Loffredo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The World Health Assembly has recognized the current and future place of education, training, and development within their 2030 global strategy. While education in allied health professions continues to evolve, limited information is known about the challenges graduate students face when transitioning into these programs. In response to recent societal and educational shifts, a systematic review was conducted to explore the academic, psychological, social, and professional barriers affecting first-term allied health students. Utilizing the SPIDER framework along with searching across different platforms (Psychinfo, Web of Science, and ProQuest) to locate peer-reviewed studies published within the last five years. Forty-seven studies …

Learning To Treat The Whole Person: Assessing Spiritual Care Curriculum Inclusion At Faith And Non-Faith-Based Doctor Of Physical Therapy And Master Of Athletic Training Programs In Texas, Tricia Blalock, Heather Hudson, Andrew R. Meyer, Ryan Hebdon

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Given the identified importance of assessing the spiritual domain of health as a component of cultural competence and holistic care in physical therapy and athletic training and the importance that their governing bodies have indicated that spiritual care should play in treating patients, this current study examined how faculty, at entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Master of Athletic Training (MAT) programs in Texas, perceive the importance and inclusion of spiritual dimensions of care in their programs. Methods: We disseminated an online, cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey to a total of 289 faculty members from a total of 27 programs …

Holistic Approach To Managing Grade 3 Vaginismus: An Obg Physiotherapy Perspective, Nagma Khan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Vaginismus is a condition characterized by involuntary pelvic floor muscle contractions, which can make vaginal penetration painful or impossible. This disorder has both physical and psychological components, often leading to significant emotional distress, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. Effective management requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach, combining physical therapy with psychological support. This case report examines the treatment of a 29-year-old woman with grade 3 vaginismus, highlighting the role of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OBG) physiotherapy in improving both physical symptoms and emotional well-being.

Case Presentation: A 29-year-old female presented with grade 3 vaginismus, with a history of severe pelvic floor tension …

Navigating The Path: Barriers And Motivators For Physical Therapy Students Pursuing Residency Programs Or Board Certification, Lauren Butler, Amanda L. Thomas, Erasmo Alvarez, David Capote, Teresa Munecas, Abigail Adjei, Erik Estevez, Robert Haller, Isabella Satizabal, Leonardo Valdesuso,, Mark D. Rossi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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Introduction: While the number of physical therapists (PTs) pursuing post-graduate education has increased since the inception of residency programs, the volume of new Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates applying for residency training has remained low. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the barriers and motivations of PT students in their pursuit of PT residency programs and board certification. Review of the Literature: The American Physical Therapy Association provides licensed PTs with a wide range of opportunities to advance their knowledge through residency programs and board certification.The decision to pursue these opportunities is left to each individual …

The Impact Of Pet Therapy On Stress Reduction And Academic Performance Among Allied Health Students, Catherine Brock

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interest in pet therapy is increasing due to its potential to alleviate internal and external stress signs through the human-animal bond. This study investigates the effects of pet therapy compared to environmental and behavioral modifications on allied health students' stress levels and exam performance. Methods: We conducted an anonymized randomized intervention design with allied health students to compare perceived stress and test scores. Eighty-five students were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups. We hypothesized that students who participated in pet therapy before their exam would report lower anxiety and achieve higher exam scores than those who received …

Health Maintenance: Oral Health For Primary Care. The Role Of The Inflammatory Process In Periodontitis And Diabetes, Maureen O'Hara, Debra A. Dixon

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

There is a bidirectional relationship for inflammation with periodontal disease and chronic, systemic diseases. The focus of this review specifically includes diabetes because it is a global health problem. Periodontal disease is reversible in the early stages. The benefit of controlling the inflammatory process associated with periodontitis is a reduction in serum levels of inflammatory mediators, which can improve hemoglobin A1c and other microvascular complications of diabetes. Dental practitioners may be the first health care professional to encounter the patient with diabetes and periodontal complications. Having a relationship with primary care providers in the community is essential for the care …

Dietary, Behavioral, And Psychosocial Factors Related To Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among South Asian Americans: A Scoping Review, Lakshmi Meyyappan, Peggy A. Ursuy, Olivia S. Anderson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: South Asian Americans disproportionately represent the world’s prevalence of cardiovascular disease. This scoping review assessed the dietary and psychosocial factors associated with cardiovascular disease risk that South Asian Americans encounter and concluded with considerations for health professionals who encounter this population in practice. Method: Inclusion criteria included studies with the primary population as South Asian Americans and investigated diet or psychosocial factors as variables and cardiovascular disease as an outcome variable. Results: Thirteen studies were included. Analysis of nutritional factors showed that South Asian Americans have high dietary quality yet eating non-vegetarian diets and high alcohol consumption is associated …

Shark Wildlife Tourism’S Influence On Conservation Efforts, Elizabeth C. Saraf

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Shark wildlife tourism has the potential to shape pro-environmental values and attitudes, fostering meaningful conservation behaviors. Understanding the influence of participating in shark tourism activities provides valuable insights into its effectiveness as a conservation tool. This study compared different intervention types related to wildlife tourism, including both direct (i.e., swimming with sharks) and indirect (i.e., viewing a related documentary) interactions with sharks. To evaluate the impact of these intervention events, participants were surveyed at three time intervals: before, immediately afterwards, and one month after the event. The surveys assessed respondents’ psychological constructs related to the environment, specifically their value orientations, …

Effects Of Oil Spill Response Agents On Scleractinan Corals Acropora Cervicornis And Porites Divaricata, Austin Blakeslee

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Coral reefs are biodiverse coastal ecosystems at risk of exposure to spilled oil; spills reaching shorelines can damage corals, mangroves, and many other species in nearshore shallow-water tropical environments. Efforts to remediate such spills have evolved over the years through the introduction of various chemical response agents that efficiently and effectively control the spread of oil. Chemical herding agents and dispersants, which can contain and control the oil spread, are promising additions to the spill response toolbox as potential alternatives to other response methods. These response agents are designed to be biodegradable and minimize potential harm to aquatic ecosystems. However, …

Empowering Occupational Therapists: Navigating Cancer Care Through The Lens Of Moho​, Luis G. Lares

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Acute Toxicity Of Arsenate And Arsenite In Two Scleractinian Coral Species: Acropora Cervicornis And Orbicella Faveolata, Cailey Dorman

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Inorganic arsenic (As), specifically arsenate (As(V)) and arsenite (As(III)) are well-documented toxicants to a range of marine organisms. However, their specific impacts on coral reef species remain largely unstudied. This study is the first to assess the acute and subacute toxicity of inorganic arsenic on two threatened scleractinian coral species, Acropora cervicornis and Orbicella faveolata. Corals were exposed for 96 hours to five analytically verified concentrations and a negative control of either arsenate or arsenite. Toxicity was evaluated through three endpoints: mortality (LC50), coral condition (EC50), and photosynthetic efficiency (IC50). The lethal concentrations to result in 50% mortality (LC50) …

The Trophic Ecology Of The Snipe Eel Avocettina Infans (Anguilliformes: Nemichthyidae) In The Deep-Pelagic Gulf Of Mexico, Emma N. Schindler

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

The Nemichthyidae (snipe eels) are ubiquitous in the deep-pelagic waters of tropical and temperate latitudes, and in some ecosystems are among the dominant fishes. In the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the nemichthyid species Avocettina infans is one of the dominant large predators. This prompted the current study, where an extensive sample set was utilized to characterize the abundance of the family in total, and the vertical distribution and trophic ecology of A. infans specifically. The nemichthyid abundance from 0 – 1500 m was estimated at 1,106.58 individuals per billion cubic meters, the largest portion of which was …

Integrating Occupation-Based Activities And Habit Training To Support Independence In Senior Living Facilities, Jamie Spangler

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed at Seaside at Fort Myers, a senior living facility encompassing Independent Living (IL), Assisted Living (AL), and Memory Care (MC) settings. The primary objective was to promote independence among older adults through two occupational therapy-informed initiatives: the development and facilitation of a structured habit training program and the creation of a practical activity planning checklist for staff. The 4-week habit training program focused on supporting daily routine development using analog tools such as calendars, checklists, and simulated planning tasks. These sessions targeted cognitive functions commonly impacted by aging, including task initiation, planning, and consistency. …

Occupational Therapy’S Impact On Heart Failure Readmission Rates In The Acute Care Setting, Morgan Breen

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Posture And Balance In Fall Prevention For Older Adults: Implications For Daily Living Activities, Julia L. Otoski

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement a falls prevention program within a community-based organization to help reduce fall risk and maintain independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), among older adults. The project focused on assessing fall risk using evidence-based tools, including the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 4-Stage Balance Test, which identified all participants as being at risk for falls. Individualized treatment sessions were then implemented, emphasizing balance, posture, and the safe performance of ADLs and IADLs. The Otago Exercise Program was adopted and integrated …

The Benefits Of High Phosphate Concentration (10n : 1p) And Diagonal Orientation On The Ex Situ Grow-Out Of Caribbean Coral Juveniles, Ashley Shen

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

As coral reefs keep declining, it is imperative to increase coral production ex situ for restoration, but this requires culture protocols to be optimized. This study examined the impacts of grow-out orientation and phosphate concentration (and nitrate (N): phosphate (P) ratio) on the survival and growth of Montastraea cavernosa and Pseudodiploria clivosa juveniles from 3 to 9 months old. Pristine reefs typically have low nitrate (0.12μmol/L) and low phosphate (0.03μmol/L) concentrations, leading to N:P ratios of 4-16 N: 1P. In recirculating tanks, it is difficult to lower nitrate concentrations below 25μmol/L. Here we hypothesized that increasing the phosphate concentration in …

Optimizing Coral Sexual Propagation Ex Situ: Synergistic Effects Of Multiple Cues On The Larval Settlement Of Caribbean Corals, Chloe Daniel

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

For coral restoration to be effective at an ecosystem scale, ex situ coral propagation needs to be optimized and cost-effective. One of the major bottlenecks to sexual propagation of Caribbean corals ex situ is low larval settlement, typically induced by the presence of crustose coralline algae (CCA) and microbial films. Previous studies found that coral larval settlement can be enhanced by colored substrates, healthy reef sounds, and the presence of food. This study assessed the potential synergistic effects of colored substrate, reef sounds, and food, along with the commonly used settlement cues (CCA and microbial films) on the larval settlement …

Supporting The Fourth Trimester: An Occupational Therapy Approach To Maternal Function And Recovery, Cedrica Durham

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project focused on supporting mothers and infants during the prenatal and postpartum periods through a blend of occupational therapy, doula practices, and lactation support. The project investigated how occupational therapists can work with other maternal professionals to promote maternal recovery and overall wellbeing. This capstone project addresses this gap by implementing a brief, occupation-based screening tool that can be used by lactation consultants, maternal health professionals, and home health providers to identify clients who may benefit from occupational therapy services

Supporting Participation In Daily Occupations, Quality Of Life, And Well-Being For Individuals With Dementia In Nursing Homes, Julianne M. Sta.Ana

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to enhance the quality of life, well-being, and occupational participation of individuals with dementia residing in nursing homes through the implementation of an eight-week occupational therapy-based program. By addressing unmet needs through personalized, meaningful activities such as cognitive stimulation, physical activities, and social engagement, this project seeks to reduce cognitive decline and improve emotional well-being. The SLUMS and GDS were used to evaluate the program’s effectiveness. Ultimately, this project sought to understand occupational therapy’s role in supporting dementia care in nursing homes.

Administrative Leadership Digital Hub To Expand Access To Occupational Therapy For Underserved Veterans ​, Bianca N. Haddock

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to address key administrative leadership functions within the Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System through the development of a digital hub supporting interdisciplinary collaboration among allied health services— occupational therapy (OT), recreational therapy (RT), and whole health (WH). The project aimed to close communication gaps that limit Veteran access to rehabilitative services by enhancing administrative coordination, streamlining pre-service implementation documentation, facilitating therapeutic equipment acquisition and training, and promoting service integration.

Nsu Otd Peer Mentoring Program: Improving Otd Student Knowledge And Professionalism, Mckinley Rivas

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Prevalence Of Stress Urinary Incontinence In Female Strength Athletes, Meghan Rohde, Jason Brumitt, Jodi Sandvik, Kari Bo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a symptom during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, but a high prevalence of SUI is experienced in sports involving running and jumping. Objectives: Identify the scope of the problem of SUI in women participating in strength sports, movement patterns that elicit SUI, and the impact on quality of life in female athletes with SUI. Study Design: Survey mixed methods with qualitative focus groups. Methods: The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and a sport-specific and obstetric/gynecological history questionnaire were sent to women who are United States citizens, age 18-65, and …

Predictors Of Sleep Duration In Undergraduate Students Attending A Health Sciences University In Japan, Aaron M. Eakman, Yuki Kawakatsu, Miki Takahata, Daisuke Kudo, Shinji Satake, Toshiaki Sato

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Inadequate sleep is a pressing public health concern contributing to absenteeism and poor school performance, especially in health sciences students. In this study we investigated the sleep quality and duration of undergraduate students in a prefectural university of health sciences program and explored factors explaining sleep duration (i.e., < 6 hours per night vs > 6 hours) using multiple variable logistic regression.

Method: This cross-sectional survey study included 369 nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy students who completed Japanese versions of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, in addition to well validated sleep-related and mental health-related assessments.

Results: We found just 11.7% of the …

Navigating Cultural Barriers In Clinical Education: Unique Experiences And Insights From Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (Cald) Physiotherapy Students, Non-Cald Students, And Clinical Educators, Annie Yu, Neil Tuttle, Andrea Hams, Benjamin K. Weeks, Saras Henderson, Liisa Laakso

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) students commonly face cultural barriers in the clinical learning environment that can impact on the success of clinical education experiences. Lack of effective strategies to facilitate clinical learning can be challenging for students and clinical educators alike. This study aimed to explore the issues impacting on clinical learning from the perspectives of CALD physiotherapy students and their clinical educators, and seeks suggestions from both participant groups to improve the clinical education experience. Methods: Qualitative descriptive design using grounded theory principles was utilised to gain insights from physiotherapy students and clinical educators regarding their clinical …

A National Study Of Opioid Knowledge Of Physical Therapy Professionals, Shelene Thomas, John Kiesel, Steven G. Kinney, Isain Zapata

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Deaths from opioid overdoses persist as the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Musculoskeletal pain remains the primary symptom for opioid prescription. Physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapy assistants (PTAs) provide non-prescription pain management strategies to people with musculoskeletal pain. Currently, there lacks research quantifying opioid overdose management knowledge possessed by PTs, PTAs, and their respective students. The purpose of this study was to quantify opioid overdose knowledge by PTs, PTAs, and their respective students, collectively termed physical therapy professionals (PTP). Methods: The electronic survey included several demographic characteristics and the opioid overdose knowledge scale (OOKS) …

Increasing Clinical Placements For Occupational Therapy In A Social Services Setting: Innovations For Practice, Martin Fitzgerald, Becky Antich, Ele Grimwood

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The provision of undergraduate clinical placements to support Allied Health education has always been a challenge. However, in the last few years, the mismatch between undergraduate students and available placements has become acute. This paper describes how an undergraduate occupational therapy programme and a Metropolitan Council provider of social services worked together to overcome these challenges. The aim was to enhance inter-institutional cooperation and placement educator support and to increase placement opportunities. Method: A series of meetings between the university and the host institution identified barriers and opportunities to placement expansion. For the host institution, these included the absence …

Impact Of Self-Selected Self-Care Activities On Perceived Stress And Resilience Of Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Leslie F. Taylor, Niamh M. Tunney, Lisa Fraher

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To assess the impact of self-selected self-care activities, supported by four interspersed reflection prompts, on the perceived stress and resilience of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students over 12 weeks. Methods: This exploratory study used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Participants included third-semester DPT students (n=37; Class of 2024) enrolled in an eight-semester program.100% provided consent, with an 89% response rate (n=32). Quantitative pre- and post-measures included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD RISC-25), and a researcher-developed survey which asked students to identify their current self-care activities from a list of physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, …

Clinical Observation Of Oral-Motor Dysfunction In Joubert Syndrome: Case Series, Müberra Tanrıverdi, Gökhan Can Törpü

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Joubert Syndrome (JS) is a rare autosomal recessive neurological disorder, characterized by hypotonia, ataxia, tremor, developmental delay. JS also presents with respiratory abnormalities, oculomotor apraxia, motor speech dysarthria, and various atypical dysmorphic features. Oral-motor dysfunction (OMD) is a notable concern in JS, manifesting as difficulties with sucking, swallowing, drooling, and prolonged meal times. Methods: This study investigates OMD in five JS cases evaluated by physiotherapists and assessed using the Oral-Motor Examination Tool (OMET). Results: The cases exhibited feeding-related stress symptoms such as gagging and reflux. OMET evaluations identified asymmetrical faces, puckered lips, open mouths, and lip biting, with normal …