Digital Commons Network^™

Perimenopausal Depression Screening And Treatment Efficacy Between Antidepressants And/Or Hormone Replacement Therapy, Mandy Stenehjem

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

During the menopause transition (MT), also known as perimenopause, women are at a significantly increased risk of depression. Although the pathophysiology is not fully understood, it is likely to be complex and multifactorial. Data evaluating the involvement of HPA axis dysregulation and correlating female reproductive hormone fluctuations, specifically estradiol, are factors that may contribute to this incidence. Currently antidepressants are the treatment for depression but with biological changes occurring during perimenopause, hormone replacement therapy alone or in combination may have comparable antidepressant effects. The combination of menopause symptoms, depressive symptoms, and psychosocial challenges, make recognition and treatment depend on many …

The Effects Of Food On Mood: Implications Of Mediterranean And Plant-Based Diets On Depression Symptom Prevalence And Severity, Kaitlyn Prochnow

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

The purpose of this research and systematic literature review is to determine whether adherence to a Mediterranean diet or a plant-based diet has better effects on decreasing depression prevalence and/or symptom severity. A variety of keywords were used to search the online database, PubMed. Clinical trials and randomized controlled trials conducted within the last 20 years were included in the initial search. Exclusions were made if studies were not specific to Mediterranean or plant-based diets, or if they were focused on other psychiatric illnesses besides depression. For the final review, ten articles were selected. After thorough analyses and comparisons of …

Effect Of Tdcs Stimulation On Conner’S Cpt Performance Of Young Adult, Shakila Parvin Bristy

Graduate Research Achievement Day Posters

Conner’s CPT measures attention related performances in adult and children using EEG recordings. This study showed changes in cognitive performance induced by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The objective of this study is to prove, if tDCS stimulation compared to sham can improve Conner’s CPT performance by increasing excitability of the visual cortex through anodal stimulation of the occipital lobe. After analyzing the result, we found lower alpha, beta and gamma mean values in sham session and a decrease in theta activity during actual tDCS stimulation session resulting in greater excitability in the visual cortex and improvement of attentional performance. …

March 8, 2023, The Dakota Student

The Dakota Student

No abstract provided.

How Does Faculty Members Emotions Affect Their Research Productivity? An International Faculty Perspective, Muhammad Salahuddin, Robert Stupnisky

Graduate Research Achievement Day Posters

Faculty success is complex and depends on multiple factors (e.g., demographic characteristics, emotion for research, motivation); particularly complicated are the factors affecting research productivity. Emotions have multi-faceted psychological dimensions that affect international faculty (46% of all US faculty) research success. This study wants to evaluate international faculty research productivity through the lens of Perkun's emotion theory. 759 faculty were selected randomly from ten higher education institutions in the USA. This study used multi-item measurement scales and examined research questions through t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and path analysis. There were significant differences found among the faculty demographic characteristics and research success. International …

March 2, 2023: Agenda, University Of North Dakota

University Senate Meeting Minutes

Agenda for the March 2, 2023, meeting of the University Senate. 26 pages

Urban Land-Based Healing: A Northern Intervention Strategy, Nicole Redvers, Melanie Nadeau, Donald Prince

Indigenous Health Faculty Publications

Urban Indigenous populations face significant health and social disparities across Canada. With high rates of homelessness and substance abuse, there are often few options for urban Indigenous Peoples to access land-based healing programs despite the increasingly known and appreciated benefits. In May 2018, the first urban land-based healing camp opened in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada, one of the first to our knowledge in Canada or the United States. This camp may serve as a potential model for an Indigenous-led and Indigenous-based healing camp in an urban setting. We seek to present preliminary outcome data from the healing camp in a …

Centering Culture In The Treatment Of Opioid Use Disorder With American Indian And Alaska Native Communities: Contributions From A National Collaborative Board, Katherine A. Hirchack, Melanie Nadeau, Angel Vasquez, Alexandra Hernandez-Vallant, Kyle Smith, Cuong Pham, Karen Anderson Oliver, Paulette Baukol, Karen Lizzy, Raquel Shaffer, Jalene Herron, Aimee M. C. Campbell, Kamilla L. Venner

Indigenous Health Faculty Publications

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities are disproportionally impacted by the opioid overdose epidemic. There remains a dearth of research evaluating methods for effectively implementing treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) within these communities. We describe proceedings from a 2-day Collaborative Board (CB) meeting tasked with developing an implementation intervention for AI/AN clinical programs to improve the delivery of medications to treat OUD (MOUD). The CB was comprised of Elders, cultural leaders, providers, individuals with lived experience with OUD, and researchers from over 25 communities, organizations, and academic institutions. Conversations were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded by two academic researchers with interpretation …

February 2, 2023: Agenda, University Of North Dakota

University Senate Meeting Minutes

Agenda for the February 2, 2023, meeting of the University Senate. 26 pages

“I Want My Prc”: Engagement Of Undergraduates With And Assessment Of The Peer Research Consultant Program, Karlene T. Clark, Avery Breiland

Librarian Publications

Purpose

This paper describes the benefits found in undergraduate students working to provide research assistance to their peers. The discussion includes how soft skills are built, along with how the position has aided in both educational and building towards their future careers. The paper is submitted for the special issue on “The future of peer-led research services.”

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide a viewpoint from both a peer research supervisor and a student currently working as a PRC. The paper covers the requirements and implementations at the beginning of the program along with the changes that have occurred to better streamline …

Identification Of Cancer Related Risk And Protective Factors For American Indian Youth: A Mixed Studies Review, Melanie Nadeau, Kathryn Wise, Vianca Farfan Cuela, Devon Olson, Karan Saravana

Indigenous Health Faculty Publications

Introduction: Many causes of cancer related morbidity and mortality can be traced back to childhood behaviors. The culmination of cancer related risk and protective factors impacting the health and wellbeing of American Indian youth is unknown. The aim of this Mixed Studies Review was to identify cancer related risk and protective factors among American Indian youth. Results will be shared with Tribal communities to inform surveillance efforts.

Methods: A Mixed Studies Review process was deemed most appropriate for the search process and data collection. 7 databases were included in the search along with 3 databases that were hand searched. Google …

Exploring Occupation-Based Sleep Interventions For School-Aged Children Experiencing Homelessness: A Critically Appraised Topic, Aspen Delano, Joslynn Sauer, Emily Vieth

Critically Appraised Topics

Sleep is a crucial component of healthy neurological development throughout childhood. According to Suni (2023a), elementary school-aged children between the ages of 6 and 12 experience sleep deprivation when they obtain less than 9 hours of sleep per night. Contie (2022) found that children experiencing insufficient sleep had more mental health and behavioral challenges than those who had sufficient sleep. Additionally, Contie (2022) found that children experiencing sleep deprivation had less gray matter and volume in their brains. This impacts cognitive functioning, specifically decision-making, conflict-solving, working memory, and learning. The brain undergoes critical development of the basal ganglia, ganglia-thalamus-cortex circuit, …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Natural Disasters, Olivia A. Dobrinz, Elise N. Gapp, Jocelyn R. Kirk

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic paper (CAT) focuses on interventions for improving individuals’ quality of life and occupational participation following a natural disaster. Described within this CAT are the impacts on individual’s occupations following a natural disaster, the quality of life for individuals, and occupational therapy’s role in improving an individual’s quality of life and occupational participation.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Determining The Effectiveness Of Functional Task Assessments Used To Improve Quality Of Life For Older Adults With Parkinson’S Disease., Kate L. Westphal, Brooklyn L. Wiest, Jordyn M. Wolff

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic focuses on the role of occupational therapy in ascertaining the effectiveness of specific functional assessments in improving the quality of life of older adults with Parkinson’s disease.

Effectiveness Of The Use Of Kinesiotape For Adults With Elbow Tendinosis In Reducing Pain To Promote Engagement In Occupations, Natasha Minar, Kinley Nordin, Kaitlyn Peterson

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic paper focuses on the use of kinesiotape for adults experiencing chronic pain associated with elbow tendinosis that greatly influences their ability to engage fully in their meaningful occupations. Adults with elbow tendinosis may experience decreased functional mobility due to pain from their diagnosis (Eraslan et al., 2017; Karlıbel & Aksoy, 2022; Shakeri et al., 2018), thus decreasing their overall quality of life and well-being. In this paper, pain associated with elbow tendinosis, the effectiveness of kinesiotape compared to alternative interventions, and the role of occupational therapy in promoting engagement in meaningful occupations will be discussed. Kinesiotape …

Telehealth Benefits In Rural Areas: Occupational Therapy, Grant E. Tolkkinen, Grace K. Torgerson, Kaitlyn J. Wanner

Critically Appraised Topics

This paper focuses on the efficacy of occupational-based interventions administered via telehealth within a rural-dwelling adult (18 years and older) population with mental health conditions. The main factors to consider in this scenario are the mental health services in rural areas, the features of the rural population, and the role of occupational therapy (OT) and telehealth in rural mental health. The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework defined health management as “activities related to developing, managing, and maintaining health and wellness routines, including self-management, with the goal of improving or maintaining health to support participation and other occupation” (AOTA, 2020, p.32).

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing The Intersectionality Of Veterans Who Are Chronically Homeless, Mental Health, And Sleep Deprivation, Maci Bakken, Abby Eken, Morgan Halliday

Critically Appraised Topics

Currently, there are interventions available for rest and sleep for the general population. However, those interventions do not usually address the unique needs of the population of veterans who are homeless with mental health disorders. While there is information on the person, environmental, and occupational factors surrounding this topic separately, there is limited literature regarding how to address all of these factors when they transact with each other. The purpose of this critically appraised topic paper is to examine the impacts that being a veteran, having a mental health disorder, and being homeless have on sleep deprivation as well as …

A Holistic Approach To Promote Sleep For People Emerging From Homelessness: A Good Night’S Rest In Your Nest Sleep Toolkit, Anna Burggraf

Frank Low Research Day Posters

Background: Sleep deprivation has been linked to chronic health issues, decreased physical and cognitive functioning, and overall decreased quality of life, which limits the ability to engage in desired tasks and occupations (Gonzalez & Tyminski, 2020). Obtaining restful sleep serves as a foundation for optimal cognitive and physical functioning during daily tasks, roles, and activities (AOTA, 2017). Individuals who have experienced homelessness consistently demonstrate higher rates of sleep inadequacies compared to the general public, highlighting the need for service providers to address the quality of sleep participation for this population (Gonzalez & Tyminski, 2020).

Purpose

• Promote sleep participation for …

The How To’S For Engaging With Medically Complex Children: A Resource Guide, Allyson Bourque

Frank Low Research Day Posters

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to identify and address the factors that serve as barriers to engagement in valued occupations for children with serious or life-threatening illness.

Background: Children with serious or life-threatening illness are at great risk for occupational deprivation due to their complex medical needs as well as the inhibiting physical symptomology that may accompany their diagnoses (Doukkali et al., 2013; Kasven-Gonzales & Miale, 2010). Individuals working with this population have reported a need for more specialized education for working with children with medically complex needs (Gysels et al., 2005; Whiteford et al., 2020). It …

Understanding Student Experiences Of Renewable And Traditional Assignments, Virginia Clinton-Lisell, Lindsey Gwozdz

Education, Health & Behavior Studies Faculty Publications

Renewable assignments are student created artifacts that have value outside of courses. However, more empirical inquiry in renewable assignments grounded in theoretical frameworks is necessary. In this study, students (N = 69) engaged in renewable assignments and were asked to report on their perceptions based on the self-determination theory of motivation and social justice principles. Overall, students reported higher levels of motivation as well as more opportunity to represent their identities for renewable assignments than traditional assignments. Students who opted to publicly share reported higher levels of competence and relatedness than did students who did not opt to publicly share.

Cat Part Iv: Occupational Therapy Interventions To Support Upper Extremity Spasticity In Older Adults Following A Stroke, Mary Redlin, Allie Reiffenberger, Shannon Ring, Aubrey Rude

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic focuses on interventions for improving hand functions in activities of daily living (ADLs) for elderly adults who have chronic upper extremity spasticity following a stroke. For the purpose of this critically appraised topic, the focus will be on the elderly population, defined as being age 55 and older; research indicates stroke is most prevalent in this population (Mayo Clinic, 2022). When considering a particular theory, the Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) is the most suitable model for our focus question (Dunn, 2017). The Ecology of Human Performance is focused on the person and environment to increase …

The Impact Of Sensory Deprivation And Sensory-Based Intervention For Incarcerated Adults Over The Age Of 65, Kyara G. Crowley, Connor N. Fuchs, Sydney L. Johnson

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic (CAT) focuses on sensory-based interventions for improving the quality of life for older adults who are incarcerated in the United States. There are many aspects to this topic; sensory deprivation in the prison system is addressed first, followed by the importance of sensory-based interventions, and finally the relationship between occupational therapy and quality of life.

Does Reading While Listening To Text Improve Comprehension Compared To Reading Only? A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Virginia Clinton-Lisell

Education, Health & Behavior Studies Faculty Publications

Due to technological advancements such as text-to-speech software, reading while listening (audio-assisted reading) is widely available. However, the findings are mixed on the effectiveness of reading while listening as a tool to improve comprehension. The purpose of this study is to synthesize existing studies on reading while listening to determine for whom and under what circumstances reading while listening is helpful. A systematic review with a meta-analysis was conducted in which 30 eligible studies (total N = 1945) with 62 effect sizes were examined. Using robust variance analysis, a trivial overall benefit of reading while listening over reading only on …

The How To’S For Engaging With Medically Complex Children: A Resource Guide, Allyson Bourque

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to identify and address the factors that serve as barriers to engagement in valued occupations for children with serious or life-threatening illness.

Addressing Interoceptive Awareness In Elementary School Students Affected By Childhood Trauma To Improve Emotional Regulation, Alison O’Sadnick

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Childhood trauma can affect students’ interoceptive awareness affecting their ability to emotionally regulate within the classroom environment (Neal, 2021). Evidence demonstrates that for students to emotionally regulate, they must have interoceptive awareness (Mahler, 2020). Interoceptive awareness is described as the ability to detect the physiological state of the body such as recognizing signals of respiratory effort, temperature, fatigue, hunger, thirst, satiety, pain, muscle aches, and heart rate (Mahler et al., 2022). Children who have experienced trauma commonly have difficulty identifying and describing internal arousal states, labeling, and expressing emotions and making their needs and wants to be known (Scaffa, 2019).

A Proactive Approach To Lymphedema Treatment: A Patient’S Educational Guide, Bridget Jae Reuss

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Lymphedema affects between 90 and 250 million people worldwide, yet there is little information about it, and it is poorly understood by the medical community (Manrique et al., 2022). This too often results in patients not receiving proactive treatment for their symptoms. Proactive intervention increases the patient’s ability to engage in meaningful occupations, socialization, quality of life, mobility, and confidence (Dominick et al., 2014; Lu et al., 2015; Warren et al., 2007; Yarmohammadi et al., 2021).

An Occupation-Based Approach To Chronic Pain In Rural Alaska, Emma Lehman

Frank Low Research Day Posters

Background: Adults with chronic pain living in rural communities experience occupational deprivation due to a lack of access to healthcare resources and tend to report higher levels of pain compared to urban areas [4, 8]. Chronic pain is multifaceted and managed by many professionals. Occupational therapy (OT) has a significant role in offering effective strategies to improve quality of life, self-efficacy, and daily functioning for those who experience chronic pain [5, 7].

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to advocate for the profession of occupational therapy within rural Alaska areas as well as develop an evidence-based, model-driven, culturally …

Submitting Research Grant Applications To Fund A Study Examining The Effect Of Equine-Assisted Therapy On Compassion Fatigue In Caregivers, Briana Minette Kent

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Caregivers are expected to provide the best care possible to their patients, no matter the circumstances. Depending on the need of the individual being cared for, a caregiver’s job can cause an abundance of stress at various levels and can even lead to decreased mental health. This is often accompanied by a lack of self-care, poor health, and overall diminished wellness, otherwise known as compassion fatigue. Occupational therapists can address poor mental health due to compassion fatigue in caregivers by introducing a variety of important skills, habits, routines, and activities that patients need or want to engage in on a …

Primitive Reflex Screening And Caregiver Education And Support. A Product To Support Children With Retained Primitive Reflexes Transitioning Into The Formal Education System., Anna Justine Logan

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Infants are born with movement patterns called primitive reflexes. Primitive reflexes are active for approximate times during the first few years of life (Smet et al, 2020; Myott et al., 2016). Retained primitive reflexes are primitive reflexes that have not integrated in the expected time. Retained primitive reflexes have been linked to a variety of developmental delays in older children including fine and gross motor (Gieysztor et al., 2018a), visual (Andrich et al., 2018), and academic performance (Feldhacker et al., 2021; Calvin & Ramli, 2020).

Supporting Positive Mental Health Well Being In Indigenous Youth And Young Adults, Mona Zuffante

Theses and Dissertations

American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) youth and young adults are the hope for Tribal Nations. In order to decrease the suicidal related behaviors among youth, age 12-24, engagement of this population is required. Historical trauma has impacted this generation, reducing Elders ability to share knowledge, which has resulted in a mental health crisis that is having a devastating effect on youth and young adults. The need to create prevention programs, informed by the youth, that increase positive mental health is needed. This dissertation in practice utilizes a framework grounded in Indigenous teachings and from the Social Ecological Model to …