Digital Commons Network^™

School Personnel Perspectives On Supporting Teachers Of Students With Social-Emotional And Academic Needs, Ana Elisa Lee

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Thirty percent of elementary schools that serve underprivileged students in a Texas school district are considered low-performing according to state standards in the 2016 2017 school year. Little is known about the perspectives on the support teachers need while teaching students with high social-emotional and academic needs. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to examine perspectives on principal support for teachers who teach these populations. Data were collected through interviewing 9 teachers, 3 principals, 3 counselors, 3 instructional coaches, and 1 district academic leader. Social cognitive theory, role theory, and cognitive evaluation theory constituted the conceptual framework. Individual …

A Clinical Practice Guideline To Improve Education In The Heart Failure Population, Mailey L. Wilks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Managing heart failure patients in the outpatient setting can pose a challenge for nurses and health care staff due to the need to educate patients on self-care skills and management of disease. Several factors, including health literacy and numeracy, need to be considered when developing an education program for heart failure patients to promote self-care management. The purpose of this project was to provide nursing staff with a clinical practice guideline (CPG) that incorporated health and numeracy literacy assessment into an individualized education program. The Johns Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice (EBP) model, the situation-specific theory of heart failure (HF) self-care, …

Trends In Prevalence And Predictors Of Undernutrition Among Children In South Central, Monica Kabahimba Zikusooka

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Undernutrition is a global public health challenge. In Somalia, undernutrition is chronic with the situation often graded for emergency response. The purpose of this study was to provide contextual evidence regarding trends of prevalence and predictors of undernutrition in South Central Somalia. Following the UNICEF conceptual framework of determinants of undernutrition, the study examined which individual, household, and society factors were associated with undernutrition. Using secondary data from cross-sectional nutritional surveys implemented by the Somalia Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit from 2007 to 2012, a sample of 75,756 and 60,856 children aged 6-59 months was used in analyzing trends …

Nursing Education To Prevent Resident Falls In Long-Term Care, Henrietta Aguwa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Residents in nursing facilities are more prone to falls than those living in the community. Injuries resulting from falls impact residents, their families, and healthcare costs. The gap in nursing practice was the lack of a comprehensive fall-prevention program in a long-term care facility that had experienced high fall rates among residents. This project addressed whether an educational program using the American Medical Directors Association's clinical practice guideline and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, & Injuries) toolkit for fall- prevention improved the self-efficacy of direct-care staff in preventing falls among residents in a …

Educating Staff Nurses For Successful Patient Discharge, Julie First-Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The definition of a successful discharge is a discharge that results in patients successfully managing a chronic disease for at least 30 days without requiring an acute inpatient hospitalization. Many chronic disease readmissions are preventable. Successful discharge planning takes a multidisciplinary team that includes nurses who assess the discharge plan and provide additional education where needed. The purpose of this project was to determine staff nurses' understanding of their role in discharge education. Dorothea Orem's self-care deficit theory guided the project and root cause analysis was used in the development of the problem statements. Staff nurses (n=12) from evening and …

Social Anxiety, Quality Of Life, And Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Of Women With Infertility Problems, Esra Savaş

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Not having a child has significant psychosocial effects on women experiencing infertility problems. There is a gap in research on social anxiety, quality of life, and healthy lifestyle behaviors of women during infertility, fertility treatment, and subsequent pregnancy. The purpose of this quantitative comparative study was to investigate the social anxiety, quality of life, and healthy lifestyle behaviors of Turkish women with infertility issues and Turkish women who conceived after infertility treatment, as measured by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, the Fertility Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale II. The social support and stress buffering theory …

Post-Hurricane Sandy Coping Strategies And Resilience Factors Among People With Disabilities, Miriam Mukasa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

People with disabilities are likely to experience difficulties overcoming the impact of natural disasters. Few scholars have focused on this population's ability to recover and handle stress following a natural disaster. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and describe coping strategies and resilience factors that people with physical or mental disabilities used in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Resilience theory was used as the theoretical framework. Through face-to-face interviews, 10 persons with disabilities shared their experiences of coping and resilience. A lens of interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to identify emergent themes related to persons with disabilities' …

Impact Of Food Insecurity On The Management Of Illness In Wayne County, Ohio, Bernadette Coleen Paul

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The incidence of food insecurity coupled with poor management of illnesses poses a

public health challenge. Poor adherence to medication regimens is a contributor to poor

health outcomes, especially among the socioeconomically disadvantaged. Food insecurity

is a global health and nutrition problem that affects approximately 50 million people in

the United States. The number of food-insecure households in the United States has

increased by 12% since 1995, and so has the burden of management of illnesses. The cost

of healthcare has risen from 5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 1960 to 20% of

the GDP currently. This quantitative …

Discharge Phone Call On Unplanned Readmission Due To Chemotherapy Among Cancer Patients, Denise Angelo Moreno Prudencio

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The transition after hospitalization is a vulnerable period when adverse events like unplanned readmissions may occur. Unplanned readmissions with patients undergoing chemotherapy that are the result of gaps in communicating the discharge plan may be preventable. Several transitional care interventions have been explored, and one of these is the nurse discharge phone call. This project explored the effect of a nurse-led transitional discharge phone call within 30-days after hospital discharge on unplanned readmission due to chemotherapy among patients in the medical-oncology compared to patients without a nurse-led transitional discharge phone call. A nurse-led transitional discharge phone call was implemented within …

Staff Development Introducing Self-Care Within The Nurse Residency Curriculum, Lauren Elizabeth Rogers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Caregiver burnout is an issue for health care organizations, negatively influencing cost, engagement, and workforce stability. Nurse residency programs are intended to address the gap in practice between academia and clinical practice and provide social support during this transitional time. Self-care education can positively affect novice acute care nurses' transition into their new professional role while building connections with the health care organization during the first year of employment. The purpose of this project was to develop a staff educational module to address the nursing practice problem of evidence-based self-care education within a nurse residency curriculum at the doctoral site. …

Post-Hurricane Sandy Coping Strategies And Resilience Factors Among People With Disabilities, Miriam Mukasa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

People with disabilities are likely to experience difficulties overcoming the impact of natural disasters. Few scholars have focused on this population's ability to recover and handle stress following a natural disaster. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and describe coping strategies and resilience factors that people with physical or mental disabilities used in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Resilience theory was used as the theoretical framework. Through face-to-face interviews, 10 persons with disabilities shared their experiences of coping and resilience. A lens of interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to identify emergent themes related to persons with disabilities' …

Efficacy Of A Va Residential Treatment Program For Co-Occurring Disorders, Kathrin Hohenstern

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem of co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders among the veteran population can impact numerous aspects of a veteran's life, including self-esteem, relationships, employment, and legal issues. The Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) at the Saint Cloud, Minnesota VA Healthcare System is a program that provides residential treatment for this population. Identifying practical and beneficial treatment methods promotes better coping mechanisms for veterans and impacts social change by providing timely and cost-efficient care for veterans, while also leading the way for overall changes and improvements in other VA residential treatment programs. This study identified how …

Perceptions Of Barriers To Oral Care Among African American Families In Durham, North Carolina, Samuel Motto

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Dental caries is one of the biggest issues of concern for healthcare providers in Durham, North Carolina due to the high prevalence of dental caries in African Americans. Many researchers have identified socio-economic, low income, poor education, psychological behavior, awareness, allied diseases, environment, unhealthy diet, obesity, type II diabetes, and inadequate health facilities as the possible reasons for its high prevalence, yet literature lacks information regarding how African Americans perceive the problem of oral health. Knowledge of the perceived factors may help to identify the actual cause of dental caries through the eyes of African Americans. The purpose of this …

Hazardous Waste Site Proximity And Type 2 Diabetes: From Youths To Adults, Theresa Ann Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in adults and youths. Persistent organic pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as pesticides, dioxins, and organochlorines, are omnipresent and persist in the environment with potential for human exposure via contaminated air, waterways, soil, and human food supply. EDCs have been correlated with diabetes incidence and risks. Residential proximity to hazardous waste sites (HWS) has been correlated with increased hospital admission rates for diabetes. The study used a sample population (N = 1,724), ages ≥ 12 years from the 2005-2012 Continuous NHANES and HWS data from the National Priorities List of Superfund Sites. …

Women's Empowerment By Group Sewing Training: A Microfinance Study In El Salvador, Sharleen Andrews

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This case study explored the lived experiences of 8 participants in a microfinance sewing program in El Salvador. Numerous studies focused on empowering women by employing microfinance projects or programs in many countries; however, a lack of empirical data exists regarding Salvadoran women's perceptions about how a sewing program with teamwork affects women's empowerment. The purpose of this case study was to understand the women's personal stories, their obstacles as well as any factors they saw as empowering them. Guided by a constructionist framework, a sample of 8 participants: 5 who were sewing students and 3 who were employees, who …

The Influence Of Family History Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus On Positive Health Behavior Changes Among African Americans, Donny D. Ard

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a disease that affects the body's ability to metabolize glucose effectively. The disease is predicted to be prevalent in over 300 million people by the year 2030. African Americans (AA) have the highest prevalence rates in the United States. Lifestyle modification and awareness of risk factors, including family history, are important aspects for prevention of developing T2DM. The purpose of this study was to understand if a family history of T2DM played an influential role in individuals making positive health behavior changes for T2DM prevention. The phenomenological study was grounded in the health belief …

The Effect Of Income On Stroke Recovery In Urban Ghana, Ida Dawsome Amuah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Stroke recovery is a crucial public health issue in Ghana due to the high rate of mortality and morbidity associated with stroke. The significant role income plays in the onset of stroke has been empirically proven using quantitative research. However, the in-depth insights on the role income plays in stroke recovery are less known and less appreciated, particularly, in middle-income countries such as Ghana. The phenomenological study was purposed to provide in-depth insight into the effect which might exist between income earned by Ghanaian-families and stroke recovery. The theoretical framework underlining this qualitative study was a combination of the Dahlgren-Whitehead …

Public Health Nurses’ Perceptions Of High School Dropout Rates As A Public Health Issue, Maria Wallace

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Education is one of the strongest predictors of health, and well-being. Early termination of education can lead to poorer health, shorter lifespans, and increased stress on the healthcare system. Improving overall high school graduation rates has been debated and discussed by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Ministry of Education, however, there is a paucity of research on increased graduation rates as they relate to public health in the Canadian context. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of liaison public health nurses (PHNs) who worked directly with the TDSB regarding their roles …

Effect Of Access To Health Services On Neonatal Mortality In Uganda, Imelda Atai Madgalene Musana

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Since 2006, Uganda has experienced a nonchanging neonatal mortality rate of 27 out of 1,000 live births, which is higher than the global average of 19 deaths for every 1,000 live births. The purpose of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to determine factors affecting access to health services and their impact on newborn deaths in Uganda. Mosley and Chen's model for child survival in developing nations provided the framework for the study. Secondary data from the 2016 demographic and health survey (UDHS) collected by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOs) was used. A total of 7,538 cases were used and …

Effectiveness Of Yoga Therapy On Pain And Related Depression, Anxiety, Perceived Stress, And Quality Of Life, Karen Romani

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Individuals are becoming more dependent on medication for conditions such as chronic-pain, anxiety, and depression. It is reported that patients are often overprescribed medication while health outcomes do not improve. The medicalization of society is distracting attention from the possibility of other therapies such as complementary or alternative medicine (CAMs) that can improve health outcomes if they were as supported as pharmacological research and better received by the medical community. Yoga and meditation, the components of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and yoga therapy, have been shown as effective CAMs for cases of anxiety and depression related to chronic illness …

Local Nongovernmental Organization Intervention Approaches In Nigeria's Communities Experiencing Continuous Trauma, Rashid Babalola Raji

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Researchers have found an overlap of psychological symptoms in victims of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Continuous Traumatic Stress. Although the circumstances inducing the psychological reactions are different, the symptoms mimic one another without a clear cut demarcation, calling for practitioners to be cautious of contexts inducing psychopathology that is triggered through re-experiencing of past trauma when they are assessing and intervening with ongoing trauma-exposed communities. This study explored the subjective experiences of 15 local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) administrators in Nigeria across 5 states, including the federal capital Abuja, about the intersectionality of their clients' persistent trauma experiences and their program …

Adaptation Of Heart Failure Education Materials For The Middle Eastern Population, Nadine A. Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, is the leading cause of death among male and female Middle Eastern Americans. In 2016, a medical center located in the northeastern region of the United States had an estimated 35% of heart failure patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge, 10% of these readmitted patients belonged to the local Middle Eastern community. The gap in nursing practice noted by nursing staff, patients, and their families was that the patient education materials on heart failure were not tailored to the cultural beliefs and customs of this high-risk population. The purpose of this project was to …

Achieving Improved Glycemic Control Among Hispanic Type 2 Diabetic Adults, Morenike Oyegbami

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Type 2 diabetes is a major chronic health disease in the United States. A main concern of clinicians treating patients with Type 2 diabetes is poor glycemic control. The goal of this project was to improve glycemic control in Type 2 diabetic Hispanic adult patients in a private family practice clinic through the implementation of biweekly telephonic intervention focused on diabetes management by an advanced practice nurse/nurse practitioner. The project was guided by the chronic care model as a framework. The intervention was conducted over a 12-week period with 50 patients, ages 18 to 65. Data were collected from chart …

African American Parents' Perceptions Of Childhood Obesity In Broward County, Kenol Aris

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Children may become overweight or obese for different reasons, and childhood obesity may have health consequences such as Type 2 diabetes and asthma. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the perceptions of African American parents of elementary-age children with obesity living in Broward County, Florida about the causes and consequences of childhood obesity. The health belief model (HBM) guided this study. Interview data were gathered from 9 participants who met the criteria of being African American parents of elementary-age children with obesity living in Broward County, Florida. Moustakas- steps to analyze the data collected led to …

The Coping Strategies Of Alpha-1 Deficient Patients And Their Family Caregivers, Nicolette Bruscino

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, for which there is no cure, is one of the most lethal genetic diseases among the European White population. Early and proper diagnosis is challenging, as understanding how both alpha-1 antitrypsin deficient patients and their family caregivers cope with their related stressors on a daily basis. This qualitative phenomenological study incorporated the biopsychosocial approach, the Bowen family systems theory, and the family systems model of illness to examine the experiences of Alpha-1 patients and their family caregivers related to living with the disease and coping strategies. Participants were recruited with the assistance of a national organization that …

Funding Strategies For Smallholder Rice Farmers In Afadzato South District, Ghana, Faith S. Ababio-Twi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Agriculture revenue contributions to Ghana's gross domestic product have declined because of limited farm funding, which has constrained some smallholder rice farmers access credit to acquire necessary inputs, and to secure a stable market for their harvests. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore successful strategies some smallholder rice farmers in the Afadzato South District of Ghana used in obtaining farm funding. Data collection included semistructured, face-to-face interviews with 9 smallholder rice farmers who successfully obtained farm funding. Previous research, reports, and policies of the Ghana Ministry of Food and Agriculture served as additional data collection …

Exploring The Mechanisms Of Racial Disparity In Infant Mortality: A Grounded Theory Approach, Barry Chukwugekwu Eneh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Infant mortality (IM) is a critical health-disparity problem in the United States. Of the 23000 infants who die each year, the highest number occurs among African Americans. Previous studies implicated a mix of health determinants and risk factors, but no study has explored the mechanisms by which IM predictably persists among African Americans. This study uncovers the complex network of risk factors that underlies racial death disparities in infants. Two theoretical lenses chosen for this study were social systems theory (SST) and critical race theory (CRT). SST explains human behavior as an intersection of interrelated systems. CRT interrogates inherent social …

Patient Awareness And Knowledge Of Medically Induced Radiation Exposure, Travis L. Mann

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The level of knowledge and awareness among patients about the concepts and implications of medical radiation is unknown. The purpose of this qualitative, case study was to explore patients' awareness and knowledge of information regarding this topic from their perspectives. The health belief model provided the framework for the study. A total of 20 individuals were recruited using purposive sampling. All participants were above the age of 18 in central North Carolina and had undergone or are currently undergoing medical radiation exams. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analyzed using Yin's 5-phased cycle, which involved compiling, disassembling, reassembling, interpreting, …

Mental Health Service Providers' Engagement Experiences Of Homeless Individuals, Tarsha Thomas-Richardson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Limited literature exists regarding best engagement practices of mental health service providers in encouraging the homeless individuals to participate in clinical mental health services in New York City. New York City has a population of more than 8.5 million, and in 2017 more than 129,803 homeless individuals slept in shelters. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to gain more insight and knowledge about the best engagement practices and experiences of mental health service providers in encouraging homeless individuals to participate in clinical mental health services. The conceptual framework used to guide this study comes from Kearsley and Shneiderman's …

Timing Of Substance Use Initiation: Assessing The Role Of Trauma And Race, Rebecca Petrie

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this study was to examine the strength of the association between race, trauma, and the age of initiation for substance use, specifically tobacco, marijuana, alcohol among high school students aged 13-18 in the United States. This research is critical because prior research has shown that trauma and race led to higher rates of substance use in adulthood. Still, limited research has shown how these factors affect the age of substance use initiation. The theoretical foundation for this study was the general strain theory since the theory posits that exposure to stresses or strain leads to delinquency, which …