Digital Commons Network^™

Perceived Impact Of Participating As A Former Immigrant High School Athlete In A Program That Prioritized Social-Emotional Needs And Self-Determination Of Young Adult Males, Filip Cejovic

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many studies have confirmed the positive impacts of extracurricular activities on students' academic achievement and social success, but also revealed that few educational policies go beyond addressing the most basic needs of language and lunch for immigrant students. As the process of assimilation can impact numerous factors and long-term outcomes for these students, this study explored extracurricular program structures that prioritize participants’ psychological needs and whether these structures have a positive impact on immigrant students’ self-determination, intrinsic motivation, and future success. This qualitative, practice-focused case study examined a purposeful sample of one boys’ high school soccer program at a public …

Effective Strategies For Deterring Unethical Behavior In U.S. Financial Institutions, Samuel Akinlade Sanni

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Unethical employee behavior in U.S. financial institutions continues to erode organizational trust and firms’ brand reputation. Leaders of financial institutions are concerned that unethical employee behavior can negatively impact firms’ profitability, competitiveness, and sustainability. Grounded in Kaptein’s corporate ethics virtue (CEV) model, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry study was to explore how organizational ethical cultures influence employees’ behaviors. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with a sample of eight leaders in New York financial institutions, with a minimum of 5 years of successful experience in building a positive ethical environment, and by analyzing publicly available documents to support …

Factors Influencing Information And Accessibility Of Tuberculosis Prevention Services Among Nomadic Fulani And Host Communities, Nigeria, Abolaji Azeez, Kabiru Salami

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Despite efforts to curtail tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria, the country has not yet attained the global target. This study explored the dynamics of access to information about TB control and prevention among nomadic Fulani and their host communities. We used a mixed-methods approach and multistage sampling technique to recruit 812 respondents for the survey, and we conducted 18 in-depth interviews across six local government areas. The results indicated generally low access to TB information and services, with only 2% of nomadic Fulani engaging in TB prevention activities compared to 6.7% of host community members. Yoruba respondents had significantly higher odds …

Association Between Sociocultural Factors, Obesity, And Depression In The Hispanic/Latino Population, Maia Junco

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The increasing prevalence of obesity and mental health disparities among Hispanic/Latino populations in the United States underscores the need to understand how sociocultural factors shape physical and psychological health. The purpose of this study was to examine how acculturation, diet quality, and fiber intake affect BMI and depressive symptoms over time. The study was guided by acculturation theory and the biopsychosocial model. The study used longitudinal secondary data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) with a sample of N=8,816, including adults who completed examination visits, 1 (2008–2011) and 2 (2014–2017). Path analysis was conducted to assess direct …

Synthesizing Co-Reading Behaviors: Insights From Graduate Students’ Experience And A Rapid Scoping Review, Watcharasak Sudla, Wannee Kaemkate

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: Collaborative reading of research articles is essential for graduate students to develop academic reading skills through peer engagement in knowledge sharing, reflection, and feedback. However, limited information exists about the behaviors indicative of co-reading practices. This study aims to identify behavioral indicators and social participation in students’ co-reading of research articles.

Methods: In this study, we integrated key behavioral indicators of co-reading based on data from interviews with 23 graduate students and a rapid scoping review. The collected data were then subjected to content analysis and data visualization.

Results: The findings categorize individuals involved in co-reading into six groups: …

Effect Of Parental Support On Learning Engagement In Mathematics Online Learning Environment: The Mediating Role Of Online Self-Regulated Learning Strategies, Malathi Letchumanan, Sharifah Kartini Said Husain, Ahmad Fauzi Mohd Ayub

Higher Learning Research Communications

This study examines the effects of parental support on learning engagement and the mediating roles of self-regulated learning (SRL) in mathematics online learning environments. A sample of 112 undergraduate students from the mathematics departments of two public universities in Malaysia participated in the study. We analyzed the data using descriptive analysis and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), and the study findings indicate that parental support significantly predicts online self-regulated learning (OSRL). In addition, OSRL is a significant predictor of students’ engagement. The results also suggest that OSRL fully mediates the relationship between parental support and learning engagement. However, …

Relationship Between Participation In Employee Wellness Programs And Health-Related Quality Of Life Among Health Care Workers, Ana Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employee wellness programs are available in many health care organizations but remain underutilized by health care workers. Low employee participation in these wellness programs can negatively impact employees’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which, in turn, may adversely influence patient care and overall health outcomes. Despite this, little is known about which factors, such as perceived barriers and benefits, job category, or work shift, are associated with participation. This study addressed that gap by exploring how these variables relate to employee engagement in wellness programs and their potential impact on HRQoL. Guided by the health belief model, this study examined …

Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services Among Young African American Same-Sex-Oriented Men, Anthony Earl Fox

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In 2018 suicide was the second leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 24 (CDC, 2018). Suicide and other factors like HIV, depression, and oppression may serve as barriers to seeking counseling among African American same-sex-oriented men ages 18-26. Due to a previous gap in the literature regarding barriers to seeking counseling, this study may support counselors in finding ways to address the disparity in counseling utilization among this population. Grounded in queer and social identity theories, the purpose of this quantitative study was to examine if adverse childhood experiences, current civic unrest, HIV, …

Creating Learning Bridges: Redesigning Homework Within The Framework Of Multiple Intelligences, Vasileios Zagkotas

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

The article explores the application of Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences to homework and the potential of this approach to enhance the educational experience. Through a pilot application in philological subjects in Greek secondary education, the article presents the Homework Toolkit for Cultivating Multiple Intelligences, which offers various activities adapted to different types of intelligence. The findings from the case study research indicated that applying multiple intelligence theory to homework design improved academic performance, responsibility, and student collaboration, while also enhancing critical thinking and creativity. The results indicate that designing homework based on multimodal learning can reform the learning …

Union Employees’ Perceptions And Lived Experiences Of Organizational Culture And Job Satisfaction In Michigan Manufacturing Organizations, Angela Wantuck

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Manufacturing organizational cultures steeped in tradition, corporate loyalty, and paternalistic values have experienced a decrease in union employee engagement and organizational satisfaction. Manufacturing leaders are concerned with this decrease as a primary indicator of employee walkouts or union strikes, impeding the manufacturing process, and affecting market share, profitability, and local economies. The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology study was to explore the union employees’ perceptions and lived experiences of organizational culture and job satisfaction in Michigan manufacturing organizations. Shaped by Schein’s organizational culture theory, the research question queried the perceptions of the union-represented employees as a subculture in the …

Quantifying The Economic Burden Of Cancer In California Using Advanced Analytics, Terence Casey Kelley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cancer imposes a significant and multifaceted economic burden on California’s health care system and communities. Despite extensive national data, California-specific cost analyses have been outdated and limited. This study quantified California’s cancer-care burden through a quantitative, cross-sectional design grounded in the cost-of-illness framework and human-capital theory. A retrospective modeling approach used 2015–2023 data from the California Cancer Registry, National Cancer Institute, National Program of Cancer Registries, and California’s all-payer claims database. California’s economic burden from cancer was estimated using a meta-analysis of national cost data, which was then applied to state-specific cancer incidence, prevalence, and mortality through a multicriteria decision …

Staff Education To Improve Fall Prevention Practices In The Home Health Setting, Chinemelum Okoye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Falls among adults aged 65 and older represent a significant public health concern, as they are the leading cause of injury and hospitalization within this demographic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in four older adults experiences a fall annually, leading to over 3 million emergency department visits. In home health settings, the risk of falls is heightened due to uncontrolled environments and insufficient staff training. This quality improvement project assessed the effectiveness of an educational intervention aimed at fall prevention strategies for home health staff, including registered nurses (RNs) and certified nursing assistants …

Lived Experiences Of Leader Development And Action Inquiry In For-Profit Social Entrepreneurs, Kymm J. Nelsen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

For-profit social enterprises (FPSEs) represent a growing response to urgent social and environmental challenges. Yet little is known about how their leaders develop internal capacities to navigate the tensions of hybrid business models. This interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) explored the lived experiences of FPSE leaders, focusing on meaning-making, developmental action inquiry, and leader evolution within profit- and mission-driven contexts. Rooted in ego development theory, developmental action inquiry, and the action logic framework, the study examined intrapersonal and systemic aspects of growth. Eleven U.S.-based FPSE leaders with at least 3 years leading a mission-driven enterprise and 5 years of total leadership …

Staff Education To Use The Teach-Back Method To Decrease Congestive Heart Failure Readmissions, Carlita Tucker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This staff education project focused on educating staff to use the teach-back method to decrease congestive heart failure (CHF) readmissions. It is essential to address this issue within the context of nursing practice because CHF patients have left the hospital without adequate knowledge of their care plans, which compromised their self-care and increased their chances of returning to the hospital. This project employed the teach-back method, which is an effective communication process involving the patient reiterating what the staff has told them. The practice-focused question which guided the project was: For staff in an acute care hospital, will evidence-based training …

Factors Associated With Maternal Health Care Utilization In Liberia, West Africa, Isaac Nyumah Yah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Extant literature reports increased uptake of maternal health care utilization in Liberia in the era following the 14-year civil war that ended in 2004. The purpose of this secondary quantitative data analysis study was to examine the relationship between women’s place of residence, women’s earnings spending autonomy, and maternal health care utilization of women ages 15–49 in Liberia. Maternal health care utilization in this study is measured by women’s visits to government hospitals for antenatal care. Maternal health care utilization indicates whether women who were pregnant within the 3 years before the 2019–20 Demographic Health Survey in Liberia attended any …

Effective Strategies To Reduce Silo Culture To Increase Financial Performance In Nonprofit Healthcare Organizations, Pedro E. Mendez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Silo culture in nonprofit healthcare organizations hinders knowledge sharing and communication, which can negatively affect financial performance. This issue is particularly important for healthcare leaders and policymakers seeking to enhance organizational efficiency and improve patient care quality. Grounded in the competing values framework, the purpose of this qualitative, pragmatic research project was to explore the effective strategies used by nonprofit healthcare human resources (HR) leaders to reduce silo culture and enhance financial performance. The participants included six HR executives at the vice president level or higher from nonprofit healthcare systems with more than 5,000 employees in the Southeastern United States. …

The Covid-19 Lockdown And Diabetes Self-Management In Esan Northeast Area Of Edo State, Esther Ehivbaun Rapu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 lockdown impacted chronic diseases care globally, but there is limited research on how individuals in rural Nigerian communities managed diabetes during this period. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of self-management with diabetes during the COVID-19 lockdown among adults in Esan Northeast. The socioecological model (SEM) served as the guiding conceptual framework, allowing for the exploration of the impact of individual, interpersonal, community, and institutional factors on self-care behaviors. The research explored how cultural, social and economic factors impacted how adults with diabetes in Esan Northeast managed their condition during the COVID-19 lockdown. Semi-structured interviews via …

Association Between Homelessness And Maternal Health Outcomes Among Non-Hispanic Black Women In Georgia, Miranda Weaver

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Maternal health disparities among homeless non-Hispanic Black women in Georgia represent a critical public health concern, driven by inequitable access to care and elevated risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study examined how homelessness influences perinatal care utilization (timing and frequency of prenatal visits and postpartum checkups) and pregnancy complications (gestational diabetes, hypertension, and depression), and whether these associations differ by geographic context (urban versus rural). Grounded in the Social Determinants of Health framework, the study used a quantitative cross-sectional design, analyzing secondary data (n = 1,540; weighted ≈ 203,571) from Phase 8 (2017–2021) of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring …

The Influence Of Sociodemographic Factors On Opioid Mortalities In The U.S. State Of Georgia, Theresa Highsmith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Since the late 1990s, the United States has been in the midst of an opioid epidemic that continues to present significant public health challenges. Opioid-related mortality, particularly involving fentanyl, has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the associations between educational level, homelessness, and alcohol use with opioid-related overdose deaths involving fentanyl, while controlling for age, gender, and marital status, among Black and White populations in the U.S. state of Georgia. The theoretical framework was Bronfenbrenner’s socioecological model, which recognizes that individual behavior is influenced by multiple levels of factors, including interpersonal, community, and …

Staff Education To Outpatient Healthcare Staff On Managing Patients With Aggressive Behaviors, Adeline Fonkem Asonganyi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The aim of this staff educational project was to improve staff knowledge by educating healthcare staff on how to minimize patients’ aggressiveness and provide a safer, more therapeutic environment for patients and healthcare providers. Patients with mental health problems can exhibit violent behavior, posing threats to patient safety and the safety of healthcare workers. To address this practice gap, I conducted a literature review; 509 articles were identified and then narrowed to 23 articles specific to this topic. The project question for my study was: Does implementing an educational program for nurses and mental health specialists on strategies to reduce …

Enhancing Onboarding And Role Transition For Advanced Practice Clinicians Through The Development Of A Structured Mentorship Program, Christina Sternesky

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The assimilation of advanced practice clinicians (APCs), nurse practitioners, and physician assistants into healthcare systems is significantly dependent on the quality of their onboarding experience and the availability of a structured mentorship program. Without mentorship programs, APCs often experience job dissatisfaction, reduced confidence, undefined role clarity, and increased burnout. In this quality improvement Doctor of Nursing Practice project, I conducted a comprehensive assessment of the needs of APCs and subsequently developed a structured, evidence-based mentorship program. The program, approved by an expert panel, was designed to support the onboarding of APCS, their role transition, and ongoing professional development within a …

Teachers' Perspectives On Teacher Retention In Early Childhood Programs, Christopher Lavon Curry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In a Midwestern state, teacher shortages have intensified the retention challenges of prekindergarten and kindergarten (PreK–K) teachers in early childhood (EC) programs. The problem addressed in this study was the retention of PreK–K teachers in EC programs and schools at the local level. Grounded in dual-factor and coping-competence- context theories, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore teachers’ perspectives of the factors affecting the retention of PreK–K teachers in EC programs at the local level. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 12 PreK–K teachers in a Midwestern state, who had a minimum of 3 years of …

Parole/Probation Officers’ Perspective On Understanding Crime Among Liberian Immigrant Youths In Southwest Philadelphia, Jamil J. Morris

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This research explored challenges of crime and delinquency among Liberian immigrant youth in Southwest Philadelphia, focusing on the social and structural factors that influence their lived experiences. Utilizing qualitative in-depth interviews with 17 juvenile parole/probation officers of Liberian immigrant youths, the purpose of this study was to uncover the underlying reasons that lead Liberian immigrant youth to engage in crime and delinquency, and how they cope with the obstacles they encounter. Employing social disorganization theory, differential association theory, and subcultural theory, the study underscored the impact of neighborhood instability, peer influences, and differing value systems on understanding the youths’ criminal …

Perspectives And Experiences Of Clinicians Who Treat Incarcerated Youth In Florida, Rose-Lissa Meline Regnier

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study explored the experiences and perceptions of social workers, human services professionals, and mental health counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists who treat youth with mental health issues within the criminal justice system in Florida. Using a qualitative research method, this study was framed by relational theory. Ten participants were interviewed regarding the perspectives, challenges, successes of clinicians and how they incorporate the needs and perceptions of youth into their treatment approaches. After coding and thematic analysis, five key themes emerged from the data. First, systemic challenges and inefficiencies in service delivery were evident, highlighting gaps in execution, resource shortages, and …

Staff Education On Early Diagnosis And Management Of Hypertensive Crisis, Sharon Fairweather

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary This project is a Doctor of Nursing Practice initiative to educate healthcare professionals at a primary healthcare clinic. The focus was on improving staff knowledge of hypertensive crises in African American patients aged 20 to 40. The project included face-to-face training sessions and educational resources to empower providers and enhance patient outcomes. Hypertensive crises are a significant health risk, especially in African Americans. This group has higher rates of hypertension, leading to serious health complications. Addressing this issue is crucial in nursing practice. Early diagnosis and timely interventions can significantly improve care. Equipping nurses with the necessary skills is …

Perspectives On Ethnic Federalism In Ethiopia, Girum Grbremariam Alemayehu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Ethnic federalism in Ethiopia has garnered significant scholarly attention for its role in shaping ethnic identity, governance, and national cohesion. However, limited research has explored how this political structure affects Ethiopian diaspora communities. This study addressed the problem of increasing ethnic divisions among Ethiopian immigrants in the Denver metropolitan area, which challenges community integration and shared national identity. Despite the growing presence of Ethiopian Americans, the literature lacks an in-depth understanding of their perspectives on ethnic federalism. The purpose of this ethnographic qualitative study was to explore how Ethiopian immigrants in Denver perceive its impact on their social, political, and …

Oncology Nurse Self-Assessment Of Caring Behaviors Following Telehealth And In-Person Visits, Maryann Connor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Oncology nurses coordinate care, ensure the safe administration of treatments, manage symptoms, and support those newly diagnosed with cancer. Traditionally, oncology care included in-person visits, but the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, transforming how oncology care is delivered. The purposes of this study, guided by Watson’ theory of human caring, were to determine (a) if there is a difference in oncology RNs’ self-assessments of applying caring behaviors during in-person visits compared to oncology RNs’ self-assessments of applying caring behaviors of telehealth visits with newly diagnosed cancer patients, and (b) if there is a difference in self-assessment of caring …

Reasons For Former Teachers To Change Employment Or To Depart The Profession, Vicki Renfroe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teacher turnover adversely affects students’ academic performance and the educational community. The problem that was addressed through study is the approximately 18% teacher turnover at a local Title I school district in southeast Texas. This purpose of this study was to explore why teachers within a local souteast Texas Title I school district left their positions. The conceptual framework was Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The study was guided by a research question centered on recurring reasons for teachers considering retiring, leaving the profession, or changing locations. A basic qualitative study employing semistructured interviews with 14 former teachers who had left …

Predicting Dietary Behavior In Obese Adult Diabetics Using Social Cognitive Theory, Precious Mueller

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Predicting Dietary Behavior in Obese Adult Diabetics Using Social Cognitive Theory by Precious Mueller MA, University of Phoenix, 2009 BS, University of Iowa, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University November 2024 “ Diabetes mellitus Type II is a prevalent and serious condition affecting millions globally, particularly among obese adults. The association between dietary behaviors and diabetes management is critical, as it directly impacts health outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals. This study aims to identify the determinants of dietary behaviors that influence Type II …

Unintentional Drowning In Florida: An Analysis Of Demographic And Water Type Associations Among Youth And Young Adults, Michelle Sterling

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Unintentional drowning is a leading cause of preventable injury fatalities among youth and young adults in the United States. Despite the preventability, drowning continues to affect specific populations disproportionately. Limited research has examined demographic and environmental factors that contribute to drowning fatalities among individuals aged 5 to 25 years old in Florida. Understanding these patterns is key to informing targeted prevention strategies. This quantitative, retrospective study explored the relationship between demographic characteristics (i.e., gender, race, and ethnicity), environmental context (i.e., water type), and drowning fatalities of 5- to 25-year-olds in Florida from 2018 to 2022. Data for this study, which …