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Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

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Impact Of Employment Status And Housing Stability On Tuberculosis Treatment Adherence In Virginia, Samuel Deapeh Worgee Oct 2026

Impact Of Employment Status And Housing Stability On Tuberculosis Treatment Adherence In Virginia, Samuel Deapeh Worgee

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Tuberculosis (TB) cases have resurged in Virginia, yet the structural determinants shaping treatment completion among socioeconomically marginalized populations remain unquantified locally, leaving public health programs without state-specific predictive evidence. Grounded in the World Health Organization's social determinants of health framework, this quantitative, ex post facto study examined how employment status, housing stability, and social risk factors predicted TB treatment completion. De-identified surveillance records for N = 898 adult TB cases reported from 2020 through 2024 were extracted from the Virginia Electronic Disease Surveillance System and analyzed using a multivariable binary logistic regression, controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and radiographic severity …


Impact Of Physical Disabilities On Daily Life, Mobility, And Public Health Outcomes Among Internally Displaced Children In Nigeria, Winnifred Obeya-Ekoja Sep 2026

Impact Of Physical Disabilities On Daily Life, Mobility, And Public Health Outcomes Among Internally Displaced Children In Nigeria, Winnifred Obeya-Ekoja

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The growing population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria presents significant public health challenges for children with physical disabilities. This study investigated how physical disabilities affect daily life, mobility, access to resources, and health outcomes among internally displaced children in IDP camps in Benue State, Nigeria. Guided by the ecological model of health behavior, the study examined caregivers’ experiences of children’s self-care, daily activities, environmental and interpersonal conditions, sanitation, and access to healthcare. A basic qualitative design used semi-structured interviews with parents and caregivers selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic …


Enhancing Hiv Knowledge And Resource Awareness Among Chief Nursing Officers, Susan Louise Cooper Bailey Sep 2026

Enhancing Hiv Knowledge And Resource Awareness Among Chief Nursing Officers, Susan Louise Cooper Bailey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant public health concern in rural communities, where limited specialty care, geographic isolation, transportation barriers, and stigma may delay testing and entry into care. The Texas Panhandle is a geographically expansive rural region served by rural hospitals with limited resources. Although area HIV services are available, they are inconsistently utilized. Although chief nursing officers (CNOs) influence practice and care coordination, knowledge gaps regarding HIV guidelines, prevention strategies, and regional resources may limit identification, referral, and continuity of care. The purpose of this doctor of nursing practice (DNP) project was to determine whether a targeted …


Drug Court Graduation Rates Of African American Males Attending Habilitation Empowerment Accountability Therapy, Tierney President Sep 2026

Drug Court Graduation Rates Of African American Males Attending Habilitation Empowerment Accountability Therapy, Tierney President

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American males between the ages of 18 and 29 have lower rates of successful completion in drug court programs compared to other populations, increasing their risk of incarceration and recidivism. This study examined whether participation in the Habilitation Empowerment Accountability Therapy (HEAT) program, a culturally responsive intervention, was associated with improved drug court graduation outcomes among African American male participants. Guided by cognitive behavioral theory, a quantitative retrospective causal-comparative design was used to analyze archival data from 96 African American male participants enrolled in a drug treatment court program in Columbia, Missouri. A chi-square test of independence was conducted …


Healthcare System Barriers To Somali Refugees In Kenya, Zahra Sharif Hashim Sep 2026

Healthcare System Barriers To Somali Refugees In Kenya, Zahra Sharif Hashim

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Access to health care is a fundamental right of every refugee, yet gaps in implementing Kenya's Refugees Acts of 2006 and 2021 continue to limit access for Somali refugees in Dadaab camp. Existing research has documented resource constraints, movement restrictions, and other barriers to refugee health care, but how policy implementation gaps shape access in Dadaab has not been well explored. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to understand barriers to health care access for Somali refugees resulting from gaps in implementing Kenya's refugee health policies. The narrative policy framework guided the study. Data from semistructured interviews with …


Socioeconomic Determinants Of Malaria Infection Among Pregnant Women In Cameroon, Sub-Saharan Africa, Arnold Akosah Muluh Aug 2026

Socioeconomic Determinants Of Malaria Infection Among Pregnant Women In Cameroon, Sub-Saharan Africa, Arnold Akosah Muluh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Malaria during pregnancy is a significant public health issue in Cameroon, affecting maternal health and birth outcomes. Despite preventive measures, disparities exist among socioeconomic groups and between urban and rural areas. The study was guided by the social-ecological model and explored how socioeconomic factors and geographic location influence malaria infection in pregnant women. Specifically, the impact of wealth index, maternal education, and healthcare access on infection rates, considering maternal age, parity, and residence, was examined. Quantitative data from the Cameroon DHS Phase 8 were used (N=1204). The sample included pregnant women with valid malaria test results. Chi-Square tests and binary …


Staff Education To Strengthen Patient Counseling For Recurrent Uti Prevention In Middle-Aged And Older Women In A Low-Income Community Clinic, Linda Osamede Isidienu Aug 2026

Staff Education To Strengthen Patient Counseling For Recurrent Uti Prevention In Middle-Aged And Older Women In A Low-Income Community Clinic, Linda Osamede Isidienu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctor of nursing practice (DNP) project was a practice-focused quality improvement (QI) staff education initiative designed to address recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) among middle-aged and older women receiving care in a low-income community clinic. Recurrent UTIs are associated with increased antibiotic use, antimicrobial resistance, and reduced quality of life. The purpose of this project was to evaluate whether a structured staff education program could improve provider knowledge related to patient counseling on UTI prevention. Twenty nurses and medical assistants participated in the intervention, which included education on evidence-based prevention strategies, counseling techniques for low health literacy populations, and …


Staff Education To Improve Staff Knowledge Regarding Candida Auris, Nkechinyere Ejelonu Aug 2026

Staff Education To Improve Staff Knowledge Regarding Candida Auris, Nkechinyere Ejelonu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice project was a staff education project regarding Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant fungus recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an urgent global health threat due to its high mortality, environmental persistence, and resistance to common disinfectants. Staff play a crucial role in infection prevention; however, limited awareness and inconsistent knowledge of Candida auris contribute to potential transmission in skilled nursing home settings. The project question was as follows: Among staff members in a skilled nursing facility, does an evidence-based educational intervention improve knowledge of Candida auris infection prevention as compared pre- …


The Association Of Age, Race, And Gender And Novel Interventions In The Prevention Of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection, In Washington State, Lamin Darboe Aug 2026

The Association Of Age, Race, And Gender And Novel Interventions In The Prevention Of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection, In Washington State, Lamin Darboe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Delayed removal of indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs) contributes to catheter-associated urinary tract infections, a leading healthcare-associated infection. A dot/smart-phrase communication tool, guided by the Health Belief Model construct of cues to action, to promote timely IUC removal interventions was evaluated in this quantitative, cross-sectional study. Secondary data from N = 372 adult patients with acute urinary retention in acute and critical care settings in Washington State were analyzed using SPSS Version 30. Binary logistic regression examined relationships among demographic variables, intervention-related factors (adherence within 48 hours, cosignature within 24 hours, and secure chat communication), and clinical outcomes (IUC removal and/or …


Clinical Practice Guideline For Sepsis In Skilled Nursing Facility, Chinyere Okoroh Aug 2026

Clinical Practice Guideline For Sepsis In Skilled Nursing Facility, Chinyere Okoroh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can rapidly lead to organ dysfunction, septic shock, and death if not recognized and treated early. Older adults in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are especially vulnerable because of age-related physiological changes, chronic conditions, weakened immunity, and increased exposure to infections. Consequently, sepsis remains a major cause of hospital readmissions, mortality, and healthcare utilization among SNF residents. The SNF serving as the site for this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project experienced increased hospital readmissions associated with recurrent sepsis, highlighting the need for a standardized, evidence-based approach to sepsis recognition and management. The practice-focused question …


Understanding Relapse And The Correlation With Group Counseling Accountability, Attendance, And Attitudes, Willie Sanders Aug 2026

Understanding Relapse And The Correlation With Group Counseling Accountability, Attendance, And Attitudes, Willie Sanders

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Substance abuse continues to create significant personal, family, and legal challenges, yet limited research exists on mandated clients receiving counseling within rural municipal court systems. Studying factors associated with relapse allows counselors and counselor educators to develop interventions to prevent relapse and improve treatment outcomes. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the relationship between group counseling attributes of attendance, accountability, attitudes and the level of relapse rates among rural municipal court clients in Columbus, Mississippi, as measured by the DEF, Subtle, Face Valid Alcohol, Face Valid Other Drugs, and the OAT Scales of the SASSI-4 Assessment. Theoretical …


Social Workers’ Perceptions Of Pediatric Hiv Disclosure Process, Colleen Myrie Aug 2026

Social Workers’ Perceptions Of Pediatric Hiv Disclosure Process, Colleen Myrie

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although the social problem of pediatric HIV disclosure has been studied by researchers internationally, there remains a gap in the experiences of social workers in facilitating this process. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of social workers in the United States regarding the disclosure process for HIV positive children. This study was grounded in Rosenstock’s health belief model, which posits that an individual will take necessary action to prevent or manage a disease based on their perceptions of health. This model was effective in helping to identify what social workers think about …


Staff Education To Improve Hand Hygiene And Personal Protective Equipment Compliance, Suliat Oluwa Aug 2026

Staff Education To Improve Hand Hygiene And Personal Protective Equipment Compliance, Suliat Oluwa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctoral project is a staff education initiative designed to strengthen hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) practices among interdisciplinary staff in a long-term care (LTC) facility. The practice problem addressed inconsistent hand hygiene and PPE use across shifts and departments, contributing to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Because LTC residents are highly vulnerable due to advanced age, multiple comorbidities, and shared living environments, improving adherence to infection prevention practices is essential for enhancing resident safety, reducing preventable infections, and supporting compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) infection prevention standards. …


Weekly Team Validation Rounding Focused On Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing And Bath Completion And Documentation Compliance, La-Toya Therese Fong Aug 2026

Weekly Team Validation Rounding Focused On Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing And Bath Completion And Documentation Compliance, La-Toya Therese Fong

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This quality improvement project evaluated whether weekly team validation rounding improved chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bath completion and documentation compliance among eligible adult inpatients, with particular attention to differences in compliance outcomes between Pod 5C and Pod 4B. Background. Hospital-acquired infections continue to increase morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and healthcare costs. Although CHG bathing is an evidence-based strategy for reducing infection risk and the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms, inconsistent documentation at the practicum site limited accurate monitoring of compliance across validation data, electronic medical record documentation, and DOMO reports. Method. Participants included eligible adult inpatients admitted within the previous 24 …


Licensed Counselors’ Professional Well-Being During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jacqueline Flaherty Aug 2026

Licensed Counselors’ Professional Well-Being During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jacqueline Flaherty

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

According to the American Counseling Association (ACA, 2014) Code of Ethics, professional counselors are responsible to monitor their own impairment. Specific interventions to prevent impairment and foster counselor professional well-being (PWB) and resiliency are imperative in a profession in which it is ethically required to continuously provide competent counseling. The purpose of this study was to explore the narratives of licensed counselors’ PWB during the onset of and successively during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The theoretical orientation for this study was Dewey’s theory of experience. Nine counselor participants who were licensed by May 2018 shared detailed accounts of …


Implementation Of A Standardized Antibiotic Order Set To Improve Evidence-Based Antibiotic Prescribing In Oral Surgery, Lashundra Miles Aug 2026

Implementation Of A Standardized Antibiotic Order Set To Improve Evidence-Based Antibiotic Prescribing In Oral Surgery, Lashundra Miles

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Inconsistent antibiotic prescribing practices in an oral surgery clinic contributed to variation in antibiotic selection, timing, dosing, redosing when indicated, and duration. This variation limited adherence to evidence-based prescribing recommendations and highlighted the need for a workflow-based strategy to support antibiotic stewardship. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase use of a standardized antibiotic order set through reminder-based reinforcement and to improve evidence-based prescribing practices. The practice-focused question examined whether implementing the standardized antibiotic order set, supported by workflow-integrated reminders and ongoing performance feedback, would improve order-set utilization during a 6-week implementation period. The project was guided …


Improving Rsv Vaccination Uptake Through Nurse-Led Educational Intervention, Lawrence Onuorah Aug 2026

Improving Rsv Vaccination Uptake Through Nurse-Led Educational Intervention, Lawrence Onuorah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In this quality improvement project, the DNP scholar explored the impact of a nurse-led staff education approach on improving respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine uptake. RSV disease results in negative health outcomes and even death among vulnerable individuals. Despite the availability of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vaccines, uptake remains low due to limited provider knowledge and inconsistent vaccine recommendations. Therefore, the project question addressed whether a staff education program would increase providers’ perceived knowledge of RSV vaccine recommendation and confidence to engage in patient education. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a nurse-led staff …


An Interprofessional Organization Change Process To Reduce Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections, Bolatito Owolabi Aug 2026

An Interprofessional Organization Change Process To Reduce Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections, Bolatito Owolabi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This organization change process initiative addressed a critical safety practice gap regarding catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention in a 450-bed acute care facility. This gap was recognized based on evidence that the facility’s CAUTI Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR) was above the national benchmark—and daily necessity assessment compliance of only approximately 50%. This gap was attributed to an organizational interprofessional culture, which hindered timely device removal. Prolonged catheter dwell times increase patient morbidity, extend hospital stays, and expose the organization to severe financial penalties. The project aimed to safely reduce device dwell times by structurally empowering bedside nurses. I used …


Effective Leadership Strategies For Sustaining Radiology Departments During And After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Tameron Shanay Reed Aug 2026

Effective Leadership Strategies For Sustaining Radiology Departments During And After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Tameron Shanay Reed

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Pandemic-driven workforce challenges highlighted the urgent need for radiology leaders to retain skilled staff and sustain service delivery. The COVID-19 pandemic raised considerable concerns for radiology leaders regarding future preparedness for patient safety, care outcomes, hospital expenses, and hospital profitability. Grounded in the Vroom expectancy theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore successful strategies radiology department leaders used to retain employees, improve supply inventory management, and develop ambulatory and virtual services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were gathered through semistructured interviews with six successful radiology leaders and publicly accessible documents in northern Louisiana. The …


Public Perceptions Regarding Surveillance Of Lyme Disease In Tennessee, Shaheena Yasmin Asad Aug 2026

Public Perceptions Regarding Surveillance Of Lyme Disease In Tennessee, Shaheena Yasmin Asad

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Lyme disease (LD), a tick-borne illness, has been a growing concern in the state of Tennessee. Studies have established environmental concerns regarding a growing tick population and identified a gap between reported cases and disease burden in Tennessee. Despite this information, it remains classified as a low-incidence reporting state, raising concerns about underreporting that indicate an ineffective current surveillance system. Because the public perception regarding surveillance of LD is unknown, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how adults in Tennessee perceived LD as a credible public health threat within the context of the current surveillance system. Guided …


Measuring Health System Readiness In Saint Lucia Using International Health Regulations Capacity Indicators, Melissa Steele Aug 2026

Measuring Health System Readiness In Saint Lucia Using International Health Regulations Capacity Indicators, Melissa Steele

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Emerging infectious diseases continue to challenge national health systems, particularly in small island developing states with limited preparedness resources. Limited evidence comparing the International Health Regulations (2005) State Party Self-Assessment Annual Reporting (IHR SPAR) capacities of small island developing states with those of high-income countries limits efforts to identify preparedness gaps and strengthen health systems. The purpose of this quantitative comparative study was to evaluate Saint Lucia's preparedness using IHR SPAR indicators, compare its preparedness with the United States, and assess changes between 2023 and 2024. Guided by the World Health Organization Health System Framework, a quantitative cross-sectional design using …


African American Mother Counselors' Lived Experiences During The Dual Pandemics Of Covid-19 And Structural Racism, Shanti Jones Jul 2026

African American Mother Counselors' Lived Experiences During The Dual Pandemics Of Covid-19 And Structural Racism, Shanti Jones

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was that the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and structural racism in 2020 created compounded personal and professional stressors for African American mothers who are professional counselors, yet little was known about how they appraised these stressors and selected coping strategies. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe what it means to be an African American mother and professional counselor making decisions about coping strategies to manage personal and professional stressors during the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and structural racism in 2020. Guided by Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology and informed by the Transactional …


Demographic And Socioeconomic Factors Related To Visceral Leishmaniasis Infection In South Sudan, Duncan Ochieng Ochol Jul 2026

Demographic And Socioeconomic Factors Related To Visceral Leishmaniasis Infection In South Sudan, Duncan Ochieng Ochol

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Visceral leishmaniasis, a severe parasitic disease that is invariably fatal, is characterized by frequent outbreaks, and is associated with poverty. South Sudan is among the countries with the highest burden of visceral leishmaniasis. However, few studies have investigated factors associated with visceral leishmaniasis in the country. This study investigated demographic (age, gender, marital status, education level and occupation) and socioeconomic factors (transport, access to health services and residence) that may be associated with visceral leishmaniasis infection in South Sudan. The study was anchored on the socioecological model conceptual framework, which describes the interaction between individual and their social environment and …


From Fields To Flu: Mapping H5n1 Zoonotic Risk In California Rice Fields, Mariati Messinger Jul 2026

From Fields To Flu: Mapping H5n1 Zoonotic Risk In California Rice Fields, Mariati Messinger

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 threatens agriculture, wildlife, and public health in California, where flooded rice fields in the Central Valley provide surrogate wetland habitat for migratory waterfowl and may create ecological interfaces for viral spillover into poultry systems. This quantitative ecological study examined whether county-level rice acreage, Lesser Snow Goose activity, and their interaction were associated with poultry HPAI H5N1 outbreak incidence during complete winter seasons available for analysis. Guided by One Health and disease ecology frameworks, secondary data from USDA, eBird, PRISM, and public surveillance sources were analyzed for 36 county-winter observations using negative binomial regression, logistic …


North Dakota’S New Health Initiative The Multi-Partner Health Collaborative, Krissie L. Mayer Jul 2026

North Dakota’S New Health Initiative The Multi-Partner Health Collaborative, Krissie L. Mayer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

North Dakota’s declining health outcomes and continued disparities demonstrate a need for a coordinated, multisector approach to statewide health improvement. This qualitative case study examined stakeholder perceptions of the initial effectiveness and potential sustainability of the Multi‑Partner Health Collaborative (MPHC) in advancing the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). Using systems theory (ST), the study explored how executive leadership, the steering committee, and goal groups function as interdependent subsystems whose alignment, communication, and feedback loops influence overall performance. Semi-structured interviews, analyzed thematically, reflected the patterns related to collaboration, SHIP implementation, barriers to effectiveness, and factors shaping long-term sustainability. Stakeholders generally viewed …


Perceived Level Of Preparedness For A Terrorist Event Between State, Local And Tribal Law Enforcement Officers, Herbert Henderson Jul 2026

Perceived Level Of Preparedness For A Terrorist Event Between State, Local And Tribal Law Enforcement Officers, Herbert Henderson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In this quantitative cross-sectional study, differences in perceived preparedness among state, local, and tribal law upon Kingdon’s multiple streams approach and Baumgartner and Jones’ punctuated equilibrium theory to explain administrative changes in law enforcement following the September 11, 2001, attacks. Data were collected from 53 full-time police officers across state, local and tribal agencies using a web-based survey instrument measuring enforcement officers in a northern border region were examined. Officers’ perceived preparedness to identify, prevent, and respond to future terrorist threats were evaluated. Whether perceived preparedness differed by agency type and whether officers with military experience or advanced homeland security …


Community Health Workers’ Experiences Distributing Harm Reduction Supplies During Covid-19 In The Barren River Area Development District, Angel Nichole Shoemake Jul 2026

Community Health Workers’ Experiences Distributing Harm Reduction Supplies During Covid-19 In The Barren River Area Development District, Angel Nichole Shoemake

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Community health workers (CHWs) distributing sterile injecting equipment help reduce infectious disease transmission among people who inject drugs; however, limited research exists regarding their experiences delivering harm reduction services during public health emergencies in rural areas. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore CHWs’ experiences and perceptions of health risks, operational barriers, and social influences affecting harm reduction service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Barren River Area Development District. The health belief model guided this study, emphasizing perceived susceptibility, severity, barriers, benefits, and self-efficacy. Data were collected through semistructured Zoom interviews with eight purposively sampled CHWs …


Licensed Social Workers’ Perceived Structural And Systemic Treatment Barriers For Clients With Severe Mental Illness, Myron Curtis White Jul 2026

Licensed Social Workers’ Perceived Structural And Systemic Treatment Barriers For Clients With Severe Mental Illness, Myron Curtis White

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There was a gap in the existing strategies in social work practice regarding the structural and systemic barriers to health care treatment for clients with serious/severe mental illness (SMI). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented that addressing mental health destabilization in the United States is important and requires an understanding of the mental illness to be addressed, including its causal factors, the relationships between the mentally ill and their community/environment, and the methodology for effecting care. This general qualitative study explored what licensed social workers perceived as structural and systemic barriers to health care treatment access for their …


Cytoskeletal Protein Expression In Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Psychoneuroimmunological Perspective On Sars-Cov-2, James Birch Jul 2026

Cytoskeletal Protein Expression In Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Psychoneuroimmunological Perspective On Sars-Cov-2, James Birch

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened concerns about health disparities among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Limited understanding of the biological factors underlying health variability may hinder efforts to reduce disparities and improve care for neurodivergent populations. Guided by the psychoneuroimmunology framework, this quantitative study investigated whether cytoskeletal gene expression was associated with neuroimmune variability in ASD and SARS-CoV-2 populations. Three genes –Nck-associated protein 1 (NCKAP1), WAS/WASL-interacting protein family member 1 (WIPF1), and actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 1B (ARPC1B)—were evaluated using two publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus datasets GSE212645 (ASD vs. sibling-matched controls, N = 40) and GSE152641 (SARS-CoV-2-positive vs. …


Spatiotemporal Patterns Of Vaccine Uptake For Measles Outbreaks In Katsina State, Nigeria, Zeenat Kabir Asma'i Jul 2026

Spatiotemporal Patterns Of Vaccine Uptake For Measles Outbreaks In Katsina State, Nigeria, Zeenat Kabir Asma'i

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Measles remains a public health concern in Nigeria despite the availability of effective vaccines, yet limited research has comprehensively examined spatiotemporal patterns and contextual determinants of vaccination coverage and measles incidence in Katsina State. Guided by the socioecological model, this quantitative ecological study examined spatiotemporal patterns of measles incidence among children aged 9–59 months of age across 183 wards in 34 local government areas of Katsina State, Nigeria, from 2018 to 2022. Confirmed cases (n = 376) were analyzed using negative binomial regression and spatial methods, including Moran’s I, SaTScan, and geographically weighted regression (GWR). Urban wards had higher incidence …