Digital Commons Network^™

Innovation In Health Science Education: An Experiential Learning Program, Lily Apedaile

International Journal of Health Sciences Education

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic disrupted health professions education on a number of different levels. Many health professions and pre-health professions students lost access to real-world clinical experience which has lead to disruptions in the healthcare workforce pipeline. At the University of Montana a diverse group of health professions educators designed an innovative experiential learning program, called Griz Health, that would allow UM students to engage in healthcare experiences while helping the campus with COVID-19 response. Because of the overwhelmingly positive response from students and community members that participated in this program, the Griz Health program was shifted from a volunteer response …

The Effects Of The “Chinese Virus” On The Asian American And Pacific Islander Community: Hate Crimes, Discrimination, And Violence, Emily Chang

Undergraduate Honors Theses

With the spread of the global health crisis that is COVID-19, hate crimes towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) have skyrocketed in the U.S., largely due to the charged rhetoric and misperceptions perpetrated by the U.S. government that link COVID-19 to people of Asian descent. This project analyzes the history of discrimination towards AAPIs in the United States and its present-day context. Moreover, this analysis reveals the detrimental effects of verbal and physical assaults on the emotional and physical health of AAPIs and explores the possible solutions we can implement to decrease these crimes. Finally, I consider the implications …

In-The-Moment Experiences Of Rural School Principals In The Covid-19 Pandemic, Simone White, Hobart Harmon, Jerry Johnson, Brian O'Neill

The Rural Educator

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the many existing inequalities in education systems across the world. Not all children have easy access to educational online resources or digital technologies, a situation more amplified in rural contexts where access, connectivity and affordability play a significant factor. This qualitative account reveals examples of how rural school leaders were able to find innovative ways early in the COVID-19 pandemic to address the remote learning needs of their students and families. This paper shares in-the-moment experiences of rural principals, and those who supported them, in quickly transitioning to address student needs when school buildings closed. …

The Relationship Between Perceived Stress And Disordered Eating In Undergraduate Students During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Caroline G. Martin

Gettysburg College Headquarters

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected and imposed challenges on nearly everyone, including college students. Despite their already stressful situations, previous research has demonstrated increased stress levels among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, research has also shown an increase in disordered eating for college students during the pandemic. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between both perceived stress and disordered eating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the present study used a correlational design to investigate a potential association between perceived stress and disordered eating among undergraduate college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. By administering the EAT-26, the CSSEC, …

Impacts On Elementary School Students Related To Covid-19 And The Role Of Social-Emotional Learning In Children’S Mental Health, Amanda Davis

Education | Master's Theses

Research has shown that schools provide an ideal universal location for preventing behavioral issues and supporting students’ mental health (Ball et al., 2016; Daunic, et al., 2021; Maras et al., 2015). A large body of research has also connected students’ social-emotional skills and their attainment of academic success (Cook et al., 2018; Durlak et al., 2011). With this research and the gaining popularity of SEL, more SEL programs are being created, implemented, and evaluated. The purpose of this study was to understand some of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on young students' mental health and how teachers have responded …

Infectious Intimacy: Men Who Have Sex With Men (Msm)'S Narratives Of Risk Analysis During Covid-19, Seth Knievel

Theses - ALL

This thesis contemplates how men who have sex with men (MSM) have navigated risks associated with having casual sex during COVID-19 by using skills learned from the HIV/AIDS epidemic. I rely on a series of qualitative interviews I conducted with self-reported MSM, as well as qualitative, archival materials from throughout the HIV/AIDS crisis, to better understand how some MSM have performed risk evaluation and management throughout a(nother) pandemic. In my first chapter, I pull from Diana Taylor's theories on the archive, the repertoire, and scenario to argue that some MSM have revived and revised skills used to protect themselves from …

Global Community Of Practice: A Means For Capacity And Community Strengthening For Health Professionals In Low- And Middle-Income Countries, Allison Silverstein, Amy Benson, Catriona Gates, Diane Nguyen

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Low- and middle-income countries face distinct challenges in providing health care services and training. The community of practice (CoP) has been described as a method of facilitating much-needed connections and conversations on this topic and has been adapted over time to include virtual CoPs. We describe the development and evaluation of a global Clinical Lead Forum (CLF) using a CoP framework to structure informal continuing professional development (CPD) and enhance the capacity of health care professionals in low- and middle-income countries.

METHODS: Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative (BIPAI) and its network of affiliated, independent non-governmental organizations …

Kuwentong Buhay: Mga Danas, Pagsubok, At Naratibo Ng Pag-Asa Ng Mga Ayta Sa Putingkahoy, Rosario, Batangas Sa Panahon Ng Covid-19, Moira Gerielle R. Agno, Xiana Lizette V. Flores, Chezka Monique S. Quiambao, Ashley Trish B. Soriano

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Ang papel na ito ay tinatalakay ang danas, pagsubok, karanasan, at pag-asa ng komunidad ng Ayta sa Putingkahoy, Rosario, Batangas, sa panahon ng paghihirap dulot ng pandemya na COVID-19. Itinatampok nito ang mga karanasan ng mga mag-aaral at mga naghahanapbuhay sa panahong ito. Ang mga tema tulad ng (1) mga hakbang sa banta ng pandemya, (2) hanapbuhay, (3) ayuda, (4) bakuna, (5) edukasyon, at (6) positibong dala ng pandemya, ay naging posible sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng paraan ng pagproseso ng datos ni Butina na nagsilbing gabay sa paggawa ng codes, snowball sampling upang magtipon ng mga kalahok, at pakikipagkuwentuhan …

Digital Equity: Difficulties Of Implementing The 1:1 Computing Initiative In Low-Income Areas, Demetric D. Williams

Dissertations

Successful One-to-One Computing Initiative implementation requires educators to communicate and collaborate effectively with everyone in the learning community. However, other factors such as teacher’s professional development, student’s perception, and parent’s perception often affect the implementation of the One-to-One Computing Initiative. School districts, which serve low-income areas in Mississippi, have difficulties ensuring students and communities have access to the information technology they need to participate outside the school setting. The concept is often called digital equity. However, when officials do not address the capacity, there is a vital threat to the participants’ civic, cultural, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential …

The Effects Of Animal Companionship On Mental Health During Covid-19, Hailey Burton

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of animal companionship on mental health during COVID-19 for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. Through the use of qualitative methodology, specifically that of phenomenology, the lived experiences of participants who adopted animals during the pandemic and the effect of this decision on their mental health and quality of life is examined to better understand the relationship between animal companionship and mental health states such as anxiety, loneliness, and depression. An autoethnographic framework is utilized wherein I reflexively analyzed my own choices for adopting an animal companion during the pandemic …

The Effect Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Physical Activity In University Communities, Hannah M. Shouse

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

Introduction: In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began, transitioning the university community from in-person learning to virtual learning, and shutting down many industries across the country. This study was conducted in order to analyze how the COVID-19 pandemic affected physical activity in university communities through the transition to virtual learning, and back into in-person learning.

Methods: Individuals who wore exercise tracking devices were recruited from university communities. Step count and activity data was collected from February 2020 to April 2021.

Results: 24 subjects completed the survey, with 17 being from Virginia, and other subjects being from other east coast states. …

Medical Students In Karachi And Covid-19: Myths And Facts, Omer Bin Khalid Jamil, Muhammad Muhib, Muhammad Anas Abbal, Amna Muhammed Ahmed, Hafsa Hayat Khan, Nabeela Yar Khan

Department of Surgery Docs

Objectives: COVID-19 pandemic brought mortalities, morbidities, fear, and financial despair among people around the world. As it advanced, misinformation and myths about it caught wildfire, contributing to misbelief among the already shocked population. Medical students are the building blocks of the medical community and can provide a pivotal role in combating COVID-19 misinformation by delivering correct knowledge and awareness to the non-medical population of the country. Hence, it is important to assess their knowledge and perception of COVID-19 myths. Therefore, this study evaluates medical student's knowledge regarding myths and misinformation related to COVID-19 infection and its vaccine. The study also …

The Impact Of Distance Education On Therapy Services For Students With Asd: An Slp Perspective, Andrea Spragg

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused an abrupt change in the day-to-day lives of individuals across the world as adults were forced to work from home and children were forced into virtual school environments. For all students, this disruption in schedule and daily routine been hard, but especially those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Mumbardo-Adam et al., 2021). For many students with ASD, school is a place in which they receive many essential services and social interactions, such as speech therapy, that they may not receive other places. The purpose of this survey research was to understand the …

Secondary Teacher Perceptions On Lesson Planning And Delivery, Jonathan Watson

Theses and Dissertations

On March 17, 2020, Governor Asa Hutchinson closed all public schools in the state of Arkansas to on-site instruction through March 30 in an effort to contain the spread of the novel Coronavirus. With schools closed, teachers and students made the pivot to online learning. School closures changed the way teachers prepared and delivered lessons. Changes in instruction varied from school building to school building, district to district, and teacher to teacher based on location, available equipment, and individual teacher technological skill sets. This scoping review examines the perceptions of teachers on the effectiveness of lesson planning and content delivery …

The Politicization Of School Reopenings: Media Coverage Of Teachers Unions, Sarah King

Master's Theses

The process of school reopenings during the COVID-19 pandemic has garnered a significant amount of attention from various stakeholders including parents, school administrators, teachers, teachers’ unions, and the media. Negotiations over elements of school reopening policies, such as mask mandates and remote-learning options have, in certain school districts, been fraught with contention. The politicization of school reopening policies has been the source of a growing body of research, which tends to analyze policy decisions in conjunction with COVID data. However, a large gap in the literature has appeared concerning the politicization of school reopenings and the impact of the media, …

Combining Genomic And Epidemiological Data To Compare The Transmissibility Of Sars-Cov-2 Variants Alpha And Iota., Mary E Petrone, Jessica E Rothman, Mallery I Breban, Isabel M Ott, Alexis Russell, Erica Lasek-Nesselquist, Hamada Badr, Kevin Kelly, Gregory Omerza, Nicholas Renzette, Anne E Watkins, Chaney C Kalinich, Tara Alpert, Anderson F Brito, Rebecca Earnest, Irina R Tikhonova, Christopher Castaldi, John P Kelly, Matthew Shudt, Jonathan Plitnick, Erasmus Schneider, Steven Murphy, Caleb Neal, Eva Laszlo, Ahmad Altajar, Claire Pearson, Anthony Muyombwe, Randy Downing, Jafar Razeq, Linda Niccolai, Madeline S Wilson, Margaret L Anderson, Jianhui Wang, Chen Liu, Pei Hui, Shrikant Mane, Bradford P Taylor, William P Hanage, Marie L Landry, David R Peaper, Kaya Bilguvar, Joseph R Fauver, Chantal B F Vogels, Lauren M Gardner, Virginia E Pitzer, Kirsten St George, Mark D Adams, Nathan D Grubaugh

Faculty Research 2022

SARS-CoV-2 variants shaped the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the discourse around effective control measures. Evaluating the threat posed by a new variant is essential for adapting response efforts when community transmission is detected. In this study, we compare the dynamics of two variants, Alpha and Iota, by integrating genomic surveillance data to estimate the effective reproduction number (R_t) of the variants. We use Connecticut, United States, in which Alpha and Iota co-circulated in 2021. We find that the R_t of these variants were up to 50% larger than that of other variants. We then …

Surviving Future Pandemics: The Economic, Social, And Political Battle Against Climate Change And Infectious Diseases, Dayana Gonzalez

Student Theses 2015-Present

COVID-19 has been a rude wake-up call as it showed us how unprepared we are to fight off infectious diseases. This paper analyzes our political, social, and economic decisions to develop a plan against the future development of infectious diseases. Before the analysis, it is essential to understand that it is natural for infectious diseases to develop and spread; however, climate change has and will continue to exacerbate the number of diseases developed and spread. Chapter 1 provides data on how climate change has destroyed habitats and displaced millions of animals, forcing them to live under cramped conditions that have …

Covid-19 Booster Vaccination Hesitancy In The United States: A Multi-Theory-Model (Mtm) Based National Assessment, Kavita Batra, Manoj Sharma, Chia-Liang Dai, Jagdish Khubchandani

School of Medicine Faculty Research

Background: Despite the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and the proven benefits of vaccinations outweighing the potential risks, hesitancy to accept vaccines and additional doses remains a persistent problem. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate hesitancy, confidence, literacy, and the role of the multi-theory model (MTM) constructs in COVID-19 booster uptake. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a 52-item psychometric valid web-based survey conducted during the month of October 2021 to recruit a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistical tests were used to analyze the data. Results: Among the booster hesitant group (n = …

Nurses In New Mexico: Their Awareness Of Safe Harbor As Reflected In A Survey During A Time Of Covid-19, Ashley R. Gonzales

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

The healthcare industry is highly regulated to ensure patients receive safe, high-quality, patient-centered care. Even with these regulations, patient outcomes remain poor, given the high expenditure and percentage of the gross domestic product that healthcare comprises in the United States. Nurses make up the largest proportion of the healthcare field and are often overlooked when it comes to policies to ensure their practice remains safe and licenses protected. Nurses are the eyes and ears of their board-certified providers and detect subtle changes in a patient’s condition. However, such attention to detail can be executed only when the nurses can care …

Covid‑Specific Coercive Control Among Emerging Adults Attending College: A Brief Note, Heather Littleton, Katie Edwards, Kayla E. Sall, Stephanie Lim, Victoria Mauer

Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a “perfect storm” with regards to risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). Abusive partners may engage in novel forms of coercive control, such as pressuring their partner to engage in activities associated with COVID-19 infection risk (e.g., attend a large gathering). However, no empirical research has focused on COVIDspecific coercive control. The current study sought to evaluate the prevalence of COVID-specific coercive control in a large sample of U.S. college students, as well as its association with other forms of IPV and depression and anxiety. A total of 2,289 undergraduate students attending eight U.S. universities who …

How To Protect Special Education During Covid-19: From The Courts To The Capitol, Sarah Coleman

University of Miami Race & Social Justice Law Review

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced students around the country out of brick-and-mortar schools and into virtual classrooms. While the switch to remote learning has helped keep students and teachers safe from contracting the virus, students with disabilities have largely been deprived of a meaningful education and in person services mandated under federal law. This essay will explain how students have been denied a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), how litigation has been unsuccessful in creating systemic change for these students, and how public policy by U.S. legislators can offer a solution.

Can High School Students Check The Veracity Of Information About Covid-19? A Case Study On Critical Media Literacy In Brazilian Esl Classes, Karin Paola Meyrer, Dorotea Frank Kersch

Journal of Media Literacy Education

In a globalized world, critical media literacy is imperative when selecting the content we consume amid countless offers. Therefore, the purpose of this case study is to analyze which resources 3rd year high school students (16-17 years old) from an English as a Second Language class in Brazil use in the construction of authorial journalistic articles demystifying fake news about COVID-19 and if the interventions conducted previous to the task were helpful in their process of developing critical media literacy. To this end, firstly students analyzed news about COVID-19 from international websites; secondly, they discussed aspects of a video that …

Differences In Covid Related Anxiety Between Those With And Without Type 2 Diabetes, Jane G. Hewes

Honors Theses

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals with diabetes may be at higher risk for experiencing negative behavioral, psychosocial, and disease-related outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to compare COVID-19-related anxiety between adults with and without type 2 diabetes. Two separate samples were recruited for this study from web-based panels of adults: 372 adults with type 2 diabetes and 259 adults without type 2 diabetes. COVID-19-related anxiety was assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S)This scale includes 7 items scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Scores are summed to generate a total score with higher scores …

Comorbidity Burden And Covid-19 Vaccination Intention: Application Of The Health Belief Model, Michael Raymond

Honors Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted many aspects of American’s lives causing over 79 million cases and over 950,000 deaths. Existing research shows severity of COVID-19 infection may be linked to number of underlying health conditions, known as comorbidities. The objective of this study was to determine if comorbidity burden was associated with intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. This relationship was looked at through the Health Belief Model (HBM) and its mediating variables of perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers. Our sample was compromised of 350 individuals recruited from an online platform who were not already vaccinated against COVID-19. …

An Analysis Of The Tanzanian Public Response To Tanzanian Leadership During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Savannah Pipkin

Honors Theses

This thesis discusses the similarities and differences in Tanzanian COVID-19 policies implemented by the late President John Pombe Magufuli and his successor, President Samia Suluhu Hassan. It also analyzes the responses of Tanzanian citizens to these different policies as expressed in the media. The conclusions that were made in this thesis are based on qualitative analysis of articles published in Tanzanian-based newspapers during specific time periods surrounding significant policy changes during each presidency. The situation of COVID-19 policies in Tanzania is unique due to the differences in the COVID-19 policies implemented in comparison to those implemented by other countries and …

Finding My Place In The Piazza: An Exploration Of Learning And Performing A Lead Role During A Pandemic, Emma Johnson

Honors Theses

The following thesis is a reflection of one student’s process as she learns a lead role in a musical amidst a global pandemic. The author begins with why she chose to be a performer and what has led her to this moment. She examines how significantly the pandemic has affected the performing arts job sector. The author explores her first exposure to the musical “The Light in the Piazza” and the role of Clara in a scenes program at the university which took place in the spring semester of 2021. The thesis then follows her journey through the abnormal virtual …

Coronavirus Disability Survey: Assessing The Impact Of Covid-19 On Young Adults With Disabilities, Hena Rashid

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

This paper seeks to inform individuals of the importance of digital inclusivity, diminish the digital divide, and accessibility to technological services of college students who experience a form of disability. The United States has conducted minimal research on the digital disability rhetoric, promoted minimal disability-inclusive measures to protect the rights and well-being of college students, and minimal assistance to mitigate Coronavirus (COVID-19) impacts to this population subgroup. This subject can have a big impact on individuals who suffer from disability stigma, low accessibility issues, and who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Furthermore, this subject will benefit college students …

Delineating The Source And Implications Of Social Polarization, Logan Kohan

Honors Theses

The purpose of this research was to examine the causes and consequences that meta-perceptions of polarization in the United States entails. The survey used in this study assessed respondents demographic and political information prior to questions regarding polarization. This study found that the polarization in the United States results from a multitude of variables, including: the intrusion of partisan cues into everyday life, social sorting, polarization’s implicit effect, and differences in moral concern. Moreover, polarization encompasses and variety of ramifications that include disease, amplified interparty animosity, biased policy evaluation, reduced governmental efficiency, intraparty polarization, tribalism, and the quest to achieve …

Student Engagement With One-To-One Devices In The Classroom And Reading Achievement, Jennifer L. Hignite

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Abstract

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT WITH ONE-TO-ONE DEVICES IN THE CLASSROOM AND READING ACHIEVEMENT

Jennifer Hignite

Archived student reading achievement data and teacher perceptions of a one-to-one technology implementation were studied at a small, rural public school in northwest Arkansas. This study looked at data collected prior to and during an unprecedented time in education, the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to determine if a one-to-one computer program impacted student achievement, specifically in reading. This study also utilized teacher survey and interview data to determine whether additional factors can contribute to student reading achievement. Results from the archived student …

Consumption, Nicotine Dependence And Motivation For Smoke Cessation During Early Stages Of Covid-19 Pandemic In Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ana Paula Coelho Figueira Freire, Bruna A.S. Medina, Marceli R. Leite, Tainá O. Lopes, Ester T. Santos, Milena M. Ferreira, Bruna S.A. Silva, Margaret A. Cavalcante, Francis L. Pacagnelli

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of Education and Professional Studies

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed smoking habits. For the smoking population, information regarding smoking habits and the pandemic could potentially aid COVID-19 prevention and control measures. Our study aimed to analyze the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on tobacco consumption, nicotine dependence levels, and motivation for smoking cessation. We also collected information from smokers regarding their awareness of the consequences of tobacco use and the increased risks smokers have for severe complications from COVID-19.

Methods: In the survey for this observational cross-sectional study, 122 smokers responded to an online form. The participants provided general data about their smoking …