Digital Commons Network^™

Parkinson’S Disease And Processing Speed Theory Does Processing Speed Mediate Higher-Order Cognitive Functioning?, Priscilla Cuellar-Rocha

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder resulting in both motor and cognitive deficits. Salthouse (1990) proposed the Information Processing Speed (IPS) Theory that a reduced cognitive processing speed is a significant factor that accounts for the negative relationship between age-related variance and cognition. Parkinson’s is an idiopathic disorder, meaning that the cause is unknown, with most patients being 60 years and older. If the IPS theory suggests that an increased age affects the slowing of IPS, which then impairs cognition, PD, a disorder involving older adults, should also follow this pattern. However, no studies have assessed the IPS theory …

Challenges To And Receptiveness Of Service Providers Efforts When Working With Undocumented Migrants, Jesse Flores

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This exploratory study will obtain knowledge on how receptive Undocumented Latinx Migrants (ULMs) are to the advocacy efforts of Service Providers (SPs). Additionally, challenges and barriers that SPs encounter that prevent them from delivering quality and effective services and resources to ULMs will be explored. The last theme to be explored is the degree of knowledge of resources, that SPs possess, that can empower the ULM community. The data obtained from SPs will make the audience aware of the challenges, ethical and legal dilemmas that they face when advocating for this population.

This qualitative research design/methods will consist of 3 …

Burnout Among Mental Health Professionals In Northern California: A Mixed-Methods Study, Sade Butler

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Burnout, characterized by prolonged emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion, is a widespread issue affecting millions of professionals in the United States and globally. Previous research has not adequately addressed the phenomenon of burnout, particularly in California. This study took a mixed-methods approach to determine the scope of, contributing factors to, and coping strategies for burnout among mental health professionals in Northern California. A sample of 93 mental health professionals completed a survey that contained both closed-ended and open-ended questions on burnout. Descriptive statistics indicated that 89.2% of participants experienced a moderate to severe level of burnout at work. Meanwhile, thematic …

The Benefits Of Hispanic Adult Children Caregiving For Their Older Adult Parents, Jesus Duarte, Jazmin Salazar

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This project proposal aims to explore the ways social workers can assist Hispanic adult children (AC) to find satisfaction with their role as caregivers for their older adult (OA) and family of their own, given the growth in the Hispanic population more services and interventions are needed to meet the needs of the Hispanic community. The primary objectives of this proposal are to identify social work interventions that align with Hispanic cultural values throughout different generations. And to explore the benefits and the positive aspects of caregiving for an older adult. A mixed-methods approach will be used, combining a demographic …

A Systematic Review Of The Effects Of Depression On Academic Performance In Hispanic College Students, Arthur Leon Stone Iii, Jonathan Thomas Gomez I

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research project proposal looked at the impact of depression on the academic achievement of Hispanic college students in the United States. Depression is a significant mental health disorder, as it affects emerging adults, particularly college students trying to find their way and understand the academic and social challenges that come along with attending college. Research in the past has established a strong relationship between depression and a decrease in academic performance. However, there have been a limited amount of studies addressing this correlation between mental health and academic performance among Hispanic college students, a growing demographic within higher education. …

Lived Experiences Of Older Adults After Involuntary Work Separation, Mark Mallock Rose

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of those subjected to involuntary work separation at age 50+ in the United States. The literature concerning involuntary job loss is lacking in research pertaining to the 50+ age demographic. This research is important in the aspect that older workers face specific challenges that their younger counterparts may not after involuntary work separation. Understanding the psychological responses, positive aspects, and negative aspects of involuntary job separation in older adults added to the literature for those aged 50+. The research design was qualitative inquiry using virtual recorded interviewing …

The Role Of Mental And Physical Health On Fear Of Crime, Macky Ann Hurst

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Fear of crime is a significant social issue that affects quality of life, often leading to behavioral changes and increased anxiety. While prior research has explored the link between fear of crime and health, notable gaps remain – particularly regarding how distinct dimensions of health influence fear of crime. This study addresses these gaps by examining the effects of perceived health and depressive symptoms on fear of crime. Data were drawn from the Arkansas Crime, Public Safety, and Health Survey (ACPSHS), an online, opt-in survey of approximately 2,300 non- institutionalized adults in Arkansas. Ordinary least squares regression models were used …

Concerns About The Paper, “Benefits Of Targeted Vibration For Bone Strength And Bone Density In Postmenopausal Women With Osteopenia: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial”, Douglas P Kiel, Theresa A Guise, Maya Styner, Janet Rubin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Nebraska's Preparedness For A Growing Diverse Aging Population: A Survey Of Area Agencies On Aging, Vince Barger

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This paper aims to examine the current efforts of Nebraska’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to serve a growing diverse population of older adults (United States Census Bureau, 2023). This project is comprised of a survey created to gauge the thoughts and opinions of Nebraska AAA employees supplemented by a comprehensive literature review. The findings of the literature review indicate the need for an understanding of the importance of diversity and how it affects individual life experiences. The survey revealed that the AAAs are already making changes to reflect the population shift that is currently happening, such as specific programs …

Do All Components Of Psychological Wellbeing Predict Cognitive Function?, Karysa Britton

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Sense of purpose has been consistently associated with cognitive function. However, less is known about the associations between the other five components of wellbeing and cognitive outcomes. The current research aimed to establish which components of wellbeing are most strongly associated with cognitive function. Participants from the Midlife in the United States study (M_Age=56.18, SD=12.38) completed the Ryff Psychological Wellbeing Scales (1989) and the Brief Test of Adult Cognition. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the cross-sectional and prospective associations between wellbeing and cognitive function. All six components of wellbeing were significantly and positively …

Ageless Village: A Cohousing Retirement Community Focused On Connection And Wellness, Madison Peterson

Architecture Theses

Ageless Village is an innovative cohousing community in New London, Minnesota, designed to support aging in place through accessible architecture, intergenerational engagement, and wellness-focused amenities. Comprising 48 residential units and a network of communal spaces, the project integrates private living with shared resources, fostering autonomy and social connection for older adults. The site’s organization on an isometric grid enhances safety and walkability, while connections to local schools and an adjacent assisted living center promote intergenerational interaction and care continuity. Drawing on international precedents and best practices in gerontology and design, Ageless Village addresses the limitations of traditional senior housing by …

Risk Analysis Index For Estimation Of 30-Day Postoperative Mortality In Hip Fractures., Nithin K Gupta, Hikmat R Chmait, Vikram Gill, Morgan Turnow, Taylor Manes, Benjamin C Taylor, Jack W Weick, Christian Bowers

Surgery Articles

IMPORTANCE: Hip fractures present a substantial public health challenge, with projections of more than 500 000 per year by 2040. As such, frailty indices such as the Revised Risk Analysis Index (RAI) and the Modified Five-Item Frailty Index (mFI-5) have been recently investigated as metrics for preoperative risk stratification for these patients.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the accuracy of frailty, as measured by the RAI and the mFI-5, for estimating 30-day mortality following surgically managed hip fractures.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective cross-sectional analysis used the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement database. Patients aged 65 years old …

Nursing Faculty Experiences Of Teaching Dementia Care: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jeannie Simpson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of nursing faculty teaching dementia care to nursing students in Texas. The theory guiding this study was Kolb’s experiential learning theory as it offers a structured framework for examining how experiences lead to learning. This theory also introduced the concept of the Experiential Educator profile, specifically delineating the role of educators in facilitating knowledge acquisition (Kolb, 2014). This study bridged the gap in existing literature regarding the experiences of nursing faculty in teaching dementia care to nursing students and provided a comprehensive look at dementia education in nursing schools. …

The Church’S Response Post Grey Divorce: A Phenomenological Study Of Evangelical Men Experiencing Grey Divorce And The Implications For Faith And Post-Divorce Adjustment, Randall Rush

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In 1990 one out of every ten divorces involved an individual over the age of fifty. By 2010, that number had climbed to one out of every four divorces. As of 2019, one in three people getting divorced in the United States was aged fifty or older. Termed by researchers as “grey divorce,” this phenomenon is expected to grow as demographic shifts reveal an increasing older adult population with longer life expectancies. These later-life divorces have psychosocial and economic negative consequences on the individual. Divorcing later-life men and women share a number of these negative consequences, but there is gender-based …

Combining Exercise Training And Testosterone Therapy In Older Women After Hip Fracture: The Step-Hi Randomized Clinical Trial, Ellen F Binder, Peter M Doré, Camelia Guild, Kelly M Monroe, Dominic Reeds, Kenneth B Schechtman, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

IMPORTANCE: Despite receiving postacute rehabilitation services, many older women with a recent hip fracture repair are unable to return to their prefracture level of function. Whether testosterone therapy can enhance recovery after hip fracture in older women with persistent mobility impairments has not been fully examined.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a supervised exercise program combined with topical testosterone therapy on functional outcomes in older women with a recent hip fracture.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This phase 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, Starting a Testosterone and Exercise Program After Hip Injury (STEP-HI), was conducted at 8 US sites …

Sensitivity Of Lung Point-Of-Care Ultrasound (Pocus) To Predict Oxygen Requirements In Emerging Viral Infections, Daniel L Theodoro, Di Coneybeare, Penelope Lema, Nicholas Renz, Laura Wallace, Enyo Ablordeppey, Sean Stickles, Alek Rosenthal, Ian Holley, Sirivalli Chamarti, Josie Acuña, James Patterson, Rachel Ancona, Srikar Adhikari

2020-Current year OA Pubs

OBJECTIVES: The prognostic characteristics of lung point-of-care ultrasound (L-POCUS) to predict respiratory decompensation in patients with emerging infections remains unstudied. Our objective was to examine whether scored lung ultrasounds predict hypoxia among a nonhypoxic, ambulatory population of patients with COVID-19.

METHODS: This was a diagnostic case-control study. Three academic emergency departments across the United States collected a convenience sample of nonhypoxic subjects with COVID-19, scored subjects' hemithorax at 7 locations using lung ultrasound, and followed outcomes for 40 days. We defined cases as hypoxia (≤91% by pulse oxygenation) from 2 hours after index presentation to day 40. Follow-up was by …

My Life, My Story And Life Recovery Among Veterans With Substance Use Problems, Grace Chang Md, Mph, Martha J. Duffy Md, Susan Nathan Md

Patient Experience Journal

Objective: The United States Veterans Health Administration My Life, My Story (MLMS) program is a patient-centered care intervention where veterans are interviewed about their life story and may grant permission to include it in their electronic health record (EHR). Our purpose was to focus on a sample of MLMS narratives from veterans with self-disclosed substance use (SU) from our institution, and to evaluate the potential relationship between their content and a life change for the better, and to compare their content with the EHR. Methods: The narratives were reviewed on 4 domains (past challenge, substance use, experience of a turning …

Baseer: A Drone-Based System Leveraging Facial And Pattern Recognition For Efficient Real-Time Child Recovery, Afraa Attiah, Abeer Hakeem

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Computing and Information Technology Sciences

The loss of a child is a profound event that poses substantial emotional, psychological, and logistical challenges for families. Conventional child recovery methods, like search parties and media campaigns, often falter due to delayed responses, limited outreach, and ineffective data management. These methods struggle to handle vast information or employ modern tools efficiently. In response, this study introduces Baseer, a system merging drone technology with AI to enhance the efficacy of locating missing children. Baseer utilizes drones with high-resolution imaging systems for rapid aerial surveillance, expanding search capabilities beyond standard ground-based approaches. AI algorithms analyze real-time images for automated identification …

Fostering Black Maternal Survivorship And Mothering Through Initiatives To Reduce The Individualism And Racism Within Biomedicine, Morgan C. Tutt

Honors Scholar Theses

Many scholars have studied Black maternal health disparities—their causal factors, effects, and concrete interventions to help eliminate them. Many of the life-ending occurrences pregnant Black women disproportionately face are preventable, demonstrating that a significant call to action is long overdue. My primary research question asks whether Gen-Z Black women will be receptive to an alternative prenatal care model (APCM) instead of the current American Care Model (ACM). The APCM is centered on the four guiding components of doula care: care navigation, health education, health literacy, and culturally congruent social support, and the components of critical race theory: race consciousness, contemporary …

Impact Of The Online Nutrition Intervention On Health Indicators For Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, And Obesity In Senior Populations, Indira Karibayeva, Padmini Shankar, Gulzar H. Shah

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: This study evaluated the effects of an online nutrition intervention program, Food Fitness First, Inc.®, on health indicators for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity among senior center participants.

Methods: Thirty individuals aged over 60 completed the 3-month Food Fitness First program, which included initial counseling and 12 educational sessions utilizing the Diabetes FOOD SPIRAL® book and bifold. Pre- and post-treatment assessments measured various health parameters.

Results: Results showed significant improvements in Favorable Fitness Factor (FFF) score, which encompasses four key domains: Nutrition, Exercise, Health/Disease, and Lifestyle. FFF factor difference was equal to 13.63, with 95% CI [11.22; 16.03;]. …

New Tricks? Understanding The Role Of Education, Incarceration, And Reentry On The Older Correctional Population, Angela S. Murolo Phd, Lena Campagna Phd

Journal of Prison Education Research

Abstract

Education in prison provides an opportunity for personal growth and increased professional opportunities upon release. As older people leave prison and return to communities, the need for education serves multiple functions including successful reentry and healthy aging. The aim of this research was to explore the current literature relevant to older people during incarceration and upon release. The authors conducted a systematic literature review on 15 years of research between 2008- 2023 to understand how education in prison impacts older people while incarcerated and upon release. Articles published prior to 2008 were excluded from this study. Twenty-seven articles were …

Design Solutions For Common Problems In Senior Living Facilities, Mary Schmidt

Senior Honors Theses

With the aging population of the United States, the prevalence of dementia rises along with its challenges for individuals in long-term care facilities. As cognitive function deteriorates, dementia patients face growing difficulties in performing daily activities. Common issues such as wayfinding, wandering, exit attempts, agitation, and a generally low quality of life plague most dementia patients at long-term care facilities. Design features can improve quality of life, safety, and coherence for residents with dementia at assisted living facilities. This paper examines existing research to present various design strategies that can enhance daily life for dementia patients in long-term care facilities. …

Creative Ties: Using Design To Build Connections And Reduce Loneliness, Madelyn Arnold

Honors Projects

While loneliness is a universal infliction, there are specific demographics that are disproportionately affected by this experience. The older adult population is at a much higher risk of experiencing feelings of loneliness and the negative health risks that come from extended periods of isolation. The severity of loneliness within the older adult population cannot be overstated. Art therapy techniques have been studied as a potential tool to reduce these feelings and side effects in this vulnerable population.

Moved by the profound effects and high rates of loneliness for older adults, this project seeks to create a tool to alleviate these …

The Effect Of 'Elderly': How Ageist Labels Impact Perceptions Of Older Adults, Sophia Grace Rogers, Samantha Ann Cavalea, Caroline Grace Cotter, Cailan Donna Drake, Jacob James Eder, Leonora Rose Erickson, Grace Catherine Santella

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Recruiting Care Workers After The Covid-19 Lockdown, Gabby Bigger, Natalie Mandrycky, Tyler Steinberg

Proceedings of GREAT Day

Recruitment practices have undergone significant changes post-COVID-19, with lingering effects still impacting the workforce. The pandemic led to increased turnover, a focus on work-life balance, and decreased productivity, particularly in the healthcare industry where long hours and stress were prevalent. Women, who make up the majority of workers in this industry, were disproportionately affected and many left the workforce. HR managers now face the challenge of adapting strategies to the new virtual recruitment landscape to try and bring back these care workers. We will present our research findings on new strategies for which are vital for HR professionals to effectively …

Aggression In Children, Emma C. Lathan, Jennifer Langhinrichsen-Rohling, Jose Gonzales

Essays in Developmental Psychology

No abstract provided.

Lifespan Development, Rachel Wu

Essays in Developmental Psychology

No abstract provided.

Psychological Development In Adulthood: Cognitions, Emotions, And Personality, Grace Sumabat Estrada, Margarita Azmitia

Essays in Developmental Psychology

No abstract provided.

Widowhood, Kirsten Horne, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Widowhood is defined as the state or period of being a widow or widower.  A widow is a female whose spouse has died, while a widower is a male whose spouse has died.  Although both men and women are likely to experience widowhood, research indicates that women are more likely to be widowed than men. Research suggests there are two main reasons why women are more likely to be widowed. First, women in average live longer than men. The second reason consists of the idea that women tend to marry older men. (Now that the USA and many other countries …

Dependent Care, Michael Galobardi, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

The term dependent care is an umbrella for several types of care regarding family members. One can be the caretaker for disabled children, disabled adult children, or elderly parents. It is expected of parents to perform a supportive role to make sure that children get the services they need from the appropriate health care professionals.  Caring for children is only made more difficult when the child, or one of the children has a disability. It is becoming common practice for children with disabilities to be cared for at home in developing countries. Where the complex medical and physical needs of …