Digital Commons Network^™

State Of California Cannabis Reporting, University Of Mississippi – National Center For Cannabis Research And Education

California

No abstract provided.

Recognizing And Reclaiming Indigenous Peoples’ Constitutional Land Rights In Brazil, Fernanda Frizzo Bragato, Jocelyn Getgen Kestenbaum

Book Chapters

In 2011, the Brazilian Government began dismantling the country’s robust framework for Indigenous land rights by enacting measures to deny Indigenous Peoples’ access to their ancestral lands. From 2019 to 2022, the government did not recognize or title a single hectare of Indigenous lands, despite more than 700 pending requests for demarcation (or formal designation and titling). A change in government and six land demarcations in 2023, however, show signs of a new era for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and relationship with the state. This chapter analyzes evolving Indigenous land rights pre- and post-constitutionalization in 1988, the result of intense political …

What Stories Do The Numbers Tell? A Data-Driven Narrative To Seek Women’S Equal Opportunity In The Higher Judiciary In India, Jayna Kothari, Nithya R. Rajshekhar, Naibedya Dash

Socio-Legal Review

This article offers an empirical account of how the higher judiciary in India continues to exclude women in ways that are structural, cumulative, and intersectional. Using official records from the Supreme Court, High Courts and the Department of Justice, the study traces how women are not only excluded from judicial appointments, but also systemically discriminated during their entire life-cycle in the higher judiciary. The findings show that entry routes matter: women are far less likely to be elevated from the Bar than men and face higher rates of non-confirmation even when recommended. Later appointments further compress women’s tenure on the …

Positive Changes In Functional Capacity, Muscle Strength And Body Composition After Short Time Of Resistance Training Periodization In Older Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Ericles Vieira

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 949-970, 2025. We investigated the effects of a new approach with mixed session periodization resistance training (MSP) on functional performance, muscular strength, and body composition in older women. Twenty-one participants were tested before and after the intervention (10 weeks) and were allocated for convenience into two groups according to their available time; our schedule made two classes available, one at 6 a.m. (MSP), and one at 7 a.m. (active group-control). Results were analyzed through a mixed-model analysis with repeated measures. There was a group vs. time interaction for timed up and go (p < 0.001, η_{p …}

Leveraging Academic Health Departments For Place-Based Disaster Response: Lessons From Helene In Western North Carolina, Danny Scalise Ii, Sarah B. Thach, Ellis V. Matheson

Journal of Appalachian Health

This article examines the role of two Academic Health Departments (AHDs) in Buncombe and Burke Counties, North Carolina in responding to Hurricane Helene in 2024. The partnership between local health departments and the UNC Asheville – UNC Gillings Master of Public Health (MPH) Program fostered a place-based approach to public health. After the hurricane disrupted regional infrastructure, the AHDs integrated students and faculty into recovery efforts. This paper identifies key lessons for strengthening public health preparedness through academic-practice partnerships and highlights the importance of embedding education in local contexts.

Understanding Rural Health Through Rae Garringer's Country Queers: A Love Letter, Bradley A. Firchow

Journal of Appalachian Health

Rae Garringer’s Country Queers: A Love Letter examines the experiences of queer individuals in rural America, emphasizing the relationship between place and identity. Through oral histories, the book presents perspectives on community, resilience, and healthcare access. While not centered on medical care, it highlights challenges in obtaining affirming services in rural areas. Garringer’s experience as a standardized patient provides additional context on healthcare gaps. For public health professionals, Country Queers offers insight into the structural and social factors affecting rural LGBTQ2+ populations, contributing to a broader understanding of community health and identity in Appalachia and similar regions.

Evidence-Based Best Practices For Diabetes Education And Self-Care In Appalachia: A Literature Review, Angela J. Occidental, Inga M. Zadvinskis, Jacqueline Hoying

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The Appalachian Region has a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated adverse health outcomes. Although numerous papers report best practices for diabetes care and education, a clinician-friendly, synthesized summary of best practices tailored to Appalachian cultural preferences is lacking.

Purpose: This paper uses the Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt evidence-based framework to identify the best practices for T2DM care and education for Appalachian residents.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search using the databases CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, and PubMed was guided by a PICOT question. Quality appraisals were completed for fifty-two articles; thirty papers were selected to synthesize …

The Status Of Children’S Dental Health In Rural Appalachian West Virginia, R. Constance Wiener, Gina Graziani

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Non-metro/rural Appalachian West Virginia (WV) residents have been stigmatized for poor oral health (OH), despite many advances.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to examine current OH in children in WV, as compared to children in the greater United States (U.S.), and secondarily in subgroup non-metro/rural comparisons.

Methods: This observational study involved the U.S. National Survey of Children’s Health 2022–2023 data from parents/guardians who were asked about their child’s previous 12-month OH. Rao-Scott Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used.

Results: Nationally, the mean age was 9.7 years; for WV children, it was 9.9 years. Nationally, 12.4% of …

Identifying Barriers And Place-Based Solutions To Physical Activity For Older Adults In East Tennessee, Lydia Hoskins, Jodi Southerland

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Older adults in East Tennessee (TN), the fastest growing demographic, face significant health challenges, with 44% reporting four or more chronic conditions. The state ranks 45th in physical inactivity among older adults, exacerbating chronic disease risks, fall-related injuries, and mental health issues. Urban-rural disparities in East TN further complicate efforts to promote active living, particularly for rural residents.

Purpose: This qualitative study explored socioecological barriers and solutions to increase physical activity (PA).

Methods: In April 2024, two focus group were conducted in East TN, with a total of 11 participants composed of six community partners and five older adults. …

Intensive Telemedicine Transitions Of Care Clinic: A Prospective Feasibility Study Of A Novel Ambulatory Model Serving Appalachian Patients, Jessica Thayer, Brett Miller, Marcelino Mederos Liriano, Kathryn Hoffman, Gina Baugh, Jenna Sizemore

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Hospital discharge is a complex process plagued with medical errors and poor coordination. Disjointed discharges are detrimental to Appalachian patients with access barriers and multiple chronic diseases. Telehealth is a tool used to improve access within rural Appalachia. To address this high-risk transition period, an interprofessional team deployed telemedicine to improve post-hospital care for Appalachian patients.

Purpose: Patients with uncontrolled chronic medical conditions were enrolled into the Intensive Telemedicine Transition of Care Clinic (I-TTC) with a primary outcome of 30-day Emergency Department (ED) presentations and hospital readmissions. Secondary outcomes included improved control of chronic conditions and patient cost savings. …

Person-Centered Trauma-Informed Care (Pctic): A Training Needs Assessment For Home And Community-Based Services In West Virginia, Ranjita Misra, A. Brianna Sheppard, Natalie Wilson, Megan C. Govindan, Matthew Myers, Amanda Acord-Vira, Steven Wheeler, Heather Henderson, Christena Ross, Laura Cooper, Rachel A. Goff

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Person-centered, trauma-informed care (PCTIC) is a combined, holistic service model promoting the well-being and empowerment of trauma survivors.

Purpose: This study examined the PCTIC knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by West Virginia (WV) Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) direct service professionals (DSPs) to serve clients that may have experienced trauma.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with diverse stakeholders (n = 32) from 19 organizations that provide HCBS services in all 55 counties. Interviews focused on identifying current training, needs and knowledge gaps, and priority areas for additional PCTIC training. ATLAS.ti software was used to manage and code. Validity …

Radon Environmental Health Literacy Among Health Council Participants In Northeast Tennessee, Kawther Al Ksir, Stacy Stanifer, Hadii M. Mamudu, Megan Quinn, Deborah L. Slawson

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Radon, a radioactive gas, poses significant health risks, including lung cancer, and is prevalent in indoor environments. Understanding radon testing behavior and Environmental Health Literacy (EHL) is crucial for individuals to take appropriate preventive measures.

Purpose: This study assessed radon-related EHL among Health Council participants in seven Northeast Tennessee (NETN) counties and examined associations between sociodemographic factors and EHL levels. Understanding radon knowledge and behaviors within this influential group is critical, as they often serve as trusted public health advocates.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September – November 2023 among Health Council participants across seven counties in …

Prevalence Of Screening Patients For Alcohol Use In West Virginia: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study, Bayan Abuhalimeh, Christopher Waters, R. Constance Wiener

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Consequences of alcohol consumption are well-established and compounded by physiological changes of aging (increased sensitivity; medication interactions; etc.). Alcohol screening for all ages is recommended, especially as most Americans believe moderate drinking is acceptable. Screening is important in high alcohol use regions, such as rural areas where isolation is more likely, especially for older adults. The Appalachian Region has a significant rural population of older adults. West Virginia (WV) is representative of Appalachia. It is a rural state, has many older adults, and all counties are Appalachian.

Purpose: The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine the likelihood …

Finding Community: A Thematic Analysis Of Resilience During The Pandemic, Myles Kwitny, Quinn Richards, Grace Digirolamo, Shannon Freedman, Sophie Wenzel

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic impacted those within rural Appalachian communities, particularly people with marginalized identities.

Purpose: Through interviewing 44 participants from New River Valley, an Appalachian community in Virginia, this study sought to understand how resilience impacted individuals' experiences during the pandemic.

Methods: Participants belonged to one of the following groups: African American, Hispanic, older adults, or people who use drugs. Participants were required to reside in the New River Valley and be older than 18. Each participant was interviewed either in person, by phone, or over video call. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, then thematically analyzed for themes of resilience. …

Addressing The Root Causes Of Population Health In Central Appalachian Virginia, David L. Driscoll, Kol Gold

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The Southwest Virginia Health Authority (SWVHA) recently commissioned a community health needs assessment (CHNA) to reduce the high rate of preventable health problems in Virginia’s (VA) Appalachian Region. The CHNA took place over a two-year period from 2023 – 2025.

Purpose: This iterative, mixed-method CHNA informed the development of a new iteration of the regional Blueprint for Health Improvement and Health-Enabled Prosperity identifying and prioritizing health issues and develop strategic planning to address them in VA’s three westernmost regional health districts.

Methods: The CHNA followed a sequential mixed methods design to assess the regional health status, the contextual factors …

Align Appalachia’S Opioid-Settlement Spending With Evidence And Emerging Threats, Bradley Firchow

Journal of Appalachian Health

State and local governments across Appalachia are allocating opioid-settlement dollars over the coming years. This funding opportunity can support lasting public health infrastructure or be spent on short-term programs anchored in the opioid crisis of the past. Evidence indicates that emerging synthetic drugs such as nitazenes and xylazine are altering overdose risk patterns in ways that require urgent policy attention.

Instrument Development And Psychometric Testing Of The Capstone-Experience Preceptor Preparedness Scale: The Cap-Express Study, Lisa Eyring Guthrie

Dissertations

Preceptors are relied upon to prepare nursing students during their capstone experience as novice, generalist nurses. There is currently no instrument that measures the preceptor’s level of preparedness. The purpose of this study was to psychometrically test a 67-item instrument, the Cap-ExPresS developed during a pilot study, which evaluated the level of self-perceived confidence preceptors reported when working with capstone students.

Development And Psychometric Testing Of The Capstone-Experience Preceptor Preparedness Scale: The Cap-Express Study, Lisa Eyring Guthrie

Sigma Foundation for Nursing Research Grant Reports

Objective of grant funding: To provide funds to purchase gift cards as incentives for N = 300 anticipated sample, to perform psychometric testing on a new instrument measuring preceptor preparedness, the Cap-ExPresS.

Effects Of Led Light Therapy On Pressure Ulcers, Nutrition, And Body Mass Index In Nursing Homes, I-Hua Lai, Li-Yin Chien, Chen-Jei Tai

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: This study was grounded in the theories of low-level LED light therapy (LLLT) and traditional Chinese medicine, which propose that applying photo energy to acupoints can improve microcirculation, facilitates energy transmission to mitochondria in the skin, augments the activity of the respiratory chain, and increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using LLLT to prevent pressure ulcers, improve nutritional status, and regulate Body Mass Index (BMI) in older adults in nursing homes.

Methods: This study applied a one-group pre and post-test design. Data were collected from December 2019 through February …

Implementation Of A Mobile-Based Mindfulness Intervention To Mitigate Nursing Student Stress, Wendy S. Carley

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

This project analyzed the effect of the daily use of a mindfulness-based mobile application on associate degree nursing undergraduate prelicensure students' perceived stress levels. Nursing students experience elevated stress levels that may be reduced through mindfulness behaviors. Undergraduate, prelicensure nursing students participated in establishing the impact of mindfulness on perceived stress levels in a quantitative pre/post-intervention study. The evidenced-based studies chosen for this review consisted of randomized controlled trials, pilot studies, pre/posttest designs, systematic reviews, quantitative and qualitative studies. Project research data was collected using a pre/posttest design to evaluate the effectiveness of a stress management program in reducing stress …

Fostering Collaboration & Engagement In Virtual Ebp Workshops: Strategies For Success, Elizabeth Corless, Janine S. Roberts

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

As a large system increased efforts to cultivate a culture of evidence-based practice (EBP), the EBP team recognized an opportunity for growth and improved effectiveness in its educational offerings. The goal was to create an engaging, comprehensive EBP course which encouraged active learning and real-time application.

A virtual learning environment was chosen as the primary setting to increase equitable access despite the large geographical reach of the system. Virtual settings traditionally present challenges, including poor participant engagement, higher levels of distraction, and limited small-group coaching opportunity compared to traditional in-person settings.

While virtual courses are not novel, the team integrated …

Cultivating Caring: The Heart Of Online Nursing Education- An Integrative Review, Jihane Frangieh, Vickie Hughes, Laura Sarver

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

With the widespread adoption of online education, nursing educators have observed significant challenges related to learner engagement and participation. Over the past decade, the implementation of Caring has consistently displayed a beneficial influence on creating and maintaining a sustainable online learning environment.
However, existing online nursing curricula often lack a Caring and learner-centered approach. The aim of this integrative review is to analyze existing research and gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that promote a sense of Caring in online nursing education programs. A systematic search for published peer
reviewed, English language literature identifying the factors that contribute to …

Strengthening Global Health Curriculum Via International Partnerships, Carolyn Meehan, Julie Mcculloh Nair

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Nurses worldwide play an important role in improving global health due to their collective education and clinical practice experiences. They bring a patient centered focus to care delivery and their hands-on experience enables them to better observe how healthcare policies and programs affect people and their communities (Salvage & White, 2020). While nursing curriculum includes elements of global health, the need for an academic framework was identified that prepares nurses to improve global health outcomes for all clients (Bain & Adeagbo, 2022). Nursing practice has witnessed increased mobility, as more than 12% of nurses work in a country other than …

Improving Chlamydia Screening In Rural Clinics - Nurse Practitioner And Staff Perspectives, Denise Cummins, Lydia Jorgensen, Adrianna Lorraine Watson

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Regular Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) screening is imperative for sexually active young women in rural areas, where CT is increasingly prevalent^1,2. Females age15-24 are at highest risk among all populations of acquiring CT³. Symptoms of CT are absent or subtle, often delaying detection and treatment. Without treatment, CT may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), increasing the risk of infertility and life-threatening tubal pregnancy⁴. Chlamydia screening is a high impact service⁵ that reduces the incidence of PID by up to 60%⁶. Screening resources mitigate a “double disparity”⁷ of low healthcare access …

Harness The Power Of An Evidence-Based Practice Toolkit To Drive Nursing Ebp Competency, Margo A. Halm

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Good health and well-being for all people is a key United Nations (UN) sustainable development goal. Better health outcomes are achieved with evidence-based care. Yet, evidence-based practice (EBP) competency of U.S. nurses lags¹ and EBP implementation in low-middle income countries is suboptimal to moderate.² Nurses can commit to this UN's goal by achieving proficiency in EBP. While it could be argued education advances EBP competencies, clinician and system factors influence routine implementation of EBP.^1,3,4

Objective: The purpose of this presentation is to increase awareness and adoption of a collection of valid and reliable EBP tools4 to …

Food Insecurity, Sodium-Restricted Diet Adherence, And Mental Health In Patients With Hypertension, Reimund Serafica

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

This study aims to investigate food insecurity, attitudes toward sodium-restricted diets, and mental health outcomes among Filipino-Americans with hypertension in a primary care setting.^1,2 Additionally, it seeks to explore patient perceptions of dietary restrictions and how nurse practitioners can use this information to enhance clinical management.^3,4

A two-phase, mixed-methods approach was employed. In Phase 1, a cross-sectional study was conducted, recruiting a sample of 135 Filipino-American adults with hypertension from a primary care clinic in Southern Nevada. Data collection tools included demographic surveys, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Dietary Sodium Restriction Questionnaire (DSRQ), …

Cross-Cultural Adaptation Of The Sinhala Version Of The Self-Care Self-Efficacy Scale, Sujeewa Dilhani Maithreepala, Sriyani Padmalatha Konara Mudiyanselage, Bih-Ching Shu

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background and Objective: The Self-Care Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSE) assesses a patient's confidence in managing their self-care in chronic conditions, such as heart failure (HF). Higher levels of self-efficacy are strongly linked to improved self-care behaviors and better clinical outcomes. No culturally adapted instrument is available in Sinhala to assess SCSE in Sri Lanka. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and test the reliability of the SCSE among HF patients in Sri Lanka.

Methods: The cross-cultural adaptation followed a structured process based on established guidelines for self-report measures. In Stage 1, two bilingual experts fluent in Sinhala independently performed forward …

Learning And Trending From Workplace Violence Incident Reports: Five Years Of Data, Carol A. Boswell, Rebekah Powers, Christina Ramdeo, Nancy Ornelas

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Workplace violence in healthcare settings is a multifaceted challenge and must be tackled using diverse strategies. Utilizing the data collected over a five-year period, the purpose of this project was to analyze the workplace violence incident report data to identify and determine innovative techniques to reduce or eliminate workplace violence. This agency has worked aggressively in the area of workplace violence since 2018 with the acquisition of three workplace violence grants directed toward educating and engaging nursing staff with developing a safe work environment. Two of the grants were completed by August, 2024 with the third grant funding being initiated …

Barriers To Use Of Antenatal Services Among Pregnant Women. A Temporal Decision-Making Perspective, Rose Muthoni Maina

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Antenatal care (ANC) is essential for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality, yet utilization rates remain low across sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya. This study explores pregnant Kenyan women’s experiences with ANC, focusing on how temporal decision-making affects their access to and attendance during pregnancy. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, 20 pregnant women, were purposively sampled, to understand their perspectives on ANC access and use through in-depth interviews. Analysis, based on the Betty Neuman systems model, categorized factors influencing ANC attendance into three primary areas: intrapersonal (individual beliefs and perceptions), interpersonal (social, cultural, and economic influences), and extra-personal (systemic and structural barriers). …

Evidence Based Practice Tools And Nurses’ Self-Efficacy, Amy Knowles, Penelope Neal

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Improving access to evidence-based guidelines may impact nurses’ confidence and ability to provide high-quality care (Melnyk, 2014). The purpose of this study was to evaluate use of Point of Care Tools (PoCTs) and relationship between PoCTs use and nurses’ confidence in their ability to perform their job. Information about other sources of evidence nurses utilize for clinical guidance was sought to gain a deeper understanding of where nurses obtain answers to clinical questions.

A descriptive correlational design with a 26-question survey was administered to a convenience sample of 52 nurses at a 500-bed community hospital. Survey used was a modified …