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Reducing Variation, Improving Outcomes: Standardizing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Education In A Clinical Microsystem, Thanh Le

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Variations in referral, scheduling, delivery of educational information, patient materials, and documentation hampered the quality of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) education in the outpatient maternal-fetal medicine clinic. Purpose: The aim of the quality improvement project was to boost adherence to a standardized GDM group education framework from 0 to 50% in the course of 12 weeks and assess attendance at group visits. Methods: The microsystem analysis was conducted based on observations of group visits conducted in Spanish and English, examination of current processes and resources in use, educator pre-survey, SWOT analysis, and cause and effect analysis. The implementation of …

Standardizing Group Visits For Gestational Diabetes Education: A Quality Improvement Initiative In An Outpatient Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic, Nha Nguyen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: At an outpatient maternal-fetal medicine clinic in Northern California, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) education is delivered inconsistently across nurse practitioners (NPs) and registered dietitians (RDs), with no standardized curriculum, referral criteria, or educational materials. Aim: By August 12, 2026, this project aimed to develop and implement a standardized GDM group visit framework for NPs, RDs, and scheduling staff in maternal-fetal medicine clinic, increasing compliance with standardized referral, enrollment, and educational processes from a baseline of 0% to 50%. Methods: Using baseline observations, workflow assessment, stakeholder input, and a literature review, the QI team developed standardized bilingual slide …

Face Mask Littering: Environmental Impacts, Regulatory Challenges, And Ai-Driven Waste Management Strategies For The Post-Pandemic Era, Pri̇yanka Rathee, Sari̇ta Khatkar, Renu Sehrawat, Pooja Rathee, Anurag Khatkar, Esra Küpeli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The widespread use of polypropylene-based face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic created a significant and persistent source of plastic pollution. This review aims to provide an integrative assessment of the environmental, toxicological, and public health implications of face mask litter and evaluate current waste management challenges and emerging technological solutions in the postpandemic context. A narrative review approach was employed, synthesizing literature published between 2020 and 2025 and indexed in major scientific databases including Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the issues of environmental contamination, microplastic generation, toxicological effects, regulatory frameworks, and …

Male Osteoporosis: Pathophysiology, Risk Assessment, And Evidence-Based Management, Seli̇n Teki̇n, Alper Gürlek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Osteoporosis in men is a common yet underrecognized condition associated with substantial fracture-related morbidity and excess mortality. Although men generally attain higher peak bone mass than women, age-related changes in bone microarchitecture, progressive cortical bone loss, declining sex steroid bioavailability, and a high prevalence of secondary causes contribute to a significant lifetime fracture risk. Importantly, a large proportion of fragility fractures in men occur at bone mineral density (BMD) values above the osteoporotic threshold, highlighting the limitations of BMD-based diagnosis alone. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical characteristics of osteoporosis in men, with particular …

A Comparative Analysis Of Clinical Quality And Readability Of Neuropathic Pain Patient Information Leaflets: Türkiye Versus The United States, Gonul Sari, Argun Pire

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Neuropathic pain management requires high patient adherence and complex dose-titration regimens, making the readability of patient information leaflets (PILs) a critical patient safety factor. This study aimed to compare the clinical content quality and linguistic readability of PILs for neuropathic pain medications between Türkiye (TİTCK) and the United States (DailyMed).

Materials and methods: A total of 11 pairs of innovator medications were analyzed. Clinical content was assessed using the 15-item Keystone Clinical Content Checklist (KCCC). Readability was assessed using the Ateşman index for Turkish texts and the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) for English texts. Information quality and reliability …

Demographic And Clinical Characteristics Of Frequent Users Of Emergency Medical Services In Türkiye ​, Burak Bekgöz, İshak Şan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Overuse of emergency medical services (EMS), particularly unnecessary ambulance requests, places considerable strain on limited healthcare resources and can delay responses to urgent cases. The present study analyzes the demographic characteristics, diagnoses, urgency, and hospital transfer status of frequent users of EMS in Türkiye.

Materials and methods: Included in the study were 41,113 patients who requested EMS four or more times within a year (defined as frequent users for the purpose of the study), excluding interhospital transfers. Data were accessed from the Emergency Medical Services Automation System (ASOS) database, which contains details of patient demographics, diagnoses, triage codes, reasons …

Comparing Age Of Obesity Onset, Concerns About Weight And Body Shape, And Quality Of Life In Individuals Seeking Bariatric Surgery ​, Vi̇ldan Çakir Kardeş, Özge Saraçli, Nuray Atasoy, Levent Ati̇k, Si̇bel Kahraman Gi̇rgeç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study explored the relationship between concerns about weight and body shape and quality of life in bariatric surgery candidates with morbid obesity regarding the onset of the weight problem in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.

Materials and methods: We included 453 patients who applied to our center for preoperative bariatric surgery assessment between January 2010 and April 2019. We reviewed the sociodemographic information, psychiatric diagnoses, and results of the Body Shape Questionnaire-34, Quality of Life Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory of all patients.

Results: Concerns about weight and body shape were increased in women (p < 0.001), unemployed patients (p = 0.001), those with a comorbid psychiatric disorder (p < 0.001), and those with childhood- or adolescent-onset of weight problems (r = –0.170; p < 0.001). Concerns about weight and body shape had a relationship with the vitality (r = –0.434), mental health (r = –0.464), social functioning (r = –0.418), pain (r = –0.307), and general health (r = –0.352) subscale scores of quality of life. Physical functioning was higher (p = 0.037) in patients with childhood- or adolescent-onset obesity compared to patients with adult-onset obesity, while mental health was higher (p = 0.001) in the latter group. Individuals with childhood- or adolescent-onset obesity inquired about bariatric surgery options at an earlier age (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: …

Comparative Analysis Of Corticosteroid Injection Alone Versus Combined Corticosteroid And Radiofrequency Ablation For Plantar Fasciitis: Short- And Medium-Term Outcomes ​, Nevci̇han Şahutoğlu Bal, Emel Başar, Hati̇ce Babaoğlan, Ülkü Sabuncu, Mustafa Cem Yilmaz, Şükri̇ye Dadali, Erkan Yavuz Akçaboy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common cause of heel pain and may lead to functional impairment and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to compare the short- and medium-term clinical outcomes of corticosteroid injection (CSI) alone versus combined radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and CSI in patients with PF refractory to conservative treatment.

Materials and methods: This single-center retrospective comparative study included patients diagnosed with PF between 1 January 2021 and 1 January 2025. Patients who underwent either CSI alone or combined RFA and CSI after failure of conservative management were included. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog …

Perioperative Effects Of The Quadratus Lumborum Block In Percutaneous Biliary Drainage: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study ​, Seyyi̇d Furkan Kina, Can Ozan Yazar, Cem Koray Çataroğlu, Erdi̇ Tangobay, Sadik Ahmet Uyanik, Savaş Altinsoy, Reyhan Polat, Jüli̇de Ergi̇l

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the quadratus lumborum block (QLB) on intraoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing percutaneous biliary drainage (PBD).

Materials and methods: A total of 57 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups: the sedation group (Group 1, n = 26) and the sedation with QLB group (Group 2, n = 26). The groups were compared in terms of intraoperative anesthetic consumption, vital parameters, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) recovery times, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, postoperative analgesic consumption, and clinician and patient satisfaction. The study was …

Evaluation Of Acne Vulgaris Patient Care In Outpatient Clinics: Guideline Adherence And Patient Education ​, Mefküre Durmuş, Betül Sena Çavdar, İbrahi̇m Etem Arica, Sena Ustaömer, Sena Güzel Karahan, Seçi̇l Çolak, Selcen Şenol

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Acne vulgaris, affecting over 85% of adolescents, is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Its management is severity-based, with specific drug selections and combinations according to guidelines. However, adherence to these guidelines and the adequacy of patient counseling remain uncertain in real-world practice. The aim in this study was to evaluate prescribing patterns in acne management, assess compliance with guidelines, and promote awareness among healthcare professionals.

Materials and methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the dermatology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Türkiye between February and May 2025. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and …

Effect Of Vnotes Hysterectomy With Uterosacral Ligament Suspension On Overactive Bladder Symptoms In Patients With Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Retrospective Cohort Study ​, Gonca Türker Ergün, Mahmut Kuntay Kokanali, Duygu Tuğrul Ersak, Meli̇ke Doğanay, Özlem Moraloğlu Teki̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes following vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) hysterectomy combined with bilateral uterosacral ligament suspension in patients with apical prolapse and concomitant overactive bladder symptoms.

Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary referral center. Women with symptomatic apical prolapse (stage ≥ II) and concomitant overactive bladder symptoms were included. All patients underwent vNOTES hysterectomy with bilateral uterosacral ligament suspension. Anatomical outcomes were assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, whereas functional outcomes were evaluated using validated questionnaires, including the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), …

C-Reactive Protein–Albumin–Lymphocyte (Cally) Index As A Novel Inflammatory Marker For Sarcopenia: Evidence From A Cross-Sectional Study ​, Yasemi̇n Polat Özer, Merve Güner, Serdar Ceylan, Engi̇n Çeşmeci̇, Cafer Balci, Burcu Balam Doğu, Meltem Gülhan Hali̇l, Mustafa Cankurtaran, Mert Eşme

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive impairments in skeletal muscle mass and performance, with chronic low-grade systemic inflammation playing a pivotal role in its development. The C-reactive protein–albumin–lymphocyte (CALLY) index reflects inflammatory burden alongside immune and nutritional status; however, its association with sarcopenia in older populations has yet to be sufficiently elucidated. The present study investigates the relationship between CALLY index values and probable sarcopenia (PS) in a large cohort of geriatric outpatients.

Materials and methods: Included in this retrospective cross-sectional study were 2042 geriatric outpatients aged ≥65 years who were assessed between May 2022 and March …

Beyond Individual Willingness: Family Veto, Legal Knowledge, And The Dynamics Of Organ Donation In Türkiye ​, Hasan Gi̇ray Ankara, Hakan Değerli̇, Semi̇h Baş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim was to understand the factors underlying the dynamics of organ donation behavior by focusing on three different aspects. Three models were tested in this regard, namely (i) individual willingness for the donation of one’s own organs, (ii) willingness to approve organ donation for close relatives, and (iii) a family veto gap.

Materials and methods: A national-level adult sample from the Eurobarometer 72.3 survey (collected in 2009) conducted in Türkiye was utilized. Standard and penalized logistic regression models were employed to conduct the analyses.

Results: The results show that discussing organ donation with family members and being aware …

Nationwide Characteristics Of Infectious Disease Patients Transported By Helicopter In Türkiye, Ayşe Gülden Bekgöz, Kerem Dost Bi̇lmez, Muhammed Saltuk Deni̇z

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the clinical, demographic, and operational characteristics of patients with infectious diseases transported by helicopter ambulance and to examine differences in the transfer patterns, flight durations, and diagnostic categories.

Materials and methods: Registry data of patients with infectious diseases transported by helicopter ambulance were analyzed. Demographic characteristics, diagnoses, referring and receiving hospital types, intraprovincial and interprovincial transfer status, flight durations, and temporal distribution of transfers (hours, days, and months) were evaluated. Flight duration was calculated in minutes and compared between intraprovincial and interprovincial transfers.

Results: A total of 543 patients with infectious diseases were transported by helicopter ambulance. …

Vitamin D Deficiency, Depression Severity, And Suicide Risk: Evidence From Patients With Major Depressive Disorder ​, Eli̇f Küçük, Feri̇de Uysal, Seda Şenkardeş Kandemi̇r, Özgür Özkalayci, Canay Pamukçu, Ni̇hal Taşteki̇n, Meri̇h Altintaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric condition characterized by depressive symptoms and suicide-related clinical features. Vitamin D status has been investigated as a potential clinical correlate of depression and suicidal ideation, but the direction and specificity of these associations remain uncertain. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the associations among serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, depressive symptom severity, suicidal ideation, and suicide-related cognitive–affective dimensions in adults diagnosed with MDD.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 97 adults aged 18–65 years who were diagnosed with MDD according to DSM-5 criteria. Depressive symptom severity and suicide-related outcomes were …

L-Theanine Attenuates Alcl3-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction And Neurotoxicity In Rats: A Behavioral And Biochemical Study, Muhammet Oğuzhan Dönmez, Azi̇ze Şener, Şeyda Karaman Ersoy, Mahdi̇ Marzi̇, Göksel Şener

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The effects of L-theanine (LTN), a natural compound found in tea leaves, on biochemical parameters and cognitive functions were investigated in an aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced Alzheimer’s disease-like experimental model.

Materials and methods: A total of 32 male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control, AlCl3-induced AD-like group, LTN-treated AD-like group, and donepezil-treated AD-like group. Donepezil was used as a reference drug. For the induction of AlCl3- induced neurotoxicity, AlCl3 was administered by gavage at a dose of 25 mg/kg/day during the 1st week and 150 mg/kg/day for the subsequent 3 weeks. LTN was administered orally at a dose …

Enhancing Salinity Tolerance In Phyla Nodiflora L. With Potassium Humate: Crosstalk Between Osmolytes, Antioxidants, And Mineral Uptake, Fatemeh Sadeghi, Somayeh Esmaeili, Mehrangiz Chehrazi

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Salinity stress impairs plant growth, nutrient homeostasis, and metabolism, particularly in arid ecosystems. Phyla nodiflora, a ground cover used for erosion control, shows preliminary salinity tolerance, but the mechanistic basis of its long-term adaptation and the potential for enhancement via potassium humate (KH) were unknown. Plant growth, key biochemical attributes, and nutrient uptake were assessed to elucidate how KH modulates physiological performance under increasing salinity. In a 129-day greenhouse experiment, plants were exposed to five salinity levels (0 to 16 dS m⁻¹ NaCl) and three KH concentrations (0, 500, and 1000 mg L⁻¹). Severe salinity (16 dS m⁻¹) without KH …

You Haven't Been Forgotten: A Patient-Centered Initiative Restoring Trust Through Intentional Staff Communication In The Emergency Department, Daniel A. Aliakseyeu

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Approximately 70% of patients in this 36-bed emergency department (ED) in Hospital X are not roomed and spend the majority of their visit in the waiting room, where they are susceptible to gaps in communication about their care and wait times. Baseline Press Ganey Scores from May 2026 showed that only 61.4% of patients felt informed about delays. Baseline observation data of 50 nurse-patient communication interactions confirmed these gaps: 24.5% of nurses introduced themselves, 13% provided a timeline of care, and 0% addressed potential delays. Aim: Improve communication-related patient satisfaction scores regarding delays among non-roomed patients in the ED …

Sensitivity Study Regarding Abs Formulation On Hybrid Rocket Performance, Ava T. Wilkey, Ryan J. Thibaudeau, Stephen A. Whitmore

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student Publications and Presentations

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) has emerged as a widely adopted solid fuel for hybrid rocket propulsion due to its compatibility with fused deposition modeling and favorable regression characteristics. As a terpolymer, however, ABS monomer mass fractions vary across commercial sources, introducing thermochemical variability that is rarely accounted for in propulsion modeling. This study presents a sensitivity analysis examining how compositional variability among ten commercially available ABS feedstock propagates into hybrid rocket performance predictions. Each source was characterized using bomb calorimetry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to derive source-specific constituent mass fractions and enthalpies of formation, which were supplied to NASA’s Chemical …

Dual-Polymer Concrete With Recycled Pet And Hdpe Aggregates: Mechanical And Durability Performance Assessment, Omar Abd El Mageed Hammouda

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the fresh, mechanical, durability, thermal, performance as well as preliminary financial aspects of dual-polymer concrete incorporating recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a partial replacement for fine aggregate and recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as a partial replacement for coarse aggregate, with silica fume as a supplementary cementitious material held constant at 10% by weight of cement. The study responds to the convergence of two pressing challenges in the Egyptian context: the scale of plastic waste mismanagement, which results in widespread informal open burning and environmental contamination, and the high operational energy demand of residential buildings in Egypt's hot …

Digital Markers For Passive Remote Monitoring Of Bipolar Disorder: Systematic Review, Thomas P Kutcher, Isha Chakraborty, Kristin Kostick-Quenet, Akane Sano, Nidal Moukaddam, Jeffrey A Herron, Wayne K Goodman, Sameer A Sheth, Ashutosh Sabharwal, Nicole R Provenza

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) features episodic shifts among mania, hypomania, depression, mixed states, and euthymia. Timely detection of mood transitions is difficult due to infrequent clinical touchpoints. Digital health technologies, including wearables and smartphones, offer a unique opportunity to passively and continuously monitor behavior and physiology that could reflect underlying mood dynamics in real-world settings.

Objective: This study aimed to systematically review passively collected digital markers for BD mood states, characterize devices/modalities and analytic approaches, appraise risk of bias, and identify design gaps and priorities for clinical translation.

Methods: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) …

An In-Depth Study Of Fruit Preservation: Effect Of Calcium Chloride And Methyl Jasmonate Applications On Quality And Biochemical Properties Of Cherry Fruits During Cold Storage, Muhammet Ali̇ Gündeşli̇

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a highly perishable fruit that undergoes rapid quality deterioration during postharvest storage. This study evaluated the effects of postharvest applications of Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA, 1 mM) and Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂, 2%), applied individually and in combination, on maintaining the quality and biochemical properties of cherries during 21 days of cold storage at 0 ± 1 °C. Key parameters including weight loss, decay rate, soluble solids content (SSC), pH, titratable acidity, respiration rate, phenolic profile, and organic acid composition were monitored. The combined MeJA + CaCl₂ treatment was consistently more effective than individual applications in …

Closing The Loop: Strengthening Cauti Prevention With Urinary Catheter Management, Erika N. Braun

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are among the most common preventable healthcare-associated infections and are associated with significant patient harm and increased healthcare costs. Baseline assessment across five adult cardiovascular and critical care units within a community-based acute care hospital identified four CAUTI events during the first half of 2026 and revealed important nursing knowledge deficits related to bladder scanning protocols and urinary catheter management practices. Aim: This Quality Improvement (QI) Project aimed to improve nursing knowledge of evidence-based bladder scanning protocols and urinary catheter management practices through targeted educational interventions implemented over a 10-week period, with …

Lactate Dehydrogenase-To-Albumin Ratio As A Novel Prognostic Biomarker For 28-Day Mortality In Thoracic Trauma: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study ​, Özgür Ömer Yildiz, Şükrü Yorulmaz, Eray Çinar, Hüseyi̇n Mutlu, Rami̇z Yazici, Ayşenur Gür, Medi̇ne Akkan Öz, Bensu Bulut, Mustafa Sirri Kotanoğlu, Hakan Güner

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Thoracic trauma accounts for approximately 25% of all trauma-related deaths and remains a significant public health challenge. Early identification of high-risk patients is essential for improving clinical outcomes. The present study evaluates the prognostic value of the lactate dehydrogenase-to-albumin ratio (LDAR) in predicting 28-day mortality in patients with thoracic trauma.

Materials and methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at a Level 1 trauma center between September 2022 and February 2025, and included adult patients presenting with thoracic trauma who underwent thoracic computed tomography. Demographic characteristics, clinical parameters, laboratory values, and 28-day mortality were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) …

Robust Soil Moisture Content Detection Based On Data Augmentation Under Different Testing Conditions, Yang Li, Chenghao Liu, Jing Nie, Jingbin Li

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Accurate and cost-effective monitoring of soil moisture content is essential for the development of precision agriculture and the optimization of water resource management. While low-frequency acoustic signals are used to detect soil moisture content, models trained with controlled laboratory acoustic data often exhibit significant performance degradation with field data due to their sensitivity to environmental noise, soil heterogeneity, and structural variations. This study proposes a novel framework to enhance model robustness and generalization by integrating a WGAN-GP network data augmentation strategy into the soil moisture content workflow. This framework is designed to generate high-quality and diverse data on different soil …

Landscape Character Analysis And Assesment At Local Scale, Eli̇f Önal, Serkan Özer

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

​Landscape areas are one of the most important elements of human life all over the world. Varied landscape areas are a valuable natural resource and have high cultural value. The first step to ensure the effective landscape use is to identify these areas, analyze them in detail, and determine their characteristics. The northeastern Anatolia region in Türkiye has a rich diversity of landscapes because of varied geographic, climatic, and topographic features. The aim of this study was to identify the landscape character types in the Tortum district, located in the Tortum River basin in northeastern Türkiye, and to assess the …

Staff Education To Improve Diabetic Care In A Primary Care Setting, Sally Uyen Nguyen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Inadequate patient education, inconsistent screening, missed referrals, and follow up with diabetes patients are challenges primary care managers and staff must overcome. Patients may experience negative effects that lead to poor health outcomes, delayed diagnosis, and undertreatment when provider and staff members are not educated about diabetes. The practice-focused question guiding the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education project involved exploring whether a staff education intervention on standardized diabetes care and screening protocols could improve physicians, managers, and medical assistants’ (MAs) knowledge of diabetes care in primary care clinics. The purpose of this project was to enhance staff knowledge …

Non-Veteran Civilian Manager Perceptions About Supporting Employee Military In Civilian Workplace Transitions, Sandra Gail Piggee

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

One of the largest populations seeking employment in private sector industries is military veterans. The active-duty military careers end for over 200,000 individuals per year, and over two-thirds of veterans resign from private sector industry positions within 2 years of post-service transition due to difficulties with their transition. This can lead to a lack of career advancement, professional development, and employee benefits. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore perceptions of non-veteran civilian managers in private sector industries about how to support employees who are veterans in making a successful transition from the military into civilian employment. …

Examining The Association Between Socioeconomic Factors And Cervical Cancer Among Minority Women In The United States, Darla Fils

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern, with African American and Hispanic women experiencing disproportionately higher incidence and mortality rates in the United States. Socioeconomic factors, including income, education, employment status, and place of residence, may contribute to these disparities by affecting access to preventive services, timely diagnosis, and follow-up care. This quantitative cross-sectional study examined associations between these factors and cervical cancer incidence among African American and Hispanic women while controlling for age and health insurance status. Guided by the socio-ecological model, the study used 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from N = 33,886 African American …

The Lived Experiences Of Intimacy And Isolation In Single Mothers During Covid-19: An Eriksonian Perspective, Chante Renee Reeves

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Single mothers were largely absent from the COVID-19 literature, despite being head of household in approximately 80% of single-parent homes. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative research study was to gain insight into the lived experiences of single mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study addressed how this group connected with family, friends, and others in meaningful ways despite government-imposed lockdowns and restrictions. This phenomenon was explored through Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory, with a focus on the intimacy versus isolation stage. An Eriksonian perspective on relationship building and maintenance in adulthood can help better understand and address the social …