Digital Commons Network^™

From Strain To Strength: A Narrative Review Of Wellness Dimensions In Caregiving, Valerie Perkoski

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

This narrative review investigates the positive aspects of being a family caregiver for individuals with developmental disabilities (DDs) using the National Wellness Institute’s Six Dimensions of Wellness (Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Occupational, Spiritual, and Social). While much research has traditionally focused on “caregiver burden,” this review highlights the often-overlooked beneficial outcomes of caregiving. Emotional wellness is enhanced through gratitude and resilience. Physical wellness is discussed through interventions like physical activity, which can reduce caregiver distress. Intellectual wellness emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization, helping caregivers find fulfillment in their roles. Occupational wellness shows that employment and community engagement can reduce anxiety among …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of A Mobile Epilepsy Education Package (Meep) Application Developed For The Parents/Caregivers Of Children With Epilepsy In Canada: Protocol For A Unicentre Parallel Open Randomized Trial, Dilek Sayik, Ayfer Acikgoz, Argerie Tsimicalis, Kenneth A. Myers

Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy

Epilepsy education can help address a multitude of concerns encountered by families of children with seizures. The Mobile Epilepsy Education Package (MEEP) was developed, tested and integrated into practice in Turkey to manage epilepsy and increase treatment compliance. This study aims to develop English and French versions of MEEP, adapt it culturally, and evaluate its effectiveness. A two-group, single-center, randomized controlled intervention trial with 1:1 allocation ratio will be conducted in the Pediatric Neurology Clinic of the Montreal Children’s Hospital. Seventy-two caregivers of children with epilepsy (intervention=36, control= 36), aged 1-17 years, will be recruited. Family Introduction Form, Epilepsy Information …

Pattern And Predictors Of Neurologic Comorbidities Among African Children With Epilepsy, Aderonke Oluwatoyin Uhunmwangho-Courage, Ikeoluwa Abiola Lagunju, Emeka Uba Ejeliogu, Fidelia Bode-Thomas, Courage Ukponmwan Uhunmwangho, Akinyemi Od Ofakunrin

Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy

Background: Epilepsy is the most common neurologic disorder affecting children in Nigeria. It is often associated with other neurologic comorbidities in addition to epileptic seizures, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and cognitive, visual and hearing impairments, which can be unrecognized while focusing on the seizures. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence, pattern and predictors of neurologic comorbidities among 100 children with Epilepsy (CWE) attending the pediatric neurology clinic of Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria, and age and sex-matched controls selected consecutively. Data were summarized using frequencies and proportions. Chi-square and Mann- Whitney U tests were used …

Collaborative Learning In Clinical Education As A Catalyst To Support Foundational Professional Competencies In Speech-Language Pathology: A Theoretical Framework, Lori-Ann Ferraro

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

As a part of every speech-language pathology graduate program in the US, clinical education is an integral and required element for both academic accreditation and the eventual clinical certification for students. Clinical education is significantly important when considering overall educational models because it is an aspect of a student’s education that contributes to their ability to make connections between what is learned in the classroom and its real-world clinical application while contributing to the acquisition of competencies. The 2:1 collaborative learning model is supported by sound learning theories and evidence from the literature. A theoretical framework was created to demonstrate …

Developing Critical Thinking Skills In Undergraduate Csd Students Through A Case Study Project, Lydia R. Kruse, Windi Krok

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Critical thinking skills are crucial for Speech-Language Pathologists to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders. However, the optimal timing for teaching these skills to future clinicians remains an open question. Most of the current research is focused on developing critical thinking skills in graduate students, though there is some evidence to suggest that students should be working to develop critical thinking skills during their undergraduate education. This work describes the critical thinking skills demonstrated by undergraduate students in a Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD program) through a case study project, as well as their self-perceptions. Results indicate relative weakness …

Development And Impact Of A Review Course For The Praxis Examination In Speech- Language Pathology, Miriam Baigorri, George Pagano

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Abstract

The Praxis II: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology is a required national examination for certification and licensure in the United States. However, disparities in pass rates, particularly among culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) test takers, create barriers to professional entry. This study examines students' perceptions of the effectiveness of an Examination Preparation Course, designed to enhance student success through structured content review, practice exams, and test-taking strategies. A total of 70 graduates (2018–2023) who completed the course participated in an online survey assessing their demographics, perceptions of the course’s effectiveness, and confidence levels before and after taking the course. …

Exploring Sexual Health Literacy And Information Needs: A Qualitative Study Of Disadvantaged Youths In A Thai Welfare School, Chanat Paktanyasit, Suchita Sukonthasub

Journal of Health Research

Background: Disadvantaged youths in Thailand are left critically exposed to sexual health risks due to systemic informational barriers that have been largely unaddressed by research. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the sexual health literacy and information needs of disadvantaged youths.

Method: The research utilized purposive sampling for in-depth interviews with 16 disadvantaged students at Rajaprajanugroh 58 School in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand and a focus group discussion with 10 of their teachers. Data was collected in August 2025.

Results: Disadvantaged youths lack the capacity to critically inquire about and evaluate sexual health information to make appropriate decisions. Their primary information …

Secondary Students’ Mental Health And Absenteeism Post-Covid-19: School Social Workers’ Perspectives, Tiffany Hines Sutton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

School social workers practice in a post-COVID-19 educational context where anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation are closely associated with chronic absenteeism among middle school students. This practice problem is central to clinical social work because distress-based avoidance is often misinterpreted as defiance, resulting in punitive responses that intensify disengagement. The purpose of this doctoral project was to explore how school social workers perceive and respond to the interconnected dynamics of student mental health and chronic absenteeism following COVID-19. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory guided the inquiry. A qualitative descriptive design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 10 middle school social workers …

Lessons From A Scoping, Librarian-Assisted Literature Review: How Lgbtq+ People Experience Institutions Of Health, Samuel S. N. Theesfeld, Erica Schorr

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Those that identify as a sexual and gender minority, that is, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other appropriate term (LGBTQ+), experience life, health, and healthcare that is rich in multiplicity. As nurses and health professionals, the narratives of our patients are indeed paramount. Whether it’s the political marginalization of gay people, the increase in U.S. domestic hate crimes, or the fragility and minority stress in which sexual minority men in Tajikistan receive healthcare, our call to understand this population remains consistent.^1-5 This call was explored by the primary author in a scoping literature review that was conducted …

How Do Repeated Financial Incentives Affect Hiv Care-Seeking Behaviours Over Time? Evidence From A Cluster-Randomised Controlled Trial, Solis Winters, Emmanuel Katabaro, Babuu Joseph, Janeth Msasa, Hamza Maila, Kassim Hassan, Amon Sabasaba, William H. Dow, Prosper F. Njau, Sandra I. Mccoy

Health Studies Faculty Publications

Background A more nuanced understanding of behavioural responses to incentives over time, particularly after they are removed, could guide more effective interventions. In this study, we build on the primary trial evaluation to explore the dynamic effectiveness of small, short-term monthly financial incentives on HIV care-seeking behaviours during and after incentive removal.

Methods We conducted a 32-site cluster-randomised controlled trial (NCT04201353) among adult antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiates (< 30 days) in four regions of Lake Zone, Tanzania. HIV care and treatment clinics were randomly assigned 1:1 to the intervention (up to 6 monthly cash transfers of 22 500 TZS each (~US$10), conditional on appointment attendance) or standard of care. Using time-to-event analysis, we assess the effect of incentives on three HIV-care seeking behaviours: missed appointment by >4 days, < 90% ART adherence and interruption in treatment of >28 days.

Results Among 1990 participants, we found large significant reductions in rate of missed appointments (hazard ratio (HR), 95% CI: 0.51, 0.39 to 0.68), < 90% ART adherence (HR, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.41 to 0.83) and interruption in treatment (>28 days without …

Understanding Software Engineering Practices And Tools In Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Students, Prisha Bhatia, Ramzey Burdette, Titilayo Oshinowo, Michelle Jarvie-Eggart, Stephanos Matsumoto

Michigan Tech Publications

Though software development has increasingly become a part of modern engineering practice, even outside of computing, we lack a sufficiently deep understanding of how engineers in many disciplines learn and use software engineering practices and tools (SEPTs). SEPTs include, but extend beyond, programming itself, consisting of practices (e.g., unit testing) and tools (e.g., version control software) that support the design, implementation, or maintenance of software. While many disciplines outside of computing teach programming in their undergraduate curricula, little is known about how these disciplines use, teach, or adopt SEPTs. We thus conducted an exploratory qualitative study on SEPTs among undergraduate …

Autoimmune Encephalitis: The Psychological Impact Of Brain Inflammation, Ophelia Hyde

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE) is a disease in which the cells of the immune system attack the brain, causing inflammation also known as encephalitis. Brain Inflammation diminishes its proper functioning and can severely impact basic processing skills. The presentation of AE is difficult to identify, because it varies depending on the antibodies involved and the location of inflammation. Autoimmune encephalitis can gradually worsen over time, and can even be fatal. The disease is rare, but as diagnosis methods improve, more and more cases are being discovered. Autoimmune Encephalitis has been found to be more common in women than men. There …

Satellites, Urban Heat, And Environmental Justice: Community As The Bridge Between Analysis And Action, Joshua B. Fisher, Ambar Rivera, Ava Cison, Ashley Agatep, Kainani Tacazon, Sophia Spiegleman, Alison Mckenery, Rio E. Fisher, Reginald Archer, Jason A. Douglas

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Heat waves are increasing in frequency, intensity, magnitude, and duration, causing a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities exposed to urban heat islands. Newly emerging spaceborne thermal sensing instruments, such as ECOSTRESS and Hydrosat, now have the capabilities to measure urban surface temperatures accurately at the block level (< 100 m) and with enough frequency to capture transient heat waves (daily to subweekly). Such data are critical for monitoring and informing policy and mitigation efforts, such as resurfacing, green space, cooling stations, and medical mobilization. These serve to advance environmental justice and reduce health risks—and deaths—among the most vulnerable: minority, low-income, elderly, those with physical- and mental-health preconditions, unhoused, children, and outdoor workers. While scientists have increasingly used satellite data to quantify urban heat islands and risks to communities, there remains a significant gap in action resulting from such analyses—a figurative and literal “valley of death.” Reviewing over 500 scientific publications, we identify a critical lack of engagement with the communities being analyzed (10.9%; n = 58); yet, community engagement is key to bridging such analysis with subsequent action. Here, we demonstrate how participatory community engagement directly with data and analysis leads to increased policy changes and mitigation efforts. Our framework has immediate implications for how scientists may augment their work and thought processes to achieve …

Impact Of Suicide Literacy In Hispanic/Latinx Communities, Denisse Centeno Lamas

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between Social Determinants And Primary Care Utilization Among Medicaid Recipients In A Managed Care Community Health Worker Program, Rachel Elaine Rosensteel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Community health worker (CHW) programs are an increasingly important strategy for addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) within Medicaid systems. However, evidence on how specific SDOH impact healthcare utilization remains limited. In this quantitative, correlational study, the relationship between SDOH factors like housing instability, food insecurity, and transportation barriers, and primary care utilization among adult Medicaid recipients aged 18–65 who participated in a Medicaid managed care organization’s CHW program in Clark County, Nevada, during 2023 were examined. Retrospective administrative data from 441 participants were analyzed using negative binomial regression to assess associations between SDOH factors and postintervention primary care visits …

Assessing Working Musicians’ Perspectives Of Need And Barriers Regarding Lay Harm Reduction Efforts For Substance-Related Harm In South Carolina, Sarah Grace Frary

Faculty Publications

Background

Harm Reduction (HR) approaches applied to substance use aim to decrease the toxic consequences of overdose. The addition of xylazine and benzodiazepines to fentanyl, the primary opioid in the US drug supply, increases the likelihood of overdose. Likewise, adding fentanyl to other popular substances, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, has further driven the exponential increase in opioid and stimulant overdoses. Engaging lay community members in HR efforts may help to combat the overdose crisis. Substance use is common in live music settings, and working musicians may be uniquely positioned within “the scene” – individuals who populate specific cultural niches …

Resilience In Young People Living With Hiv In Low To Middle-Income Countries: A Critical Review, Lily R. Bastian

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Background: According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS, 2023), 39 million people globally were living with HIV, and 1.3 million people became infected in 2022. Of those, 27% were young people (ages 15-24), including 210,000 young women and 140,000 young men. HIV is an expanding epidemic despite an overall reduction in the annual incidence percentage and the significant strides that have been made towards prevention of transmission and treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Low to middle-income countries (LMICs) are especially vulnerable to the HIV/AIDs epidemic. The identification and promotion of resilience factors could play a crucial role …

Stress Management And Resiliency Program For Accelerated Bsn Students In A Dedicated Education Unit, Marcela Alvarez-Lazo

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Background: About 12-25% of newly graduated nurses will leave nursing within the first-year post-graduation. These statistics surrounding nursing retention are alarming and are not expected to improve, as 900,000 nurses are projected to depart from nursing by the year 2027. Addressing the underlying issues are critical in making a real impact to increase retention.

Aim: This quality improvement project aims to integrate a Stress Management and Resiliency. Program for accelerated BSN nursing students. The project aims to apply a CBT-based program to increase the knowledge of principles of stress and resilience for nursing students and preceptors, decrease stress, increase resilience, …

Financial Stability Success Strategies For Nursing Homes, Jennifer Helene Garrison

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Ineffective regulatory strategies can lead to reduced financial stability. Nursing home leaders who wrestle to improve regulatory practices may find their business facing reduced financial sustainability. Grounded in management by objectives theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry research project was to identify and explore the effective strategies nursing home leaders used to implement regulatory compliance practices that increase financial sustainability. The participants were nine nursing home leaders who had successfully implemented regulatory compliance strategies within their organizations. Data was collected through semistructured interviews, public websites, and current and archival public documents. Through thematic analysis, three themes were identified: …

Mitigating Vicarious Traumatization From Exposure To Human Trafficking For Human Services Professionals, Andrea T. Charles-Alleyne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Human trafficking is a devastating form of exploitation that not only has detrimental impacts to its victims but also the human services practitioners charged with and committed to their service provision. The secondary impact for professionals is not to be underestimated, as repeated exposure to the traumatic experiences of their clients can potentially lead to physical as well as emotional symptoms such as vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Often, practitioners prioritize the needs of their clients with a relentless focus on advocacy and the overall well-being of those they serve. The purpose of this qualitative action research study was …

Transformation From Sap Ecc To Sap S/4hana Finance Erp In The Usa: Investigating Human-Centric Challenges And Strategic Benefits, Muhammad Kamran Mirza Mr.

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

This study examines the human-centric challenges and organizational strategic benefits associated with migrating from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA Finance in U.S.-based organizations. The motivation behind this ERP transformation is that the company aims to automate its business processes and achieve operational efficiency. The success of ERP migration is shaped by user experience. Human barriers such as cognitive load, burnout and reluctance to change, insufficient user training, and work stress can threaten the success of ERP migration. This study aims to examine human-centric issues and organizational dynamics to propose effective ERP migration strategies that can help future ERP migrations and …

Exploring K–12 Teacher Motivation To Engage With Ai In Education, Ethel Tshukudu, Katharine Childs, Gaokgakala Alogeng, Emma R. Dodoo, Douglas R. Case, Tebogo Videlmah Molebatsi

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

While global interest in K–12 AI and ML education grows, many African education systems lack foundational computing education beyond basic computer literacy. This creates unique challenges for AI integration in countries where computer science isn’t part of the K–12 curriculum. Teachers are central to this effort, but little is known about what motivates them to engage with these technologies or how they use them. This study examined what motivates K–12 teachers to engage with AI and ML in Botswana. Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 59 teachers using an adapted version of the Motivation to Teach Computer Science (MTCS) scale …

Unravelling Antecedents And Bidirectional Impacts Of Nurse Work Rumination: A Scoping Review To Enhance Nurses’ Well-Being And Improve Nursing Quality, Wenjun Hu, Xiaofeng Xie, Xun Xu, Siying Wei, Ling Zhu, Yawen An

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Background Globally, work rumination is a common phenomenon related to nurse burnout. However, most existing studies focus on the single negative impacts of rumination, with less exploration of its dual effects and antecedents. Therefore, comprehensively exploring the effect of nurse work rumination and its influencing factors is crucial for enhancing the accuracy of nursing management. Objectives Identify the antecedents and dual effects of nurse work rumination to deepen understanding of this phenomenon and provide references for formulating interventions that enhance nurses’ well-being and improve the quality of nursing work. Eligibility criteria Included studies were original research articles focusing on work-related …

Cannabis And Psychedelics Among U.S. Young Adults: Use, Messaging Exposure, Perceptions, And Legalization Support, Carla J Berg, Cassidy R Loparco, Darcey M Mccready, Laura C Schubel, Patricia A Cavazos-Rehg, Erin Kasson, Shriya Thakkar, Diane M Ndisebuye, Y Tony Yang

2020-Current year OA Pubs

This study assessed the correlates of cannabis and psychedelic use and legalization support among young adults in the United States (US). Using 2025 data among adults ages 18-34 (

Research Note: Project Initiated In China To Translate And Research The Philosophical Writings Of William James, Wang Chengbing

Dewey Studies

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Public Philosophy In Higher Education: Lessons Learned Baking Philosophical Bread, Anthony Cashio, Eric Thomas Weber

Dewey Studies

No abstract provided.

Taking It To The People: Translating Empirical Findings About Black Men And Black Families Through A Black Public Philosophy, Tommy J. Curry, Gwenetta D. Curry

Dewey Studies

No abstract provided.

Philosopher-As-Laison? Lessons From Sustainable Knowledge And American Philosophy, Danielle Lake, Paul Thompson

Dewey Studies

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between Mindful Awareness And Acculturative Stress For International Undergraduate Students In America, Nandini Narula Bajpai, Mary Stone

International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

This study examines mindful awareness and its role in acculturative stress experienced by international undergraduate students in American colleges. Data from 101 students from 37 countries attending 35 colleges revealed a significant negative correlation between mindful awareness and acculturative stress (r[99] = -0.51, p < 0.001). Higher mindful awareness predicted lower general acculturative stress and specific subdomains. These findings aim to refine cultural adaptation frameworks and inform evidence-based support systems for international students.

On Reality, Experience, And Truth: John Watson's Unpublished Notes On John Dewey, James Scott Johnston, Sarah Messer

Dewey Studies

No abstract provided.