Digital Commons Network^™

An Open Trial For Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy For Primary Care (Tbt-Pc) In Veterans With Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety, Daniel F Gros, Stephanie Hart, Michelle Pompei, Ron Acierno

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Transdiagnostic psychotherapies were developed to address multiple diagnostic presentations via a single, easier-to-implement protocol. However, despite advances, these protocols are largely limited to longer formats designed for mental health settings. The present study investigated a version of Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT-PC) that was adapted for primary care settings. Forty-one participants with emotional disorders received 6 sessions of TBT-PC, with symptoms of depression and anxiety assessed at baseline, immediate post-treatment, and at 3-month follow-up. Medium treatment effects for symptoms of depression and anxiety were evidenced at post-treatment and sustained at follow-up. Treatment feasibility was supported by excellent attendance, treatment completion, and …

Mesalamine As A Suspected Cause Of Drug-Induced Pancreatitis: A Case Report And Review Of Diagnostic Considerations, Elias Arellano Villanueva, Miguel Lopez, Alhasan Asaad, Jose E. Campo Maldonado

School of Medicine Publications

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common cause of gastrointestinal-related hospitalizations in the United States. It is characterized by pancreatic inflammation and necrosis, with diagnosis based on elevated pancreatic enzymes, characteristic imaging, and epigastric pain radiating to the back. While gallstones and alcohol are the predominant etiologies, drug-induced pancreatitis (DIP) accounts for up to 5% of cases and remains a diagnostic challenge. Over 500 medications, including mesalamine, have been implicated. Proposed mechanisms of DIP include pancreatic duct obstruction, toxic metabolite accumulation, hypersensitivity reactions, and localized angioedema. Prompt recognition and withdrawal of the offending agent are critical to prevent complications.

We report …

The Role And Influence Of Media Coverage And Social Media On Suicides: A Scoping Review, Kevin Miko Buac, Janine Trixia Austria, Claro Emmanuel Monsanto, Ma. Jamaica Monique Ponce, Arnold Christopher Soriano, Mystie Suzuki, Marc Eric S. Reyes

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Numerous factors contribute to suicide ideation; recent studies highlight that the media’s presentation of suicide plays a significant role in influencing suicide ideation and attempts among their audience. This study aims to evaluate the extent of the literature on traditional media reporting and social media in the context of suicide ideation and attempts, considering social media as a distinct yet relevant domain with its widespread reach and user-driven nature. The PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews was employed to retrieve relevant studies and address the following questions: (1) What potential factors …

Willingness To Pay For A Restored And Protected Watershed: Evidence From The Countryside, Sherrie Ann Cananua-Labid, Julie Ann M. Quilatan, Lovely Rose A. Bolante

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia

Climate change and human activity have severely degraded watersheds, jeopardizing their sustainability. The willingness of residents to pay for watershed management is essential for developing sustainable environmental protection efforts. This study determined the respondents' willingness to pay (WTP) for the restoration and protection (RP) of the Ulot Watershed of Samar Island Natural Park using a double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation approach. The researchers used the Kish grid method to draw respondents from 150 households. The study revealed that families with an average annual income of approximately $2746.70 were ready to contribute $0.78 per month, or $9.36 annually, to the watershed …

Deacon Lonnie Lavel Lee

African American Funeral Programs

Funeral program for Lonnie Lee. Service was held on September 20, 2025 in Statesboro, Georgia

Delorise Smith Smart

African American Funeral Programs

Funeral program for Delorise Smart. Service was held on September 20, 2025 in Statesboro, Georgia

Willie Kirkland

African American Funeral Programs

Funeral program for Willie Kirkland. Service was held on September 20, 2025 in Statesboro, Georgia

Facilitators & Barriers To Self-Management Of T2d In Elderly Black African And Afro-Caribbean People, Dionne Ashaloy Anglique Henry

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Self-management helps to reduce the rate of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs associated with uncontrolled diabetes due to various complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy. Ageing increases the risk of developing health conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), and there is a global increase in the number of people living longer. Older adults who are from ethnic minority backgrounds in the United Kingdom (UK) are placed at a greater disadvantage, as their financial situation, employability, and social networks are gravely lower than that of their White Counterparts. Additionally, there is a paucity of research focusing on the …

Pregnancy Ambivalence, Contraception, And Pregnancy Incidence Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness, Diane Santa Maria, Mary Catherine Lingwall

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) are 5-8 times more likely to become pregnant than their housed peers, with pregnancy estimates ranging from 30-60%. Similar to their housed peers, the majority of these pregnancies are unintended, a factor associated with negative health, economic, and social outcomes. Contraceptive use has been considered the behavioral link between attitude toward pregnancy and incidence of pregnancy; however, recent studies suggest that pregnancy attitudes and contraceptive use behaviors may be less consistent than previously thought, especially for marginalized individuals, such as YEH.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe pregnancy ambivalence, pregnancy, and contraceptive …

Effect Of A Culturally Focused Parenting Program On Korean Parents And Children: A Pilot Study, Gloria Park, Theresa Garcia

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Traditional Korean parenting practices, heavily grounded in Confucianism which emphasizes educational success, family obligations, and repressed emotionality¹, may be related to children’s mental health issues². The Ottuki Korean Parenting Program (OKPP)³, integrated Korean culture and values, was recently developed for Korean American parents to improve the parent-child relationship. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the OKPP on Korean American parenting practices, parental confidence, and child mental health.

Method: Participants were assigned to either the Intervention group or the Control group. The intervention group received a 3-hour parenting class weekly …

Cardiovascular Awareness, Risk Factors Awareness, And Select Risk Reduction Interventions, Kimberly Ann Henderson

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally, with African American (AA) females experiencing a disproportionately higher burden of CVD compared to other racial and gender-ethnic groups. This disparity is particularly pronounced among premenopausal and middle-aged AA females. While CVD is primarily preventable, addressing social determinants of health (SDoH) and achieving equitable health requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing CVD risk and health behaviors.

This descriptive correlational study employed a secondary data analysis using the 2020 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) datasets to examine the relationships among CVD awareness, modifiable risk factor awareness, clinician cues to …

Integrating Social Determinants Of Health Into Clinical Practice, Jenna Poraharju, Saija Inkeroinen, Heli Virtanen, Helena Leino-Kilpi

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Health is a concept with multiple definitions, and it is influenced by a range of determinants. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are societal systems and resources that cause health consequences, by influencing the distribution of health-supporting factors and risks across populations (Hahn, 2021). SDOH are widely associated with health outcomes (Enard et al., 2023; Glauser et al., 2022; Vince et al., 2023), and they are recognised in various national (Flaubert et al., 2021; Kuehnert et al., 2022) and international health strategies (United Nations, 2015; World Health Organization, 2019). SDOH affect on individual’s health regardless the effectiveness of the care, …

Haitian Nurses’ Perception About Disaster Preparedness And Disaster Nursing, Jacqueline Cassagnol

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Disasters happen worldwide. They devastate infrastructure, livelihoods, and often result in mass casualties. The increased occurrence of disasters means that disaster preparedness training is essential. Studies have shown that nurses make up the largest number of healthcare providers and are often the first point of contact for disaster survivors. The International Council of Nursing calls for nurses to be involved in all aspects of disaster preparedness, from risk assessment to multidisciplinary management. Nurses and nursing associations are urged to take leadership roles in preparing their countries for disasters. In a country such as Haiti that is prone to natural …

Exploring Workplace Dignity Among Clinical Nurses In Taiwan, Shu-Yin Huang, Chiu Yueh Yang

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: The issue of dignity in the nursing workplace is critical for enhancing the efficiency and performance of nursing professionals. Workplace conditions are a key social determinant of health, and workplace dignity positively influences job performance. When nurses feel respected and valued in their work environment, they are more equipped to provide empathetic and professional care to patients, ultimately improving the quality of care.

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the sense of workplace dignity among clinical nurse practitioners in Taiwan and to understand the relationship between nurses' perceptions of workplace dignity, self-esteem, and psychological distress.

Methods:This study employed …

Innovative Pain Care: Using Ivr To Improve Postoperative Pain And Anxiety, Sue Schuelke, Krystal Davis, Susan Barnason, Megan Dubas

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of an Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) relaxation intervention for postoperative surgical patients, focusing on evaluating postoperative pain and anxiety by group, examining differences in postoperative outcomes, and assessing the perceived usefulness of IVR relaxation.

Background: Surgery often results in significant acute postoperative pain and anxiety, which can impair recovery. These issues can lead to increased use of analgesics, hemodynamic instability, poor quality of life, longer hospital stays, and compromised functioning. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies can help optimize postoperative pain management and reduce anxiety.

Methods: A two-arm randomized control study compared …

Professional Identity In Nursing Scale Development, Testing, And Future Directions, Tullamora Landis, Nelda Godfrey, Cynthia M. Clark, Celestina Barbosa-Leiker

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: According to the International Society for the Professional Identity of Nursing (ISPIN), professional identity in nursing (PIN) is defined as a “sense of oneself, and in relationship with others, that is influenced by characteristics, norms, and values of the nursing discipline resulting in an individual thinking, acting, and feeling like a nurse.”¹ In addition, four domains of professional identity were established: knowledge, leadership, values and ethics, and professional comportment.² The Professional Identity in Nursing Scale (PINS) was designed, tested, and revised to effectively measure perceptions of PIN related to self and the work environment.

Methods The PINS …

Understanding Sexual And Gender Minority Patients’ Experiences To Inform Provider Training, Marvin Allan Schilt-Solberg, Joseph Schwartz, Sarah Kiperman, Brayden Misiolek, Rick Zimmerman

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Despite increasing visibility in the United States and worldwide, sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals continue to face significant health disparities, including increased substance use (Schuler et al., 2018), poor mental health (SAMHSA, 2023), and risky HIV behaviors (Solberg et al., 2023). These disparities often stem from negative experiences within the healthcare system, resulting in delayed care or lack of care for health problems (Ayhan et al., 2019). This study seeks to understand the experiences of SGM individuals in healthcare settings and was guided by insights from Uncertainty Management Theory (Brashers, 2001).

Methods: Participants were recruited online and from …

Disparities In Mental Health And Substance Use Disorder Related Postpartum Readmissions, Curisa M. Tucker, Peiyin Hung, Yunqing Ma, Jihong Liu, Berry A. Campbell, Xiaoming Li, Jiajia Zhang

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Importance: Postpartum readmission (PPR) affects up to 3% of all births in the U.S.^1,2 PPR is often avoidable, especially for psychiatric disease and substance use disorders.^3,4 Many mothers experience challenges accessing mental health and substance use treatment during perinatal periods. Nursing science prioritizes equitable care⁵ highlighting the critical need to address this public health issue.

Aim: To investigate the intersections of residential rurality and race/ethnicity on all-cause, mental health disorders and substance use disorders (SUD) PPR throughout 1-year postpartum.

Methods: A statewide retrospective cohort study using birth certificates linked to all-payer hospital data for mothers …

Patient And Provider Perspectives On Participation In Hemodialysis, Chava Kurtz, Efrat Shadmi, Karl Skorecki, Alon Antebi, Tatyana Tsehovsky, Sivan Spitzer

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis often remain passive, with providers performing most treatment tasks. While patient participation can improve safety and care quality, its implementation is limited. This study explores patient and provider perspectives on participation, focusing on organizational factors influencing adoption. Using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework, we examined barriers and facilitators to shifting from a provider-dominant model to a shared-care approach.

Methods: A mixed-methods study followed a sequential design. First, a cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to 339 patients across two hospital- and two community-based units. It assessed patient interest and participation in care tasks, examining associations with …

Effects Of Working From Home Job Satisfaction, Productivity, Employee Retention: A Systematic Review, Tricia Nwokocha, Emmanuella Anucha

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

PICO Question: Does working from home, as opposed to traditional office-based work, affect employees’ job satisfaction, productivity, and retention globally?

Purpose Statement: The purpose of this review is to align SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)/SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) to examine the impact of working from home on job satisfaction, productivity, and employee retention.

Background: Telecommuting across industries has become a prevalent practice, driven by changing dynamics of the workplace and technological advancement of the office. While telecommuteing offers work-life balance and flexibility, its effects on job satisfaction, productivity, and employee retention remain unexplored, especially in relation …

The Influence Of Sdoh On Symptoms, Symptom Management, And Outcomes In Cardio-Oncology Patients, Cheongin Rachel Im, Julie A. Zuniga, Kavita Radhakrishnan

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Cardio-oncology focuses on comprehensive cardiovascular care throughout their cancer journey¹. When cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) coexist in the same individual, the overlapping symptoms intensify the challenges in managing cardio-oncology symptoms and impacting health outcomes^2,3. Social determinants of health (SDOH) play a critical role in influencing cancer and CVD symptoms, symptom management, and outcomes⁴. Health outcomes across cancer and CVD are substantially impacted by disparities in environment and healthcare systems⁵. Notably, gaps in utilization and access to cardio-oncology care services are especially pressing in regions where essential healthcare systems are limited, contributing …

A Scoping Review On Childhood Immunization Reminder Strategies Available To Parents In North America, Matilda Anim-Larbi, Vivian Puplampu, Sithokozile Maposa, Akram Mahani, Mary Chipanshi

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Objective: The scoping review protocol will be used to map out the immunization reminder strategies for parents’ literature to identify the effectiveness of these approaches in improving childhood vaccination uptake.

Introduction: Vaccine-preventable diseases continue to cause morbidity and mortality despite the introduction of childhood immunizations^1,2, with recent media alerts showing a surge of common childhood vaccine-preventable illnesses like measles³. Parents can play a pivotal role in ensuring their children receive vaccinations when due^4,5,6. However, effective immunization reminders could assist parents who forget or miss the immunization schedules for their children.

Inclusion criteria: The review …

Assessing And Addressing Distress For Informal Caregivers Caring For Oncology Patients, Megan Bridget Murphy

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Distress clearly impacts cancer patients, but it also impacts their loved ones, their informal caregivers (ICG). Not only do these ICGs experience distress, but ICGs often experience even more distress than patients receiving treatment (Amonoo et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2023). Despite the prevalence of ICG distress, they are often not screened for distress or provided resources to help them cope (Nightingale et al., 2024).

Purpose: This quality improvement project aims to assess the effect of implementing a distress screening tool for informal caregivers in an outpatient regional cancer system. Distress levels of ICGs will be noted in …

The Focus Of Emotional Intelligence For Educators And Staff Within Professional Development, Meagan Hardy, Noelle Taylor, Jennifer Goodman

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Emotional intelligence (EI) has been defined as having the ability to perceive, express, understand, and manage emotions (Bru-Luna et al., 2021). Research suggests that by incorporating EI into professional development for nurse educators, nurses, and staff, will influence the health and wellness advances in both patient care and nurse wellness. An increase in EI increases the ability to cope, prevent burnout, maintain nurse retention, increase job satisfaction, and deliver quality care with improved patient outcomes (Chikobvu & Harunavamwe, 2022; Maillet & Read, 2024). Burnout has been a common, longtime problem in nursing. From new graduate nurses entering the field to …

Using Ai To Demonstrate Difficult Conversations With Patients, Family Members, And Nursing Students, Jacqueline Patricia Johnston, Edwin-Nikko Roxas Kabigting, Kattiria M. Rosario-Gonzalez

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) 's rapid growth in higher education generates excitement and concerns among educators (Lane et al., 2024). This shift towards AI is pervasive in healthcare (Glauberman et al., 2023), allowing educators to develop innovative methods throughout the curriculum (Buchanan et al., 2021). The introduction and implementation of AI within undergraduate education can be engaging and a new pedagogical approach to capturing an audience that emerged with technology. The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the use of an AI platform to interact with students in virtual reality on how to conduct difficult conversations with patients and/or …

The Experience Of A Medicalized Hotel Due To Covid-19, Ariadna Barta, Marta Cervera, Joan Escarrabill, Eva Palou, Anna Carbonell, Georgia Narsavage, Faust Feu, Carmen Hernandez

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

The emerging pandemic⁽¹⁾ caused by the rapid spread of the new coronavirus Covid-19 required urgent reorganization to respond to care demands of patients with this new disease^(2-4). In Spain, nurses were key contributors to providing out of hospital care. Transforming a hotel into a medical setting was an innovative idea that was able to provide integrated nursing and quality health care for patients recovering from Covid-19^(5,8,9).

Purpose: To examine the experiences and perceived care of patients admitted to a Medicalized Hotel (MH) for Covid-19, from March 25 and May 15, 2020, by asking them …

Effects Of An App-Based Walking Program On Weight Management In Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients, Youngjin Lee, Da-In Park, Saemi Kang, Da Bit Lee

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: The global rise in obesity, driven by high-calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles, has become a significant public health issue. Simultaneously, the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing. Obesity in IBD patients exacerbates symptoms, interferes with treatment and leads to additional complications. As a result, managing weight loss and preventing obesity are crucial for improving outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a mobile app-based walking program for obese IBD patients at a clinical IBD center. The primary outcomes measured were body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and skeletal muscle mass.

Methods: This study was …

Network Analysis Of Behavioral Psychological Symptoms Of Dementia Among Older Adults With Dementia, Eunhee Cho, Sanga Lee, Sinwoo Hwang, Jungwon Cho, Minhee Yang, Eunkyo Kim

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background and objectives: Older adults with dementia frequently experience a variety of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), which significantly diminish their quality of life, impose a heavy burden on their caregivers, and present major challenges for healthcare professionals in managing them. This study aimed to investigate BPSD in older adults with dementia through network analysis and to explore gender differences in symptom manifestation.

Research design and Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted using datasets from two previous studies by the research team. This study included data from 213 older adults with dementia aged 60 and older. BPSD …

Public Views On Violence Towards Clinicians, Ilya Kagan, Gillie Gabay, Sigal Shafran Tikva

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Patient-perpetrated violence (PPV) against clinicians is a significant global concern that affects both the safety and well-being of clinicians. Despite abundant research into the negative impact on safety and quality of care, studies exploring public perceptions of PPV remain scarce. This study aimed to examine public perceptions of PPV against clinicians, focusing on the perceived prevalence of the phenomenon and public support for preventive and punitive measures.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey collected data from 1,375 Israelis, who rated the frequency of PPV incidents and their support for intervention strategies. Descriptive statistics were used to test the distribution of …

Service Skills And Needs Of Older Volunteers In The Community Care Centers, Li-Ching Yang, Kuei-Min Chen

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Considering Taiwan’s impending shift toward becoming a super aged society (National Development Council, 2020), active involvement in volunteer work is identified as a means to facilitate active aging (Hsu et al., 2019; Ministry of Health and Welfare, 2021), enhance social participation, and sustain the mental and physical well-being of older adults (Hsu et al., 2019; Li & Hsieh, 2020; Wu & Tsai, 2021). However, Existing volunteer training programs lack pretraining assessments to gauge preparedness for the challenges faced by frontline care providers.

Purpose: To identify the demographic characteristics, service skills and needs of older volunteers and investigate the influences …