Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Empowering Maternal Resilience: A Prenatal Education Program For Mothers And Their Chosen Support Persons For Postpartum Depression, Jennifer Medina

Nursing | Senior Theses

Previous research studies have demonstrated the positive impact education and social support has on reducing the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) when used separately. However, there exists a clear gap in understanding the combined effects of integrating both education and social support during the prenatal period on PPD. This longitudinal quasi-experimental study aims to evaluate the impact of an in-person prenatal PPD prevention program for the birthing person, requiring the presence of a support person on the reduction of PPD. Participants and their chosen support persons will receive information on PPD, including risk factors, signs and symptoms, preventative measures, and …

Doula Support For Hispanic Women, Marilyn Cervantes-Munoz, Daisy Arango-Hernandez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose

This quantitative study will seek to provide valuable insight into the needs and preferences of Hispanic women during labor with the potential benefit of doula support in minimizing their pain.

Methods

A quasi-experimental design study will be conducted, randomizing a convenient sample into two groups consisting of one experimental and one control group, with the objective of evaluating the efficacy of doula presence as a source for pain management in Hispanic women. One hundred Hispanic women will be recruited under the following criteria: 18 years or older, a single fetus pregnancy, gestational age 37 weeks and above, and no …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Culture Based Nurse-Led Education For Postpartum Depression In Primiparous Asian-American Women, Colleen Peralta

Nursing | Senior Theses

The postpartum period is a critical period in regards to maternal health, marked by various physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Among the vulnerabilities that arise, postpartum depression (PPD) poses significant risks. More specifically, Asian-American mothers with postpartum depression face unique challenges, including the stigma surrounding mental health. As mental health stigma remains prevalent within the Asian-American community, it can make it challenging for mothers to seek out mental health care for postpartum depression. To investigate, primary research articles about the perceptions and experiences of PPD and the interventions used to improve PPD outcomes were examined. A plan for a future …

Breastfeeding Support In Your Pocket: Evaluating The Impact Of A Mobile App On Maternal Success, Maygan Brandt

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Breastfeeding has well-known benefits for both the nursing infant and the birthing parent. It bolsters the newborn immune system, and reduces the risk of future health conditions in both parties. Due to these advantages, several health organizations internationally recommend exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age. However, only a fraction of infants in the United States meet this goal each year. Improved rates and duration of exclusive breastfeeding will lead to better long-term health outcomes for patients. The use of smartphone applications for breastfeeding education and support has not been thoroughly researched. Objective: This thesis explores the feasibility of …

Furry Friends & Brighter Futures: Enhancing The Life Skills Of Toddlers With Autism Through Animal Assisted Therapy, Abigail Rosales Tolentino

Nursing | Senior Theses

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a broad spectrum of challenges that impact social interaction, communication, and behavior. While Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) stands as a common therapeutic approach, there is a growing recognition of the need for personalized interventions. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) emerges as a promising avenue for enhancing social interactions. This study focuses on the utilization of dogs in AAT for toddlers aged 12 to 36 months with confirmed ASD diagnoses. The experimental group will undergo a combined intervention involving standard ABA therapy alongside weekly AAT sessions, whereas the control group will receive standard ABA therapy alone. Pre- …

The Impact Of Nursing Education On The Implementation Of Kangaroo Care: Neurodevelopment Outcomes In Preterm Infants, Giana Usac

Nursing | Senior Theses

Preterm birth poses a significant risk to the normal trajectory of brain development, particularly in the cortex, which is responsible for higher cognitive functions, motor control, and socio-emotional processing. However, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has emerged as an important early intervention capable of improving neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm newborns. This quantitative research proposal aims to assess the influence of nurse education on KMC practices, identifying pivotal periods in infancy when KMC has the most significant impact on neurodevelopment outcomes in preterm infants. The literature critique focuses on the efficacy of nursing education, the optimization of KMC regarding duration and frequency, …

The Impact Of Spanish Language Training For Labor And Delivery Nurses On Postpartum Depression Incidence Among Hispanic Women, Leilani Gutierrez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Postpartum depression and anxiety are experienced by 70-80% of new mothers, and the likelihood is twice as high for Hispanic women compared to caucasian women. Supportive techniques to help monolingual mothers in labor are lacking. A translator's assistance on the hospital floor, such as a video call from an iPad, is often impersonal and lacks the supportive atmosphere that women preparing to give birth need. The primary objective of this study is to explore the potential benefits of providing Spanish-speaking courses to labor and delivery nurses, particularly in cultivating a nurturing and supportive atmosphere for Hispanic mothers during childbirth. By …

Medically Accurate Evidence-Based Sex Education And Abstinence-Only Sex Education: Impact On Teen Pregnancies In The United States, Nicole Chiu

Nursing | Senior Theses

The U.S. has funded abstinence-only programs to combat pregnancy rates for a long time. With numerous factors contributing to teen pregnancies, there have been a lot of ways that people have decided to try to decrease the number of teen pregnancies. For example, schools have either decided that they intend to fully educate their teenage students using medically accurate evidence-based sex education or come from a more conservative approach and give abstinence-only education. The objective of this investigation is to identify whether evidence-based sex education or abstinence-only sex education is more effective at combating teen pregnancy and abortion rates. This …

Maternal Postnatal Depressive Symptoms And Its Effects On Infant Bonding, Tammy Nguyen

Nursing | Senior Theses

The objective of this thesis is to gain insight on precipitating factors that increase postpartum mother’s depressive symptoms, including stress and anxiety, and how attachment is influenced. Maternal-infant bonding is defined as the emotional relationship and interaction between mother and infant. Postnatal depressive symptoms typically are under-diagnosed due to a lack of education and the stigma of believing that the effects are “normal” consequences of motherhood. Those affected may not seek professional help. Unrealistic expectations about bonding with their infants can have a negative mental health impact on mothers and influence infants’ behaviors. High expectations of needing to be a …

The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy And Informed Decision-Making On Primiparous Women During The Birthing Process, Morgan R. Fillipo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Childbirth is a very intense and vulnerable experience, especially for first-time mothers. Across the globe, the prevalence of traumatic and unsatisfying births has become an increasingly troublesome issue for women. There is extensive evidence of maltreatment, and a large portion of the problem has to do with the client’s medical team. To combat this dilemma, the best course of action would be to prepare women for this possibility by increasing the client’s self-efficacy and decision-making abilities. Self-efficacy, also known as confidence in one’s skills, is an important trait to have when it comes to patients being able to advocate for …

What Impact Does The Ability To Access Healthcare Have On Maternal Outcomes In Africa?, Helena Harris

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Maternal mortality rates reflect health inequities in access to obstetric care in some parts of the world including many African countries. Geographical barriers and limited number of skilled human resources have put women in rural areas at a significantly higher risk of maternal mortality.

Research Question: What impact does the ability to access healthcare have on maternal outcomes in African rural areas compared to urban cities?

Methods: A literature review was performed of credible databases. Six articles were reviewed extensively highlighting the purpose, strengths, and limitations of each study. Refer to Appendix A for the literature review table.

Findings: …

The Effects Of Loud Nicu Environments On Premature Infants And Interventions To Help Minimize Noise, Elsy Gramajo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Noise in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) often exceeds recommended safe noise levels and has been found to have negative effects on premature infants and their health. Some of these effects can be changes in their heart rate, respiratory rate, and sleep patterns. In addition, negative effects, such as hearing loss, can cause permanent damage that impact children's long-term development. A preterm infant is an infant born before 37 weeks’ gestation. Being born prematurely comes with its own problems and many risks. Attempting to survive in an environment that causes more stress is not healing. Understanding the effects of …

Kangaroo Care Education For Low Socioeconomic Status Families In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit., Joara Peterson

Nursing | Senior Theses

The early contact between mother and baby is known as skin-to-skin, also referred to as “kangaroo care” (KC). It involves placing the baby on the mother’s chest as soon as it is appropriate (Thompson et al., 1979). This interaction was primarily for bonding but many researchers have discovered additional benefits. There is significant correlation between kangaroo care and weight gain (especially for low birth weight infants), as well as body temperature and heart rate regulation, which reduces the risk of medical complications. It also decreases levels of stress in mothers and babies by lowering the release of cortisol hormone (Mohammadi …

Benefits Of Rooming-In On Infants With Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, Emma Ricioli

Nursing | Senior Theses

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) is a significant public health concern, affecting infants born to mothers who use opioids during pregnancy. Those exposed in-utero exhibit numerous signs of withdrawal after delivery including tremors, gastrointestinal distress, inconsolability, and poor feeding. Typical treatment for infants suffering from NOWS included direct admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for close observation and pharmacological interventions. However, NICU stays can interfere with bonding and breastfeeding. They can also lead to increased lengths of stay, higher costs, and more invasive pharmacological treatments. These infants typically do not have any other concerning health issues besides NOWS …

Preventing Postpartum Complications Using A Home Visitation Model Of Care, Jenna Ingram

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background

The United States is currently facing a health crisis among the maternal postpartum population. As stated by The Commonwealth Fund in a study released in 2020, “In 2018, there were 17 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births in the U.S. – a ratio more than double of most other high-income countries” (Roosa, 2020). Most often, mothers with uncomplicated pregnancies and births are discharged soon after the delivery of their new baby. In most outpatient settings, providers do not expect a follow up appointment for the mother until roughly three to six weeks after discharge. During this transition period …

Childhood And Adolescent Obesity: Related Comorbidities And Interventions, Jasmine Wong

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background

The prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity in the United States has steadily risen over the years and has become a public health concern. Obesity is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex. Obese children and adolescents are at risk for poor health and poor quality of life. Furthermore, there are numerous comorbidities associated with childhood and adolescent obesity. While some of the associated diseases are acute, others can become chronic and result in lifelong conditions.

Objective

The purpose of the present thesis is to explore …

Effects And Outcomes Of Different Laboring Positions And The Influence From Societal Norms, Amberlyn Heskett

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background

Within labor and delivery, every birth is different. Alarmingly, the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate, including death during labor, among developed countries (World Health Organization, 2022). Many maternal deaths may be preventable.

In the U.S., the use of forceps, vacuum-assisted birth, episiotomies, and emergency C-sections are common for women during childbirth. Even though some laboring positions may assist birthing more than others, there often is resistance to allowing various positions due to outside influences, including societal norms, hospital management, and healthcare professional training. Women in labor are vulnerable and look to their nurses for support during the …

The Components Of Vaccine Hesitancy And The Role Of Patient Education In Promotion Of Vaccinations In Newborns, Camille Joy Rayo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background

Due to an array of reasons relating to vaccine hesitancy, many newborns are without their standardized and recommended vaccinations as a result of their parent’s beliefs. Parents hold the power to vaccinate their children. Nurses must provide reliable information, debunk myths, and pursue pro-vaccination ideas when educating a parent about newborn vaccinations. By doing so, vaccine hesitancy should decrease and vaccination rates should increase. Unvaccinated newborns are put at a greater risk of contracting serious illnesses that may spread to others or even lead to one’s own death.

Objective

To identify common factors regarding vaccine-hesitant parents of the newborn …

First Generation Filipino Children And The Risk Of Childhood Obesity: Influence Of Screen Time, Krystal Joy Joy Ragasa

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Obesity is an epidemic in the United States and among all Asian subgroups, Filipinos are particularly at a much higher risk. Obesity raises the risk of acquiring other health complications, especially for those who develop obesity at a younger age. Research has shown that children who engage in higher levels of screen time are more likely to become obese, resulting in screen time restrictions and recommendations. Additionally, rates of obesity are higher in immigrants. There is a gap in the explanation of screen time’s effect on childhood obesity for first generation Filipino children.

Aim: The purpose of the proposed …

Visitor Restrictions And Patient- And Family-Centered Care In Pediatric Nursing, Carney Morrow

Nursing | Senior Theses

This research proposal will explore the impacts of visiting restrictions on the ability of pediatric nurses to provide patient- and family-centered care (PFCC). Literature evaluated will pertain to the benefits of PFCC for patients, families, and staff in terms of both emotional and physical outcomes, as well as the impacts of recent visitor restrictions, largely implemented due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The purpose of this study is to determine the current perceptions of pediatric nurses on their ability to provide PFCC to patients, and how this has changed before and after visitation restrictions were put into place. The proposed study …

Benefits Of Exercise In Pregnant Women, Jenna Renee Barretto

Nursing | Senior Theses

Exercise is an important lifestyle habit to include in one's daily routine. Remaining physical activity during pregnancy is important. According to the CDC, pregnant women should, “Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). This paper will encompass a range of topics that highlight the benefits of exercise from a physiological as well as a mental health standpoint. Although more research needs to be conducted to solidify the benefits of exercise, the articles that were collected demonstrate how it can help mothers have a healthy pregnancy. …

Best Practices For The Prevention And Treatment Of Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia In Infancy, Janelle Paredes

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Microcytic hypochromic anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. This type of anemia is commonly found during infancy due to the lack of iron-fortified foods after six months of age. The effects linked to this deficiency can cause developmental delays and behavioral disturbances in infants if not treated immediately. Therefore, it is important for nurses to find the best practices to prevent microcytic hypochromic anemia to decrease its prevalence in infancy.

Objective: To find the best nursing practices for the prevention and treatment of microcytic hypochromic anemia in infancy.

Methods: This research will utilize …

Comparing The Effectiveness Of Methods Meant To Reduce Perineal Laceration Rates, Danielle E Horovitz

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background

Perineal lacerations are a common occurrence in childbirth- with tears occurring in 53-79% of women. Trauma to the perineum is classified into 4 categories, with each class increasing in severity. Severe perineal lacerations have long term consequences for the women who experience them.

Objectives

To compare the effectiveness of methods which aim to reduce the rate and severity of perineal lacerations, including: hands on vs hands off technique, slow and controlled birth, use of lubrication, perineal massage, etc.

Summary of Findings

The literature review suggests that it is critical to employ methods to reduce laceration incidence and severity as …

The Opioid Crisis: Evaluating Current Practices And Outcomes For Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, Deborah A. Mendoza

Nursing | Senior Theses

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in the infant are severe symptoms from opioid exposure in utero. These symptoms include: “central nervous system irritability, autonomic over-reactivity, and gastrointestinal tract dysfunction” (Ko et al., 2016). The treatment for NAS can be a combination of drug therapy and non-pharmacological interventions, but a standardized treatment is lacking. A review of this literature aims to evaluate the available interventions that lead to decreased symptom severity, reduction of length of hospital stay, and a reduction in the use of drug therapy. As a result of the literature review, the nurse researcher supports the standardization of treatment and …

Disparities Among Black Women In Maternal Health, Josefina Teresa Estrada

Nursing | Senior Theses

The literature shows that Black women face many disparities in terms of health care access and the quality of care. These obstacles could negatively affect the health of the mother and their child. This paper includes a literature review and proposed research study. The objective of this research study is to identify the outcomes of Black women compared to White women and other women of color in terms of maternal health. A literature review is provided in order to identify how race affects the following factors: obstacles that limit access to healthcare, rates of obtaining prenatal care, postpartum outcomes and …

Exploring Relationships Among Race, Mothers' Perceptions Of Discrimination During Perinatal Healthcare Visits, And The Prevalence Of Adverse Maternal And Neonatal Health Outcomes, Fiona So

Nursing | Senior Theses

The institutionalized marginalization of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) population is not an uncommon theme throughout American history. Although a majority of American society actively refers to racial discrimination in the past tense, recent events such as the Black Lives Matter movement demonstrates that countless biases based solely on skin complexion are still ingrained into the minds of many. Due to the pervasiveness of implicit biases, American healthcare professionals are also subject to believing and acting upon these biases, either consciously or subconsciously, which could directly affect the quality of care that their BIPOC patients receive.

A …

Complementary And Alternative Medicine: The Effects Of Aromatherapy On New And Expectant Mothers, Heather Tran

Nursing | Senior Theses

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is vastly expanding and is now being used in the clinical setting as an effective management of various symptoms. Pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period can be beautiful yet overwhelming moments in a woman’s life. The symptoms that are usually accompanied along this journey include nausea, vomiting, anxiety, pain, fatigue, stress and more. Aromatherapy has been proven to be a safe and natural, non-pharmacological method in reducing these symptoms that may make it harder for the mother to enjoy her pregnancy. This holistic approach to treatment is inexpensive, noninvasive, does not require a prescription from …

An Investigation Of Treatments For The Prevention Of Metabolic Complications For Women Suffering From Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Diet, Exercise, Weight Reduction And Herbal Remedies, Brenda Martinez-Puente

Nursing | Senior Theses

The purpose of this research study is to compare the views of traditional versus alternative treatments available to women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) suffering from metabolic complications. Alternative treatments include diet, exercise, herbal remedies, or any combination of the three. Pharmacological interventions for the conditions associated with PCOS such as metformin, used to control glucose levels, and clomiphene, used to treat infertility. Through the literature review, articles show herbs and plant products to have similar mechanisms of actions as the pharmacological interventions, but with less side effects. For example, cinnamon was shown to increase insulin sensitivity and pomegranate juice …

Neonatal Health Outcomes And Access To Care, Riki Desjarlais

Nursing | Senior Theses

This paper will review existing research regarding the importance of prenatal healthcare. The research included covers the barriers existing to pregnant mothers and the consequences these barriers pose for mothers and babies with prenatal care that is unobtainable or undesired. This paper will also review current interventions that have provided under-served mothers with the resources they need to better ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Research analyzing mother’s attitudes and beliefs regarding prenatal care will be addressed in addition to how these beliefs may attribute to the health outcomes of their babies. Finally, this paper will include my own research …

The Relationship Between Low Socioeconomic Status And Mortality Rates Of School Age Children Related To Motor Vehicle Accidents, Rubi Calderon-Rodriguez

Nursing | Senior Theses

The purpose of this study is to assess nurses’ perceptions on the relationship between low socioeconomic status and high mortality rates of children due to motor vehicle accidents(MVAs). MVAs are the leading cause of death among children four years and older. Studies reviewed in this paper support that low socioeconomic status is associated with high child mortality rates caused by motor vehicle accidents. Factors contributing to these high mortality rates include: the lack of or improper use of restraints, low parental education attainment levels, black or Hispanic race, and environmental risks of low socioeconomic areas. A mixed methods study is …