Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Burnout Among Intensive Care Nurses, Julia Brown

MSN Capstone Projects

At a time when the healthcare system is experiencing strain due to the current health crisis and nursing shortages, talking about, and addressing nursing mental health is of the utmost importance. Nurses who work in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) often face more stress due to the patient population they work with. These stresses can lead to burnout and moral distress if not addressed appropriately. Nurses should have a system in place at their workplace and tools readily available to support their mental health while on the job. Through a literature search, it is proposed that an initiation of …

Covid-19 Investigated In Terms Of Disparities: An Analysis Of The Past, Present, And Future Of Public Health In Illinois, Hannah Deblock

University Honors Program

As a relatively new topic, previous literature fails to address the relation of social determinants of health to COVID-19. By combining existing knowledge on previous epidemics, information on the role of social determinants of health, and data on COVID-19, conclusions can be made about the path going forward. Historically, nonpharmacologic interventions such as quarantine periods, face coverings, and social distancing have been used in epidemics such as the Spanish Influenza of 1918-19. In terms of social determinants of health, geographical location, educational level, and income level all play a part in the health of an individual. Rather than emphasizing personal …

Systematic Review Of Pathways To Care In The U.S. For Black Individuals With Early Psychosis, Oladunni Oluwoye, Beshaun Davis, Franchesca S. Kuhney, Deidre M. Anglin

Publications and Research

The pathway to receiving specialty care for first episode psychosis (FEP) among Black youth in the US has received little attention despite documented challenges that negatively impact engagement in care and clinical outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of US-based research, reporting findings related to the pathway experiences of Black individuals with FEP and their family members. A systematic search of PubMed, PsycInfo, and Embase/Medline was performed with no date restrictions up to April 2021. Included studies had samples with at least 75% Black individuals and/or their family members or explicitly examined racial differences. Of the 80 abstracts screened, 28 …

Identifying Functional Profiles Of Challenging Behaviors In Autism Spectrum Disorder With Unsupervised Machine Learning, Emily Daskas

Computational and Data Sciences (MS) Theses

Machine learning and deep learning methods are becoming increasingly used in the understanding, identification, and improvement of the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. People with ASD often exemplify challenging behaviors that can put their safety, education, and general quality of life at risk. Challenging behaviors are driven by one of four functions. The combination of common occurrences of challenging behaviors and their respective behavioral functions are unique to the individual and circumstance, and the most successful therapies account for both challenging behaviors and their respective functions. Therefore, it is important that research is done on these concepts to …

A Consortium Approach To Building A Recovery-Ready Community In Tooele County, Utah, Maren Wright Wright Voss, Gabriele Ciciurkaite, Erin F. Madden, Katie Zaman, Sandra H. Sulzer

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) remains a critical issue in rural and tribal populations of Utah. In response, we created a consortium of recovery programs, tribal partners, social scientists, substance use disorders counselors, and treatment specialists to target prevention, treatment and recovery programming efforts in Tooele County, Utah.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Self-Management For People With Epilepsy And A History Of Negative Health Events (Smart) Targeting Rural And Underserved People With Epilepsy: A Methodologic Report, Farren Briggs, Kristin Cassidy, Carol Blixen, Martha Sajatovic

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Many people living with epilepsy (PLWE) reside in rural communities, and epilepsy self-management may help address some of the gaps in epilepsy care for these communities. A prior randomized control trial of a remotely delivered, Web-based group format 12-week self-management program (SMART) conducted in Northeast Ohio, a primarily urban and suburban community, demonstrated improved outcomes in negative health events such as depression symptoms and quality of life. However, there is a paucity of research addressing the needs of PLWE in rural settings. Methods: The present study leverages collaboration between investigators from 2 mid-western US states (Ohio and Iowa) to …

Informing Cognitive Screening In The Young Adult Population, Samantha L. Mcdaniel

Dissertations

The clock drawing test (CDT) is a cognitive screening measure with sound psychometric properties which has been well researched over the past century. The CDT is a popular tool for many healthcare professionals to administer independently or as part of a more thorough cognitive evaluation. Given the drastic technological and social developments over the years since the CDT was developed as well as the persistent research focus on older adult populations, a gap in the CDT literature presented for young adults, who may have difficulty drawing an analog clock. Identifying cognitive impairment can improve health outcomes. The young adult population …

Predictors Of Poor Glycemic Control In Diabetic Clients With Mental Health Illness, Community Alliance, Omaha, Nebraska, Rachelle Flick

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

People with severe mental illness tend to die 10-25 years earlier than the general population (WHO). Main contributors to these premature deaths include comorbidities such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Diabetes prevalence in mentally ill people is 2 times higher than the general population (WHO). The World Health Organization is taking action to improve the health of people with severe mental illness. These efforts include creating protocols of prevention, identification, assessment, and treatment for mentally ill people, as well as improving access to general health services through the integration of physical and mental health services. Community Alliance, located in …

Substance Use Among College Students During Covid-19 Times: A Negative Coping Mechanism Of Escapism, Manoj Sharma, Kavita Batra

Social and Behavioral Health Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

Implementing An Evidence-Based Practice Change For Alcohol Withdrawal In An Acute Care Hospital, Theresa Carroll

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) affects a significant portion of the population in the United States. When AUD is either unrecognized or inadequately treated in the acute care setting it can lead to medical complications, increased length or stay (LOS), increased healthcare expense, and increased patient mortality.

PICOT: In a population of adult patients admitted to an acute care hospital progressive care unit (P), how does applying an initial evidence-based screening tool to detect risk for moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal, the PAWSS (I), compare to no standard screening or assessment for potential alcohol withdrawal symptoms (C) affect the …

Feedback-Informed Treatment (Fit) Data Demonstrates The Importance Of The First Session With A Client, Huma Bashir, Josephine F. Wilson, Greta H. Meyer

Human Services Faculty Publications

Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) is a client-driven, outcome-based approach to enhance treatment outcomes. FIT data from 2,283 clients served by 80 counselors working at nine participating agencies were collected and analyzed to measure client response. These data included Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) scores obtained at the beginning of each session and Session Rating Scale (SRS) scores obtained at the end of each session. TotalORS and Total SRS scores at the first session for the individuals who failed to improve from first to last sessions were significantly lower than the Total ORS and Total SRS scores at the first session for …

Implementing Evidence-Based Treatment Of Patients With Opioid Use Disorder In An Inpatient Addiction Treatment Center, Emily Ashley

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Patients with opioid use disorder are at increased risk for overdose and death should they relapse due to reduced opioid tolerance after a period of abstinence. A retrospective chart review was performed at an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment center to identify areas in need of improvement. The global aim of this project was to promote patient adherence to treatment, as well as increase the prevention of patient overdose and death after inpatient treatment. Project objectives include improving provider management of opioid use disorder through standardizing patient education, increasing prescription of relapse prevention medication, initiating prescription of naloxone at discharge …

Expanding The Conceptualization Of Support In Low-Wage Carework: The Case Of Home Care Aides And Client Death, Emma K. Tsui, Marita Lamonica, Maryam Hyder, Paul Landsbergis, Jennifer Zelnick, Sherry Baron

Publications and Research

Home care aides are a rapidly growing, non-standard workforce who face numerous health risks and stressors on the job. While research shows that aides receive limited support from their agency employers, few studies have explored the wider range of support that aides use when navigating work stress and considered the implications of these arrangements. To investigate this question, we conducted 47 in-depth interviews with 29 home care aides in New York City, focused specifically on aides’ use of support after client death. Theories of work stress, the social ecological framework, and feminist theories of care informed our research. Our analysis …

The Erasure Of Monosexism: An Exploration Of Identity Development In Bisexual Women, Emma M. Leonard

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Research has shown that bisexual individuals experience poorer mental health outcomes, resulting in depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidal ideation, than their gay or straight counterparts (Calzo, Antonucci, Mays, & Cochran, 2011; Ross, Dobinson, & Eady, 2010; Taylor, Power, & Smith, 2020). These poor mental health outcomes suggest bisexual individuals may be experiencing hardships these other groups are not. This qualitative study sought to gain an understanding of the lived experiences of bisexual women aged 18-25. The researcher sought to gain an understanding of self-identified resiliency factors by the women as it pertains to their sexual/affectional orientation. Detailed interviews were …

Exploring The Contextual Factors And Decision-Making Process Of Risky Sexual Behavior Among Homeless Adults In Louisville, Kentucky., Sarah C. Van Heiden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Homelessness is a complex public health issue; individuals who experience homelessness are said to engage in risky sexual behaviors at an increased rate and experience a higher prevalence of sexually transmitted infection (STI). While the sexual behaviors of homeless adolescents are commonly studied, little is known about the sexual behaviors of the growing population of older adults, or how they make decisions to engage in sex. Three aims guided this research: 1) to describe the sexual behaviors and sexual decision-making process of homeless older adults, 2) to examine how homeless older adults evaluate the outcomes associated with engaging in risky …

Effects Of Abstinence-Based Sexual Education Compared To Evidence-Based Sexual Education In K-12 Schools, Lily Probst

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Historically, sexual education in the United States has been abstinence-based (ABSE), meaning that sexual education is centered around encouraging adolescents to abstain from sexual activity outside of wedlock. On the other hand, evidence-based sexual education (EBSE) includes abstinence in its curriculum but does not emphasize it, instead highlighting contraception and prevention strategies. Additionally, EBSE teaches adolescents about healthy relationships, attitudes towards sexuality, gender roles, and provides resources for sexual and reproductive health services. Supplying adolescents in K-12 schools with access to evidence-based sexual education may not only decrease teen pregnancy rates and incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but …

Tavr In Older Adults: Moving Toward A Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment And Away From Chronological Age: Jacc Family Series, Joy M Schmitz, Scott D Lane, Michael F Weaver, Ponnada A Narayana, Khader M Hasan, Delisa D Russell, Robert Suchting, Charles E Green

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Cocaine use continues to be a significant public health problem with limited treatment options and no approved pharmacotherapies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) remains the mainstay treatment for preventing relapse, however, people with chronic cocaine use display cognitive impairments that are associated with poor response to CBT. Emerging evidence in animal and human studies suggests that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR- γ) agonist, pioglitazone, improves white matter integrity that is essential for cognitive function. This project will determine whether adjunctive use of pioglitazone enhances the effect of CBT in preventing relapse during the early phase of recovery from cocaine use disorder. This …

How Long-Term, Non-Monogamous Romantic Relationships Maintain Sexual Satisfaction, Anna Kessler

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Eroticism is an important element of couple's relationships. Sexual intimacy has the power to bring couples closer together, as higher levels of sexual intimacy results in higher relationship satisfaction, or hinder relationships if either or both partners aren’t sexually satisfied in their relationship. The current study’s purpose is to understand how long-term, non-monogamous relationships have successfully maintained “eroticism” throughout the course of their relationship. In this study, 24 couples who are in a committed, romantic relationship of at least 7 years were interviewed. The interviews were conducted individually over a video call platform, and each was completed withing approximately 60 …

Covid-19 Masks In Terms Of Functional, Expressive, And Aesthetic Consumer Needs, Lily Highley

Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess consumers' perspectives of COVID-19 masks under the functional, expressive, and aesthetic areas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks have become an “accessory” to everyday life, and it was essential to research masks under these unique areas and explore consumer perceptions.

This study took place after background research on the topic and the FEA model. The study included a survey sent to Bumpers College students upon approval from the IRB. The data was analyzed and interpreted specifically in the FEA areas and can be useful to better understand the students at the University …

Purkis And Mastermans' "The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide: A Practical Handbook For Autistic Teens And Tweens" (Book Review), Susanah J. Wilson Hanson

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of An Interprofessional Fall Prevention Program To Reduce Falls On An Older Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, Teresa Woodson

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background. Falls are the most reported incidents in the hospital setting, especially among older adults. According to the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI), the number of falls in inpatient psychiatric units is 13-25 per 1,000 patient days, compared to 4 per 1,000 days for medical-surgical units. This DNP project aims to implement an interprofessional fall risk team to reduce falls in an older adult inpatient psychiatric unit. Problem. The psychiatric inpatient units had a total of 31 falls, with 13 (40%) occurring on the older adult unit. Interventions. Education of nursing staff, providers, and physical therapy (PT) …

Sleeping With The Enemy: Examining The Relationship Between Sleep And Pain In Post-9/11 Veterans, John L. Schwartz Jr.

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

United States veterans are a diverse group of individuals, yet as a result of their service, they share a unique set of customs, traditions, and values. Post-9/11 veterans are more likely to experience elevated levels of pain and poor sleep quality compared to their civilian counterparts; however, little is known about how beliefs related to veterans’ pain impact their sleep and how levels of pain acceptance influence the sleep-pain association. This study examined relationships between sleep and pain in a sample of 102 post-9/11 veterans. Results support associations between pain and sleep identified in other populations. Positive correlations were found …

The Impact Of Corporal Punishment For Timorese High School Graduates, Veronica Godinho Pereira

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the impacts of corporal punishment for Timorese high school graduates. Physical punishment is a pervasive method of disciplining students and children used in Timor-Leste because it has been such a tradition (UNICEF 2017). Few researchers have attempted to analyze the negative impacts of corporal punishment and possible gender differences; there is no known research on the impacts of corporal punishment in Timor-Leste. This study uses an in-depth interview method, where data were collected from 26 Timorese high school graduates composed of both men and women from both private and public schools in Timor-Leste. The ages of the …

Development And Validation Of A Basic Ground Skills Assessment For Equine-Assisted Services, Sarah J. Andersen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The equine-assisted services program at Utah State University produced and validated an assessment process used to test equines for suitability for equine-assisted services. Equine-assisted services incorporate the interaction of humans who face mental, physical, emotional, and/or social challenges and equines for therapeutic purposes. Recreational, physical, mental, social, and/or emotional goals are met through various equine-assisted services such as therapies, equine-assisted learning, and horsemanship.

Due to the potential for human injury while interacting with equines, it is important to ensure equines are assessed for safe behavior prior to participation in equine-assisted services. This is why our group developed and tested the …

Profile Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Results From A Longitudinal, Prospective, Multisite Study, Jamie K Capal, Marian E Williams, Deborah A Pearson, Robin Kissinger, Paul S Horn, Donna Murray, Kristn Currans, Bridget Kent, Martina Bebin, Hope Northrup, Joyce Y Wu, Mustafa Sahin, Darcy A Krueger, Tacern Study Group

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVE: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is highly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Objectives of the study were to characterize autistic features in young children with TSC.

METHODS: Participants included 138 children followed from ages 3 to 36 months with TSC from the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Autism Center of Excellence Research Network (TACERN), a multicenter, prospective observational study aimed at understanding the underlying mechanisms of ASD in TSC. Developmental and autism-specific assessments were administered, and a clinical diagnosis of ASD was determined for all participants at 36 months. Further analyses were performed on 117 participants with valid autism assessments based …

Appreciation Day For Clinical Staff At Vna Hospice, Melody Nguyen

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

VNA Hospice of the Central Coast is a nonprofit that was created back in 1951. The staff at VNA are visiting about 75,000 homes per year. Throughout the years the staff have been seeing patients who reached the requirement of having 6 months or less to live. Working with Hospice patients can be hard for everyone but, the staff at VNA are seeing the patients from good days and bad days. Depression is known to negatively impact the clinical staff at VNA Hospice. Staff are working long hours which leads to sleep disturbance and chronic stress. Some staff are also …

Exploring Treatment Targets To Mitigate Fear Of Falling Activity Avoidance Behavior In Parkinson's Disease And Older Adults, John Vincent Rider

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Fear of falling (FOF) is a significant concern among individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and older adults in general. This FOF can lead to avoidance behavior resulting in activity restriction. Some level of fear of falling avoidance behavior (FFAB) may be protective (adaptive) and decrease the likelihood of falls, especially among individuals with physical limitations and high fall risk. However, excessive (maladaptive) avoidance behavior may lead to downstream consequences such as further physical and psychological decline and an increased likelihood of falls, especially when there is a disparity between the FFAB and physiological fall risk. While poor physical functioning, disease …

The Effects Of Depression, Anxiety, And Stress On College Students: Examining The Role Of Mental Health Self-Efficacy On Willingness To Engage In Mental Health Services, Leeanna L. Golembiewski

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Relative to younger ages, mental health problems are more prevalent among college students (Pedrelli et al., 2015) and nearly 20% of U.S college students are diagnosed each year with a mental health problem (Blanco et al., 2008). College students’ self-efficacy may influence mental health outcomes by impacting an individual’s decision to change their behavior and execute a course of action (Bresó et al., 2011). Mental health may also be influenced by the degree of willingness that an individual possesses, such that those who are more willing to seek mental health treatment are also more likely to follow through and seek …

The Impact Of A Crisis Intervention Team Program On Psychiatric Boarding, Kurtis Hooks

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Psychiatric boarding is the phenomenon of housing individuals in emergency departments while awaiting access to mental health services in the community. The expansion of psychiatric boarding is attributed to continued deinstitutionalization and under-resourcing of mental health services. Psychiatric boarding is also associated with deleterious outcomes for individuals in need of access to behavioral health services, facilities. There is limited research on programmatic efforts to reduce psychiatric boarding as it pertains to Crisis Intervention Team programs colocated in medical settings. Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs are community-based, multi-stakeholder partnerships that include dedicated assessment centers crisis response and referral. This study utilized …

Digital Markers Of Autism, Ivonne Monarca, Franceli L. Cibrian, Monica Tentori

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that affects how a people communicate and interact with others. The use of screening tools during childhood is very important to detect those children who need to be referred for a diagnosis of ASD. However, most screening tools are based on parents' responses so the result can be subjective. In addition, most screening tools focus on social and communicative skills leaving aside sensory features, which have shown to have the potential to be ASD markers. Tactile processing has been little explored due to lack of tools to asses it, however with the …