Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Evidence Based Protocol: Improving Depression Assessments In Primary Care, Katherine E. Hoffhines

Master's Projects

Depression is a destructive condition that can have a profoundly negative impact on quality of life, wellbeing, and health (Thase, Stowell, Berry, Mencia & Blum, 2014). Worldwide, depression is the leading cause of medical disability costing the health care system over $210 billion annually (World Health Organization, 2014; Greenberg, Fournier, Sisitsky, Pike & Kessler, 2015). The World Health Organization (2016) estimates depression affects 350 million people of all ages globally. One and three adults in the U.S. will experience a major depressive episode during their lifetime (Kessler, Petukhova, Sampson, Zaslavsky & Wittchen, 2012; Rubin, Ciechanowski, Egede, Lin & Lustman, 2004). …

Examining The Associations Between Depressive Symptoms, Body Mass Index, And Physical Activity Self-Efficacy In African American Mother-Child Dyads, Y'Esha Vonyae Williams

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

In recent decades the prevalence of childhood and adult depression and obesity has increased worldwide. Multiple factors influence the onset of both depression and obesity. Individual manifestations of depressive symptomatology and health-related problems associated with obesity vary; however, genetics and environmental and psychological factors have been implicated as correlates. Consequently, both disorders can ultimately interfere with individuals’ activities of daily living and decrease their quality of life. African American women are known to have a higher prevalence of obesity and more severe depressive symptoms in comparison to Caucasian women. Likewise, African American children are more obese and experience many factors …

Depression Scores In Males And Females With Copd, Cynthia Southers

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program on depressions scores in persons with COPD and if there is a difference between males and females in depression scores prior to and following participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. The literature review supported multiple factors on how participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation program can have a positive effect on depression scores. The study utilized a descriptive design with a retrospective chart review. The quantitative descriptive design identified variables and examined the differences in males and females with COPD using pre- and …

Levels Of Distress Among Women Veterans Attending A Women’S Health Specialty Clinic In The Va Healthcare System, Debbie T. Devine

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Currently, between 21.9 and 23 million veterans have served in the United States armed forces. Of those, 2 million are women, and of those, only 6.5% use the Veterans Health Administration system. These females often suffer from physical and mental health disorders, and overall impaired quality of life (QOL), rendering their healthcare needs complex. Seeking, and providing care in this specialty area may become overwhelming not only for the women seeking the care, but also for healthcare systems that are unfamiliar with the specific needs of this population.

A retrospective medical records review was completed of 51 female veterans between …

Physical Activity Improves Depressive Symptoms In Older Adults, Karen Lee Fahey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Engaging in physical activity can help older adults to take part in community activities, maintain relationships, and initiate new friendships, thus preventing loneliness and depression. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to evaluate whether participation in physical activity improved depressive symptoms in 15 older adults at a local senior center. Pender’s health promotion model was used to determine nursing and behavioral science views on components that affect health behavior. The Exercise Benefit/Barrier Scale (EBBS) survey was evaluated before implementation of the walking program to measure the benefits of and barriers to exercise. The EBBS results showed that …

Undiagnosed Depression In The Elderly And Healthcare Education, Nancy J. Wynn-Grundy

Doctoral Projects

This descriptive study examined undiagnosed depression in the elderly and how it affects the elderly from retaining healthcare education. It is estimated by 2029, 20% of the United States population will be age 65 and older (Colby & Ortman, 2014). Depression in the elderly who have chronic diseases, is estimated to be undiagnosed up to 40% (Chaoyang et al., 2009). A hallmark symptom of depression is the inability to concentrate. It is unknown if undiagnosed depression will affect the older adult from retaining pertinent healthcare education. The 30 point Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was administered to a class of elderly …

Screening Initiative For Non-Stroke Geriatric Inpatients, Kimberly Harper

Doctoral Projects

Current literature reveals a need for improved depression screening efforts among inpatient geriatrics. This population is at higher risk for severe depression, suicidal ideations, poorer health outcomes related to decreased compliance to healthcare regimens, and increased healthcare costs. Current best practice involves the utilization of the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF), a 15-question yes or no answer screening tool. While not diagnostic, the tool has established validity and reliability testing. The GDS-SF should not be used on subsets of the population diagnosed with stroke, dementia or delirium.

The purpose of this project was to develop a protocol for implementation of …

Self-Efficacy And Coping In Transition Of Care After Remission Of Cancer In Adolescents, Leah M. Mcdonnell

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The improvement in cancer remission rates in children and adolescents due to advances in cancer treatment and therapy has led to the development of guidelines that address long-term follow up for survivors of childhood cancers. Adolescents often experience negative emotions related to the fear of uncertainty about long-term survival after cancer remission, yet often report feelings of hope and optimism for the future more than adult cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to understand the role of self-efficacy and coping in adolescents after remission of cancer. A secondary purpose was to analyze which coping strategies supported long-term survival …

Assessment Of Depression Screening In Women’S Primary Care Clinic, Susanna Gorton

DNP Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this practice inquiry project was to evaluate provider adherence to depression screening documentation in the ambulatory electronic health record (AEHR) before and after changing locations of the depression screening questions within the AEHR. Provider knowledge about depression screening and barriers related to depression screening were also examined.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed for patients seen for an annual exam by a physician provider in a women’s primary care clinic. Data collected included demographic data, co-morbid conditions, depression screen documentation (PHQ-2 & PHQ-9), and interventions documented. A questionnaire was sent to providers in the primary …

Expectations And Quality Of Life During The Antepartum And Postpartum Period, Mary Kathryn Adams

Dissertations

During pregnancy, women frequently anticipate birth and motherhood with unrealistic images and expectations which are formed by personal experience and society’s portrayal of motherhood (e.g., books and movies). How these expectations impact the postpartum period for women has not been well studied. However, research has identified a link between maternal expectations, reality, and negative emotional responses. When expectations are met, the experience of motherhood may be a positive one. However, when these expectations are not met, the potential for negative emotional responses may be greater. The postpartum period is a significant period of adjustment, and depression occurs in about 13%–19% …

Risk Factors In Women For Postpartum Depression Versus Postpartum Psychosis: An Integrative Literature Review, Briana Jamieson

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this literature review was to identify differentiating risk factors in women for postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. By understanding differentiating risk factors health care professionals, and nurses in particular, can be alert to women who are at higher risk for postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis. This information allows for early nursing intervention and the development of appropriate treatment plans. Fifteen peer-reviewed, English language research articles published between 2000 and 2015 were analyzed for the purpose of this literature review. Study results were inconclusive for the intention of this review, but do provide valuable information on independent risk …

Biobehavioral Influences Of Anxiety, Depression, And Hostility Symptoms On Health-Related Outcomes In Patients With Heart Failure, Lynn P. Roser

Theses and Dissertations--Nursing

The incidence of heart failure (HF) has increased each year as more people are living longer with heart disease and other chronic conditions. Recently, there has been much interest in the psychological dimensions of HF and the influence psychological symptoms have on the health outcomes (e.g., self-care, rehospitalization, mortality and quality of life) of patients living with HF. Patients with HF frequently experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and hostility that may be associated with poor health outcomes. The purpose of this dissertation was to examine how psychological variables influence health outcomes of patients with HF, how psychological variables change over …

Promoting Annual Depression Screening In A Federally Qualified Healthcare Center, Denise Lesley Alleyne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

According to the World Health Organization, depression affects about 350 million people worldwide. In 2014, only 50% of the adult patients were screened for depression in the community-based Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) for which this doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) project was developed. In an effort to meet the 100% benchmark set nationally for the screening of adult patients in the primary care settings, the FQHC's quality improvement team now requires that 80% of adult patients in the clinic be screened for depression. Framed within the Iowa model of evidence-based practice, the purposes of this project were to: (a) …