Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Use Of The "Get Up And Go Test" As The Initial Screening Measure For Fall Risk With Community Dwelling Seniors, Margaret E. Hermoso

Master's Projects

Falls represent a sizeable public health issue that has serious health-related consequences for both the individual and the medical system at large. Falls are one of the most common events that threaten the independence of older persons with one third of falls occurring in persons over the age of 65 and over 50% in persons over the age of 80 years (2). During an office appointment, senior adults are screened routinely for blood pressure, weight, medication adherence and lab result follow-up. One assessment that is commonly overlooked is evaluating seniors for fall risk. The purpose of this study was to …

Depression Among The Elderly: Screening Practices And Attitudes Among Nurse Practitioners, Grace Le

Master's Projects

Purpose: To examine California's nurse practitioners' (NPs) screening practices and attitudes towards depression among the elderly using the Depression Attitude Questionnaire (DAQ) (Botega, Mann, Blizard, & Wilkinson, 1992). Data sources: One hundred and fifty NPs, selected randomly from the membership of the California Association of Nurse Practitioners (CANP), were surveyed with electronic mailed questionnaires. Seventy-five (50%) self-reported surveys were completed and analyzed. Results: The majority of NPs routinely screened for depression among the elderly. Most thought that life events were not important in the development of depression, held a positive view with pharmacological and psychological treatments of depression, and felt …

English Language Acculturation And Academic Achievement Among Junior Year Nursing Students, Leah Lukrich

Master's Projects

Efforts to alleviate the current nursing shortage have focused on recruitment and retention of diverse nursing students. Language acculturation has been identified in the literature as one predictor of academic achievement (Salamonson et al, 2008) PURPOSE: This study examined the relationship between pathophysiology and pharmacology grades and scores on the English Language Acculturation Scale (ELAS) survey for junior-level nursing students (N = 65). The relationship between years living in the United States (U.S.) and pathophysiology and pharmacology grades was examined also. RESULTS: ELAS scores ranged from 7-25, with a mean of22 (SD = 4.27). No statistically significant correlation was found …

Productivity Environmental Preference Survey (Peps) Of Undergraduate Nursing Students - A Generational Perspective, Susana Machado

Master's Projects

A change in the generational demographics of college students is occurring throughout the United States. By 2012, the number of Millennial students, those born from 1982 to 2003, will jump from 44 percent to 75 percent of the total college enrollment. It has been suggested that their methods of learning are different from those of previous generations. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare individual productivity and learning style preferences of undergraduate nursing students that fall into the Generation X and Millennial age cohort. Using the Dunn & Dunn Learning Style Model and the Productivity Environmental Preferences …

Stories, Ethics And The Interpretation Of Meaning: Bearing Witness To Mothers' Stories Of Their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Experience, Angela Chisum Blackburn

Dissertations

This study grounded in narrative perspectives was conducted to uncover mothers' experience of having a baby in the Neonatal intensive Care Unit (NICU). The purpose of this study was to describe and interpret mothers NICU experiences, and to sensitize health care professionals about the importance of mothers' personal experience stories.

The NICU experience began with mothers' birth experience or the incident that led up to her infant requiring care in the NICU and her experience extended beyond the NICU with future concerns about the health and wellbeing of her baby.

Stories of mothers' experience were gleaned from data generated from …

Role Strain Of Nursing Students In Obstetrical Clinical Rotations: Is Role Strain Greater For Male Students?, Teri A. Lind

Master's Projects

As increasing numbers of men enter the career of nursing, it is important that nursing educators identify areas of role strain and learning needs that may be different from their female counterparts This research project examined the role strain factors of nursing students who have completed the maternaVnewbom (obstetrical) clinical experience in a baccalaureate nursing program. The research question addressed in this research project was: Do male nursing students experience greater role strain than female nursing students in the matemaVnewbom setting? A convenience sample of male students (N=23) and a random sampling of female students (N=23) participated in this study. …

Nursing Student Perceptions Of Clinical Simulation During A Maternity Nursing Scenario, Maria B. Ronquillo

Master's Projects

Clinical Simulation creates near authentic experiences for students. This study examined the students' perceptions of design, implementation and outcomes of a Simulated Clinical Experience (SCE) during their maternal-child clinical practicum. A convenience sample of 27 female and 2 male students with a mean age of 26 years, in a baccalaureate nursing program, evaluated simulation design, educational practices, student satisfaction and self confidence. Using a 5-point Likert scale, 1 =strongly disagree to 5= strongly agree, participants found that the SCE was a positive, experience, (score of 4.08), with sound design characteristics, (score of 4.24) and was consistent with known educational practices, …

Assessing Culture Competence Among Nurses In An Acute Care Setting, Maleka Virani

Master's Projects

The aim of the study was to assess cultural competence among nurses in an acute care setting. A 25-item questionnaire developed by Campinha-Bacote (2003) titled Inventory to Assess Cultural Competence Among Health Care Providers (IAPCC-R) along with a demographic survey were utilized to assess cultural competence among 100 nurses in an acute care hospital. The results of the study indicated that 70% of nurses (n=63) were culturally aware and 30% (n=27) were culturally competent. There was no statistical significance between the level of cultural competence and years of experience, educational degree or self rating of 'being culturally competent'. The findings …

Symbiotic Caregivers: A Qualitative Case Study Of African American Custodial Grandparents And Their Grandchildren, Stella Enyichi Nwokeji

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2005-2007 American Community Survey show that there are 11,436 grandparents in Shelby County, Tennessee, who are responsible for grandchildren. In Memphis only, there are 9,213 grandparents who are responsible for their grandchildren (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). The Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) 2003 report (2003) showed that 42% of Tennessee grandparents who were responsible for grandchildren who are living with them live in households where the children’s parents are not present. Casper and Bryson (1998) noted that grandparent-headed households are more prevalent in African American communities and are at high risk for poverty. …

Determinants Of Physical Activity Behavior And Self-Efficacy For Exercise Among African American Women, Bridget K. Robinson

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Background: Inadequate physical activity behavior persists among African American women despite the widely documented benefits of physical activity. Literature notes a positive correlation between self-efficacy for exercise and physical activity behavior. In addition to socioeconomic factors, culturally influenced factors mediate self-efficacy for task such as physical activity. Past studies indicate differing perceptions related to religiosity and body image among African American populations. Additionally, reports indicate Southern and Midwestern states have the highest prevalence of obesity. These states are located in a geographical area known as the Bible belt. Moreover, 73.5% of the African American population in the U. S. resides …

Student Perceptions Of Their Learning Experience In The Clinical Setting: A Pilot Study, Peggy Gnehm

Master's Projects

Clinical experience during nursing education is a valuable learning opportunity, supporting the integration of theory and practice. Positive or negative perceptions of the learning environment potentially affect student retention and recruitment as well as motivation and by extension, possibly learning. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore possible strategies of assessing student perceptions of their overall clinical learning experiences and provide insight into student feelings about specific portions of their experience with goals of nurturing the positive as well as identifying potential areas for improvement within the program. Though students were satisfied overall with their clinical experiences, they …

Class Size And Nursing Students' Perception Of Empowerment, Cynthia T. Keane

Master's Projects

Due to increases in enrollment and budget cuts in many states, college class sizes are reaching unprecedented sizes (Carpenter, 2006). Nursing schools are facing the same challenges. Only limited research has been conducted on the effects of class size on nursing students' perception of empowerment Conger (1989) defines empowerment as the act of reinforcing one's belief in his or her perception of competence. Empowerment is important for nursing students' education (Chally, 1992). To achieve the optimal learning experience in face of increasing class size, it is important to explore how nursing students experience learning in both small and large class …

Characteristics And Outcomes Of Individuals Self-Selecting Yoga Versus Physical Therapy For The Treatment Of Chronic Low Back Pain, Dian Dowling Evans

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a significant public health problem that is difficult and costly to treat. Determining whether a patient with cLBP will benefit from a particular treatment approach is challenging, since little is understood about the patient characteristics that predict improved treatment outcomes. Understanding these characteristics could reduce treatment failures and costs of care.

This study was designed to explore the demographic, clinical and treatment- related characteristics of individuals self-selecting yoga versus physical therapy (PT) for treatment of cLBP. A growing body of research demonstrates that yoga reduces pain and improves function in persons with cLBP. However, …

Metabolic Syndrome, Inflammation, Heart Rate Variability, And Fitness In Obese African American Youth, Belinda J. Fleming

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Purpose. The purposes of this dissertation were to (1) explore the relationships among fitness, heart rate variability (HRV), inflammation and components of the Metabolic Syndrome in obese African American youth participating in a supervised weight management program, (2) examine the effect of change in severity of obesity on these variables, and (3) identify predictors of weight loss.

Method. This study consisted of a post-hoc analysis of existing pre and post-intervention data obtained from 50 African-American youth (70% female, aged 7-18 years). Anthropometric assessment of height, weight, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, body mass index percentile …

Associations Among Health Literacy Levels And Health Outcomes In Pregnant Women With Pregestational And Gestational Diabetes In An Urban Setting, Rosemary Ann Mclaughlin

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Purpose/Objectives: Poor health literacy is a problem for over 45% of American adults and is associated with a variety of adverse health outcomes. Low health literacy has been associated with poor prenatal care utilization and a higher likelihood of poorer glycemic control. Poor glycemic control can lead to poor birth outcomes for both the mother and infant. Health literacy levels of pregnant women with diabetes can influence these outcomes and need to be known early in the pregnancy. Interventions can influence tighter glycemic control and lessen the impact of diabetes for the mother and infant. Therefore, the purpose of this …

Development And Psychometric Evaluation Of The Provider Response To Emergency Pandemic (Prep) Tool, Linda Suzzanne Good Phd

Dissertations

Background: History and science would suggest that a worldwide influenza pandemic is near and its implications are on the minds of healthcare workers (HCWs). Previous studies revealed that HCW have loss-related fears and concerns associated with working during a disaster, especially one with a biologic component. Most healthcare organizations have well-crafted disaster plans in place; however, these plans often rely on the assumption that HCWs will report to work as usual, which may not be the case. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if HCWs' fears and concerns are a predictor of their willingness to report to …

Kuhn, Brenda Interview For The Miami Valley College Of Nursing And Health Oral History Project, Donna M. Curry, Carol Holdcraft, Jamie Gerdemann, Brenda Kuhn

Wright State University - Miami Valley College of Nursing and Health Oral History Project

Donna Miles Curry, Carol Holdcraft, and Jamie Gerdemann interviewed Brenda Kuhn about the Wright State University College of Nursing and Health. In the interview Dr. Kuhn discusses why she became interested in nursing and her education at Wright State University.

Sustaining A Fall Prevention Initiative- It Can Be Done!, Liz Gutwein-Guenther, Rn Bsn- Tjuh, Patricia Horner, Rn Msn-Tjuh

Jefferson Hospital Nurses Week

Prompted by an increase in falls in December of 2006, a group of nurses convened to address new approaches in fall prevention. This group quickly identified the need for a multidisciplinary approach. During the first year, the interdisciplinary committee effected policy changes in many departments and provided multi-hospital wide education. The committee also supported the development of a nursing Fall Prevention Resource Group that meets monthly and is composed of nurses and aides from each unit. The members are the “Champions for Fall Prevention”. The monthly meetings of both groups keep the fall prevention initiative alive.

The Case Of The Silent Crippler, Amanda Orme, Karlen E. (Beth) Luthy

Faculty Publications

Thirteen-year-old “Stephanie” has been complaining of bilateral leg pain and increasing lower extremity weakness. Stephanie's teacher recently approached her parents to inform them of concerns that Stephanie is walking differently and seems off balance at school.

Effect Of Oral Stimulation On Feeding Progression In Preterm Infants, Brenda Lessen

Scholarship

This is a poster presentation of original research conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of a newly developed prefeeding oral stimulation intervention (Beckman Oral Motor Intervention-Premature Infant) on feeding progression and length of stay on preterm infants younger than 30 weeks PMA.

College Of Health And Human Services International Service Learning Program: Gales Point, Belize, Jordan Norris, Carrierobin Menapace

Impact Belize

No abstract provided.

Eligibility, Recruitment, And Retention Of African Americans With Severe Mental Illness In Community Research, Michelle Hampton, Mary White, Linda Chafetz

Faculty Publications

Data that addresses severely mentally ill (SMI) African Americans (AAs) likelihood to participate in clinical research is limited. This study’s purpose was to determine if differences exist between races regarding eligibility, recruitment, and retention in a community-based clinical trial. The sample included 293 participants. Data sources included clinical records and interviews. Logistic regression was used for analysis. AAs were as likely to participate and to complete followup interviews as Whites. In contrast to studies about non-mentally ill AAs, AAs with SMI appeared to be as willing to consent to and to remain in clinical research studies as Whites.

Getting The Most Out Of Conferences, Janet M. Brown, Nola A. Schmidt

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Rain Rhythms: Spring 2009 - Summer 2009, College Of Nursing & Professional Disciplines

RAIN Rhythms

No abstract provided.

The Quest To Prevent Employee Injury: Implementation Of A Lift Team, Pamela Springer, Bonnie K. Lind, Johanna Kratt, Ed Baker, Joanne T. Clavelle

Nursing Faculty Publications and Presentations

A lift team was trialed at an urban medical center in the Pacific Northwest to reduce employee injuries. The lift team consisted of a lift tech and a nursing assistant who were both trained in lifting techniques. The trial lasted one year. Pre-post data on employee injuries and day vs. night injuries during lift team implementation are described. Results do not show the same reduction in employee injuries described by previous authors. Possible explanations related to the usage of the lift teams and policy developments are explored.

Culturally Tailored Cancer Communication, Education, And Research: The Highways And Back Roads Of Appalachia, Kelly A. Dorgan, Sadie P. Hutson, Abigail Gerding, Katie L. Duvall

Nursing Faculty Publications and Presentations

We have varying experiences with Appalachia, yet we all agree that there is a unique relationship between Appalachians and cancer. Two of us are nurses who have worked with various communities. Two of us grew up here; 1 watched several of her relatives battle cancer in their Appalachian homes. All of us are scholars who want to talk with practitioners and researchers who are developing culturally tailored cancer control interventions. This goal to have a dialogue emerged after we had a series of discussions about cancer in Appalachia, discussions resulting in our developing a list of cultural traits that seem …

Prevention Of Mother-To-Child Transmission (Pmtct) Of Hiv In The Sub-Saharan Africa Region With A Focus On Uganda, Emily K. Franks

Senior Honors Theses

With the rise of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the past thirty years, people of all ages, infants to elderly alike, all over the world, suffer from its adverse effects. Even an unborn baby in-utero can contract this virulent infection by means of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) (Sweeney, 2005). Infants and children diseased in this way comprise 90% of the estimated 800,000 new cases of HIV in children seen each year, but the region hit hardest, however, is Sub-Saharan Africa, with the country of Uganda historically having the highest incident rate for a time (Stringer, E.M., et al. 2008). Therefore, the purpose …

Volume 02, Joseph A. Mann, Kathryn J. Greenly, Scott E. Jenkins, Andrew E. Puckette, Daniel M. Honey, Jeffery P. Ravenhorst, Jamie Elizabeth Mesrobian, Thomas Scott, Jay Crowell, Sarah Spangenberg, Amy S. Eason, Kenny Wolfe, Liz Hale, Rachel Bouchard, Will Semonco, Carley York, Ryan Higgenbothom, Adrienne Heinbaugh, Melissa Dorton, Madeline Hunter, June Ashmore, Clark Barkley, Jay Haley

Incite: The Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship

Introduction from Dean Dr. Charles Ross

Mike's Nite: New Jazz for an Old Instrument by Joseph A. Mann

Investigation of the use of Cucumis Sativus for Remediation Of Chromium from Contaminated Environmental Matrices: An Interdisciplinary Instrumental Analysis Project by Kathryn J. Greenly, Scott E. Jenkins, and Andrew E. Puckette

Development of GC-MS and Chemometric Methods for the Analysis of Accelerants in Arson Cases by Scott Jenkins

Building and Measuring Scalable Computing Systems by Daniel M. Honey and Jeffery P. Ravenhorst

Nomini Hall: A Case Study in the Use of Archival Resources as Guides for Excavation at An Archaeological Site by …

An Examination Of Alcohol Use In The Gastric Bypass Patient, Kathleen Winston Phd, Msn, Rn

Dissertations

Introduction: Obesity and morbid obesity, along with their co-morbidities, are impacting the national and international healthcare delivery systems and policy agendas. Bariatric surgery is a dynamic and fast-changing medical and surgical practice designed to mitigate the consequences of 60 million obese adults in the United States alone. Alcohol consumption after gastric bypass surgery presents potential physiological and psychological problems. Purpose: Examine the prevalence and incidence of increased alcohol consumption among a group of post-gastric bypass patients; identify the relationship of the alcohol use with time since surgery, psychosocial issues (depressive symptomatology, anxiety, coping) and demographic variables. Theoretical Framework: Coping serves …

Utilizing Community Based Participatory Research To Address Health Literacy Issues: An Example In Southeastern Mn, Jennifer A. Weis

Theses and Graduate Projects

Low health literacy interferes with an individual's ability to reduce and treat preventable diseases. Given the spectrum of disease burden throughout the US, there are a number of important health topics deserving of our immediate attention in order to improve the public's health literacy. Overweight and obesity have surfaced as societal topics and any quest to improve health literacy must address these growing problems as they are likely to contribute to disease prevention and improved disease management. Unfortunately, the growing problem of overweight and obesity is not restricted to adults. America's youth are also experiencing epidemic rates of overweight and …