Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Exercise Self-Efficacy, Stages Of Exercise Change, Health Promotion Behaviors, And Physical Activity In Postmenopausal Hispanic Women, Pamela Wolfe Kohlbry Phd

Dissertations

The purpose of this correlational research is to understand the relationships among the variables of exercise self-efficacy, stages of exercise change, health promotion behaviors, body mass index (BMI), health problems, and the level of physical activity in postmenopausal Hispanic women. The significance of this study is to contribute research that enhances the understanding of the relationship of psychosocial and health promotion correlates and physical activity in postmenopausal Hispanic women. On a national level, this is important because Hispanic women make up one of the fastest growing minority populations and they experience the second highest level of obesity. This research is …

Resilience And Quality Of Life In Taiwanese Survivors Of Childhood Cancer, Li-Na Chou Phd, Msn, Rn

Dissertations

Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk to develop physiologic-psychosocial complications that affect their quality of life. This study explored how the independent variables of illness-related risk (ILLRK), individual risks (IRK), protective factors (PF) and resilience (RS) affected the dependent variable---quality of life (QOL)--in Taiwanese survivors of childhood cancer. Triangulated research methodology was employed to (1) identify the statistical relationships between the variables and (2) explore qualitatively what these variables meant to the subjects and how their perceptions further explained the statistical results. Haase's (2004) Adolescent Resilience Model was used as the theoretical framework. Ninety-eight Taiwanese adolescent cancer survivors, diagnosed …

Creativity Fostering Behaviors In The Nurse Educator, Barbara Neher Taylor Phd

Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive study of 93 BSN nurse educators in the State of California was to examine the relationship between creativity fostering behaviors in the nurse educator and intrinsic motivation, creativity fostering behaviors and the teaching/learning goals, and creativity fostering behaviors and class size, number of years teaching, and university type. This sample included 93 participants, 93% were female, Caucasian (91%), with a mean age of 53 and worked in a public university (65%). Medical/surgical was the most common clinical specialty (26%), with a mean of 29.15 years in nursing practice, and 15 years as a nurse educator. …

Evidenced Based Practice Considerations Regarding Rural Health And Access To Care, Amy S. Benjamin

MSN Research Projects

While the United States (U.S.) healthcare system has been extremely successful, concerns remain about access to care for a large segment of the population (Rivers, 2003). Availability o f health care to rural areas is limited, leaving a large portion of the American population with limited access to care. According to the data of the U.S. Census Bureau collected in 2001 27% of the United States population was considered rural. Rural, as defined by the Census Bureau, is a town of less than 2,500 residents’ (Schmidt, 2005). Nurse Practitioners (NPs) can offer increased accessibility to local care by addressing primary …

The Creativity And Aging Study: The Impact Of Professionally Conducted Cultural Programs On Older Adults, Gene D. Cohen, The Center On Aging, Health & Humanities, The George Washington University (Gw)

National Collaborative on Aging Faculty Publications

Executive Summary

In 2001, the National Endowment for the Arts developed a cooperative agreement with The George Washington University to conduct a multisite national study with the aim of measuring the impact of professionally conducted community based cultural programs on the general health, mental health, and social activities of older persons, age 65 and older. Referred to as the Creativity and Aging Study, the project’s formal title is “The Impact of Professionally Conducted Cultural Programs on Older Adults”. No previous study of this nature using an experimental design and a control group had been carried out. The study takes place …

Exploring The Relationship Between U.K. Midwives And First-Time Mothers Receiving One-To-One Vs. Standard Midwifery Care During The Postnatal Period, Danielle Matthys

Honors Theses

Initially when researching how to best use the opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom (U.K.) and integrate the exploration of midwifery practice into an honors thesis research project, many ideas emerged. One stood out in particular. As an American nursing student, only one form of U.S. midwifery practice had been observed; namely, where the expectant mother receives care from a multitude of practitioners. This care was observed both in a large tertiary center and smaller community hospitals. Unknown prior to researching the history of midwifery, however, a model of midwifery care called One-to-One began in 1993 in England (Page, …

Peripheral Blood Pressure Changes Induced By Dobutamine Do Not Alter Bold Signals In The Human Brain, Heng Liu, Charles Rainey, Kathryn K. Lauer, Linda B. Piacentine, Alan S. Bloom, Robert C. Risinger, B. Douglas Ward, Elliot Stein, Shi-Jiang Li

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

In extending the use of functional MRI to neuropharmacology, a primary area of concern is that peripheral blood pressure changes induced by pharmacological agents could independently produce a change in the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal, resulting in difficulties distinguishing or interpreting drug-induced neural activations. In the present study, we utilized intravenous dobutamine, a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, to increase the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), while examining the effects of MABP changes on the BOLD signal in cocaine-dependent participants. Dobutamine infusion significantly increased the MABP from 93 ± 8 mm Hg to 106 ± 12 mm Hg (P < 0.0005), but did not produce a significant global BOLD signal. Yet, a few voxels in the anterior cingulate showed BOLD signal changes that paralleled the changes in blood pressure (BP). Our observations support the conclusion that following the infusion of psychoactive agents, brain BOLD signals accurately reflect neuronal activity, even in the face of relatively large peripheral cardiovascular effects that transiently increase systemic BP.

Is Negative Thinking Related To Low Self-Esteem And Depression In Low-Income Single Mothers In Labette County, Kansas?, Linda L. Forbes

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive, cor-relational research study was to determine if negative thinking was related to low-self esteem and depression in low-income single mothers in Labette County, Kansas. Targeting the symptom of negative thinking, might break the link of low self-esteem with depressive symptoms in low-income single mothers. The results can be improved mental health of the mother and improved physical and mental health of her children (Peden, Rayens, Hall, & Bebe, 2000; Peden, Rayens, Hall, and Grant, 2004).

Data for this research study was collected from December, 2005 to February, 2006 from a convenience sample of 55 single …

Gender Differences In Diagnosis And Treatment In Acute Coronary Syndrome, Leann M. Love, Teresa Walker

Graduate Research Projects

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is now recognized to occur in men and women of all ages. Prior assumptions that it is a disease found mainly in middle-aged, type-A personality, overweight, smoking males have been disproven. Only recently have research findings fully appreciated CAD as a disease found in both sexes, all age groups, and with no discriminatory factors. It is the leading cause of death in women over sixty years of age. This study analyzed gender and age related differences in diagnosis and treatment of CAD. AMC Inc., The Chest Pain Registry provided data in aggregated form from 5,619 patients. …

Perinatal Loss: Its Challenge To Nurses And Educators, Catherine Overson

Inquiry Journal 2006

No abstract provided.

“My Mind Is Like A Dark Storm Cloud”: Observations And Experiences In Norwegian Dementia Care, Cristina Joseph

Inquiry Journal 2006

No abstract provided.

Correlates Of Cigarette Smoking Among Low-Income African American Women, Jorge Delva, Marisol Tellez, Tracy L. Finlayson, Kimberlee A. Gretebeck, Kristine Siefert, David R. Williams, Amid I. Ismail

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Objective: This study examines individual and contextual correlates of cigarette smoking in a randomly selected, community-based sample of low-income African American women.

Design: The study sample was selected by using a two-stage area probability sample design.

Setting: Participants were recruited from > 12,000 housing units selected from 39 census tracts in the city of Detroit.

Participants: Participants for this study include a total of 921 women who completed the baseline assessment of a randomized clinical trial aimed at improving the oral health of African American families.

Main outcome measures: Past month prevalence of cigarette use and number of cigarettes smoked during …

Perceived Barriers To Care Among Hispanic Women Who Delay Prenatal Care, Gustavo A. Moretta

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among selected demographic variables and the barriers to prenatal care perceived by English- Speaking, Hispanic women. The Health Belief Model was used as the theoretical framework to guide the development of this study.

The sample consisted of 20 participants aged 18 years to 38 years of age who had sought prenatal care at a primary care clinic in a midwest community. The participants had visited the provider for prenatal care after the twelfth week of gestation. Data were obtained using two instruments. Melnyk’s Perceived Barriers to Care Seale (1990) measured …

Changes In Functional Status Of Home Health Cardiac Patients From Admission To Discharge, Mary Rita Mcgoldrick Phd, Mph, Msn, Rn, Anp-Bc

Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to examine the functional status (ADLs and IADLs) in patients with a primary/secondary diagnosis of cardiac disease in the home health setting. The independent variables of dyspnea and service were examined for the effect on discharge functional status while controlling for the effects of age, gender, race, admission functional status, primary and secondary diagnosis. A descriptive correlational, non-experimental study of cardiac patients in an urban home health agency from January 2003 to December 2004 was conducted using data collected through a retrospective chart review. Seventeen areas of OASIS (ADL and IADL) were assessed for …

Clients' Expectations Of Public Health Nurses' Home Visits, Eva G. Miller Dnsc, Ms, Rn, Phn

Dissertations

Although there is considerable research on the relationship between client expectations and outcomes of care in acute care settings, less is known about clients' expectations for public health nurses' home visits. The aim of this study was to understand clients' expectations of public health nurses' home visits as a first step in making explicit how expectations affect client responses to, and ultimately, outcomes of public health nurses' care. Interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 19 primary caretakers of high-risk infants admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and voluntarily enrolled in a High-Risk Infant (HRI) Program in …

Homeless Mothers' Perceptions Of Parenting In Shelters, Sarah E. Young Whitaker Dnsc, Msn, Rn

Dissertations

Descriptions of parenting in a homeless shelter were obtained from nine single mothers housed in one of two shelters in a major southwestern border metroplex. Case study methodology was used to obtain their perspectives on parenting in this unique context. Content analysis was used to organize and analyze emerging themes. Major themes that emerged from the study were (a) a lack of autonomy, (b) gaining access to material resources, (c) lack of privacy, (d) constant change and insecurity in the environment, (e) differing values, and (e) psychosocial support.

The Introduction Of The Importance Of Identifying Patient Priorities Into A Care Model, Susan Loushin

Theses and Graduate Projects

Nursing has a long history of developing care plans that address what nurses perceive as the problems and needs of the patients under their care. One of the greatest ironies in nursing is that the most important person, the patient, is often excluded from the planning process. The importance of soliciting input from the patient or family has been diminished in recent years, but is now acknowledged to be the key to high quality individualized care. Patient and family involvement is not just about organizational structures-it is a cultural change. lt is empowering patients and their families to have a …

Understanding Sexual Abstinence In African American Teens, Kristin Haglund

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose: To explore the perspectives of teenage girls on how life contexts influenced sexuality and sexual abstinence.

Study Design and Methods: A qualitative descriptive study with a convenience sample of 14 sexually abstinent African American adolescent females who were interviewed to obtain their life histories. Narrative analysis was used to identify unique and common experiences and to develop themes.

Results: For these participants, being abstinent was a way to demonstrate their emerging identities as adult women. They described themselves as faithful, unique persons who defied negative stereotypes, avoided risky situations, wanted to be strong women like their …

The National Children's Study, Waukesha Country, Wisconsin, Vanguard Center, Jeanne B. Hewitt, Steven R. Leuthner, Marianne E. Weiss, David Whelan, Leslie Athey, Jane A. Mcelroy, Maureen S. Durkin, Christine E. Cronk

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

The National Children's Study (NCS) is a large, long-term study designed to detect environmental influences on the health and development of children. Waukesha County, Wisconsin, was selected as 1 of 7 "Vanguard Centers" currently funded to finalize and lead the implementation of the study protocol. The authors provide an overview of key design and planning processes that will be used at all NCS Vanguard locations, the specific approaches to be used in the NCS Waukesha Country Vanguard Center, and information about Wisconsin physicians and other health care professionals can become involved in working with the NCS.

Male Arab-Muslims Health And Health Promotion Perceptions And Practices, Abdel-Raheem O. Yosef Phd, Msn, Rn

Dissertations

The Arab Muslim population is one of the dramatically increasing minorities in the United States. In addition to other factors, gender, religion and cultural background influence individuals' beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes to health and illness. Little is known about Arab American male immigrants, how they perceive illness, how they promote their health, and the stressors they experience and barriers they face in accessing the American health care system. The purpose of this study was to develop knowledge about the male Arab-Muslims' health perceptions and health promotion perceptions and practices. This qualitative exploratory study used a grounded theory approach to gain …

Technology Brief: Digital Pen And Paper: A Review Of The Technology And Its Potential Application In Healthcare, Martin Schiavenato

Nursing Faculty Scholarship

Electronic medical records (EMR) are a priority in the landscape of US healthcare. Digital pen and paper systems offer an expedient and innovative way of adapting the familiar handwriting medium into the EMR. The technology of the digital pen and paper and its components is reviewed and critically evaluated as to its potential advantages, disadvantages, and implications to patient care. In addition, field testing of a commercial digital pen and paper system was carried out in an informal educational setting by a panel of expert clinicians and educators. Potential nursing and healthcare applications and implications are listed and discussed.

The Use Of Contract Licensed Nursing Staff In U.S. Nursing Homes., Meg Bourbonniere, Zhanlian Feng, Orna Intrator, Joseph Angelelli, Vincent Mor, Jacqueline S. Zinn

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

The extent to which nursing homes rely on the use of contracted licensed staff, factors associated with this staffing practice, and the resultant effect on the quality of resident care has received little public attention. Merging the On-line Survey Certification and Reporting System database with the Area Resource File from 1992 through 2002, the authors regressed organizational and market-level variables on the use of 5 percent or more contract full-time equivalent registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Since 1997, the proportion of facilities using 5 percent or more contract licensed staff more than tripled. Use of contract nurses was associated …

Navigating The Rules Of Clinical Practicum Work: An Interpretive Study Of The Experiences Of Associate Degree Nursing Students, Leonie L. Sutherland Phd

Dissertations

Responding to changes in technology, economics, and the demographics of society, nurse leaders incorporate new ideas and systems into clinical practice. Nurse educators are challenged to adopt these ideas and systems and make them part of the nursing curriculum. Educators develop tools and strategies to help students gain knowledge and skills to work with patients in the clinical setting. The ways in which students use these tools and perceive and manage their clinical work is not understood. The dearth of research related to what students actually do in clinical practicum settings provided the backdrop for this study. This is a …

Building Bridges In Diverse Communities, Susan S. Bjornsen

Theses and Graduate Projects

The communities we Iive in continue to become more culturally diverse which has significant implications for our health care systems. The purpose of this project was to develop a model to be used in bridging the gap between underserved racial and ethnic communities and mainstream healthcare. Nurses can play a seminal role in developing health promotion events in diverse communities directed at promoting healthy lifestyles, developing relationships and gaining new ways of viewing the world. Margaret Newman's theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness influenced the model development and gave insight to vital concepts of the project. Participating in health promotion …

2006, Kathe Gable

UNISON

No abstract provided.

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

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

M.S. In Nursing Program Overview, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Feedback, Education, And Work Experience On Self-Efficacy, Hieu Chi Pham

Theses Digitization Project

Examines the contextual effects of social persuasion (represented by self, client, peer and supervisor's feedback) and mastery experiences (represented by formal level of education and work experience) on specific self-efficacy outcomes and perceived advancement potential in a sample population of nurses at a Southern California hospital. Results of the study suggest that self, client, peer, and supervisor's feedback consistently predict significant self-efficacy outcomes.

Improving The Health Literacy Of Rural Elders: An Interdisciplinary Approach, M. Susan Jones, Marilyn M. Gardner, Janelle A. Peeler, Serena Merry Britt, Marilyn Lewis Graves

Nursing Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Humor And Laughter May Influence Health: [Part] Ii. Complementary Therapies And Humor In A Clinical Population, Mary Payne Bennett, Cecile Lengacher

Nursing Faculty Publications

Our results support a connection between sense of humor and self-reported physical health, however, it is difficult to determine the relationship to any specific disease process. Whereas relationships between sense of humor and self-reported measures of physical well-being appear to be supported, more research is required to determine interrelationships between sense of humor and well-being.