Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Chinese Immigrants With Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus: Nutritional Self-Management Approach, Winnie Manlai Wong

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Chinese immigrants (CIs) with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) generally have poor control in their diet regimen. Due to the variation in body mass, physiology, and cultural differences as compare with the general American population, special attention must be conducted in treating diabetes in Cis, emphasizing culturally sensitive care and nutrition therapy that acknowledge the differences. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to assess cultural challenges in self-management for CIs living with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and evaluate the effectiveness of a diabetic nutritional self-management guide tailored to this population. Theoretical Framework: Havelock’s theory of change is a …

Shoulder-Specific Patient Reported Outcome Measures For Use In Patients With Head And Neck Cancer:An Assessment Of Reliability, Construct Validity, And Overall Appropriateness Of Test Score Interpretation Using Rasch Analysis, Melissa Michelle Eden

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Context: Medical management for head and neck cancer (HNC) often includes neck dissection surgery, a side effect of which is shoulder dysfunction. There is no consensus for which patient-reported outcome measure (PRO) is most appropriate to quantify shoulder dysfunction in this population.

Objective: The aims of this research study were to: (1) use Rasch methodologies to assess construct validity and overall appropriateness of test score interpretation of Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), QuickDASH, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and Neck Dissection Impairment Index (NDII) in the HNC population; (2) determine appropriateness of use of University of …

Academically Resistant Athletes: Victims Of Aces Or Commodities Of The System, Melnee Berry

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Fans of college sports embrace the idea of athletes playing sport and, in turn, receiving tuition scholarships that provide them an opportunity to trade athletic talent for a free education. A contradictory body of research using internal colonization theory posits that the trade of education for playing sports is not a fair exchange but is fraught with exploitation that continues to perpetuate subjugation. An accepted narrative in athletic competition is that the recruiting pipeline draws athletes from impoverished inner-city areas engaging young athletes who experience difficulties keeping up scholastically becoming academically resistant as they focus on their sport at the …

Comprehensive Occupational Therapy In A Breast Cancer Program, Nicole Renee Scheiman

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this capstone project is to develop an evidenced-based, innovative, and comprehensive occupational therapy evaluation and intervention protocol for breast cancer care. The contents of this paper will include an introduction into the current care provided to survivors, literature review on best practice in breast cancer care, outline of the procedures completed to discover what best practice care should be, results of these procedures, discussion of the results, and conclusion with proposed program and recommendations for further investigation. The concern investigated is the inconsistencies in care provided to survivors from the time of diagnosis throughout their lifespan or …

Fine Motor Skills And The Occupations Of Young Adults With Multiple Sclerosis, Mary Squillace

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological diseases affecting adults of working age, and those of younger ages of onset have been increasingly recognized. Twenty-seven percent of people with MS (PwMS) are age 30 years old or younger. The burden of MS for young adults puts them at risk for poorer outcomes regarding their education, family planning, vocation, and social skills as they transition to adulthood. Fine motor (FM) skill impairment might impede performance within the daily occupations of young adults who are transitioning into adulthood. Few studies focus on the occupations and occupational performance of …

Enhancing Collaboration Regarding Long-Term Therapy Planning For Children With Chronic Conditions Using Participatory Action Research, Victoria Ann Mcquiddy

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Children with chronic conditions often participate in therapy, but there is little information about how often or for how long therapy services should be provided. Participatory action research (PAR) methods were utilized in this study and, therefore, involved both parents and occupational and physical therapists throughout the study. Parental interviews were conducted to understand parent perception of self-management and how parents felt their child’s therapist was doing or could do to facilitate self-management, particularly as it related to discharge planning or having their child take a break from ongoing therapy. Through analysis of parent interviews completed by the therapist team …

Assessing Beliefs, Attitudes, And Perceived Risks Of Hiv As Predictors Of Hiv Testing Behavior Among Seniors In The Coachella Valley, California, Gillian Sealy

Health Sciences Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2017), at the end of 2014, approximately 428,724 people 50 years or older were diagnosed and living with HIV in the United States. A contributing factor to the high incidence of HIV in this population is unknown HIV/AIDS serostatus (Fenton, 2007). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2018), terms serostatus as the state of having or not having detectable antibodies against a specific antigen (https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv-aids/glossary/1632/serostatus). Contributing to the lack of knowledge about HIV serostatus, is that those over 50 are less likely to be tested for HIV even …

Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis: Exploring The Experiences Of Eye Bank Coordinators When Approaching Families Of Decedents For Eye Donation, Concetta Triglia

Health Sciences Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This dissertation was used to addresses a group of individuals who work as eye bank coordinators. These individuals call families and approach them for eye donations from a loved one who has just passed away. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to explain the lived experience of eye bank coordinators who call families for consent of eye tissue. The focus was to understand the dedication of the coordinators to giving the gift of sight and exploring the positive and negative experiences of eye bank coordinators. IPA is used for a keen understanding of eye bank coordinators, and the investigator …

Nurse-Driven Protocol To Reduce Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections, Elva Hamilton

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a major source of avoidable hospital-acquired infections. The scientific evidence supports utilization of nurse-driven protocols to reduce CAUTIs.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to update and implement an evidence-based CAUTI prevention protocol for the nursing staff on a medical-surgical unit in an adult acute care hospital to decrease the utilization of indwelling urinary catheters and CAUTIs.

Theoretical Framework: Donabedian’s structures, processes, and outcomes (SPO) model was utilized as the framework for this project. Donabedian’s SPO model focuses on strong healthcare structures and processes to improve nurse, patient, and organizational …

Lose To Win: Fighting Obesity In The Workplace, Latoya Dotson

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Obesity is a significant healthcare problem in modern American society. It has led to decreased longevity of employees and decreased productivity in day-to-day duties of healthcare workers. There are more negative attributes to obesity than positive, regardless of the race affected. One of the leading causes of death in 2012 was cardiovascular disease. Due to poor dietary choices, the promotion of sedentary lifestyle has led to complications of obesity such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Major improvements can be made within a community that acknowledges the risks of obesity and seeks to implement preventive programs. Increasing one’s physical …

Implementation Of The Essential Competencies For Evidence-Based Practice In Baccalaureate Nursing Education, Elizabeth Whorley

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Integrating evidence-based practice into healthcare education has been a recommendation for the past 16 years. Despite this, barriers still exist with the utilization of evidence-based practice. The purpose of this study was to describe the current state of EBP scholarship in the curriculum of baccalaureate pre-licensure nursing programs. Essential Competencies for Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing (Stevens, 2009) was utilized to measure the state of EBP scholarship. The research question stated: how is evidence-based practice scholarship addressed within baccalaureate pre-licensure nursing programs? The research design was guided by Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theoretical framework and the star model of knowledge transformation …

Senior Nursing Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, And Perceived Competency About Older Adults, Deborah Denise Brabham

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Nurses entering the workforce may have limited education in gerontological nursing. Therefore, many nurses are unprepared to provide quality care to older adults. An unprepared nursing workforce could negatively influence older adults’ health outcomes and care experience. Purpose: To determine differences in senior nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceived competency about older adults based on enrollment in a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN), associate’s degree nursing (ADN), and practical nursing (PN) program that offers geriatric content in curricula. Theoretical Framework: Bandura’s social cognitive theory, triadic reciprocal determinism model provided the theoretical framework. Methods: A non-experimental, descriptive survey …

Reducing The Prevalence Of Falls In The Assisted Living Facility Setting, Joan Louis Pierre

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Falls are an issue of concern among the elderly population; it is not only costly, but their impact can have long-term consequences on the quality of life of the elderly. Fall risk in this population increases with age, and falls are the leading cause of accidental death and disability among older adults (Morris et al., 2016). Fall prevention is needed to help reduce these events. The success of this project required consideration of the unique needs of residents in the assisted living environment. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to reduce the prevalence of falls in the assisted …

Reducing The Prevalence Of Fall In The Assisted Living Facility Setting, Joan Louis Pierre

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Falls are an issue of concern among the elderly population; it is not only costly, but their impact can have long-term consequences on the quality of life of the elderly. Fall risk in this population increases with age, and falls are the leading cause of accidental death and disability among older adults (Morris et al., 2016). Fall prevention is needed to help reduce these events. The success of this project required consideration of the unique needs of residents in the assisted living environment.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to reduce the prevalence of falls in the assisted …

Management Of Hypertension Among Haitian Immigrants: Using A Cultural Competency Tool To Improve Practice, Soeurette Bruny

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The number of Haitian immigrants living in the United States has significantly increased as a result of the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010. Hypertension is one of the most significant health concerns among Haitian immigrants, which is one of the fastest growing ethnic groups. A clear understanding of the issues that impact the health practices, beliefs, and attitudes of the Haitianpopulation is essential for positive healthcare outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve healthcare practitioners' standard of practice when providing culturally congruent care to Haitian immigrants at a small community clinic …

Flexural Strength And Optical Characteristics Of High Translucency Zirconia, Golsa Akbarian

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Objective: High translucency zirconia has been developed for esthetically demanding dental cases with the objective of improving light transmittance. The purpose of this in vitro study is to compare the translucency and flexural strength of high translucency zirconia with conventional zirconia and lithium disilicate ceramics, all of which are options for indirect dental restorative applications. Methods: Three dental ceramic materials were selected: Group 1: conventional zirconia; group 2: high translucent zirconia; and group 3: lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. Fifteen disk-shaped specimens (10mm in diameter) of each material were fabricated at 0.5mm, 0.75mm, and 1 mm thicknesses as subgroups A, B, and …

Comparison Of Preformed Archwires To Pretreatment Dental Casts Representing Normal Occlusions, Ezra Brown

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Preformed nickel-titanium archwires have become an almost universal standard for archwire selection in clinical practice. However, previous studies have found that that the intercanine and intermolar widths may be altered with the use of these wires. The patient’s original arch form should not be changed. To our knowledge, previous studies have not yet assessed the intercanine and intermolar widths of preformed archwires when categorized into ovoid, tapered, and square arch forms. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter-arch dimensions of commercially available preformed nickel-titanium archwires relative to normal occlusion dental arches and when compared to …

Evaluation Of Surface Characteristics For Three Milled Cad/Cam Monolithic Ceramic Restorations, Fahad Algahtani

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Dental ceramics have been chosen as the material of choice by patients and clinicians because of their aesthetics, color stability, and low thermal conductivity. Clinically, almost all restorations need some adjustments to allow adequate occlusion and contacts. However, these adjustments will create rough surfaces. Therefore, different surface treatments have been developed to improve surface smoothness and gloss of dental ceramics. Objective: To evaluate the average surface roughness (Ra) and gloss (GU) of three different monolithic ceramics: Lithium Disilicate (IPS e.max CAD), Leucite reinforced (IPS Empress CAD) and Feldspathic (Vitablocs Mark II) subjected to two different surface treatments (mechanical polishing …

Comparison Of Fracture Resistance And Bond Strength Of E.Max Crowns Restored With Fiber Post And Core With Endo Crowns, Rohit Mathur

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Objective: This study evaluated the Fracture Resistance and Bond strength of e.max crowns made with CAD/CAM technology on teeth restored with fiber post and core and compare them to Endo crowns. Materials and Methods: 32 extracted premolars were collected from the department of periodontics and oral surgery. These teeth were assigned in 2 groups. 16 teeth were assigned to test compressive load resistance and the other 16 were assigned to test tensile strength. These groups were subdivided into 2 groups. One group with 8 teeth received post and core followed by crown placement and the other group of teeth were …

The Effect Of Osteotomy Preparation Technique And Implant Diameter On Primary Stability And Bone-Implant Interface Of Short Implants (6 Mm), Kanika Bembey

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Aim: The overall objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of osteotomy preparation technique and implant diameter on primary stability and bone-implant interface of short implants (6mm), when placed in bone with high degree of cancellous content with three osteotomy preparation techniques. Materials and methods: Three groups of different diameter implants were used for this study. The Group SN (Short Narrow), comprised of 30 implants with dimensions 4.2x6mm, the Group SR (Short Regular), comprised of 30 implants with dimensions 4.8x6mm and the Group SW (Short Wide), comprised of 30 implants with dimensions 5. 4x6mm. Each implant group was …

Clinical Performance Of Cad/Cam Versus Conventional Ceramic Restorations On Posterior Teeth: A Retrospective Study, Saleh Almukhlis

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Brief Background: The utilization of CAD/CAM technology for dental restorations has various benefits over conventional techniques. These benefits incorporate speed, convenience, quality, and eliminate needing a temporary crown. However, failure of dental restorations is a major issue in dental practice, it needs to be quantified and considered against the benefits here stated. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical performance of ceramic conventional and chairside CAD/CAM Onlay/ crowns placed on posterior teeth by postgraduate student in Operative department. Methods: This retrospective study employed patient record data stored in AxiUm. In total, 78 CAD/CAM all ceramic crowns/ onlays and 429 all ceramic conventional …

Osteoblast And Osteoclast Bioactivity Responses To Growth Factors And Inhibitors, Dana Walid Al Hashimi

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Bone healing, regeneration, maintenance, and bone defect repair is dependent on the regenerative capacity of Osteoblasts. Bone resorption, osteoporosis, peri implantitis and bone loss are caused by the activity of Osteoclasts. It is the balance in activity between bone regeneration by Osteoblasts and bone resorption by Osteoclasts which determines if bone regeneration or bone loss occurs. Osteoblast and Osteoclast cells respond to growth factors and bioactive inhibitors within the local environment, and the concentrations of these molecules may help determine if bone loss or bone regeneration occurs. To develop new therapies which can promote bone regeneration and avoid bone resorption: …

Evaluation Of Enamel Surface Roughness After Laser Removal Of Clear Aligner Attachments, Nickolaos Z. Kallis

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Following orthodontic appliance removal, the primary objective is to remove all remaining adhesive from the facial surfaces and return the enamel to its pretreatment state. Composite remnant removal must be performed with as little to no damage to the superficial layer of enamel to ensure long-term health and esthetics of the dentition. Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of multiple composite remnant removal methods with no consensus as to which method should be the standard of care1-7. Traditional methods of composite removal after bracket debonding have included tungsten-carbide burs, white stone burs, green stones, and composite discs; which all …

Comparison Of Cutting Efficiency Of Different Rotary Instruments, On Two Different Ceramic Materials Using Electric And Air-Turbine Dental Hand-Pieces, Salam Hetou

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Objective. This study compared the cutting efficiency of different diamond rotary cutting instruments on twoceramic materials when used with an electric handpiece versus an air-turbine handpiece. The amount of surface roughness exhibited by an electric hand-piece was also evaluated in comparison with an air-turbine hand-piece, when used to cut through ceramic restorative materials in a simulated crown removal procedure. Materials and Methods.One-hundred and sixty ceramic specimens were fabricated from lithium disilicate (IPS e.max Press, Ivoclar Vivadent, Amherst, NY) and zirconium oxide (ZirCAD, Ivoclar Vivadent, Amherst, NY) with standardized dimensions (5mm x 2mm x 20mm). Samples were divided into eight groups …

Effect Of Curcumin And Bromelian On Osteogenesis Of Gingiva Derived Stem Cells, Selin Avman

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive cell sources for tissue engineering application because of their ability to proliferate and differentiate into mesenchymal tissues. MSCs derived from human gingiva are readily accessible and highly proliferative with the ability to differentiate into an osteogenic lineage, making them ideal sources for tissue regeneration of craniofacial defects. While dexamethasone is a traditional inducer of osteogenic differentiation, studies have shown that its prolonged presence in culture medium may have toxic effects on osteoblasts. Many antioxidants play a vital role in promoting osteogenic differentiation and offer a potential alternative to dexamethasone. It has been demonstrated …

Effect Of Prophylactic Pastes On Surface Roughness And Gloss Of Esthetic Dental Restorative Materials, Thani Alsharari

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Objective: To evaluate the average surface roughness (Ra) and gloss (GU) of four different commonly used ceramics, four resin composites and human enamel after application of four different types of prophylactic pastes. Material and methods: A total of two hundred and forty specimens, composed of four types of ceramics and four types of resin composites were prepared to test the hypothesis. Twenty specimens were assigned to the first two ceramic groups: Lithium disilicate (LiSi2), and Feldspathic ceramic (FP). The third ceramic group, Zirconia (Zi) included one-hundred and twenty specimens divided into two groups of sixty specimens each (IPS e.max ZirCAD …

Influence Of A Post-­Graduate Physical Therapy Residency Program On Clinical Reasoning, Professional Development, And Career Advancement In Nairobi, Kenya, Shala Cunningham

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Problem Statement

Residency programs that emphasize clinical reasoning and manual therapy can provide a means to optimize the outcomes of physical therapy without the need for or access to expensive equipment. The residency format of continuing education could allow physical therapists in developing countries access to specialty training and ongoing mentorship. However, there are limited studies that investigate the influence of residency training on the progression of clinical reasoning, professional development, and career advancement.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was threefold. The first objective was to describe the outcome of a post-graduate orthopaedic manual therapy residency program on development …

Effect Of Individual Height And Testing Methods On Outcome Of The Forward Functional Reach Test, Jill Elaine Heitzman

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: With falls a leading cause of injuries among those over age 65, early recognition of risk is imperative to reduce rising rates. The Forward Functional Reach test (FFRT) (Duncan et al., 1990) is frequently used to identify fall risk, however, the variability in cut values found in the research may be related to height and reach strategies.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if FFRT is affected by an individual’s height and if bilateral reach to height ratio could more accurately identify fall risk.

Methods: Sixty-six participants (60 and older) were recruited from a senior center …

Use Of A Telerehabilitation Delivery System For Fall Risk Screening, Robert W. Nithman

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Problem: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that falls are the “leading cause of injury death and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admission for trauma among people ages 65 and older.”1 Falls can have significant economic consequences to the individual and payer sources. To address these consequences, telerehabilitation was hypothesized to be a suitable supplement for fall screening efforts. Several sources concluded that support for synchronous telerehab was underdeveloped in the literature. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the acceptability, feasibility, reliability, and validity of telehealth-delivered fall screening among community-dwelling older …

Impact Of An Exercise Program On Stress, Fatigue, And Quality Of Life For Individuals Living With Primary Immunodeficiency Disease, Kerri Sowers

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: There are over 300 Primary Immunodeficiency diseases (PID) that are a result of a genetic or idiopathic dysfunction of any aspect of the immune system. These conditions result in a higher frequency of infections, autoimmune conditions, or malignancies. Moderate intensity exercise is thought to help the immune system, while high intensity exercise may have a negative impact on immune function. The impact of exercise on individuals with an impaired immune system due to PID is not yet understood. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a low to moderate intensity exercise program would have an effect …