Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Device-Associated Healthcare-Associated Infections In Nevada, Gabriela Bran

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Healthcare-associated infections or hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) have remained prevalent despite the growth of infection control programs in healthcare facilities and are a large cause of morbidity and mortality. Device-associated HAIs (DA-HAIs) make up a large portion of HAIs. The devices include central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), and ventilator-associated events (VAEs). DA-HAIs became a large concern during the COVID-19 pandemic as many healthcare facilities became overwhelmed by the influx of COVID-19 cases, illuminating the importance of studies to examine these changes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate how DA-HAI rates have changed during and after the …

A Culturally Responsive Approach To Mindfulness And Mental Health Informal Education, Anastasia Jerbic-Gonzalez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The qualitative study examined the mental health aspects of marginalized elementary school students in addition to constructing and implementing a culturally responsive and sustaining mindfulness program to observe if there were improvements regarding emotional regulation and awareness. To achieve this, I constructed a culturally responsive and sustaining mindfulness program, implemented this program, and studied the responses from students. The research questions that fueled this study include: (1) What types of negative emotions do marginalized elementary students experience? What is the root cause for marginalized students experiencing negative emotions during their elementary school years? (2) How can incorporating mindfulness techniques embedded …

The Development Of Environmental Dna (Edna) Sampling For Arbovirus Vector Surveillance In Southern Nevada, Katharine Brooke Major

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Vector-borne diseases account for 17% of all infectious diseases worldwide and are responsible for more than 700,000 deaths annually. Two-thirds of the global population are at risk of arthropod-borne RNA viruses (arboviruses), spread by mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies, with these pathogens accounting for 37% of all emerging human diseases. Arboviruses are becoming increasingly important causes of neurological disease in the United States, presenting a significant public health problem. In the absence of available vaccines and efficacious treatment options, accurate, rapid, and cost-effective surveillance of arbovirus vectors is critical for monitoring species distribution and mitigating disease transmission risk. Currently, mosquito vector …

Implementing Radformation At Personalized Radiation Oncology: Enhancing Efficiency And Precision, Devin J. Peart

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

RadMachine is a data quality management application implemented at Personalized Radiation Oncology (PRO) to streamline quality assurance (QA) tests. It offers various functions assisting medical physicists in a radiation oncology clinic, including inputting, analyzing, managing, exporting, and monitoring QA data. Physicists create test lists following the recommendations provided by the American Association of Medical Physics (AAPM). These lists track results for units such as the Varian Edge, Varian BRAVOS, and Siemens SOMATOM go.Open Pro CT scanner. Ancillary equipment used for testing also has assigned test lists to store calibration factors and receive calibration expiration reminders. The primary goal of utilizing …

The Effects Of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation On Excitability Of The Primary Motor Cortices And Complex Motor Task Learning, Erik Woodruff Wilkins

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) are promising non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, particularly for clinical applications involving altered or impaired motor function, such as in stroke and Parkinson’s disease. Although tDCS and tACS are different modalities, both forms of stimulation operate on the same principle - weak electrical currents are delivered through electrodes placed on the scalp in specific configurations known as “montages”. The most commonly used montage for targeting the primary motor cortex (M1) is the M1-SO configuration. This montage leverages the established observation that cortical regions directly beneath the anode generally increase in …

Using Item Response Theory To Identify Key Symptoms Of Insomnia In A Sample Of University Students With Probable Eating Disorders, Kara A. Christensen Pacella, Brianne N. Richson, Nicole A. Short, Angeline R. Bottera, Leah A. Irish, Victoria L. Perko, Kelsie T. Forbush

Psychology Faculty Research

Purpose

Researchers have theorized that interactions between appetitive and circadian disruptions result in increased eating disorder (ED) symptoms and insomnia. However, it is unclear how specific insomnia symptoms present among people with EDs and if the latent structure of insomnia in this population is similar to that of people with insomnia disorder.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected on ED and insomnia symptoms using a subset of students with probable EDs at a large Midwestern American university. Item response theory (IRT) for polytomous items was performed to identify item difficulty, discrimination, and information parameters for the Insomnia …

Breakaway Roping – Event Analysis And Resistance Training Model, Andrew A. Wolfe, Libby E. Winchell, Ruth Caddell, Jackson Maynard, Gillian Braden

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 9, 2024. Breakaway roping is a rodeo event that has received little empirical investigation, and to the best of our knowledge, no specialized resistance training recommendations have been disseminated. Furthermore, the purpose of this article was to (1) outline and analyze the biomechanical and physiological requirements of breakaway roping, and (2) articulate a theoretical specialized annual strength training and conditioning periodization plan for collegiate breakaway roping rodeo athletes. Included within the training plan are 8 distinct mesocycles containing general and event specific exercises of which are associated with the …

Simultaneous Acute Stretching With Whole Body Vibration Does Not Have An Additive Effect On Extensibility Of The Hip Adductor Muscles, Roger L. Hammer Dr., Peter V. Loubert, Naveen Sharma

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 8, 2024. Static stretching of hip adductor muscles is often included in traditional warm-up, though little research has been conducted to determine effective strategies for improving their flexibility. Combining whole body vibration (WBV) with static stretching has been proposed by some to be an effective method to improve flexibility without reducing force output. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the acute effects of static stretching, with and without WBV, on adductor muscle extensibility and strength. A randomized crossover design using a repeated measures ANOVA 2 …

Mhealth Intervention For Elevated Blood Pressure Among College Students: Single-Arm Intervention Study, Dieu-My T. Tran, Catherine E. Dingley, Roger Bonilla

Nursing Faculty Research

Background: Current evidence reveals a growing pattern of hypertension among young adults, significantly increasing their risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. Young adults, particularly those of college age, often develop risk factors related to lifestyle choices in diet, exercise, and alcohol consumption. Developing useful interventions that can assist with screening and possible behavioral modifications that are suitable and appealing to college-aged young adults could help with early identification and intervention for hypertension. Recent studies indicate mobile health (mHealth) apps are acceptable and effective for communication and message delivery among this population.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to …

Exploring The Mechanistic Trail Connecting Cellular Function, Health, And Athletic Performance With Phase Angle: A Review On The Physiology Of Phase Angle And Exercise-Based Interventions, Trevor Short, Paulette Yamada

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 7, 2024. Bioelectrical impedance analysis-derived phase angle (PhA) has been widely used in clinical and sports settings, as it is positively associated with health and fitness. However, what PhA is measuring at the cellular level has not been addressed, which limits our interpretation of PhA. The purpose of this review is to provide a roadmap, starting with the mechanistic link between the dielectric properties of mammalian cells and their physiological function. In simplistic terms, PhA measures cellular permittivity and electrical conductivity. These characteristics determine cellular health and function. This …

Aging-Related Changes In The Mechanical Properties Of Single Cells, Amarnath Singam, Chandrabali Bhattacharya, Seungman Park

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

Mechanical properties, along with biochemical and molecular properties, play crucial roles in governing cellular function and homeostasis. Cellular mechanics are influenced by various factors, including physiological and pathological states, making them potential biomarkers for diseases and aging. While several methods such as AFM, particle-tracking microrheology, optical tweezers/stretching, magnetic tweezers/twisting cytometry, microfluidics, and micropipette aspiration have been widely utilized to measure the mechanical properties of single cells, our understanding of how aging affects these properties remains limited. To fill this knowledge gap, we provide a brief overview of the commonly used methods to measure single-cell mechanical properties. We then delve into …

The Cost Of Long-Term Care In The Mountain West, 2023, Madison Dwyer, Freddy Nie, Annie Vong, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Health

This fact sheet examines data on the cost of long-term care for the Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah from the Genworth “Cost of Care Survey.” Data on long-term care includes home health care, adult day health care facilities, licensed assisted living facilities, and certified and licensed nursing homes.

The State Of Mental Health In The Mountain West, 2023, Ayda Atici, Freddy Nie, Jesse M. Fager-Larsen, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Health

This fact sheet examines the state of mental health for both youth and adults and availability of mental health care in the Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The data are retrieved from Mental Health America’s (MHA) 2023 report, The State of Mental Health in America.

Examining The Impacts Of Unlv's Tobacco-Free Policy Pre And Post Implementation, Kacie Washburn

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Despite the known harmful effects of smoking and secondhand smoke, tobacco-related disease, disability, and death continue to plague the United Stated and contribute to more than 480,000 individuals dying prematurely every year. Comprehensive smoke-free and tobacco free policies strive to prohibit the use of both traditional forms of tobacco (cigarettes, cigars) and smokeless forms of tobacco (vapes). The goal of this project was to examine the impact a tobacco control policy has on prevalence rates of use and knowledge regarding said policy among faculty, staff, and students. In the Fall of 2022, UNLV adopted a comprehensive tobaccofree and smoke-free policy …

Perceptions Of A Community-Based Playgroup To Promote Caregiver Knowledge Of Resources And Prevention Of Developmental Delays In A Rural Setting, Chesnee Clingman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

For children living in rural communities, the likelihood of having a developmental delay substantially increases compared to children living in urban areas (Weglarz-Ward et al., 2019). This can be due to a lack of access to resources, limited education, and geographical isolation. Despite the rising trend of developmental delays among rural children, there is a noteworthy lack of early intervention resources for both the child and their family. This trend of minimal resources is demonstrated in Lincoln County, Nevada. Using an occupational therapy lens, a community-based playgroup program was developed for residents in Lincoln County. Community-based playgroups involve a structured …

Implementing Physical Therapy Services And Screenings For The Students Of The Unlv College Of Fine Arts For Health And Injury Prevention: A Service-Learning Approach, Selene Barajas, Justin Dietrich, Brenna Ganzon, Payton Mack, Katherine Metzger, Tanner Mueller

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Individuals who participate in Fine Arts such as orchestra, dance, and theater at high levels are predisposed to injury. Many of these injuries are preventable, and when not adequately managed, they can result in lost rehearsal time and prevent participation in performances required for degree completion. While collegiate athletes typically have access to healthcare resources such as a team physician, athletic trainer, and physical therapist, collegiate performing artists often must navigate the healthcare environment on their own. Furthermore, available healthcare providers may lack knowledge and experience working with performing artists and be less able to treat the unique healthcare needs …

Effects Of Exercise On Level Of Support, Mobility, And Quality Of Life In Adults With Down Syndrome, Jorge Lorza-Lopez, Jolena Sagaya, Simone Schroder, Paige Melvin Zink

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Down syndrome (Ds) is a genetic disorder characterized by the autosomal abnormality of a third copy of chromosome 21. Due to the physical and intellectual disabilities that many people with Ds experience, they often need support with (instrumental) activities of daily living. Since adults with Ds are living longer, it is important to determine how exercise can affect mobility and quality of life in the Ds community. The impact on more functional outcomes, such as level of support and quality of life has not been systematically investigated. Therefore, the aim was to investigate whether twelve weeks of a remote, structured …

The Effect Of An Occupational Balance Educational Module On Life Satisfaction And Occupational Balance For University Students, Unique Bowden

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Engaging in a variety of occupations daily can support university students in feeling a sense of balance and satisfaction in their lives. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an occupational balance education module on improving the life satisfaction and occupational balance of university students ages 18-22 in a public university in the southwest region of the United States. Five participants were recruited using convenience sampling from a student support services program. A four-part education module was provided using a one-group pretest posttest quasi-experimental design, which included education on occupational balance, barriers and supports to occupational balance, strategies to …

The Influence Of Bihemispheric Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On Muscle Fatigue, Ananya Singh Chauhan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Unilateral transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) using two electrodes placed over the primary motor cortex (M1) and the contralateral supraorbital (SO) region (M1-SO montage) has been shown to decrease the progression of muscle fatigue. The primary purpose was to determine the impact of bihemispheric tDCS (bi-tDCS) applied over the left and right M1s (bi-tDCS) on the time to task failure (TTF) of a precision-grip task. The study implemented a double-blind, randomized, SHAM-controlled, within-subjects design. A total of 20 participants performed two experimental sessions (bi-tDCS and SHAM conditions) separated by a one-week washout. During each experimental session, a fatiguing isometric contraction …

Improving Patients’ Readiness For Discharge: The Development Of An Occupation-Based Group Therapy Protocol In Inpatient Rehabilitation, Valerie Cheng

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The literature showed a lack of studies involving occupation-based group therapy in an inpatient rehabilitation setting, with notable barriers including lack of time, space, and equipment. The barriers lead occupational therapists (OT) to pursue an impairment-based approach, steering away from occupation-based approaches, which is what makes up the core of OT. Current literature is also limited to patients' perceptions of discharge readiness, with most research primarily concentrated on clinicians' perspectives. This 14-week capstone experience will include developing an occupation-based group therapy protocol for inpatient rehabilitation that will be implemented at Dignity Health Rehabilitation Hospital. Through conducting occupation-based group therapy in …

Post-Operative Endotracheal Reintubation Rates, Robert Erickson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Immediate post-operative endotracheal reintubation after major abdominal surgery a significant patient safety concern due to the potential for failure to rescue, or other adverse outcomes such as altered mental status, aspiration, and hypoxia due to respiratory or cardiac arrest if left unrecognized. To facilitate major abdominal surgery (outside of a cesarean section performed under spinal anesthesia), the patient must be anesthetized, pharmacologically paralyzed, and endotracheally intubated to facilitate ventilation via mechanical respiration. Those steps create the optimal environment to allow the abdominal muscles to relax, and permits the surgeon obtain appropriate exposure of the abdominal cavity. An induced chemical paralysis …

Linking Scholarly Learning Activities And Professional Identity In Otd Students, Andrew Loc Ho

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Professional identity formation is a critical aspect of education, training, and becoming an occupational therapist in Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs. This capstone study explores the potential influences of learning activities related to research and scholarly writing professional identity development amongst OTD students using a cross-sectional descriptive design. This research study involved 32 OTD students across six cohorts participating in focus groups from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and Kansas University Medical Center (KUMC). Through convenience sampling and latent content analysis managed with ATLAS.ti, the study identified categories underpinned by the Kawa Model to describe the dynamic interplay …

Pain Management Series For Stroke: Identifying Teaching Methods To Increase Clinical Self-Efficacy For Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students, Apasara Jittprasert

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose

Post-stroke pain has been identified as a significant challenge for individuals experiencing a stroke. Occupational therapists play a crucial role in the complex treatment of post-stroke pain but often face challenges due to a lack of self-efficacy in implementing treatments for stroke-related pain. This project’s purpose was to,1) to identify which teaching methods are effective for increasing clinical self-efficacy in doctoral occupational therapy students for implementing pain management treatment for individuals’ post-stroke and 2) to increase reported clinical self-efficacy levels among these students following the completion of a pain management educational program for stroke pain.

Methodology

This project recruited …

Reframing Addiction As A Coping Response: A Needed Shift In Modern Public Health Paradigms, Anthony King

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

What are the primary risk factors that compel one person towards addiction and not another? After decades of research, there is still no clear consensus. Some experts say addiction is a brain disease; others say it is a willful act, or even an outright crime. Nevertheless, the three research studies contained within this dissertation suggest an alternative, more parsimonious public-health-centered framework for viewing addictive behavioral patterns: as a biopsychosocial coping strategy for past and present stressors. In Study 1, this idea was examined by evaluating how symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were associated with problem gambling severity, different gambling …

Promoting Positive Dementia Attitudes Through Occupational Engagement: The Development Of A Dementia Awareness Program For Community Older Adults, Cynthia Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: This capstone project explored the effects of adding occupational engagement into a dementia awareness program on attitudes toward dementia among community-dwelling older adults, aiming to challenge dementia myths and promote an inclusive environment through occupational therapy perspectives. Methods: This project used a pre-test, post-test design with convenience sampling to develop and assess a dementia awareness program based on insights from Silverado Red Rock Memory Care Community and participation from members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the program. Changes in positive attitudes toward dementia were measured using the Dementia Attitudes …

Mindfulness For Middle School Students Receiving Adapted Physical Education Services: Quality Improvement Program, Kaila Mangrum

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Middle school students with disabilities are often isolated from their peers with decreased opportunities for participation, struggle with social emotional regulation, and self-efficacy. This has been evident among students with various disabilities who are from various age groups receiving special education services including adapted physical education (APE). Research has shown mindfulness amplifies learning and promotes a positive environment that supports children’s overall wellbeing. This quality improvement project focused on developing an occupational therapy centered mindfulness program to enhance social participation, self-efficacy, and social-emotional regulation. Data collection occurred pre and post program from specialized program teacher assistants (SPTAs) using the School …

Effectiveness Of A Virtual Simulation Program As A Novel Approach To Improve Clinical Judgment In Prelicensure Nursing Students, Monica Millard

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Problem: Limited clinical placement opportunities for practicing decision-making skills have widened the academic-practice gap. Research shows a disturbing decline in entry-level competency among newly graduated registered nurses. Innovative strategies like virtual patient simulation may foster decision-making skills and prepare prelicensure nursing students for practice. However, research is lacking in examining virtual patient simulation (VPS) as an effective approach for developing clinical judgment in prelicensure nursing students. The American Association for Academic Nursing has determined that clinical judgment is an essential nursing attribute. Moreover, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing developed the Next Generation National Council Licensure Exam based …

Seated Athletes' Motivation For Participation In Wheelchair Sports: A Qualitative Study, Audrey Lynn Miller

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose for this phenomenological design qualitative analysis was to gain an understanding of the perspectives of seated athletes’ motivation for participation in adapted athletics and argues that there is a component of seating that affects motivation. Occupational therapists build client interventions using meaningful occupations. This study aimed to increase awareness of adapted athletics impact on occupational performance. There was a gap in the literature for qualitative research exploring the lens of adapted sports participation through the perspective of seated athletes. This study utilized one-time individual semi-structured interviews with five participants that currently participate on a wheelchair court sports team …

Behavioral Health, Mental Health, And Overall Well-Being Of Informal Caregivers Before And After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Zahra Mojtahedi

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Informal caregivers, such as relatives or close friends, are vital for maintaining the welfare of the individuals they provide care for. However, caregiving can be difficult and stressful that adversely impacts caregivers’ health. The extra stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic can potentially aggravate health problems, particularly mental health. The current research aimed to nationally analyze whether the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with behavioral health (physical activity and smoking), mental health (worrying, nervousness, hopelessness, little interest, and psychological distress score), and the perception of overall well-being among informal caregivers in the United States. Whether behavioral health could mediate …

Feasibility Of An Occupation-Based Intervention Manual For Outpatient Hand Clinics, Mia Moralez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose

The purpose of this quality improvement study was to determine the usefulness of an Occupation-based Intervention Manual (OBI) for hand therapists in Southern Nevada and if the utilization of the OBI manual supported client-centered outcomes regardless of diagnosis, age, or population.

Methods

Convenience sampling was used, and five participants met the inclusion criteria in the twelve-week study. Pre-interview questionnaire responses from the therapists were used to develop the OBI manual content and corresponding Utilization Tracker. Post-interview questionnaire responses were used to determine the application and outcomes of the OBI manual. Descriptive statistics, frequency distribution, and thematic analysis were used …