Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 31 - 60 of 117
Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
A Survey Of Shoulder Injuries In Commercial Truck Drivers Using A Retrospective Medical Record Review, Bryan Combs
A Survey Of Shoulder Injuries In Commercial Truck Drivers Using A Retrospective Medical Record Review, Bryan Combs
All ETDs from UAB
Introduction: Musculoskeletal injuries in the occupational setting have significant impact on the worker, employer, and healthcare system. Commercial truck drivers (CTD) experience some of the highest rates of injury, missed days of work, and workers’ compensation costs compared with other workers. In this population, back injuries occur most commonly, followed by shoulder injuries which require 5 times more days away from work. Commercial truck drivers are significantly impacted by shoulder injuries; however, little is known about the unique mechanisms of injury, specific injuries, or possible preventative measures among this group of workers. Methods: A retrospective medical record review was completed …
Exploring Dose Effect Of An Early Palliative Care Intervention For Advanced Heart Failure Patients, Rachel Duncan Wells
Exploring Dose Effect Of An Early Palliative Care Intervention For Advanced Heart Failure Patients, Rachel Duncan Wells
All ETDs from UAB
Heart failure (HF), a progressive condition with reduced quality of life (QoL) and high healthcare use, affects 6.5 million US adults. Research supports positive effects of palliative care integration into HF care, but there is limited consensus about the most beneficial intervention ‘dose’ (e.g. amount, duration, frequency, intensity). To date, no studies examining dose in palliative care HF interventions have been completed. Therefore, we examined dose using an existing data from the ENABLE CHF-PC trial (Educate, Nurture, Advise, Before Life Ends Comprehensive Heart Care for Patients and Caregivers; NCT02505425). Operationalizing dose as dichotomous complete/noncomplete of all intervention components (6-weekly, psychoeducational …
Occupational Health Outcomes In Women Living With And At Risk For Hiv, Jenni Wise
Occupational Health Outcomes In Women Living With And At Risk For Hiv, Jenni Wise
All ETDs from UAB
Women living with HIV (WLWH) are now able to work and need to work to attain the fruitful benefits of employment. Regardless of the need for income, employment provides esteem, confidence, structure, social support, and is associated with improved physical and psychological outcomes. Yet, in spite of the documented benefits associated with employment, an estimated 60% of WLWH are not employed. Thus, occupational disparities among WLWH contribute to disparities in health and quality of life among this population. While the historical trajectory of HIV is unique compared to other populations with chronic disease, evidence suggests that gender-specific difference in socioeconomic, …
Investigating The Relationship Between Nurse Burnout And Self-Reported Medication Administration Errors In Alabama Hospitals, Aoyjai Prapanjaroensin
Investigating The Relationship Between Nurse Burnout And Self-Reported Medication Administration Errors In Alabama Hospitals, Aoyjai Prapanjaroensin
All ETDs from UAB
Background: Approximately 30% to 60% of nurses report high levels of burnout worldwide. Nurse burnout may impact vigilance and job performance. Nursing job performance may decrease due to lowered alertness if nurses have high levels of burnout, and this issue may be related to the act of committing a medication error. Of the very few studies exploring the relationship between nurse burnout and medication errors, the findings are conflicting. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between nurse work environment characteristics, burnout levels and self-reported medication administration errors as well as patient safety grades among nursing staff …
A Mixed Methods Study Evaluating A Pediatric To Adult Care Transition Program For Sickle Cell Disease, Ardie Vanessa Pack-Mabien
A Mixed Methods Study Evaluating A Pediatric To Adult Care Transition Program For Sickle Cell Disease, Ardie Vanessa Pack-Mabien
All ETDs from UAB
A MIXED METHODS STUDY EVALUATING A PEDIATRIC TO ADULT CARE TRANSITION PROGRAM FOR SICKLE CELL DISEASE ARDIE VANESSA PACK-MABIEN SCHOOL OF NURSING ABSTRACT Sickle cell disease is a potentially life-threatening hereditary hematological disorder. Transition from pediatric to adult care is a challenging process for many adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease. These challenges involve the adolescent, young adult, family caregiver, health care provider, and health care system. To address the challenges, a limited number of sickle cell centers have developed transition programs to facilitate the transition process. However, research on transition programs is sparse. To address this gap, …
The Influence Of Perceived Stress And Sleep Disturbance On Fatigue And Blood Pressure As Mediated By Cortisol In Children With Sickle Cell Disease, Heather Carol Soistmann
The Influence Of Perceived Stress And Sleep Disturbance On Fatigue And Blood Pressure As Mediated By Cortisol In Children With Sickle Cell Disease, Heather Carol Soistmann
All ETDs from UAB
ABSTRACT Introduction: Life expectancy is improving for those with sickle cell disease (SCD); however, with this improvement come increasing risks for long-term health complications. Early identification of health concerns could lead to improved long-term health outcomes. Two health concerns in school-age children with SCD are fatigue and blood pressure (BP). Previous research with other populations indicates perceived stress and sleep disturbance may influence outcomes of fatigue and BP. Further, cortisol, a stress hormone, may mediate the proposed relationships. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine effect sizes of relationships between fatigue, BP, perceived stress, and sleep disturbance in …
African American Caregivers’ Decision To Use Hospice Services For A Loved One: A Grounded Theory Study, Paula M. Gordon
African American Caregivers’ Decision To Use Hospice Services For A Loved One: A Grounded Theory Study, Paula M. Gordon
All ETDs from UAB
This qualitative grounded theory study explored the process of decision making for African American family caregivers in the southeastern United States, as they make hospice decisions for their loved ones, Although hospice use in the United States has grown over the last decade, a disparity continues to exist between African American and Caucasian populations. African Americans represent a small percentage of hospice users in the United States, despite research that has found that patients who use hospice experience improved symptom control, fewer unmet needs, and better end of life care. Research has identified many reasons for this disparity; however, little …
Gender-Specific Facilitators And Barriers To Health-Related Quality Of Life In Adults With Cystic Fibrosis: A Mixed Methods Study, Leigh Ann Bray
Gender-Specific Facilitators And Barriers To Health-Related Quality Of Life In Adults With Cystic Fibrosis: A Mixed Methods Study, Leigh Ann Bray
All ETDs from UAB
BACKGROUND: With the life expectancy of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) doubling over the last two decades, it is critical that healthcare providers address both quantity and quality of life. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) encompasses physical, social, psychological, and functional aspects of daily living and how CF impacts each one. Women with CF consistently report having an overall poorer quality of life across international studies, but the cause of the gender difference is unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore gender differences in HRQoL and then build upon those results to better understand gender-specific facilitators and barriers …
A Qualitative Descriptive Study Exploring The Adaptation Of Families Of Children With Multiple Sclerosis From The Perspective Of Family Caregivers, Yolanda Carol Harris
A Qualitative Descriptive Study Exploring The Adaptation Of Families Of Children With Multiple Sclerosis From The Perspective Of Family Caregivers, Yolanda Carol Harris
All ETDs from UAB
Two to 5% of the US population of individuals afflicted with multiple sclerosis (N = 400,000) are diagnosed prior to the age of 18 with pediatric onset multiple sclerosis (POMS). Most children and teens with POMS have a relapsing remitting course of the disease with unpredictable relapse onset causing cognitive and physical disability. This can result in school absences, hospital and outpatient visits, poor academic performance and interruption in normal social activities. In turn, these individuals may develop an inability to provide self-care, which could lead to poor quality of life. POMS can affect the individual diagnosed but may also …
Exploring Long-Haul Truck Drivers' Cpap Use When Working Over The Road, Kenya D. Kirkendoll
Exploring Long-Haul Truck Drivers' Cpap Use When Working Over The Road, Kenya D. Kirkendoll
All ETDs from UAB
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic health condition affecting an estimated 13-26% of U.S. adults. The condition is characterized by partial or total airway collapse. It has been associated with increased cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus morbidity. Risk factors include middle-age, obesity, male gender, narrowed airway, and smoking. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the recommended treatment for OSA. Though it is an effective treatment modality, uptake and adherence to CPAP remains low. With concern for public safety, OSA has received a great amount of attention in the trucking industry. When working over the road, long-haul truck drivers …
Parental Self-Efficacy, Feeding Practices, And Weight Gain During Infancy: A Secondary Analysis, Jessica Bahorski
Parental Self-Efficacy, Feeding Practices, And Weight Gain During Infancy: A Secondary Analysis, Jessica Bahorski
All ETDs from UAB
Mechanisms contributing to childhood obesity begin during early life, including infant feeding practices and an excessive rate of infant growth. Parental decisions regarding their infant contribute to these mechanisms. Parental self-efficacy (PSE) is the belief parents have in their ability to accomplish the tasks of parenting and is associated with infant outcomes. A high sense of PSE, breastfeeding self-efficacy, or self-efficacy for feeding has been found to be associated with healthy infant feeding practices. However, this research is limited in scope and has not been conducted in populations at greatest risk for childhood obesity such as low-income or African-American infants. …
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Breast Cancer Survivors, Jacqueline B. Vo
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Breast Cancer Survivors, Jacqueline B. Vo
All ETDs from UAB
Background: There are nearly 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., and approximately 10% are diagnosed prior to age 45 and considered “young.” The overall five-year survival rate for breast cancer survivors is approaching 90%. Living longer, many breast cancer survivors are at risk for developing cardiovascular disease due to cancer treatment, such as anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab. This study’s purpose was to examine cardiovascular disease risk, measured using excess heart age, among young breast cancer survivors. Methods: A retrospective, two-year longitudinal design was used to review electronic medical records of breast cancer survivors diagnosed between 30 and 44 years …
Reaching Consensus On Global Health Nursing Competencies For Baccalaureate Nursing Education In The United States: A Delphi Method Study, Herica Maria Torres-Alzate
Reaching Consensus On Global Health Nursing Competencies For Baccalaureate Nursing Education In The United States: A Delphi Method Study, Herica Maria Torres-Alzate
All ETDs from UAB
The purpose of this study was to reach consensus among experts on global health competencies for baccalaureate nursing students in the United States. A Nursing Global Health Competencies Framework (NGHCF) was created to guide identification of the domains and competencies for BSN nursing education. A three-round modified Delphi study intersected with a mixed methods research approach to reach consensus from experts in global health on essential global health competencies in nursing. The first phase revised the original list of competencies based on: (a) qualitative responses to the surveys conducted by Wilson et al. (2012), Ventura et al. (2014), and Warren …
Sleep Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Rachael Marie Mumbower
Sleep Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Rachael Marie Mumbower
All ETDs from UAB
Introduction: Recent estimates suggest that as many as half of all survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) may be experience sleep disturbances or disorders. Although quantitative research has resulted in a greater understanding of the prevalence, symptomology, and conditions associated with sleep, little is known regarding the sleep experiences of survivors of moderate-severe TBI, after their discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe the sleep experiences of adults with moderate-severe TBI after rehabilitation. Methods: Qualitative descriptive inquiry was used to explore and describe sleep experiences of survivors of moderate-severe traumatic brain injury TBI …
The Military Nursing Practice Environment's Association With Patient Outcomes, Pauline Arminda Swiger
The Military Nursing Practice Environment's Association With Patient Outcomes, Pauline Arminda Swiger
All ETDs from UAB
In the United States, preventable medical errors account for many avoidable patient deaths per year. A favorable nursing practice environment, characterized by factors that improve or enhance a nurse’s ability to practice professional nursing, is a potential mechanism for promoting a culture of safety and enhancing the quality of care in hospitals. The Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI) is the national standard for measuring the nursing practice environment, and its importance has been validated repeatedly in civilian nurse populations around the world. For the last several years, the scores on the PES-NWI in military facilities have …
Effects Of Maternal And Child Depressive Symptoms And Child’S Perceived Stress On Glycemic Control As Mediated By Cortisol In Prepubertal Children With Type 1 Diabetes, Sara Laubinger Davis
Effects Of Maternal And Child Depressive Symptoms And Child’S Perceived Stress On Glycemic Control As Mediated By Cortisol In Prepubertal Children With Type 1 Diabetes, Sara Laubinger Davis
All ETDs from UAB
Introduction: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the most common diseases of childhood affecting over 167,000 children under the age of 20. Despite adequate insulin regimens and concurrent treatments, many children still have trouble achieving glycemic control as evidenced by elevated HbA1c levels. Previous research indicates that parent-child interactions and parental involvement in diabetic care influence glycemic control. However, these relationships may be impaired in mothers with depressive symptoms or in children who have high levels of depressive symptoms or perceived stress. Moreover, cortisol, a stress hormone, may mediate the proposed relationships. Therefore, the purpose of this study was …
Exploring Psychosocial And Situational Factors That Influence Female College Students' Participation In Oral Sex, Margaret Bergeron
Exploring Psychosocial And Situational Factors That Influence Female College Students' Participation In Oral Sex, Margaret Bergeron
All ETDs from UAB
Although sexually transmitted infections (STI) are not officially reported via the route of transmission, the CDC (2016) reports that individuals who provide fellatio have the highest risk of oral transmission of a STI. Therefore, females who engage in fellatio are at risk for acquiring a STI. The majority of research studies on young adult heterosexual female sexual activities primarily focus on vaginal sex and the associated risks of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Limited research exists on the oral sex behaviors of female college students and their understanding of the risk for contracting an STI through fellatio. The purpose of …
Improving Cognitive Predictors And Everyday Outcomes In Adults With Hiv, Shameka L. Cody
Improving Cognitive Predictors And Everyday Outcomes In Adults With Hiv, Shameka L. Cody
All ETDs from UAB
As adults age with HIV, they may encounter challenges with cognitive impairments. Perhaps, the neurobiological effects of HIV, subtle lifestyle changes, and the aging process may negatively influence cognitive functioning. Some cognitive impairments may interfere with everyday functioning and even compromise quality of life. In this dissertation, three articles were presented which focused on the overall theme of HIV and cognition. Article 1, a review of literature published in the Neurobiology of Disease, focused on how HIV affects the brain independently and the synergistic effects of HIV and aging on cognitive health. Also, the article closed with a section on …
African American Child And Adolescent Obesity: The Parents Perspective, Alice Marie Austin
African American Child And Adolescent Obesity: The Parents Perspective, Alice Marie Austin
All ETDs from UAB
Nearly 36% of African American children ages 2 to 19 are overweight or obese. Childhood obesity results in children with social and psychological disorders, chronic disease, and an increase in morbidity and mortality. Solutions have been offered but none have made a significant impact on African American children living in the Southern United States. Studies that implement life style change produce short-term reductions in African American children but few show life-long change. Parents are responsible for making lifestyle choices for children, it is imperative to understand parental perceptions of child and adolescent obesity and its relationship to lifestyle change. The …
Cancer-Related Symptoms And Cognitive Intervention Adherence Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Mixed Methods Study, Jennifer Bail
Cancer-Related Symptoms And Cognitive Intervention Adherence Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Mixed Methods Study, Jennifer Bail
All ETDs from UAB
Advancements in screening, early detection, and treatment have increased breast cancer survival. In the United States, the 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 89%. With more women surviving breast cancer, there are now more than 3.5 million breast cancer survivors (BCS), a figure estimated to increase to 4.3 million by 2020. Survivors experience long-term symptoms of their cancer and treatment which may last years and even decades after diagnosis and treatment. This symptom experience may potentially have exacerbating effects on BCS’ cognitive function as well as their ability to adhere to interventions aimed at improving cognitive function. The …
Identification And Exploration Of The Information Needs And Information-Seeking Behaviors Of Medical-Surgical Nurses During Patient Care, Carrie Lee Gardner
Identification And Exploration Of The Information Needs And Information-Seeking Behaviors Of Medical-Surgical Nurses During Patient Care, Carrie Lee Gardner
All ETDs from UAB
Errors during the course of clinical practice are common and can lead to adverse events in hospitalized patients. Insufficient information and lack of clinician knowledge can serve as major contributing factors to the incidence of errors that occur during patient care. Nurses at the bedside need immediate access to patient specific information, at the point of care, and in an easily accessible format. There is a need for better understanding of the information needs and information-seeking behaviors of medical-surgical nurses. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore the information-seeking behaviors of nurses when delivering patient care on medical-surgical …
Effect Of Parents’ Adhd Status, Parents’ Sleep Hygiene, And Child Sleep Hygiene On Sleep Of School-Aged Children With Adhd, Laura Gray
All ETDs from UAB
EFFECT OF PARENTS’ ADHD STATUS, PARENTS’ SLEEP HYGIENE, AND CHILD SLEEP HYGIENE ON SLEEP OF SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN WITH ADHD LAURA GRAY NURSING ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine effect sizes for the relationships between parents’ attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, parents’ sleep hygiene, and child sleep hygiene, and to determine effect sizes for the amount of variance in ADHD child sleep explained by parent ADHD symptoms, parent sleep hygiene, and child sleep hygiene. Children who have ADHD are more likely to have sleep problems than peers without ADHD. Sleep problems can exacerbate or even mimic ADHD symptoms. Consistent …
Examining Hiv-Associated Symptom Burden And Microbial Translocation In The Veterans Aging Cohort Study: A Secondary Data Analysis, Natalie Lynn Wilson
Examining Hiv-Associated Symptom Burden And Microbial Translocation In The Veterans Aging Cohort Study: A Secondary Data Analysis, Natalie Lynn Wilson
All ETDs from UAB
The pathophysiological effects of HIV infection, including inflammation, contribute to symptom burden and poor clinical outcomes. Within the gut associated lymph tissue, immune activation leads to dysfunction of the gastrointestinal epithelial barrier and subsequent movement of microbial products from the gut into the blood. The translocation of microbial products from the gut into the blood circulation has been identified as a key contributor to HIV disease progression and chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been associated with various symptoms including symptoms commonly reported in HIV disease. However, it is unknown if these symptoms are associated with inflammation related to microbial translocation. …
Serum Vitamin D And C-Reactive Protein: Predictors Of Glucose Control In African-Americans With Type 2 Diabetes?, Mary Luree Garvin-Surpris
Serum Vitamin D And C-Reactive Protein: Predictors Of Glucose Control In African-Americans With Type 2 Diabetes?, Mary Luree Garvin-Surpris
All ETDs from UAB
Introduction African-Americans experience more years of life lost as a result of complications from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than any other racial or ethnic group. Evidence suggests that serum 25(OH)D (serum vitamin D), generally low in African-Americans, may play a role in glucose control. In addition, elevated levels of chronic low-grade inflammation, measured by C-reactive protein (CRP), may also relate to glucose control. The purposes of this study were to determine whether serum 25(OH)D and CRP are independent predictors of glucose control in adult African-Americans with T2DM, after controlling for other factors associated with glucose control, and to examine …
Exploring The Lived Experience Of Young African American Breast Cancer Survivorship To Inform The Adaptation Of A Psychoeducational Intervention: Y-Ambient, Timiya S. Nolan
All ETDs from UAB
In the United States, 26,393 young women (≤ 45 years) will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. Though survival rates are improving, there are health disparities among young African American women when compared to young Caucasians (e.g., poorer quality of life). Despite recommendations to provide targeted evidence-based survivorship care, there are about 23,000 young African American breast cancer survivors (YAABCS) in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi for whom this care does not exist. Few studies have examined survivorship experiences and/or tested intervention efficacy among this group. Further study is warranted to understand the experiences of YAABCS and adapt targeted interventions …
The Effects Of Perceived Stress, Sleep, And Stress Response On Cancer Related Fatigue In 8- To 12-Year-Old Central Nervous System Cancer Survivors, Ann Johnson
All ETDs from UAB
Survivors of childhood cancer are a growing population, and knowledge of persistent cancer related fatigue (CRF) is integral to survivorship. CRF in central nervous system (CNS) cancer is multifactorial and may be unique based on treatment and stage of survival. There is a gap in evidence for school-age survivors, especially during early survivorship. Aims: The aim of this study was to examine factors that influence CRF in child CNS cancer survivors at least 6 months and less than 6 years post treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between select factors and CRF and to determine effect …
The Effect Of Data-Entry Template Design And Anesthesia Provider Workload On Documentation Quality, Documentation Efficiency, And User-Satisfaction, Bryan Anthony Wilbanks
The Effect Of Data-Entry Template Design And Anesthesia Provider Workload On Documentation Quality, Documentation Efficiency, And User-Satisfaction, Bryan Anthony Wilbanks
All ETDs from UAB
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between method of data entry into electronic health records and anesthesia provider workload on: (a) documentation efficiency, (b) intraoperative anesthesia documentation accuracy, and (c) user satisfaction. The study was separated into three papers. The first paper is an integrative literature review on how accuracy was defined in anesthesia information management systems. The second paper was a state-of-the-science literature review that presents evidence-based guidelines for interface design for data entry into electronic health records. The third paper was an empirical study to detect relationships among all of the concepts of interest …
The Experience Of The Expectant Mother Follwing A Diagnosis Of A Fetal Anomaly, Janet Adams Tucker
The Experience Of The Expectant Mother Follwing A Diagnosis Of A Fetal Anomaly, Janet Adams Tucker
All ETDs from UAB
THE EXPERIENCE OF THE EXPECTANT MOTHER FOLLWING A DIAGNOSIS OF A FETAL ANOMALY JANET ADAMS TUCKER Introduction: The experience of pregnancy complicated by a fetal anomaly diagnosis is comprised of many concepts: uncertainty, information needs, stress and anxiety, waiting, decision-making dilemmas, isolation, fragmented health care, multiple losses and grief, foreknowledge, acceptance and adaptation. There is great variance in what is understood about each concept. The purpose of this study was to explore uncertainty and waiting among expectant mothers from the time period of a prenatal diagnosis of a fetal anomaly through the post-partum period. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach was …
Deleterious Effects Of Hyperglycemia On Cognitive Functioning In The Cardia Study Cohort, Michele Holland Talley
Deleterious Effects Of Hyperglycemia On Cognitive Functioning In The Cardia Study Cohort, Michele Holland Talley
All ETDs from UAB
DELETERIOUS EFFECTS OF HYPERGLYCEMIA ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN THE CARDIA STUDY COHORT MICHELE LYN HOLLAND TALLEY SCHOOL OF NURSING ABSTRACT With an aging society, maintaining cognitive functioning into older age is becoming more important. Because of the impact cognitive functioning has on daily activities, any disruption may inhibit the ability to perform such daily activities successfully. To prevent disruptions, determinants of cognitive functioning must be considered. Such determinants may or may not be modifiable. Some predictors may be demographic, metabolic, or inflammatory in nature. In addition, predictors or determinants may differ based on genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease. As part …
Geographic Access To Interventional Cardiology Services In Maine, James P. Rhudy Jr
Geographic Access To Interventional Cardiology Services In Maine, James P. Rhudy Jr
All ETDs from UAB
Introduction: Acute coronary syndrome is the most common cause of death in the U.S. and the world; ST segment elevated myocardial infarction is the most acute form. The preferred reperfusion therapy is immediate primary percutaneous coronary intervention at an interventional cardiology center. It is intuitive, but not known, whether delay in receipt of reperfusion therapy because of geographic distance is associated with increased coronary mortality. Even so, clinical practice guidelines recommend organizing coronary care in each community in regional systems. Hub-and-spoke has been proposed as a regionalized coronary care model. Article synthesis: The first article in this dissertation, titled Effectiveness …