Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Comparative Study Of Women's Perceptions Of Vaginal And Cesarean Births, Karen Blamer

Masters Theses

Perception of birth is an important consideration for all health care providers. A positive perception of birth can promote effective adaptation to the maternal role. The Roy Adaptation Model guided this research study comparing the perception of birth among women who delivered vaginally, by planned cesarean birth, and by unplanned cesarean birth.

Perception of birth was measured by the use of a 29 item questionnaire developed by Marut and Mercer and completed by 78 subjects two to four weeks postpartum. The ANOVA and post hoc Scheffe tests were used to measure the differences between groups.

The findings supported the hypothesis …

Factors In Pediatrician Medication Administration, Kathleen Elaine Campbell

Masters Theses

King’s conceptual framework was used to examine the relationship between nurses’ stated beliefs of goals of pain management, their personal experience of pain, and their educational levels when choosing to intervene in the management of pain for pediatric patients. A descriptive correlational design was used with a convenience sample of 51 registered nurses in a West Michigan children’s hospital.

No significance was found between the goal of pain management and the level of stated intentions to intervene, the education level of the nurse and stated intentions to intervene, and nurses who have had a personal pain experience and their stated …

Relationship Between Number Of Prenatal Visits And Infant Apgar Scores, Sarah Pernie

Masters Theses

This retrospective chart review examined the relationship between the number of prenatal visits and infant apgar scores and compared infant apgar scores among women who received inadequate, intermediate and adequate prenatal care according to Kessner's classification. Quota sampling was used to identify 30 individuals in each category of prenatal care.

The sample (N=90) consisted of women who delivered their babies at a hospital in a large Midwestern city. Neuman's Systems Model provided the framework for the study.

The findings indicate that there is a positive relationship between the number of prenatal visits and infant apgar scores (r=.33, p=.002) and that …

Perceptions Of The Effects Of Vocal Hygiene Training On College Professors, Kimberly D. Wait

Masters Theses

This study investigated the efficacy of vocal hygiene training by studying changes in the self- and listener-rated vocal characteristics of college professors before and after vocal hygiene training. Eight college professors served as experimental subjects and received three half-hour sessions of vocal hygiene training. Nine college professors served as control subjects and received no vocal hygiene training. Subgroups of professors with self-reported vocal difficulties were further identified within each group. An original vocal characteristic scale based on the literature was used to measure self-rated vocal characteristics. Results indicated no significant difference in self-rated voice characteristics between subjects who received vocal …

Perceived Social Support And Exercise Compliance Of Phase Iii Patients In Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs, Rana M. Smith

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in the level of perceived social support from family, friends, and program staff in Phase III patients who comply and patients who do not comply to cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Staff of 22 cardiac rehabilitation programs in ten different states, distributed 10 surveys to compliers and 10 surveys to non-compliers. A three-part questionnaire was designed to gather information regarding demographics, perceived staff social support and perceived family social support. Independent t-tests were used to determine if there were differences in perceived social support between compliers and non-compliers.

Of …

Struggle, Aspiration, And Obsession: The Discourse Of Diet, Emily K. L. Jahn

Masters Theses

Research has shown that members of society are generally dissatisfied with their current weight. This study examines how individuals socially construct meanings of the word diet and the dieting process. Participants (n=443) were males and females who ranged in age from 7 to 68. Each were given a diet questionnaire to complete. The older groups were given the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scale in addition to the survey. The text for analysis was obtained by the surveys and four focus groups. The resulting data indicated that both males and females perceive the word diet means "to lose weight." …

Effectiveness Of The "Baby Think It Over" Program On Adolescents' Contraceptive And Child-Rearing Attitudes, Stephanie Ann Johnson

Masters Theses

An increasing number of high schools in the United States have begun to use the "Baby Think It Over" doll as part of their curriculum in certain classes. This study examined the effectiveness of this doll on influencing 46 male and female adolescents' attitudes and behaviors regarding pregnancy, sexual activity, and contraceptives. Five specific subscales were developed to measure the teens' contraceptive attitudes and behaviors before and after using the doll regarding their feelings about becoming pregnant, understanding/comprehension of the responsibilities of child-rearing, appreciation of the impact of child-bearing on their lives/future, and attitudes toward premarital sex. Also, a qualitative …

Identifying Self Serving Cognitive Patterns In Behavior Disordered Adolescents Using The How I Think Questionnaire, Lynn M. Veach

Masters Theses

The etiology of behavior disorders in adolescents has previously been attributed to such factors as temperament, genetics, social learning, and irrational thoughts described as self debasing cognitions observed in cognitive behavior research. Working with adult criminals, Yochelson and Somenow (1976) found that none of the prevailing theories were conclusive. They unveiled a second set of irrational cognitions which appeared in adolescents and were self serving in nature. Drs. Gibbs and Barriga (1996), working from the position that this observed set of cognitive distortions were present in behavior disordered adolescents, developed the How I Think Questionnaire (HIT). This study used the …

A Study Of Licensed Physical Therapists' Knowledge Regarding Current Legislative Issues, Jennifer Moine, Alexis Snyder, Susannah Steele

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of knowledge licensed physical therapists have regarding certain legislation at the state and federal levels. Potential relationships between degree of knowledge and therapist characteristics such as age, number of years in practice, and professional membership were also examined. A survey instrument was mailed to a random sample of licensed physical therapists in the state of Michigan.

Results indicated that licensed physical therapists who were members of a committee within the APTA, or held office in the organization had significantly more knowledge than physical therapists who did not (alpha=0.05). Being a …

Unplanned Hospitalization Of A Child: Perceptions Of Stress, Family Life Events, And Coping Resources, Jennifer Lee Moes

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify the parental perceptions of family stress, family life events, and coping strategies of a family whose child is hospitalized in the pediatric unit.

A descriptive correlational design with a non-probability convenience sample consisted of 30 parents or primary caretakers of a child who was hospitalized in pediatrics. Data was obtained with three instruments; 1) demographic questionnaire assessing current perceived stress of the family, 2) Family Inventory of Life Events (FILE); and 3) Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F-COPES).

Data analysis included three correlations between (a) pile-up and perceived family stress, (b) …

Paraplegic Functional Ambulation With Long Leg Braces And Upper Extremity Support: Predicting Long Term Usage Patterns Utilizing The Functional Independence Measure, Karin Copenhaver, Matthew Sherman

Masters Theses

Individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) are frequently taught to ambulate with long leg braces and upper extremity support during their post-acute rehabilitation. In many cases this training fails to carry over once these individuals return to their homes after their rehabilitation course has ended. Subsequently, these individuals rely on their wheelchair as their primary mode of ambulation. Is ambulation training an expropriate intervention for patients in these cases? The purpose of this study was to investigate whether utilization of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) may serve as a predictor of long term functional ambulation with long leg braces …

The Direct And Indirect Patient Benefits Of Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialization, Amy Lynne Dipman

Masters Theses

This research surveyed 25% of Orthopedic Certified Specialists to determine the direct and indirect patient benefits resulting from the American Physical Therapy Association specialization process. The newly developed questionnaire included questions pertaining to demographics, professional activities, and professional opinions regarding specialty certification. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between the number of PT’s on staff at a facility and the amount of therapist mentoring. Overall, only 50% of the therapists subjectively reported improved patient care secondary to specialization. The qualitative data showed that many therapists reported providing high quality care prior to specialization. Patients are receiving direct and indirect …

The Relationship Between A Functional Throwing Performance Test And Strength Of Various Scapular Muscles, Karen L. Bos, Kellie S. Gehrs, A. Louise C. Hester

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the strength of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior, and overhead throwing accuracy in 52 female collegiate softball players. The correlation between manual muscle testing (MMT) and hand-held dynamometry (HHD) was also examined. The Functional Throwing Performance Index (FTPI) was used to measure throwing accuracy. Spearman’s correlation analysis demonstrated no correlation between the strength assessments and throwing accuracy, as measured by the FTPI. Moderate correlations were found between MMT and HHD strength assessments of the lower and middle trapezius and serratus anterior muscles. A poor …

Effect Of Asymmetrical Loading And Walking Time On Surface Emg Activity Of The Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles, Michael Aenis, Angela Bueche, Brian Trembly

Masters Theses

BACKGROUND A high incidence of back pain is associated with carrying loads asymmetrically and is believed to be influenced by the amount of weight involved and the distance carried. PURPOSE (1) To study the effects of asymmetrical loading on lumbar paraspinal muscle activity. (2) To document ratings perceived exertion (RPE) for carrying an asymmetrical load. METHODS Electromyography (EMG) readings were obtained at the L2/L3 paraspinal level of 12 males and 12 females. All subjects completed three randomized 9-minute trials consisting of walking on a treadmill while carrying an asymmetrical load of either 0, 10 or 20% of their body weight. …

Advisors' Knowledge Of Requirements For Admission To The Physical Therapy Program At Grand Valley State University, Laura Irrer, Elizabeth Knight, Joel Vander Wall

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to identify the accuracy and extent of knowledge among G.V.S.U. academic advisors and the sources used to obtain information regarding the physical therapy (P.T.) admission process. Surveys were distributed to 45 advisors of pre-P.T. students. Nineteen surveys were returned and six respondents were chosen for an interview. Interpretations of the data were made using a qualitative coding system.

The authors found the advisors were inaccurate in their knowledge of the weighting of G.P.A . and interview and the role that physical appearance and leadership plays in the admission process. Advisors were accurate in the …

Emg Measurements Of Paraspinal Muscles And The Implications Of Adapting Hand Placement Protocols When Using Passive Extension Exercises, Mark Randell, Geoff Willson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant difference in the EMG activity of the paraspinal musculature, based on the width of hand placement used in the McKenzie prone press-up position.

EMG recordings were taken using surface electrodes placed on the lumbar paraspinal musculature of thirty normal, volunteer subjects. These recordings were taken while the subject was in the prone press-up position. This was repeated three times with different widths of lateral hand placement. The resultant EMG recordings were normalized using a recording from a maximal effort of an isometric contraction. The mean EMG recording …

The Effects Of Prosthesis Use Versus Non-Use On Forward Reach Distance In Children Ages 5 To 15 With Unilateral Upper Extremity Amputation As Measured By The Functional Reach Test, Mary E. Weber, Scot G. Smith

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible differences in maximal forward reaching distance in children with unilateral upper extremity amputations while wearing and not wearing a prosthesis using the Functional Reach (FR) test. Trends were noted between FR scores of these children and children without disabilities.

Four children, ages 5-8, completed the FR test using the intact arm under two conditions, “prosthesis-off” and “prosthesis-on”. A paired, two-tailed t test (a = .05) was used to determine the statistical significance of the means of differences in FR scores between the two conditions.

No statistically significant difference was found …

Patients' Perceptions Of Physicians' Role In Smoking Cessation By Age And Readiness To Stop Smoking, Chris Van Ryn, Joel Wetzel

Masters Theses

It is imperative for health care providers to initiate an individually tailored program to counsel smokers in a more effectively. Finding patients’ perceptions of their physicians' role in smoking cessation is critical to aid healthcare providers to design an individualized plan to get patients to quit smoking. 68 smokers who presented to their family practice clinics in the rural area of Hastings, Michigan completed self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaires assessed patients’ perceptions of their physicians’ role according to the 4 A s protocol (asking, advising, assisting, and arranging), with a focus on age groups (18-29, 30-49, and >50) and stage of …

What Are Female University Students' Perceptions Of Their Healthcare Needs?, Kathleen K. Loose

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to gain a greater awareness of the self-perceived healthcare needs of female university students. An anonymous questionnaire was sent to a random sampling of the total female enrollment at a midwest university. A Healthcare Concern Score was tabulated on 230 completed questionnaires. There were 21 items identified as concerns. Students in the 17-24 year old age bracket had a higher healthcare concern score than individuals in the 24-53 year old age bracket. Orem’s Self-care Deficit Theory (1991) was the conceptual framework for this study. The majority of identified concerns fell within the category of …

Acute Care Nursing: Are Perceived Work Stressors Different For Nurses Working In Critical Care And Non-Critical?, Mary Jane Rolf

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine, using King’s Conceptual Framework, “stressful” nursing situations that might affect critical care (CC) and non-critical care (NCC) nurses in an acute health care setting. Similarities that existed between the two groups were evaluated using responses to Gray-Toft and Anderson s Nursing Stress Scale (NSS).

The sample of 131 included registered nurses and licensed practical nurses at a 300-bed acute care tertiary hospital in Northern Michigan representing two critical care areas and three non-critical care areas. The NSS, letter of explanation and waiver, and return envelope were sent to participants’ homes. Data indicate …

Efficacy Of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Evidence Collection: A Northern Michigan Study, Camille J. Griswold

Masters Theses

King’s Theory of Goal Attainment provided the basis for this descriptive, two group comparison study design to determine if sexual assault evidence kits prepared by sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) would be more complete than evidence kits prepared by non-sexual assault nurse examiners. A convenience sample of 100 evidence kits (41 SANE and 59 non-SANE) were analyzed using the Evidence Kit Audit Tool consisting of 18 questions that reflect the standards for submission of evidence.

The kits submitted by SANEs were significantly (t=5.6, df=71, p<.001) more complete (mean=93%) than those completed by non-SANEs (mean=77%). Corrected Chi-square comparisons of the two groups on whether or not individual items of evidence were complete indicated significant differences in 11 out of 18 items. A higher percentage of SANEs completed each item. Therefore, the hypothesis of sexual assault evidence kits prepared by a SANE will be more complete than sexual assault kits prepared by a non-SANE was supported.

Does The Method Of Treating Bacterial Vaginosis In Early Pregnancy Affect The Re-Occurrence Rate Near Term?, Karen Taylor

Masters Theses

There is no significant difference in the relationship between oral or vaginal metronidazole and oral clindamycin in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in early pregnancy and the re-occurrence rate of BV at 35 to 37 weeks gestation. Treatment of BV in pregnancy has been shown to decrease the preterm delivery rate saving millions of dollars and improving the health of infants. This was a descriptive, correlational study using a retrospective chart review. A constructed checklist was used for collecting data from 186 charts.

Age, parity, and insurance were comparable in each of the three drug groups. The re-occurrence rate …

The Life Experiences Of Male Occupational Therapists As It Relates To Career Choice: A Qualitative Study, Jason R. Bomia

Masters Theses

This study examined the life experiences of male occupational therapists and how various life experiences influenced their choice of career. Research in occupational therapy has not addressed this topic, focusing instead on external influences, such as salary, advancement and prestige on career choice for male therapists. In order to study more intrinsic influences of male occupational therapists, this study interviewed male therapists using semi-structured interviews and hermeneutic data collection and analysis techniques. The results indicate a dynamic relationship between personal history, selfexpression and professional issues that contribute to how meaningful occupational therapy is to the males in this study. This …

An Examination Of Patient And Nurse Perceptions Of Stressors During The Electrophysiology Study, Donna J. Thurn

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to (a) identify the perceived stressors of patients undergoing an electrophysiology study (EPS) and (b) compare them to the stressors identified by nurses caring for those patients.

A descriptive two group comparative design with a non-probability convenience sample was used. Data were obtained using self report questionnaires. The sample consisted of 25 patients undergoing an EPS and 25 nurse responses. Data analyses included a comparison of the ordering of stressors according to perceived concern by the patient and the nurse. While similar items were identified, there was a difference in the perceived order of …

The Effects Of Animal-Assisted Therapy At A Long Term Care Facility, Sarah Kendziorski, Carol Treacy

Masters Theses

This thesis is a qualitative study on how resident pets impacted the lives of residents in a nursing home. Through the hermeneutic process, ten participants were interviewed to determine their relationships with the animals. Five common themes emerged from this study; (a) the participants enjoyed the companionship of pets, (b) the participants found pleasure in feeding the pets, (c) the participants enjoyed petting the animals, (d) most of the participants were unable to care for the animals, and (e) a resident animal would be an important factor in choosing a new nursing home for these participants. This thesis supports the …

Therapeutic Touch For Treatment Of Chronic Pain Related To Fibromyalgia, Lois M. Christian

Masters Theses

Therapeutic touch (TT) has been used to treat persons with many different illnesses, especially those with chronic pain. The purpose of this study was to determine if TT reduces fibromyalgia pain.

In this study five TT treatments were given to each of 10 female subjects with fibromyaIgia from 36 to 59 years old using a quasi-experimental single-subject design.

Using a visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to measure the subject's pain before and after each of 5 TT treatments, a repeated measures ANOVA was employed to analyze the data. .A significant difference in pain levels was found between the pre- and post-test …

Maternal Identity In Previously Infertile And Never Infertile Women, Christal L. Saffee

Masters Theses

M the United States approximately one in five couples are infertile. Infertility can be a major life crisis to the affected individuals. This study compared the difference in maternal identity in previously infertile women as compared to never infertile women during the postpartum period. The conceptual framework used in this study was symbolic interactionist theory. Maternal identity was measured by Myself as Mother (Walker, 1977) scale in both groups of women. Demographic information was collected on each participant in the study. Previously infertile women's maternal identity scores were significantly lower than those scores of fertile women (t=-8.63 df=51 p=.00). This …

Impact Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd) On Parents And Children: What Are The Lived Experiences Of A Parent With A Child With Adhd?, Deborah K. Taylor

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to seek a fuller understanding of and to identify and describe the underlying themes of the lived experiences of a parent with a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Husserelian phenomenological and Giorgi methods of research were utilized in this study. Four meanings emerged: 1) discovery, 2) searching for control, 3) struggling for normalization/overcoming obstacles, and 4) hope. The synthesized structural description of the experience that emerged was described as an emotional experience that progressed in stages that were cyclic and ongoing in nature. The data suggests that chronic sorrow, as it …

Perceived Job Satisfaction Of Nurses Working With Unlicensed Personnel Versus Nurses Working With Licensed Personnel, Wendy J. Koopman

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived job satisfaction of nurses who worked primarily with unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) compared to the job satisfaction of nurses working primarily with licensed personnel. A descriptive comparative study was employed using a random sample of 250 nurses registered in the state of Michigan. Data were collected using a survey methodology. One hundred three nurses responded. Data analysis included a comparison of job satisfaction of participants with the amount of time spent working with unlicensed personnel. The area of practice and level of education of the participants were also compared among …

Functional Effects Of Botulinum Toxin-A Intramuscular Injections In A Patient With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Single Subject Case Design, Christina M. Higel, Molly L. Arndt

Masters Theses

This single subject case design sought to evaluated the long-term and short-term effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin-A (BTXA) treatment in conjunction with directed physical therapy on spasticity, active range of motion (AROM), passive range of motion (PROM), Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) scores, and motor performance in a patient with TBI. Researchers hyopothesized that directed physical therapy in conjunction with BTXA would maximize a subject’s motor control and performance. An "A₁-BC-B-A₂” single subject design, scheduled to last six months and three weeks, was proposed. Clinically significant changes were defined as: a decrease by one point for the Modified …