Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

L-Menthol: An Emerging Athletic Performance Enhancing Aid, Maitham Khanafer

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Background: L-menthol is an emerging athletic performance-enhancing aid. This review serves as an analytic report of existing controlled trials in the scientific literature that have investigated this compound as a sports aid when administered via the novel method of mouth rinsing followed by expectoration. Methods: Data on menthol mouth rinsing was sourced from EBSCO PowerSearch, Medline, and NCBI. In addition to a systematic review of existing literature, the current review outlines a detailed protocol to evaluate menthol mouth rinsing on a treadmill time-to-exhaustion test. This protocol adds an additional feature of conducting blood work examining any changes in energy substrate …

Cardiology And The Brain: How An Individual's Cardiovascular Health Relates To Their Mental Health, Megan Shea Kopicko

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

A scoping review was conducted to explore the relationship between the cardiovascular system and neurological system to determine if there is a connection between certain mental illnesses and heart health. This study was guided through implementation of Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework for scoping reviews. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. Of the 934,251 sources found, only 21 studies met the study criteria and were ultimately selected for this study. Upon review, three themes were identified: (a) anxiety and cardiovascular disease; (b) schizophrenia and cardiovascular disease; and (c) depression and cardiovascular disease. …

The Prevalence Of Substance Abuse Within The Nursing Profession, Kaylie Paige Cox

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

Focus Group Research For Health Promotion In Faith-Based Communities, Meghan K. Pendleton

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

Selective Service: Experiences Of Speech-Language Pathologists Serving Underrepresented Populations, Maymuna Najam Jamil

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Members of underserved populations, particularly those of low socioeconomic standing, are less likely to receive speech-language pathology services. Through a series of indepth interviews, this study observes the experiences of speech-language pathologists working with underserved populations in order to understand how they help such populations. The subjects include at least one speech-language pathologist from each of the following settings: school, private practice, hospital, and skilled nursing facility. Results of this study yield common themes in working with members of underserved populations, as well as implications for improving the accessibility of speech-language pathology services.

The Effects Of Dyslexia In College-Aged Students Studying Special Education, Kailah Hardy

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

This project focused on the disadvantages students with dyslexia face in college as a result of the still present deficits in reading and writing. One-to-one interviews revealed gathered participant information such as demographic information, their history with dyslexia (such as the social, academic, and personal struggles each individual experiences and how they cope with these struggles), and their present challenges/difficulties related to dyslexia, but also with college-level writing. The findings of this study detailed the lingering effects of three college students who still struggle with dyslexia and in what ways it has affected their life.

The Implications Of Gut Health On Mental Health, Cali Curlee

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The neurotransmitter deficiency hypothesis suggests that neurotransmitter imbalance is the physiologic cause for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. With up to 90% of serotonin produced in the gut, it is of particular interest whether diet may influence this balance. The current research seeks to identify a connection between one’s intake of microbiome-influencing foods/beverages and mental health status. The hypothesis of the study is that participants who regularly consume greater amounts of pre/probiotic foods will have a decreased prevalence of depression and anxiety, relative to those who rarely consume pre/probiotic foods. Differences in survey data were not statistically significant, …

Nursing Student Confidence In Implementing Comfort Measures With The Laboring Client, Heily Alvelo-Saada

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Student self-efficacy in implementing comfort measures with the laboring client is examined at a baccalaureate school of nursing (BSN) in the midwest. Results indicated that students were not fully confident in their ability to perform these comfort measures towards the end of their Nursing Care of Childbearing Families lecture and clinical courses. These findings suggest that teaching methods are examined to find areas that could use improvement in order to increase student self-efficacy in implementing comfort measures with the laboring client.

Health Outcomes For Low-Income Older Adults With Diabetes Who Receive Services From Meals On Wheels, Monyca Johnson

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

INTRODUCTION: As the population continues to age and healthcare costs steadily increase, identifying what factors possibly add to the risk of hospitalization will help find effective solutions targeting these issues. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that Medicaid and Medicare dual eligibility, membership in a racial minority, and female gender would increase the risk of hospitalizations in the past year. We further hypothesized that receipt of food assistance would decrease the risk of hospitalization for older adults with diabetes. METHODS: For this study, we conducted a secondary analysis of data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHA TS) to test the …

Increasing Communication Through Improved Nursing Education: The Histories, Policies, And Manufacturing Process Of Vaccines, Alyssa R. Gruich

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Increasing nursing education of vaccines is incredibly important when nurses are attempting to educate families on the risks and benefits of many childhood vaccines. Through learning about the history of major vaccines, vaccine policies and the vaccine manufacturing process, nurses may better understand how to communicate with families.

Cultures: How Different Are They? A Nursing Perspective, Sanduni Silva

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Chapter one will explore nursing models for culturally competent care and review three different theorists. First theorists, Campinha-Bacote (2008), will explain the model of cultural competence. Second theorist, Giger and Davidhizar talks about the model of transcultural nursing. Their theorist, Leininger, will explain cultural care diversity and universality theory/model. Chapter two will explain the differences between the first three cultures which include Muslim, Jewish, an Chinese. This will include the types of foods they may eat, religions they follow along with religious practices , and what each culture may find as social norms. When talking about social norms, with each …

Depression, Thanu Abraham

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders in the United States. Anyone can be diagnosed with depression at any point in life. The objective of this paper is to explore depression within special populations. This paper will be sectioned into five different chapters. Chapter I will discuss what depression is. Chapter II will examine depression in adolescents. Chapter III will explore postpartum depression. Chapter IV will discuss geriatric depression. Chapter V will explore the relationship between depression and cardiovascular disease. Each section will contain extensive research within its topic. Although depression drastically impacts one's life, only half …

Oncology Of Different Populations And The Ethical Impact Of The Hela Cell Case And Physician Assisted Suicide On Patient Autonomy, Neha Bakshi

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

An in depth analysis of different types of cancers in various populations such as pediatrics, adults of all ages, and babies that are still in the womb. Discusses the importance of funding research and finding new methods of treatment. This explains the ethical impact of the Henrietta Lacks case and Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS) on patient autonomy and the importance of allowing patients to decide if they want to start or even continue cancer treatments.

Collaboration Across The Curriculum: Urban Planning & Public Health, Lula Geyre

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The way our communities are designed impacts our health. and there is an increasing need for collaboration between urban planners and public health professionals. Yet, it is not clear to what extent universities are preparing public health and planning students to work together. Our research will shed light on this important topic by evaluating the course requirements for both of these disciplines in accredited institutions and look at how they are addressing interprofessional issues such as land development, transportation policies, air/water quality, and community growth issues. The current study explores the availability of interdisciplinary courses in accredited undergraduate and graduate …

Hearing Loss: A Silent Health Disparity, Katherine Valek

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

This paper presents an analysis of various aspects of hearing loss and its connection to healthcare settings, particularly nursing. Normal hearing is defined, followed by the definition of hearing loss and deafness. Cultural Deafness is then explained, followed by ways to prevent hearing loss. Additionally, healthcare experiences of individuals with hearing loss will be presented. The project will conclude with recommendations for healthcare professionals in regard to caring for their patients with hearing loss. The main population focus of the paper are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH) individuals. Specifically, their unique experiences in healthcare encounters will be evaluated. Interactions …

The Effects Of Super-Fruits Including Montmorency Tart Cherries And Pomegranate On The Human Body: A Literature Review, Keeley D. Forrester

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

This literature review explores several published articles that report results related to health benefits of super-fruits including Montmorency tart cherries and pomegranate. Research suggests that Montmorency tart cherry supplementation may have the ability to relieve pain by decreasing inflammation, prevent gout flare ups by reducing uric acid levels in the bloodstream, relieve insomnia with natural exogenous melatonin, and lessen symptoms of muscle damage from physical exertion by decreasing oxidative stress. Studies have also shown that pomegranate supplementation may have the ability to help prevent obesity by helping to decrease body weight and fat production and improving insulin sensitivity as well …

Boarding In The Emergency Department, Daniel Masserang

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The purpose of this research was to identify the causes of boarding in the emergency department (ED), look into the resulting effects in which an overcrowded ED may create, and lastly, delve into potential interventions and solutions to counter the factors which create the issue of boarding. Boarding in an ED is a trending topic an dis relevant to healthcare and can be a factor in life or death. research methods included a in-depth literature review of nursing journals, medical journals, systematic reviews, and cross-sectional studies found via CINAHL and PubMed. Results showed that periods of boarding and a longer …

Smoking Cessation And Nursing, Isabelle Mccormack

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Smoking is currently the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, and is responsible for nearly 20% of deaths each year (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2014). Ten times as many Americans have died prematurely from cigarette smoking than have died in all wars fought by the United States (USDHHS, 2014). Cigarette use negatively effects users' health, increases healthcare costs, is a financial burden, and negatively impacts the lifestyle of its users. This thesis will explore current cigarette use in the United States, the effects on its users, and the plan of action …

Childhood Obesity And Nursing Interventions, Rebecca Oswald

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

This paper will examine obesity and the multitude of methods for a healthcare professional to help influence their patients using health promotion techniques for those who are at risk for obesity. This paper will discuss the pathophysiology of obesity as well as childhood obesity risk factors that pertain to this disease. This paper will investigate the nursing interventions being used today to combat childhood obesity within the following settings; school, in-patient, and clinic.

Palliative Care Across The Lifespan, Sonya Sabrah

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

When a patient or a loved one has a chronic, life-threatening illness, it is critical to guarantee the healthcare provider or family member helping them explore their options in order to make them as comfortable and happy as possible. Palliative care programs aim to relieve the patient or loved one from suffering by managing their symptoms, and working with them to achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life. Many people may confuse hospice with palliative care but it is important to realize hospice has certain requirements that a patient has to meet whereas palliative care programs can be …

Psoriasis In Chronic And Acute Patients: A Comprehensive Care Guide For Practicing Nurses, Elena Segev

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

A guide for practicing nurses for psoriasis patient care. Includes pathophysiology, treatments, different demographics, psychological aspects and resources.

The Glass Ceiling: Examining Leadership Perceptions Within The Domain Of Athletic Administration, Brittany J. Galloway

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The "glass ceiling" is a metaphor for examining gender disparities between men and women within the workplace. The disparity is particularly dominate in the domain of athletic administration. This study evaluates specific leadership characteristics and their relationship to gender stereotyping. It also examines perceptions that individuals have on leadership based off because athletic administration is specifically a male dominated domain there appears to be discrimination against women inducing a gender gap, and stunting their advancement into top level managerial positions.

The Role Of Amylin In Type 2 Diabetes, Kristina Kurkimilis

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Type 2 diabetes is a worldwide epidemic due to many increasing risk factors such as obesity. New avenues are constantly being explored to find solutions for this impactful disease. Biochemical means are being looked into as a possible solution due to the polypeptide Amylin. An explanation for the connection between Amylin and type 2 diabetes is given, by explaining each separately and then connecting the amyloid fibril formation to type 2 diabetes. The information provided was collected through an extensive literature review.

Exploring Active Video Games (Avgs) As An Intervention Promoting Wellbeing As It Relates To Depression, Dania Berjaoui

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Depression and anxiety are the two most common forms of mental illness that affect people in the U.S. Great strides have been made over the years in improving the mental health of persons with these and other forms of mental illness. Although newer medications such as SSRls can greatly enhance one's quality of life, there are lifestyle behaviors such as exercise and meaningful engagement in activities that have also purported similar positive outcomes. A challenge for health care providers is how to motivate mental health patients to change their behaviors, especially considering the apathy and passivity, typically associated with the …

The Methodological Challenges Of Conducting Research On Elderly Chinese Immigrants In Residential Settings, Jessica Thomas

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

Influence Of "Resistance Caming" On Physical Performance Among Disabled Youth, Laurel Erickson

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of "resistance gaming" on physical performance capacities of youth with cognitive and motor impairment. Considering the variability in disability among the participants, positive trends for improvement were evident from pre- to post-intervention for the physical performance capacities.

Reductions In Muscular Strength Three Months And Six Months Following Bariatric Surgery Are Proportional To Absolute Weight Loss, Renee Walton

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Prior studies in patients following bariatric surgery have demonstrated an associated reduction in lean muscle mass concomitant with total weight loss. Less described are any changes of skeletal muscular strength following bariatric surgery and if changes in strength are propmiional to total weight loss. Purpose: To describe changes in upper and lower body strength following weight loss surgery. Methods: Seven subjects (age (yr) = 48 ±13; weight (kg)= 137.4 ± 5.4; BMI (kg/m² ) =50 ±5) who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery at Henry Ford Hospital (6 Roux-en-Y bypass and 1 vetiical sleeve) were assessed. Within 30 days prior to …

Insights Into Readmission Rates Of Atrial Fibrillation Patients Referred To Bridge, Thomas Vasko

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Purpose and Background

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and costs and estimated $6 to $26 billion annually largely due to hospitalizations. Bridging the Discharge Gap Effectively (BRIDGE) is an NP-driven transitional care program for cardiovascular patients. BRIDGE has demonstrated lower rates of readmission for patients with acute coronary syndrome who participated but not for atrial fibrillation (Afib) patients. We sought to assess differences between Afib patients who participated in the BRIDGE program and those who did not.

Conceptual Framework

The BRIDGE program is based on the Bumpus Integrated Client-Focused Transitional Care Model that posits …

The Five P'S Of Type 1 Diabetes, Paula Elizabeth Esteva

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Culture, Socioeconomic Status And Genetics On The Perception Of Pain And Efficacy Of Pain Treatments, Anne Whitworth Robbins

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.